Chapter 16
Gaian council room.
"I am so glad we were able to come to an agreement council man." Cloud said with Yuffie and Barret standing behind him. Vincent now stood next to the throne of his brother while the King held his new baby boy. The daughter helping the mother rest in her chambers.
"If Lord Vincent is Loyal to you Gaia will form a trade agreement for the separatist. And anytime you require any personal assistance we will recognize you as a true citizen and a true Noble of Gaia." Varian said with a smile while the council men agree hesitantly."
Once Vincent had his bonding time with his brother the King was persuaded by Vincent to agree with Cloud. The King practically made Cloud his brother in all but blood, for returning his brother home. After swearing brother hood with the King The council was forced to agree to the treaty. Cloud hid his smirk as things went out better than he planned.
After the arrangement Vincent requested to stay on Gaia for a week longer to bond with his family. Barret as well asked for some Leave to spend time with his own family. So from there we find our Hero with Yuffie wander the streets of Gaia. Cloud took in the sights of the open air markets, the friendly hustle and bustle of the city. The children playing games out in the streets without a care in the world. As if this planet was never touched by any war. But through the force He was able to since plenty of darkness, yet the world doesn't suffer from it. This place has an ancient feel to it, almost as if the force was tangible. Cloud noticed a strange shaped spiral building that resembled a sea shell. It had a language he did not recognize inscribed to the front entrance. Curious he turned to Yuffie.
"Tell me do you know what that building is for?" Yuffie was brought out of her day dreaming as she turned to look at the building Cloud noticed.
"Oh that's the building to remember the Ancients." Yuffie said in a matter of fact statement.
"Ancients, what do you mean." Cloud asked confused.
"Oh that's right you were raised outside of the Gaian Empire. Here let me show you." Yuffie boldly took cloud by the hand dragging her master to the building. Making their way into the front entrance Cloud felt a breeze from the force. Something so ancient and primal, neither feeling dark or cold. Cloud felt this breeze for nearly a fraction of a second before it left. The main hall before them had paintings of what looks to be Gaian, but the clothing was not like the tunics and vests of the average civilian on the streets. Every Gaian in the paintings wore dresses.
"The Ancients are the original inhabitants of Gaia. In truth we Gaians are a subspecies of their race. They were a physically weaker and smaller people. Their skin but most of the technology we have was actually developed and created by them. All we did was build from the blue prints they left us."
Intrigued Cloud looked at a statue of an Ancient woman, with her arms crossed over her chest while she was kneeling as if she is praying. "What happened to the Ancients?" Cloud asked memorized by the statue that was made of white marble.
"Well the last time I checked there was only a single family of Ancients left in existence."
"Wait you mean they still exist."
"Well yes and no, you see their culture and way of life have been assimilated into our culture. That's why the Gaian Empire has completed magnificent technological and artistic feats. We have many in our population who are considered half breeds; The Royal Family has Ancient Descent. But there are only two recorded pure bloods left, that is if they still live."
"Tell me more about them." Cloud said turning to Yuffie, it was then Cloud noticed Yuffie was looking at something behind him.
Turning around Cloud noticed that the something was actually a someone. There standing in front of him was probably the most beautiful woman he has ever seen. She had a shin-length pink dress that buttons up the front and a red bolero jacket. She also had brown boots and metal bracers on her wrists and around the edges of her jacket sleeves. Her hair was long light brown and is plaited with a large pink ribbon; within the ribbon there was a white orb made of some type of stone. She had segmented bangs frame her face that only seemed to draw more attention to her face, but what had Cloud so mesmerized was the Emerald green eyes that had almost an unnatural glow behind them. She stood at five feet and three inches. Cloud was speechless.
"I assume you are here to purchase some Flowers." The girl said with a smile that reminded Cloud he was staring.
"I'm sorry who are you?" Cloud asked.
"Oh my apologize, my names Aerith Gainsborough. And this is my temple." The smile never fading from her face.
"Cloud she is an Ancient. But I thought the remaining Ancients were relocated to the Forgotten City." Yuffie said in shock.
Cloud recognized that City, as the site of the most holy place in the Gaian empire the only place that even criminals fear to go in favor of not tainting the holiness of the city. Aerith smiled warmly at the taller girl.
"Yes they moved us to the Ancient city, and I still have a home there. But I come here to work, to maintain this temple. When I was just a baby, my mother and Father were considered the last Ancients, but over the years we found the others on Spira, and Gran Pulse. During the war we went into hiding but after King Varian made it his personal mission to preserve my race. The forgotten city is now its own nation, only those who have the right paperwork can enter the city legally. Thanks to the King my people are repopulating. Our current numbers are twenty two adults and five children. So to thank the King I offered to take over this temple, and selling Flowers that can only be grown by the rivers of the Forgotten city."
"Well I'm sure I can spare a few credits." Cloud said fishing out pocket change that would make the life savings of a civilian look pitiful. "Take as a donation."
Yuffie smiled at Cloud's intentions but couldn't help and feel jealous that her man was looking at another woman nonstop. Aerith either didn't notice or didn't care instead going for a brighter smile that just can make the coldest of hearts melt.
"I appreciate the offer, but I don't want to take donations, I am here to work not asking for handouts." The Ancient refused politely.
Cloud simply smirked, noticing a room in the back that smelled of flowers. Walking towards the room Cloud found many shelves and tables full of beautiful flowers that had the brightest looking colors he has ever seen. Grabbing a small elegant vase with a single rose inside, Cloud turned to Aerith "Then I'll buy this one," Placing the money in her hands he saw her about to speak, "The wild rose is only 10 credits sir. I don't have enough change to give you." Cloud quickly raised his hand to calm the girl down.
"You can keep the change." Cloud said taking the flower and giving it a sniff. Immediately Cloud was greeted by a pleasant scent. As he exhaled Cloud had a smile on his face before he was struck by a vision.
Cloud was meditating on board the Strife his mask laid in front of him broken cut in half by a light saber possibly. The door to his room opened revealing one of the Dark acolytes Quilan Vos. "I think you owe me now." Cloud sat in silence before turning to the man. "Actually I believe you paid off your debt."
"Imagine my surprise to see that the feared Fenrir was you Cloud. You owe me for getting you out of that."
"Actually I think we are settled."
"What do you mean, I saved your life back there, if it wasn't for me you and your friends would have died."
"I know this and for that I thank you, but I owe you nothing." Quilan was about to retort, "After all I know you're a double agent Master Vos. Plus there was that one time I helped you escape Tholme's wrath when we made the man fall into one of the fountains, back when we were younglings."
"What, are you talking about?"
"Oh please, I knew as soon as you joined, but I was curious you almost looked like you belonged." Quilan Punched Cloud's arm.
"I had to fool the count somehow, so what's the plan now."
` "Cloud are you ok. Yuffie said getting Cloud's attention. Dazed Cloud ignored Yuffie in favor of looking at the flower; he can sense the force flowing inside the rose stronger than normal.
"I can't be?" Aerith said causing her two guest to look at her. "Tell me did you receive a vision?"
Cloud immediately stared at the woman, gone was his friendly attitude and instead raised the warrior Fenrir. "What do you know of this."
Yuffie shivered at the tone of his voice while Aerith only frowned, funny even as she frowned she was still more beautiful than anyone he has ever seen.
"The Life stream, it showed you a vision."
"Life stream?" Cloud asked not dropping his Guard already planning out ways to silence the woman and escape. If needed.
"The Life stream is the name of the aoura borealis that shows over the entire planet during the solstice. In according to the old beliefs the Life stream is the life of our ancestors. It was said that when we die we will be absorbed into the Life stream adding our life force to sustain the planet. But our scientists believe that it's just the result of collisions between gaseous particles in the planet's atmosphere with charged particles released from the Fal'cie."
Aerith shook her head as her eyes met with Cloud's. "My people believe the Life stream is a living entity, It is where our ancestors reside in the afterlife. And these flowers are connected to the Life stream, when an Ancient smells the scent from these flowers they are blessed with a vision of a fond memory, belonging to our ancestors. It is said that only our Priest can receive random visions of the future, while the High mother was able to control what vision she receives. But for you, a half blood to receive a vision, the Life stream must flow through you just as easily."
"I'm a half blood, how can you tell." Cloud asked Yuffie just watching from the sidelines as Aerith came closer to Cloud Raising her hand, "I assume you're a half blood, I can sense the blood of my people inside you."
"You can sense." Cloud took a step back nearly flinching away from the hand that just touched his face. 'Can her people use the force, they sound like it.'
"Yes I'm a priest for my people, although I am a novice, I can sense such things. While I'm not a hundred percent sure, the high mother can tell your heritage." Cloud was not sure how to react but his curiosity won. "Show me," He said.
Aerith nodded. "Very well if you can wait a few more hours I can lead you to the Forgotten city, and take you to the High mother." Cloud nodded as he handed the vase to Yuffie and told her to take it to the ship and hurry back. In the mean time Cloud spent the next few hours asking about the Ancients, and helping around the Temple.
Cloud learned that several millions of years ago the Gaian people were practically savages. The Ancients also known as the Cetra where very spiritual and peaceful people, there civilization was the apex of the Fine arts, and commerce. Having established several settlements on Gaia's sister planets. Cloud also learned that Gaian women could only birth one child, while the men can fertilize and amount of women, which was why there is one out of ten chances for the child to be male. While the Gaians known today where practically no more technological advanced than Wookies the Gaian people were nomadic tribes that herded wild Behemoths, a feat thought impossible by the Centra. The Centra didn't have a military, only their priest and hunters. Their spiritual ways of life resenting war.
The Gaian people on the other hand, were barbaric tribe, constantly trying to prove they are the top of the food chain. Taking down the most feared of beast for their rights of passage and marriage. Physically the Gaians where nearly a foot taller had darker skin complexions and had either brown or black eyes, While the Cetra had green or blue eyes. Cetra were faster than the Gaian while the Gaian were stronger than the Cetra. The Cetra have a larger brain cavity while The Gaian has superior senses. It was said When the Cetra tried to branch out to the Gaian tribes, the Gaian where friendly. Until one tribe became greedy, declaring war on the Cetra. It was a Massacre, So many Cetra died, while The Gaian quickly learned and started settling down instead of being nomads. Eventually the Cetra left for the other planets of Spira and Gran pulse. Formulating a plan to create a artificial planet to live on. They managed to build the planet in only six years, while the Gaians soon took over Gaia.
The rest is basically Gaian history. The Cetra lived peacefully on Cocoon, while the Gaians took over Gaia, then Spira, then Gran pulse. Forcing the main civilizations to join or be destroyed. Eventually the Gaian Empire made its way to cocoon, believing that the Planet was the home of the gods. It was a strange irony for the Cetra as the people who nearly whipped them out, now worshiped them as gods. Soon the Cetra where back on all the planets as temples started to be built all over Gaia to worship the Cetra, and the Forgotten city was made as a palace and permanent home for the High Mother. But the peace didn't last the first Great Gaian war came, rebelling Gaian's from the planet of Gran pulse refused to believe the Cetra were gods and started massacring them, while the King tried to stop them. The war lasted over 500 years, the Cetra being whipped out from Cocoon, and Gran Pulse. The few from Spira soon moved to Gaia, where the rebels couldn't reach.
A few more years of peace came and the Cetra began populating Cocoon and Spira again but never wanting to return to Gran pulse the war causing extreme trauma to the people. As a way to repopulate the Cetra the new Gaian King tried to inter breed all the races from the planets. Mainly Gaian, Cetra, but also including the Guado from Spira and the Pulsians from Gran pulse. The problem was none of the other races could interbreed, the children usuely dieing really young being unable to have a working immune system, except for the Gaian people, many cases of rape were spread throughout the system but the King normally ignored it. Over the next hundred years half Cetra became more prominent. As long as Half Guado and Half Pulsians. Eventually the Second Gaian war erupted tired of having their people raped or sometimes forced to mate with Gaians, all the half breeds assisted The Guado, Cetra and Pulsians to declare war on Pure blood Gaians and the King. That war lasted 200 years The King bloodline destroyed the New King of Gaia being Half Guado.
Things were looking up peace almost never last long enough, Soon the Gaians became angered by the unfair treatment they were forced to pay, having to pay more taxes and having less rights than half bloods or any other race. After being oppress for so long, the Third Great Gaian war started. This was the longest and the bloodiest of the four. Completely wiping out the Guado, and nearly the Pulsians. The war ended when the King's bloodline ended. Leaving the Empire without a royal family for a few years as the fighting died down. The next ruler of the Gaian Empire a Half Cetra with the help of a Pulsian philosopher who lead the empire into the longest peace period. Which is ironic for the Pulsians where the most brutal and savage out of all the races, often mutilating the defeated alive before they die. Back before Gaia took over their culture. And the fact the first Gaian war started because of them and some could say because of those actions they arguably started the second.
But in the times of peace the Pulsian Kings, managed to balance the races, Gaian mainly populated by Cetra, Cetra half bloods, and Gaians. Spira inhabited by Guado half breeds and Cetra Half bloods. Gran pulse was populated by Pulsians and Pulsian, half bloods. Cocoon became a sanctuary for all. Sadly like before the peace ended after only 100,000 years. When the Fourth Gaian war started the shortest one having only lasted 50 years. The war started because the King was having him and many other men impregnate Cetra women, causing the pure blood Cetra race to diminish, upset the other races tried to stop this through peaceful movements. This went on for possibly ten years before the King ordered the military to silence these movements, declaring Martial law. Forming a dictatorship when anyone who spoke ill of the King wounded up missing. Soon a rebellion formed, but since the rebellion didn't have real soldiers they made Terrorist strikes and guerrilla warfare. It was until Contact with the republic and outer systems that The rebels actually affected the Military.
The king tried keeping up the illusion that the Gaian Empire was united and immortal, that the rebels finally had a window of opportunity. The eldest son of the King Took control over the rebellion. After finding out that his father was selling and trafficking his own people as slaves to other civilizations. The Prince managed to have the Jedi provide proof of the King's slave trafficking, At the time the prince didn't let people know the Jedi were involved so as not to involve three republic, and managed to "leak" out the info to general public. Soon the Rebellion was now backed by half of the Military. It took only 4 years after the influence of The Prince for the war to end. In the history books it said that The Prince died in the final battle taking his father with him, leaving his younger brother to rule after. The Last Great Gaian war as it is called now was the least brutal, lasting for 50 years and in the first 46 being nothing but hit and run tactics, and assassinations. The prince became known as a Hero having ending a war that could have lasted centuries in four years, and knowledge of using the Jedi and a few republic sources became public, allowing the treaty between Gaia and the republic to form.
Cloud learned all this in just the few hours and the journey to the forgotten city. Walking behind Aerith Cloud looked around at the Tall white trees. The force was very strong here, yet it felt out of reach, the stain of mass death making it hard to grasp. Looking back at Yuffie Cloud notice the younger Gaian give a small prayer as she witnessed the trees. Slowing down to fall next to her he asked quietly.
"What are you doing?"
Yuffie quickly whispered back, "Asking the Life stream to forgive my intrusion. The Forgotten city is the most holy of places only those with Cetra blood are allowed without permission." She continued her prayer.
"I didn't know you were religious."
"Many Gaian people don't worship as often and public as before, since we know the Cetra are people. But the Forgotten city has always been a religious beacon. We are required to make a pilgrimage once in our life time."
"What do you do in the pilgrimage?"
"We simply pray and dance around the river bend that is in front of the entrance. Only those with Cetra blood can enter the city, otherwise one has to devote their ways of life to the Cetra in order to enter. We Gaians stick to the praying, but some Guado half bloods and Pulsians convert their ways to enter the holy city."
Cloud let the woman return to her prayer as he picked up his pace to catch up with Aerith. It didn't take much longer for Cloud to see the river that will guide them to the entrance of the city. When Cloud saw the entrance he was shocked in awe to see a large Sea shelled looking building behind a lake of the blues water he has ever seen. Cloud could already feel that the force was almost calling him into the building.
"You can feel it can you, the call of the planet. The voice of the life stream." Aerith said Cloud slowly nodded, he can tell the force was telling him something. Cloud notice that Yuffie fell to her knees facing the building as she started to pray.
"Everyone can feel the Life stream here, but only the Cetra can hear the planet beckon us towards the city. Come Cloud lets meet the High mother." Aerith said as she pulled the white orb from her ribbon grasping it in her hands as if to pray and Cloud watched as the water parted to create a direct path to the city. Aerith walked down the path as soon as she was done stopping to signal Cloud to follow. Cloud walked directly behind her amazed that the water seemed to obey Aerith's command. The two kept going till they entered the building leaving a bowing Yuffie on the lake side. Cloud turned to question until he saw the water had already covered the path and see that Yuffie was busy.
Inside the building was an empty main room, which had glowing stairs going down. "Down these steps is where the last of us Cetra live, it is the castle of the High Mother." Aerith said going down the steps, Cloud following resisting the urge to run down the steps to find a place to meditate. The force was strong here in both the Light and Dark, and the way it called to him was like the call of a siren. Cloud needed to meditate in this place, the force was so potent it was numbing his senses.
Following Aerith down what felt like over a two hundred steps Cloud managed to lay his eyes on a castle that had a dim Glow. Looking around he saw a few children running along the perimeter with what seemed to be a Mother and a father each barely any taller than Aerith around 5,3 or 5,4. He noticed all of them had pale skin and had glowing green or blue eyes. Cloud didn't have much time to watch as Aerith quickly lead him inside the castle where he quickly found himself in the throne room where an Elderly woman who appears several centuries old. By her side stood one woman who looked rather motherly. She was dressed in nothing but White and the lightest tint of pink robes.
"High mother I have returned." Aerith said bowing before getting back up, "I brought a guest. I think he can hear the call of the planet." The elderly woman gave a motherly smile as she raised her hand and beckoned Cloud towards her. Cloud tried to ignore his fear. Yes fear, ever sense he laid eyes on the woman he swore he has found the strongest force user in his life. Walking until he was right at her feet Cloud quickly kneeled before her.
"Rise Child of Gaia, why do you kneel before me?" Her voice was so kind and sweet yet it echoed and over layered itself as if multiple people were talking from all directions. Refusing to get up Cloud simply replied.
"I kneel because I can sense that you are very powerful, the force, this Life stream flows through you like an ocean. I can't help but kneel in respect." The woman next to Cloud eyes widened in shock while Aerith released a gasp.
"It is quite rare for someone who isn't a high priest to sense my connection to the Life stream. The only other was the Jedi who came over 40 years ago. Tell me are you a Jedi?"
Cloud frowned while quickly recovering. Looking up to the High mother cloud spoke, "I learned their teachings, but I am no longer a Jedi." Satisfied with the answer the woman spoke.
"Why have you come here? I can sense that the Life steam flows through you stronger than any of my daughters. Do you seek healing from the Darkness that plagues your heart?"
Cloud stood a frown on his face, "No, I came to learn of my Heritage. I am an Orphan who was raised away from the Gaian Empire. I know nothing of my origin. Aerith told me how you are able to tell me." Clod's tone was cold as the Dark side, or darkness with in him, echoed off him. The priest to next to the high mother frowned.
"With hold the evil you released or I and the others remove your presence." Cloud's eyes widened as he felt a burst of power grow from the woman, so much that he knew she held more power than the entire Jedi counsel.
"Stand down my sister." Cloud watched as the woman relaxed but her power never leaving.
"Come here Child, "Cloud walked towards her getting within Arm's reach, when he froze. Watching as time seemed to slow down as the woman reached towards the crown of his head.
"Come, child it is time to see how lost you are." Said the High mother. Cloud suddenly felt the need to avoid the woman's touch but he couldn't move his body and when the woman placed her hand on his crown, the world around Cloud vanished. Instead he watched his memories from most recent to his earliest in fast forward. Cloud was forced to relive each moment and experience each emotion at full power. Tears streaming down his face as well as blood dripping from his hands at the bits of anger, his emotions raged until it stopped at his earliest of memories. The time he was rescued by Qui Gon jinn. Once that memory was replayed he was encountered by a hazy fog.
"Ahh so this is where your memories end. It seems your mind has locked away the moments of your birth. But the life stream can bring out these hidden memories if one can influence it." Cloud suddenly saw the elderly woman appear beside him in the Haze. With the wave of her hand the Haze became clear, showing him the few things before his last. Cloud saw the moments before the kidnapping. Gaian soldiers busting down their home pushing aside the woman in charge of the orphanage. Taking the others and Zack, and later him. There wasn't much detail.
"Ahh how simple the mind of a child in only able to remember the major events. But the Mind of a Child still in the womb. Can only remember the voices of its parents." Cloud was confused until he was inside a dark room. Under water? It took a moment for Cloud to realize that he was inside the womb of his mother. He could hear voices from the outside but he couldn't understand.
"One moment, I am asking the Life stream to let us understand."
Surely enough the voices started to make sense as Cloud heard a man speak.
"Keep pushing, Love the baby is almost out." Cloud was taken aback was that the voice of his father, it sounded similar to the last time he heard Zack speak.
"SHUT UP AGEAL, HAVING A BABY IS HARD ENOUGH BUT SINCE IT'S GAIAN THE THING MIGHT NOT COME OUT!"
"I must ask for you to not yell, you may harm the child's ears." Cloud assumed the doctor told his mother.
"Alyssa please focuses on delivering the child." Ageal, cloud guessed as his father said.
"Once it's out I'm going to kick your ass!" Alyssa, Cloud's mom shouted at a lower volume.
"Language Alyssa, Zack could hear you outside the room." Ageal said to his wife.
Soon the memories turned into a blinding Light and the sound of crying echoed. Cloud saw the doctors masked face, as his newborn self was wrapped in a blanket where he was quickly held by what he assumed was his mother, her blonde hair and pale white skin. What mesmerized Cloud were the glowing blue eyes.
"My baby boy." Alyssa said hugging Cloud as she cried tears of joy. "My little Cloud."
"Let me see him love." Cloud was then held by his father who had spiky black hair and, almost dull compared to his mother, blue eyes. "He has your hair and eyes. Hey bud, I'm your daddy."
Cloud heard his mom laugh, "But he has your unnatural spikiness."
"He wouldn't be my son otherwise." Ageal said before he passed Cloud to his other son, a little two year old Zack looked at Cloud.
"Hi Cloud, I'm Zack and I'm your awesome brother." He said with the same goofy smile Cloud always recognized. "I don't care if we have different mothers; I promise I will never let anything happen to you."
"Excuse me Fairs, since your child is a Cetra half blood we will have to make sure no physical anomalies appeared." The doctor said again. Then the memories faded and Cloud found himself back in the throne room, on his knees tears flowing down his eyes, and the blood in his hands drying.
"The reason you never knew about your Cetra blood is because it hasn't been awaken yet." Said the High mother. Cloud was helped to his feet by Aerith who was by his sided sense he was in his memories. She then grasped his hands as she muttered a prayer as the force healed his wounds.
"You have faced many trials and suffering. It pains my heart to find out where you are now. But the choice was yours. I won't judge you, but the only thing I can do for you is awaken the Blood of the Cetra in you. The blessing of the Life stream." The high mother said.
Wiping his eyes Cloud stood and shook his head. "I'm afraid I can't accept that blessing your holiness."
"Very well, is there anything else we can do for you my child?"
"I will need a guide back to the Capital city." Cloud said.
"I'll take you back." Aerith said. With that Cloud left his mind recovering from reliving his memories, and before he knew it he was back on his ship, Yuffie setting the coordinates for Xion. 'I can't believe I am Half Cetra, that Means Zack is only my half brother…. Maybe that's why he is so much taller than me.' Where the last thoughts of Cloud before he fell asleep in his quarters.
