Chapter Three: Secrets Revealed
The four spent the entire next day sailing north, night rolling once again into the horizon. The storm from previous nights had been off and on as was the tension in the boat. There were arguments, laughter, jokes, yelling and subtle glares. Cloud did not take much part in the laughter (a few smirks maybe) and jokes. For the most part, everyone kept to themselves.
The moon shone full as that night's storm diminished. The clear water reflected the moons gaze as choppy bits. Waves crashed the hull of the boat, occasionally spraying bits of salty water onto the deck. Cloud was soon joined on deck by Cid, who had begun to prepare for the leave. They had anchored at sunset for a break and were now to take leave again. No words were exchanged between the two, only grunts and sighs.
An hour had past of silence until it was broken by footsteps being followed by the words, "Cid, I was wondering if-oh." Aeris glanced at Cloud who had his back turned against both of the two.
"What is it?" Cid started. She held her breath then responded, "Never mind." Aeris walked over to Cloud and took a seat by his shadow. A thought came to Aeris, like a spur-of-the-moment-type thing, while she looked at the beautiful sea. "Um, Cloud?"
"Mmm?" He turned to face her. At that moment Aeris shoved both of her arms in front of her, pushing Cloud overboard. Before he hit the water, she remembered that look of perplextion he had about his face. He fell backward creating a loud splash of water. Laughing hysterically, she leaned over the edge of the boat, just in time to see his head rise above the water, body bobbing with the small current. "What the hell did you do that for you god damn-"
"Aeris! For crying out loud. Hell, what'd you do that for?" Cid slowed the boat down to a stop, trying to recover the drenched, cursing man. Aeris stopped laughing and extended an arm. "Here. We're even now."
"Even for what?" He grabbed her hand, but instead of having her lift him out, a sarcastic grin broke out on his face as he yanked on her, sending her body flailing into the water. Another splash echoed through the night. Aeris came up to the surface with Cloud who looked amused. She laughed at his faint smile, splashing crystal drops of water over his face.
Cid remained on deck, not too pleased with their actions. He lowered a ladder into the sea, so the two could board the vessel. Not so quick were either of them to board. Aeris swam over to where Cloud was floating, and pressed his head under the clear waters. He came back up, shoving her body away from him and under the water. She bobbed back up, continuing in her laughter. Cloud hesitantly joined her but his laugh was calm.
"You two better get up here before some creature comes attacks. We're now gonna haft a go and take a detour to some land in order to dry your clothes. I ain't gonna let you start a fire on my boat to dry yerselves." His voice was annoyed. Both climbed the ladder to the craft. Aeris plopped onto the deck, laying her body down on the planks. Cloud sat on the bench, slightly smiling to himself. Cid angrily began to steer the boat towards land.
Jhaku smiled wickedly as the news of the destroyed village reached his ears. The meika had done as he commanded, proving to be trustworthy once again. He looked about his room, remembering all of the times he had been removed from Djose and all the times he had been reborn.
He walked over to the window that was the length of his room, the refection of a tall demon in a suit with longer orange hair and golden eyes was faintly visible. His assistant Mavens, an ugly green gremlin with pointy ears and bulging eyes stumbled into the dimly lit room, stuttering the words, "Sir, that Rayne mistress is in search of the Light user. What happens if they find him?" Mavens flinched, awaiting his reaction. Jhaku merely laughed and said, "Come Mavens. There's something I need to show you." Jhaku waved his hand, muttering something his assistant was unable to make out. The floorboards shifted, creating a passageway Mavens had never before known existed.
"Come." Jhaku started down the stairs, Mavens slowly following. When both were under completely, he waved his hand again, sealing the door. The two were surrounded in complete darkness, Jhaku knowing his way, and Mavens trying not to blindly stumble down the spiraling stairs. "Master, perhaps if we had some light?" Mavens voice was extremely unpleasant and deeply scratchy. Jhaku waved his hand in annoyance.
A small ball of golden light appeared, floating dimly above Mavens head. The stairs continued to spiral downwards seeming to go on forever. They eventually reached a door, two stories high. It had unknown script textures carved onto the wood. Jhaku stood there for a moment chanting. The door then slowly creaked open, providing enough space for the two to squeeze through. The hovering light was being moved by Jhaku, he increased its radius. Mavens gasped at the sight that was within the hidden chamber. Hundreds of shadow like creatures, scurried about with blood red eyes darting left and right. "Now." Jhaku said evilly. "Watch." He quickly moved his arm casting the fire spell "Fiagra!" A spinning tube of fire, hurled at the creatures. It hit at least 50 of them, creating a hole that was soon filled up by more. They had multiplied.
"Sir! Are these the creatures of the ancient?" Jhaku nodded.
"But how'd you-"
"The stone of darkness." He pointed to a round concrete shaped object on the far wall that had a deep violet stone placed in a small chink. There were two other holes, the same size as the one with the stone. It created a large circle, foreign words engraved into the stone followed by strange patterns. A colossal engraving of a hideous creature also consumed the walls space. It looked like one of the creatures Jhaku had brought to life, but they were on fire and were bigger, standing on two legs and wearing armor. Mavens was wanting to ask further questions, like the purpose of the wall with gaps, but was hushed by his master.
"How about a test drive?" Jhaku grinned wickedly.
Mystie cast a fire spell, lighting the small pile of wood gathered by Cloud. The three gathered around it, warming up. Cid was pacing on the deck of his boat gathering cooking utensils.
"So you two are finally getting along?" Mystie asked hopefully. Cloud didn't answer, but Aeris faintly nodded. She smiled finally getting her mind off of the destruction of her home. Cloud fiddled with the wrapping on his swords handle then mumbled something nobody was able to make out.
"Huh? What was that Cloud?"
"Nuthin'." He sighed. Cloud's deep majestic indigo eyes glazed over the dancing flames of the fire. He was in a trance. The three sat around the blaze of the fire, listening to their surroundings. Mystie started to hum the song her mother used to sing her before she would go to sleep. Cid eventually came down and joined them at the fire pit. He brought some raw meat and a silver pan. All was silent. The only sounds were those of the crackling fire, spitting out ashes and bits of wood. An owl hooted in the background, and Cid swore he heard something splash in the water. A rustle from the woods startled Aeris. She turned her head asking the group, "Did anyone else hear that?" They shook their heads confused, except for Mystie who nodded. "I'll go check it out." She stood, walking into the forest. "I'll go with her to make sure she is safe." Cid quickly said, stumbling in after her.
Aeris and Cloud were left alone, neither wanting to follow the two. Cloud leaned forward, stretching out his hands, trying to warm them by the fire. Aeris let herself fall backwards, gracefully landing on the padding that was the ground. Her eyes created imaginary lines connecting the stars, trying to form pictures and patterns. "It's such a beautiful night…Regardless of the events."
"Umm hmm." Cloud suddenly yelped in pain. Aeris bolted up frantically asking, "What? What is it?" Cloud's glove had somehow caught fire, flames eating at the cloth whole. He pulled it off, scorching his left hand. Angrily, he threw it into the fire, knowing there was no use in trying to save it. He gripped the burnt hand in his left, blowing on it, hoping to sooth the pain. Aeris leaned over his shoulder saying, "Let me see."
"No. I am fine." he said stubbornly. He pulled away from her, trying to relieve the hurt.
"Come on…I won't touch it. Let me see."
"I said no." Aeris wrestled with him, trying to grab his hand, struggling to see the extent of the burn. He wiggled, striving to get her off of him. He grunted, "Get off of me!"
"Just let me see!" She wondered on why he was always so difficult.
He flipped his body over, positioning her on top of him, now having him pinned to the ground. They stopped moving, both silent for an awkward moment. He pushed her hastily off and reluctantly allowed her to look over his burn.
She gripped his hand, feeling the scar, Cloud wincing in pain. She rubbed her thumb over his palm, tracing it back to the back of his hand.
"Ahem." Both hastily turned their necks, seeing Cid and Mystie looming over them. Cloud and Aeris blushed deeply, shuffling their bodies away from one another.
"Cloud was injured and I was just trying to look over the wound." Aeris said speedily. She brushed off her top, avoiding eye contact from any of them.
"If you two wanted to be alone, all you had to do was ask." Mystie said casually, with a smile peeking on her face.
"Hey, that's the last thing on my mind." Cloud stated, humiliated. He pressed his forefinger into the dirt, creating a print. Aeris tore a piece cloth from her violet cloak, handing it to Cloud, and whispered, "Here. Tie this over the burn…" He took it without making eye contact with her, nodding. Cid and Mystie took their places around the fire.
"That noise you heard, was just an owl catching its dinner." Cid said.
"Poor mousie…" stuttered Mystie, placing her head in her hands. "How about that dinner Cid?" She asked sweetly with an enchanting smile. He grunted, fiddling with the dinner ware. The four of them sat there, not speaking, only listening to Mystie's continued humming. A cool breeze bound the group, feeding the fire. A rustle from the woods startled Aeris. "Did anyone else hear that?"
"Oh, ha ha. You aren't gonna get away with that again!" Mystie chuckled. Aeris glared at her from the corner of her eye.
"No…Seriously." She stood picking up her bow and arrows.
"Where are you going?" Mystie asked in a whiny tone. Aeris shushed her and walked into the woods. The three watched her, confused. Cid thought she was hearing things. A few moments later a scream filled the night air. Cloud was the first one up, sprinting into the woods.
"Holy shit." Hundreds of shadow like creatures were advancing towards him. Their eyes bloodshot. "Aeris!" he shouted noticing her now limp body on the ground, blackness encasing her. Mystie and Cid were soon to follow. Cloud began slicing his way through the creatures, in complete horror of not being able to reach her in time. Mystie cast spells and Cid threw his lance. The creatures just multiplied making it harder for all of them, especially for Cloud to reach Aeris who was barely visible. Their pinchers curled in and out tearing at there clothes, spilling drops of scarlet blood. "What the hell are these things? Ouch!" Cid yelled through the murmur of creatures. "I don't know." cried Mystie through the ever growing noise. The black fiends made the most creepy noise. Scratching, nibbling. Cloud struggled to push his way through the black demons. He let out a deep warrior like call, flailing his sword in a whirl. It sliced more shadows, giving him a clearing that should have been appreciated, for more shadows filled it. He was so close to her…Within a flash the creatures were gone leaving a chilling cackle to echo throughout the night air. "Who the hell is out there?" Cid yelled, twirling in a circle.
"Show yourself!" Mystie demanded, panting. Cloud said nothing but kneeled beside Aeris into a pool of liquid. Blood. She had a terrible lengthy gash across her stomach and a cut on her eyebrow. Her arms were spread out before him, showing signs of deep bite marks. Her wine-colored blood soaked through her clothes, streaming onto the bare ground where the creatures once were. He dropped his sword and began to shake her tenderly. "Aeris. Aeris. Can you hear me? Wake up. Wake up." He pressed his index finger against her throat. "She's not breathing." Cloud picked Aeris up steadily, her body was limp in his arms. He ignored the blood that slid from her wounds, onto his clothes, staining the fabric. Cid and Mystie peered over him at the lifeless body. "What do you think happened to her? What were they? What did they do?" Mystie asked terrified of the image portrayed in her friends arms. Tears swelled in her pastel blue eyes. She brought her hands upright to her mouth, breathing heavily.
"What will Striker and Rayne think?" she whimpered.
"Mystie, you need to revive her." Cloud said. Her face went pale, and eyes wide, fear blistering her feelings.
She stood there, in great fear. "I-I can't. You remember what happened last time? I can't. I could…."
"Mystie, just do it! Its our only chance." Cloud was frustrated but lifted Aeris' limp body out of the woods.
"But Cid.. If he knew.." She responded in a whisper.
"He'll keep his mouth shut. If not…I'll kill him." He glanced at Cid with expression like stone.
"What the hell is going on here? What happened to her? I know. I'll get the first aid kit!" he stuttered stupidly. Cid was confused and upset. When it came to injured people, he never knew quite what to do.
"Shut up old timer." Cloud barked. He knew Cid was being an idiot. Wounds like Aeris' wouldn't heal with a 'first aid kit'. Cloud placed Aeris near the edge of the water.
"Cloud, I can't." Mystie's eyes began to spill tears.
"JUST DO IT!"
Scared but knowing it was there only hope, Mystie gradually nodded. Squeezing her lips together, she brought both hands together in a quick pray to the Fayth. Exhaling she finally unlatched her cloak, letting it fall to her feet, for the first time. Cid gasped and dropped his weapon, stumbling backwards.
Mystie's slender body stood long and tall. Two light see through metallic wings spread out before them. The detail in every line of the wings were mesmerizing. The moonlight shone through each transparent wing, creating a detailed picture on the ground. In one swift movement, she propelled herself off of the ground, spinning in a complete circle. A flurry of sparkly dust shimmered off her wings. Reaching a certain point in the sky she slowed up and began to float back down. Two elf like ears formed from those which were more humanlike. Her hair was magically pulled into two low pigtails.
Mystie, eyes closed, she began to fall through the night air. Cid tried to step forward to catch the fallen faerie but was stopped by Cloud who whispered, "No. And say anything to anybody, I will kill you." Cid was in complete shock. The faerie people were extinct to say the least. Dead…Wanted. Gaining speed, she twirled through the air until she was a foot above the ground. Stopping abruptly, an eerie aqua glow surrounded her. It mirrored off the sea sending the color into the heavens. All was silent.
Startling Cid, the orb of light grew and grew, then popped abruptly. Opening her eyes, now colorless ashen, she faced Aeris and began to chant in elfish. Aeris' body began to float out into the sea. Mystie began to dance on top of the water around Aeris. Faster and faster she went until the water began to lift Aeris. Mystie continued to dance and chant, a melody most appealing. She spun, gaining speed. The water brought Aeris up higher, now circling her in every possible way. Tiny specks of crystal like liquid flew of from the spinning circle.
From a distance, Jhaku was watching. A malicious grin, breaking across his face. Darkness consumed his soul.
Mystie began to settle down, bringing the body to shore. She blinked her eyes returning to normal, the rest of her staying in faerie form. Reaching land, she collapsed. Cloud first rushed over to Aeris to see if she was all right, forgetting Mystie at the moment. Cid, instead, rushed over to Mystie in complete awe. Aeris' cuts had vanished, blood stains gone too. He fell to the side of her and began to cradle her in his arms, that rough exterior melting. "Come on…Wake up." He brushed her hair to the side being able to see her unconscious face. He slowly ran his thumb over her left eyebrow, mumbling to himself.
Cid trickled water onto Mystie's face hoping it would wake her up. She gasped so suddenly it made Cid jump. Mystie pulled herself upright having trouble keeping herself stable. "Here." Cid helped lift her.
"Cloud…I did it. At least I think I did." She fainted once again, falling into Cid's arms. He was careful not to touch her transparent wings.
"I'm gonna take 'er to a cabin then come help ya with Aeris." He lifted her, holding her just under the knee in one arm and using the other to hold up her back. Slowly he walked to his boat.
Cloud continued to whisper to Aeris hoping she would wake up. He didn't know exactly why Rayne and Striker needed her so badly, but they nearly rejoiced when they found her. Well, Striker did. Rayne doesn't rejoice. Cloud had joined the Tower's company shortly after leaving the Kooluk Knights for their betrayment to the citizens of Vanuatu, so he didn't know much on why she was needed.
He wanted to help people, but the way the Knights had done it wasn't really…helpful. Wasn't really humane either.
Cloud finished putting on the last of his Kooluk uniform when Xar stumbled into his room. "C'mon, Cloud! Lets go. They want us and Ari to go check on the people of Vanuatu for some strange reason." Cloud took one last look at himself in the mirror, running his fingers through his hair, than grabbed his sword and left with Xar.
The people of Vanuatu glared at the three as they passed through the desert town. Some people spat at them. "What happened to this place?" Ari asked. Brushing a loose hair aside from her face.
"I-I don't know." Cloud said. Both windows and doors were shut of the clay houses. A man wearing a straw hat walked up to them and kindly said, "The people of this town do not appreciate your being here. Do not take their words or actions to far into the heart. It is not your fault exactly, of what misfortune has collided with our town. But it be best that you leave." He nodded then left through a tattered cloth door. "What does he mean?" asked Xar confused.
"I think Commander Korrina didn't tell us something when she sent us here." Cloud sighed.
"Remember though, this mission was requested by Lady Ruby." Ari replied, thinking.
The sun beat down on there overly clothed bodies. They continued further into the village. A boy no older than nine ran up to them kicking sand and shouted, "It's YOUR FAULT that mommy and daddy are gone. ALL YOUR FAULT!" The boy kicked Xar in the shin then ran off, upset. Xar rubbed his leg mumbling, "You little brat." Then he shouted, "You're lucky I don't come after you!"
"Xar! Don't say things like that. There is something going on here. Remember what that old man said? 'Don't take things too far into the heart'." Ari placed her hand on his shoulder. "Just forget about it ok?"
"I-I just wish I knew why he did that. I never met that kid before in my life. Something isn't right."
"You know…" Cloud started, wiping sweat from his forehead onto his sleeve, "Well, wasn't this place filled with…water at one point? I don't ever remember it being this dry."
"You are right." A woman walked by coughing badly. She limped through a cloth door, above hung the word 'Healer' engraved on a wooden board.
"Maybe someone in there will know." Xar said simply. The three followed the woman into a small room with medical beds. Another woman came down the stairs in a white dress, glaring at the Kooluk Knights. Her hair fell past her shoulders, scuffed with dirt and sand.
"Get out of here. You are not welcome in this town. Leave now or I'll-"
"Or you'll what?" laughed Xar. "Heal us to death?"
"Xar!" Ari slapped his arm. The woman in white whispered, "No. I'll shoot you." Swiftly, she pulled out a gun and aimed it at them. "Since when do healers carry guns?" Xar wondered aloud, a bit frightened.
"Since people like you entered our village, destroying it. Now leave before I kill you all."
"Wait." Cloud started. "What exactly happened here?" She glared at him, aiming the gun at his forehead.
"Don't act stupid Blondie." Cloud clenched a fist but continued. "We really have no clue to what is going on. We were sent by our commander to come 'check the town' but she never told us why."
"Oh, so Lady Ruby hadn't told her precious knights what she had done to this town?" She said in a mocking voice. "She hadn't told you that she stole the sun rune from us and used it against us? She hadn't told you that all the water dried up, causing disease amongst everyone?" She began to shout. "She hadn't told you that everyone in this town is DIEING because of the lack of water and that Fiends have entered Vanuatu attacking innocent children? Well here is something you can tell your precious Lady. Tell her that even though the people of this town have little spirit left they will OVERPOWER her and justice will be heard! And all of her precious knights, ARE GOING TO DIE!" She fired the gun, the single bullet zipped into Ari's chest. Ari let out a dull cry. Cloud and Xar heard something crack inside of her. Xar lunged out, catching Ari, her wound leaking blood. "What the hell have you done?" screamed Xar.
"I told you to leave, now get out of here before I allow you to sample a piece of silver metal yourself." Xar started cussing the healer out but was quickly hushed by Cloud. "C'mon. Lets go." It's not that he didn't want to kill her for shooting his friend. But Ari needed to be treated and he had a feeling that the healer wasn't going to be of help. After all, she's the one who put the bullet in Ari's chest.
"See? Blondie gets the idea." Having enough of her calling him 'Blondie', he unclenched his fists and lunged out for the gun in her hands. She, being quicker, quickly pulled away laughing hysterically. "Nice try, Blondie, but this is your last chance to leave." She aimed the gun at Cloud and began to count down. "Three…Two…" They disappeared through the flap before she got to one, Xar dragging Ari.
Xar sat on the dirt paved ground pulling Ari into his lap. The day became more humid, but time was slow. "Ari…What has she done? Why…Cloud. What's going on? What did I miss? What did we miss?"
"I…It's hard to say. Is she responding?" Ari's eyes slowly blinked open, she began to cough blood. "Xar…" Her voice was weak and dry.
"Yeah? I'm here Ari." Cloud rummaged through the bag they had brought and pulled out gauze. "I…you…help…the p-…people. Truth…" The last of her words faded and her head delicately fell into his lap, eyes now closed. "No.." Xar cried. "No…" Cloud dropped the gauze.
"She's…dead isn't she?"
Xar nodded solemnly.
"You know something Cloud? I kinda liked her."
"We all did, Xar. I know she was a bit annoying at times but-"
"No, Cloud...I mean I liked her. I always had these thoughts…of us getting married. Starting a family, ya know?" Cloud raised both eyebrows and somewhere inside of him a voice said, I knew it all along.
"Oh man, I'm sorry…Xar, we need to get outta here, though. C'mon help me wrap her." Both Xar and Cloud stopped talking at that point, saddened by a sudden death. Xar especially. Xar and Ari had been close friends since, forever, and he wasn't sure if he would survive without her.
They managed to bring her back to Nall. They told their Commander what had happened, giving her the full report on Vanuatu, including the part about the boy kicking Xar. At the end, Korrina laughed.
"I don't see the hilarity in all this Commander." Xar said, anger boiling inside of him.
"Commander, if you may be so kind as to tell us, what had happened to Vanuatu?" Cloud asked, wanting answers.
"Its simple my dear boy. Vanuatu as trying to form their own government. Trying to break from the Lady's rule. So Lady Ruby stole the sun rune from them and used its power against the people of Vanuatu, teaching them a lesson. The power of the rune dried up the once sparkling lakes that surrounded the town."
"How could she?" Cloud said. Trying to hold back his temper that was easily fused.
"How could she? How could they! Cloud you aren't turning against us are you?"
"Commander, you don't find this the least bit inhumane? That healer killed our god damn friend. She killed your troop!"
"Yes but that girl, Ari, was easily replaced now wasn't she? And you could be too if you keep talking to me like that." Xar wrapped his fingers around his sword that hung at his side, stating, "Yes, and so could YOU!" He drew his sword and in a flash charged at Korrina. She, just as quick whipped out hers and plunged it into his heart.
"Xar!" Cloud shouted. Korrina pulled out her sword, blood dripping from the sharp metal as Xar's lifeless body dropped to the floor.
"It's a shame really. Having two good knights dead." She pulled out a cloth and wiped Xar's blood from her sword. "I wouldn't want to make it three." She looked at Cloud whose breathing became heavy, body still in complete shock, fingernails digging into his skin in clenched fists.
"Don't do anything rash Cloud." Korrina left the room and that was the last he had ever seen of her.
Cloud shivered. All that was long ago. Four years ago to be exact. He tried hard to not bring up the past, verbally or mentally. He gazed down at Aeris' closed eyes, stroking her dark colored hair. "Aeris…Please wake up. You've got to wake up." The words he spoke pleaded, but the tone he used didn't show it. He tried to save her. Not that Aeris would ever know…
Jhaku returned to his layer, happier than ever. Mavens had great excitement run through the coarse of his veins, and for once when he spoke, it wasn't stuttering. "Sir! That girl.. She was a faerie!!! Got to be one of the last of her kind to actually leave their hidden homes. Wonder out into the world. Do you know what that means???"
"Of coarse I do you ignorant piece of scum." Mavens flinched at the words. "Do you know what that means?" Mavens didn't speak, in fear of his master once again. "It means that she knows where the others are hiding. And where they are, is the Amulet of the Seven Winds." Jhaku's assistant was completely perplexed. Mavens had no idea of where this was going. He had thought of something else. Jhaku sat himself in his grand chair leaning back, smiling wickedly.
"And what does that mean mast-"
"It means-" he began in complete rage of the inferior creature standing beside him, then smiled and said, "…All in due time my dear Mavens. All in due time."
Cid had not yet returned from the boat, busy to tending to the needs of the mesmerizing faerie. His mind was entangled in what he could do for her, for this rare creature. To please her. He kneeled at the side of her bed, gazing into her face. Cid heard stories of men falling in love with these creatures, because of their beauty and charm. He blushed telling himself he was not one of these men. I'm just trying to help her get better. Make sure she lives. Yes. I am not in love with her. I've got to be at least 25 years older than her, Outrageous.
But a voice in the back of his head started to taunt him in a mocking voice. Does age really matter Cid? Think about it. What are you doing right now? Staring at her! That's what. You are in love old man. And with a faerie! Wow you really know how to pick your woman!!!
SHUT UP!!! Its not true. I barely know her. How can I be in love with her? There is no reason for that.
You know, reason and love keep little company together nowadays.
Get out of my head! I don't love her, I haven't fallen for a faerie, I am too old for love. God damn it! Ger outta my head! Leave me alone. Gaugh.
"Cid?" Mystie fluttered open her eyelashes and looked at Cid who began to blush once again. Oh how pretty she was. Her eyes, that pale blue like running water. "Umph, um hmm?"
"Where are Cloud and Aeris?" She brought up Cloud…So Cid. What now? Apparently he means more to her than you
"They're still outside….How are you feeling? Ok? So umm…"
"Uh, yeah. Are you ok? Wait…Did it work? Is Aeris ok?" She became frantic and began to move around.
"I don't know. Cloud's dealing with it." When he said Cloud's name, his face turned sour. She stood up to go out after them.
"No! You need you're rest. They'll be in here soon. And if not, we'll go get them but you need your rest. Lie down." She did as told, knowing it was best for her and that, hopefully, Cloud would make sure Aeris was fine. Mystie felt lightheaded than closed her eyes saying softly, "Thank you." Cid tried not to smile but the corners of his mouth betrayed him.
Told you.
Cloud had switched his gaze from Aeris for the first time to sea. He had forgotten about Mystie completely by now, too concerned with Aeris. The wind sent a chill down his back. He continued to run his thumb gently across her forehead, watching the waves quietly slap the sides of Cid's boat. He glanced back down at Aeris, body still limp. His deep pools of indigo eyes almost looked liquefied with tears but not quite. "I'm sorry…I tried. Forgive me." Her body rustled in his lap.
"I do but its not you're fault." He looked down in amazement, a soft voice almost whispered to him. Her emerald eyes flickered open, staring into his indigo ones.
"You're…Alive!"
"Don't get soft on me now Cloud." She smiled, he returned it.
"But I thought..."
"You thought wrong." She then realized she was in his arms, blushing. She straightened herself up, sitting next to him the cool draft flowing faintly through her hair. She pulled herself next to him, both looking at the full golden moon. The stars twinkled brightly, as if trying to outdo one another in brightness. Aeris asked about what had happened, and Cloud explained everything to her, including the part about Mystie transforming into a faerie. Both tried to forget that the world would soon be in jeopardy. Moments of silence passed before she said in a hushed whisper, "Thank you, Cloud."
"For what?"
"You saved me, didn't you? All I remember were those awful creatures, appearing outta thin air, surprising the hell outta me. They lunged without warning. Then everything went black."
"…No. Mystie did."
"But I woke up with you, not…not her."
"She had passed out and…well, I Mr. tough guy?" she chortled, than grabbed her side. The wounds were gone but the pain was still there, prying at her bones.
"Well, uh…hmmm." he stuttered
"I thought you would be one to leave me to die."
He sat there, not wanting to speak. His tough guy shell was slowly molding back into place.
"Er, no…I wouldn't let anybody die such a meaningless death."
"Cloud?" He turned to her.
"Yeah?"
"…Will you help me to the cabin? My I don't really feel good." She struggled to stand, he quickly helped her, reaching out and grabbing her forearm.
When she was up, she stood there looking at his eyes, at them not into them. He jumped a little when she threw her arms around him in a thankful embrace. "Thank you."
"But I didn't do anything, I told you." She pulled away, this time looking into his eyes.
"You did more than you will ever know." And with that being said, she turned away, limping to her cabin.
Cid pulled his gaze away from the faerie when he heard footsteps thudding down the passage, into the cabin one over. At that point he remembered that Aeris was dieing and quickly stood. He ran out to the deck of the boat, glancing around until his eyes fell upon Cloud who was standing, looking dumbstruck, in the same position.
"Cloe! Where is she? Is she alive?" Panic in his voice was more obvious than Mystie being a faerie.
"Huh? What?" Cloud did not notice the little nick name Cid had returned with.
"Where the hell is she?"
"Oh. She just went in….HEY!!! What the hell did you call me?" But before he could finish Cid had already hurried inside to find Aeris. Returning to the stubborn creature Aeris had met, Cloud advanced to the boat, mumbling under his breath.
Cid rapped the knuckle of his middle finger on the door he heard slam only moments before. A voice from inside mumbled, "Come in."
The door burst open, startling Aeris to see a worried Cid standing there. He stumbled into the room embracing Aeris. "I thought you died."
She thought she heard him sniffle as if he were crying, but wasn't sure. She winced from pain stating, "Oh yeah I bet. That's why you were in here attending to Mystie. The faerie queen." His red face only grew redder, he had nothing to say to that. He suddenly felt guilty. He had left Aeris dead, the girl who was as close to family as he had left for a faerie that he barely knew. That voice returned once again to press the guilt deeper into him.
People always choose love over friends ya know. Just admit it. Oh how Aeris' life was in Jeopardy, and the closest thing you did was suggesting to get a first aid kit!!!! Wow. I never thought you, Cid would be the one to let family die. So selfish. Putting your needs before others. Tsk tsk.
"SHUT THE HELL UP!!!!!!!!!" Cid screamed.
"Excuse me?" Aeris began to glare at him in a stupefied manner. Why was he yelling at her?
"I'm glad your alive but I need some fresh air." He gave her one last squeeze then shuffled to the deck of the boat to get away from the land and rid of that pesky voice in his head. Aeris grabbed her stomach, almost throwing up. She lied herself down on the bed, wrapping herself in the sheets, reviewing the days events repeatedly in her mind. Oh what a day. What a long and tedious day.
"But yet another awaits tomorrow…." And with that she closed her eyes as she felt the boat pull out of the lands reach, heading into the next day.