Chapter 14 - An Overcoming Fear
You forget... I don't take orders from you... Garrett...
Avidan felt himself suffering. The only thing he could focus on was Alyssa's words that were whispering in his head. She was mumbling rather about Cloud or Garrett, he couldn't tell. All he was really focused on was his breathing. It was growing more difficult. Flashes of the battle and Alyssa fighting filled in his blurred vision. Now here he was, semi-conscious, paralyzed and feeling Alyssa drag him to Kalm.
Avidan tried to take in a deep breath, before trying to think about what to say. "A...A...Alyssa."
Even if he tried to speak, it took several breaths to say her name. Alyssa continued walking, dragging him a quick as she could. It was as if she didn't even hear him. What was going on? Alyssa wasn't acting or ignoring him at all. She couldn't hear him after all. There was something wrong for the fact Alyssa didn't hear him.
Avidan opened his mouth again to speak, but couldn't his words began to slur into thoughts. Alyssa, I'll be fine. Everything is ok. We fought off the silvers together.
Before he knew, Alyssa was in Kalm. Did he pass out? Alyssa stopped walking and looked around. Avidan was feeling his sight fading once again. His body gave in, and darkness was now overcoming him. Avidan was truly feeling as if though he was slipping away and nothing could be helped.
Through the darkness, he heard Alyssa's voice. "Can someone help me, please! My friend has been shot!"
Shocked, Avidan couldn't believe what she was saying. I was shot? What's going on? Alyssa, what's going on!
Alyssa sat next to Avidan in a villager's home. She was feeling uneasy for the fact that Avidan wasn't responding to her calls. Alyssa continued to dab a cold washcloth on his forehead. At times, her body still felt the pain from him being dragged and the surgery, possibly even the stress about what's been going on. All that was being put aside. Her thoughts were more concerned keeping Avidan alive before another would die... she couldn't afford to lose another person in her life.
There was only one thing she couldn't do, she couldn't cry. There were too many mixed feelings to even understand just one of them. Her body all together felt overwhelmed. Alyssa started fiddling with her hands, trying and thinking up with plans. What could she do by this time? Shaking her head, Alyssa swallowed hard. What could she say? It was difficult. The only thing she thought about was Avidan's situation. Her chest tightened up. She was starting to choke on her own breath.
Before she knew, Alyssa was grasping Avidan's hand. His breathing was as if it was no more. His face was lifeless and still. Alyssa placed her head on Avidan's chest, paying close attention to his heart beating. It seemed to be the only thing to hopefully calm down. She closed her eyes to think more about Avidan's heart beating. Her breathing caught the rhythm of his heart. For every breath, his heart beated.
Alyssa was snapped out of it when her mind shocked her into reality. What about Cloud? A thought asked. No... I can't ask him. If I do, what would he do? Alyssa responds to her own thought.
Alyssa jumped, a voice was calling for her. "Al...Alyssa."
"Avidan!" Alyssa's voice cried on relief. She sat up quickly, looking at his pale face. "Avidan, can you hear me?" Her voice calls again.
Avidan was once again breathing. His chest was showing signs once again. Alyssa started to feel an overwhelming joy. A smile was now across her face. She watched as his eyes were opening, settling upon her figure. Avidan could barely see, but in his thoughts, it was wonderful to breathe. Life was coming back to him again. He was in pain. His body was sweating and was now trying to work double time to get the right amount of air.
"Don't move, you've been shot. I think you have a puncher wound, but I'm not sure." Alyssa quickly announces, stopping him from going any further.
"Wh-What happened?" Avidan struggles to ask while trying to clear his thoughts.
"One of Sephiroth's followers shot you, catching you off guard." Alyssa explains. "We're in Kalm now, you can relax."
Avidan tried his best to relax, but it was growing difficult. "So... Have you done anything about the bullet?"
"I'm trying. A villager is trying to get a doctor. He told me to stay with you since you can't do anything." She says, her voice shaking.
Avidan gave a grunt. "Humph... I'm very capable of taking care of myself."
"You really don't mean that." Alyssa snaps right back.
Avidan sat up slowly, trying not to make his situation worse than what he was already in. His eyes gazed upon Alyssa, who seemed to be somewhere else. He could understand that she was probably thinking about a couple of other things at this moment. But this was the first time Alyssa actually said something that was on his mind. She was right. He really didn't mean to say what he said. It was true that without her help, who would have known what could have happened? A light smile came across his face.
"You seem to be learning how to be strong, doubting the situation you're in." Avidan says for a response.
"No, I just can't seem to cry." Alyssa says. "But I just really don't want to hear anything of what you just said. The last thing I want to hear is someone saying that before getting themselves killed."
Avidan noticed her attitude and voice as she spoke. His smile faded, seeing how her face turned sour. Alyssa was thinking of her adoptive family... she was once again thinking of her adoptive dad. Avidan couldn't really know what it was like to lose someone he loved since Shinra- No. I shouldn't think about that. Alyssa's situation is different! Avidan couldn't think of his past. Not at this moment anyway.
Taking a breath, Avidan gave a nod, acknowledging what she said. "Alyssa, is that what Dave said?"
"...I'm not sure, but it was very similar." Alyssa admits, sadly.
As they both sat in silence, Avidan soon noticed Alyssa shirt getting soaked. He quickly sat up, despite of his pain and weariness. She saw how quickly he got to his feet. Avidan pressed against Alyssa's side, trying to stop the bleeding. She gasped, feeling the pain and pressure. His hands were now getting covered in her blood. Alyssa put her hands on Avidan's chest, pushing him away.
"You should lay back down and worry about yourself." Alyssa says coldly.
Avidan tried to reach for her again. "Alyssa, your stitches are reopening because of me!"
Alyssa snapped a glare at Avidan. Her eyes were filled with disgust. "I don't care. What matters is that you're safe. I'll deal with myself when I can."
Avidan fell back, sitting on the bed he was just on. Her attitude was starting to remind him of what Cloud would say. He shook his head, having his thoughts and pain subside. Avidan then ripped a part of his shirt and forcefully placed it on Alyssa's stitches.
"You really don't mean what you just said." Avidan makes a smart remark back.
Cloud set his eyes upon everyone, who were now sitting at tables within Seventh Heaven. They were discussing what was happening and how they were going to stop Sephiroth and his band of "followers". Everyone was managing to hear others' opinions before they spoke up. Tifa on the other hand was waiting for Cloud. Cloud gave a nod, having Tifa be assured that everything was going to be all right. With the acknowledgement, Cloud gave one last glance at all who wanted to help.
Taking a breath, Cloud spoke over the crowd. "Listen everyone, we need a solid plan if anything. Now, I know things are going to be chaotic now. But keep in mind that we're doing this for a purpose."
"Cloud's right. The prophecy must not fall into its right place." One of the Keepers speak up, over the silence. "If Sephiroth grabs a hold of Alyssa-"
"IF Sephiroth can, we are here to-"
"As long as we are here now nothing can-"
"Rumors are that she knows where the Black Materia is-"
"How can that be possible? That Materia was destroyed-"
"That does not fit into this matter of holding Sephiroth at bay."
"We will figure out about the Materia after we defeat Sephiroth."
"Enough." Garrett yells, breaking the Keepers up. "You guys are just trying to give everyone a confusing headache. What is at matter here is war. Sephiroth is once again trying to become a God. But why hasn't Alyssa been mentioned before, we do not know, but we need to find a way to stop him!"
The Keepers looked over at Garrett with an apologetic look and backed off before they would bite each other's necks off. "First Keeper, we must-"
Cloud sighed. "Alyssa is in a safe place. Nothing is going to happen to her. She's with her "godfather", Avidan."
"How can you be sure of that?" A Keeper questions.
"I'm not." Cloud answers. "But look, are we going to come up with a plan or what?"
"Yeah! All we need is to figure out a strategy!" Yuffie calls out. "You're always good at this Cloud!"
Cloud placed a hand in the back of his head. "I guess." He scratched his head and looked over at everyone. "Since we are already split into two groups, we'll need whoever will be going on the front lines, back attacks, things like that."
"Right. I have a good group of archers and gunman." Garrett says.
"... Back line- Vince can you lead them?" Cloud asks.
"I can see if I can help. I'll pitch in when I can." Vincent assures.
"I also have a good deal of people who are quite skilled with Materia. I'll be sure to lead them." Garrett says.
"I'll be sure to lead the main forces, fighting skills and everything." Cloud calls out for everyone to hear. "Everybody, just do what you can to help and to pitch in when you can. What we mainly need to do is stick together."
Cait Sith jumps through the crowd upon entering. "They're on their way. We need to get out there, now!"
Cloud nodded. "All right everyone, let's do this! Move out!"
Everyone ran out like ants, but in a sort of orderly fashion. They separated into three groups: Gunmen/women, Magic Users, and Warriors. They all started to head to the outskirts of Midgar. Overlooking the landscape. Everything managed to stop for split seconds. The three groups were standing by for orders, commands. Cloud looked around, all of them were equipped with some sort of weapon. Cloud took a deep breath, drawing his sword. He knew that this was it. The line between life and death. With an instant anyone could be put to death.
With that thought, Cloud looked ahead, seeing Sephiroth and his followers, which made the count of about forty. And all of it was for Alyssa herself. How this became a huge issue, no one knew. But Cloud was ready to take on anything by this time. Nothing was going to change his mind about this. All he wanted to do was keep Alyssa safe. His handgrip tightened around his Buster Sword. His heart was racing. His adrenaline was giving him a rush.
Garrett drew his sword and stood at a good stance, his mind too was filled with thoughts of death. But he knew that there was a good purpose for what he was doing. His heart filled with rage as Sephiroth came into view. He managed to glance over at Garrett and Cloud. His eyes gave a look that anyone knew.
Sephiroth looked upon the groups and laughed. "If you give up now, I won't make you suffer."
"That's a lie!" Cloud yelled, feeling his own anger arise. "I won't let you keep manipulating Alyssa like you did with me!"
Sephiroth gave yet another laugh. "Have it your way then."
Cloud watched as Sephiroth walked back to his followers. He gave a signal and they charged after Cloud's army. Cloud moved at full force, letting his anger grows stronger so that he could cut down anyone who stood in his way. The Keepers were also managing to prove themselves worthy. They were helping by blocking attacks and managing to time their attacks with each swing. Cloud saw that they were working as a team. A few even back up Cloud, trying to do all that they could.
Vincent was acting like a sniper, shooting one by one and even shooting down swordsmen so that they couldn't get to Cloud's party. Yuffie was having fun throwing her stars and using magic when she could while Cid was throwing a few people with his spear. Red XIII and Cait Sith worked together on attacking many of Sephiroth's followers. The ones that were on the motorcycles were mainly being took care of by Vince. Tifa was having a bit of fun by kicking them off and watching the fly ten feet out of her way.
Cloud felt himself bound to fall back, but he kept fighting and didn't seem to want to give up no matter what. His skin was quickly cut as his own warm blood made him think of what was going on. But he needed to be more focused on what was going on. Cloud swung his sword with one hand, even knocking a few people off their feet as they were trying to attack. Cloud swiftly blocked an attack to the left side of him, the sword just missed his skin and was pushed away. Cloud was instantly tripped. A Keeper backed him up as the followers continued to attack. Cloud got to his feet while evading attacks from other members.
Cloud once again collided swords with more men as he backed up the Keeper, watching his back. They were now standing back to back as the Keeper managed to laugh. "Doing this for someone means that you care for them."
"Alyssa has no one else. Sephiroth and Shinra used her all of her life. I bet you she would do the same for me." Cloud answered back.
"It seems to me that you managed to adopt Alyssa without meaning to." The Keeper says.
"Yeah, I suppose so."
Alyssa felt pain, her stitches were already reopened. Her wounds form the surgery left a definite mark on her. Avidan was helping all that he could until the doctor arrived. The doctor looked over at both if them with a confused expression.
"Are you both hurt? I thought it was only one person." The doctor says.
Alyssa smirked at his tone of voice. "I just reopened my wounds, that's all. I had the surgery in Midgar."
"Midgar? That's quite a travel from here." The doctor comments. "Now, who needs to be taken care of right away?"
"Him."
"Her."
Alyssa and Avidan pointed at each other. The doctor laughed. "Who needs immediate attention?"
"Avidan does because he's been shot. I think he has a puncher lung. I can tell that it's hard for him to breathe." Alyssa says. "I can just apply pressure until you're done with him."
"Very well." The doctor said, shaking his head towards Avidan.
Avidan took of his coat and shirt as the doctor examined him. The doctor slipped on a pair of gloves, picking at Avidan's skin. He looked to the back of him and sighed.
"There seems to be no exit to the bullet wound. I'll need to take care of this right now. Lay down if you may."
Avidan obeyed orders as the doctor was trying to open his wound to get the bullet out. Avidan wasn't showing signs of pain as the rubber from the gloves pulled apart his outside skin. Alyssa watched as Avidan was not showing any signs of pain at all. He seemed to be used to what he was feeling. Avidan was now focusing on Alyssa's concerned look. He gave a smile assuring not to be concerned. His face twitched as a piece of metal, cold and unsettling shoved into his skin and to his lung. The bullet was grabbed and pulled out. The bullet was small, but effective. Avidan felt himself breathe again, but also felt the hole that the bullet left.
"Be sure to get rest-" The doctor says, wrapping up Avidan's wound. "-also be sure not to do any rough activity."
By this time, Alyssa felt her sight blur. Was she suffering from blood loss? Not now... I can't pass out. Not yet. Her body was starting to give in too quick. She couldn't even concentrate anymore. Alyssa's legs felt as though they were rubber. Something was holding her up without a second's notice. Avidan was now standing again, trying to help Alyssa. The doctor assisted Avidan, having her sit on the bed. A hand was placed on her forehead as she was slowly losing consciousness. Her breathing was slowing down and her thoughts were beginning to fade away. Avidan noticed what was going on and had her relax as the doctor started to work on her. The last thing Alyssa heard before she passed out was Avidan telling her everything was going to be all right.
"Horrible... isn't it? For the fact that someone would use their own daughter for this type of experiment?" The voice must have been Zack's.
Alyssa felt her body floating in water. Once again she was in a Mako tank. Zack Fair, Cloud's friend was now looking as her. Cloud was in sight too, listening to Zack's words. Cloud was in his Shinra Guard outfit. He placed his hand against the tank's glass window. Alyssa saw what Cloud was doing and placed her own small hand against his.
"I can't imagine what she's feeling right now, Zack. I really can't. We need to find a way to stop all this." Cloud says.
"Cloud, we cannot interfere. We'll get in trouble."
Another flash of light, Alyssa was now in a different Mako tank... within the Shinra Mansion. Hojo was looking upon her and laughing about something. Other scientists were now taking orders and started making plans for Alyssa. She felt like screaming, it seemed to be the only thing she really wanted to do at the moment.
"Alyssa... Alyssa? Can you hear me?" It was Avidan's voice.
Alyssa was slowly brought back into reality. Her sights were now back to normal and not flashing through her memories anymore. Another white flash, her eyes now saw Avidan, sitting beside her. She reached up to his face and Avidan quickly caught her hand.
Avidan smiles. "You were out for a while. I was getting worried."
"How long?" Alyssa asked.
"A couple of hours, not bad."
"...Avidan..." She whispers. "Do...do you know of Cloud's friend... Zack Fair?"
"How come?"
"Because, he and Sephiroth knew what I was going through. Zack told Cloud and they wanted to stop whatever Shinra was doing to me."
"Alyssa, just get some rest. Don't worry about that right now, ok?" Avidan was asking of her.
"...Don't worry? But... my memories are fading away, I can feel them fading. It's as if something wants me to forget."
With those last few words, Alyssa fell asleep, letting darkness cover her eyes. Avidan watched carefully, letting her fall asleep before making any sudden movements. Avidan relaxed, but was quickly interrupted. His cell phone was ringing. He looked at the Caller ID, seeing it was Cloud.
"Talk to me. How's your end?"
"Everything is fine, all we have left is Sephiroth now." Cloud's muffled voice responds.
"Good... Alyssa can finally go home soon then." Avidan says.
"Is Alyssa doing all right by any chance?" Cloud asked.
"Yeah, she's resting. Everything is going as planned here."
"Good. I'll be sure to speak with you while. Take care and keep Alyssa safe."
"Will do Cloud. Take care of yourself."
As Avidan hung up the phone, he felt horrible. What he really felt at the moment. His body felt weak and it was getting harder for him to breathe. Harder than what it was before the bullet was pulled out. He coughed, and stared at his hands. Blood! No... Avidan collapsed to his knees. This wasn't happening five minutes ago... Avidan struggled to get back to his feet, but once again fell. His body was trying it's best to heal the wound. He couldn't stand the pain longer than his body was going through. I go through fights and wars, but I get brought down with a bullet... What type of bullets did they use?
Avidan coughed once again, coughing up twice as much blood. Was his wound not taken care of good enough? Alyssa... I'm sorry... and I... love you. As Avidan thought those final words and gazed upon Alyssa one last time. Tears formed in his eyes and he smiled. "Don't worry, Cloud will be a better bodyguard for you than I was as a godparent. Just don't forget about me." Avidan closed his eyes, carefully laying on the ground, awaiting death to take him. Covering in blood and tears, he gave one last breath, and cried his last words. "Forgive me, Alyssa..."