Here's chapter 4 finally, I had no internet connection for my laptop so I couldn't upload but I was able to get several chapters finished over the break to expect updates every other day or possibly daily depending on how much time I can get alone to actually post the story online. And now on to chapter 4
CHAPTER 4
News of the destruction in Junon reached like wildfire. Though many of the Ancients weren't so concerned with the incident, Tifa was highly interested in what had happened and if there had been any survivors. Rikku had told the council that Yuna had escaped alone and was alone. She explained further that no one else was alive other than those that had returned. Zack and Aeris were aware that Cloud most likely lived but set up a chance to speak with Rikku along with Tifa who wanted to hear Lord Braska's niece say Cloud was alive.
As night came Rikku walked into Aeris's chambers where Zack sat on the bed with a grin and Tifa stood by the window with Aeris who tried to calm her. Rikku cleared her throat and the three looked at her. "So what's up with the kid?" Zack asked and Tifa huffed.
"The blonde guy is Cloud right? The one with Shinra Soldier super-duper powers?" Rikku asked as Zack nodded.
"It's crazy watching him fight ain't it?" Zack asked as Tifa relaxed as Rikku nodded in amazement.
"You bet your butt! I want to know why you lied about being the one who nearly killed Sephiroth." Rikku demanded as Zack sighed.
"He was a kid when I found him… I didn't want the Ancients using him as a machine… and you all know that's what he would have been used as." Zack explained as Aeris agreed.
"Things have become hectic because of war… and I agree with Zack in his decision… though Cloud would have been a massive asset to us… he shouldn't be forced to fight." Aeris confessed.
"But that guy can move like the wind… he killed five Soldiers in the blink of an eye!!" Rikku spoke. "He yelled out Sephiroth's name and went mad." Rikku sighed and shook her head. Zack sat up and looked shocked.
"He remembers Nibelheim…" Zack stated and Tifa's eyes widened.
"He remembers me?" Tifa asked as Zack shrugged.
"He remembers watching Sephiroth slay his mother before his very eyes." Zack explained as Rikku gasped.
"That's how he snapped this time… his mother was beheaded in front of the prisoners… then he just flipped out." Rikku explained as Tifa gasped and covered her mouth.
"Cloud…" Tifa gasped as she stilled her resolve. "I need to find him… if he does remember then we need to go after him before he does something foolish." Tifa explained as Zack agreed without a second thought.
"I'm ready to go when you guys are."
"If you go Zack, so will I." Aeris added as she stepped forward.
"No offense Aeris, sweetheart but I don't you're old man is gonna be fine without seeing you for a while."
"Zack relax we'll bring along a small force and say that we're searching for Yuna." Aeris explained. "We can bring Tidus, Auron, the four of us and a few others… the fewer who know of Cloud the better… we can trust Tidus and Auron with his secret." Aeris explained.
"So when will we head out?" Zack asked as Aeris shrugged.
"When I get my father's permission."
"That'll be forever." Zack sighed. "We need to head out in the next few hours. Cloud is out there with Yuna and where is the one place they'll travel after he's regained his memory?" Zack asked as Tifa gasped.
"Nibelheim" Tifa deducted as Zack thought for a moment and nodded.
"I was thinking the new Shinra Kingdom to go after Sephiroth but seeing as Yuna's with him… she may get him to take a detour first… we're closer to Nibelheim than they are so we should get going."
Three days passed on and Cloud and Yuna were nearing the ruins of what was once the village of Nibelheim. Cloud had yet to say much to Yuna since their trip from Junon nearly eight days ago. The duo had encountered five Soldiers total within the eight day trip only to have Cloud defeat them single-handedly. Now as they walked through a thick forest Cloud turned to Yuna who frowned.
"If you say that I should turn back one more time I swear!" Yuna threatened as Cloud's mouth opened and then closed before he looked away. Yuna blushed not really thinking he was actually going to say anything of the sort. Yuna looked down in nervousness and finally cleared her throat and spoke, "Cloud listen about the kiss." Yuna started and the moment she looked at him she froze. She didn't have any feelings for him but the kiss seemed electrified. Cloud looked down and turned away from her again.
"I need to be alone… and I don't think that having to worry about you will help ease my mind anytime soon… I've lost enough of those that I care about…" Cloud paused as he realized he just said that aloud. Yuna's eyes lifted up to him and Cloud turned slightly and sighed trying to recover but just stuck to his words and saw her reaction.
"What about Tifa?" Yuna asked breathlessly and Cloud was the one in shock this time, not expecting such a question. He had thought Tidus would be on her mind not Tifa… Cloud frowned and turned away from Yuna instantly.
"Go back to Midgar… don't waste you life following me." Cloud spoke harshly and continued on at a faster pace. Yuna huffed and ran after him to catch up.
"I'm in this to the end." Yuna said as she ran towards him but he paused and Yuna ran into his back. Yuna grabbed onto Cloud not to fall and that's when he turned and helped her balance herself. Yuna looked up into his eyes again and took shaky breathes and quickly looked away from him but Cloud continued to hold her. Yuna looked back at him and smiled softly unsure at what to do with the situation. Yuna shook her head trying to remove the blush she know had and smiled shyly up at the blonde holding her. Yuna didn't make eye contact but instead just spoke softly, "Cloud, I want you but Tidus and Tifa are waiting for us to return, if things were different…"
"Quiet." Cloud hushed her and looked around as he leaned down shifting his eyes from side to side before they narrowed. Cloud pretended to go to kiss Yuna and moved the two of them out of the way as a spear was launched through the tree in which they once stood in front of. Cloud looked up and saw the spear sticking out of the tree. Cloud pulled Yuna to her feet and then growled. "Show yourselves." Cloud frowned as his eyes glowed slightly. Three men appeared in leather pants black boots and long sleeve leather shirts. They each had white hair, the tallest had more muscle and short hair while the smallest of the three who stood in the middle had shoulder length white hair and the one on the end had white hair longer than his shoulder.
"We seem to have heard of rumors of a man who nearly killed Sephiroth himself…" The middle one spoke and grinned, "I'm Kadaj, these are my brother's Loz and Yazoo. We're First Class Shinra Soldiers sent to find you specifically… the blonde warrior." Kadaj grinned as he unsheathed a double edged sword. He stepped forward and then grinned. "So will your girlfriend be coming with us or will her head roll… it's up to you… brother." Kadaj grinned as Cloud frowned and pushed Yuna behind him.
"Run." Cloud instructed and instantly Loz rushed forward and punched Cloud through several trees while Yuna sidestepped seeing the attack. She sent a powerful fire spell at Loz from point blank range throwing him backwards. Yuna looked back to where Yazoo and Kadaj stood grinning and ran to Cloud who stood up shaking his head.
"Run, Yuna get out of here!" Cloud yelled at her and dashed forward to intercept Yazoo who attacked with a crossbow in his left hand. Cloud caught the arrows and threw them aside before knocking Yazoo off to the side where Loz was trying to recover. Kadaj sneered and dashed forward with the double bladed katana to strike but a shuriken flew from the sky causing Kadaj to block them and retreat. Instantly a shower of arrows rushed towards Kadaj who deflected them all as Cloud grabbed Yuna and ran for his and her life.
"Cloud slow down!!" Yuna yelled at him as they ran deeper into the forest. Cloud set Yuna down who looked around confused at their surrounding and sighed. "we may be lost she sighed unhappily."
"Well you wouldn't be lost had you not ran like idiots!!" A young woman stated as she appeared with a large black muscular man with an arm that looked as if it was cast out of steel into a crossbow. Cloud frowned and stepped in front of Yuna who was shocked but refrained from screaming. "So what was that about the only one ever hurting Sephiroth… are you that guy who nearly killed him?" She asked stepping forward as Yuna walked form behind Cloud and grinned.
"I know you…" Yuna whispered and the girl nodded.
"You should Lady Yuna… it's me, Princess Yuffie Kisaragi!!" Yuffie grinned and then turned to the man behind her who crossed his arms, "oh, and that's Barret…" Yuffie sighed and turned around. Cloud looked at her and then shook his head. "So who's this guy? Is he the one who beat Sephiroth?"
"He's not dead now is he? So I didn't beat him." Cloud grunted and Yuffie backed away.
"Some attitude." She sighed.
"It's been so long Yuffie, how is your father?" Yuna asked with a smile. Yuffie's smile faded and she spoke.
"Wutai was conquered about two years ago… nearly everyone was killed… I gathered a few survivors but we were attacked again… right now I only have Barret and a few others with me… but the one positive thing we gained was a Shinra Soldier… her name is Paine, she's back at our hideout." Yuffie smiled as Yuna looked away in sadness.
"We should have aided you." Yuna whispered
"It's done and over with now." Barret sighed as he began walking away, "bring ya butts so we can get back to the others before those three follow us." Cloud looked to Yuna and Yuffie but shook his head.
"I need to get to Nibelheim." Cloud stated but Barret laughed.
"Yeah, right… they say Sephiroth wanders that area every other day just thinking about his defeat… you ain't even got a weapon spiky, he'll kill you instantly, and use your skin as a coat." Barret grinned and walked off as Yuffie followed.
"You two better come on, it's not like you'll never have a chance at Sephiroth… he's looking for you and trust me, you'll want to enjoy this life before having to face his fury." Yuffie grinned as Yuna turned to Cloud who just frowned.
"Come on Cloud, let's meet them, please… I owe so much to Yuffie and Midgar failed them before and look what has happened, they were wiped out… just come with me and then you can go after Sephiroth later." Yuna pleaded and Cloud gave in.
"Fine." Cloud sighed as he followed the two to a cave entrance and walked through it a while before coming to a well lit area where several other people stood.
"Yuffie this can't be all that's left…" Yuna whispered in disbelief.
"Those that weren't made into slaves were killed, so this is all that are left of the Wutai Kingdom." Yuffie smiled sadly and Yuna nearly fell into tears. Cloud looked at each of the people and saw a woman staring back at him icily. Cloud locked eyes with her and returned her glare just as intensely. "I see he's met the other Shinra soldier… so you like her… want to make babies with her?" Yuffie asked as Cloud frowned in anger as the woman looked shocked and growled.
"Princess you should watch your mouth," Paine spoke as she approached Cloud and sized him up. "Who are you… I've never seen you in the army before." Paine spoke examining him.
"I'm Cloud… I never lived in the Shinra Kingdom." Cloud answered. Yuffie stepped forward and grinned.
"From what I heard, he's the guy who mortally wounded Sephiroth years ago." Yuffie grinned and Paine's eyes widened and she nodded. She gave him a glance to observe him and frowned.
"You don't seem like the type… you look too… handsome." Paine said bluntly as she walked around him sizing Cloud up. Cloud frowned and faced Paine but she walked away swaying her hips knowing he was watching. She grabbed something and tossed it over her shoulder and Cloud instantly caught it. He looked at the sword in his hand and then back to Paine who still was facing away. "You should watch out for more than my body." Paine replied as she turned and rushed forward ready to attack. Cloud frowned but jumped back to create space just as Paine swung. Yuna was about to jump in between them but Yuffie pulled her back.
"Paine said females and males usually test each other to determine the dominant figure… just let it play out." Yuffie sighed as Cloud and Paine circled each other before Paine rushed in and Cloud moved behind her and knocked her to the ground but she flipped forward and landed on her feet and jumped at him again and Cloud blocked her attack with his sword and then grabbed her by her waist and slammed her into the ground and used his body weight to hold her down. Paine struggled for a moment before Cloud successfully pinned her down and aimed his sword at her.
"Hardly, enough room to really fight here… but I will concede, because I can see that you have no clue how to use a weapon but somehow managed to knock mine's away." Paine said as Cloud frowned and looked as his sword was turned in his hand in a strange angle. Cloud looked at her and then his sword before standing up from Paine. Cloud lifted her up and Paine nodded to him. "So Cloud, tell me, how was it a warrior like you were never picked up by a force… I'm surprised that after hearing how you nearly killed Sephiroth that we didn't face you in the battle field… we as in the Shinra Soldiers second and first class… even the Elite's were dying to fight you. I suppose that because you never showed up, more of the Soldier wanted to leave Shinra… you're the reason I left myself. It was not a real challenge anymore… killing those who couldn't protect themselves… it became disgusting, now I fight for that I was taught to kill." Paine explained
"So that's the guy who spooked Sephiroth huh?" An older blond spoke.
"Hey, Cid!" Yuffie grinned as the man stepped forward with another woman with dark brown hair. "That's Shera, Cid's wife… Cid is a kick-ass mechanic… he's the main reason we're here, he made this thing he calls a hover craft." Yuffie grinned but stopped at two little children came forward, "Oh, this is Marlene and Denzel! We found them during the escape." Yuffie explained. That's pretty much it…" Yuffie sighed.
Paine looked at the children and then looked at Cloud before she walked away and went straight into another opening in the cave entrance. Cloud looked after her and followed unconsciously. Yuna watched after him and went to follow but stopped sensing he needed to speak with the woman on his own.
Paine walked down the tunnel until she paused and turned. "You can't help but follow me can you?" Paine asked with a smirk. Cloud frowned and shook his head.
"I… I just…" Cloud started but Paine walked towards him slowly swaying her hips and then touched his chest.
"No words." Paine grinned as she leaned in close as Cloud just stood still. Paine frowned and pushed him away disgusted. Cloud snapped out of his shock and frowned. Paine shook her head and sighed. "Tell me about yourself Cloud. Where were you raised?"
"Nibelheim…" Cloud spoke and stayed on the ground.
"Raised by commoners… your raw power makes you classify as a First Class Soldier for sure. Had you received proper training… you'd be on par with Sephiroth."
"I almost killed him last time." Cloud corrected and Paine laughed and knelt down.
"He won't get suckered punched again… Sephiroth has been obsessed with you… you can't even begin to hope that you… an untrained commoner can hope to survive against a man at the top of our species at the prime of his life and prime of his physical training." Paine spoke before evading Cloud's space. Paine looked at him and shook her head before leaning away again.
"The Shinra Soldiers who are very powerful often have a very strong… aura if you will… it attracts females who are trained to recognize power. The same is true for you though Cloud, I'm a female, and every male desires a woman who is strong… hence the reason you can't help but follow me… every male has been trained to ignore this attraction and this has helped the women control their urges… but you Cloud… I can see the need in your eyes… and I will admit you are powerful that is the reason I'm having trouble staying away…" Paine spoke as she stood up and walked away from Cloud.
"So, I have these… feelings because of what I am?" Cloud asked and Paine merely nodded.
"The female Soldiers were meant to follow not lead… that is why we react so easily to men… well all of us but one… our queen."
"Queen?" Cloud asked
"Yes, well the Shinra Queen, Jenova… if you didn't know already… she is the elder sister of Sephiroth. A word of warning Cloud… if you face Sephiroth and you can't win and escape… just die." Paine spoke as Cloud frowned.
"Why's that?"
"You would become the next king." Paine explained, "Jenova is the most perfect woman in all of the Shinra Kingdom… she has heard of the mysterious one greater than her little brother and wants you alive… if you can survive against Sephiroth." Paine stopped and sighed, "the intensity of what you felt… the attraction you felt for me… it will pale in comparison to anything you've ever felt for a woman. Jenova is nearly incapable of being denied, hence the reason I beg that you kill yourself before you impregnate her with a child more powerful than Sephiroth." Paine stood and began to leave but Cloud stood to his feet.
"Wait… help me control this…" Cloud said motioning between the two of them. Paine looked at him but shook her head.
"I can try buy don't expect any miracles…" Paine paused and looked back towards where they came, "I don't think the woman… Lady Yuna is it? I saw the way she looks at you… I doubt she'd appreciate this type of training you want… it is mostly training of tests of will. The Shinra train young men by allowing them to stay within Jenova's presence herself… they are no closer than twenty or more feet… in this case, you and I will work a little closer, if that's okay with you and Lady Yuna." Paine explained.
"she and I aren't like that… we're just friends." Cloud spoke instantly and Paine nodded.
"Fine, let's begin." Paine grinned as she pulled Cloud to within inches of her lips.
Hours passed by as Yuna continued to get acquainted with those who had survived the fall of Wutai. "I don't understand how you crossed the ocean? I admit that the concept of this hover craft… is amazing, I just don't see how it survived the trip."
"Well it didn't," Yuffie said eying Cid who shrugged.
"It wasn't meant to be used over water, we were lucky to have gotten here alive." Cid defended. Yuna nodded and smiled. "Look we had a little bit of trouble crossing the ocean because of those damn pirates but my hover craft made the trip."
"So where is it now?" Yuna asked.
"Well we had to ignite it to keep those damn Shinra Soldiers off our asses!" Cid explained as Shera hit him.
"Don't speak like that in front of Lady Yuna!" She growled at him. Yuna frowned.
"It seems as if the Shinra are everywhere… the continent is flooded by them." Yuna explained. Yuffie looked around and crossed her arms.
"I see Cloud is still back there with Paine…" Barret grinned. Yuna nodded and looked to the passage way from where the two had left.
"I'll go check on him." Yuna suggested as she walked down the path just as Cloud and Paine emerged.
"Get the others we must go, I sense Shinra approaching." Paine spoke as Yuna went to question her but the woman rushed past her. Yuna turned to Cloud who looked flushed and cocked a brow.
"What were you two doing for the past few hours?" Yuna asked but Cloud shook his head.
"Don't worry about it… we need to get going" Cloud said changing the subject and walking back to the others. Yuna frowned and ran to catch up with him.
"What is going on?" Yuna asked as Cloud just stared at her.
"Paine thinks more of them are coming… a large force… we need to move out now." Cloud turned and then looked over his shoulder. "You're going to lead them to Midgar and I'm going to Nibelheim alone… please don't argue… Yuffie needs you to help them not lead them into more danger." Cloud sighed as he walked on to the clearing where the others were.
Zack, Tifa, Aeris, Tidus, Rikku and Auron were allowed to leave the city to search for Yuna. The group had set towards Nibelheim a few hours ago. They traveled with a single wagon where Aeris sat with Rikku and Tifa on the inside while Auron led the two Chocobo pulling them while Zack and Tidus road separate Chocobo out in front.
"I want to know what has really happened, Miss Rikku…" Auron spoke after a long trip of silence. Rikku just gave him a dumb look and frowned.
"What?" Rikku asked as Auron looked behind him to the three women.
"You said that the entire village was taken… those that came back with you were rattled but I doubt they were insane. They spoke of a young man maiming the entire battalion of Shinra Soldiers… is this true?" Auron asked as Rikku just gulped and looked to Aeris and Tifa. Tifa nodded and then cleared her throat.
"Auron call for Zack and Tidus to stop, we need to talk." Tifa decided as the general did so and he and Tidus were told of Cloud and what had happened between him, Zack and Sephiroth in Nibelheim.
"That is quite the tail." Auron spoke in thought.
"So Yuna's out there with another Soldier?" Tidus asked glancing at Zack who lifted his hands.
"What?!" Zack asked defensively.
"You withheld the whereabouts of a highly dangerous and highly unstable killing machine." Tidus sighed and that's when Tifa grabbed him by his shirt and pulled him close to her.
"Cloud is not dangerous or unstable!" Tifa hissed out as Tidus leaned away slightly afraid.
"Sorry… just looking at the facts… a guy who's just as if not stronger than Sephiroth… you have never seen or fought Sephiroth, but I've seen him in battle… he's a one man army." Tidus looked away as he spoke and Tifa released him.
"Look, Cloud isn't a bad guy, he reacted only because those monster killed his family! He's had to watch the death of two moms… how many times can you say you've done that?" Rikku asked as Tidus nodded.
"That is certainly a horrible thing." Auron spoke as he looked out into the distance, "Aeris, you're father had an inkling of such a person coming into the kingdom along with Zack but he had no proof… those villagers and their accounts will be taken and this will mean danger for you Zack." Auron said facing Zack, "you have openly lied to the high council… regardless of your abilities, honesty is much more important in Midgar… I suggest you don't return, for I know that I may become your enemy if we retrieve the boy and Yuna and return to Midgar." Tifa gasped and shook her head.
"That means they'll force Cloud to fight…" Tifa spoke sadly and Auron sighed.
"Most likely he'll be given that option or that of death. Our country is slowly losing its own meaning. We've let terror dictate our lives for too long and this is the result. If Cloud chooses not to fight for Midgar, he'll be seen as a Soldier of Shinra and put to death along with Zack."
"I knew I'd be in trouble but putting me to death?"
"Yes, Zack that is the punishment for all Shinra Soldiers. I may trust you with my life but the council doesn't trust you with the fate of the citizens." Auron explained as Zack closed his eyes and frowned. "The best course of action to take is we find Yuna and Zack, you take Cloud and leave… hopefully, Aeris can sway her father to giving you a royal pardon."
"That could take years." Tifa spoke sadly, "I can't leave Cloud again… we made a promise to each other… I'm not going to abandon him again… I'm staying with him when we find them."
"You do that Tifa and we will never have a chance at gaining a pardon for either Zack nor Cloud, the council will believe that the Soldiers are using you as leverage to gain a pardon into the city and if they do grant this pardon it may be false. By that I mean a trick to get them to return and put them to death. If you are Cloud's friend you will return with us and fight for his pardon… I will give my highest recommendations and be by your side." Auron spoke, "Zack pray that Cloud has made a large impact upon Lady Yuna so that she can keep her father from fighting against this." Auron stated as the group traveled towards their destination.
Cloud walked out ahead with Paine talking about Shinra learning about Jenova and how to control his lust. Barret, Cid, Shera, Yuffie, Marlene, Denzel and Yuna all followed talking amongst themselves and watching behind them for any signs of spies.
"Cloud, you learn fast, we're in close proximity but I'm not feeling much from you. From the looks of it you seem to be in control." Paine whispered with a grin as Cloud looked at her for a moment and turned red. "Every Soldier goes through that Cloud," Paine grinned and changed the subject, "Tell me about Zack, the one who saved you or so he claimed." Paine grinned. Cloud looked at her and nodded.
"There's not much other than he dragged me from Nibelheim and took care of me until we got to Midgar. He never tried to jog my memory, but I think I understand why now." Cloud said sadly as Paine patted his shoulder.
"Don't worry."
"I'm not worried…" Cloud began but stopped. "I just need to get to Nibelheim."
"Sephiroth will kill you." Paine said instantly.
"I have to face him."
"You're not ready… you don't even have a weapon." Paine sighed. She turned back to the others and smiled grimly. "Look at them, our people have taken so much from them…" Paine started as Cloud looked back to the others, "Yuffie has lost everything so have the others, all because of the insane need for power… and you with the ability to lead the Ancients to victory against this threat want to throw your life away, because if you face Sephiroth now, that's what you're going to do, Zack and I can try to lead the city of Midgar and its people against the forces of the Shinra… but we'll fail because neither he nor I or us combined can handle Sephiroth or the other top Elite Soldiers. You have the abilities they possess… if you can just refine your skills thinks of how many you can save." Paine spoke softly as Cloud looked at her and thought.
"Cloud, will you choose revenge for yourself or happiness for them?" Paine asked. Instantly, Tifa flashed across Cloud's mind and he stopped for a second causing Paine to pause and look at him. Cloud quickly continued walking and looked to Paine.
"I won't face him yet… but I have to go to Nibelheim… I have to pay my respects." Cloud whispered as Paine nodded.
"Then I'll be by your side… right after we get them to safety." She added looking over her shoulder. Cloud paused again and looked around nervously. Paine looked at him and then she sensed three Shinra approaching. "Kadaj's gang." Paine hissed as she pulled out her long jagged black sword. Cloud looked to Yuna and the others and they instantly took fighting stances.
"Here Cloud." Yuffie tossed Cloud a katana that he looked at and sighed. "It's the best I can do on such short notice." Yuffie joked as the group turned to their left to see the three brothers standing as if waiting for them.
"Well, well, well… Paine, I thought we'd never see each other after Wutai?" Kadaj asked with a wicked grin.
"I was hoping I'd never have to see you again." Paine hissed as Kadaj leered at her and grinned. Paine gasped and shook her head. Cloud looked at her and realized that Kadaj was messing with her mind.
"You can't deny me woman." Kadaj grinned, "I'm going to punish you severly… but in the good way." Kadaj laughed as Paine shook her head and Cloud stepped in front of her. Kadaj stopped laughing and grinned, "so you want my girl? I guess she does aim for the high and mighty." Kadaj grinned as he dashed forward.
"Cloud I'll be able to take Loz and Yazoo… just keep him away from me… please." Paine whispered as Cloud nodded and dashed ahead. He met Kadaj's double bladed katana with his own single blade katana. Cloud managed to push Kadaj back and then watched Paine rush past him to attack Yazoo and Loz who were ready until Yuna sent a thunder spell that caused the two to lose their footage and give Paine the upper hand.
Kadaj looked to where Paine fought his brothers and grinned. "I taught her everything she knows." Kadaj laughed as he dashed forward and struck at Cloud who blocked causing several sparks to fly from the blades' contact. Kadaj backed away and sprinted forward swinging his sword rapidly while Cloud miraculously blocked and dodged the attacks. "Not bad… not bad at all… I see you've been taught well!" Kadaj laughed as Cloud smirked and ducked before knocking Kadaj back.
"Sorry, but this is only my second time actually fighting someone… first seeing as I'm fighting someone who expects me to kill them." Cloud grinned as Kadaj's eyes flashed with anger and he pushed forward again.
Yuna and Yuffie had rushed forward to help while Barret shot a rainstorm of arrows at Yazoo and Loz while Paine had some distance from them. Paine turned to see Cloud and Kadaj squaring off and smirked. "It seems you're brother isn't doing so well." She said to the two brothers who turned and were struck by Yuffie's Shuriken and Yuna's blizzard spell. Yazoo had been frozen solid while Loz had the shuriken sticking from his gut. Paine quickly ran to the children, Cid and Shera and began leading them away. "Cloud hurry up, more are coming!" Paine shouted as Cloud and Kadaj continued to fight.
"She's so sweet isn't she? Very caring and very… sensual…" Kadaj smirked as Cloud's eyes widened and he was pushed back. "Paine's certainly one of a kind." Kadaj grinned as he was about to press forward but a red lion pounced on him from behind.
"Run boy!!!" The lion roared as Cloud's eyes widened and instead of questioning the situation, he took off. Cloud ran quickly, easily catching up to the others as they ran as fast as they could.
"We're going to have to cross the river up ahead… I think that if we head this way we can get to Midgar…" Paine spoke as the group stopped at the river bank. "It's deeper than I thought." She whispered as Cloud looked back and then across the river.
"You can jump that can't you?" Cloud asked as Paine nodded. "Then we'll take them across that way."
"Can you jump it?" She asked skeptically as Cloud nodded.
"I… I think so." He turned to Yuna and then Yuffie and then looked to Denzel and Marlene, they looked frightened. "Come on you two, I'll take you over." Cloud smiled to the two as they looked at him before wrapping their arms around his neck. He lifted them up easily and turned to Paine, "Get Yuffie and Yuna, I'll come back for Cid and Shera you take Barret over." Cloud instructed as he bent his knees and focused on the other side of the river. Yuffie and Yuna watched silently and then Cloud pushed off flying through the sky and well over the river onto the other side. Everyone but Paine was in shock.
"If they can jump like that how come they haven't gotten into Midgar?" Yuffie asked
"The Ancients have spells casting them out." Yuna answered as the two grabbed onto Paine who mimicked Cloud as he returned and brought Cid and Shera over. When Paine had arrived with Barret they ran into the thick of the forested area and moments later Kadaj and his brothers appeared with ten other Shinra Soldiers.
"Search this side of the river… we'll track the other side tomorrow." Kadaj growled as he looked back across the river, "I also want that beast found." Kadaj growled as the group disappeared into the forest.
ENJOYED??? I hope so