What Lies Beneath

Chapter 13

Revelations

Cloud had rolled back into bed but he could not sleep. He felt restless and despite having the comforting feeling of Tifa next to him, it did nothing for him. The image of himself, tearing at his hair, blood on his hands, was still fresh in his mind. The image of him was deranged that it was impossible to get out his head.

When the morning hours approached, Tifa stirred awake. She turned over and kissed Cloud several times. Cloud gave her a smile. She got up from the bed and watched her walk to the bathroom, deliberately leaving the door open so he could hear the shower running. Cloud followed her and soon joined her. He kissed her wet skin, pushing her up against the wall as the water rained down on them.

Being with Tifa made him happy, made comfortable. He could forget everything when he was with her. This felt so right, so perfect. He wished it could last forever, these moments with her. Nothing else mattered right now.

"Mm... Cloud," she murmured into his ear as he kissed her neck. Her fingers traveled up his forearm to his bicep when she pulled back.

"Cloud why are you still wearing that silly ribbon?" she asked.

Cloud stopped and looked down to see the pink ribbon tightly wrapped around his arm. Suddenly the image of a bloody hand wrapped around a ribbon entered his mind and he pulled away.

"Cloud...?" Tifa called as he got out.

Cloud dressed quickly after barely drying off and headed for the door. Tifa was following, wrapped only in a towel, water dripping everywhere.

"I need to go out and clear my head," he said.

"I'll go with you!" she protested.

However, the firm shut of the door was enough for her to know that he wanted to be alone. Cloud took his motorcycle and drove up and down the streets before deciding on talking to Aerith. He needed to ask her how this was all possible. He needed to confirm with her that everything was all right.

His bike skidded to a halt in front of the church and he got off. He walked up the steps and when he reached the door he placed his hand firmly on the door and pushed. The door would not budge. Cloud grabbed the handle but it would not turn. Cloud pounded on the door. Had Aerith locked herself inside or maybe Zack did to protect her? Perhaps they were locked in there together. Yet, the last thoughts was revoked when he heard a small laugh from behind.

He turned around to see Zack with his sword strapped to his back. Cloud swallowed hard and wish that he had a weapon, expecting Zack to attack him. The darker haired man did not. Instead he crossed his arms, leaned back on one of his feet and grinned.

"Aerith doesn't want to see you." he said.

"But I need to see her," Cloud retorted.

"Doesn't matter, you're not the hero she thought you were. She won't answer your questions."

Cloud arched an eyebrow at the peculiar comment. "Why won't she answer my questions?"

"Already told you." he snapped before turning to leave. "Besides, if you want to talk to her then you'll have to beat me."

With that Zack left. Cloud frowned before getting on his motorcycle. It was no use trying to talk to Aerith if Zack would just block him. Not to mention he was weaponless. He drove off again. He went the length of the city, not sure what to do or think. His body on the other hand was asking for a meal. Since he had been up all night and morning he had not consumed any nourishment. Cloud stopped his bike and the first place he saw that was open for breakfast.

It was a small diner, that looked pathetic on the outside. On the inside it looked better and more inviting. A sat at the counter on a tall stool. A woman behind the counter handed him a menu and before even asking gave him a cup of coffee.

"I didn't order this," Cloud said.

She smiled, "No, but you'll need it."

Did he look that out of it? He peered down into the cup and even though he was not a avid coffee drinker he felt that caffeine would help. He drank a big gulp and swallowed. It was a good. He looked over the menu and ordered enough food to feed two people because that was how hungry he felt. His food came and he dug in. About halfway through he was not feeling full yet but his meal was interrupted by a familiar voice.

"Yo, I want the usual and so does my friend," came a voice entering the diner.

"Hello Reno," said the woman, "Hello Rude."

Cloud peered over his shoulder see the two men walking in. It took only seconds for Reno to spot him. A grin formed on his face as he nudged Rude to gain his attention. He pointed at Cloud and the two men strolled over. What Cloud would have give to have a moments peace. After all, last time they met these two had attacked him and hauled his unconscious body to fight Rufus Shinra.

"Well, if it isn't our old friend," Reno chuckled as he sat in the stool next to Cloud.

Cloud snorted at the word friend. Rude sat on the opposite side of Cloud. Cloud went back to his food as the lady at the counter brought two cups of coffee for Reno and Rude.

"She told you to try the coffee?" Reno asked.

Cloud swallowed, "Yeah..."

"That's how she got us. Best coffee in the whole city."

Reno took a large gulp of his coffee and then another before setting it down. Rude was pouring sugar and cream into his before he began to consume his. Cloud looked down and finished the rest of his.

"So what brings you all the way out here?" Reno asked.

Cloud did not answer. It was not his business.

"What? You lost Aerith so now you are going to pout about it?" Reno laughed to which Rude quietly chuckled.

I guess it would make sense for them to know. They had to have known when Kadaj lost to know when he would.

"If you know I lost Aerith why aren't you taking Zack in to fight you boss or are you waiting until he's battered as I was?" Cloud's voice sounded like venom. Seething at them for ruining his mood. However, the two men did not seem to notice. If they did then they did not care because their own food came along with a whole pot of coffee for them.

"Rufus can't fight Zack," Reno said casually putting a ton of salt all over his food. "Not that he wants to wait but we have to wait because someone hasn't had a rematch yet."

Cloud looked over at him and then Rude.

"Rematch?"

"Wow you are dense, don't you know the rules? Every victor of the duels who loses is entitled to a rematch, unless of course you're the one who won from the person."

Rude cut in to explain, "Kadaj lost to you and if he had won the rematch you could not have a rematch."

"What does it matter if I have a rematch anyway...?" Cloud asked, he never anticipated on having a rematch. He was happy with his life right now. He had Tifa!

"Rules are rules and Aerith makes the rules." said Reno. "Besides, just forfeit the match then Rufus can have a crack at him."

"Why?" Cloud snapped. "Does Rufus have some pressing engagement or is his little lackeys forced to come here by their masters orders."

Reno did not like Cloud's tone or his comment.

"I'm sorry you have all the time in the world," Reno breathed, his fist clenching tightly. Rude cleared his throat but Reno ignored him and continued taking, "But Rufus doesn't have long to live so if you are done being a little bitch, stop wasting his time."

That was it. Rufus Shinra was dying. Confined to a wheelchair and covered in what looked like bruises, the president was ill. Yet, if he was dying then why would he be so concerned about a stupid game? As if he he could read his mind Reno opened his mouth to answer despite Rude's warning noises.

"You don't know do you?" he said.

"Apparently I don't know a thing," Cloud said. "What is going on, seriously. Ever since I got here I've been wrapped up in this stupid game and now when I think my life is going to be okay I feel as if everything is upside down!"

Reno poured more coffee into his cup and looked at Rude, offering him a fill up. Holding out his cup, Reno filled it up.

"What is going on here," Cloud demanded.

"We can't..." Rude began.

"Or else I wait until your president is dead until I have a rematch with Zack!" Cloud threatened.

Reno and Rude looked at one another. Rude sighed and his behind his coffee cup, drinking deeply. Reno took a long drink, draining the entire contents and then placed his cup down.

"Cloud," Reno said calmly.

"What?"

"Haven't you ever asked Aerith about the games? Asked her what this was all about?"

"She never told me!"

"That's not what I asked," Reno snapped. "I said, Have you asked Aerith about the games?"

Cloud fumed, "Of course I have!"

Reno turned to him, his face serious. "Did you? Because Aerith follows her rules. If you ever asked her any question she would answer them honestly. She only answers the victors questions."

"How do you know that?" Cloud asked.

"I work for a former victor."

Realization hit Cloud. Aerith had once been in possession of Rufus Shinra. No wonder they had been on friendlier terms when he fought him. Then he remembered something that Rufus said.

He remembered Rufus, back in his wheelchair as he and Aerith entered the lobby. He had dismissed him from the building on the threat of being escorted out. Before he left Cloud had asked him why he was fighting for Aerith when it should have been his life he should be fighting for. Rufus merely turned his head and simply answered he was fighting for his life.

Cloud looked back at Reno and asked, "What does Rufus want with Aerith? Why don't you or Rude want to possess her?"

Reno looked away and then said, "Because those who participate in the games have a reason, whether they know it or not."

"Aerith said that but what does it mean?"

"Rude and I, we're happy as we are. That is why we don't fight why we don't need to fight. Barret, Cid, Yuffie, Vincent, Kadaj, and Rufus all have reasons. The question is, Cloud, what is your reason for being here?"

"I don't have one!"

"Then figure it out. Everyone you fought has come here to fight for a reason."

Cloud rubbed his temples. "Alright so what's the point?"

"Didn't you ask Aerith?" Rude asked.

Cloud looked down. No, he never did ask Aerith. Maybe he thought of the questions but he never actually got to ask them. Regardless, he was annoyed how these two danced around his questions.

"Alright so if you don't want to answer my questions I'll ask you president myself!"

"He doesn't have time to talk," Reno snapped. "Even if he wanted to."

"Who else was a victor that I can ask?"

"Kadaj," Rude said.

Cloud mentally swore every obscene word he knew. If he even tried to talk to Kadaj he was sure he would stab in him the second the two caught each others eye.

"Then who was the victor before Kadaj?"

"Rufus," Reno and Rude said in union.

"Who did Rufus beat?" Cloud said, with frustration building.

The two Turks looked one another. "Genesis," Rude said finally.

"Good, where can I find him?"

"In a grave," Reno answered. "Your not too bright are you? If he was alive he would have fought you. Probably wouldn't have lost against Rufus if he was."

"Wait he died?" Cloud asked, "During the games?"

Reno nodded and fixed himself another cup of coffee. "Rufus entered the games right before he could become the true victor. By then he was to weak and Rufus won by default. Just collapsed in the middle dead. Died from a degeneration disease."

"So why did he fight instead of going to a doctor?" Cloud exasperated. Both this Genesis and Rufus Shinra were sounding like idiots.

"The disease was incurable," Rude said before adding, "just like the disease claiming President Shinra, although a different disease."

Cloud felt shocked. Suddenly, things seemed to make sense. Rufus was going to die so that was his reason for entering the games. He had nothing to lose and that meant everyone he fought did to. That was why Barret had cried and Cid became so defensive. That was why Vincent wanted to die and Yuffie was so angry. None of them a been a victor so Aerith must not have know why they wanted her and Kadaj... Kadaj probably did not want to tell Aerith anything because of how he treated her. Yet, one thing did not make sense. What did they want with Aerith?

"What about Aerith?" Cloud asked. "What does everyone want her for? Is everyone dying?"

The red headed Turk looked annoyed, "Are you dying?"

Cloud shook his head in embarrassment. He turned to leave, leaving money on the counter. He wanted to get out of here. Reno and Rude have given him too much to think about and much more confusing answers than not knowing at all. As he reached the door he heard Reno call his name out. Hesitantly, Cloud stopped and turned to see him now cutting into his food.

"Remember, you have a reason for being here, being in this game. Just because you don't know it doesn't mean Aerith doesn't."

Cloud left without a word. That was impossible. How could Aerith know his reasoning if he did not know it. Then should she have known everyone's secret? Cloud got on his bike and rode off wishing to clear his head fully this time. That way when he got back to his apartment he can act normal toward Tifa.

Cloud frowned. She must be so worried about him. The guilt tugged at his heartstrings, sending a painful sensation deep within him. As he drove his eyes caught something red darting past him. He snapped his head to the direction he saw the red had moved and his eyes widened and pupils shrank. The red beast from his dreams was staring at him with it's only good eye. Suddenly Cloud felt his entire body ripple in pain as he was flung forward and off his bike. He rolled across the ground only stopped when he hit a brick wall.

Cloud moaned, his eyes opened and everything he saw was in multiples and spinning in circles. The last thing he saw before he blacked out was the red beast looking at him, his eye glaring.

Cloud awoke in a field of red flowers. The sound of a person crying hysterically echoed all around him. Cloud did not hesitate and followed the sound. He saw the person crouched over as the sobbed, grabbing their head. Watching for a minute, he looked to his side and saw the red beast before him.

"What do you want me to remember?" Cloud asked.

"The reason you participate in these games." it replied, sitting down next to him.

"I never wanted to," Cloud said.

"Your heart did," he continued. "You participated because we knew you would protect Aerith because you could not protect the one you buried inside your heart."

"We?" Cloud asked.

"We are the spirits of the planet. We were the ones who started this game because Aerith herself has secrets buried within her heart. Secrets she begged us to save us from."

The sobbing continued and Cloud continued to stare at the person who he undoubtedly knew was himself.

"So you created this game?" Cloud asked.

"No, the game is Aerith's we only bring her the participants. Ones who would fight to win because they had nothing to lose."

Cloud looked at himself, seeing his deranged form tugging at his hair clutching the ribbon with bloodied hands. He looked down at his own hands and realized he had already lost everything. How clearer it seemed now.

"So," Cloud began. "Aerith gives everyone what they want because she needed to be protected?"

The creature nodded.

"How does she know what I want?"

"Did you not tell her that you needed to protect someone else?"

Cloud felt his heart clench. Tears falling from his eyes as he stared at himself.

The beast looked up at Cloud, "Do you remember now?"

Cloud closed his eyes and he could see it all. He could see everything his mind had forgotten but his heart would always remember. Opening his eyes, he nodded. He left the beasts side and walked over to the other him.

Once at his side, his deranged form looked up at him. He looked so pathetic, so wretched, so unlike how he was now that he forgot that this was once him. He had once fell to the ground with blood on his hands and wanted to rip out his hair because he could not comprehend why. Therefore, he made up his own stories to protect himself to free himself from his inability to except the fact that life was undeniably unfair and cruel.

He sank to his knees in front of himself. The hysterical Cloud sniffed and held out the ribbon, Aerith's ribbon because now he had begun to run away from everything to live in his fantasy. No, he could not run anymore. It was time he faced the truth, regardless of how much it hurt.

Cloud opened his arms and hugged himself. The sobbing Cloud stopped, relaxed in his own arms and then hugged himself. In flurry of petals, Cloud watched as his counterpart dissolved, a smile on his lips. He looked back to find the red beast had also vanished. Cloud stood as he watched a tornado of petals spin and in front of him a sword burst from the ground.

The sword looked like the sword Aerith had given him. No, this was not Zack's sword. It was thinner, not as big and bulky, more precise and perfect for him. It was crafted for him. This was meant to be his weapon in the game. Cloud reached out and grabbed the handle and pulled the sword out of the ground.

Cloud's eyes flashed open and he found himself still lying on the ground. He could hear his motorcycle still running somewhere near him. He blinked a few more times when he realized his hand was clamped tightly around something. He turned his head and saw the sword in his hand.

After a minute of staring at the sword, Cloud picked himself up. He knew what he had to do now. No more running away. No more pretending. Cloud strapped the sword to his back and lifted his motorcycle off the ground. He got on it and after a moment, he revved the engine and he flew through the streets.

X, X, X,

Author Note- Unedited version. Hope you enjoyed this chapter. Only a few more to go.