So, here's chapter 2. Oh manz.

I hope it's good, I'm still nervous about this story, haha.

I've added some Disney elements into this. Woot! I'll let you all read to find out what. :D

I'm really tired, it's almost 3 in the morning, haha. And I have a test today... at 1.... ffffuuuu

Oh summer college classes.

Anyway, enjoy the story! I hope everyone likes chapter 2, please review and stuffz :F

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"Chocobo head last night went back to the hill," Yuffie began in a sudden out burst with Cid and Squall seated at the table. Neither of them listened as she flapped her gums more. She flared her nose as she continued, "Well, I think it's a loud of crap we have to let him take up an entire room at this tiny ass hotel when someone else can easily afford to take his place. I mean, seriously, Sora spends more time here than he does nowadays and he shares the room with that oversize quack and his goofy…well… Goofy."

Cid finished swallowing his food and shook his spoon at Yuffie, "Damnit child, just leave the damn man alone! I'd join him up there too to get some damn peace and quite from you. And why you hangin' around us old men anyway? Go play dolls with kids your own age." Squall remained silent as he finished eating his last bit of toast with a fried egg on top.

Yuffie scowled, "DOLLS?! Are you joking? I'm the Great NINJA Yuffie, not the 'Great lameloserwhoplayswithdolls." She took a bit of her cereal and continued her tirade, spitting milky debris onto Squall's plate.

"At least you have ONE thing right, you guys are old farts. I need my age back, I'm going to find Sora. Later-gator-fat-potators!" Leaving her dirty bowl and spoon behind, she leapt from her seat and ran outside the dining area and into town.

Squall stared at the mess she left and side while Cid cursed under his breath. "Damn child needs some fucking manners." Squall, already exhausted from the morning, headed back into his room silently and shut the door behind him. Cid huffed and leaned back into chair, chewing at the end of a straw that was placed in his morning water.

Outside, the weather seemed on the greyer side, the sun unable to poke its head out of any hole in the overcast. Yuffie sighed, thinking of the irony of Cloud's angst and the weathers response to it.

"Jeez, what can we do to get a little sunshine around here?" she pouted, kicking a pebble off the curb and into the streets of Traverse Town. Sulking around town, she finally squatted on a bench near a café near the edge of town. Yuffie sat with her elbows on her knees as she watched passerbys enter and exit the tiny restaurant. After a few glances around, a figure approached her and sat down next to her.

"The big guys keep telling me to leave you alone," Yuffie said, keeping her daze on the other pedestrians, "…Cloud."

A heavy sigh came from her brotherly figure. "Sorry," he said back, not really sure what else he should've said. Yuffie's face remained into her palms, but her eyes shifted upwards towards Cloud. After several quiet moments, Cloud spoke again.

"I've been thinking," he started.

"A dangerous pastime," Yuffie blurted out.

Cloud cocked his head, "What?"

"Never mind," she said, smirking to herself. "Continue oh thoughtful one."

Cloud took in a breath and kept talking, "Well, since last night, I've felt, I dunno, kinda different."

"Meaning…" she pushed.

"Meaning, I think I want to go traveling," he finished hesitantly.

Yuffie took her elbows off her knees and sat up straighter and look more intensely at Cloud. "Like, where, Cloud?"

He sat quietly for a second, looking downward. "I don't know, really. Just explore the different worlds. See what I can see. Maybe, I dunno, I'll find something along the way…"

"You mean, her," Yuffie implied.

"Yes and no," Cloud said back. He sat back up and looked at Yuffie, "I want to stop being all cooped up here doing nothing, waiting for life to happen again. And, yesterday, you brought me some hope she may be still out there… So why should I keep waiting?"

Yuffie blushed a little and turned her face away. Though Cloud may seem like an older brother, a very attractive and dopey, love-sick, at times Yuffie finds herself waking up in the middle of the night shaking her going "Ew, it's Cloud!" kind of older brother.

"Ugh, Cloud, sometimes you really know how to make a girl gag," she spat out to protect her embarrassment. He let out a small smirk from the corner of his mouth and stood up.

"We should go beg Cid for a Gummi," he said, beginning to walk over to the shop Cid ran during the day when he wasn't fixing a ship or two.

Yuffie pounced up and gave Cloud a dirty look, "What do you mean, we, Cloud?!"

He turned his body facing Yuffie and kept the smirk on his face, "Like you could resist an opportunity like this. Besides, Cid and Squall could use a break from you're annoying antics."

"HEY! Annoying?! Excuse me?!" She ran after him and tried hitting him, though Cloud easily dodged it the punch, landing Yuffie on her knees into the sidewalk. Bending down, Cloud reached his hand out to help her up.

"Seriously though, would you come with me?" he asked.

Yuffie blushed again. Curse raging hormones! "Yeah, yeah, whatever, bird brain. Help this poor damsel up so she can beat the crap out of you later." She latched her hand onto his arm and pulled herself up from the ground.

They meandered the streets until they reached a small shop selling battle accessories and space ship parts. A giant plane engine hung from the ceiling, suspended from thick cables. Yuffie always shuddered as she walked under it, thinking the end of her life will be from that engine falling on top of her, squishing her tiny body into the cement flooring.

"When are you going to move that stupid engine?" Yuffie spat.

"Never, not 'til it breaks squashes you and I'll never have to deal with you again," Cid snapped back, lighting a cigarette.

"Actually, Cid, that's why we've stopped by," Cloud said, not realizing the expression that came across both party's faces.

"What the hell, Cloud?!" Yuffie barked.

Cid's face twisted into a smile as he glances up to the ceiling engine… Or possibly to the heavens for granting his wishes.

Cloud hit his face into his hand, "I meant, Cid, we wanted to ask a favor for you." Yuffie still crossed her arms and pouted.

Cid looked back down and asked, "Whatcha need then, Spike?"

Cloud sighed at the nickname but said nothing. "Yuffie and I want to borrow a Gummi ship."

"Bahahaha! You think I'd let two amateurs like yourselves fly a complex machine like that? You must be bat shit insane."

Yuffie stomped her feet, "The only person here who's bat shit insane is you!"

"Watch you're language, pipsqueak," Cid barked at Yuffie.

"Cid," Cloud redirecting the conversation, "You've let Sora and the others use yours… and you gave it to them. If the only reason you're not letting us use one is because of Yuffie, I would pilot it."

Cid huffed on his cigarette and blew out a ring of smoke. "I suppose, but Sora's actually got a job to do… What the hell would a couple of brats like you need it for?"

Cloud's eyes narrowed, "Don't forget, Cid, I helped you become the first man in space, I'm not a kid."

"Ha! A) Don't think going to space that time was a good thing. And B) you are still a kid," Cid said laughing at Cloud.

"I'm twenty-one, which is old enough to beat you're old ass, Cid," Cloud snapped back, slamming his hand on the counter, causing some of the instruments to clatter.

Cid, scratched his chin, "Alright, alright, brats, I'll let you borrow one. But, if you as so leave a dent or a scratch---"

Before he could finish Cloud snatched the keys behind the counter and Yuffie threw her skinny arms around Cid's neck, knocking some goods off the self and bolted out the door.

Cid stood alone and in shock, his cigarette slowly burning away without his help. Eyeing his shop being left a mess, he placed the items back onto the selves and counters before asking himself "Is thirty-five old already?"

*

Making their way out of the forest, Iori and Aerith emerged to the edge of a busy town, full of small brick buildings. They stood high up on a hill, overlooking the entire area. From their view, Iori and Aerith could see a river surrounding the innermost part of the town with a towering building shadowing the rest of the city.

"It's beautiful…" Aerith said quietly, her eyes traveling to each street and studying the city's layout.

"It's where we're staying for a while, or at least you feel you've gotten a hold of yourself," Iori said, placing one hand to his hip.

Aerith looked at him with confusion. "A hold on myself?" Her tone was gentle.

Iori nodded. "Yes, you're body still needs time to recover." He looked at her from the corner of his eye and smirked. "You were dead, you know."

"Oh…right," she responded, running her hand behind her ear and tightening the robe around her body. Iori saw her discomfort with only wearing his cloak.

"I want you to wait here. I'm going to bring you some clothes for you to change into," Iori offered as he began to trail off towards the city.

"Wait!" Aerith begged. Iori turned and looked up at her. She seemed nervous to be all alone while the only person she thought she could trust would leave her all by herself.

A smile came across his face. "Don't worry, I won't be long, I swear," he yelled to her. He turned again and vanished into the city.

Aerith stood at the edge of the hill and watched her companion leave her behind. When he left her sight, she back up to the forest's edge and sat herself below a large tree that stretched high into the sky. She heard rustling up above her amongst the foliage but brushed it off as a small animal or the wind. A moment later, the rushing became louder. Aerith felt the fear of being alone creeping up on her quickly as her eyes shifted back and forth, looking for her predator.

However, she didn't have to look long when the rushing became yelling of a young man, crashing down from the treetops. Aerith began screaming too, not knowing who or what came down at her. She covered her face in her hands while yelling "Please, don't hurt me!"

The unknown figure rolled on his side and sat up, a sad expression coming across his face. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to frighten you! I mean, I know I'm a monster, but I mean no harm!"

Aerith stopped screaming and opened gaps between her fingers to peer at the figure before her. Monstrous he may have looked to some, but she let down her hands from her face and tightened her robe. She studied his contorted body quietly. She first noticed the giant hump on has back and his ape-like arm dangling on his side. Her eyes followed back up to his face, were she noticed the large bump was over his left eye and his face misshapen. Pity came over her as she tried to smile back at the man in front of her.

"It wasn't you that frightened me, just the fall of you I suppose," she said, trying to change the mood of the situation.

The young being seemed shock at her response and responded bluntly, "You mean… You're not going to hit or throw something at me?"

Aerith's mouth dropped. "Never! Why would I do such a thing?"

"Well, everyone else does, so I figured, well, maybe…" he said back, trying to come up with an excuse.

Aerith gave him a sad look and clutched her robe with one hand and placed her free one on his. "Not today, friend," she smiled at him.

He let out a toothy grin back, his teeth just as mixed up as the rest of his body. "W-wow," he stuttered, "You're one of the only people to call me that. Thank you." His face was eager to keep talking to the mysterious girl. "What is you're name?"

"Aerith," she said back, pulling her hand back to her robes. "What about you?'

He blushed slightly and fidgeted with his shoes, "I-I'm Quasimodo."

"It's very nice to meet you, Quasimodo." She was calm and sweet. Quasi liked her already and they continued to converse with each other.

"S-so, what are you doing at the edge of the forest?" he asked, continuing to fidget.

"Well, I'm waiting for my friend. He said he'd be back soon. I really hope he comes soon. I don't like waiting by myself…Or, not anymore that I have you!" Aerith said giggling.

Quasi let out a nervous laugh and asked, "The tall red-haired man, right?"

Aerith gasped for a second and asked back, "How do you know?"

He let out another nervous laugh and responded, "Well, I was in a tree up there." Aerith's expression changed and realized he could see anything from his place up in the trees. She laughed out loud again. Quasimodo, burning with more questions spewed out another. "Is he you're lover?"

She nearly choked and coughed a few times. "Oh, dear, no! Haha, no, no, he's just a friend… Or just companion. Not quite sure, I just met him back in the forest…"

"Oh!" Quasi sounded a bit more optimistic. "I've seen him before. He sometimes comes to visit town. He knows a friend of mine."

Aerith listened attentively, assuming now her new acquaintance knew more about the mysterious Iori. "What do you know about him?"

"Not much," he answered, "he only wanders around at night. But, now I'm not so sure, since he went into the city in the daylight. See, he often goes to the gypsies' underground hideaway, the Court of Miracles. He meets with someone I know, a very kind women who's showed me so much kindness."

"She sounds wonderful," Aerith commented, understanding how much torment he must have gone through in his life.

"O-oh, she is!" he began to boast, "she's really great. But, she also sees him. The red-haired man. They call him Hell's Child at the church. He's not allowed near there. He's an abomination."

Such accusations began to bother Aerith. "Who told you such stories?"

Quasimodo hesitated, but answered, "My master, Frolo. He took me in as his own son. He is very kind, too."

Aerith felt bad about quickly snapping at Quasi, but she didn't believe Iori was bad… although he came out and said himself he was an evil force at one time. Maybe they had the right to say such things. She was confused and wasn't sure what to think of him.

"Quasi," she began to ask, "What do you think he is? The red-haired man?'

He thought for a second. No one asked him his opinion, it usually never mattered. "Well… I suppose I don't really know. I've never met him myself. But, if the rumors are true, I'm not sure if I want to meet a demon."

"Someone say demon," a deep voice came from nothing. The tall brutish figure came climbing up the hill with a female companion with long, dark wavy hair tied back with a purple headpiece.

"Esmeralda! " Quasi yelled out in joy.
"Quasi, my friend!" she yelled back. They hurried to each other and embraced in a tight hug. "This is Iori, the man I've told you about. He's here with… Oh, I've taken it you've met then?"

"Yes, Esmeralda, this is Aerith, I found her all alone here," he kept talking with excitement.

Esmeralda's face became serious as she looked to Iori. "You left this poor girl all alone. And unclothed! Iori!"

Quasi immediately blushed and covered his eyes. "I'm so sorry, if I'd known!"

Iori's anger stretched across and yelled back at Esmeralda, "Oh, you'd rather her be caught in the streets and felt up by grotesque peasant folk?!"

"At least she would have a big AND strong man like you, RIGHT!" Esmeralda screamed.

Aerith waved her hands at the crowd. "Please, everyone," she tried saying, but was easily ignored. She looked at Quasimodo, who seemed to wallow in his own regret. "Iori, Es--- EVERYONE PLEASE!"

Everyone stopped bickering and turned to Aerith. She panted for a second then grabbed Iori's cloak around her tightly. "Please, it's not a problem… Quasimodo kept friendly company for me and we're all safe… So…" she said softly again, quickly regained her composure, "…may I please have some clothes…"

Esmeralda's expression changed just as fast as she grabbed a highly embroidered satchel and handed it to Aerith. 'Here, doll, everything you need is in there."

Aerith thanked her and ran off into the forest where no one could see her changed. Moments later, she emerged between two large tree trunks in a flowing yellow dress that fell down to her knees, the waistline high towards her chest. Grecian style sandals wrapped around her feet and bangles clanked on her wrists. She managed to tame her long hair by tying it back into a long braid, though some of it fell out and curled in front of her ears, along with her long bangs. Aerith held the satchel and cloak in her hands as she approached the group. The men gawked while Esmeralda just smirked.

"Here, thank you," she said sweetly giving Iori back his robe then after handing back Esmeralda the decorative bag.

"Don't worry, keep it, it goes nicely with the dress," She winked and crossed her arms.

Aerith seemed surprised and observed the material. The bag itself was a deep burgundy with various beads dangling off the edges. The embroidery was sewn in with gold thread that created an intricate swirled design.

"Are you sure?" Aerith asked, admiring the bag.

Esmeralda laughed and said, "I can see you don't want to part with it. Plus, I know friends who make a bunch of these in a day. Take it."

Aerith smiled and gave Esmeralda a tight hug, "Thank you to much!"

Iori stepped in and broke up the moment. "Not to be rude, but night fall is approaching, be best be making our way now.

"He's right," Quasi chimed in, "the guards will nearly double at night, we best hurry."

Aerith was the only one who seemed confused with the situation. "But, why must we hurry? If we just tell them that we're travelers looking for a place to stay, what's so dangerous?"

"Dealing with the gypsies is a huge crime," Esmeralda explained, "They'll take me in and take you all for traitors or gypsies yourselves."

Aerith still had a look of puzzlement on her face.

Iori hit his head to his palms. "Aerith, gypsies are considered fowl people, or less than that. You don't want to be caught dealing with them."

"But, why are we then---"

"Are you really that ignorant?!" Iori yelled. Aerith shut herself up quickly and bowed her head low.

Esmeralda glared at Iori then put her hand on Aerith's shoulder. "It's not you're fault. Look, gypsies are considered thieves and temptresses to the richer folk. But, as you've seen here, we give to those in need and refuse to let anyone walk on us. The rich don't like that, so they arrest us and kill us. So, we have our hideaway---"

"The Court of Miracles!" Quasimodo yelled out excitedly.

Esmeralda put a finger to her lips, making Quasi grabbed his mouth. "Hush, my friend, we may not know who's listening." He just nodded and places his hands back to his side.

Iori spoke up, placing his cloak back to his shoulders and whipping his hair out from under it and letting it settle down his back. "Shall we then?" The group of four then journeyed to the city as the sun began to set, painting the sky with a bright display of reds and golds.

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Characters (c) SQENIX, SNK and Disney.