CHAPTER TEN

Another World…?

You lie, silent there before me.


Your tears, they mean nothing to me,


The wind howling at the window,


The love you never gave,


I give to you,


Really don't deserve it,


But now, there's nothing you can do.


So sleep, in your only memory


Of me, my dearest mother...

- "Room of Angel" Silent Hill

I was dreaming again. It's easy to fall asleep when sitting in a van staring at the sky. Ever since the strange dreams that had been lulling me to sleep, it seemed like I was sleeping more and more. Part of me didn't mind. Another part was curious… why did sleep drag me away so often? After telling Crystal to follow the star no matter what, I left matters in her hands and slept.

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I was partially awake. I was partially asleep.

As my body shifted with the movements of the van, my sight shifted between the view of Kadaj and Jamie arguing playfully ahead of me, to the dark realm of my dreams where reality glittered and glistened and the only sound was my heartbeat, thump, thump, thump. Laughter echoed in my ears, but my heart was steadily cutting through it as in my dreams I steadily moved forward, and in reality Sephiroth's hand lightly caressed my hair.

I tried to settle into the dream. Zack was there, of course. I thought maybe, today I will sleep a lot, and Zack and I can have a true conversation. That was my hope.

So, I forced my body into true sleep, and the laughter melted away as the sunlight streaming through the windshield faded. I was in darkness, surrounded by darkness, echoing through my veins the sound of thump, thump, thump.

With a childish grin I laughed and ran up to Zack who was standing by the ledge, kicking invisible rocks. He looked bored, or maybe he was waiting for someone.

"Zack" I called. His face lighted up, and he looked around, happily setting his eyes on me.

"Hey, Sammy! Took you long enough! I've been trying to contact you for ever!" I glowered playfully.

"Well, it would be a lot easier to talk to you if you weren't some ghost who floats through my consciousness from time to time." I corrected slyly. Zack shrugged with a "what can you do" kind of face. What a lame excuse.

"It's not my fault I'm dead. I died to save a life, all right?"

"Whose?" I asked. Then my eyes lit up. "Oh yeah, Cloud."

Zack became very sheepish suddenly. I gave him a look, and he tried to look away, seemingly innocent. Curious, I moved back into his line of sight, and he sighed tiredly.

"What?" He sarcastically groaned, collapsing onto the floor.

"What was that look?" Zack looked up to me with a helpless face, but with a sigh, he caved.

"There's… more to the story."

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Yeah, I died for Cloud… the first time. But that isn't how I ended up here.

You know how Sephiroth and the others got their second chance? Well, I got one too. We all get one… well… certain ones of us.

In my world, when people die, they become part of the Lifestream. But people like me and Sephiroth can't be accepted into the Lifestream. I don't know why, so don't ask me. Instead of becoming part of the planet we end up here.

But I digress.

So, I got my second chance.

"Go long!"

The little girl gasped at the ball, grinning widely as it flew over her head with the wind. Tumbling to the earth, it bounced over rocks and stones, towards the empty street.

The town was a bit lively for a town. It was Sunday, and the close friends of the town were out and about in the crowded market area. Mist floated through that early morning, but few cars passed, so the child safely wandered onto the street to retrieve the football.

"Sis, over here!"

The young Sam giggled and turned to see a young Jamie waving to her, grinning madly. "That was great! That one was really far!" Rolling her eyes at her brother, Sam held tight to the ball.

"Don't throw it like that, okay!" She chided. "I can't run that fast!"

"So? You can chase it!"

By the front door of the post office, Jamie and Sam's mother chuckled at their childish behavior and began walking towards them.

"You chase it!"

"I will when you throw it that hard!"

Huffing, the girl threw the ball at the ground and crossed her arms, turning from her brother. Jamie pouted, huffing. "Fine, be a baby!"

Sam turned to him and stuck his tongue out. The two began arguing again as their mother began to walk across the street towards them.

Two dim lights cut through the morning fog. No one really saw them, so nothing changed. The children continued arguing, as Sam lifted the ball and threw it at her brother's head. The lights came closer.

A huge metal monster with bright, blinding eyes erupted from the fog; a Ford truck.

"SAMANTHA!"

I saw you.

The mother's face contorted in fear as she leapt into the street, ready to sacrifice her life for her child's. She shoved through the crowd, screaming, tears pouring down her face.

Jamie's eyes grew wide as he slowly realized what was happening to his sister. With an angry, fearful roar he began running down the hill towards the street.

It seemed like a millennia passed as Sam turned and saw the enormous Ford headed straight towards her. She could only hear the blaring horn erupting from it, only see the blinding lights. Everything was fading away slowly.

I was there.

In the street, the mother realized the hopelessness of her situation and continued trying desperately to push through the crowd.

The girl gawked at the truck.

In the corner of her vision, something dark came towards her. Slowly, it leapt ahead, until two thing wrapped around her waist. If she'd not been out of it, she'd of realized a pair of arms had enveloped her.

I know your mom told you an angel saved you. When I grabbed you, my soul escaped from my body with you wrapped safely in it. That was the only way I could save you, the truck was too close. My body got left behind.

I set you in your mother's arms, and she must've mistaken the sound of my soul leaving my body for the sound of wings beating. They sound alike.

Everyone gasped at the scene before them. The truck skidded off the street into the park, injuring a man and almost hitting Jamie.

In the street, a mother sobbed, cradling her sleeping child.

In the street, a man lay dead.

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"You… saved me?" I gulped, flushing and embarrassed. "I mean, I've always known you saved me but I…"

Zack smiled sheepishly.

"Well, I could've used some of my awesome SOLDIER skillz, but I didn't because I thought the people would freak. My bad" He tried to joke.

I fell to me knees.

"Uh, Sam? Come on; don't give up on me now." Another nervous chuckle.

"Oh, Zack, I can't believe it." I whispered. "You died for me, and…"

I looked up at him, in the eyes. I'd never done that before; always I would try to dig deep into Sephiroth's eyes, but I'd never looked at Zack. Maybe I was afraid.

Sephiroth's eyes dove deep into the soul, ripping apart barriers and tearing away at secrets. They were sharp and strong, demanding and sometimes bitter. If Sephiroth was one side of the spectrum, Zack was way on the other side.

They were opposites; Zack's deep eyes were dark colored, yet soft and sweet, strong yet gentle and soothing. It was like being caressed by the ocean waves, powerful and beautiful, and calming too. When they are angered though, they rip the earth apart.

I must admit I saw a handsome man, who maybe I would've gone to if Sephiroth had never come into my care. With a sigh, I gave Zack a tight hug around his waist, unable to convey my gratitude and my guilt.

Zack gave me a little peck on the forehead.

"I think you need to wake up"

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Groggily, I rubbed my eyes, gazing back and forth at my surroundings. The van was parked and empty and I was sprawled across the back seat.

Outside, the sun was slowly rising above the horizon, but it was still dark and serene.

Yawning with a wide stretch, I stood and walked out of the van. My hair was a crazy mess; it kept jumping in front of my eyes.

The van was parked in front of a large, odd looking, antiquated house. It was homely, but perhaps a bit too homely; a sofa was on the front porch, old and stained, with a battered scarecrow stretched upon it. (Kakashi – sensei? Okay, authoress shutting up)

Sleepily, I waved to the strange looking thing and approached the door. It opened with a creak, and I clambered inside into the comfortable warmth.

Still I didn't see anyone. With a groan, I eyed my surroundings.

It was large, open, wooden, and woodsy, with knick knacks and strange things strewn about.

On the TV sat an old antique puppet and a blue lamp decorated with stars.

A huge quilt was draped over the banister.

A box of muffins was on the counter.

Discreetly, I eyed the muffins. They seemed to be calling my name… Sam… eat me! But that would be rude. I was starving, but I sure wasn't going to steal.

"Go ahead"

I practically leapt out of my skin. Spinning about, I watched a tall, handsome man saunter into the room.

What was it with handsome men somehow becoming associated with me in some way, nowadays? I must be that character in the story all the girls hate because she's so lucky. Hell, I hated myself right then. Do not drool over half dressed man; do not drool over half dressed man…

He was maybe thirty, with strong muscles and very little body hair. How did I know? No shirt. When he stretched, he had no armpit fur. It was good to know he wasn't French. Anyway, he wore baggy black pants and a good few scars dotted his body. One even went over his right eye, which seemed permanently closed. Black, messy hair kept me from seeing his other eye.

Flushing, I bowed by instinct. The man chuckled and waved it off.

"Go ahead" He repeated, collapsing onto the couch. "Your friends are asleep upstairs."

Curious, I did not move for a moment. I wondered who the man was, and why he lived in such a strange place. Was he alone? But I was plagued for only a moment; I dove into a muffin.

Sitting down on a small stool, I ate away, chewing absentmindedly and sleepily.

He seemed very out of place amongst the scarecrow on the porch and the suit of armor at the top of the stairs. I was curious why his house was like an antique store.

"Excuse me, but who are you?"

His eyes stayed closed and he did not acknowledge me, but he gave me an answer.

"Aaron"

With a thoughtful nod, I stood again. The sun was over the hills, and light streamed through the window behind me.

He did not ask my name. I knew he probably wouldn't. I would be leaving soon, so it did not matter to him.

As for me, I would be leaving soon, so I had to remember everyone. I wanted to remember the sea and the sky and the sun and how everything smelt and taste on Earth. I wanted to make memories, before my chance to have them here was gone.

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"Sister!"

A thunderous roar came from the top steps. It sounded like a small stampede had erupted from the second floor, rushing straight towards me.

Kadaj leapt over the banister, landed on the back of the sofa and flipped to me. At the same time, Loz jumped from the second floor and flitted over. The sane member of the trio used the stairs.

I was a bit surprised that Aaron didn't even move. But I supposed he was just very reserved; he reminded me of Cloud.

"Morning" I mumbled, chuckling at the brothers. As Yazoo stepped up, he rolled his eyes at his siblings.

"Where are we?" I mumbled.

"The Georgia South Carolina border." Aaron asked, sitting up.

Yazoo added, "We followed that star all night."

Kadaj ignored his brother and stared at Aaron. "Where the hell did he come from?"

"He lives here. At least, I think he does." I muttered shyly. Aaron gave me a look, but I looked away.

"Yes, I live here, with my friends."

"Where are they?" Loz murmured suspiciously.

"Sleeping"

I eyed the staircase. No more steps sounded; I supposed the others were still asleep.

"Where's Sephiroth?" Turning to Loz, I murmured to him quietly.

"Still asleep" Loz replied. "Stayed up all night watching you." Smiling reverently, I turned crimson.

"What room?"

"Last one on the right"

Swiftly, and silently, I leapt up the stairs two at a time and turned down the hall.

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Upstairs was a bit quaint, empty, and silent. The hallway had few decorations.

I turned the knob on the door and entered the last room on the right. It was quaint as well, but with an angelic presence within.

His silver hair was strewn wildly across the pillows, his arms spread, his legs half on the bed, half under the blankets. He seemed like such a child, besides the amazingly tone chest. Besides the first time I'd seen him, I'd never seen anything like it! Sure, Aaron was beautiful, but Sephiroth… at least, to me, he was above everyone else. Leaning against the doorframe shyly and reverently, I wondered if Sephiroth knew how I felt.

To my surprise, I did not turn from the sight with embarrassment or shame. Part of me was more… comfortable with the situation. I didn't mind so much because… I wanted to know him. I wanted to know his strengths and faults, his beauty and his ugliness. I would not be ashamed of knowing any part of him, though… I was still shy!

"Well, well! I woke up just in time!"

Jumping in shock, I spun around and collided with the door. Recoiling, I calmed and stepped out past the doorway to look at the stranger who was laughing at me.

The man who was blatantly laughing at me was surely one of Aaron's friends. He also wore no shirt, and had even more scars than Aaron. A large, strange looking black tattoo covered his scarred chest. Sandy brown hair covered his face messily, and his eyes were devious and cocky. He leaned towards me with a smug smirk and an arm on the doorframe.

"Hey, little lady. What're you doin here?" I stepped past the man and gently closed the door so we would not disturb Sephiroth. I didn't want to learn if Sephiroth was a morning person the hard way.

"My friends and I needed a place to rest. And I'm Sam, not lady."

The man gave a hearty laugh as he walked beside me towards the kitchen. I liked his laugh; it was strong and fatherly.

"The name's Jack" He told me, giving me his hand. I did not shake it; simply smiled and happily skipped down the stairs to my siblings at the kitchen counter, eating muffins. Jack shook his head and shrugged before coming down the stairs.

"Mornin, Aaron" The man waved with a grin. The way he spoke seemed to be an attempt to insult the man. Aaron sleepily picked up a sofa pillow and tossed it towards Jack, hard. The man dodged nimbly and the pillow smashed into the suit of armor at the top of the stairs.

Loz ducked under the kitchen counter when the knight's spear flew by him. Impaling the refrigerator door, it gave a metallic twang and cracked. Jack yawned and opened the fridge, which forced Yazoo to jump out of the way of the spear.

"What's with the decorations?" Loz muttered as he stood from under the counter.

Jack opened the milk jug and chugged some of it, which made me decide to think twice before taking anything out of the fridge. Only after that did he bother to remove the spear from the fridge and toss it out the open window.

"Our friend has a strange taste in collectibles." Aaron commented as he sat up and turned on the TV.

"Where is Brian, anyway?" Jack muttered as he collapsed onto the antique floral sofa with the strange lace.

"Asleep" Aaron spoke as he flipped channels.

"Is he the last member of your group?" I asked. Their response was an uninterested grunt.

Jack, Aaron, and Brian; such a strange group, and I hadn't even met the third member yet.

"Where are Crystal and Jamie?" I asked, walking towards the stairs.

Kadaj answered. "The second room on the right."

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The door Kadaj spoke of was a dark black with red roses decorating the wood. It was old and cracked, so I tapped on the door very gently. No one came to the door, so I let myself in.

Both of them were already awake and sitting up, talking away.

"Hey, sis!" Jamie greeted. "So, what's the plan?" He immediately talked business.

"You mean the big plan?" I began. Jamie nodded vigorously, and Crystal seemed to agree.

With a sleepy yawn, I collapsed onto the bed.

"According to Zack, we need to keep following that star until we get to Gaia."

Both Jamie and Crystal's eyes jumped out of their sockets, and they gawked.

"Zack?" Crystal's face split into a wide grin. "As in Cloud's Zack?"

"The Zack Fair?" Jami added, about to burst. "Zack Fair, with that fine behind?"

It was my and Crystal's turn to gawk at Jamie. He shrugged innocently. "What?"

With a haggard groan, I shook my head. "I don't know… He's just a friend of mine."

"Zack Fair is that dark haired ghost guy from the movie! Cloud's friend, the one that died!" Crystal began ranting and raving, trying to get me to understand.

"You know, he died to save Cloud" added Jamie.

Slowly it began to sink in. Why I hadn't put two and two together, I didn't know. Or maybe I did, and somehow it came out to be five. Either way, I was an idiot. Zack had even thought talked about it. He really did look like the ghost from the movie…

"Wow" I chuckled. "I am a slow one"

"Yeah!" Both my sister and my friend cheered at once.

"Is he alive?" Crystal begged. "Can we see him?"

"Can I touch his ass?" Jamie pleaded with me.

Solemnly, I shook my head. "He's not alive; he's this ghost… an angel that comes to visit me in my dreams. I wish you guys could see him, but I think my dreams are the only place…"

I began to slow down. There was a shadow at the door. Someone I knew who stood on the other side, listening, stoic and silent. The shadow moved on.

I remembered Zack when he and I first made our deal. He asked me to take care of his friend. So, he and Sephiroth were friends?

"Hey, guys?" I began. "Did Sephiroth and Zack know each other?"

"Did they ever!" Jamie joked.

"They were like war buddies in SOLDIER." Crystal told me. The two looked to each other, then back to me.

"Okay, so we told you the major part of the story" Jamie began.

"Now, let's give you the details"

I wasn't sure I would like this.

If you love someone, put their name in a circle, instead of a heart.

Hearts can break, but circles go on forever.

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