A/N three weeks audience. My god it has been a long time, but i finally have everything sorted through and should be able to upload normally for a while before i have to go through college processes. I feel i passed all of my examines and i feel a little better about this chapter and next weeks as well.
I would like to thank all my subscribers that have waited patiently or not for this, and i hope i don't disappoint.
since today is to good a day to sully with heavy handed words, here is ch 37 of the Stranger from the sky.
Ch 37
The feeling of the air rushing past her was exhilarating. She guessed Cid must have the same feeling all the time on his ship. It was hard to enjoy it though with the thought of throwing up running through her head every couple of minutes. She had done the things Nate had taught her to make sure she wasn't sick, but it just didn't work as well as it used to, making it very hard to admire the Highwind. The airship was amazing; it was the most technological thing she had run across yet. She cursed at her motion sickness, and had decided to look around the rest of the ship to keep her distracted.
The ship was big, it had enough room to give the whole team individual rooms, it had its own chocobo stable, operation room, and the bridge even had a huge window for everyone to see what was happening.
When she had gone up to the bridge she was brought up to speed having spent her time on the deck and almost cried in front of everyone after hearing about the possibility of Nathan still being alive. However she held that in and just showed how happy she was. She felt better at the knowledge, seeing him fall just so she wouldn't die with him was the kindest thing anyone had done for her. In fact, he was the only one on the team that really made her feel special. Even when she would snatch his materia he would be nice and not yell at her. He even borrowed the whole team's materia just to help her fight her father over something that had nothing to do with stopping Shinra. He was really the only person to have treated her like that, and knowing he wasn't gone; she couldn't describe how happy she was.
But she was confused at how they knew where to find him. Apparently everyone else was when they said that Nate told Nanaki to tell them where Cloud would end up, and they assumed that's where Nate would be.
Yuffie slowly remembered his words. Him yelling at her to talk to Nanaki, how he would know what to do. Now he tells everyone where Cloud is and with Aeris's word, Nathan as well? Yuffie was happy; she couldn't help but question how that he would know.
"How would Nathan know where Cloud would end up?" She asked out loud. Everyone looked at her before thinking hard themselves.
"Yeah, how would he know?" Tifa asked. She looked at Nanaki who was lying down, keeping an eye on everyone.
"It's very hard to explain. But he did say there would come a point he would have to and I would help," He said.
"Explain what?" Vincent asked, uncharacteristically curious.
"I believe he would rather explain for himself... just don't dismiss him if what he says makes you angry." Nanaki closed his eye.
"What would he say to do that?" Cait asked, the group shook their heads.
"I really don't care, we're going to be at the island shortly and we get to see two familiar faces. Normal people would kill for that chance. Let's count ourselves lucky that we can." Cid said.
"Normal people?" Barret asked.
"Yeah, I sure as hell know we aren't normal. Look at us, this has to be one of the most rag tag combinations ever imagined, hell we even have a talking animal that's smarter than the rest of us. Point is I like that kid, and I guess Cloud's an okay guy. We can ask what's going on when we land soon."
"We're there?" Tifa asked. Cid nodded.
"The village isn't too far a walk. I just need to find some grassland. I don't want my baby ruined because of a bunch of trees."
"Okay guys, we get off this hunk of junk soon, get ready."
"What are you calling a hunk a junk you bullets for fingers?" Cid yelled at Barret. The rest of the group had dispersed to get their equipment. It felt just a little weird to Yuffie. She had been carrying everything on her for the past few years. She didn't get out of the habit when they had permanent rooms; she still had all of her things with her.
"Do you think they're really here?" She asked Cid, deciding to stay while everyone else was gone.
"Absolutely, I got a gut feeling and Red pretty much confirmed it."
"But how would he? Why would Nate know how this went?" She asked.
"Yuffie let me tell you something. When I joined you all, why do you think I did it?" He asked. Yuffie had thought for a minute. Everyone had a reason to be on the team. Vincent and Cloud for revenge, Aeris to find out more with her race, Tifa and Barret wanted to keep the planet safe, Red wanted to see the world, Nate had told her he wanted to save somebody, and Cait wanted to be forgiven. She herself joined just to steal everyone's things right under their noses, but now she genuinely wanted to save the world. Cid really didn't have a reason. Revenge maybe since Shinra took his ships.
"Because Shinra took away all of your planes?" She asked. He just shrugged.
"That's a small part of it. I'm still pissed about that too. I made the Highwind and Tiny Bronco because I loved the rush of flying. That feeling of being weightless or being in the sky and seeing all of the other people on the ground. Point is I am an adventurous man. For years now I have sat on my ass waiting for Shinra to help my dream. When they came to take the Tiny Bronco I realized they were never going to help me." He took a long puff from his cigarette before throwing it away.
"Then you guys show up. Talking about killing a man literally made of legends, and taking down the single most powerful company in the entire world. I meant what I said; all of you are fucking insane thinking you have a chance at this. But I joined anyway because this sounded like the adventure I needed, the one I had been denied. Now I am flying my airship, looking for two friends I thought I lost, and we're about to continue this suicide mission. To be honest, I couldn't be happier." Cid finished his speech. Yuffie was amazed, Cid was a simple old man to her, and he proved that by saying he was happy going on a suicide mission.
"Don't give me that look. You're in this for adventure too, I can tell. Now get down to the deck, I'm about to land." Yuffie didn't argue and walked off. She felt a little happy seeing how Cid worked. The only way she could describe it was that Cid was insane; then again she admitted everyone on the team had their share of quirks. Why would he be any different?
The entire gang had disembarked the Highwind and were only a few minutes away from the village. She wondered what it looked like. Nathan said it was his home and that it was a hot springs village. She already had experienced ones on Da-Chao and knew they were very relaxing. Maybe she would take a dip to calm her nerves. She had almost developed a twitch when thinking about finding Nate.
"Wow... this place is slow," She said when she got to the front of the village. All of the buildings were made of wood, the people she could see in the town all looked old to her too. She only noted maybe a few that were less than thirty years old. It was full of middle aged people and only a few younger faces could be seen here and there.
"Nate grew up here? I can't imagine." Barret said.
"They are both supposed to be here. Aeris, can you tell?" Tifa asked, she wasn't sure whether her powers would work or not. They seemed sporadic and only appeared when she was in a place made by the Ancients or had tons of Mako.
"It's hard to tell. The Mako fountains around here make it hard to find them." Aeris answered; disappointed she couldn't give a specific answer. She had yet to fully explore her abilities and desperately wanted too, the powers of the Cetra could help the whole team beat Jenova and Sephiroth, even stop Meteor. But she had reservations about that. She had prayed at the temple and was even able to finish. Yet Meteor loomed in the sky. Her materia being what she always said it was good for, absolutely nothing.
"Let's look around town, we'll find something." Vincent said. The gang explored the village more. Tifa was leading when she saw a small grey dog sitting in the middle of the dirt.
"What's the matter? Are you all alone?" The dog looked up as she knelt down.
"You got lost didn't you? Separated from someone you love..." She felt a ping when she said those words. She had cared for Cloud immensely and wanted to protect him. "Silly thing," She finished, shaking her head.
"You know it's been about a week since those two showed up. I feel sorry for the poky headed young one."
"I know, when he washed up he was holding onto that big sword like his life depended on it. The whole thing seemed unlucky to me. But did you see both of their eyes? That weird blue and that scary dark brown..."
"What?" Tifa's head snapped towards the two men talking. Those descriptions were just too similar to be a coincidence; the rest of the gang had the same look in their eyes as her.
"Wait a minute! What did you just say!" She ran up to the two older looking males.
"Excuse me! Those young people you were talking about..." One of the men turned to her.
"Yeah... a villager found the blond one a little ways down the coast, and the doctor found the other at that large fountain up north. Must have been a week ago," He explained, the other man next to him let out a low whistle.
"Poor kids must have drifted from pretty far." Tifa was almost beaming, there was no way it couldn't be them.
"Guys they're here! It has to be Cloud and Nate!" She almost jumped up and down in excitement.
"Good job Tifa" Cid said, a smile beaming on his face.
"Are you sure?" Barret asked.
"Good... I was worried." Nanaki added. Next Yuffie went to the two men.
"Where are they? Are they safe? Where is Nate now?" She asked urgently.
"They are up there, at the clinic." Yuffie started sprinting towards the building. She had reached the door and entered when she saw a small hallway with a couple of doors.
"Excuse me?" She looked over to see a nurse. "Can I help you?"
"I'm looking for a friend. Dark brown hair, brown eyes, kind of aloof. He washed up with a blond haired man?" She asked. The nurse thought for a second before point down the hall.
"Second door on your right." She said, Yuffie didn't hear the rest of her words as she turned and went straight until she came upon the door and opened it. Seeing Nate inside with multiple bandages all over his body. He looked up confused before he smiled.
"Took you guys long enough."
I had been relaxing more during my stay in Mideel. Kunsel almost had to carry me back to the clinic when the pain from the battle finally caught back up to me. The doctor almost threw a fit seeing my new state of injury. But a few potions and two days rest had me back up to my older injury levels. I was confused when I didn't have the small natural healing factor Cloud had as a SOLDIER until the doctor explained that he had it from the multitude of other chemicals in his system from the SOLDIER process.
I was agitated at that. Having Mako in my system was useful, if not a little creepy when I think about it being recycled souls. But the only factor that it affected was my magic potential. My body was a little stronger yeah, but apparently only enough to make sure I didn't break down from the stuff in my system. When Kunsel heard of my condition he was flabbergasted at my Mako enhancements not coming from Shinra.
Speaking of Kunsel, the doctor was at ease around the guy. Then again he was the only one to be kind to the man. I would never have believed SOLDIER got so bad, however Kunsel told me the story. Since all three of SOLDIER's best had been defeated that meant Shinra had to find people to replace them. This included lower standards for recruitment and even letting Hojo have more leeway on his experimentation to increase strength. Basically, in four years SOLDIER was being filled with weaklings or cocky Firsts. During his explanation I asked why he never moved up, I knew very little about him since he was a very minor character so I decided to expand.
"I had heard one of my friends, Zack, the one I talked about earlier, was killed in action during an apparently classified mission. I didn't believe it and started snooping around. I had a knack for gathering information and found the mission wasn't even a high priority one; it was small enough a group of Thirds could have done it, yet they sent Zack and General Sephiroth to investigate. Over the last four years I would find just a little more that made his disappearance suspicious. In the process I was demoted, in fact I'm lucky to still be a Second class. I had heard Hojo had obtained test samples after the mission." He shuffled a bit before continuing.
"I got to thinking about how Shinra did a lot of shady things with Turks. So I started scavenging around their files. I got a little to close when I found information about two samples that were taken from the mission four years ago had escaped and only Turks were sent to capture them. They then said if I investigated further my record would basically be sent through hell. I've been stuck with minor duties ever since."
"And you think your friend Zack was one of these samples?" I asked, feigning interest. I knew he was, but saying so would make Kunsel suspect me.
"It was the only thing I could think of. I had thought of every possible way he could have lived and they weren't right. When I was ordered to stop searching through the escaped sample case I thought I hit the nail on the head. I even sent a text to his old phone number hoping he would answer. I have to see for myself if he really did die. He would never go down so easy." It's true; it took a good chunk of Shinra's army to finally kill him off. I'm surprised they were able to keep a battle so close to Midgar under wraps. Covering secrets is Shinra's forte after all.
I heard the door open and saw the good doctor walk in. "Alright, enough chit chat, he's due for his check up. But I do need you to go out and get some potions from the item shop to help speed up his progress as well as a few herbs from the forest." Kunsel nodded and left. The doctor waved his hand for me to come when he was out. I got up and walked into the same room Cloud was being held.
"Now it's nothing major, I just need to check your arm as well as the other scars on you." I nodded. The first time he had changed my bandages I saw what was left of Sephiroth's assault on my body. Multiple slash marks were covering my torso, the occasional stab wound would appear as well as a particularly bad and long looking gash on my chest. The lack of care during my drift through the Lifestream along with the exposure to Mako made sure I had a permanent reminder of what happened.
"Well you're healing, that's good. Your arm is taking well to the potions and should heal in about a week or so. Now I must check on your friend. I trust you can put the bandages back on yourself?" I nodded and took the gauze from him. Before I exited the door I started hearing a loud mechanical noise in the distance.
"What the blazes?" The doctor said as he looked out the clinic window. "An airship? What would one be here for?" He asked. I almost felt my heart leap in excitement. It had been about a week and a half but everyone was finally here.
"I think my rides finally here doc." I said. He looked back at me before shaking his head and pulling it back in the window.
"I'm sure you're going to be doing stupider things than the incident earlier. I can't condone that in your condition." I was about to argue before he interrupted me.
"No buts, you need to heal up. I can't in good conscience allow you to fight in your condition. Now go change your bandages. I'm sure your friends will understand." I nodded and left. It was probably for the best that I didn't get in anymore trouble, but this was basically the most crucial part of the game with the search for Huge materia. I can't remember where everyone got their information but it was too big a risk not to be around to steer everyone in the right direction.
It was a few days ago that I realized that and made my choice of telling everyone what I really was. Even with my new strength and everyone getting better over time, it might not be enough to defeat Sephiroth at his most powerful and stumbling upon every amazing weapon and piece of gear would make me explain myself during a bad situation.
I was on my bed now wrapping up my bad arm having already covered my stomach and parts of my torso. Thank god it was my left arm that was broken, being right handed and having that gone would have driven me crazy with the simplest things.
Suddenly my door flew open, looking up I couldn't contain the smile on my face from spreading. Standing there was Yuffie, with a completely blank look in her eyes.
"Took you guys long enough." The immediate response was Yuffie tackling me in my bed.
"You're alive!" She shouted while squeezing the life out of me. I laughed in pain.
"I missed you too." I said. She only increased the pressure around me before mumbling.
"Stupid."
"Wait what?"
"I called you stupid! Do you know how horrible it was to see you fall? And here you are sitting around like it was no big deal! You're horrible!" She nuzzled into my chest. I could feel the tears stain my bandages. I actually started to feel bad about being happy now. Yuffie last saw me fall to my supposed death. Looking like it never happened was not the appropriate response.
"I'm sorry." I hugged her back. "I didn't want you to fall too. I did what I thought was best. But for all that its worth, I'm so sorry." I felt her loosen her hold on me a little. I could hear small sobs but she covered them up well. After a minute she had calmed down and the others had shown up.
"Damn you look beat up." Barret said first, eying my bandages.
"Drifting through the Lifestream and getting your ass kicked by SOLDIERs will do that to you Barret."
"You actually drifted through the Lifestream and still conscious? That doesn't seem possible." Vincent said.
"I have... special circumstances that helped me." I said. It's funny to think being half insane saved what I had left of my mind.
"Nate, where's Cloud? Isn't he with you?" Tifa asked. I tried to keep the frown off my face but failed.
"One more door down to your left. Tifa... I want you to know Cloud wasn't as lucky as me." She stared at me for a full minute before walking to the next room. Most of the group followed her leaving me with Nanaki.
"Don't you want to see him; everyone else was worrying about him too." He looked away.
"You have a way of describing things. I would rather take your word than see him now." I nodded.
"I also... divulged you knew where Cloud would be." He said, surprising me. "I suspect you will be questioned soon enough." He looked down. I sighed.
"Don't worry; I had decided to tell them about myself around this time. Things are about to get hectic, and we all need full trust for what's ahead of us." He nodded. We both heard footsteps coming towards the door.
"That's... evil." Cid mumbled.
"I never knew the Lifestream could be so harmful." Aeris added.
"Poor lad," Cait said.
"Now now, we should all wait outside. Mr. River please come along." I got up and followed the group outside with Nanaki following.
"Doctor what about him... you know, Cloud?" Barret said. The doctor adjusted his glasses.
"I'll say it again. He's got Mako poisoning. I've never seen a case this bad. The immense amount of Mako drenched knowledge was put into his brain all at once. One other human has survived this, and it's a miracle even you did River."
"Falling into the Lifestream, washin up here." Barret looked down.
"Now remember, the light of hope can be found anywhere. IF Mr. River could survive this then you can hope your other friend will recover."
"Was Nathan... similar when he came up?" Yuffie asked, the doctor shook his head.
"He was actually worse off. He wasn't even conscious when I found him. His body looked like it was killing itself. But the next day he was on his feet trying to walk." The whole group stared at me, I felt uncomfortable under the attention.
"He didn't have Mako poisoning?" Cait asked.
"No, in fact it was remarkable what happened. The Mako went with his system almost naturally after he was recovered. He is the only case ever to have had this." Again, stares from everyone.
"That's impossible. No one can have that good a synchronization with Mako, not even the best of SOLDIER applicants." Cait said.
"Well he is the exception to that," The doctor said.
"I don't understand." Yuffie said. Before anyone could explain to her the clinic door opened to reveal Tifa.
"Hey... you okay?" Barret asked.
"Yes... I'm sorry I had you all worried... I have something I want to tell you all." Tifa walked back into the clinic. Slowly everyone followed until we were all crowded into Cloud's room. Tifa was staring straight at a wall; a far off look was in her eyes.
"I don't care about anything else... only Cloud." She turned back. Getting a full look at her I could now tell her eyes had a very dead feeling to them, as if she was hollow.
"I... want to be by his side..." She looked back at Cloud.
"Hang in there Tifa." Cid said.
"Yeah, this is probably best for the both of you," Barret added.
"I'm sorry everyone. At a time like this..." She didn't finish, she looked on the verge of tears.
"Don't worry Tiff; we'll stop by again at another time," Cait said, even his chipper tone now heavy and downtrodden.
"Take care now, and take care of Cloud too." Barret said. Tifa nodded.
"Right." Barret turned to leave but stopped and looked over his shoulder.
"Tifa... I'm sorry for asking but... is he really your childhood friend, and not Sephiroth's shadow?" Tifa looked at Cloud. She looked doubtful before she shook her head.
"I'm sure he is!" She said with a new determination.
"Okay, sorry for asking. We're heading back to the Highwind now." The group started to file out the door.
"Wait." I called. Everyone stopped.
"I want you guys to come to my room. I have something to tell you all." I said before walking out and to my room. I sat on my bed as I waited for everyone to file in. First was Nanaki who took to sitting at my side. Yuffie was next and she stood next to the bed. Then Aeris, Cid, Barret, Cait, Vincent, and finally Tifa.
"What is it kid? You can't come either?" Cid asked, I shook my head.
"Well I might not, not unless you have a licensed doctor on board. Otherwise the one here wants me for a week. No, I have to tell this to you all now." I saw the look of confusion in everyone's eyes. I took a deep breath.
"I... was never born in Mideel, my parents never worked for Shinra. I am a different person compared to what you think I am." Everyone's eyes widened.
"Nate, what are you saying?" Yuffie asked, she looked frantic.
"Well kid spit it out, what's wrong? You didn't trust us or...?"
"How can I explain this to you so it seems clearer... I'm... not from Gaia." Everyone had various looks on their faces.
"What do you mean?" Tifa asked, now focusing on the situation at hand.
"I mean I am not from this Planet."
"Wait... are you a Sephiroth clone?" Barret asked, his eyes narrowing.
"No no... I don't come from Gaia but I'm not like Jenova."
"Nate you are not making sense here and I don't like it." Cid said. I rubbed my head. An idea popped up before I looked at Tifa.
"Tifa... you remember that dream you had back at Junon? You were in darkness and no one was around. That is until you saw Cloud in the distance and ran after him."
"Nate what the hell are you..."
"How do you know that?" She suddenly asked, eyes wide. Everyone looked back at her. "I didn't tell anyone about that dream." Instead of answering her I moved to Barret.
"You remember when you told everyone the story about Shinra destroying Corel, and that you and Dyne had both lost your arms and he seemingly fell to his death until you killed him back at Gold saucer?" Everyone looked to see Barret staring wide eyed at me.
"You didn't tell me about that either." I said.
"River... what is going on" Vincent asked.
"Vince... you have one more transformation. A monster held back in your chest. One that has the capacity to destroy the Planet. The king of mayhem... Chaos." The reaction was different as I swiftly found a gun pointed in my direction.
"There is only one man in the world that knows that. It isn't possible anyone else alive would know this. Explain how you do." I tried to remain calm; however I could feel the sweat dripping of my face from the nervousness of being shot.
"I know nearly every detail about you all. I know your pasts, your personalities, your secret powers, your skeletons... and your future."
"Nathan... who are you?" Aeris asked, apprehension in her eyes.
"What if I told you all... that on my world you are nothing more than fiction..."