Monday, July 12, 2004

A brief visit from yours truly...

Dammit...you guys don't know how much I miss being able to talk to you all on a daily basis...i work all the fucking time nowadays...i cant wait till school starts back so this summer job will end...at least the pay is good. And Tifa, i didn't know ya weren't American...thank heavens...who wants to be from this corrupt country. When ever i'm near a computer(most of the time not my own)i try to leave a comment to ya'll...but i really dont get much time...i'll be back to my daily pervertedness soon...so to all you gals...watch yer skirts!lol Till then, here's some more Final Fantasy Zero for ya...

Airship, above Kalm
It had been at least a week since the epic final battle against Sephiroth, in which he used the Black and White materia to become a demi-god. Tifa leaned over the edge of the airship, now hovering in place, and wondered. Cloud had disappeared after running back after them to finish Sephiroth, and they had not seen him since. They hoped for the best, but... Tifa sighed, a long, heavy, deep sigh. Vincent walked up from below deck and stood besides her, leaning over the edge, admiring the rolling plains of the Kalmland. After a few moments, he turned towards Tifa. "I know how you feel...I know what it's like to lose someone you love...but yet, to think that they couldn't be dead. I couldn't accept Lucrecia as dead...I just felt she was still alive...waiting for me..." Tifa had turned sideways to return his stare. His red eyes were seeming somewhat gentler than usual, from sympathy. "Cloud is out there, somewhere...and he's waiting for you to find him...and you will...we will. I'll make sure of it." He finished his sentence with a certain fierce determination in his voice. He gently placed his hand on Tifa's shoulder, as if to reassure her, and then went back below deck. She turned her head, letting her tears freely fall overboard. "I know," she said to herself, "I just don't know where to start..."
* * *
Zarghidas Trade City, Ivalice
Cloud surveyed the city, from his perch atop the roof of a building. It was rather large compared to some of the others he had seen on his way here, and his sense had told him to stop here. It was night when he arrived, so he decided to wait until morning to search for Aeris …if she was here. And so he stood on the roof, enjoying the cool night breeze. With this extra time, he began to think of what he had left behind. His relationship with Tifa had begun to blossom, with her opening up to him a bit more, ever so slightly. “Must have been because Aeris was around…heh…guess she viewed her as competition” He smiled as he thought to himself. Aeris had never really loved him…he just reminded her of Zack, her true love and his best friend. Tifa had always been the one he loved. Ever since childhood, when he had watched her with her friends, ever so popular. He had not been, and so he never talked to her much. But they had shared one moment together…one moment that was very dear in Clouds life…he smiled to himself as he thought of it. “We were both so naïve back then. To think of myself as her ‘knight in shining armor’.” He laughed to himself. “Tifa’s the last person to need saving…hell she’s saved my life.” It was true…he had never held to his promise…but she never expected him too. Caught up in his thoughts, he began to recite to himself… “I’m here without you…but your still on my lonely mind…I think about you …and I dream about you all the time…”He caught himself and stopped. “Wonder where that came from…” He said to himself, as he covered himself in his cloak, and drifted into sleep.
* * *
Ramza entered the city, with seven others and Mustadio early in the morning. “The people around here say a foreigner with a large sword arrived here last night.” Rampart reported. Rampart was one of Ramza’s most trusted knights, who had saved his life many times. “They thought he was a Nanten, so they let him be.” Ramza drew his Ragnorak from its scabbard. He had seen the size of the stranger’s sword, and knew that if they fought, only a knight’s sword could trade blows without risking being broken. His Ragnorak, which he had salvaged after his fight with one of the Zodiac Demons, was the largest weapon he owned, and only it stood a chance. “Well, let’s find him…and hopes he doesn’t want to fight…that could end bad…” Their group then wandered deeper into the city, unified by their search for the stranger.
* * *
Cloud was awoken with the fierce shaking of a young girl. Not knowing who was shaking him, he jumped up, flourishing his blood red cloak all around him. He brandished his Buster Sword at his would be assailant…then dropped it when he saw who it was. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to alarm you. I just wanted to see that you were all right. It’s awful high up here isn’t it? She turned around, and spread her arms, as if to capture the morning breeze. Aeris…the name ran through Cloud’s head…its Aeris …and she’s behaving as if she doesn’t know me… It was Aeris, there was no doubt in his mind. Same long, brown hair. Same emerald colored eyes…same gentle, slightly air-headed attitude. “While I’m up here,’ she suddenly said, interrupting Cloud’s train of thought, “I might as well sell you some flowers…they’re one Gil. How about it?” she said, smiling innocently. It hurt Cloud’s heart to hear that. It’s the same thing she asked when we first met…has she forgotten everything? “Sure, what ya got?” he asked, trying to figure out where to go from there. “Well I don’t have anything on me now, but if you will follow me to my garden, I can let you choose what you want.” she said still smiling. She leapt up and ran down the stairs from the roof. Cloud picked up his sword and followed.
* * *
Ramza was searching the streets for any sign of the foreigner, when a brown haired girl flew past him. He backed up instinctively, and looked around, to see where she was rushing too. A few moments later, the stranger came running by. “That’s him!” Mustadio yelled, and ran after. Ramza called to his comrades, then followed Mustadio.
* * *
Slums of Zarghidas
Aeris ran quickly, with Cloud in tow. “For a girl, she sure does run fast,” he said to himself. She was quite a few feet ahead of him, and suddenly she turned a corner and disappeared. He stopped to catch his breath and look around. They were no longer in the fancy part of the city. This area was desolate and torn down, with only a few merchants quickly passing through. It reminded him of the Sector seven slums. Before the plate came crashing down, He thought grimly. Tifa’s bar, Seventh Heaven, also came to mind. He smiled to himself, thinking of the good times he had there, but his thoughts were interrupted by a scream. “That’s Aeris!” he said, as he ran off in the direction of the scream, his Buster Sword at the ready.
* * *
Chasing after where he had saw the foreigner, Ramza froze in his tracks when he heard an ear-splitting scream. “Let’s go…somehow I know that stranger is connected to that scream.” They ran through an adjacent alley to the main street they were on, and as they came out the other side, they marched right into the middle of a confrontation.
* * *
Cloud stooped as he came to an abandoned lot, face to face with a gang of bandits. One was holding Aeris, and the other, with a very sinister looking knife, was slowly approaching her. “We’re gonna have sum fun with you girlie” he said, then licked Aeris’ neck. She screamed and kicked him in the nuts. “Feisty one, yer are, are ye?” He said, and smacked her. Cloud had seen enough at this point. “Hands off the girl , you horny bastards” said Cloud, his voice somewhat raspier than usual. The bandits all turned to look for the source of the voice. The one who had smacked Aeris saw a red cloak envelope him…then blood was splashing everywhere. His head rolled away from the rest of his body, as blood spurted from his neck. The bandits all looked around, to see where this unknown assailant was. Cloud stood, ominously, red cloak fluttering ever so slightly in the wind, his Buster Sword dripping blood. His eyes glowed a brighter cerulean than usual…the Mako eyes. They looked exactly like Sephiroth’s now, with Cloud in this blood maddened state, and it was enough to scare the bandits. “Had you simply abducted her, I would have let some of you flee for your lives…” he said, slowly wiping his blade clean on his cloak, “but since you molested her, not one of you will live to see another day. Your blood will cleanse her soul of the impurities you burdened her with…I am Cloud Strife…and I will take your life…”With that he darted at the nearest bandit, thrusting his sword into his abdomen. He then leapt into the air, splitting the poor fool in half, and spraying his blood all over his comrades. The one holding Aeris, let her go and went for his weapon, but no sooner he reached for it, he was struck from above by Cloud’s massive blade. His body fell in two pieces, bathing the field in even more blood. The other bandits tried to fight back but to no avail. Their knives stood no chance against a pissed off SOLDIER in close quarter combat…and especially Cloud during one of his blood riots. He cut them down effortlessly. One darted behind him, to get in a sneak attack, only to lose his top half in the process, as Cloud swung his sword in a half circle, cleaving through several bandits at once. Cloud jumped in the air, and spoke some words and spun his sword in a circle, then shot beams of energy at the bandits cutting many of them in half, spewing their blood everywhere. Cloud was at his best in the battlefield, and he cut through their ranks with ease. But Cloud was so caught up in the fight, he didn’t notice the other bandits had signaled to their friends, and before long, he was surrounded. He cut down a couple more bandits, then ran near Aeris. “Stay beside me,” he said to Aeris, shielding her with his cloak. Things didn’t look good, but he would be damned if he went to down without taking several of them to hell with him. He smirked and said “Sephiroth, I’m coming to join you, you bastard” He gripped his sword tighter and then, several bandits charged. As he braced for the hit he heard “Bahamut, show them your might!” Thunder clouds formed above the battle field, and an ebony black dragon majestically hovered above the battlefield. Bahamut…a summon…how? thought Cloud. The mighty dragon king…he too had once been able to summon him to battle…thanks to Materia. No time to think about it though. “Hang on Aeris’ he said, as he grabbed her by the waist. He vaulted to the top of a nearby wall, just as the powerful beam of the Mega Flare hit, ravaging all below. The bandits who survived ran, but only to be cut down by the members of the same party as the summoner. After it was all settled down, Cloud jumped down to and approached the party.
* * *
“Thanks Aska, you did well as usual” Ramza said to the brown haired girl in green robes. She smiled and bowed politely. Ramza sheathed his sword, just as the foreigner approached. The stranger grinned, and said “Thanks, I coulda whacked ‘em myself, but your help was appreciated.” He held his hand out to Ramza, who shook it heartily. “Think nothing if it. You were handling yourself quite well out there. Are you a knight?” Cloud shook his head “Nope, I’m just a mercenary, and I was protecting this girl.’ He said, motioning to Aeris…as she passed out. “That can’t be good” Cloud said and scooped her up into his arms. “Let’s go back to the castle…we can see what we can do for you there.” said Ramza, then led their brigade, plus two additions, back to the city. “We’ll need to purchase Chocobos, the trip would take some time on foot.” Cloud, who was walking besides him replied “We have Chocobos where I come from also.” Ramza turned his head to him “About that…we really need to talk if you don’t mind. That machine is unfamiliar to us, and we have no idea where you came from .” Cloud grimaced at the thought… “I believe…that this girl may hold the answers to my questions. After I talk to her…I’ll tell you what you wish to know.” Ramza turned forward again. “Fair enough…” he said as they trudged on.
* * *
Igros Castle, Ivalice
Aeris’ eyes slowly fluttered open, just to come face to face with the glowing eyes of Cloud. She quickly sat up in her bed, startling Cloud in the process. “Careful, now,” he said to her, easing onto the edge of her bed “,you haven’t fully recovered yet…damn bandits, they fuck up everything…” she smiled at Cloud. “Such harsh words…but at least you protected me…bodyguard” Clouds eyes opened wide “You …you remember me…Aeris…”She began to cry, as Cloud embraced her. “I never thought I’d see you again after Sephiroth killed me…I cant explain why I’m here now…or why you’re here…or where we are.” She said, wiping her tears away. “But I’m glad I’m with you.” Cloud grinned at her. “Me too…but we got problems on our hands. It appears that the Lifestream carried me to a different world after my fight with Sephiroth. Why you were here when I came, and why you didn’t recognize me, I don’t know. Why I’m here, I don’t know…but I need to get back. The others are waiting for me…Tifa is waiting for me…” Aeris looked saddened at the mention of Tifa’s name. Cloud saw this. “It’s not that I …I don’t love you Aeris…it’s just that…” Cloud stopped, because he couldn’t think of the words to say. Aeris gave a sad smile “It’s alright, I understand…it’s probably the same way you felt when I told you about Zack.” She placed her hands on Cloud’s and he held hers. They sat that way for a while, not speaking, just sitting, enjoying the quiet, peaceful time they were spending with each other. Aeris broke the silence. “Wherever we are, I can always speak with the Planet. Perhaps I can find out why this is happening.” Cloud nodded agreement and stood up. “But that’s for later…get some rest now.” He turned and walked out the room. He poked his head back in the door moments later. “I’ll be waiting, so don’t worry. Nothings gonna happen to ya…not on my watch.” He flashed a grin and left back out. She half heartedly waved, and sat up for some time, silently crying after he left… “If only I had never met Zack…if he had never met Tifa…maybe this wouldn’t feel so wrong…” she said, and fell into an uneasy sleep.

Igros Castle Gate

Dusk had come, and the guards at the gates were about ready to retire for the night and close the gates. It was then when a tall, silver haired, black garbed man came walking up. “Sorry, sir,” said one of the guards “the gates are closed for the day, you can try to get in tomorrow. Can I recommend some inns you could stay in for the night” But the man kept walking toward the gate. The guards two buddies than walked up, to assist their friend. “Hey man, the gates closed. Wait till tommo-“ his words were cut short. The guards must not have noticed the long katana the man had been concealing. In an instant, it was deep in the gut of the guard who was speaking. The other two went for their weapons, but were not quick enough. In a single deft, movement, the silver haired assailant sliced them both in half. All three hit the ground at the same time. He paused a moment, casually flicking the blood from his six foot long katana, than walked on. "He is here..." he said to himself.
* * *
Inside the castle, an alarm was sounding. Cloud ran out of his room, into the hallway, to find out what was with all the noise in the middle of the night. “To arms, young warrior” a knight said to Cloud. “The masters of Igros are not here, and we are under siege. Already, a hundred men have lost their lives.” Cloud ran back to his room, grabbed his sword, and was running along the hallways with the knight. “How many is there…attacking the castle?” The knight answered as if he himself did not believe what he was saying. “Apparently…only one…” As they made it out the castle and to the gates, Cloud heard the clashing of blades and armor. He walked out onto the battlefield, just as several more men fell. The silver haired killer slowly turned to face Cloud…and what he saw made Cloud’s blood run cold… “Sephiroth” he whispered to himself.
* * *
Sephiroth had cut his way through the small brigade of knights who were ordered with the protection of the gate. He had killed about a hundred of them when finally, he came face to face with Cloud. “My old friend,” he said sneering, “you look as if you seen a ghost”. Cloud stared coldly at him. “What do you want Sephiroth. You have no business here. Go back to hell!” He said, as he formed his battle stance with his Buster Sword at the ready. “What a warm welcome you’ve given me…no less than I expected.” He said, mockingly. “ But my business here is with you my boy. You see we’re both stuck here by powers not of our own.” He smirked, and glared at the knights who had been trying to sneak up on him. Cloud returned his icy glare, and retorted “What business is this. I killed you once, and I’ll kill you again…so don’t try any of your bullshit with me. I’m much stronger now, and you’re weaker than ever…I’d cut you down with no problem…” Sephiroth laughed sarcastically “Really, Cloud my boy…you think you’re stronger than me…hmmm. Interesting….but I didn’t come here to fight you…quite the contrary. I was enjoying my eternal slumber in hell…when suddenly, I’m here….for the same unknown reason you are.” He cut the approaching guards in half, smiling as he licked their blood of his Masamune, then continued. “I too was drawn to the Cetra girl…Aeris. So I have come to aid you in your quest…so that I may return to my eternal damnation…So do we have an alliance?” Cloud didn’t want to fight him…not now, and not with Aeris nearby…just then, Aeris came wandering out of the castle, still half asleep. ‘What’s all the racket, you’d think Meteor was about to hit” She yawned, then looked at Sephiroth, her eyes going wide. He smiled sadistically, and waved. She stared, and then passed out again. Cloud rushed to pick her up. ‘All of you. Clean up this mess and bury the dead…but no harm shall come of this man. He will be excused for the time being. Until Ramza returns and I can explain the situation to him.” He looked at Sephiroth, despising what he was doing for him. “To approach this man is to forfeit your life, so choose to listen if you want…or don’t…” with that he walked into the castle, Sephiroth closely behind him. When Sephiroth got right beside him, he whispered to him, harshly, “Know this…our paths may cross…but our goals are not the same. I will kill you if Aeris feels uncomfortable. I will kill you if you try anything. I will kill you if I feel you are a threat. I will kill you just for the hell of it. So pull it if you want…your call bastard” Sephiroth smiled sardonically and whispered back. “The feelings mutual…partner…”

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