Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction ❯ Ashen Skies ❯ Chapter 2

“Ashen Skies”

Chapter 2

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Warning: This chapter contains an implied yaoi interaction.

*Disclaimer: Final Fantasy and all related characters belong to Square-Enix. This fiction piece is strictly a non-profit exercise of creativity and entertainment for people (like me) who can't get enough of this world and the characters.*

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Sephiroth found himself watching the blond he'd rescued. It was annoying; every time he looked away, his eyes slid back to the unconscious young man as if magnetically drawn to him. There was nothing special about him. Certainly, he was attractive and he had beautiful eyes, but good looks had never affected Sephiroth to the point of distraction before. Why then, couldn't he stop looking at him?

 

The blond stirred, his head lolling on his shoulders as he came out of it. Sapphire blue eyes opened and he raised his head and looked around in confusion. His expression began to change from confusion to alarm as he looked this way and that, as if searching for someone. Guessing what he was searching for Sephiroth spoke to him.

 

“Your girlfriend is safe.”

 

The blond appeared startled as his gaze focused on him. “She…she's not my girlfriend. She's my best friend, though.” He paled and his skin began to take on a faint greenish tint. He swallowed and grimaced, regarding Sephiroth warily. “Where is she?” He had an interesting accent that was pleasing to the ears.

 

“Unfortunately, the WEAPON that attacked your town returned to finish what it started. We had no time to organize family groups and limited room to carry passengers. Your friend went to Cosmo Canyon with our Turk allies.” Sephiroth frowned at the young man, noticing the way he kept swallowing. “Do you have a name?”

 

He nodded. “It's Cloud,” he took a deep breath before finishing, “Cloud Strife. Um…where is Cosmo Canyon?” His eyes were roving over Sephiroth with something more than curiosity.

 

“Its far to the southwest of your home town.” Sephiroth frowned at the young man again. “Is there a problem, Cloud?”

 

“I don't travel well,” answered the blond. A burp erupted form his lips and he immediately blushed and covered his mouth. “I'm sorry…motion sickness. Is there…somewhere I can…I think I'm going to be sick…”

 

“There's a bag underneath your seat,” Sephiroth informed him. Cloud didn't look thrilled at the suggestion of vomiting in front of the other passengers. In fact, he looked a little horrified and his eyes were fixed on Sephiroth in a way that made the General suspect he was more worried about him witnessing it than anyone else. “There's also a small lavatory,” revised Sephiroth. “Can you stand? I'll show you the way.”

 

Cloud nodded thankfully and unbuckled his safety belt. Sephiroth did the same and he instinctively caught Cloud's arm supportively when he staggered. The blond mumbled shy thanks and kept his eyes lowered as Sephiroth helped him to the lavatory. Cloud went in and Sephiroth grimaced when he heard him getting violently ill on the other side of the door. He considered returning to his seat but he thought of the way Cloud could barely make it two steps without help and he sighed and waited for him.

 

The helicopter hit a little turbulence and Sephiroth braced himself with a nearby chair, holding onto the back of it to support his balance until the turbulence ended. Inside the lavatory, he heard Cloud swear and he guessed the blond nearly went face-first into the toilet. He would probably want something to clear the taste from his mouth when he finished getting sick. Sephiroth looked down the isle toward the back of the cabin, where the icebox was.

 

Reeve looked up when Sephiroth approached and he noticed the Soldier's frown of concentration as he opened the icebox and studied the remaining beverages. “Looking for something specific?”

 

“The blond man we rescued has motion sickness,” explained Sephiroth. He considered the bottled water but he wasn't sure how well that would go on an upset stomach. “His name is Cloud Strife,” he added, uncomfortable under Reeve's scrutiny for some reason.

 

“Try ginger ale, if there's any left,” suggested Reeve. “Have him sip it.”

 

Sephiroth pushed aside some of the drinks and searched. He found two cans of ginger ale in the back and he procured one before shutting the icebox. He could see Reeve watching him from the corner of his eye and he became annoyed by the curious expression on his face. Sephiroth turned to face him and narrowed his eyes.

 

“Is there something you want, Tuesti?”

 

Reeve shrugged. “Nothing in particular. Is there a diet soda left in there?”

 

Sephiroth sighed and opened the ice box again to check. He found one of the requested items and tossed the can underhanded to the engineer. Reeve caught it and thanked him before opening it up. Eventually, they were going to run out of manufactured drinks and they'd have to be content with plain water and fruit juice from the hydro gardens, at least until they had the means to make carbonated drinks themselves. Personally, Sephiroth wasn't a fan of soft drinks but he loathed the thought of the complaints from other people he was going to have to listen to when supplies ran out. Zack in particular had a special fondness for orange flavored soda.

 

With the can of ginger ale in hand, Sephiroth returned to the lavatory and waited until the door open and Cloud Strife took an uncertain step out.

 

“Feeling better?”

 

Cloud yelped and nearly fell, turning to look up at the General with huge eyes. Somehow, the reaction was amusing to Sephiroth and he almost cracked a smile. “My apologies, I didn't intend to startle you. Can you make it back to your seat or do you require assistance?” It looked like Cloud had taken advantage of the little sink in the lavatory and tidied himself up a bit. There wasn't as much dust in his hair and his face was clean.

 

“I think I can do it on my own,” Cloud said, again lowering his eyes bashfully. “Thanks.”

 

Sephiroth followed behind the blond as he navigated back to his seat, using other seats for balance as he went and apologizing to the occupants of them. He eased into his chair with a sigh and buckled himself back in. Sephiroth handed the can of ginger ale to him once he was settled in.

 

“Sip on it,” advised Sephiroth. “It may help settle your stomach.”

 

“Th-thank you,” Cloud replied. He took the drink and opened it, taking a couple of tentative sips. When Sephiroth reclaimed his seat across from him, the blond regarded him curiously. “There was a man and a woman with us in the cellar,” he said slowly. “Can you tell me what happened to them?”

 

“They didn't make it.” Sephiroth saw no reason to sugarcoat the truth. When the blonde's expression fell, he felt unusually charitable. “They were the girl's parents, am I right?”

 

Cloud nodded. “Tifa's going to be devastated. I…I tried to protect them, but—“

 

“You saved their daughter with your actions,” interrupted Sephiroth firmly, “and yourself. There was nothing more you could have done.”

 

“I guess so,” Cloud said in a morose tone. “But now I can't even tell Tifa. We aren't going to the same place she is, are we?”

 

Sephiroth shook his head. “No, we're traveling to Modeoheim. It's a secured base on the northern continent, with underground shelter. The location that your friend is heading to is similarly equipped and she'll be well taken care of.”

 

“Is there any way for me to talk to her?” Cloud bit his lip.

 

“Of course,” Sephiroth assured him. “We stay in communication with Cosmo Canyon and Fort Condor through satellite communication. Once we arrive in Modeoheim, you'll be examined by a medic, fed and given sleeping quarters. In the morning, you can contact Cosmo Canyon and speak with Tifa.”

 

The news seemed to cheer him somewhat and some of Cloud's tension faded. He took another sip of his ginger ale and looked at Sephiroth through lowered lashes. He looked like he wanted to ask him a question but was either too bashful or too intimidated to speak up.

 

“What is it, Strife?”

 

Cloud cleared his throat and spoke with some difficulty. “Um…can I ask your name, Sir?”

 

“It's Sephiroth.”

 

Cloud blinked at him, his eyes widening. “Sephiroth?” He repeated, “The Sephiroth? As in, General Sephiroth?”

 

Sephiroth smirked dryly. “That's the most I've ever heard my name spoken in a single exchange of words. Yes, I'm that Sephiroth. I take it you've heard of me before.”

 

“Who hasn't?” Cloud's enthusiasm was annoyingly endearing and even though he was still pale and looking nauseous, his eyes were bright with excitement. “I wanted to join SOLDIER myself, once,” he admitted in a softer voice, sobering quickly.

 

“What stopped you?”

 

“My mother,” answered the blond with a sigh. “She got sick and I couldn't leave her.”

 

“I take it she's passed on?” Sephiroth made the assumption because Cloud hadn't asked about his mother when he woke up.

 

Cloud nodded. “Last year. I would have left to join the military after that, but we got news of the Deepground uprising and I stayed to protect the town and Tifa's family. After that…well…the WEAPONS woke up.”

 

“So you have fighting skills,” presumed Sephiroth as he remembered the old sword he'd had when they found him in the cellar with the others.

 

“Yeah, I can shoot straight and I'm not bad with a sword,” Cloud said modestly. “I'm probably not nearly as good as a Soldier, though.”

 

“Soldiers have an advantage over average men,” agreed Sephiroth. “The enhancements certainly help when hunting WEAPONS.”

 

Cloud stared at him. “Y-you guys hunt WEAPONS? And…you kill them?”

 

Sephiroth nodded. “It takes a lot of coordination, work and firepower but we've taken down three of them, so far.” Cloud had an almost boyish expression of awe on his face and it made Sephiroth wonder how old he was.

 

“I don't suppose you're recruiting, are you?” Cloud couldn't contain the eagerness in his voice.

 

Sephiroth considered Cloud thoughtfully. He wasn't a big or particularly tall man but his body was tightly muscled and appeared to be lithe. He obviously trained regularly and he appeared to have the will and desire. “One thing at a time, Mr. Strife,” Sephiroth finally said in a neutral tone.

 

~********************************~

 

Reeve covertly watched the exchange between the General and the blond civilian. He was as much puzzled as amused. Sephiroth was definitely not a people person and the man usually preferred solitude to company…even the company of his closest friends. Yet there he was, nursing a sick young man like a pro and chatting comfortably with him.

 

~I wonder. Maybe there's someone on Gaia who can eventually understand Sephiroth, after all.~

 

The engineer knew better than to say anything to Sephiroth about it.

 

~**********************************~

 

“Whoa, slow down a little,” Zack cautioned as Aerith began shoveling food into her mouth as if she hadn't eaten in days. Come to think of it, she probably hadn't. The first place he took her when they returned to the base was the kitchen and cafeteria. Thankfully, one of the cooks already had a pot of beef and vegetable stew cooked, so Zack ladled up two bowls, grabbed a couple of rolls and poured a couple of cups of water.

 

Aerith's cheeks were puffed out as she looked at him and she looked suddenly mortified. She finished chewing and after she swallowed, she apologized. “I'm sorry,” she said in a small voice. “I know I'm being rude.” There were other people eating at some of the other tables nearby and she glanced around self-consciously.

 

Zack chuckled. “No, it's not that. I just don't want you to choke.” He smiled engagingly at her and motioned to her bowl encouragingly. “Eat up. You probably haven't had a good meal in a long time.”

 

She shrugged her thin shoulders and scooped up another spoonful of stew. “Mostly mushrooms and fish, when I could catch them.”

 

He took a bite and nodded in understanding. He watched her subtly as she ate and he admired the grace of her movements, even when she was stuffing her face. She was delicately feminine, sweet, pretty…and utterly traumatized. He didn't know why she'd been crying when they found her but he guessed she probably did it a lot. Most people did, these days.

 

Zack finished eating and he left the worn table to clean up after himself, trusting the food to keep her too busy to wander off while his back was turned. When he finished cleaning his bowl out and replacing it in the cupboard, he returned to the table and he noticed that Aerith had eaten all of her stew and she was wiping the inside of the bowl with her bread to get the last morsels. Zack waited for her to finish doing that and he picked up her bowl and got her a second helping.

 

“Oh, I couldn't,” Aerith protested blushingly when Zack returned with the full bowl.

 

“Sure you could,” Zack assured her with a wink. “There's plenty. Eat your fill, honey.”

 

She blushed brighter and took his offer. She ate more slowly this time, appearing to savor every bite. She ran out of water and Zack quickly refilled it for her. He watched her without blatantly staring, admiring the way the lamplight shone on the soft waves of honey colored hair. She was a wisp of a thing right now, but with proper nourishment, she would be healthy again soon. Maybe when she regained some strength, he could make with the romancing.

 

~What the hell am I thinking? She wouldn't want a guy like me.~

 

Zack self-consciously reached up and checked his eyepatch to be sure it was in place, painfully aware of the thin slash of scar tissue slanting from his brow to his cheekbone and the ugly, milky film on the dead eye. He hadn't been with anyone since the accident that left the eye permanently blind. He still flirted with the fairer sex because it was in his nature to do so, but he didn't believe any woman would want to sleep with him now.

 

Aerith noticed his action and she paused in her eating to regard the patch with innocent curiosity. “How did it happen?”

 

Zack went still. He hadn't meant to call attention to the damned thing.

 

“I'm sorry,” Aerith quickly apologized, biting her lower lip. “I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable.”

 

Zack sighed and shook his head. “It's not you. I'm just a little touchy about it. I got hit by a piece of shrapnel when a building I was in collapsed. By the time they found me and used a Cure spell on me, the damage was too severe. They saved the eye but they couldn't do anything for the blindness.”

 

Aerith's jade eyes were soft with sympathy. “Were you trying to help people?”

 

Zack nodded and gave her a weak smile. “Yeah, I was trying to rescue some civilians.”

 

“Good people always get hurt,” Aerith sighed.

 

Zack felt a rush of flattery in response to the simplistic statement.

 

After Aerith finished eating, he took her on a little tour and showed her the sleeping areas, bathrooms, livestock pens and hydroponic gardens. They had created a community within the mountain and Zack explained that everyone did their part, whether it was tending the plants and animals, sewing clothes, construction or military involvement.

 

“You don't need to worry about it right away,” Zack said to the girl as she studied the rows of plants beneath the sun lamps. “You just concentrate on getting your strength back, for now.” He tilted his head and smiled when he saw the loving way her fingers touched the leaves, buds and vines of the various plants. “You like plants, eh?”

 

Aerith nodded. “Could I…help tend the garden? I like to help things grow. It relaxes me.”

 

Zack raised his brows. Well, at least she knew what she wanted to do to help out. He supposed watering plants and picking fruit and veggies wasn't strenuous work. “I don't see a problem with that,” he said. “Just promise me if you start getting tired, you'll take a break.”

 

Aerith smiled happily and it was the sweetest sight he'd ever seen.

 

~********************************~

 

When they arrived in Modeoheim, the rescue operatives instructed the survivors to exit the craft and follow their guides deeper into the mountain. Cloud stood with the other civilians and waited while the leaders of the rescue team did head counts and got organized. He spotted Sephiroth near the other helicopter and even in the dimness of the cavern the man's long silver hair was gleaming.

 

He was staring. He knew he should stop, before Sephiroth noticed. His stupid eyes refused to stop looking at the General though, and he watched as Sephiroth talked to a tall, muscular man with dark brown hair and thin beard growth on his jaw. Both men had grim expressions on their faces and he wondered what they were talking about. For a brief moment, Sephiroth's eyes met his across the distance and Cloud felt a tingle shoot through his spine.

 

~How did his eyes get that way? None of the other Soldiers have slit pupils.~

 

“Okay people, please follow the two men in blue,” announced the older man named Reeve. He gestured to the group and began to walk into the tunnel at the back of the hangar. “We're going to show you around and we'll get you all some bedding and food.”

 

They began to follow him and Cloud spared one last look over his shoulder at the General. Damn, he was beautiful. He wondered what it would be like if he ran his fingers through all that lustrous, silver hair. He was distracted when Reeve came up to him with a concerned expression on his face.

 

“I don't recall seeing a medic check you out, Mr. Strife. How is your head?”

 

“I'll be okay,” Cloud assured him. “It's just a bump and I'm feeling a lot better now that we're on the ground.”

 

“It's just a bump that could turn into concussion,” pointed out the older man sternly. He checked a heavy bangle around his right wrist and he reached out and cupped the back of Cloud's head before the blond could pull away. “Hold still, I'm going to take care of it,” Reeve instructed.

 

Cloud winced as the engineer's hand pressed down on the bump, but then one of the green orbs attached to the bangle lit up and the pain rapidly faded away. He sighed in relief, realizing now that his head had been hurting more than he thought. “Cure materia?” He guessed. He'd never actually seen any before but he'd read all about it, figuring if he ever got into the military he'd have to learn how to use it.

 

“That's right,” Reeve confirmed. He pulled his hand away from the blond's head and patted him on the arm. “Shall we?”

 

Cloud nodded and thanked him and together, they followed the rest of the group into the tunnel.

 

~***********************************~

 

“You should tell him,” Sephiroth suggested meaningfully.

 

Angeal sighed and nodded. Sephiroth was right, of course. Breaking the news to Zack about Kunsel's death shouldn't be left up to the General. Sephiroth would probably walk up to Zack, announce that his old friend didn't make it and turn on his heel to leave the poor guy wallowing in misery alone. It wasn't that Sephiroth cared nothing for his comrades; he simply wasn't good at expressing it.

 

“I'll tell him,” Angeal agreed. “You'll report to Lazard?”

 

“Of course.” Sephiroth complied with a nod.

 

Now that they had an agreement, the two of them exited the hangar cavern and made their way into the mountain shelter. The network of tunnels was man-made…hollowed out for mining by the previous residents of Modeoheim before it became a ghost town. The current residents made improvements each day, expanding tunnels and creating new rooms for use of the growing community of refugees. One branch of the tunnels was strictly for military personnel and Sephiroth took this one to Lazard's “office”. Angeal searched the civilian areas for Zack first, guessing that if he'd returned from his rescue mission, he'd be amongst the survivors, helping people out or trying to cheer them up.

 

~This is going to be doubly hard on him,~ predicted the big Soldier silently.

 

Cissnei had once been a romantic interest to Zack, until circumstances kept the two of them apart and she ended up with Elena. He sighed, wishing he didn't have to be the one to break the news to him. Zack used to be his protégé and old feelings of brotherly protectiveness of him still sometimes rose to the surface. “Puppy”, Angeal used to call him, because the younger man's enthusiasm for life, boundless energy and playful nature reminded him of one.

 

He was just leaving the dining hall when he spotted a familiar flash or red in the corridor. Angeal navigated past other people and Genesis turned and caught sight of him as he approached. Their eyes met and they shared a silent moment of warmth, both of them relieved to see the other alive and unharmed. Discreet in public with their affections, the two Soldiers greeted one another with restraint even as their eyes caressed.

 

“It took you long enough,” Genesis remarked as he fell into step beside Angeal and walked with him down the tunnel. His aqua gaze studied him sidelong, covertly searching for signs of injury. “I trust it went well?”

 

“Not entirely,” answered Angeal. He likewise examined the redhead with a sweep of his eyes and he relaxed a bit when he found no signs of damage. “A WEAPON attacked Nibelheim while we were en route. Some of the townsfolk survived but while we were preparing to board them onto the transport, the WEAPON returned. It took out one of the Turk choppers as we were escaping. Cissnei and Kunsel were in it.”

 

Genesis frowned at him. “What was he doing on a Turk chopper in the first place?”

 

“There was some confusion when the WEAPON returned,” explained Angeal. “Some of the survivors panicked and somehow, Kunsel got caught up helping stragglers and he missed his chance to board with us. Cissnei's team was the last to ascend and he rode with them. The WEAPON shot them down before they could make it out of range.”

 

Genesis sighed. “A pity. Your puppy will be devastated.”

 

“Yes, he will,” agreed Angeal in a low, defeated voice. “But first, I have to find him. Have you seen him anywhere?”

 

“The last I saw him, he was giving the new girl we rescued a personal tour.”

 

Angel stared at the redhead, glowering in disapproval. “Her first day here and he's already—“

 

“Oh, it isn't like that,” Genesis corrected with a smirk. “You should know better. These days, Fair may as well be neutered. No, he was only showing her around, taking care of her. I saw them heading for the livestock pens last.”

 

Angeal felt guilty for immediately jumping to conclusions. The days of Zack romancing every woman he took a fancy to were over. He'd once sworn to Angeal that he'd only slept with a handful of the girls he'd courted but it didn't change the fact that he never committed to any of them and his pursuit of feminine company often resulted in scores of women pining over him.

 

“So this new girl was the life sign Reeve detected near Bone Village?” Angeal guessed.

 

“Yes. There's an entire city down there in that forest.” Genesis' expression was intrigued. “The architecture was unlike any I've ever seen before. I'd like to travel back there and investigate further. I want to know who the previous residents were and maybe I can find some literature. History books, poetry…you know.”

 

Angeal smiled faintly in spite of his grief. Genesis' eyes were lit up with excitement at the prospect, like a child anticipating Yule gifts. Sometimes he wondered if the redhead loved books more than him. Together, they checked the livestock area and asked around. One of the animal handlers told them Zack had been there with an unfamiliar girl but they'd left a half hour ago to visit the hydroponic gardens.

 

They went there and found Zack watching a young woman with a head of thick, light brown hair tumbling over her shoulders and down her back. She was a pretty thing, though thin from malnourishment and pale from lack of sunlight. She appeared to be tending the plants and she murmured to them as though they were sentient. Zack watched her quietly and Angeal exchanged a knowing look with Genesis when he saw the expression on his former student's face. Maybe he wouldn't act on it but it was clear that Zack was already crushing on the girl.

 

“Let's get this over with,” sighed Angeal.

 

~***********************************~

 

The voices in her head were quieter now and Aerith attributed it both to the act of gardening and Zack's warm, protective presence. Funny, she'd only known him a few hours but she felt she could trust him completely. There was something inherently…good…about him. She could see it in his eye and in his honest, handsome face. She'd sensed it in his spirit before she even had a good look at him. She glanced over at him and he waved a little, smiling at her in that encouraging way that made her feel safe. She smiled shyly back before turning her attention back to the tomato vine she was tending.

 

She wasn't used to someone watching over her like this. She'd been living all alone ever since her mother died, but her connection to the planet ensured that she was never lonely. Up until the sudden influx of souls into the Lifestream that awakened Omega, the planet had been good company for her. She even communicated with her mother, sometimes. Now, Gaia was angry and the once soothing presence of gentle whispers had become screams of rage and incoherent babbles. Aerith couldn't sort out one spirit voice from the next. The souls within the Lifestream reacted to the planet's agitation and they were all very, very upset. The worst of it was, she could hardly hear her mother anymore.

 

Aerith wondered what—if anything—could be done to appease the planet's anger and set things right. She pondered the dilemma as she moved from one plant to the next, humming softly under her breath as she checked the water flow and pruned any drying leaves she found. When she glanced up again, she noticed the man in red approaching Zack with a larger, dark-haired man. She watched from beneath lowered lashes as the two of them spoke to him.

 

The big man put a hand on Zack's shoulder and his face was somber and sympathetic as he spoke to him. Zack tensed and though his back was turned to Aerith and she couldn't see his face, she could sense his distress. He shook his head and said something, to which the dark-haired man shook his head regretfully. Beside him, the man in red said something in a low voice and Zack took a deep, shaken breath and lowered his head. Aerith instinctively knew then what had happened. She was familiar with that sense of loss and grief, herself.

 

~Someone he cares about returned to the planet.~

 

Zack's companions offered a few more words of consolation to him before looking at one another in silent communication and leaving him be. As they left, Zack leaned against one of the water pumps and put a hand to his forehead, just over his eyes. Aerith could see his shoulders tremble suspiciously and her heart went out to him. There were other people tending the gardens and she looked around at them, wondering if any of them were familiar enough with Zack to offer him the comfort he clearly needed. The two old women a couple of rows over saw the scene and they were whispering to each other in speculation and looking at the young man with sympathy, but they didn't approach him. The middle-aged man near the front of the broccoli section also looked at Zack but he didn't appear to intend to interact with him, either.

 

Maybe they didn't know Zack well enough, or maybe his rank made them hesitate to offer comfort. Even his friends hadn't seemed comfortable with staying. Aerith rationalized that perhaps Zack asked them to leave him alone. Maybe he wanted solitude. Or, maybe he just didn't want the other two Soldiers to see him cry.

 

She didn't know if he would accept comfort from her. Even as she closed the distance between them one hesitant step at a time, Aerith wondered if she was being too bold. They were practically strangers right now, but she couldn't bring herself to leave him suffering alone. His was the first kind face she'd seen since her mother died. He deserved some kindness in return, even if he rejected it.

 

When she was within touching distance, Aerith reached out and put a hand on his left arm, rubbing gently. He wiped his eye and looked at her with surprise and for a moment, she feared he'd pull away. “I'm sorry,” she said simply as she looked up at him sympathetically.

 

He regarded her almost warily for a moment and then his shields lowered and his good eye glistened with a tear. He blinked and it dripped down his face as he laid his bigger hand over her slender one and squeezed lightly. The hand was calloused and battle scarred, but gentle. His throat worked as if he wanted to say something but he couldn't seem to get the words out, so he merely nodded and gave her a grateful, tremulous smile.

 

~*********************************~

 

Cloud was given a winter coat for warmth and a pair of pajamas to sleep in. The woman that provided these clothing articles to him assigned him a bunk, afterwards. She explained that he could be fitted for more clothing tomorrow, during regular active hours. She showed him where the men's public bathrooms were and Cloud was a bit disconcerted to find that the showers were all in one room together, with only curtains separating them. He shrugged it off, knowing it could be worse and there could have been no privacy at all. He discovered that water was one thing this fort had in abundance, thanks to the endless supply of snow that could be melted and filtered. The water heater only ran during the day, however, so showering at night wasn't recommended.

 

“Try to remember which bunk you've chosen,” the woman said to Cloud as the blond finished laying out the bedding he'd been given. “Here, I've got a paper and a pen if you want to write it down.”

 

The cubby was just big enough to fit two people and there was a trunk beneath the sleeping cot for personal storage. Cloud fished the keys he'd been given out of his pocket and slid the trunk out to open it. Since he was still too jarred from his experience to sleep, he placed the pajamas he'd been given into the trunk and locked it up before sliding it back under the cot. There was an oil sconce set into the wall for light, so that the owner could do activities such as reading or writing in the privacy of the cubby if desired. It wasn't a bad setup, considering the circumstances. It was a little tight and he wasn't sure he'd be able to sleep without the divider open, but it could have been worse. He'd expected an open bunk area with no privacy at all.

 

Cloud stepped out of the cubby that would serve as his bedroom and pulled the privacy divider shut before looking up at the number painted overhead of it. “D-74,” he repeated. “I've got it.”

 

“Are you sure?” She looked dubious. “Some folks forget within a few hours after they arrive and they end up coming back to the wrong bunk or end up wandering the tunnels because they're too embarrassed to ask for help.”

 

The thought of getting lost on his way to his own bed made Cloud reconsider. He had a pretty good memory but he could imagine the embarrassment of having to ask someone which cubby was his. He nodded and accepted the paper and pen from the woman.

 

“Ma'am, I was separated from a friend of mine when they picked us up in Nibelheim,” Cloud said hesitantly as he finished scrawling the number down. He folded up the piece of paper and put it in a pocket before returning the pad and pen to her. “They told me she was taken to Cosmo Canyon and I could get in touch with her tomorrow. Do you know where the phones are?”

 

“Sure, I can show you now if you like,” she offered understandingly. “It's a shame…sometimes families and friends get separated on these big rescue missions. The good news is they arrange transport each month for people that want to join up with their loved ones, so you'll have the chance to change locations and be with your friend.”

 

Cloud was immediately torn. He wanted to be with Tifa but he wanted a chance to join SOLDIER and help with the fight against the WEAPONS, too. Maybe she'd be willing to come to Modeoheim, instead. “That's good news,” he said aloud.

 

~********************************~

 

As it turned out, Cloud had passed right by the public phones on his way into the fortress. There was a large den for general public use in the center of the underground community and it connected to all other areas. Though Reeve had shown it to him, he hadn't mentioned the small alcove in the corridor leading to the bunking area. There were two satellite phones inside the alcove, sitting inside booths for some privacy. Cloud's guide told him that he'd find a list with instructions inside the booth for dialing out to the other two bases. He almost considered trying to get in touch with Tifa then, but both phones were already in use by other people and he was hungry. He decided to go to the kitchen and have something to eat before doing anything else.

 

After having some dinner, he checked the den and when he saw there weren't many people in there he decided to take advantage and see if any of the bookshelves lining the rock walls had something good to read. He noticed two things for the first time as he walked quietly into the open area. The first was the piano sitting against the back wall by the tunnel leading to the cultivation and sleeping areas. The second was the electric lighting that lined the walls. Puzzling over the lights, he approached the bookshelves and searched through them until he found a book on mechanics.

 

Cloud found a worn, empty armchair that was somewhat spaced apart from the other furniture and he claimed it, purposely keeping his eyes off other people. He wasn't a social person on his best days and even when he wanted someone to talk to, he rarely engaged in conversation first. His conversation with Sephiroth on the chopper was the most talkative he'd ever been with a complete stranger; partly because he'd needed to find out what had happened and partly because he was so awed to find out who the man was.

 

He searched the table of contents until he found directory for motor vehicles and parts. As he flipped to the section he was after, he cast a covert look around the den at his neighbors. There was a young couple sitting in the first row of chairs in front of the little TV set. By the looks of it, the residents of Modeoheim had salvaged a DVD player and some movies. An elderly woman sat behind the young couple and a middle-aged man sat with her. All of them appeared to be absorbed in the movie they were watching. There were a few other people scattered about the den, either talking softly, reading or playing cards.

 

Cloud's eyes settled on the person sitting closest to him on the right and he studied him from beneath lowered lashes. The young man was wearing leather combat pants and boots, a black crew shirt and a long, red leather jacket. He had shoulder-length, layered auburn hair and he was fixated on the book in his hands, his lips moving silently as he read. Cloud tilted his head a little and peered at the cover of the book, trying to make out the title. The man's fingers were partially in the way but after a moment's interpretation, Cloud deduced that the title said: “Loveless”.

 

Another man entered the den and Cloud automatically looked directly at him before disciplining himself and lowering his gaze. This one had black, spiked hair that reached just below his shoulders in the back. His hairstyle defied gravity almost as well as Cloud's did and he was dressed in deep blue cargo pants and a black sweater. He was fair skinned and he wore a patch over his left eye. His visible eye appeared to be a blue at first but when the light touched it, a hint of violet could be seen. Cloud noticed that like Sephiroth and the other Soldiers he'd gotten a look at so far, the newcomer's eye was a more intense, vivid shade than average.

 

~Has to be the Mako enhancements. I know they all get them…that's why they're so strong.~

 

The black-haired man was good-looking but he had a brooding look on his face. The expression didn't suit him well and he didn't appear to be paying attention to where he was going. As he passed by, the redhead on Cloud's right spoke to him without raising his eyes from his book.

 

“What happened to your lady friend?”

 

The black-haired Soldier looked a little startled, as if he hadn't seen the man in red sitting there and wasn't prepared for the question. “Uh, she was tired, so I showed her to her bunk and left her.” He tensed a little and regarded the other man suspiciously. “And before you make any snide—“

 

“I'm not,” interrupted the redhead with a shrug. He finally raised his eyes from his book and Cloud could see that they were an arresting aqua color. “Not now, at least. I can be an ass some other time.”

 

The brunet relaxed a little and his eyes swept the room absently. When his gaze settled on Cloud, the blond quickly looked down at the book in his hands and pretended to be very interested in it. Truthfully, the text was now so much gibberish to him because he was distracted by what he'd overheard and the one-eyed man was approaching him.

 

“You're new here aren't you?”

 

Cloud pretended not to hear.

 

“Hey you…blond guy.”

 

Cloud grimaced, knowing there were no other blonds nearby. He couldn't keep giving the guy the silent treatment without being rude unless he pretended he was deaf. He acted like he'd been so absorbed in his book that he'd only just heard the other man. He looked up at him with what he hoped was an innocent expression of confusion.

 

“What?”

 

The black-haired man shared a look with his companion in red before tilting his head and studying Cloud. “'Vhat?'” He repeated, “Where are you from, man?”

 

Cloud cleared his throat, embarrassed that his accent had slipped out so strongly. “Nibelheim,” he answered softly. Damn, he said it too fast. He could see by the way the other man's brows knitted that it wasn't entirely coherent to him.

 

“Nibelheim?”

 

Cloud nodded.

 

“Oh, so you're one of the new evacuees they picked up today, huh?” The black-haired Soldier perked up a little and smiled at him in a friendly, easy-going way. “Cool accent. So what's your name?”

 

“Cloud Strife,” answered the blond, returning the smile hesitantly.

 

The Soldier stuck his hand out. “Good to meet you, Cloud. I'm Lieutenant Fair…but you can just call me Zack. The bookwork over there is Lieutenant Rhapsodos, but you can call him Genesis…or Gen-Gen if you want to see him squirm—“

 

Genesis glared up at Zack from behind his book. “I was trying to be considerate of your loss earlier but if you're feeling good enough to make jokes, I'll gladly step into the ring.”

 

His words seemed to remind Zack of whatever loss he'd suffered and the brunet sighed and deflated a little. “I'm just doing what comes natural to me, Gen. You know it cheers me up.”

 

Genesis returned his attention to his book. “That's fine. Just remember, while you don't mind civilians addressing you as common, some of us do. We're their protectors, not their friends.”

 

Zack heaved a sigh and rolled his eye at Cloud. “He's just showing off,” he mouthed conspiratorially. When the blond smiled a little wider with amusement, he took the seat next to him. “So Cloud, do you have family here with you?”

 

“No.” Cloud thought of Tifa and her dead parents and he sighed. “My father died when I was a baby and my mother passed away last year. There's a girl, though…”

 

“Girlfriend?” Zack guessed with a grin.

 

Cloud shook his head and chuckled softly. “No, it isn't like that. She's an old friend and I tried to protect her and her parents when WEAPON attacked. Her parents didn't make it and General Sephiroth told me they took Tifa to Cosmo Canyon…wherever that is.”

 

“Right,” Zack said with a nod. “I heard they had to rush everyone onto the choppers when…it started coming back.” He cleared his throat and frowned, looking away for a moment. “Don't worry about your friend, okay? If the General says she got out safely than I'm sure, she's all right.”

 

Cloud nodded. “I'm going to try and call her tomorrow. She'll be worried about me, too.”

 

The big Soldier that participated in the rescue mission walked into the den at this point and he stopped before Genesis and looked down at him silently. The muscular Soldier didn't say anything to his companion, he merely stood there and waited for…something. Genesis glanced up at him in a decidedly coy way and smirked.

 

“Is there something you want?” asked the redhead. There was something about the tone of his voice…some teasing quality that made the question sound more like bating than a sincere inquiry.

 

Angeal nodded once, wordlessly. His chiseled features remained impassive but Cloud thought his gaze was awfully intense on the redhead. Genesis appeared to get whatever hidden message his companion was sending loud and clear. He closed is book and slipped it inside of his jacket—presumably into an inner pocket. Angeal was evidently satisfied with his action and the bigger man gave Zack a brief nod before turning and exiting down the tunnel that led to the bunk area.

 

“If you'll pardon me, gentlemen,” Genesis said to Zack and Cloud. There was a hint of smugness in his voice. “Have a good chat.” He stood up and followed Angeal, leaving Cloud and Zack alone except for the few other people still lounging in the den.

 

Cloud's eyes followed the couple curiously and he wondered if the vibes he was getting from them were accurate. He looked at Zack to find the other man smirking crookedly as if amused. Deciding it was none of his business, Cloud gathered the nerve to ask Zack a few questions.

 

“Where is the electricity coming from? We haven't had it in Nibelheim since the WEAPONS started attacking, because they destroyed power lines across the country.”

 

“Oh, that.” Zack shrugged. “Solar power. During the day, they open these panels set into the side of the mountain and raise the Solar Cells to collect energy. It was Reeve's idea. You've met him, right?”

 

Cloud nodded. He liked Reeve. “He reminds me a little of my uncle before he died. So, he's an inventor?”

 

“He's an engineer,” Zack explained, “and he comes up with some of the wildest gadgets. They don't always work how he wants them to but when they do, they're amazing. You might have noticed we've got a lot of oil lamps in here even though we've got electricity. Most of the power we collect with the solar cells every day goes to maintaining the hydroponic garden and preserving food. The lights in the den, the phones and the electric entertainment in here are all powered with the surplus energy.”

 

“I understand.” Cloud noticed that Zack had a little drawl to his accent, too. “Where are you from?”

 

“Gongaga.” Zack smirked as though he'd endured jabs about that before.

 

Cloud tried very hard to school his expression. “Gongaga,” he repeated. That was the weirdest name for a town he'd ever heard. Despite his effort to be polite, some of his doubt must have shown on his face because Zack suddenly laughed.

 

“It's okay,” chuckled the black-haired Soldier. “I'm used to getting that look. Not a lot of people have heard of my hometown, except ShinRa personnel. It's a little village out in the sticks, in the middle of a jungle. Don't worry; I'm not pulling your leg. It's a real place.”

 

“Sorry,” Cloud apologized bashfully. “I wasn't trying to be rude. I've never heard of it before.”

 

Zack shrugged, still smiling in good humor. “Like I said, not many people have. You're in the clear, kid.”

 

Cloud wanted to ask Zack about his eye patch and what Genesis was talking about with the girl and the grieving, but he didn't want to overstep himself. He yawned before he could control it and he covered his mouth and mumbled an apology to the other man.

 

Zack gave him a friendly pat on the shoulder. “You should get some sleep, Cloud. I know you've gotta be tired, after the day you've had. Besides, this den is about to be full of kids and they can get pretty loud.”

 

“Kids?” repeated Cloud in confusion.

 

“Yup. They come in here for bedtime stories and stuff every night before going to sleep. Uh…some of us put on a little show for them, once in a while.”

 

Cloud was very curious about this “show” Zack was talking about. He tried to imagine the powerful, one-eyed Soldier entertaining a bunch of kids and to his surprise, the idea didn't seem so far-fetched. Zack had already demonstrated that he had somewhat of a boyish streak and he'd been nothing but friendly to Cloud, so far.

 

Cloud nodded and gave him a grateful little smile. “I don't know if I'll be able to sleep, but I'll try.” He got up and replaced the book he'd borrowed on the shelf. As he left the den, Zack called after him with the suggestion that he try some warm milk. Cloud smiled again, knowing he had a friend in Zack.

 

On his way to the tunnel leading to the civilian sleeping quarters, he spotted a book on the rocky floor and he bent over to pick it up. Cloud frowned when he recognized it. It was Genesis' “Loveless” book. He must have dropped it on his way to bed. Knowing he'd want it back, Cloud went to the corridor leading to the restricted military branch. The guards stopped him and asked for ID and Cloud held up Genesis' book for their inspection.

 

“Lieutenant Rhapsodos dropped this in the tunnel,” Cloud explained. “I just want to return it to him.”

 

Recognizing the book and knowing the Lieutenant's temper, the guards agreed to let Cloud go in after a brief search of his person for weapons. “First hall to the right. He's in bunk Thirteen,” offered one of them. “Don't linger too long.”

 

Cloud thanked them and hurried into the corridor, following the instructions he'd been given. He entered the spacious barracks and found the bunk, but he heard something inside that made him pause as he started to knock on the privacy screen and call out for Genesis. Cloud tilted his head and frowned. He recognized Angeal's deep voice, murmuring something in a breathy tone. Genesis' voice moaned softly and a rhythmic, creaking sound started up.

 

Realizing what the two of them were up to, Cloud's face immediately heated up and he decided to just hold onto the book for now and give it back to Genesis in the morning. He made a hasty retreat, keeping his head bowed in the hopes that the guards wouldn't see how red his face was. If he'd taken the time to think about it, he could have left the book with one of the guards and relinquished all responsibility for its return to its owner. He was simply too flustered to use common sense.

 

~*****************************************~

 

Zack was just about to begin entertaining the children when the domestic coordinator found him and approached anxiously. He stopped in the process of putting his prop on his shoulder and the children sitting on the floor at his feet turned around to watch the approaching woman curiously.

 

“What's up, Terry? You look worried about something.”

 

“Lieutenant Fair, thank goodness,” she said in relief. “I was hoping I'd find you or one of the other officers before I had to go to the barracks for help.”

 

Zack frowned, feeling a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. “What's wrong?” All glibness vanished from his voice and his thoughts immediately turned to Aerith. His fears were confirmed when the woman spoke again.

 

“Something is going on with that new girl you brought in earlier today,” began Terry. “I would have checked in on her myself but…well…I don't think she's alone in her bunk. I'm afraid someone is in there with her, trying to do something to her. I heard her crying as I passed by her bunk and it sounded like she was arguing with someone—“

 

Zack didn't wait to hear the rest. Clutching his prop in one hand, he charged down the tunnel. It didn't happen often, but sexual assault was a risk of gathering so many refugees in one place and his stomach twisted at the thought of someone trying to rape Aerith.

 

He didn't have his sword with him but he had a gun holstered on his thigh for emergencies and he reached for it as he sprinted to the civilian bunkers. He didn't slow or stop as he ran straight through the room past a couple of whispering civilians, who were looking in the direction of Aerith's bunker with concern. He was briefly annoyed that they were just standing around speculating instead of checking in on her, but he reminded himself that most of the people here were simple townsfolk that lacked the skills and courage to fight off an attacker. He could hear Aerith's tearful, frightened voice as he approached her bunk and he braced himself for what he might discover when he opened the screen.

 

“I d-don't understand what you want,” Aerith was saying in a pleading voice, “please…just let me be!”

 

Zack wasted no time. He yanked the screen open, ready to drag someone out of there and kick his ass three ways from Sunday. He found Aerith alone in her bunk, curled up against the wall in a fetal position with her head bowed and her hands pressed against her temples. Confused and surprised, Zack nearly dropped his pistol. He holstered it quickly when she looked up at him with pain-filled green eyes and he eased himself down beside her on the cot, careful not to move too quickly and startle her.

 

“Hey, what's the matter?” he asked.

 

“Th-they won't stop talking,” she said in a tiny, desolate voice. She was unconsciously rocking back and forth and she bit back a sob and shut her eyes.

 

At a loss, Zack looked around. “Sweetheart, you and I are the only ones here. Are your neighbors keeping you up? Is that what you're talking about?” He didn't hear anything from the residents in the other nearby cubbies, but they were likely keeping quiet to listen in.

 

Aerith shook her head and pounded a small fist against the wall in frustration. “N-no…it's not the people here. It's…the dead ones…they won't stop yelling!”

 

Zack felt a chill race up his spine and he was dismayed. The girl was hearing voices and that wasn't a good sign. It seemed she was more traumatized than he'd first thought. She looked so small and frightened, his protective instincts surged again and he carefully put an arm around her and drew her into his embrace.

 

“Shh, it's okay,” he murmured as he scooted closer to her shivering body. “Nobody's going to hurt you, Aerith. You're safe.” He rubbed her slender arm through the thick, cotton gown she wore and awkwardly tugged her blanket into place around her shoulders. Maybe she'd just had a bad nightmare and she was disoriented after waking up from it.

 

Terry approached and looked down at them with concern. “Is she okay?”

 

Zack nodded. “It was just a bad dream. Terry, could you get her some hot cocoa from the kitchen and maybe another blanket? She's freezing.”

 

“Sure,” agreed the woman. With a sympathetic look at the girl, she left to do as he'd asked.

 

Zack turned his attention back to the girl in his arms and he set his prop on the mattress and brushed her tears away with his thumb. She seemed to be calming down a little. “I don't know what's got you so scared, but you remember what I told you, right? I won't let anyone hurt you.”

 

Aerith nodded but the hopeless look she gave him said she wasn't entirely convinced. “You c-can't protect me from this.”

 

“Talk to me,” he urged softly. “Whatever it is, I want to try.”

 

Aerith stared into his eyes and she began to speak, but then her gaze became unfocused as though she were listening to something only she could hear. She shook her head. “Mama says I shouldn't say any more.”

 

Zack's dread returned. “You hear your mother's voice?” He asked carefully.

 

Aerith pressed her trembling lips together. “I…I don't want to talk about it.”

 

Seeing that she was growing more anxious, Zack let the matter drop. “Okay, you don't have to talk about it. Just try to relax, okay? Terry's going to bring you a hot drink and an extra blanket.”

 

She nodded and relaxed a bit in his arms with a trembling sigh. Zack stroked her soft hair and rocked her gently, wishing he could do more for her. He noticed Aerith looking curiously at his forgotten prop and he felt a little foolish.

 

“Uh…that's Crackers,” Zack explained as he picked up the stuffed parrot toy and offered it to her. “I use him as a prop. I uh…do pirate impersonations for the kids sometimes. They seem to get a kick out of it.”

 

Aerith took the plushy bird and blinked at Zack. He was treated to another of her sweet smiles and his heart skipped a beat. “You put on shows for children? Don't you…have more important things to do?”

 

He was blushing. Zack grimaced and shrugged. “Most of the time, yeah. I don't do it every night but when I have the spare time I like to make the rugrats laugh a little. Kids should be kids, you know? They've only got so much time to enjoy childhood before they wake up one day and have to worry about the future, like the rest of us.”

 

Aerith was looking at him with soft eyes. “You're a very kind man,” she complimented. “You like children, don't you?”

 

He smiled faintly and nodded. “Yeah…but I relate to them. I'm kind of a big kid myself.” He chuckled at his own expense and sighed. “I'm kind of hoping to have some of my own some day but now…I don't think that's going to happen.”

 

“Why not?”

 

Zack gazed at her, admiring her pretty features for a moment before answering. “Well, things aren't exactly ideal for settling down and raising a family. First I've got to get a wife and then I've got to stay alive long enough to father a kid. Even if I do that, I can't guarantee my family's safety. It's just…the world isn't safe now and…and…” He was getting flustered. The attentive way she listened to him and her shapely, parted lips were distracting him.

 

“Was the world ever really safe?” Aerith pressed.

 

He didn't know how to answer that. At least now she'd calmed down and she didn't seem to be hearing the voices any more. “I…I guess not,” he finally admitted.

 

“I think,” Aerith said hesitantly, “that if anybody could keep their children safe, you can.” She blushed charmingly as she said it. Now they were both flustered.

 

Zack continued stroking her hair and he smiled at her. “That's sweet of you to say, Aerith.”

 

~I'm going to kiss her. No, I'm not. I can't do that…I hardly know her! Just because she thinks I'm nice doesn't mean she wants me making a pass at her and she's already been through enough.~

 

His thoughts were interrupted as Terry returned with an extra blanket folded under one arm and a cup of steaming cocoa in her free hand. He reached out and took the mug from her and thanked her as she set the blanket on the mattress beside him. Seeing that he had everything under control, she left the two of them alone. Zack handed the mug to Aerith and encouraged her to drink while he reached out and slid the screen closed for privacy. Her hands were trembling as she lifted the mug to her lips and Zack waited, ready to help her if she started to spill.

 

She still held the parrot plushy in one hand while drinking with the other and Zack smiled. “Tell you what,” he offered, “why don't you hang onto Crackers?”

 

Aerith lowered the mug and bit her lip. “But, he's yours—“

 

“I want you to have him,” Zack insisted with a wink. “He'll keep you company at night. The only condition is that you let me borrow him once in a while for my act.”

 

She smiled hesitantly at him. “You're sure?”

 

“Absolutely,” he assured her.

 

He waited for her to finish drinking her cocoa and then he took the mug away and tucked her in, covering her with the extra blanket. “Think you can sleep now, Aerith?”

 

She nodded and hugged the gift he'd given her to her chest. “I feel a lot better now. Thank you, Zack. I'm sorry to be so much trouble.”

 

Zack rolled his eye. “You're not any trouble, honey. Just try to get some sleep. If you need anything, you just ask them to get me and I'll come running, okay?”

 

Aerith bit her lip and nodded. She closed her eyes and Zack smiled at her before closing her screen. He bade goodnight to Terry and left the civilian bunkers. When he was in the corridor out of Terry's sight, he rested his back against the rocky wall and tilted his head back, shutting his eye.

 

“Man, I'm in trouble.”

 

~**************************************~

 

-To be continued