Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction ❯ Ashen Skies ❯ Chapter 4

“Ashen Skies”

Chapter 4

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

Warning: Het content (mild)

*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.*

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

 

 

Cloud retrieved the book he'd been keeping safe and he searched through the underground community for Lieutenant Rhapsodos, hoping the volatile redhead hadn't harmed or frightened any civilians in his quest for his beloved poetry. Cloud asked around until his search led him back to the Den. He hurried in there to find Genesis arguing with Angeal in the middle of the room.

 

“Goddammit, someone has to have seen it!”

 

Angeal squeezed the redhead's arm and muttered softly to him. “Calm down. Again, I have to remind you that most of these people don't share your obsession with plays and poetry. We have enough trouble with the WEAPONS, without you slaughtering survivors over a book.”

 

Cloud had no choice but to defuse the bomb before it exploded. He approached the two Soldiers and cleared his throat, holding the book out as they looked at him. “I'm sorry,” he said softly, “but you dropped this last night and you were…um…busy…when I tried to return it. I didn't want it to go missing, so I kept it safe for you.”

 

Genesis took the book from him and Cloud tried not to notice the way his black-gloved fingers stroked the cover of it, as if he were petting it. Angeal nudged the redhead and gave him a meaningful glare when Genesis looked at him. Lieutenant Rhapsodos regarded Cloud with a faint expression of gratefulness on his sculpted features. “I appreciate it.”

 

Cloud nodded and decided it wasn't a good idea to hang around and prolong the moment. He made himself scarce and waited to hear news concerning his recruitment status.

 

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

 

“You're in, buddy.”

 

The delight that brightened Cloud's face made Zack chuckle.

 

“Really? I made it?” The blond looked like he could fly, if he had wings.

 

“Sure thing,” Zack assured him. “They'd have to be crazy to turn down someone with your skills, anyhow.”

 

Cloud's expression fell a bit. “But I may never become a member of SOLDIER.”

 

Zack frowned. “Never say `never', Cloud. SOLDIER still recruits…we just have to make sure and keep an eye on the guy that gives all the Mako enhancements. He's got a nasty habit of fucking with people's DNA.”

 

“Why?”

 

Zack felt acutely uncomfortable. He shouldn't have said so much but something about Cloud made him feel like he could trust him. “Professor Hojo isn't content with just boosting people, Cloudy. He likes to play around a little and we've always got to keep him supervised. He's a scientist and he likes to push things, you know?”

 

Thinking of Sephiroth's unusual eyes, the blond nodded. “I think I understand.”

 

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

 

Bits of dust floated down as the residents of Cosmo Canyon stayed in the shelter and waited for the WEAPON to complete its pass. Reno took a sip from his flask and he rolled his eyes when the muted sound of a roar shook the cavern.

 

“Yeah, yeah…arrrgh,” he muttered. “Roar….piss and moan…stomp.”

 

He looked at Tifa and he couldn't help but admire her courage and stoicism as she worked to calm down the other women and the children in the shelter. Listening to a WEAPON investigating overhead was terrifying for everyone, yet Tifa seemed to be keeping her wits about her and offering comfort to those who couldn't do the same.

 

“You ought to go talk to her,” suggested Rude in a low voice.

 

Another heavy stomp from above shook the cavern and Reno almost fell over. He looked at his partner dubiously. “I think she's still pissed off at me,” he announced.

 

Rude shrugged. “No better time than now to make up.”

 

Reno considered it. He watched Tifa murmur to a woman she was partially hugging, trying to assure her that everything would be okay. Tifa had some balls, he had to give her that. Other women were in near hysterics but the foreign brunette was holding her calm, watching the ceiling as it shook and rained down dust particles. Nanaki was moving amongst the refugees, doing what he could to ease their fears but aside from Tifa, he was alone in his efforts.

 

Reno took another sip from his flask and patted his partner on the arm. “Wish me luck, bud. I'm going in.”

 

Rude nodded mutely.

 

Reno approached the woman of his interest and he smiled down at her when she regarded him warily from her crouched position. “You're holding it together pretty good,” he complimented as he offered her his flask. “Want a little pick-me-up?”

 

He didn't expect her to take his offer. He was somewhat surprised when she did. She took a couple of swallows from the flask and hissed through her teeth as she handed it back to him.

 

“Nice whiskey,” Tifa complimented.

 

Reno grinned and replaced the flask in his pocket. He took a seat next to her and tried to ignore the woman sobbing at her side. “I only drink the best. Say, you're pretty brave.”

 

“You've said that already,” she responded in a clipped tone.

 

Reno scratched his head. “Did I? Well, it's not usual to see the ladies holding out better than the guys.”

 

Tifa followed his gaze and pressed her lips together when she saw some of the men panicking. “People are people,” she excused.

 

Reno offered another sip from his flask and he admired the way her throat worked as she took a couple swallows. “You like people, don't ya?”

 

Another shaking stomp from above made more dust float down and Tifa hugged the woman next to her and murmured consoling words before looking at Reno again. “What does that have to do with anything?”

 

Reno pulled his half-empty pack of cigarettes out of his pocket and snitched one. “Just getting to know you, doll.”

 

Reno thought about his situation as he watched Tifa do her best to protect other civilians. Finally reaching an epiphany, he said what he thought needed to be said. He leaned in closer to the brunette and cleared his throat before speaking.

 

“So, what does a guy have to do to impress you, Tifa?”

 

She gazed at him levelly. “Sober up first, then we'll talk.”

 

Reno sighed and finally took the hint. He realized now that his breath probably stank and truly, he wasn't as charming as usual. Rude had tried to warn him but he hadn't listened. He'd been so busy trying to dull the pain he felt over Cissnei's death, he didn't even consider that he might be overdoing it. Thinking about Cissnei made Reno's chest ache and he was sorely tempted to reach for his flask again.

 

“Are you okay?”

 

Reno looked at Tifa, surprised by the question. It was then that he realized his vision was blurring with tears. He hastily scrubbed his eyes with his hands and nodded. “Yeah…just thinking,” he muttered.

 

“You miss your friend,” she guessed. Her brown eyes were sympathetic on him.

 

He could have used that to his advantage. He could have let the compassionate brunette reach out for him and draw him into a comforting embrace. For reasons he couldn't even guess, Reno declined the possibility and stood up, walking away from Tifa and returning to his partner's side. Rude's chiseled features were faintly puzzled as the bald man regarded him.

 

“You passed up a good opportunity,” stated Rude in a low voice.

 

Reno nodded. “Yeah. Something about using emotions to get a chick doesn't sit right with me, though.”

 

“Hmph…that wouldn't usually stop you.”

 

Reno frowned. His partner made a good point. Usually he'd use whatever means necessary to get a girl he liked into his bed. Why was Tifa any different? He looked at her again, watching the way she spoke soothingly to other frightened civilians. He thought he understood why he'd neglected to take his chance, then. Tifa wasn't a typical woman. She was emotionally stronger than average, more generous than most people of either gender and brave. It made him feel like a dirty rat to even think of using emotional manipulation to gain favor with her.

 

The heavy footsteps from above continued for perhaps another ten minutes before finally fading into the distance. People began to relax once the threat retreated and Reno watched as Nanaki approached Tifa and complimented her on keeping her fellow survivors calm. The brunette smiled at the lion and she reached out and stroked his mane, making him purr like any common house cat. For some reason, it made Reno a little jealous. He wished he was getting a good pat from the pretty foreigner and he laughed when he imagined himself wearing a pair of cat ears and whiskers to get affection.

 

“Something funny, Red?” Rude was smirking at him, enjoying the outburst of amusement even though he didn't know the source.

 

“Just thinking too much, yo.” Reno curbed his amusement and continued admiring Tifa in the distance.

 

When the WEAPON was out of range of the fortress, the loud speakers came on again and Rufus ordered all fighting teams to assemble. Reno shared a grin with Rude and exchanged a high-five with him.

 

“Lock and load, baby!” Reno yelled. The Turks and the militia began to immediately assemble, while the civilians continued with their regular activities. As he began to follow his partner to the hangar, Reno noticed Tifa watching him with confusion and concern that she couldn't quite hide completely.

 

~Hell, I could die hunting this bad boy down,~ thought the redhead. ~Might as well get a smooch before I head out.~

 

Reno didn't offer Tifa any explanations as he paused long enough to slide an arm around her waist and pull her tightly against him. She was too startled to struggle against his hold and he lowered his mouth to hers and kissed her deeply, letting everyone within visual distance know his intentions in no uncertain terms. He didn't spare the tongue and he enjoyed the feel of her feminine curves pressing against his body as he took advantage of her surprise and plundered her mouth. He released her after a moment and grinned while she staggered.

 

As soon as she got her wits back, Tifa let everyone know in no uncertain terms how she felt about being mauled. The sound of her hand colliding with Reno's face echoed off the cavern walls and a nearby elderly woman giggled like a schoolgirl.

 

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

 

“Damn, she smacked you good and proper,” Rude observed as Reno climbed into the chopper with him. The redhead was sporting a vivid red handprint on the right side of his face.

 

Reno nodded but he was grinning with satisfaction. “Totally worth it, yo. I think she likes me.”

 

“Whatever you say, partner,” Rude muttered. He removed his shades and pulled the targeting visor down from the ceiling while his companion started the engine. After securing the visor to his head, Rude picked up the communication device and spoke into it.

 

“Fox twenty-four, prepared for engagement.”

 

Tseng's voice broke through the transmission. “Snake sixty-two, ready.”

 

Yuffie's voice spoke up next. “Ground team one, ready to go!”

 

Nanaki spoke calmly. “Ground team two, ready.”

 

Rufus' voice broke through next. “Cougar, armed and ready. Target is north by northeast. Converge and destroy at my signal.”

 

The armed forces of Cosmo Canyon began to leave then, heading in the direction where the WEAPON was retreating. Those on the ground were carried by hovering transport vehicles, while the helicopter air force hovered above.

 

“Hey Rude,” Reno said as he piloted the chopper, “Do ya ever think we're kind of nuts for going after these fuckers?”

 

“All the time,” agreed the bald man.

 

“Good thing I'm wasted, yo.”

 

Rude glanced at his partner and frowned. “You sober enough to do this?”

 

Reno smirked. “The day I can't pilot a chopper is the day I call it quits, man. I can do this.”

 

Rude made no further arguments and he focused on setting up his target control while Reno piloted the chopper to follow the rest of the air force. Within minutes, they had their target in range. The WEAPON wasn't quite as large as the usual ones they were used to but it still towered over the trees. It was humanoid in shape from the waist up, but from the waist down it had a lion's body.

 

“Air teams, begin firing on the WEAPON,” ordered Rufus over the radio. Reno circled the chopper around behind the creature while Rude launched the rockets. The WEAPON roared in pain and anger as the air force began to bombard it with missiles and gunfire. The ground forces waited for their signal while the air force unloaded everything they had against the creature.

 

“Snake sixty-two, out of ammo,” Tseng reported. The WEAPON fired lasers at his chopper and he narrowly avoided the hit.

 

“Tseng!” Yuffie's voice cried over the intercom.

 

“I'm fine,” answered Tseng's voice a moment later.

 

Rude launched their last missile and reported it. Rufus' chopper fired two more before the president reported that explosives were depleted. “Ground forces, move in,” Rufus ordered.

 

Yuffie's team went first and Nanaki's followed closely behind. The petite Ninja immediately loosed her intimidating shuriken at the creature, while Nanaki made an enormous leap and landed on the WEAPON's left shoulder. While the creature flailed and attempted to remove the nuisance, the ground forces began firing cannons and missiles at it. The choppers circled the area and shot regular ammo at the beast while the ground teams worked together to finish it off.

 

Finally, the WEAPON began to collapse and the ground teams hastily moved out of the way as it fell. When it lay still, Yuffie hollered with exuberance and jumped up on it's back next to Nanaki.

 

“We rule! Gaia can kiss my ass!”

 

Reno laughed aloud over the com unit. “You got it, honey!”

 

Rufus' voice spoke over the transmission. “All teams, disassemble what you can and prepare to transport the remains back to the base.”

 

Unfortunately, they had no lead scientist any longer to study the samples. The science team was good but without Hollander, there wasn't much of a chance of something useful coming out of the tests.

 

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

 

“Let's see how you look in your new duds,” Zack encouraged as he practically shoved Cloud into the flimsy dressing room. “If you need any help, just holler.”

 

“Uh, thanks,” Cloud responded from behind the curtain. “I think I can get it myself.”

 

Zack chuckled and waited while the blond changed into his new uniform. He looked up when Sephiroth entered the barracks and he nodded at the General. Sephiroth approached and regarded the closed curtain curiously.

 

“Cloud's trying on his new threads,” Zack informed.

 

Sephiroth nodded and he appeared to be ready to walk away when Cloud exited from the tiny changing room. The General practically broke his neck staring and Zack nearly laughed aloud. Cloud looked very, very good in the navy blue uniform. Zack couldn't really blame Sephiroth for admiring him and for the first time, he realized how deeply his General's interests ran in Strife.

 

“It's a little tight in the thighs,” Cloud said as he made adjustments. “Feels pretty good, though.” His bright gaze lifted from his clothing and he noticed Sephiroth staring at him. His fair face flooded with color and Zack was hard-put not to pick on him.

 

“Um, is it okay?” Cloud asked uncertainly.

 

“It…suits you,” Sephiroth answered in a clipped tone. “Excuse me.” The General retreated from the area gracefully and if Zack hadn't just seen the way he'd reacted to the sight of Cloud, he wouldn't have known anything was wrong.

 

“That was odd,” Cloud said. “Zack, do I look funny or something?”

 

Zack covered his mouth and coughed into his hand, shaking his head. “No, you look great, kid. I think you took Seph by surprise, is all.”

 

Cloud shrugged self-consciously.

 

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

 

A week passed and Zack got ambushed by his fellow officers on his way into the garden to visit Aerith. Genesis grabbed him by the arm and practically dragged him to the Soldier barracks and into the strategy room. Zack grunted a complaint but he froze when he saw Angeal and Sephiroth waiting there.

 

“What the hell's going on?” Zack snapped, frowning at his comrades.

 

“It's the girl,” Sephiroth informed him.

 

“What girl?” Zack's brows furrowed. “Aerith?”

 

His three companions nodded in unison and he shrugged. “What about her?”

 

Angeal glanced at Sephiroth before answering. “Sephiroth overheard the Director talking about moving her, Zack. We wanted you to know first, since you seem to have grown so attached to her.”

 

“Moving her where?” Zack got a sick feeling in the pit of his stomach.

 

“To the secure medical ward,” answered Sephiroth. He crossed his arms over his chest. “She's unstable, Zack. She talks to herself at night and it's frightening the other civilians.”

 

Zack shook his head. “They can't do that to her! They can't keep her under restriction without some proof that she's crazy.”

 

“Talking to oneself is fair proof of madness,” Genesis said dryly.

 

“I don't care!” Zack grew agitated and he looked at Sephiroth pleadingly. “She's harmless! She's finally starting to come out of her shell and if they treat her that way, she'll only get worse! Talk to Lazard, will you? He'll listen to you.”

 

“Zackary, we have to put the safety of the community above personal feelings,” answered Sephiroth in a low voice.

 

“But Aerith wouldn't hurt a fly!” Zack argued. “Hell, I saw her pick up a spider and carry it to the corner of the room so nobody would kill it! Come on, man…this isn't right.”

 

Sephiroth studied him thoughtfully, his emerald cat-eyes narrowed. “There may be a way, but it would require further responsibility on your part.”

 

Zack shrugged. “I'll do whatever it takes. I don't want to see Aerith wind up in a straight jacket.”

 

Sephiroth nodded in acknowledgement. “I expected no less of you. You'll need to declare yourself her official guardian. She can't sleep in the civilian quarters any longer so you'll have to accept moving her things to the medical ward—“

 

“What if she sleeps in my quarters, instead?” Zack insisted. When Genesis raised his eyebrows, he pressed on. “Hey, if they think she's some kind of threat, is there a better place for her to sleep than the Soldier barracks? It's more heavily guarded than even the med ward, right?”

 

“That's true,” conceded Angeal with a nod.

 

“I'm not quite fond of the idea of sleeping in a room with someone that speaks to dead people,” Genesis sighed. When Zack scowled at him, he shrugged. “Oh, all right. I suppose I can cram a pillow over my head.”

 

Angeal stepped forward and put his hand on Zack's shoulder, looking into his eyes with brotherly concern. “You understand you'll be completely responsible for this girl if you go through with this?”

 

Zack nodded. “I get that. I'm fine with it, Angeal. Like I said, Aerith wouldn't hurt anybody.”

 

Angeal exchanged a partially amused look with the other two officers and Zack blushed, knowing they were onto him. “On the bright side, this may give you an opportunity,” he said softly.

 

“Hey, I'm not going to take advantage of her,” protested Zack. “I can be a gentleman, guys.”

 

“Are you certain she wants you to?” Sephiroth quipped. It wasn't common but he occasionally exhibited a playful side and he was smirking dryly at Zack.

 

“Hey, that was just uncalled for,” Zack grumbled. “You pick the worst times to start making jokes, Seph.”

 

Sephiroth shrugged. “My timing could be better, I admit.”

 

“So we're in agreement?” Angeal said. “Aerith will be put into Zack's custody?”

 

The others nodded and Sephiroth spoke again. “I'll speak with Director Lazard on Zack's behalf. In the meantime Zack, you may want to start moving her things to your sleeping quarters and explain to her what's happening.”

 

Zack heaved a sigh and nodded. He just hoped Aerith would understand and not get the wrong idea.

 

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

 

“So, I'm moving in with you?” Aerith tried to understand what Zack was telling her. He looked so nervous and worried, she couldn't get offended even if she tried.

 

“Yeah…for now, at least.” He took her hands and squeezed them gently. His handsome features looked guilty, as if he'd been caught doing something wrong. “Aerith, please believe me when I say I won't lay a finger on you at night. I swear, I'll be a perfect gentleman.”

 

She giggled before she could stop herself and she returned the pressure of his hands. “I'm not worried, Zack. Please, don't be so nervous! I know I'm safer with you than with anyone else in this community, okay?”

 

He nodded uncertainly, still looking like a kicked puppy.

 

“They're afraid of me, aren't they?” Aerith guessed, glancing around at the other civilians tending the garden. “Because I hear people in the Lifestream.”

 

Zack shifted on his feet uncomfortably, somehow managing to look even more miserable. “They just don't understand,” he murmured, lowering his eye.

 

Aerith's heart swelled at his efforts and she pulled one hand out of his grasp and reached up to brush aside the dark lock of hair that fell over his eye. “Neither do you,” she whispered, “but you aren't afraid of me.”

 

Zack met her eyes and shook his head. “Nope. I'm not afraid of you.” He grinned boyishly and shrugged. “My friends always said I had more balls than brains, though. Should I be scared, honey?”

 

Aerith smiled warmly, endeared to him. “No,” she assured. “Even if I were a threat, you're the last person that should ever be afraid of me, Zack.”

 

Ifalna had warned her that one day, she might meet a man who would turn her world upside-down and make her breathless and giddy. Evidently, her prediction was right. Aerith could hardly avoid smiling when Zack looked at her and he made her feel safer than she'd ever felt before.

 

Her thoughts were interrupted as Zack looked over her shoulder and grinned at someone. Having gotten familiar with his affection for a certain blond man, Aerith turned around and wasn't surprised to see Cloud Strife coming into the garden. She smiled and waved at him as he approached and he gave her a little smile in return. He was a sweet person…perhaps a little introverted. Aerith liked him almost as much as she liked Zack.

 

“Hello,” Cloud greeted as he approached. “I just came to see if there were any carrots. I…uh…have sort of a weakness for them.”

 

Aerith chuckled in amusement as the blond shifted on his feet in a manner that reminded her of Zack. “No need to be embarrassed, Cloud. Here, I think there are a few ready for harvesting…why don't you come with me and we'll pick some for you?”

 

Cloud smiled bashfully. “You're sure it's not any trouble? I don't want to be a pig.”

 

Aerith smiled at him. “It's no trouble. I just wish I could get certain other people to eat their vegetables as much as you do.” She pinched Zack on the arm meaningfully and giggled when he yelped.

 

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

 

Reeve looked up at the man-demon floating in the tank, studying it with a frown. Chaos was sleeping deeply, with an oxygen mask strapped over his mouth and nose. His alabaster features were relaxed in repose, eerily beautiful to the engineer. As fascinating as Chaos was, Reeve sorely missed the demon's host. He'd forged a friendship with Vincent in the time he'd gotten to know him. Reeve had many friends, being the outgoing, warm person that he was. None of them were quite like Vincent, though. Immortal, tragic, beautiful Vincent…who had loved the woman that gave birth to Sephiroth.

 

Waking Chaos would be bad, he knew. While the entity had power that would be beneficial in the fight against the WEAPONS, Chaos thrived on spirit energy. He couldn't join the fight again without giving into his hunger for souls and feeding on people. Reeve never would have suspected such a creature to have a conscience yet for some reason, Chaos chose to sleep after vanquishing Omega, rather than endanger the thinning human population. Whether he'd done so of his own accord or because of Vincent's influence, Reeve couldn't say.

 

The engineer lifted one hand and placed it over the glass of the tank, spreading his fingers. “Are you still in there at all, Vincent?” Reeve murmured.

 

“I very much doubt it, engineer.”

 

Reeve turned to regard Hojo, who had entered the chamber unannounced. He frowned at the scientist in distaste. “You can't know that.”

 

“Oh, but I can,” countered Hojo with an oily smile. “I know Mr. Valentine. He has no reason to stay, you see. He's a coward.”

 

Reeve glared at him, hating him. He knew that Hojo was responsible for Vincent's condition. Hojo was responsible for quite a few things and the man never expressed any regret for the human misery he'd caused with his experiments. “Of everyone in this room, I doubt that Vincent is the cowardly one.”

 

Hojo chuckled and looked up at the floating demon. “But tell me how you really feel, Mr. Tuesti. That…thing…floating in the tank is not your friend. You're a fool to think otherwise.”

 

Reeve narrowed his eyes. “You're always reminding us of what a bad idea it would be to release Chaos. I hardly think it's due to your concern for the human population.”

 

“Then what do you think inspires me, hmmm?” Hojo looked somewhat interested.

 

Reeve looked at Chaos, then back at Hojo. It became clear to him as though someone shouted it in his ear. “You're afraid,” he said with certainty. “Your death is floating in this tank and you know it.” They'd barely kept Vincent from murdering Hojo when they rescued him from the coffin that the scientist had sealed him in. The only reason Hojo had told them about Vincent at all was because the world was about to end.

 

“Oh, I doubt Chaos cares whether I live or die,” Hojo chuckled, “and Vincent Valentine is no longer a threat.”

 

“Then why are you afraid?” Questioned Reeve.

 

“You have an interesting imagination, Mr. Tuesti,” answered the scientist with another smirk.

 

Deciding it was pointless to continue verbally sparring with the man, Reeve turned away from the tank and went back to his desk. “I have work to do,” he said. “It was good speaking with you, Hojo.”

 

Familiar with the dismissive tone, Hojo gave one last, departing chuckle and left him alone. Reeve felt his tension drain away once the professor was gone and he marveled at how easily the man could create stress. “I let him get to me,” he muttered. “I should know better, by now.”

 

He flipped open his scanning device and activated it before plugging the jack into his temple and getting started. After making a few adjustments, he began scanning the territory around Modeoheim. His dark eyes flitted to Chaos as he worked and he again wondered if Vincent would ever regain control of his body. His pondering became distracted as the monitor bleeped at him and he frowned when he saw the large mass on the screen, southeast of the fort.

 

“Well, it looks like we have something to keep us busy today, Vincent.”

 

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

 

Cloud munched on his third carrot and flipped the page of the book he was reading. He was ashamed to have gone through half the fresh produce Aerith had given him already but it tasted so good, he couldn't stop. Just as he bit down again, the loud speakers came on.

 

“All SOLDIER and medical teams assemble,” Director Lazard ordered, “A WEAPON has been detected to the southeast. Make preparations and move in to engage.”

 

Cloud shut the book he was reading and put his half-eaten carrot in the basket with the others. His adrenaline pumped as he left his bunk and hurried to watch the hunting parties leave. He didn't have the rank or status to join in the fight yet…his duty was to help guard the base from attack when the Soldiers were away. He hated being left behind but at least he had his foot in the door. He thought of Sephiroth and wondered what the General was like in battle.

 

Ironically, as soon as Cloud exited the bunker he literally ran into the man that was on his mind. His face collided with Sephiroth's chest and he had a heavenly moment of feeling the General's satiny skin against his lips before he fell on his ass. Stunned and confused, Cloud looked up at Sephiroth with wide eyes as the taller man stopped in his tracks.

 

“Um…sorry,” Cloud mumbled, struggling to his feet.

 

Sephiroth's emerald gaze held him fast as the General reached down and offered a leather-gloved hand to him. Cloud took it and allowed him to help him to his feet. People were running past the two of them as they stared at one another. Cloud felt the blush flooding his cheeks as his eyes automatically went to the exposed portion of Sephiroth's chest, where his lips had just been. Sephiroth's mouth opened as if he were about to say something but Zack came up behind him and upon spotting Cloud, he skidded to a halt.

 

“Cloud! Hey buddy, I've got a favor to ask,” Zack said.

 

The moment was gone. Sephiroth gave Cloud a nod before continuing on to join the others in the transport garage. Cloud sighed and looked at Zack, forcing a little smile on his face. “What is it?”

 

“That girl Aerith,” Zack said, “I need someone to look after her while I'm gone and you're the only one I trust, man. Will you do it?” Zack's expression was intense and serious. “It's pretty important to me.”

 

Cloud nodded. “Of course. I'll keep her safe for you, Zack.”

 

The black-haired Soldier visibly relaxed and he smiled. “Thanks, Cloudy. I owe you one.” There was no telling how long he'd be gone and Cloud was aware that even someone with Zack's skills might not make it through a battle with a WEAPON.

 

“Take care of yourself, Zack.”

 

Zack nodded. “I'll do my best, buddy. You just take care of my girl for me, `till I get back.”

 

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

 

“Do you think they'll be okay?” Aerith pulled her knees up and circled her legs with her arms. Her broom skirt pooled around her on the floor and she ignored the curious looks she got as other civilians passed through the Den.

 

“They've done this before,” Cloud answered, trying his best to sound reassuring. “Zack can take care of himself.”

 

“I hope so,” sighed the girl. She had her hair twisted into a long braid and it fell down her back to her waist, tied off at the end with a pink ribbon. “I'm a little scared, Cloud.”

 

“I won't let anything happen to you,” he promised, reaching down from his seat on the armchair to pat her slender shoulder.

 

“It isn't that,” protested Aerith. “I'm afraid Zack will get hurt.”

 

Cloud frowned, empathizing with her. He was afraid of the same thing. He was also afraid that Sephiroth would get hurt and he was stuck there, unable to help either of them in the fight. “They know what they're doing,” he insisted.

 

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

 

Aerith tried to ignore the screams in her head, tried to shut them out. It wasn't doing any good and before long, she had to excuse herself to the bunk that she was now sharing with Zack. She curled up on the cot and held onto Zack's pillow, embracing it and taking comfort in his lingering scent.

 

“Please stop,” she begged in a whisper, squeezing her eyes shut. “I can't understand what you want!”

 

The cries continued, until Aerith was clutching her head and crying softly. The pain and confusion eventually gave birth to an idea that she had never considered before. The planet wanted something from her…of that, she was certain. It was sending WEAPONS out to destroy humankind but she'd never considered attempting communication with any of them, before. Her eyes snapped open and she stared at the rough wall, thinking about it. The WEAPONS were guardians of Gaia. What if she could talk to one of them and convince it that humans weren't the threat that the planet perceived them to be?

 

Aerith sat up slowly, her eyes blank as the plan formulated in her mind. She had to try. She could hardly bear the constant influx of yelling, angry voices in her mind. Maybe she could put an end to all of this if she did it right. She got out of bed, slipped on a coat and began to walk purposefully out of the barracks. A guard asked her a question and she responded automatically, fabricating that she needed to use the restroom. She hardly slowed as she passed him and her footsteps took her up and out to the exit. The guards tried to stop her but she instinctively told their spirits to go to sleep and they fell in a heap at her feet.

 

Aerith looked out at the frozen landscape and steeled herself, stepping over the unconscious bodies of the guards as she tightened her coat around her.

 

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

 

Zack was exuberant when he returned to the base with the others. They'd taken down another weapon—dubbed “Opal” by Reeve. Unfortunately, they hadn't had the time to collect samples from it because another weapon was in the area and it was getting too close for comfort. They didn't have enough firepower left to risk another fight so they returned to the base. The first thing on Zack's mind was Aerith and he immediately began to look for her when he returned. He spotted Cloud in the Den as he was passing by and he smiled at the blond. When Cloud returned his gaze without smiling, Zack's senses tingled and he knew something was wrong.

 

“Hey, why so serious?” He looked around and a frown tugged at his lips. “Where's Aerith at?”

 

“Zack,” Cloud said gravely, looking thoroughly miserable, “I'm sorry. I tried to watch out for her but—“

 

“Where is she?” Zack interrupted, all happiness gone.

 

Cloud shook his head. “I don't know. She said she had a headache and she went to bed. When I went to check on her she was gone and the guards out front said she came up to them and they just…passed out. She went outside somewhere.”

 

Zack was sure that all the color was draining from his face as Cloud spoke. “She went outside?” He demanded. “Alone? Nobody tried to follow her?”

 

“By the time the guards woke up, she was long gone,” Cloud explained with a wince. “They say her footsteps lead off to the west.”

 

Zack didn't hang around to hear more. He rushed off and he ignored Angeal's questioning shout as he charged through the corridors and made his way back to the garage. “I need a snow mobile,” he barked at the technicians. “Pronto!”

 

While they readied a vehicle for him, Zack checked his gear and grabbed a pair of goggles. Genesis came running into the garage and by the look on his face, he'd overheard what happened and had guessed what Zack was up to.

 

“Don't try to stop me,” Zack growled as the redhead approached him. “She'll get killed out there on her own!”

 

“Who said I was going to stop you?” Genesis replied. He handed a materia-equipped bangle over to Zack. “Take this with you. It might come in handy.”

 

Zack took the bangle and noticed that it had a couple of summon materia, yellow materia and spell materia socketed to it. “Thanks, Gen. I'll contact you guys when I find her.”

 

Genesis nodded. “Watch your ass.”

 

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

 

Aerith stared at the creature before her. It was much, much smaller than the usual WEAPONS, only standing five feet above her. It looked very much like a man, save for the white, chitinous armor that covered it from head to toe. The face was smooth and almost featureless, with tiny nostrils and no visible mouth. She concentrated, shivering in the cold as she tried to speak to it. The purple eyes glared balefully down at her and she realized she wasn't getting through to it. She thought she heard the sound of a motor vehicle approaching from behind but she ignored it and continued trying to communicate with the WEAPON.

 

The creature's eyes lit up and Aerith knew she was about to join her mother in the Lifestream. Her only regret was that she'd been too timid to act on her feelings for Zack. She whispered his name and tried not to be afraid. The sound of the vehicle came closer and as if summoned by her thoughts, Zackary Fair drove up on a snowmobile and skidded it to a halt. Aerith stared with an open mouth as he jumped off of the vehicle and charged straight at the WEAPON, with his enhanced sword held high over his head.

 

Zack was like a berserker. His weapon flashed in the grey light as he unleashed a wild flurry of blows against Aerith's would-be attacker. He shouted at the top of his lungs and a savage snarl twisted his lips as he struck the WEAPON again and again. He had a bangle on his wrist and he activated one of the green materia. A black vortex appeared around the WEAPON, warping its form oddly for a moment. The creature staggered and let loose a pain-filled roar. It lifted its arm in an attempt to fire a projectile at Zack but the Soldier's sword chopped down and severed it in one neat, forceful blow.

 

He was magnificent. She'd never seen him fight before now and for the first time, she understood why Soldiers were praised as practically super-human. If he weren't on her side, she thought she might be terrified of him. Zack didn't slow or stop his attacks on the WEAPON and it had no chance to retaliate under the force and speed of his slashes. One armored leg buckled and as the creature began to collapse, Zack swept his sword in an arc and severed the head from the body. The WEAPON went down in a heap, lying motionless in the snow.

 

“Zack,” Aerith breathed, staring as he stood panting over the remains. He lifted his head and gave her a look that made her cringe. “I…I…”

 

Zack sheathed his blade, closed the distance between the two of them and grasped her slender shoulders in his hands. “Aerith, what the hell were you thinking? What were you trying to do? You almost got yourself killed!”

 

“I was trying to talk to it,” she said in a quivering voice.

 

Zack's mouth fell open. “You wanted to talk to a WEAPON?” He released her and dragged his gloved fingers through his black, spiky hair, sighing heavily. “Aerith…these things can't be reasoned with! They're not people, understand? They're living weapons and the only thing they want is to kill all of us!”

 

She shook her head. “You don't understand…they're at least partially sentient. If I can talk to even one of them, the planet might—“

 

“I don't want to hear it!” Zack made a slashing motion in the air with his hand. “The fucking planet doesn't care what any of us has to say, got it? You can't change that and all you'll accomplish by trying is getting yourself killed!”

 

Aerith's vision blurred with tears and she lowered her eyes, sniffing. She knew he was only being harsh with her because he cared, but this was the first time Zack had ever been anything other than gentle with her. “You're angry with me.”

 

Zack looked at her and the anger melted from his features, to be replaced by remorse. “No, Sweetheart…I'm not angry. Okay, maybe just a little but it's only because I was so scared.” He reached out and gently caressed her face with one hand. “I nearly shit my pants when I found out you up and vanished. When I followed your tracks and saw that thing looming over you, I…I…dammit, Aerith—“

 

Before Zack could finish saying whatever he was struggling to say, the vanquished WEAPON moved and lifted the arm that was still intact. Aerith's eyes went round as she saw a panel open on the creature's hand and she opened her mouth to shout a warning. She wasn't fast enough. The sound of automatic gunfire was brief and loud. Aerith felt something warm and wet splatter her face and she realized it was Zack's blood when she saw a spray of it erupt from the left side of his torso. He grunted and clasped a hand over the wound, reaching for his gun with his other hand. He began to collapse in the snow, rapidly losing strength.

 

“No,” Aerith sobbed as she put her arms around him. “Please, no!”

 

“Aerith,” Zack coughed, spitting blood. “Run.”

 

The WEAPON was attempting to take another shot with the last of its strength and Aerith shouted and reached inward, tapping hidden reservoirs of power she didn't even know she possessed. She flung her hand out and a stream of blue-green energy arched out of it and struck the creature, finishing it off. She stared in confusion at the corpse, then at her hand. Zack coughed again and began to lose consciousness, drawing her attention back to him.

 

“Don't die,” Aerith pleaded.

 

She tapped into that secretive pool inside again and bent it to her will, commanding it to save him. She splayed her hand over the holes in his shirt, urging her powers to mend the torn flesh beneath. The blood flow slowed and stopped and she furrowed her brow with concentration, refusing to stop until the wounds were closed. When she was sure her work was done, she nearly collapsed on top of him and she heaved a sob of relief. His breathing was deep and even but he'd passed out.

 

She had to get him back to the fort. The immediate danger was gone but he probably needed a blood transfusion and real medical attention. Aerith started to try and wake him up but her ears picked up the sound of slow, rhythmic stomps in the distance and she looked up to see another WEAPON heading their way. This one was huge and it was turquoise in color.

 

“Oh, no.”

 

There was no time to try and drag Zack onto the snow mobile. Soon, the big WEAPON would be in range to spot them and Aerith knew they'd never outrun it, once it targeted them. She looked around in desperation and she found a heavy rock formation a few feet away. There was a small opening in the bottom, large enough to fit a man. Hoping that there was enough room inside for both of them, Aerith grabbed Zack under the arms and dragged him as quickly as she could to the formation. He groaned and she murmured soothingly to him, feeling like her back was breaking under the strain.

 

Thankfully, the space inside the rock formation opened wider into a little cavern after she made it through the hole with her burden and she was able to pull Zack all the way inside. She climbed over him as quickly as she could and she yanked her coat off to sweep away their tracks in the snow. The WEAPON was cresting the hillside when Aerith squeezed back into the small cave. She couldn't do anything about Zack's snowmobile and she hoped the creature wasn't intelligent enough to guess where they'd hidden. She put her coat back on and painstakingly propped Zack's back against the wall of the cave. His eye opened and she covered his mouth with her hand and shook her head when he tried to speak.

 

The ground trembled as the gigantic footsteps continued their approach. Zack seemed to realize what was going on and he stared into her eyes and put his arms around her. He was shivering and Aerith pressed closer to him to share her body warmth. She kept her gaze locked with his and opened the palm of her hand, letting a green flame of energy manifest. Zack loosened his hold on her and reached up and behind to grasp the hilt of his sword. If the WEAPON found them, they wouldn't go down without a fight.

 

As it closed in, the shaking became so violent that Aerith feared the cave would collapse on them. She bit her lip to hold back the cries of fear that wanted to break free and she drew comfort from Zack's presence. He was holding her gaze, his amethyst eye steady and confident on her as the WEAPON stopped near the cave entrance and began to investigate. Aerith knew then that he loved her, and she in turn loved him too.

 

Aerith parted her lips, on the verge of speaking Zack's name one last time. He shook his head and suddenly, his mouth was covering hers in a kiss. The feel of his lips moving against hers was so hypnotic that for a moment, nothing else mattered. His tongue gently sought entry to her mouth and she allowed it, pushing her fingers through his dark hair and returning the caress of his tongue eagerly. She gasped as an enormous foot stomped down right outside of the cave but Zack's kiss muffled her fearful exclamation. Aerith supposed there were worst ways to go than being smushed in the middle of making out with a handsome man.

 

Again, her preparation to die was proven moot. Much to Aerith's surprise, the WEAPON only stopped for a moment, picked up its fallen brother and then moved on, losing interest when it found no visible signs of humans. The footsteps slowly and steadily faded into the distance while Zack kissed Aerith into stupidity.

 

When he finally released her mouth, Aerith was in a daze. She stared at Zack with kiss-swollen lips and an expression that was surely idiotic. He was breathing heavily and he let go of his sword hilt and traced her lips with his fingers. “Sorry about that,” he murmured huskily, “I figured you wouldn't slap me over it, under the circumstances.”

 

Aerith blinked. Why would she slap him for giving her a kiss like that? Her eyes settled on the patch covering his left eye and she suddenly understood. Zack didn't think he was desirable, any more.

 

“It was wonderful,” she assured him bashfully. He needed to know he wasn't ugly…needed to know how she felt even if it embarrassed her to say it. Aerith closed the distance between their faces and pressed her lips against his. He tensed in surprise before relaxing and returning her kiss. His arms went around her again and he groaned softly into her mouth, deepening the kiss.

 

After an indeterminable amount of time, they broke apart again and stared at one another. “Aerith,” Zack said breathlessly, “how did you do that…thing that you did? With the green flame, I mean. I was dying and you healed me without materia.”

 

“I'm not sure,” she told him honestly, biting her lip. “Mama used to be able to do things like that, but I didn't think I inherited it. Zack, you can't tell anybody, okay?”

 

He shrugged. “Wouldn't know what to tell them if I tried. Let's just worry about getting safely back to the base, sweet stuff.”

 

Aerith agreed. Though she'd healed his wounds, Zack was too pale and he was shivering. He'd be much better off in his own bed, after getting medical attention.

 

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

 

-To be continued