Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction ❯ Ashen Skies ❯ Chapter 24

Ashen Skies"

Chapter 24

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Warnings: Yaoi (explicit) Het (medium)

 

Author's Note: This events in this chapter spans months, because if I write this story on a day-by-day basis, it will probably rival a Robert Jordan novel in length.

 

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*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 was just about to call out a search for Cloud when his phone rang. He growled in annoyance before activating it and putting it to his ear. "This is Sephiroth."

 

"Hi, it's me."

 

Sephiroth recognized the soft voice and he relaxed. "Where are you, might I ask?"

 

"I'm...kind of stuck."

 

Sephiroth paused for a moment in confusion. "Stuck how?"

 

"About three-fourths of the way to our den," Cloud answered in a winded, shy tone. "Um, can you come get me?"

 

Sephiroth scanned the mountain to the west and he finally spotted Cloud. He was a tiny figure clinging to the mountainside and Sephiroth might not have even noticed him, if it weren't for the blond hair and the white wing. The clouds parted to allow moonlight to shine down and he could see him more clearly. Sephiroth found himself unreasonably amused.

 

"How did you manage to get in that predicament?"

 

"I tried to make it to the den by myself," answered Cloud. "It was...kind of stupid of me."

 

Sephiroth restrained a chuckle. Strife's unbending determination was almost as entertaining as his embarrassment. "I'm coming. Just hold still."

 

He ended the call and took to the air, grinning with quiet amusement. It was rather difficult to school his features as he approached Cloud. The blond seemed to have found a good foot and handhold, but Sephiroth could see the slight tremor of exertion in his shoulders. He flapped his wing to hover beside him and he coaxed Cloud to let go and put his arms around his neck. Cloud looked at him with a sheepish, somewhat relieved expression and did as he was instructed. Sephiroth was reminded of rescuing a kitten from a tree and the brush of soft blond hair against his cheek reinforced the impression.

 

"Did you fly this far?" Sephiroth murmured as he caught the slighter man in his arms.

 

"Sort of," Cloud replied. His breath tickled Sephiroth's cheek. "I climbed most of the way and flew a little when it got too steep. I'm sorry."

 

Sephiroth made sure he had a firm hold on him and he shook his head. "Nonsense. It took nerve to try, though I'd prefer you to wait until you've at least got a better handle on gliding before attempting this again." He held Cloud tightly against him and flew up to the den opening. He felt the other man's slight trembling as he set him on his feet and he presumed that Cloud was either more shaken than he let on or he was chilled. He pulled aside the hides covering their den and gestured for Cloud to go in first.

 

Cloud immediately went to the gas lamp and pulled his gloves off to light it. He retracted his wings and Sephiroth did the same. "I really thought I might make it," sighed Cloud. He began to undress, shivering slightly as he bared his skin to the cold. "I don't want to have to pester you every time I want to come here."

 

"Before long, you'll be able to do it yourself," encouraged Sephiroth. He took a moment to admire Cloud's body as the blond finished removing his clothes. Rather than change into the jogging pants he kept in the trunk for sleeping, he got under the covers in the nude. He looked up at Sephiroth with an inviting little smile.

 

"Let me make it up to you."

 

Sephiroth's eyes roved over him admiringly. "If you must."

 

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

 

A short time later, the couple lay entangled together under the sheets. Sephiroth kept his boots on at Cloud's request and he had the blond's legs hooked over his shoulders. He held Cloud's wrists down as he took him and he made low sounds of pleasure in his throat. Cloud angled his pelvis for greater penetration and he moaned when Sephiroth's thrusts began to stroke him inside just right.

 

"Oh...right there," Cloud urged breathlessly. He cried out as the thick length drove in more firmly. Sephiroth's mouth lowered to his and Cloud gladly parted his lips, allowing the other man to dominate the kiss. Beads of fluid escaped his cock and it smeared against Sephiroth's stomach. Cloud was sure he'd come from the feel of the man's pumping shaft, alone. Still, Sephiroth pinned his wrists together over his head and held them there with one hand, while dragging his free hand down and slipping it between their shifting bodies.

 

Cloud shut his eyes and moaned as Sephiroth's hand gripped his erection and began to stroke it. The sound of his passionate cry was muffled in Sephiroth's mouth and he squirmed greedily, enjoying the other man's restraining hold on him. Sephiroth altered his rhythm to shallow, hard thrusts and Cloud groaned even louder as his cock bumped continuously against his sensitive spot. Sephiroth's mouth broke away from his and Cloud started blurting swear words in the Nibel tongue, without even realizing it.

 

"There goes that filthy mouth of yours," Sephiroth purred with husky amusement.

 

"S-sorry," Cloud panted. "Didn't know...I was doing it. Just feels so good!"

 

"I rather like it when you lose control of your tongue." Sephiroth closed the distance between their mouths and he nibbled on Cloud's parted, gasping lips. "You're close," he observed in a strained voice. His thumb circled the slippery head of Cloud's erection, making the length of it twitch and drawing a helpless whimper from Cloud.

 

It only took a few more thrusts and strokes for Cloud to tense up beneath his partner and come all over his stomach and chest. Sephiroth kept the pace up, drawing out the orgasm with the firm thrusts of his cock. When Cloud lay trembling and sated beneath him, the General altered his rhythm again to deeply penetrating, slow thrusts. He ran his tongue over Cloud's flushed, perspiring cheek and groaned softly as he approached his release. Cloud moved urgently beneath him, striving to help him reach his goal. He whimpered as the growing desperation of Sephiroth's thrusts threatened to make him hard again.

 

Finally, Sephiroth stared down at Cloud with a tense, strained expression and he panted his name as he came inside of him. The emerald eyes fluttered shut with pleasure and Cloud admired the ecstasy on Sephiroth's face. When his cock's spasms eased up and stopped, Sephiroth released Cloud's wrists and allowed him to run his fingers through his hair. He kissed him and remained inside of him as they recovered from the experience. Cloud returned the slow, unhurried caress of Sephiroth's tongue and he relaxed beneath him, more than satisfied with the encounter.

 

Sephiroth finally eased his weight off of him and pulled out. He smirked down at the creamy mess on his torso and Cloud blushed and bit his lip. "That's half your fault," excused the blond.

 

"Indeed, it is," Sephiroth agreed with smug amusement. "I'll just go and clean this off, now."

 

Cloud watched him stand up and walk to the back of the cave, where he kept some washrags and a bucket for hygienic needs such as this. He admired the way the boots hugged Sephiroth's calves and lower thighs. Just looking at him like that made Cloud's groin stir again. That body, that face, the hair...all bared for his visual pleasure with the bonus of the leather footwear adding a sensual touch. Sephiroth dampened a washrag and fastidiously cleaned off the evidence of Cloud's orgasm while the blond watched quietly. He caught him staring and he looked up from his task with a sly glint in his eyes.

 

"Is there something else you want, Cloud?"

 

Cloud's eyes immediately dropped to the softened length of his lover's sex. He wet his lips as it began to stir under his gaze. "I don't think I've made it up to you enough, yet."

 

"Ah, I see." Sephiroth finished cleaning himself off and he dropped the washrag into the bucket before returning to the bedding. He lay down beside Cloud and pulled him closer. "Then I suppose you'll simply have to try again."

 

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

 

When they'd finally had their fill of one another, Sephiroth and Cloud lay spooned against each other with lazy content. Cloud rubbed the arm that was draped around his waist and sighed, shutting his eyes.

 

"Cloud, you need to be prepared to gather your things," murmured Sephiroth. "Plans are underway to immigrate this colony to a new, safer location."

 

Cloud's eyes popped open at the unexpected news and he turned his head to look at his lover. "What? When?"

 

"We'll begin in two weeks," explained Sephiroth. "The decision was made today, but we have strict orders to keep the news quiet, to avoid causing a panic. This is to stay between the leaders, officers and their partners until it's time to begin."

 

"Where are we going?"

 

"The city of the Ancients," answered Sephiroth, "where Aerith was found."

 

"I don't understand. How do you know it's safer there than it is here?"

 

"Mrs. Fair confirmed it for us. The WEAPONS never approached that city or the surrounding forest. If there's any place left on this planet where humans can live without coming under attack, the Forgotten City is it." Sephiroth propped himself up on an elbow and gazed into Cloud's eyes. "I know it's abrupt but I'd rather not wait until the last minute to tell you."

 

Cloud sighed. He understood. What better time to give bad news than when someone is most relaxed? Still, it spoiled the afterglow. He looked around at the interior of the little den, feeling heartsick. "I like it here," he protested softly. "It finally feels like...home."

 

"I confess, I share your sentiments." Sephiroth stroked Cloud's stomach soothingly. "But it's really only a system of caves and tunnels, Cloud. Survival is more important than location."

 

"I know. It's just frustrating. I'll miss this place."

 

"Just try to concentrate on improving your flying, until it's time to go," advised Sephiroth. "It will keep your mind off of it."

 

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

 

Cloud did as his lover suggested and he spent each day practicing. Zack found out about Reno picking on him and he came to Cloud with a good idea. "Do your training during mealtime and at night. Most people will be inside and you can practice without an audience."

 

Cloud thought it was a great suggestion and he thanked him. After a couple of days, he was able to glide short distances. He began to increase his altitude little by little, until he was able to soar twenty feet in the air, then thirty and so forth. He remembered the suggestions given to him by the other winged men and he tried different things, steadily getting a handle on steering. By the end of the week, he was able to stay in the air for as long as he liked, provided he didn't get fatigued. The strength of his wings built up while his understanding of them increased. He wasn't able to soar as high as the other officers yet but he was making steady progress.

 

By the time the second week began, Cloud no longer worried about people watching him. His confidence was much improved and he really did enjoy flying through the air. There was a sense of freedom to it and while he wasn't ready to start trying air stunts, he began to feel at home in the sky.

 

On Tuesday, he spotted Zack and Aerith below as he flew over the ruins. Aerith was waving enthusiastically to him and Zack hooted in triumph at the sight of him passing overhead. Cloud smiled a little bashfully and circled around to land by his friends.

 

"You looked great up there, buddy!" Zack patted him in the shoulder and grinned broadly. "I knew you'd get the hang of it."

 

Aerith smiled at him with pride and adjusted her thick coat. She held out a steaming mug to him. "Hot cocoa," she explained. "I know you've been spending a lot of time out here in the cold and even Soldiers can get a little chilly."

 

"Thanks, Aerith." He smiled and took the offering, sipping at the sweet, heated beverage with appreciation. Casting a look around and finding nobody to be in earshot, he murmured, "How do you feel about the move? I mean, it was your people's city, wasn't it?"

 

She lowered her eyes and Zack put an arm around her. "I know it's the only way. I don't want more people to die. Nobody lives there anymore and protecting a legacy won't do any good if it gets us all killed. I've come to terms with that."

 

Cloud nodded, feeling for her. "I think maybe people have learned from their mistakes," he theorized carefully. "They're more careful about waste management and energy use. I think the colony will be respectful, when they move in there."

 

"I hope so," she said wistfully. She put a hand over her abdomen. "I'm glad that our baby is going to be born there, though."

 

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

 

The other leaders were obviously suspicious when Sephiroth explained the Forgotten City's protective zone to them but he coolly informed them that he'd investigated the area himself.

 

"How can you be sure they aren't leaving it alone because it's uninhabited?" Rufus demanded after muffling a cough.

 

"A lack of habitation doesn't stop WEAPONS from tromping through settlements," answered Sephiroth. "You know this. You also know that there's at least one other sacred place on the planet where the WEAPONS won't set foot. This is our best chance to find true sanctuary, until we can discover a way to end this for good."

 

Rufus still looked suspicious but he didn't offer any further arguments...possibly because he was wary of getting another verbal reaming from him. Beside him, Scarlet also appeared suspicious. Cid and Barret took it in stride, while Reeve and Vincent exchanged intrigued looks that had Sephiroth wondering if they had ideas concerning Aerith's heritage.

 

The day came to begin the migration. Reeve's scanners hadn't picked up any large groups of WEAPONS closing in yet, but Lazard wasn't taking chances. With Reeve's help, he began to organize transport groups. Due to the amount of supplies and number of people, it was going to take several trips to complete the journey. Sephiroth, the Turks and the rest of the militia had their work cut out for them. Their task was to accompany the transports back and forth, to guard them.

 

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"Genesis," Angeal called, alarmed when he saw his lover's eyes drift shut. The redhead was nodding off in the air as he flew. He swooped in closer to him and grabbed his arm, shaking it.

 

"Mmm?" Genesis murmured, coming out of his trance with a start. "Damn, I dozed off."

 

"So I noticed," Angeal said severely. "You should go and rest in one of the land rovers or choppers."

 

The redhead yawned and shook his head stubbornly. "No, I'll manage. We've still got two more trips to make."

 

"What's the problem?" Sephiroth and Cloud joined the two of them and the General looked at Genesis' dark-smudged eyes appraisingly.

 

"No problem," Genesis said, waving a dismissive hand.

 

"He fell asleep," Angeal announced, frowning sternly at his lover. To Genesis, he muttered; "I told you not to stay up reading all night long."

 

"Ooh, is Daddy going to spank me?" Genesis snapped sarcastically.

 

Cloud found himself blushing as Sephiroth glanced at him and spared him a little smirk. Now really wasn't the time to think of the last spanking encounter he'd enjoyed with Sephiroth but the memory stubbornly replayed in his mind.

 

"If you're tired enough to nod off in mid-flight," Sephiroth said, "then you need to get some rest. You'll be no good to us if you break your neck flying into a tree or crashing to the ground. That's an order, Lieutenant. Board one of the transports and get some rest."

 

Genesis clenched his jaw in anger but he had the good sense not to argue with a direct order. He allowed Angeal to coax him away and together, the two of them flew down to one of the rovers below. Cloud watched them cling to the side of it and open the door. Genesis resisted a little as Angeal urged him inside but evidently, his exhaustion won out and he disappeared into the vehicle.

 

"I don't know how anyone could fall asleep while flying," Cloud said. He surveyed the snowy landscape and he took a moment to admire the full moon in the clear night sky.

 

"Being exhausted past the breaking point, I imagine." Sephiroth frowned down at Zack, who was riding a snowmobile beneath him. Of all of them, Zack seemed the least worn out. They'd been traveling back and forth from Modeoheim to the Forgotten City since morning. The grueling journey was almost complete now but Sephiroth predicted Genesis wasn't going to be the only fighter to suffer chronic fatigue.

 

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Aerith was so absorbed in praying that she didn't notice Genesis when he sat down next to her. Her eyes were shut and she was in a meditative trance, with her hands clasped together in her lap. Genesis regarded her thoughtfully and his tired eyes settled on the materia orb she wore around her neck as a pendant. It was glowing brightly. Genesis glanced around at the other passengers. Most of them were sleeping fitfully in their seats. He leaned closer to Aerith and whispered a warning in her ear.

 

"You're going to give yourself away if you keep that up."

 

She was startled out of her trance and the glow faded from the materia as she blinked at him. "I...pardon?"

 

Genesis shot a meaningful look at her pendant. "A girl who carries a piece of strange materia, speaks to the dead and sits in a trance while we travel to a city once populated by Cetra? Honestly, do you want to broadcast what you are? It was glowing."

 

Aerith paled and reflexively touched her pendant. "It was? I...I didn't realize it."

 

"What does that materia do, anyway?"

 

"It was passed down from my mother to me. I don't know what it does." She looked wary.

 

"Mm, hmm," Genesis replied doubtfully. "And I suppose you aren't a Cetra, either."

 

She narrowed her eyes at him and he held his hands up defensively. "I'm just making an observation and if you keep going, I won't be the only one."

 

She sighed in defeat. "Have you known for long?"

 

"I wasn't certain, until now." Genesis shrugged. "What were you doing, by the way?"

 

"I was praying for the ancestors to welcome us," she answered in a low voice. "Explaining why humans are moving into the city."

 

"I see. And do you think it's working?"

 

"I don't sense any hostility," she answered with a sigh, "but I don't hear the spirits very strongly, these days. I think the baby is muffling them."

 

"Talented child," Genesis remarked dryly. He sighed and rested his head back against the seat.

 

"You look very tired," Aerith observed softly.

 

He nodded and grimaced, too drained to come up with a sarcastic response.

 

"You should rest. They'll call you if they need you."

 

"I'd love to," he admitted. "But apparently there's no rest for the wicked. The closest I've come to getting sleep was when I nodded off in flight."

 

"That's...not good," she said in concern. "Here, maybe I can help you."

 

He turned his head and looked at her with a frown. "If you're going to suggest warm milk, forget it."

 

"No, but I can lull your spirit asleep, if you want me to. I did it to the guards that day Zack got hurt."

 

"Ahh, that explains things." Genesis thought about it. He wasn't sure agreeing to let a woman who still had a grudge against him for throwing her husband at a WEAPON was a very good idea. Still, he was so tired he was on the verge of delirium.

 

"I won't hurt you," Aerith promised with a subtle grin, guessing the reason for his ambiguity.

 

"Who said I thought you would?" Genesis muttered almost petulantly. He sighed and nodded. "Very well, I suppose there are worst risks I could take."

 

Aerith placed her hands on either side of his head and he shut his eyes again, bracing himself for whatever she was going to do. He thought he heard a whisper of a melody in his mind. It was nice...soothing. He began to relax and before he knew it, he was falling asleep. He didn't feel it when the Cetra covered him with one of the stored blankets.

 

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

 

"I want to keep traveling with you," Aerith insisted when Zack prepared to go again with the convoy. They stood on one of the cracked and broken footpaths in the city, embracing.

 

He shook his head and pulled back to give her a kiss. "No. I want you to get something to eat, get settled in and have some rest. We've only got a couple more passes to make and then, this will be over with."

 

"Zack," she tried to argue but he grinned and kissed her again, muffling her protest.

 

"Nope," he said when he released her lips. "I'm putting my foot down, sweetheart. You've done enough traveling today and you're caring for two. You've got my satellite phone. I promise, I'll call to keep you updated as we go along, okay?"

 

She pressed her lips together and felt the urge to stomp her foot like an impetuous child. Zack was unbending. His gaze was steady and determined. She sighed, giving up. "Please, be careful. You need rest too and I'm worried you might not be alert enough."

 

Zack smiled reassuringly. "I'm holding up better than any of those other guys." He traced her cheek with his fingers and gave her one last, lingering kiss. "Don't worry. I'm not going to get myself killed when I have something so important to come back to." He squeezed her hands and reluctantly stepped away to join the others.

 

Aerith sighed and watched the convoy and helicopters start up and leave. Tifa, Yuffie and Elena were traveling back with them, but none of them were in Aerith's condition. She supposed she couldn't blame Zack for wanting her to stay behind and get whatever rest she could. With that in mind, she walked to the house she'd grown up in, where her and Zack's belongings waited on the first floor. The house was in better condition than most of them but it was still going to require some structural repair eventually. At least the plumbing system still worked. She drew a bath for herself and tried not to worry about her husband and friends.

 

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

 

"This is going much smoother than I suspected it would." Reeve studied the long-range scanner again. "I'm getting a couple of readings to the west and south, but they aren't close enough to be an immediate threat."

 

They'd already had to take an evasive route once to skirt around a WEAPON that was moving too close to their travel path. Aside from that, the journey was progressing without any attacks on the convoy. Vincent sat beside Reeve in the chopper and he glanced over at the scanner.

 

"We've been fortunate," said the gunman.

 

"It's about time something went right," sighed Reeve, "but I'm not counting on our luck holding out. I'll relax when we've finished moving everyone."

 

"I think that's reasonable," agreed Vincent.

 

Reeve glanced at his companion sidelong and considered whether he should make the next statement or not. Vincent noticed the look and arched a brow. "I spoke to Shalua after the most recent drop off. She said that her sister seems to be coming out of her trance, now. I can't help but wonder if it has something to do with being in the Cetra city."

 

"I see," Vincent murmured. "Could the resonating spirit energy in that place be purging her ailment?"

 

"Your guess is as good as mine," Reeve shrugged. "I just thought you should know. You may finally get your chance to speak with her and get your answers about her connection to Lucrecia."

 

"One thing at a time," Vincent said. A part of him dreaded getting those answers. He'd finally come to terms with losing her, finally started moving on. Now it seemed her ghost was sharing the body of a child who had never grown to maturity.

 

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

 

By the time they gathered the last remaining colonists, Genesis was rested enough to rejoin the others in guarding and scouting. Cloud was exhausted by then and Sephiroth ordered him to climb into one of the helicopters and have a nap. They refueled their air and ground vehicles one last time before leaving--this time, for good. Sephiroth, Angeal, Zack and Genesis stood together outside the ruins, sharing a moment of nostalgia as they said goodbye to Modeoheim.

 

"Man, I think I'm going to cry," Zack said suddenly. Indeed, his eye was beginning to tear up. "I didn't realize how much this place meant to me until now."

 

"It's been our sanctuary," Angeal reasoned, "we all played a part in building this place, making it a safe haven."

 

"It's a big rock," Genesis said. "There's nothing to miss."

 

Zack sighed. "Maybe to you. Come on guys, we'd better catch up with the convoy." He mounted his snowmobile and started it up. He looked over his shoulder before driving away, giving Modeoheim one last silent farewell.

 

Sephiroth looked up at the smaller mountain facing the fortress, where his now empty den was hidden. He said nothing but he hesitated for a moment before turning and spreading his wing.

 

Angeal started to follow him but he noticed that Genesis hadn't moved yet. The redhead was still gazing over his shoulder at the ruins and the mountain and there was a pensive frown on his face. Despite his earlier statement, he seemed reluctant to leave. Angeal walked up to him and patted him on the arm. Genesis looked at him and nodded silently, returning the pat. Together, the two of them took to the air and followed the others.

 

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

 

"Rude's taking over for me," Reno explained when Tifa gave him a faintly alarmed look. He grinned as he sat down beside her in the passenger cabin. "What, did ya think I'd leave the bird unmanned?

 

"No, of course not," she said with a little sigh and a self-depreciating chuckle. "I guess I'm more tired than I thought. I forgot the copilot could take over."

 

Reno glanced at Cloud, who was sleeping like a rock in the chair across from Tifa's. All Reno could see of his head was the fluffy golden hair that peeked out the top of the blanket. He could hear soft snores issuing from within the folds and he guessed Tifa must have tucked him in.

 

"Damn, he must be really tired to sleep through that turbulence we hit a minute ago," Reno muttered. "I about hit my head on the ceiling."

 

"Yes, it was alarming," Tifa agreed. "For a moment I thought we were under attack."

 

They hit another spot of turbulence and Reno swore as he nearly tumbled out of his seat. Tifa grabbed his arm to help him steady himself and he hastily buckled up. "We've got some storm clouds moving in," Reno said when the chopper stabilized. "Expect more of this shit, toots."

 

Amazingly, Cloud didn't react to this turbulence either. Tifa cast a quick look the blond's way to make sure he was still secure in his seat before looking at Reno again. "Yuffie's still in the lavatory. I'm starting to get worried about her."

 

"Why the hell ain't she flying in Tseng's chopper with him?" Reno wondered.

 

"She was going to board his helicopter but she started getting sick and yours was closer." Tifa glanced toward the lavatory door a few feet away and she frowned, imagining her friend hitting her head during the turbulence and knocking herself out. "I think I should go check on her."

 

Reno helped her up. "Just make sure you hang onto something if we hit another rough spot. I don't know why that chick didn't just stay behind in the city or take a rover. She always gets the pukes when she flies too much, yo."

 

"You know why," Tifa smiled over her shoulder at him as she walked toward the lavatory. "She wanted to be with him, even if she doesn't want to admit it."

 

"Yeah, some of you gals are stubborn that way," Reno answered dryly.

 

Tifa chuckled. He'd tried to make her stay at the Forgotten City when they arrived but she refused. She didn't have the training to do much in a firefight if it came to it, but there were plenty of other things to do that helped speed things along. She helped carry people's belongings, soothed frightened children and helped take inventory.

 

"Yuffie, can you hear me?" Tifa called, knocking on the lavatory door.

 

"Y-yeah, I can hear you." The girl's voice sounded strained.

 

"Are you okay?" Tifa persisted.

 

"Not exactly."

 

"Is there anything I can do?" Tifa's worry increased when she heard the other woman gag.

 

"Not unless you want to trade stomachs with me," came the miserable answer.

 

Tifa winced. "Well, I can't do that but I can ask one of the medics to bring you something for nausea."

 

"Okay, thanks."

 

Tifa moved through the cabin as quickly as she could and she told the medic what was going on. The woman gave her a blister packet and told her to instruct Yuffie to let it dissolve under her tongue. Tifa thanked her and went back to the lavatory, knocking on the door again.

 

"Open up Yuffie. I've got your medicine."

 

The door opened and a small, pale face peeked out at her. "Thanks, Tifa. I just...sometimes flying doesn't..." She quickly turned away and bent over the toilet again as her gorge rose. Tifa grimaced at the sound of her dry heaving and she squeezed partway into the lavatory and rubbed her back.

 

"Here, put this under your tongue and let it dissolve," Tifa said when the girl's heaving ended.

 

Yuffie took the pill and nodded, groaning as she flushed the toilet and slipped the tablet into her mouth. Tifa helped her get back to her seat and she advised her to put her head between her knees and take some deep breaths. When she had her settled in, she returned to Reno's side.

 

"So how big a mess do I have to clean up in there?" Reno asked, putting an arm around her shoulders.

 

"It doesn't look like she made a mess," Tifa assured him. "I don't think she had much in her stomach to throw up, truthfully."

 

He looked down the cabin at Yuffie and winced when he saw her put a hand over her mouth. "She better not puke on the floor."

 

"I'll get a bowl or something for her," Tifa sighed.

 

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

 

"Aerith! They're back!" Small hands knocked on the door of Aerith's house and Marlene's cries woke the Cetra from her sleep. As soon as she comprehended the little girl's announcement, she stumbled out of bed and climbed down the ladder. Marlene and Denzel were waiting for her at the door. As soon as she opened it, Marlene took her hand and urged her outside.

 

"Come on, Aerith! They're finished bringing everyone here!"

 

Aerith rubbed her eyes and blinked in the morning light. She must have slept through it when they returned the last time. She thought the feel of her husband's lips brushing over her cheek was just a dream but now she realized he must have come into the house and kissed her before making the final trip. Her stomach growled but she paid it no mind as she grabbed her sweater off the hook by the door and followed the children through the city. As she neared the edge of town where the path led into the forest, she saw the transport vehicles. People were disembarking from them and Reeve directed them to head into town.

 

"There is plenty of housing for everyone," the engineer assured the newest arrivals. "Each family will be assigned a home. Some of you may have to share a house, until we've repaired more to a state of habitation. Please, gather your things and come this way." He paused as he approached Aerith and he gave her a respectful little bow. "Mrs. Fair. I believe your husband is searching for you."

 

"Thank you," she said politely. She waited for the group to pass before searching for Zack. She spotted him getting out of one of the ground transports and she hurried to him, her heart fluttering with relief. He spotted her and gave her a sheepish smile that said he knew he was in a bit of trouble.

 

"You never called me like you said you would," scolded Aerith as they embraced.

 

"I tried once but when I didn't get an answer, I figured you were asleep," he excused. "You don't remember me coming into the house and telling you I was on my way for the last run?"

 

"I think I remember you kissing me," she sighed. "I must have been sleeping hard."

 

"You're back home again." He nuzzled her hair. "I'll bet that helped you sleep."

 

Aerith saw Barret pick up Marlene in a bear hug and she imagined Zack doing the same to their child in the future. "I'm so glad there weren't any complications. I hope they don't have too much trouble settling everyone in."

 

"Well, we've got a lot of work to do but restoring the buildings shouldn't take too long." Zack rubbed her back. "Lazard promised to make sure the builders don't mess up the architecture. If we do construct more buildings, they'll be shell style like the others."

 

"That's comforting," she said truthfully. So far, she had no reason to believe the colony would mistreat her people's city. Maybe everything really would be okay.

 

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

 

Weeks passed as the colony adjusted to the new location and worked together to restore the city. Zack began to notice one of the other changes that came with pregnancy. Aerith's tummy wasn't the only part of her body expanding. He'd been spending more time on patrol than he'd have liked, but it was a necessary precaution. Until the underground emergency shelters were fully secured, they had to be sure the protections in this city held. There was no guarantee that the WEAPONS would honor the sanctity of this place indefinitely. Because of all the time he spent scouting with his fellow Soldiers, he hadn't noticed how full Aerith's breasts were getting until now.

 

"Hey, your boobs are bigger," he told her tactlessly one night as they cooked dinner together. Having the privacy of their own little house made him a bit careless with his words.

 

Aerith's mouth dropped open and a blush rose in her cheeks. She glanced down at her fuller cleavage self-consciously. Her breasts were straining against her blouse and the top button had popped open. "I...I know. I need more clothes."

 

Zack stared. "Yeah, I can see that. You're going to pop out of that blouse soon, cute stuff."

 

"Stop staring, Zack."

 

He shook himself out of it and tore his gaze off the tempting sight of her cleavage. "Hey, I'm your husband. Why can't I look?"

 

"You can look," she said shyly, turning her attention to the pot of stew bubbling on the stove. "Just...don't stare like that."

 

Zack grinned in a flirty manner that usually pushed the right buttons. "No?" He approached her and embraced her from behind. "How about if I just touch, instead?" He nibbled her ear and ran his hands up and down her sides, just barely brushing against the outer swell of her breasts with his palms.

 

"Zack...the food," she faltered, unconsciously leaning back against him.

 

"Just turn the heat off and cover it," he suggested huskily. He curved his hands around to the front and began to unbutton her blouse with slow deliberation. "We can finish cooking it later." He sucked on the skin of her neck and gently bumped his growing arousal against her backside through their clothing. When she made a soft sound of distress and didn't try to stop his hands, he knew he had her. He kissed her neck with increased passion and pulled her blouse open. He winced a little when he saw how much her breasts were straining against her bra.

 

"Yeah, you definitely need some new clothes," Zack murmured as he undid the clasp and freed her from the restraint. She gave a little sigh of relief that wasn't lost on him and he guessed she was tender. He resisted the urge to squeeze as he gently cupped her breasts and she murmured with pleasure as he fondled the nipples. "Is that good, sweetheart?" he questioned, feeling like he might pop a button on his pants if he got any harder.

 

"Mmmm," Aerith sighed, arching her back. "Zack...where's the lid for the pot?"

 

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

 

Vincent felt eyes on him as he walked the paths of the city. He turned to see Shalua and Shelke sitting on a bench outside of one of the shell houses. The younger of the two was staring at him, while her sister spoke softly to her. Deciding it was time to start asking questions, he approached the two women. Shalua noticed him coming and she looked up at him warily, putting a protective arm around her sister.

 

"I mean you no harm," Vincent said softly. "I only want to ask the young lady something."

 

Shalua looked as though she was going to deny his request but her sister spoke up.

 

"It's okay."

 

Vincent tried to think of where to begin. "When we found you in Midgar, you said you knew me. I've never met you before and yet the look in your eyes...reminded me of someone."

 

"I have some of her memories," Shelke answered softly. She bit her lip and kept staring at him. "I absorbed them when I retrieved her data files."

 

He didn't need to ask whom she referred to. Vincent felt like he'd been punched in the gut and he took a moment to gather his wits before speaking again. "Is she there...inside you?"

 

"Just her memories," Shelke answered. "I'm sorry, Mr. Valentine."

 

Vincent nodded, oddly relieved. "Thank you."

 

He walked away and he finally let Lucrecia go. Lazard could handle further questioning of the girl, whenever she made a stronger recovery.

 

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

 

Three months later:

 

"Oh!"

 

Zack stopped talking to Cloud and he turned to see Aerith drop the pale of water she was carrying. "Aerith? Is something wrong?" He hadn't wanted her carrying anything but she insisted on helping with the reconstruction by bringing water for mixing to the builders.

 

"The baby," she gasped. "It just moved!"

 

Zack vaulted over a wheelbarrow effortlessly and went to her side, placing a hand over her belly. His grin took to his ears when he felt faint movement. "Hey, kiddo," he said to her stomach. He turned his head to look at Cloud with an expression of excitement on his face. "Cloud, get over here and feel this!"

 

The blond looked uncertain. "Is that okay with you, Aerith?"

 

"You're my friend," she assured him. "I don't mind."

 

"Okay, if you're sure." He approached rather bashfully.

 

"It's not like you're groping her," Zack chuckled, moving his hand out of the way to make room.

 

Cloud laid his palm over Aerith's rounded belly and waited. He frowned and shook his head. "I don't feel anything."

 

"Just wait," she advised.

 

After a moment, the baby moved again and Cloud grinned. "Felt it that time. How far along are you, again?"

 

"Almost twenty-one weeks," answered Zack with a prideful smile. "Hey Gen, come feel!"

 

"Thanks, I'll pass," declined the redhead.

 

"Aw, come on! This is the first time our kid has moved!"

 

Genesis sighed and walked across the restored pavement. Cloud stepped aside and Genesis gave Aerith a faintly wary look. "Well, may I? It's your uterus, after all."

 

She nodded her consent and he removed his glove before gingerly settling his right hand over the mound. Genesis smiled crookedly at Zack when he felt the activity beneath his hand. "I don't think your wife will enjoy having such a hyper mini-puppy dwelling in her body, once it starts keeping her up at night."

 

"All babies move around and kick while they're in the womb," Zack snorted.

 

"Yes, but if yours is anything like you, it won't sit still for long, once it gets the hang of moving."

 

"I'll cope," Aerith said with a smile at her husband.

 

"Are you hoping for a boy or a girl?" asked Cloud.

 

"We don't care," Zack answered, and Aerith nodded in agreement. "Just so it's born healthy."

 

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

 

Days later, Tseng was just getting ready to board his helicopter for another patrolling mission when his wife came up behind him. He was absorbed in checking his communication equipment so he didn't know she was coming and he couldn't see the expression on her face. He noticed Reno's eyebrows shoot up and he started to turn, wondering what provoked the look on his face. Yuffie's shoe planted firmly against his ass and she shoved, making him stagger.

 

"What's gotten into you?" Tseng sputtered as he caught his balance and stared at his wife.

 

"That's for getting me pregnant, you jerk!" Yuffie stormed away back to the city without waiting for a response.

 

Tseng stared after her with parted lips and raised eyebrows. "Pregnant?"

 

"Way to go, boss," Reno congratulated with a laugh.

 

Rufus saw the mystified expression on Tseng's face and he smirked. "I take it this wasn't a planned pregnancy." He covered his mouth with a hand and coughed.

 

"No, it wasn't." Tseng slowly began to smile. "It seems her contraceptive measures failed. Ah, well."

 

Reno suddenly swallowed. "Uh, yeah...could happen to anybody."

 

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

 

"I'm just so...mad!"

 

"Well, he didn't do it on his own," Elena reminded the fuming ninja. "You can't just blame him for it."

 

"But I was taking birth control," Yuffie protested. "He must have some kind of super sperm or something!"

 

Elena snorted. "I don't even sleep with men and I know birth control can fail. That's the risk in having sex with a guy, Yuffie."

 

Yuffie heaved a shaken sigh and took a deep breath while Elena coaxed her to sit down on the couch. "I know," she said in a small voice. "I just...I didn't want this to happen. I'm not ready for it."

 

Elena sat down beside her. "Do you think you'd ever be ready for it?"

 

Yuffie shrugged. "I don't know. Maybe. I always figured if I had kids, it would be years from now. I can't fight while I'm pregnant!"

 

"No, you can't," agreed Elena, "at least, not if you want to keep the baby. Listen, there are still a lot of other things you can do to help. You don't have to be kicking ass on the battlefield to be useful, you know."

 

"I know, but all that other stuff is boring." Yuffie pulled her legs up onto the couch and crossed her ankles.

 

Elena's satellite phone rang and she put it to her ear. "Elena speaking. Yes Sir, I'm on my way." She put the phone back into her pocket and looked at Yuffie apologetically. "I've got to go. The patrol is moving out."

 

"Lucky you," Yuffie muttered.

 

Elena squeezed her on the shoulder. "Just remember, you're tough. You can deal with this."

 

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

 

"What's our status?" Lazard gazed at the three Alphas lying on the cold ground. They'd been wandering near Bone Village but they had stayed away from the Forgotten City.

 

"We've got five injured and no deaths," answered Sephiroth. "The medical teams are treating the wounded now."

 

"Salvage what you can from the remains of these Alphas," Lazard ordered. "Reeve, do you have any more readings?"

 

"None," answered the engineer. "Those three were the only ones in proximity of our territory."

 

"We should send scouts to check on the status of Modeoheim," suggested Rufus. He pulled a handkerchief out of his pocket and covered his mouth with it as another coughing fit struck him.

 

"Why should we do that?" asked Lazard, even as he felt a twinge of unwilling concern for his half-brother.

 

"To see if the theories that led to this migration have proven correct," Rufus said when his coughing fit eased. "I want to know if Modeoheim still stands."

 

"To prove me wrong, no doubt," Lazard smirked.

 

Rufus' blue-gray eyes, so much like Lazard's met his and glared. "We need to know."

 

"Very well," Lazard agreed grudgingly. "General, I would like for you and the other winged officers to go on a scouting mission to Modeoheim, tomorrow. We need to conserve fuel until we've perfected manufacturing it from Bone Village."

 

Sephiroth nodded. "Understood."

 

Rufus began to cough again, to the point where he was gagging. Rude supported him as he staggered and the bald man shared a grim look with Reno and Scarlet.

 

"I think it's time ya got a serious examination, bossman," Reno suggested as the President struggled for breath.

 

The coughing eased again and Rufus pulled the handkerchief away from his mouth. He started to shake his head but he stared at the material in his hand instead. Rude looked and his grim frown deepened.

 

"Sir, is that blood?"

 

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

 

The next day, Sephiroth, Cloud, Genesis and Angeal went on the scouting mission to Modeoheim. They stopped for rest a few times, keeping to the forested areas to conceal themselves from view. When they reached the edge of Modeoheim territory, Sephiroth told the others to stay back while he scouted ahead.

 

Cloud recognized the birdcall that came from up ahead a few moments later as Sephiroth's. He took his cue and flew to the big evergreen tree that the other man was in. He landed beside him on one of the thicker branches and peered through the pine needles. Modeoheim was up ahead and it looked as though it was undisturbed. Sephiroth made another birdcall, this one pitched differently for the other two officers. Angeal landed in the tree beside theirs first before Genesis joined him. All four of them were wearing gray and white camouflage for this mission, but Sephiroth blended in better with the landscape than they did, with his silver hair.

 

"There's no sign of infiltration," Angeal said softly, looking at the abandoned ruins and fort with narrowed eyes.

 

"I don't see any further damage, either," Genesis added. "Shall we have a closer look?"

 

"I'll go out first," Sephiroth said. "I'll wave to you when I'm certain there aren't any lurking Alphas. All of you, keep a sharp eye out: particularly you, Genesis. If you had agreed to wear the helmet, you wouldn't stand out so much."

 

Genesis shrugged. They'd tried to get him to wear the white helmet to cover up his auburn hair but he'd refused, claiming it would impede his vision and hearing. Sephiroth gave him one more briefly annoyed look before leaping out of the tree and soaring away. Cloud watched nervously as his lover flew out into the open toward the ruins. He scanned the horizon and the ruins for any sign of movement, instinctively reaching for the sword strapped between his wings in case he needed to go to Sephiroth's aid. Angeal and Genesis likewise tensed in the tree beside his.

 

Sephiroth hovered outside the entrance to the mountain and scouted the area before waving to his companions. Cloud breathed a sigh of relief and he flew out to meet him. Genesis and Angeal followed.

 

"Either the WEAPONS have figured out that this place is no longer inhabited," Sephiroth mused, "or they simply haven't organized to attack, yet."

 

"They wouldn't stay around for long, once they realize there aren't any humans to kill," Genesis stated, scratching his chin. "Maybe they have come and gone."

 

"But the entrance is still sealed," Cloud pointed out. "They'd have to break it down to find out nobody's in there, wouldn't they?"

 

Angeal nodded. "They haven't come, yet. Maybe they won't after all, now that we're gone."

 

"Doubtful," Sephiroth murmured, looking in the direction of the other mountains in the distance. "The other two forts had similar defenses in place. People hid whenever WEAPONS came too close and I doubt Condor and Cosmo looked any more inhabited than Modeoheim whenever the residents were in hiding. The attacks on the other two bases weren't a result of anyone being spotted. Those creatures knew people lived there."

 

"But how?" Angeal questioned with a frown.

 

"My guess is the hunting patrols," Genesis said. "Minerva knows when her creatures are destroyed. She knows there are still humans somewhere that are strong enough to take down her creations. That would explain why the Alphas were created. As Zack said, their purpose is to ferret us out. I'm willing to bet that if we scouted all of the old settlements near the other forts, we'd find them reduced to ash. Merely slaughtering humans isn't enough any longer. They have to annihilate every farm, village and city."

 

"Then by hunting the WEAPONS, we may have inadvertently led them to us," Sephiroth sighed. "We only made the planet more determined to be rid of us. It just gets better and better."

 

"But then why haven't they attacked here yet?" Cloud puzzled. "It's been months. Shouldn't they have hit Modeoheim by now?"

 

"It's possible that they haven't yet figured out that the mountain is hollow," Angeal guessed.

 

"Or, they have a different target in mind," Genesis said ominously. "Maybe the Forgotten City isn't the sanctuary we thought it would be."

 

"All evidence says differently," countered Sephiroth. You've all seen WEAPONS turn away from that place."

 

"Yes, but for how much longer?" Genesis replied.

 

"There's no use speculating over it right now," Angeal said. "We should eat something, rest for a bit and return to give our report."

 

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

 

They sat down in the ruins to have a meal of rations and Cloud's gaze was drawn to the private den, where he and Sephiroth had their first encounter and many others after it. He sighed without realizing it.

 

"Care for a race, Strife?"

 

Cloud looked at Genesis. "Now?" He'd improved enough to nearly rival Genesis in speed and the two of them enjoyed some friendly competition now and then.

 

"Why not? There's more open space here than over the Forgotten City."

 

"I don't think the two of you should wear yourselves out," Angeal warned, "we still have to return and the sun will be setting, soon."

 

"We can stop and rest on the way if we have to," Genesis said stubbornly. "It's only one trip."

 

Angeal sighed and looked at Sephiroth. The General looked as though he might agree with Angeal but he gazed into Cloud's eyes and saw the melancholy in them. He nodded. "One race. A short one, and then we're leaving."

 

Cloud smiled a little and put his rations away. Genesis did the same and the two of them stood up. "We'll fly to those hills and back," suggested the redhead. "Whomever makes it back to our companions first wins."

 

Cloud nodded. "You're on."

 

Sephiroth and Angeal stood up to watch. Cloud thought he saw his lover's mouth twitch with amusement as he and Genesis extended their wings and prepared.

 

"Ready, set..." Genesis took off before saying "go", getting a head start.

 

"That's cheating!" Cloud protested. He launched into the air and flapped his wings heavily to catch up. He thought he heard Angeal chuckle. Cursing over Genesis' dirty tactic, Cloud shouted after him. The redhead deliberately slowed down and allowed him to catch up.

 

"I was just toying with you," Genesis hollered with a smug grin as Cloud caught up with him. "Shall we?"

 

"You're going to eat my dust," Cloud promised.

 

"We're in the air, you twit," countered the redhead.

 

"Then you'll eat my...air..." Feeling stupid, Cloud trailed off and concentrated on getting ahead of his competition.

 

For a while, they soared neck in neck, neither one gaining distance on the other. Cloud started to get ahead as they neared the hills but then Genesis overtook him. The blond pressed his lips together with determination and pushed himself. Just as he closed in on Genesis again, the redhead suddenly drew back and caught Cloud around the waist.

 

"What the--"

 

"Race is over," Genesis said in a tight voice. He jerked his chin toward the hills just as a booming roar shook the air.

 

Cloud recognized the creature that was advancing. It was the massive WEAPON that came sniffing around the ruins months ago, the one that the residents had thwarted with piles of manure. His heart clenched when he saw that the creature wasn't alone. It was difficult to count at this distance, with their armor blending in with the snow, but he could see several Alphas following behind the big one. Cresting the hills behind that group were three more large WEAPONS. One resembled a spider, while the other two were humanoid in shape.

 

It was either cruel fate or a fluke that the creatures finally decided to converge on Modeoheim while they were there investigating. They hadn't been spotted yet but that would change if they hovered there for much longer.

 

"Time to go," gasped Genesis.

 

Cloud wasted no time. There was no way the four of them would win a fight against a force this size. He and Genesis sped back to their companions, who had already taken to the air and were waiting for them. Sephiroth shouted an order to form a defensive formation as they flew away with all haste. The bellow of one of the creatures spurred them to fly faster, though they were far enough away from the approaching menace to outdistance them if they were spotted.

 

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

 

-To be continued