Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction ❯ In the Eye of the Storm ❯ Salt of the Earth ( Chapter 2 )

Let's drink to the hard working people
Let's drink to the lowly of birth
Raise your glass to the good and the evil
Let's drink to the salt of the earth

                        &nb sp;          ---Mick Jagger/Keith Richards

Aeris Gainsborough shielded her eyes against the sun, delighted to take her first real look at the world without the looming towers of Midgar overshadowing it. All her life she'd been a prisoner of the slums. Dwelling in the inner darkness, that's what she'd always called it. Real sunlight was a rarity in the vaulted dungeon of the lower plate and though the upper plate was exposed to the sky, there was something about the nature of the city that diminished its beauty. Looking around the great plain that surrounded the city, Aeris gasped as if it were her first breath. She'd never seen anything so beautiful, except in her dreams. Behind her she could vaguely hear the clamor of the city, but it was drowned out by the distant rush of the wind, rustling a thousand leaves at once. Aeris took one look back at the wall that surrounded the city, and grinned brightly. The city and all the sorrow it held could finally be left behind.

She stretched a little, settling down on a small bench as she waited for the chocobo caravan to come. Setting down her basket and pack, Aeris leaned back and with half closed lids continued to drink in all that nature had to offer. She was a great lover of all things growing and green, what some would call a nature nut. As the last surviving cetra it was in her blood, ingrained instinct that drew her to the growing areas of the earth. The cetra were an ancient race, the first people to inhabit the earth. All cetra were connected to the planet, able to speak with it and determine its needs. At one time they numbered as many as the humans that now covered the earth. They protected the planet, helped it grow. A thousand years ago, a great tragedy befell them. The crisis from the sky. It had killed most of the cetra, leaving only a few left to listen to the cries of the planet. Now, there was only Aeris.

The planet had often asked her why she'd stayed in Midgar. All cetra had a love of wide-open spaces, in full view of the planet's gifts. Midgar was an anathema to her. A horrible stinking crater of a city, and Aeris hated it. Yet she lingered and her answer had always been that she had to stay for her mother. Not her real mother of course, but her adoptive mother, Elmyra Gainsborough. Her real mother, Ifalna, had died when she was very little. Aeris would have become another lost and homeless child on the street had it not been for Elmyra. The woman took her in and raised her as her own. And to Aeris she was a mother, in more than one way. In recent years, Elmyra had become increasingly frail. Her spirit and her body had been broken by the city and her husband's untimely death. Having Aeris around had helped Elmyra greatly. In Aeris, she had someone to love and to love in return. It gave her focus, and thereby lengthened a life that otherwise might have been snuffed out.

However much love Elmyra had gained could not stop time, or the disease that ate away her health. Amongst many other problems, the slums were plagued by chemical spills due to the waste dumped from the upper plate. Aeris was immune, because of her heritage. Elmyra was not so lucky and after years of living in Midgar she caught what was commonly called Reactor Sickness. Once she became too weak to work, Aeris took over as head of the household. For the last four years, she'd sold flowers on the streets to make just enough for them to live on.

It became obvious to Aeris that her mother had little time left. The sickness that took root in her body had begun to take its toll. The remaining time she had passed quickly and Aeris tried to make her as comfortable as possible. Aeris used old cetra home remedies to ease her pain. Poultices for open sores, tea baths for relaxation, tinctures for the coughing. It worked; Elmyra spent her last days for the most part, free of pain and on one sun dappled evening she passed away. Aeris remembered coming in after weeding her garden, to find her mother slumped in her old chair in the living room. Her eyes closed, cup in one hand. Aeris saw herself walking towards that chair, calling her mother softly. In her heart knowing that she was gone, but her head too stubborn to believe it. The tears that raged when she touched Elmyra's hand to find it cold, all flooded back to her. Her foster mother had died in peaceful sleep, looking out of the picture window in their home. She could still hear the twitter of the birds fluttering in front of their large picture window and when Aeris looked up, she watched them fly up and out of a hole in the upper plate. Aeris wondered if they'd come to usher her mother's soul to heaven.

The memory brought back bitter regrets and barely held back tears. For a long time, Aeris had wanted to leave Midgar but Elmyra never did. Now there was nothing to hold her here. She tearfully made the decision to move on, despite all the good memories her old home held. Arranging for her mother to be buried in the garden near her house with a simple plaque marking the spot. She didn't have money for anything more expensive. Locking the door, Aeris set out for Wall Market to purchase her ticket out of Midgar. Besides her own personal reasons to leave, she had many others. The city was no longer safe. Riots, muggings, murders, and all manner of violence had increased. Midgar was no longer a place where a young woman could live on her own safely.

So now she was here, waiting for transportation to a grand adventure. In the last few years, the planet had communicated much to her. For the most part Aeris had ignored it. Her love for Elmyra kept her bound to Midgar, though she thought often about her debt to the planet. It was dying, she could feel it and as its last protector she knew that it was her duty to heal it. Without anything to hold her in place any longer, Aeris could finally complete her life's quest. So she set out that summer morning to visit the city of her ancestors. There she would commune with the planet and pray for its healing. But first, she wanted to see the world before she performed her final duty.

Aeris felt a heavy slump next to her and looked up. A large, well-muscled man sat next to her, giving her a cursory glance and a smile. Next to him sat a little girl of about five, who shyly looked over at Aeris before hiding her head in the man's shoulder. They were obviously waiting for the same caravan as she, and Aeris decided it was best to get to know her companions. As they weren't forthcoming with introductions, Aeris made the first move as she'd often done. Midgar taught you to be suspicious of strangers, a trait which Aeris loathed and actively worked against.

"Morning." She said boldly, a warm smile on her face, "You're daughter is very cute."

An unreadable expression passed on the man's dark face, "Um...thank you."

"My name's Aeris. I guess we'll be traveling together." She answered gamely, with another smile.

"Yes. I'm Barrett by the way...this is Marlene." He said, smiling back at her genuinely, succumbing to her brand of infectious cheer.

"Nice to meet you."

After a bit more uncomfortable chatter, they settled into a rather comfortable dialogue. Aeris had a way about her that opened people up; she made them feel at ease with the world. Barrett was no exception. Aeris learned that he was leaving Midgar for the sake of his young daughter. He worried that if she grew up in such an unhealthy environment that she'd become yet another victim of the slums. Ending up in a gang, addicted to drugs, or dead. He wanted to give her a chance for a real life. So he saved up all that he could, and bought a ticket out of town. He was headed for Kalm, a little town about three hours away from Midgar by car. By chocobo caravan the trip was considerably longer.

"Why Kalm?"

Barrett looked from Aeris to his daughter, eyebrows knit in protective worry, "Cuz. There's a school there. She can get a real education. Make somethin' of herself. Midgar ain't no place for kids, know what I'm sayin'? What about you? Whatcha runnin' from?"

Aeris paused before she answered, "Not running. Just wanted to see the world and I can't do it if I stay here."

For a moment, Barrett's face went blank and then slowly, a large smile creased his face. He laughed; it was a deep and warmly heartfelt sound that echoed over the empty plains. Aeris joined it, adding her more girlish giggle to the echo, followed by Marlene.

He glanced down, his smile fading somewhat as his brow furrowed in mild confusion, "I don't wanna insult ya, or nuthin'. But I been wonderin'. You from around here? Cus you don't look like no Midgar girl."

Aeris sighed, it was the truth and for once the truth didn't hurt. Most girls from the slums were unhappy wraiths. Most likely to become prostitutes or worse, they ended up dead or with men they hated who abused them. They wore too much makeup and perfume, and too few clothes. Aeris was quite wholesome by comparison. From her simple pink dress, to her braided ponytail. She looked more likely to grace the streets of some tiny village in the boonies.

"No insult taken. I get that question all the time. But I am from Midgar. Born and Raised."

"Well I'll be damned." He chuckled; his daughter gave him a nudge and a frown. He quietly apologized to her before continuing, "Gotta 'pologize. I swear too much. Wouldn't notice it but Marlene don't like it when I do. So, where you headed?"

Aeris thought for a moment. She hadn't really considered where she might be going. Her only thought was to leave as soon as possible. Before she could answer, a tiny voice interrupted. "I think yous pwetty."

Aeris giggled at the little girl who peeked out at her behind Barrett's massive shoulder, "Thank you. I think you're pretty too. Would you like a flower?"

The little girl nodded slowly. Aeris bent down to dig through her basket, fishing out a leftover flower she'd kept from her garden. She'd kept a dozen or so, which she'd planned to dry and preserve for memory's sake. Picking out a white daisy, she held it out for Marlene. The little girl promptly jumped down from her spot and padded over to Aeris, deftly taking the proffered flower from her fingers. Marlene examined it, twirling it around in her hand before looking up at Aeris with a gap-toothed smile. Aeris smiled back, cocking her head to one side as they examined the flower together.

"Marlene, mind your manners. What do we say?"

"Fank you."

"You're very welcome."

Just at that moment, the caravan arrived, jangling towards them with incredible speed. The driver dismounted and greeted them warmly. Accepting their tickets, he ushered them into the back of the wagon. Marlene went first, and then Barrett helped Aeris aboard before getting on himself. It was a very simple affair. Inside the wagon, were benches on either side. To keep the rain out, a bonnet made of double spun cotton had been stretched over u-shaped bows. It was attached in such a way as to let the travelers open adjustable straps, so that air could be vented in if needed. At the front was a small box, where they stowed their belongings during the trip. It was also where the water was kept, if they needed it. In front of that, was the driver's seat, which was nothing more than a wooden plank with a blanket over it. Before they left the driver gave them a short speech.

"Right. This'll be a three-day trip. In the box at the back, you'll find yer water. You'll also find some campin' supplies. We'll be making two stops total. Going to be travelin' today for about, less say, eight, maybe ten hours. Stop when it gets dark. At that time, all hands will be needed to make camp. Everyone ready?" He didn't wait for an answer, "Right. Onwards and upwards."

With that, he closed the backdoor and locked it, going around the wagon to take his place at the driver's seat. Jumping up, he readied himself, grabbing the reigns and flicking them. The two chocobos tethered to the wagon made little yelps in protest before moving. The buggy lurched to a start, the driver made a clicking noise and they were off. The ride itself was quite bumpy but everyone made the best of it. Aeris and Barrett talked when they could. It was hard to hear sometimes with all the rattling inside the wagon. As the ride went on, Marlene became bolder and by the time the sunset, she and Aeris were talking as if they'd known each other forever. This brought a smile to Barrett's face, already less than a day out and the city's effects were wearing off. Though perhaps it was Aeris's presence. Yes, he decided that was it. She had to be some kind of angel, because Marlene had never taken to a stranger like she did to her.

The wagon came to a halt by a small stream that was near a copse of trees. The driver indicated they were to stay here tonight and directed them on what they should bring out. The driver went off with Barrett in tow to get some wood. Meanwhile, Aeris and Marlene had the fun chore of setting up the tents. It was an activity that Aeris never learned, but she was game. How hard could it be? Apparently, pretty damn hard. She struggled for a good twenty minutes, with no luck. It was Marlene who proved the biggest help in this task. She slowly read the instructions, while Aeris wrestled with the detachable stakes. They made a great joke of it, and after reading the instructions; the two of them put together all three tents in no time at all. Just as they were pushing in the stakes for the last tent, the men arrived with piles of wood in their arms. Once again, Aeris's struggles with the tent were recounted and all had a laugh at her expense. Not that she minded. It made for a very funny story.

A fire was started, the driver offered to cook but apologized, as he wasn't that skilled. Luckily, Aeris volunteered to cook in his stead. Cooking was one of the things she did very well. Taking what meager supplies they had, Aeris whipped up a meal fit for kings. Grilled chicken, with baked potatoes, all perfectly seasoned. After their bellies were full, they spent a small amount of time working off road stress. Telling stories and laughing until the first stars came out, and the world was slowly covered in midnight blue. Barrett and Marlene were the first to go to bed and Aeris followed quickly thereafter. Only the driver lingered for a bit, to clean up a bit and watch to make sure no wild animals were prowling nearby. Satisfied, he crawled into his tent and at that, the camp was completely silent. The only noise was an occasional pop from the dying fire.

Aeris in her whole life had never slept so well. She was content and dreaming her favorite dream. One of endless fields of perfect flowers, in all the colors of the rainbow. Around her were all her friends and family. It was peaceful there, she was finished and somehow she knew that everything was in good hands. The dream was cut short by the sound of a snapped twig. Her hearing had always been preternaturally acute, and she easily awoke at the slightest of sounds. Snapping her head up, Aeris looked around, her eyes wide with alarm. She licked her lips as indecision wracked her. It might be nothing, just an animal that was curious about the camp. Perhaps drawn here by the smell of food. Still, if it was an animal, it was probably best to chase it off, rather than let it prowl around unchecked. But she was no fighter; there was no way in seven hells she could face up against something predatory. Sure, it might just be a little moogle or something. Then again, it could be something large and dangerous. Never one to scream in girlish fear, Aeris summoned all her courage. Digging in her pack, she found her retractable guard staff. Unzipping the entrance to her tent, she stepped out and clicked the side button on her staff. It unfurled instantly and Aeris clutched it protectively, her eyes darting around the silent camp. She made her way over to Barrett's tent; something like this was best dealt with in numbers. A few steps away from her companion's tent and she heard the noise again. She sucked in a breath, heart beating quickly in fearful anticipation.

"Who....who's there?" she said, trying not to sound scared and failing miserably. Idiot. Like some random wild animal is really going to answer...Her heart hammered as the sound came closer. Aeris looked around wildly now, her mind now too full of fear to think clearly. "S-show yourself."

Suddenly, she saw a pair of luminous green eyes. Her heart seemed to double its pace and a scream caught in her throat. Nothing good had eyes like that, only things that wanted to kill you had eyes like that. Her knuckles turned white as she grasped her rod, her whole body shaking yet she held her ground. Slowly the owner of the eyes came forward, his shape now visible by the light of the fire. It was a young man. Aeris stared at him wonderingly, her breaths still coming in sharp, hearting hammering away. He was about her age, perhaps a year or two older. He wore nothing but a pair of tattered black trousers. Covered head to toe in blood, in his right hand he carried an enormous sword. She could see that he was gravely wounded. He held his side, which seemed to be bleeding profusely. Countless nicks and cuts covered his exposed skin, and his feet were hastily bound and bleeding, as if he'd walked on glass. The oddest thing about him was his hair. Though stained with blood, it was a pure, startling white. Aeris frowned, her eyebrows knitted with concern. What was he doing out here, like that? Who was he? She was about to voice these questions when the young man finally fixed his gaze on her. His eyes were piercing, even though the gaze itself was lazy, as if he was drugged. He stumbled, mumbling something that sort of sounded like help me, but she couldn't be sure. Wavering a little, he finally lost balance and fell to the ground, unconscious. Aeris watched him for a moment, still grasping her staff. She shook her head, dashing towards Barrett's tent. Opening the door without thought, she crawled in and shook him furiously.

She whispered, "Barrett. Mr. Wallace. Wake up."

"Mmmmff...Wha happa?" He asked groggily, opening one eye experimentally.

"There's a man. I think he's hurt."

"There's a wha?"

"A man. He's hurt."

With grudging acceptance, Barrett got out of his tent and let Aeris lead him to where the young man had fallen. Sure enough, he was hurt quite badly. Not just from the superficial wounds, but from a large ugly wound on his back. Purple tendrils crawled out from it, the effects of a very powerful poison.

"What should we do?"

Aeris didn't need to think, "Help me get him into my tent. I've got supplies."

"Shouldn't we...?"

"No time."

Barrett scooped the boy up, once again following Aeris this time to her tent. She opened it up; standing back while Barrett gently placed the boy inside. Aeris then entered and began pulling tinctures out of her pack. With military efficiency she ordered Barrett to retrieve some water. Aeris knew what needed to be done, and she didn't need anyone noticing her unique powers. Not like she really wanted to try and explain what being a cetra was to a complete stranger. And she knew that the young man's only chance to live is if she used her gifts.

Waiting till she was sure he was gone. Aeris clasped her hands in prayer. The patter of rain could be heard in the tent, yet none was falling. With a single blinding beam of light, Aeris opened the heavens. Drawing all the healing power she could from the angels that hovered above her. With great concentration, she dug deeply into the source of his injury. The wounds on his abdomen were clearly gunshot wounds. The bullets would have to be retrieved. Aeris was no surgeon; by her will alone she found them and pulled them out one by one. Each bloodied projectile landed in her hand and she clasped onto them as she continued her work. Beads of sweat formed on her brow in the dying light, her eyes closed and left hand extended, she knit his insides back together. It didn't change much about the entry wounds, but it did stop the internal bleeding that could have killed him. Aeris gasped as her spell finished. Wiping her forehead, she allowed herself a little gasp of delight. It had been the first time she'd successfully executed that spell and it had gone better than planned. Shortly thereafter, Barrett arrived with a bowlful of water. Aeris then noticed that the boy looked considerably cleaner, more than likely a side effect of her spell. If Barrett noticed, he didn't say anything. He entered the tent, carefully handing Aeris the water before sitting down.

"Anything I can do?"

"Yup." She nodded, throwing him a bandage roll, "Bind up his feet. They're a mess. Then go after the other...wounds."

"What about you?"

Aeris glanced back at him, "Gonna make a poultice. He's been poisoned."

Barrett nodded and went to work doing the best he could to patch up the boy's wounds. Meanwhile, Aeris pulled out a small mortar and pestle. Grabbing out selected herbs, she used the water to help grind them into a paste. Once they were sufficiently mixed, she scooped the mixture out with her fingers and molded it into a flat pancake. She instructed Barrett to turn him over and once his back was exposed, she smeared the poultice on the wound. Whatever poison they'd used had been pervasive and Aeris realized no amount of cure spells could heal it. With great care she placed a gauze bandage over the wound. Barrett let the boy down easily and looked up at Aeris.

"You know who he looks like, dontcha?" He asked it was a question he'd had in his mind since the minute Aeris showed him. He didn't dare say the name. Sephiroth. ShinRa's great general. His name an object of fear and fascination.

"Yes, I think I do." She answered, the same question in her eyes. "I guess. But what if it's him, what's he doing out here?"

"Dunno. What should we do?"

"I...I don't know. He's hurt, so obviously we can't leave him...but from there, I don't know."

"Well, we'll figure it out in the morning. I guess. If it's okay, I'm gonna get back. I don't want Marlene wakin' up and findin' me gone."

"Yeah. Go. I'll finish up here."

"You wanna sleep in my tent. Plenty of room. If you, know, you don't wanna sleep here..."

"No, I'll be okay. See you in the morning."

Aeris gazed down at her patient, and sighed deeply. It was going to be a long night. The poison had worked its way deeply into his system. She didn't even have to touch his skin to realize he had a fever he radiated heat. Dipping a rag into the bowl of water, she wiped the sweat and blood off his brow. She noticed then that the large sword he had in his hand, reappeared. They'd left it on the ground, where he dropped it. She remembered that quite clearly. Yet here it was, at his side. She looked from him, to it. Cracking her knuckles in nervousness, she continued her ministrations despite her growing tiredness. He began to shiver and Aeris covered him, continuing her watch late into the night before surrendering to sleep in complete exhaustion an hour before daybreak.

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Author's Note--Um. Once again, no idea where this is going. I'm open for suggestions at this point. Email me at rinoanoneko@hotmail.com.