Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction ❯ THE PUNISHMENT ❯ The Black Staff ( Chapter 3 )

* Gee…where did all the comments go? Well at least I know some people are reading it. (This note refers to people at Mediaminer.org.) Thanks to all who reviewed at Fanfiction.net! ~-^*

Chapter 3

The Black Staff

"Teef?" Cloud asked. Tifa didn't answer but she stared at the woman with cold eyes.

"You're Jenova." She declared.

"I don't know who you are talking about. She's an evil creature who wanted to destroy this planet and I'm not her." Nova said her tone of voice was full of fright.

"Tifa, it's not nice to jump to conclusions." Cloud said softly.

"I'm not jumping around! She's Jenova! Look at the tag; for gods sake look at the resemblance!" Tifa shouted.

"Tifa! That's enough!" Cloud yelled. Tifa looked at Cloud and shook her head.

"Don't you dare yell at me! I have every right to yell." She said steely, "I'm leaving and I will not take part in this." Tifa declared and left the room. Cloud looked worried as he watched his best friend leave. Nanaki followed after her and whispered to Cloud that he would be back in a minute.

Nova on the other hand, she was a bit taken back at the remark. This woman was blaming her for something she did not do and yet she also wondered about the nameplate around her neck. She didn't even think of taking it off for some reason, it's like it never bothered her.

"I'm sorry for that, she's had a tough life, we all have." Cloud apologized. Nova nodded in forgiveness and replied all the questions the president asked of her. Some were pretty confusing but she answered them the best way she could.

"One more question. Do you have any idea why you have a chain inscribed with the name Jenova on it?" Cloud inquired.

"No. I don't remember much since before I woke up. It's like all my memories spilled away." She answered.

"Oh. Anyway, I will have to be getting back to Neo Midgar. Duties, you know." Cloud grinned and left.

"Is there anything you might need, Nova?" Professor Dell asked. Nova looked up at him and was surprised that he was very attractive. Intelligence dwelled within his blue eyes and his brown hair seemed to flow as the warm breeze flew in from the open windows. She got a flash in her mind and noticed another man with brown hair and evil blue eyes. She shook her head of the flash and looked at Dell. His face was a sweet and kind face, one that could be trusted.

"Nova?" he asked again.

"I'm fine." She answered with a weak smile. He returned her smile and left. Nova noticed the sun setting and she went over to the bed to get some more rest.

* * *

It was way late into the night when Nova woke up with a start. Voices seemed to swarm throughout the humid night air. They seemed to sound like arguments as if a group of people were nearby discussing. Nova silently walked up to the door and froze. She seemed to know that guards were outside her door. She turned around toward the window and opened it all the way. The warm air currents mixed with cool breezes swept by her and she actually enjoyed its pureness. Seconds later she jumped from her second story window onto the ground beneath her. Though when she hit the ground she was no louder than a mouse walking around. Nova walked around a bit until she neared the pool of Lifestream that the city surrounded. The voices seemed to grow louder as she neared the emerald water. When she knelt down to touch the stream her fingers tingled with a sprightly sensation. That was when the voices stopped and Nova looked about the surface of the pool.

"What do you want?" she whispered.

: We want nothing. We have come to watch and judge you. : a male voice said.

:Yes, the planet is carefully watching you. : another said.

: What have I done? I don't remember anything and I feel the anger that swims in your voices. : Nova said.

: Of course you don't remember. It was Iflana's idea that we take away your memories. :

: Yes, she said that we should give you a chance at experiencing the true meaning of life. : a gentle voice said.

: Well If I am to be judged, please let me know your names. : Nova pleaded.

: Very well, I am Aerith. :

: I am Zac and the other is called Sephiroth. :

: Pleased to meet you. : the voice growled.

: It seems that you hate me the most. :

: You think? It's a miracle! The creature thinks! :

: Don't be so cruel. : Aerith said.

: Why? She deserves it for almost… : but he was cut off.

: For what? : Nova asked.

: That…that is for another day. : Aerith answered faintly.

Nova crossed her arms and sat by the pool glaring at it. She also wondered why these spirits would not tell her about her past. Maybe they are trying to keep me away from something…

Nova got up and walked around the pool until she ran into a dead tree; it was about six feet tall. She wondered why a try so close to the pools edge was not growing with leaves and buds. When she reached to touch the bark she felt a kind of relief washing over her. Her pale hand touched the rough surface of the tree and it sang unlike other plants. Even though it looked dead, it sang purely. She closed her eyes to the silent song she heard and didn't realize that her hand was penetrating into the dead wood. Nova opened her eyes and yelped with fright at the sight. She tried to pull her hand away but every time she tugged the bark would break at the base. Growing impatient she gave one final pull and the tree came free with her hand.

"Damn it!" Nova muttered. She started to shred the bark from the outside until the trunk began to crack. Nova then realized that her hand within the trunk was holding onto another piece of would, yet slender and smooth.

After cracking it wide open she took out what looked like a staff but black and shiny. It sang purely to her and she for once knew that this was hers. She felt a jealous wave wash over her. It was black with a red orb on the tip that shone somewhat evilly. She shuddered and walked back to the inn where she was staying wondering why this was given to her or why did it choose her.

* Can you people guess what it is???? Yes it's her weapon and her only weapon, unlike how the FF7 group had that ya upgraded every chance ya got! So how is it going so far??? R/R Please! Ya know I just love `em! They give me inspiration to write more!!!! ^-~*