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The chosen girl

Part three

Silence before the storm

Epilogue

When I woke up again, it appeared that I had passed out next to a garden of some sorts. When I looked around, I realized that I was inside a chapel like temple. Someone had removed some of the boards and planted flowers. Lying next to me was a basket. It had roses in it, and some were sprayed on the ground. I picked them up, and gathered some more, not knowing what to do. I walked out of the temple. There was a tunnel on my left hand side, and on my right were little shops. I walked into one. “Cara!” The shopkeeper called when she saw me. “Oh boy…” I muttered

Chapter 1

Learning about the environment

I walked over to the counter. “I’d like to buy a dozen roses today.” He told me. I picked out twelve, and handed them to him. “Hey, think Thelma will like them?” He asked. I nodded, as he handed me twelve gold pieces. “Need a new staff again?” He asked, bringing out a wood staff. I nodded, and took it. I walked out, and a man stopped me. “Hello Aeris.” The brown haired man told me. I stepped back, then, getting a new confidence, walked around him. Another man stepped in front of me, this time he was blond, “Where do you think your going?” he asked. I turned my back and ran. A red haired man stepped in front of me, and took out a gun. I pulled out the staff I had just purchased, and hit him with it. I began to run, not knowing if I could handle three grown men, I soon tripped on my long pink dress. I used my staff to get back up, and wiped the long braid of brown hair out of my face. A man stood next to me, he had no weapon, but he was going to fight. A woman jumped next to me, she was older then me, and also fought with a staff. “Are you alright Cara?” She asked me. Now I was confused which was my name? I just brushed it off, and nodded. The three men ran off, as if they were afraid. “They keep calling me Aeris or something…” I muttered. The woman smiled soothingly. “Come Cara, let’s go home.” She told me. “You can sell your flowers tomorrow.” She added. She walked me to a large two story house. It was pink with a blue roof. Inside was a large kitchen, and a staircase. I trudged up, and found three bedrooms. I walked into the middle one, because I saw a sign on the door that said, “Cara’s room, keep out.” I locked the door behind me, and started searching through papers. According to documents that I found, the government Shinra was after Ancients, so they could get to the Promised Land. According to the paper, there was only one known ancient, and her name was Aeris. I looked up at the ceiling, and then continued my reading. “Research shows that Aeris goes by the name Cara, as her mother named her.” I read. “So how does that mean my names Aeris?” I asked myself. I searched deeper, and found a paper with the heading, “Document of adoption.” I gasped. The woman downstairs, the one that looked so much like me adopted this person, which if I’m a chosen, means me. I searched deeper, and there was a firm knock on the front door. I stood up, and grasped my staff. I unlocked my door, and started down the stairs. The woman opened the front door a crack. The three men pushed the door open the rest of the way, and walked in, pushing her aside. “RUN!” She cried up to me. I ran back up the stairs and into my room. I locked the door. I heard the three men run after me. I sat on my bed panicking, for I had left the staff outside. One of them knocked on my door. “Aeris, we don’t want to hurt you, just come out and help the country!” He yelled in. I heard the marching of soldiers. “Then why did you bring the entire army!” I cried. “We have your staff, the only way you can fight is if you come out.” He bribed. I searched around the room desperately, when I found a sword, I took it off the wall, and felt the blade… It was plastic. I threw it on the floor, and continued my search. “Fuck this…” One of the men muttered. I saw red. I heard people pounding on the door; they were trying to knock it down. I listened to their pattern, and when they hit it the second time, I opened the door; they fell into my room, and were knocked uncontouse. I stepped out, and somehow made my staff float into my hand. “I’ll fight all of you.” I threatened. All the guards looked at each other, and all but about five ran out of the house. I my eyes got big. “Wow…” I muttered. I waved the staff around me, and two more ran. Fireballs flew out of my staff, and hit them. Now all that were left were the three that attacked me the first time. “I’ll give you one more chance, go before I kill you.” I warned. They ran. “And watch your language!” I called after them. I ran to the woman that had instructed me to run. She stood up, and hugged me. Afterwards I walked outside, and sat in my huge garden. I didn’t know what to do, and right now I couldn’t care less. I looked at the sky. “I’m and ancient.” I admitted to myself. “I’m not even human…” I added. I smiled, and looked at my appearance. I had a long twist braid that almost came down to my ankles. I wore a long pink dress, with a darker pink jacket. In my hair was a bow the same color of my dress. My eyes were a light green. I stood up, and wiped the dirt off of my dress. I closed my eyes, and heard cries for help, cries of pain. “Will I ever understand?” I asked myself. I walked into the kitchen, and snuck a butcher’s knife up to my room. I opened my closet, and took out my dresses. In each one I cut a slit so I could run, and walk. I hung them back up. “Cara, it’s getting late, you should get some sleep!” The woman called up to me. I looked at my digital clock. One o-clock in the morning. I laughed to myself. Well, better get to bed. I realized. I pulled my magenta covers up over my chest, and turned off my light.

Chapter 2

Flower sales, and disaster

When I got up, and walked downstairs, the woman stopped me from leaving. “Are you sure you should go out, I mean, they never came here for you…” She told me. I smiled. “I’ll be alright mom.” I told her. She let me go. Outside, there was a daily paper on the doorstep. I picked it up. “AVALANCH bomb threat in sector seven.” The headline said. I smiled. The title of the paper was “The Sector five daily news.” I was probably far away from sector Seven, and I was headed to six, so I was pretty safe, plus, that would probably occupy those Shinra Meanies. I rode the train, as I felt I had everyday of my life. I walked into the first store I came to. They bought three daisies. When I walked back out, everyone was running. I stepped out further, and a man ran into me. He didn’t even stop to see if I was alright. All my flowers were squished. I felt a strong hand on my shoulder, helping me up. When I looked up, it was a blond, he had a giant sword strapped to his back, and he wore a blue jumpsuit. “What’s going on?” I blurted. He seemed to smile. “That group AVALANCH just bombed a Mako center.” He told me. I picked up my basket. “You better run, the trains will be packed full, and you don’t want to be caught in the bombing aftermaths.” He advised me, so I did. I got on just in time.

Chapter 3

Coincidence?

The next day I was tending my flowers, when a man fell through the ceiling. It was a good thing that I had those flowers there, or he would’ve broken his skull. I moved him over near one of the benches, and waited until he woke up. I recognized him as the man who helped me. “Are you alright?” I asked him when he woke up. He squinted. I held up three fingers, “How many fingers am I holding up?” I asked. I waited for a while. “Nine.” He told me. I thought it over, “Close enough.” I said, and he stood up, just for about two seconds, then he fell into the bench. I waved my arms, and healed him. “How about now?” I asked, holding up three fingers. “Three.” He told me. I clapped. “You’re the guy I met in sector six aren’t you?!” I cried. He nodded. “What’cha good at?” I asked. “Every thing.” He told me. I thought it over. “…Jack of all trades…Will you be my body guard?” I asked. I was shocked. “Sure, I guess.” He told me. I clapped again. When he stood up, the front doors swung open. I stood behind the flowers, and he stood in front of me. About ten men walked in. I gulped. The man drew his sword. “Your name?” I asked quickly. “Cloud.” He told me. The lead guy took out his gun. I screamed. “If we’re going to fight, let’s do it outside, I don’t want to ruin the flowers!” I cried. We ran out the back door. The head honcho followed us, stepping on the flowers. “C’mon, and don’t step on the flowers.” He ordered. There were eight “buts!” Coming from the group, and they walked around the flowers. We ran up through the door, and up the fallen pillar. Cloud jumped over a hole, but when I tried, I fell to the bottom. The group came at me, one of them caught me, and began a fight. I took my staff out. “Cloud, what do I do?” I cried. “RUN!” He called. I started back up the pillar, but ended up blocked off on both sides. “CLOUD!!!” I cried. “Fight!” He called. I concentrated on fire, and caught both of them on fire. They both fell off of the pillar. I ran as fast as I could up to the hole. Cloud reached over, and caught me, just before I could fall. He pulled me, up, and we ran out of the hole in the roof. Cloud hit the roof with his sword, and it caved in. He started hopping across the roofs, but I had quite a problem. When I landed on the second roof, I had to lean over and catch my breath. “Wait up!” I called. He jumped back to where I was. He pulled a water bottle out of his pocket, and handed it to me. It was brand new. I had a sip, and continued along the roofs. Cloud waited until I was beside him before jumping again each time. Finally we landed on the last one. “Why are the Turks after you?” He asked me. I shrugged. “Why not?” I asked. Cloud narrowed his eyes. “They go off looking for people to be in SOLDIER, and they do all the dirty work.” He told me. I stretched. “Maybe they want me to be in SOLDIER!” I joked. Cloud laughed, and I looked into his eyes. His blue eyes were clouded, I thought that maybe that’s where he got his name but no, eyes only get like that when they are exposed to Mako energy. “You were in SOLDIER weren’t you?” I asked him. He laughed nervously. “How did you know?” He asked. I sat down, and looked at the sky. “Your eyes told me.” I told him, I began to blush a little. He smiled, and began to laugh. “What’s so funny?” I asked him. He shook his head. “It’s nothing…” He muttered. I stood up. “Oh no, what’s so funny?” I persisted. He started down the last roof. “Hey, wait!” I cried, and hurried after him.

Chapter 4

My house

He escorted me to my house. He walked up into the garden before he went inside. Up in one of the little paths, he dug a little. When he got about an inch deep, he picked out an orb. “Materia…” He muttered. He handed it to me. “Yeah, but mine’s special!” I bragged. He raised his eyebrows. “It does absolutely nothing!” I cried. He began to laugh. “You just don’t know how to use it.” He told me. He gave me a whole tutorial about Materia, how it inserts into my rod, and equipment. “I know, I tried that before.” I told him. He pulled his head back, and inspected it. “It’s the ‘all’ Materia, it doesn’t work unless you have other Materia equipped too.” He told me. I thought it over. “Oh yeah, I think mom told me that to.” I muttered. We walked into the house. “Who’s this?” The woman asked skeptically. “This is Cloud, my bodyguard.” I told her. They shook hands. “They came after you again?” She asked worriedly. I smiled. “I wouldn’t have gotten away if it hadn’t been for Cloud.” I told her. “Well, it’s late, you two should get to bed. Cloud will sleep in the spare bedroom.” She instructed. So I walked up to my room, I knew mom had kept Cloud back, so I turned, to listen to their conversation. “I don’t know how to say this, but Cara’s had too much pain in her life, please leave before daybreak.” She told him. I ran into my room before Mom brought him up to the spare bedroom. I got all my outfits in a suitcase, which I preceded to turn into a box the size of a computer game case. I equipped my rod (staff) with my Materia, and sat on the bed. At about three o-clock in the morning, I heard footsteps in the hall. I walked outside to see who it was, there, in front of my door, was Cloud, trying to sneak out. “Oh, you scared me, I thought the Turks came back, you hungry or something?” I asked. He shook his head. “Then go get some sleep, tomorrows a big day, I can feel it in my bones!” I cried, he walked back to his room, and I back to mine. About ten minutes later, he tried it again, and I let him go. I took my stuff, and looked for a short cut to get to the sector six door. I ended up waiting for a half hour, when Cloud showed up. “huh?” He gasped. I smiled, “You didn’t think I’d let you go did you?” I asked. “Look, I’m going to sector seven, the road is too dangerous for you.” He told me. I bit my bottom lip, and held out my rod. The Materia glittered in the moonlight. “I’ll be fine, I used to go when I was young…” I told him, remembering a play set, it had a sliding board with an animals head that the board came out of. I searched Cloud, remembering animals, sure enough, he wore a silver chain around his neck, on it, was Griever. “I can’t let you fight with me.” He persisted. I was shocked. “And just why not?” I asked demandingly. “Your…your… a girl!” He cried. That never seemed to stop him before. “But Chris!” I cried, then I held my mouth. “How do you know my code name was Chris?” He asked me. I put my hands behind my back. “Let’s go.” He told me. I smiled, and we headed out.

Chapter 6

Sector six

The road was different from the way I remembered it. It was in pieces, and there were leftover construction tools. Monsters were spread everywhere. As we climbed over the broken road, we fought five houses, that sprouted legs, and fifteen demons. Finally we arrived at the playground. I climbed up on top of the head of the animal slide, and sat down. Cloud sat next to me. “You really do look like him…” I muttered. Cloud gasped. “Who?” He asked. “Why do you want to get to sector seven so bad?” I asked, trying to change the subject. He laughed nervously. “There’s this place I have to go to, it’s called the seventh heaven.” He told me. I looked at the sun, it was just starting to come out. “Is there a girl there?” I asked hesitantly. He smiled, “Kinda, her names Mandy.” He told me. I held my heart. “So, Mandy’s seventh heaven is in sector seven?” I asked, making sure I got it strait. He nodded. There was a loud noise, so Cloud and I jumped down, and hid behind the slide. A caravan rode up towards the giant doors, they opened, and in the back of the caravan, all tied up, was a girl with long black hair. She had a small white top, and a short black skirt. She was trying her hardest to get away. Cloud stood up, and cried out, “MANDY!!!” I had to hold him back from running up and getting himself killed. “That was Mandy?” I asked, trying to get him to calm down. He nodded. “Well, let’s go into town, and see where they’re taking her.” I suggested. He smiled. We walked into town, and a man stopped us. “Hey, that’s a pretty lookin heifer you got there.” He commented. I put my hand on my rod, and Cloud put his hand on my shoulder to calm me down. I was not a cow, and heifer means a female cow. He laughed cruelly, “You should take her to Corneos place, he’ll give you good money for her.” He told Cloud. “I’ll keep that in mind.” He told the man. When we got out of the mans sight, I hit Cloud upside the head. “You are not selling me!” I told him. I looked at one of the dresses, and had an idea. “Or are you…” I muttered. Cloud looked at me like I was crazy. “Okay, here’s my idea, we get info on the Corneo guy, and if your Mandy’s in there, then we both get dressed up, and sell ourselves, then we can save her!” I said. I took in a deep breath. “What do you mean, both?” He asked suspiciously. I smiled. “Lady, can you fit him for a dress?” I requested. “Wait your turn!” The woman in the line scolded. “Okay, in the mean time, you’ll need a wig,” I started, I sniffed, and caught a foul scent, “Perfume, and shoes.” I told him. He stepped back. “Oh no…” He told me. I smiled. “Yes.” I told him. We headed into the bar, where we saw a group of cross dressers. “Would you happen to have a wig, I’d pay you.” I asked. One of them stood up, took one off his head, and held it over mine. I held out twenty gold pieces, which was way too much for a wig. I reached for it, and he pulled it out of my grasp, as another took my money. I put my hand on my hip, and tried again. Cloud took the wig out of his hand, and I stole the money back from the other man. We walked out of the bar. “What’s left?” I asked. Cloud pointed to the scents parlor. I smiled, and walked in. I glanced at all the names of perfume, “Musk, poison, cucumber, strawberry, white chocolate, forbidden, sexy, and blueberry.” I picked up the sexy, and handed it to cloud. He smelled it. “No way.” He told me. I smiled, and picked up a forbidden, then I preceded to the counter. I handed the lady five gold pieces, and we headed out. “Now, we need two more dresses, and two pairs of,” I paused, “high heels.” I said cruelly. We walked back into the dress shop, and looked at the dresses. “How about this one?” I asked Cloud, I pointed to a puke green one. He held his nose, and I laughed. He picked out a blue one. “That would look good on you.” I told him teasingly. He frowned. I picked out a pink dress. “But you’re already wearing a dress.” He told me. “Bite your tongue, I’m spoiling myself for once!” I told him. I handed him a pair of light blue shoes, and a pair of pink shoes. “Next!” The lady at the counter shouted. “I would like these two dresses, and these shoes.” I told her. “Are you trying anything on?” She asked. I smiled, “Yes, we’re wearing them out.” I told her. She looked at Cloud skeptically, and led me into the dressing room. The pink dress fit me perfectly, but when she tried to lead Cloud in, he through a fit. He came out feeling as stupid as possible. He was still wearing his brown boots. I handed him the high heels. “Man…” He groaned. After he got them on, we headed up to the mansion at the head of the town. There two guards were waiting for us. “Ooh, looks like we’re having someone sexy for the night.” One muttered, glancing over us both. One took my arm, and the other took Clouds. Inside, was lavishly furnished. They led us not upstairs though, but down into the cellar. There they left us, and I stood half glaring, half admiring the woman that stood in front of us. Here was Mandy she wore a white dress, that cut across the top of her breasts. Next to her was another teenager. She had bright red hair, that matched her dress. She kept drowning on and on about how she was going to be Corneos wife, and how he’ll love her. Eventually, Mandy just halled off and hit her. It sure shut her up. “Hi…” I said hesitantly. “Cloud talks about you all the time.” I blurted. “You know Cloud?” She asked. I nodded, evidently Mandy hadn’t remembered yet. “I really like Cloud, I hope that I’m not chosen so I can go back and find him…” She told me. I smiled, “Poor Cloud, we’re talking about him, and he’s listening right there.” I said, exposing him. Mandy gasped. “Cloud?” She asked, examining his face. “Yes, I see now under all that make up, did you come to fulfill your promise?” She asked. He nodded. She held her chest, and hugged him. “It’s time!” One of the guards called down. “He’s so going to pick me!” The woman outburst. Mandy hit her again. We were led into a room, where a fat guy was lying on the couch bed. We stood in a perfect line in front of him. He looked us over, found that Cloud had hairy legs. It was a pure debate over me, or Mandy. I prayed that he would change his mind, and go for the redhead. He smelled my neck. “I choose you!” He cried. He walked me into his room, and pushed me onto his bed. He tried to jump on top of me, but I dodged. “I… I don’t really understand this!” I stuttered. He smiled. “Don’t worry, I’ll do it all.” He told me. My eyes bulged, and I got off the bed. “But I don’t understand, why…” I started. “I’ll explain it to you step by step.” He persisted. I gulped, and the door opened. Cloud was dressed as a man again, and Mandy was back in her other outfit. “Oh, are you jealous, there’s enough of me to go around.” He told Mandy. She got the shivers. “Why are you buying girls?” Cloud asked. “I’ll never tell.” He told us. “Tell now or I’ll tear it off!” Mandy threatened. Corneo held his stomach, “Okay, okay, I send the girls off.” He told us. “And?” Mandy asked. “That’s all.” He said confidently. “Tell now or I’ll cut it off.” Cloud threatened. Corneo held his stomach, “I’m looking for I wife so I don’t have to die alone!” He cried. I thought it over. “And?” I asked. “No more!” He told me. “Tell or I’ll smash it.” I threatened. He squealed. “I have a deal with Shinra, now, my turn for questions, why do you think I would tell you all this?” He asked. “Cause you’re a moron?” Cloud suggested, “Cause you’re a chicken?” I suggested, “Cause you know you cant win?” Mandy suggested. He smiled. “Cause no matter what, I know I’ve tricked you.” He told us,

and we fell down into a hole.

Chapter seven

Sector seven

We found ourselves in the sewer. We could over hear a conversation up in the main house. “The president needs his research!” A familiar voice yelled. I almost cried out when I realized that it was the leader of the Turks. Cloud put his hand on my mouth to keep me quiet. “Ah, that girl, she had a rod, and she threatened me, that’s why I can’t give you her, I put her in the sewers!” Corneo cried. The Turk gasped. “Did she say her name was Cara?” he asked curiously. “Well, that’s what my guard said.” The fat man answered. The Turk snapped. “We’ll go save her.” He said, glancing at the floor. He saw me. My eyes widened, and Cloud, and Mandy ran. I followed for fear of being left to fend for myself. “What’s his name?” I asked Cloud when we finally got out of the sewers. “Rude.” He answered. I giggled. “It sure fit’s him…” I said. Mandy laughed with me. “Where’s Barret?” Cloud asked Mandy. She put her hands behind her back, and stretched. “He’s at the bar, with Marlene.” She answered. Cloud nodded. We had ended up in an old deserted train track. There were trains all along it, and each of them were haunted with a particularly nasty poltergeist. Trains were spread all through the area, making it hard to walk without standing face to ghostly face with a spirit, so, we climbed up on top of the trains, hopping our way to the usable track. The whole idea was to skip along top of the ghosts, therefore avoiding them. This was not the case! The poltergeists seemed to like to push things, and they wouldn’t leave me alone. A number of times, Cloud had to catch me, for I was falling off of the train. Finally we jumped off of the last train. Passer bys stared, and Mandy just strutted down the street. She led us to a broken down house with a girl that couldn’t be any older then six shaking drinks behind the counter. “Mandy!” She cried, dropping her bottle. She jumped over the counter, and into Mandy’s open arms. “Marlene, make me a Martini!” A ruff voice ordered. “I’ll do that for you!” Mandy cried down. The pinball machine went down under the floor, and a man jumped out. He had a gun as a left hand, he was very dark, and his clothing was dirty, and in shreds. Mandy let go of Marlene, and hugged the man. “Barret, you haven’t been taking care of yourself!” She scolded. The man shook. “Have you even been changing clothes?” She asked hesitantly. He shook his head. Mandy rolled her eyes. “Well, change, and I’ll throw these away.” She told him. “Eri… I mean Cara, I need to speak with you.” Mandy told me. She led me into a small room. “This is going to be a problem, I see it already.” She told me immediately. “Do you remember?” I asked hastily. Mandy wagged her head the way she did on earth. “Yes and no…” She told me. I smiled. “When do you think Chris’ll remember?” I asked. Mandy shrugged. “But, you know, this really is a problem…” Mandy continued. I listened to silence for a while. “What?” I asked slowly. She punched just a hairs breath away from my ear. I gulped. “Cloud!” She cried. I bit my bottom lip. Cloud opened the door. “What?” He asked. “Oh nothing, we just wanted to make sure you were out there.” I lied. “Did you know you were a horrible liar?” He asked me. “Actually… I think you should tell Barret you need your money now.” Mandy made up for me. Cloud nodded, and walked out, shutting the door behind him. “Always were…” Mandy muttered. I tried to punch her playfully, but she blocked. “Can’t you let me hit you once?” I asked her. She just smiled, and opened the door. Cloud and Barret were yelling at each other. “I want my money now!” Cloud yelled. “But Marlene needs her college funds!” Barret yelled back. Mandy walked over to Marlene, and took her downstairs, because she saw Barret load his gun arm. Cloud drew his sword. I glanced from one to the other, and ran in between them. “Money is nothing to be killing for!” I cried. Barret pushed me out of the way, just as Mandy came up without Marlene. She caught me before my head hit the ground, and I would be knocked out cold. “Barret!” She cried. She walked in between the two, and drew her fists to Barret. I drew my rod to Cloud. Barret tried to push Mandy out of the way, but she didn’t budge. Instead, she gave him a bloody nose. “You don’t want to get into this.” Cloud told me. I smiled. “Too bad.” I told him. He pushed me, and I fell into one of the stools. Mandy turned around, and punched him in the nose. “You alright?” She asked me. I nodded, and jumped to my feet. “You’re not going to kill each other!” I cried. “What’s stopping us, we can just go outside.” Cloud told me. “How will you get you’re money if Barret’s dead?” I asked him. He shook his head, and put away his sword. Mandy walked behind the bar, and took something out of a compartment. “Mandy no!” Barret cried. She closed her eyes. “I’ll replace it…” She insured him. She handed three large gold pieces to Cloud. “Three thousand.” He told him. We heard an elderly woman scream. My head jerked. “TURKS!!!” She cried.

Chapter 8

There coming to take me away

We ran outside of the bar and looked up. The large metal plate that normally covered us was shaking. “NO!” Mandy cried. “Cara, stay with Marlene, get out of sector seven.” Barret advised. I ran back into the bar, and down through the little hole. “Marlene, I’m a friend of Mandy’s, and of your daddy’s, wanna go for a trip?” I asked. She shook her head. “I haf’ta watch the bar, and Barret ain’t my daddy…” She told me. I shook my head. “Mandy told me that you needed a break, so she wants me to take you to my house.” I told her, ignoring my mistake. Her eyes lit up. “Out of the sector!?” She asked excitedly. “Yeah, let’s get packed and hurry.” I told her, glancing up at the ceiling. There was a loud bang. “Just leave your clothes; I’ll buy you some new ones!” I told her. I grabbed her hand, and ran to the pinball machine. There was another bang. I picked her up, and ran through the sector. A soldier stopped me. “Do you fight?” I asked Marlene. “Mandy’s teaching me.” She informed me. I set her down, and she drew her fists. I took out my rod and hit the man. He screamed in pain and died. I took Marlene’s hand, and we continued to run. As soon as we got out of the sector, there was a loud siren. “The plate is going to fall, evacuate!” A voice said. I turned back, and picked Marlene up again. I didn’t stop running, or put Marlene down until we got to my house. Mom opened the door. “And who’s this?” She asked, taking the sleeping girl from my arms. “Marlene, from sector seven.” I told her. She put her hands on her hips. “Why were you in sector seven?” She asked. As soon as she did, someone broke down the door. It was the Turks. “Mom, take her upstairs, I promised Barret she’d stay safe.” I instructed. She paused half way on the steps, “And you?” She asked. I smiled, and as I did, I felt six firm hands on each of my arms. They pulled me out of the door, and put me on the back of a helicopter. They tied me up, and started back towards sector seven.

Chapter 9

Solitary confinement

When we got over top of the plate, I saw that the group was fighting a young man with blond hair. While they looked up, he pushed a button, and jumped up on a rope that was hanging off of the copter. He stood next to me, stroking my hair. “Any last statement to your beloved friends?” He asked me cruelly. “She’s safe!” I cried. The man slapped me across the face. Mandy and Cloud ran to the end of the plate after the copter. “ERICA!!!” Cloud cried. I smiled vaguely. At least he remembered before he would die… I thought to myself. “I’ll be fine, go to Mar…” I started. The man hit me so hard I was knocked out. When I woke up, I was in a glass cylinder. I ran to the side, and pounded on the glass. “HELP!” I cried, even though I knew it was sound proof. An elderly man walked out from his office. “Interesting, very interesting…” He muttered. He opened the door, and stepped in. However, he didn’t close the door. I heard a ruckus up a waze. Suddenly, my friends came running up to the case. The man walked out, and closed the door, some how though, I could still hear every thing, I guess it was my telekinesis. “Good, I needed an audience for my experiment…” He muttered. The center of the floor disappeared as it went down. In its place came another floor, with a dog like creature on it. It was red, and had a flame on its tale. It had black markings on it. I jumped back to the glass. The dog growled, and pounced towards me. It didn’t land on me, although I knew it could have. It seemed to wink at me, but I kept thinking, “Dog’s don’t wink…” I continued around the perimeter of the case. The dog followed me, not actually hurting me, but evidently trying to. Finally Cloud broke the glass with his big sword, and the dog ran. “Erica!” He cried. He held me in his arms, as Barret tried to puzzle out what happened. But then the guards came, and each one took one of us, including the dog. They hit each of us on our heads, knocking us out. When I awoke, everything was silent, except for Barret's loud snoring, and the occasional howl of the dog. I stood up, and noticed that my cell door was open. When I walked out, I couldn’t help but notice the nermouress puddles of blood. In the next cell, was Barret and Mandy. Mandy was sitting in the corner, rocking. “Mandy?” I asked. She nodded, and pointed towards the next cell. There was the dog, trying vainly to awaken Cloud. I hushed him, and softly tapped Cloud. “Momma…” He muttered. “Remember…” I whispered into his ear. “I promise…” He muttered. “That’s right…” I encouraged. “I’ll kill you Kuja!” he cried as he sat up. He looked around. “What the…” He muttered. I smiled, then remembering the situation, frowned. I pointed outside to the puddle of blood. “Oh my god…” He muttered. I closed my eyes. “Is this a dream?” I asked him. He put a hand on each of my arms. “Does it feel like a dream?” He asked. Tears started out of my eyes. “What’s your name?” I asked the dog. It seemed to smile. “He calls me red thirteen, but that name means less to me than my shed hair.” He told me. “What would you like to be called?” I asked him. “Seto.” He answered. I nodded. The two followed me into Mandy’s cell. She was at Barret’s side, trying to wake him up. “Just punch him already.” I told her. So she did, when he woke up, he said, “Damn Shinra!” I hit my head. “Language…” Mandy muttered for me. We all walked out of the cell, and followed the trail of blood. Sprawled on the floor, were the two guards that were guarding us. I gasped, and turned into Clouds chest. “I will stay and examine the corpse for a murderer.” The dog told us. We nodded, and continued. We followed the blood, and corpses. It led us up to the president’s chamber. Sitting in the chair, was a very dead, very old man. Sticking out of his back was a sword bigger then Clouds. He ran over to it, and examined the handle. “Separeth…” He muttered.

Chapter 10

Runaways!!!

A young man stepped out from behind the long curtains. “Run.” Cloud ordered. My eyes widened, and looked at the sky, outside were giant copters, and each one had at least ten guns poised, and ready to shoot. “No.” I told him without thinking. I shook my head. The young man bowed, and smiled. “Hello, I am the new president Rufus; I believe some of you know me.” He said looked at my chest. “Bye Cloud!” I chimed, and began to run. I strode down the elevator, along with Barret, Mandy, and Seto, Cloud did not follow. The building shook and the elevator went out. “Damn!” Barret cried. When we looked up through the screen, fire was shooting down at us. “Are we to be roasted alive?” I cried. Mandy shook her head, and started punching at the sides, finally she got one to give way, and we climbed out. “This has to be a dream!” I cried. Seto scratched me. “Hey!” I cried, the dog seemed to smile. “You said it was a dream, I was waking you up” he told me, exusingly. I rolled my eyes, and climbed as fast as I could. “There’s no way!” I cried when I could feel the heat on my back. Mandy disappeared into the wall, and next thing I knew, she had pulled us all in. I hadn’t noticed, but there was an in cove in the wall. We crouched in the corner, and hoped. Barret and Seto stood (crouched) In front of us, guarding. Finally the Flame past. We climbed out cautiously, and started down behind it. When we got to the second floor, we decided to take the stairs. So, we got out where the elevator would’ve dropped us off, and started down. When we got to the first floor, Cloud still wasn’t there. The entire floor was in ruins. The flame had wrecked everything. Next thing we knew, the doors were thrown open, and soldiers ran in. I took out my badly burnt rod, and Barret loaded his gun, as Mandy lifted her fists, meanwhile, Seto arched his back. Before we got a chance to fight, a motorcycle knocked them over, and killed them. On it was Cloud. We all got onto the back, and he turned around. We found ourselves speeding over a slippery bridge. Cloud took out his sword, and handed it to me. “Keep us safe.” He ordered. I could just barely hold it up, but managed to kill all the soldiers that rode up next to us. A couple I ended up knocking off of the bridge. Finally we arrived at sector five, where they weren’t aloud to go. All the same, we hid in my house.

Chapter 11

Reinforcement buying

Barret ran into the spare bedroom, and threw his arms around little Marlene. “Barret!” She cried. Tears were streaming down his face. We turned, and walked downstairs. “Oh Cara!” My mom cried as she threw her arms around me. “I thought they got you!” She cried. I smiled, and said, “They did.” Mom gasped. “Cloud, and Barret, and Mandy saved me.” I told her. I introduced Mandy to her. “You guys can’t stay in the sectors…” Mom admitted. I looked up, “Are you asking me to leave!” I cried. She turned around, and wiped away a tear. “They’ll come again, they can’t have you!” She cried. I gasped, and put my arms around her. “I’ll be fine mother; I’ll just keep running until I’m strong enough to kill them.” I told her. She turned around and hugged me. “Go buy reinforcements.” She instructed, “Be strong, do not get killed. There’s another ancient, I can feel it in my bones, you must live to protect the world from them.” She told me. I waved, and asked Barret if we should take Marlene with us. “No… she needs a steady home. She seems happiest here…” He mumbled. I nodded and walked out. All the thugs were out today. Every time, though, that they tried to get close to me, Cloud would put his arm around me. Every time they got close to Mandy, she beat the crap out of them. “Cara, got any flowers, my new girlfriend says that they’re the only way to her heart!” He cried. I smiled, “Not today, you’ll have to find a new flower girl, I’m leaven ya.” I told him. He held his heart. “What’cha here for then?” He asked. I smiled, “For a new rod, this one’s all burnt up.” I told him. “Thank goodness Materia doesn’t burn!” Mandy cried. I laughed, and handed the man twenty gold pieces, “The best this’ll buy.” I told him. He handed me a wooden rod. I added forty more. “How about now?” I asked. He shook the rod, so I looked at the prices. The next level up costed three hundred gold. I snatched the rod out of his hands, and took the change. I sulked out of the store. “He raised the prices.” I told Cloud, as he put his arm around me. We headed to the large gate.

Chapter 12

Nimble Heim

When we walked outside the gate we were astonished at how big it was. A few miles to the west was the ocean. We could see to the east there were mountains. Cloud started walking towards them, and we all followed. Before we knew it, we arrived at a town. Cloud ran into the hotel, as Mandy stood in the center, deep in memories. It was a nice town. It looked as if it had been burned down, and was now regenerating. I walked up to Mandy. “That was my house.” She told me, pointing to an old house. “It was the only one to survive the fire. I’m the only woman who survived…” She muttered. We walked inside. We came directly to the stairs, and Mandy continued up. She walked into the farthest room on the left, and sat on the bed. “Mom and dad died. Now a nice old lady lives here.” She told me. There was a piano in the far corner. The bed and piano were the only things there. “I set off to the sectors, knowing that the plate was over top, and that Cloud would know to find me there.” She added. She got up, and walked to the piano, and played a familiar melody. “I made up this song, a long time ago. I think of it as my theme.” She told me. A tear ran down her face, and she wiped it away. “Mandy! Cara!” Cloud called. I turned to the window, and Mandy just stood, brainwashed. “Let’s go.” I suggested. We walked out of the house, and into the hotel. “What ever happened about Separeth?” Mandy asked Cloud. He smiled, and readied himself for a long story. He talked of when he was fifteen. About how Separeth killed a fiend with one hit, when Cloud couldn’t even hurt it. He talked of The Mountain just behind the town. How Mandy turned out to be the guide. They had gone to the Mako center. They had tried to get Mandy to stay outside, but she would not. Inside was Mandy’s father. As soon as Separeth got close to the Mako, he went crazy, and killed him. He also tried to kill Mandy for rising up to save her father, he got her in the heart, he stabbed her three times, but Cloud stopped him from delivering a fourth. Separeth, however, would not strike him. Instead he went to the old mansion. There he stayed for three weeks. He didn’t eat, he didn’t sleep. Finally Cloud left. He didn’t know where he would go, but ever since that day, he was hearing his mother’s voice, even though she died when he was three. Cloud stood up, “That’s enough story telling for now.” He told us. He walked into his bedroom, and slept. Meanwhile, Mandy and I walked outside. It was already dark, and ghosts were prowling around. We got an eerie feeling when we looked at the old mansion, a feeling that told me we were missing something. There was something we had to find. I started up to it. “Are you crazy?” Mandy asked me. I closed my eyes. “Maybe I am, but I feel like we’re missing something.” I told her. She rolled her eyes, “Can’t it wait until tomorrow?” She asked. I turned and gazed at the black building. “Yes, it can wait an eternity.” I told her. We walked inside for fear of the ghosts, and we slept. In the morning, I tried to convince Cloud into going in, but he refused. As we left, Mandy stopped dead. I turned around. “Do you hear it?” Mandy asked me. I listened, but all I could hear was the planet crying in pain. “No.” I told her. Then suddenly, I was cold, and could hear, “Mandy, Erica, come see me in the mansion, Erica…” A voice droned. Shivers ran down my back. “Yes Mandy, I hear it.” I told her. Cloud put his hand on my shoulder, as Barret did for Mandy. “We must go.” Mandy said, walking towards the mansion. Barret tried to hold her, but she cast him aside as if she was possessed. “Mandy, come back.” I ordered. I felt a hard slap on my face. I fell back, and Mandy kept walking. I felt a pull on my hand and heard, “Come sister.” It helped me stand, and walked me along side Mandy. I too cast aside all those that tried to help me back. Mandy and I joined hands, as we walked into the mansion. We walked strait up the stairs and into the first room on the right. There was a fireplace that opened up for us. We walked down the steps, I was afraid they would collapse beneath us. The basement was filthy. Mandy let go of my hand, and walked to a door. She tried to open it but it was locked. She walked back to my side, and we continued down the hall. We opened a large door, and found ourselves in a huge library. I picked up the book that was lying open on the desk. “Separeth, classified, Ancient.” Was the heading. I wanted to hold my heart, but I couldn’t move. Mandy brought over another book from the shelf. Wind seemed to blow the pages to page two hundred twenty six. “All those who are exposed to Mako, experience many side effects. They are varied, but the most common, it the ability to talk to the other side.” She read. “I can’t read this part, whoever wrote it scribbled.” She told me, bringing over the book. “There is one girl who has shone multiple side effects, increase of strength when needed, I have stabbed her in the heart three times and she did not die.” I read. Mandy collapsed, unable to speak. A big blue thing walked into the room, and attacked me. Mandy and I exchanged glances, and remastered ourselves. We ran for our lives, the whole time undead monsters kept attacking. We could see out the window was Cloud, Barret, and Seto. They were pounding at the door. I pressed myself against the door, and tried to open it, it was magically locked. “It won’t open!” I cried as the beasts crept closer. Seto jumped through the window, and stood poised, ready to fight. I looked around for a possible escape. I saw a bigger window with a broken hinge. I pointed it out to Mandy, and we ran for it. We relied on Seto to keep us safe from the ghosts. “Mandy, I can’t get it!” I cried as I struggled to push it open. I moved aside as Mandy stepped up to it. With one quick jerk, she broke it. When I tried to climb through, I realised there was a net. Seto whined in pain as he fell to the floor. “Seto!” I cried as I struggled to get out of the net. A spider that had assumed it as its home was climbing towards me. It was huge, and I could tell by the red stripe on the bottom of it, it was deadly. I screamed, and Cloud ran towards me. “It’s a spider.” Barret said confused. “It’s deadly!” Mandy cried as she punched at it, forgetting Seto. The spider fell to the ground, dead. Tons more baby spiders started out. I gasped, “CHRIS!!!” I cried. Cloud took out a dagger, and carefully cut me out. I fell into his arms, and the spiders started towards Mandy and Seto. “NO!” I cried, I ran to the door, crying, “Mandy, RUN!!” I somehow forced the door open, and Mandy ran out, carrying Seto in her arms. I fainted when I saw the numerous red and black marks all over Mandy. When I woke up, we were far from the town. Mandy was being carried by Barret, and I by Cloud. Seto was injured but not dead, he was able to limp, but not walk. When Cloud put me down, I fell to my knees beside Barret. Barret put Mandy down beside me, and everyone gathered round. I closed my eyes, and placed a hand on her arm. A spider came out of the bite my pointer finger was on. “Let me take it back.” I prayed. “Let me take it unto myself.” I added. The spider crawled onto my hand, and I did not move. It rolled over, as if to tell me it was deadly. I closed my eyes, and felt two little pincers enter my skin. I felt as the warm poison seared through my veins. I opened my eyes, and watched as Mandy’s wounds disappeared. Out of each one came a spider, each spider bit me. I felt the poison enter my heart. My eyes bulged, I could feel it, just what Mandy felt when she collapsed. Soon, all I could see was the poison; there was so much that it overflowed over my eyes. The green was mingled with the red of my blood. Soon, it was just a pure, lime green. I fell back, felt my head hit the ground. Now even the green was getting fuzzy. Soon after, I lost consciousness. “Worlds, forgive me…” I muttered.

Chapter 13

Miracle

The next thing I knew, I was in a wooden box, and I felt water lapping over me. I pounded, as hard as I could, and to my astonishment, the box opened. What I saw next, I couldn’t believe. All the spider wounds had disappeared. My sight was clear as day. Above me was a clear blue sky, with dove hovering around me. I looked around, no land was in sight. My box was acting like a boat. When I looked into the water, there were beautiful fish getting eaten by ferocious sharks. I searched the horizon for a ship, I couldn’t float for long, I had no food, or pure enough water. There was no one. I fell asleep in my casket. Most people see caskets as a sign of death, but here I had a different view. If I was floating, and I see myself in a casket, it was a sign of a life I had thought was long gone. When I woke up, I found myself at the side of a shore. I was sprawled on the ground, and a little girl was staring at me. I didn’t recognize the face at first, but when I got a second glance, I saw that it was Marlene. “Cara?” She asked me. I nodded, and she searched my arms and hands. “Where are all your wounds?” She asked, I smiled, “I don’t know, is Barret and his friends in there?” I asked. She nodded, and I got up, and walked in. When I walked into the spare bedroom, Cloud stood up. “Ahh, ahh, Erica?” He asked me. I nodded. “ERICA!” He cried, and threw his arms around me. He, like Marlene, searched my arms. “Where are they?” He asked me. I smiled again, “I don’t know!” I cried. “What’s all this ruckus?!” I heard a woman ask. Mandy walked in the door. My eyes widened. “Mandy? It worked?” I gasped. We threw our arms around each other, “Cara, I thought you were dead!” She cried, as she checked my arms. “Oh Mandy, I thought you were a goner to!” I told her. “Come, your mother is tending the garden.” She told me. We walked out the door, passing Barret. “Cara?” He asked. “Move Barret.” Mandy ordered. He moved aside, and went to see my mom. “Hey, Cara’s mom!” Mandy cried. She turned a weary face, and as she saw me, it brightened. “Cara!” She cried as she held her heart. She ran to us, and through her arms around me. “Mom…” I cried. She kissed my head as her tears went down her cheek. We heard gunshots. “Oh no!” My mother cried. “How old is Marlene?” I asked Mandy as I gazed at the house. “Six.” She told me. I wouldn’t allow the Turks to get her, especially to kill her. “Get the others; we’re leaving as soon as possible.” I ordered. Mandy ran into the house, and shortly they all ran out. “What’s the rush?” Seto asked me. He was fully healed. I felt as if my heart was racing in front of me, I knew we had to leave, and we had to do it before yesterday. “I don’t know.” I muttered as I started walking. “Mom, Go into the trap cellar, take Marlene, and plenty of food, and drink.” I ordered. She did so, and on our way out, we met up with the Turks. I took out my rod, “You know if you fight us that poor little girl is dead meat right?” He told me. I shook my head, “Not if I can help it.” I told him and struck him over the head. He smiled, and took out his gun. “I don’t want to kill you.” Rude persisted. I shook my head, “No, you need me, and I’ll stay out of your reach.” I told him. Rude held his head. “They didn’t say I couldn’t hurt you.” He threatened. I flinched at the thought of pain. I held out my hand, and out of it shot a large spider web that worked as a net. Next the Black widows climbed on the net. “AH!” Rude cried. I pulled it back in. “That’s what’ll happen if you hurt Marlene.” I told him. His eyes widened. “Good trick, but not real.” He reassured himself. I turned to one of the soldiers, and released a web. This time I didn’t stop the spiders. They all bit him, and that’s when I pulled them back. The man died immediately. “Pretty effective, for a trick.” I told him. He turned and ran for the government building. We however, walked out of the sector. We walked for a long time, passing Nimble heim by. Sooner or later, we arrived at a small port town.

Chapter 14

Shinra invasion

When we walked inside, the town was peaceful. Up above it was another story all together. There was a large metal building, obviously a Shinra air station. As I gazed up, Rufus spotted me, and pointed. Cloud rushed me into a nearby house. The old lady that lived there was outside. No guards came pounding on the door as I had anticipated, in fact, Rufus did nothing but point. When we walked out to the bay, we saw a ladder. “I gotta kill Rufus.” Cloud said, as he began to swim to it. He jumped back out of the water as quickly as he got in. “What is it” I asked. “Damn man eating fish!” He cried, pulling them off him. I felt a soft tug on my dress. I looked down, and beside me was a little girl. “My ride comes if you blow this whistle…” She told me. She held up the whistle. “She’s a dolphin; would you like to ride her?” She asked. I looked at Cloud, and seeing the determination in his eyes, nodded. She blew her whistle, and the dolphin swam up to the shore. “The piranhas are afraid of my ride.” She told me. I nodded, and climbed up on the fish. It took us only as far as to the ladder, and we climbed up. Cloud looked both way’s before moving, then, entered a locker room. While we were searching for a uniform or more, we heard someone struggle with the door. Cloud and Barret stuffed us into lockers, and shut them on us. “Soldiers! Why are you not dressed out yet?” He asked them. “Uh, my lockers jammed.” Cloud said pointing to a closed locker. “What’s your combination?” He asked Cloud. “Never mind.” He said, looking at the locker number. The man checked his lists, and took out a key. “Open it with this from now on.” He instructed, handing him the key. He walked out, “And don’t forget the march!” He ordered. Cloud nodded, and opened all the lockers. Mandy pushed me out of her way, as Seto attempted to push Mandy. “My tails broken!” he cried. “SHHHH!” I scolded, pulling out uniforms. I found a leash on a table; I picked it up, and grinned. “Oh no…” He muttered, looking at it. “If there’s going to be a march, then the search dogs are bound to be out!” Mandy pleaded. The dog sat down, “never.” He told us. I tilted my head back, and pounced, on Seto. I strapped the leash around his neck, and held the other end in my hand. “Mandy you hold him, I’ve gotta go get dressed. I instructed taking a uniform from the locker closest. I walked into another room, as Mandy ran to face a window. Mandy and I switched places, and Barret and Cloud were already done! Mandy changed quickly, and I gave Cloud permission to walk the ‘dog’. “I am not a dog!” Seto persisted. I rolled my eyes, “Don’t talk while we’re out there!” I told him. He growled. “Let’s go.” Mandy said enthusiastically. We stepped out into the line. Cloud stood with the dog people, and we stood behind him. No one even guessed that we didn’t belong. “Hail president Rufus!” Most of them shouted. “I can’t hear you!” The sergeant told us. “Hail president Rufus!” We all screamed. “Good.” The blond haired boy murmured. His eyes streaked down to me, and they grew. I bit my lip in descize, hoping he would think me a twin. “Sir, which one do you want?” The sergeant asked. His attention snapped back, “You know, to take your place as commander.” The sergeant added. He smiled cruelly, and looked over us. I closed my eyes as tight as I could. “You!” He said, pointing to a young man just behind me. I looked back, as the man walked up to him. It was Rude. I gulped, and stood aside. Rude bowed down. “You girl, what is your name!?” Rufus asked me without a downward glance. I gulped and said, “Tiffany!” She was the worst girl I could really remember from earth. “I didn’t hear you!” He shrieked menacingly. “Tiffany!!” I screamed as loud as I could. “Well Tiffany, come see me in my office.” He told me. I gulped, and closed my eyes. “Yes sir…” I muttered. I felt a sharp jab at my rib cage, “Answer!” The Sergeant ordered. “Yes sir!” I cried. “Everyone back to your stations.” The president cried, “You two, we’ll talk.” He added. I rode up the elevator, and walked out beside Rude. “Tiffany…” Rude snickered. I clenched my fists, wanting to hit him. Rufus held the door open for me, leaving Rude to fend for himself. “Well, Tiffany.” Rufus started. I hung my head. “I seemed to have caught you; in fact, you flew right into my bird cage, just as Separeth said you would.” He told me. My head snapped. “Bird cage…” I stuttered. I held my heart. “Dear god, he’s back!” I cried. “Go change your clothes, the scientist need to see you.” Rufus ordered me. I stood strait, “No.” I told him dignity. He slapped me. “I warn you Rufus being the ancient I am, makes me incredibly stronger then you.” I told him. He ordered me to go again. “Do you really want a presentation? Because if you do, I’d really love to kill this guy.” I said, pointing to Rude. They both slapped me, but I stood still. I sent a wave of spider webs at the ceiling. The two men cowered in a corner. “AHHH!” A woman screamed. I looked out the window, putting a screen of a web behind me. Cloud was fighting his way up. I pulled back in my web, and walked to the door. I tried to open it but it was locked. Rufus stood up, and held up a card. I closed my eyes. “Give it to me.” I ordered, looking into his fearful eyes. He threw it up into the spider web on the ceiling, and the spiders devoured it. I tried to pull them in, but they had gotten to fat. I closed my eyes, and pounded on the doors. I felt strong arms around me, and I couldn’t fight back. “Git off me you scumbag!” I cried, remembering Chris. He was pushed back, and I turned around, readying my fists. Just then, the door broke open, and Mandy ran up beside me on one side, and Cloud on the other. Seto got directly in front of me, and Barret stood behind. “You may go.” Rufus told us, trying to save his own life. “It’s a trick.” I muttered. Rufus ran for his desk, and pushed a button. An alarm sounded. “Damn Shinra!” Barret cried. We turned around, and Cloud was the only one that turned back, “I’ll have to take a rain check on killing you, bu-bye.” He told Rufus, as he turned and ran. We jumped onto a departing boat, and hid as stowaways. There were lots of boxes, but I didn’t look at them at all. The whole time I stared at Cloud. “What?” He finally asked. I snapped out of my daze. “He’s back.” I blurted, then I scratched my head, “And he’s smarter.” I told him. “Shh!” Mandy scolded me. I closed my eyes. “Maybe we should tell them Mandy!” I persisted. Mandy held her head. “Okay, I’ll only tell part of it, since Mandy doesn’t want you to know.” I started. “Anyway, we travel through worlds, or something, and this guy seems to be traveling with us, his name is Kuja. He takes up manifestations of different bad guys, in this case, that’s why Separeth went crazy.” I told them. We heard the cry of a man in pain. I stood up. “Separeth!” Cloud cried, as he stood. We all ran for the voice. There was a volt where several dead people guarded. I felt a cold breath on my neck, so I closed my eyes. “Ah, chosen ones, I may kill you know.” A voice whispered. I took out my rod which Cloud had handed to me long before. “Don’t fight me fellow ancient, I only want to help you…” The woman whispered louder. I felt a sharp pain in my knee, but I did not cry out. The ship landed, and I struck at air. It whacked me in the head. Cloud spun in a circle, trying to kill it. He also missed, and got tripped. It was as if someone was holding him down, he could not get up. Barret started rotating, and then, not knowing what he was doing shot me in the thigh. “AH!” I cried out. I collapsed, and felt pressure on my shoulders. “Mandy, my shoulders!” I cried. Mandy punched just above, and knocked it off. “Let’s go, this is impossible!” I cried. “Oh no you don’t.” The voice told me as it tugged on my dress. “Who are you!?” I cried out in agony. “Jenova, Separeths mother.” She told me. “No wonder.” I said, as I threw my fists back. She let go, and we ran out of the ship. “My god that was scary!” I cried, when we got into the town.

Chapter 15

New town that’s not haunted

We walked into the town; it looked as if it was made of gold. We walked into the bar that doubled as a hotel. “Hey hot stuff!” A passing barmaid commented to Cloud. Mandy and I each took one of his arms, and we walked to the counter. “Sold out.” He told us angrily. He poured a glass of whiskey for the stranger that stood beside us. “Those damn Government people booked us up.” He said. My head snapped, and I held my heart, “Government people?” I asked concernedly. “Yeah, they call themselves the Turks or something.” He told me. Cloud and I exchanged glances. “Is there a place anywhere close where we can sleep?” Cloud asked. The man tried giving Mandy a drink which she violently refused. “Yeah, there’s a town just before you get to the Golden Saucer, but they don’t let you in unless you’re going there.” He told us, when he finally gave up. My head snapped up to the staircase, I had heard footsteps. “Thank you.” I told him, and walked out the door. Cloud walked down to the bridge, and asked a lady that stood at the edge of town where the Golden Saucer was. “Well, you leave town, and head west towards the mountains, it’s right on the edge.” She stammered. Cloud bowed his head in appreciation, and we left town.

Chapter 16

The unhappy town

We came almost immediately to the town. “Who’re you!” The man asked us immediately. “We’re going to the Golden Saucer tomorrow.” Cloud answered, looking up at the sky. “Then you’ll just have to camp outside, cause, no one sleeps in this town if they don’t live here!” He told us, shooing us away. A taller man walked down the hill, “What are you thinking! Didn’t you notice the man that almost destroyed our happy town?!” He cried. “But Mayor Doel, it’s the rules!” The man cried. “Barret, you stay in my house for the night, but, you leave before the sun comes up, do you understand me!” The tall man said, pointing a finger at him. I looked back, Barrets head was low, and he was frowning. “But, like I said, I didn’t do anything!” He cried out. “Lyre!” The Mayor cried. Barret sat down, and held his head. “You’re wrong! Why would Barret destroy the town that his wife lived in!?” Mandy cried. “Because he’s a maniac!” The mayor cried. Barret stood up, and said, “It was Shinra!” He cried. “It was Shinra that kidnapped Marlene too, wasn’t it?” The mayor asked sarcastically. “He saved Marlene!” Mandy cried. Barret started up for the house. “I’ll sleep outside, you have no fights with my friends, let them in.” He said as he turned around. We were up at the break of dawn, just as the mayor told us. We rode on the trolley up to a huge golden structure. There was a man in a suit that looked like the tip of a Q tip. “Three thousand dollars please for a one time trip, five thousand for a season pass, eleven thousand for a pass that won’t run out.” He told us. I dug in my pocket, and to my astonishment, I had thirty two thousand gold. I handed him eleven of it, and walked in. When we got in, we were thrown out into a giant circle. Barret stood near the door we had gotten out of, and puffed. I looked at all the doors. “Chocobo racing, Haunted hotel, theatre, misc., Battle arena, and chance.” I read. “Cloud, what’s a Choco bo thing?” I asked him. He rolled his eyes, “It’s Chocoboo, but it’s spelled with one o, I’ll show you, c’mon.” He told me, jumping into the door that said Chocobo racing. We came up to stairs, at the top said “Chocobo racing” Along the sides said the different areas. Inside the room, were two ticket booths. One for betting, and one for receiving the prize. “Which one do you think’ll win?” Cloud asked, browsing over pictured of Chocobos. I looked down, they were big yellow birds, each one wore a different color sadal. “I haven’t the slightest clue!” I cried. “I think I’ll pick this one…” Cloud murmured, pointing to one with a blue sattel. A joyful song erupted as the whistle blew. The chocobos began to run, each one carrying a certain rider. They rode over a bridge, through water, and when I thought they were done, they jumped back to the beginning, and went around again. The last announcement came on, “And number seven, blue has won first place!” It said. Clouds eyes almost burst. We walked up the receiving desk. “Would you like two hundred gold points, or an item?” The woman asked. “Points please.” Cloud said as he looked out the window. I followed his gaze, and saw a cart that went over the entire theme park. We walked out to it. “Two points please.” The man asked us. Cloud gave him two points, and led me on. The ride began, and I leaned to look out the window. When I looked back, I realized that Cloud was staring at me. I stroked my hair, “What, do I have something stuck in my teeth?” I asked him. He shook his head, and turned to the window hastily. I closed my eyes. “Why are you always so beautiful?” He asked me, as he turned back. His face was red. I closed my eyes again. “I didn’t realize I was.” I told him, what else could I say, because that’s just the way I am? I turned back to the window, and blushed. Cloud turned my head back. “Don’t ever say that.” He told me. We arrived back at the beginning. I looked down, as Cloud handed the man another two points. We started off again, as fireworks began. I stared out at them, they were so beautiful. “Erica, look at me.” Cloud ordered, he seemed saddened, yet determined. I turned to him, “At least you remember.” I told him, I felt a tear run down my face. “Don’t cry!” Cloud begged. A particularly big firework exploded, interrupting him. “I cry because I’m happy.” I told him. He wiped away my tear, and looked out the window. “We’re almost back; do you want to go another round?” He asked me. I laughed nervously. “No, other people probably want to ride to.” I said, looking down and Mandy, who was holding Barret’s hand. We walked down to the theatre, thinking that maybe we could have some time alone there. Sure enough, the only one there was a little girl. A woman ran out from backstage, “Oh sir, ma’am, would you please pose as the leading role? Our actors just got sick, and we’re losing business as you can see!” She told us. “Sure.” I said, as Cloud and I exchanged glances. “What are you thinking, I can’t act for shit!” He cried. “Shhhhh!” I told him, putting my finger to his mouth, “There’s a child here!” I scolded. “Sorry ma.” He told me. I slapped him upside the head, and he laughed. We walked backstage, and put our costumes on over our clothes. “You were pretty good in Alexandria.” I told him. The music started, and we were pushed out onto the stage, where we saw above the stairs, we words to recite. “Oh, sir peasant, what are you up to today?” I read, as I pointed behind my back. “Oh, my princess, I hardly noticed you at all.” Cloud read. I walked to the edge of the stage, and held my heart. “I was hoping not to be noticed as the one I am…” I muttered, as I read. “But my princess, why not, why you must have everything! Good food,” Cloud started, he grimaced, “Good beds, and good friends, and anything else you want! What would you want with lowly townsfolk like us?” He read. I walked to a paper tree, “Yes, I have a bed and a roof over my head.” I started, “And yes, my mother smothers me with items. But that’s just to hide everything else!” I sobbed. Cloud ran over to me, and touched my arm, then pulled back as if he almost stole the purest of gold. “But what else could there be!?” He cried. I turned around, “I have all materials I could ever desire, but material is nothing compared to what you have…” I muttered. Cloud turned to me, “For you, have family, love, and freedom.” I finished off, facing the audience, which only had about four adults, one dog, and three kids. The dog, was Seto, two of the adults, were Mandy, and Barret. “But my princess, what freedom can we have that you do not?!” Cloud persisted. “You can speak your mind; cry when it is needed, you have no reason to yearn for that father that lives in your home! For he, like you, are aloud to be human!” I cried, drawing my head back, as if to keep from crying. “But your father lives in the castle.” Cloud puzzled. I shook my head, and pretended to collapse, “Yet he is never there…” I muttered. “Stranger, take me far, take me to a place where I can be me. Not some goody goody two shoes that loves everyone!” I cried. Cloud took my hand, and led me off the stage, and into the back. Even though there were few people there, the applause sounded like thunder. Then we heard gunshots. We ran out, and Barret had run off. I tore the dress off of me, and handed the lady five gold to replace it. We ran to the battle arena.

Chapter 17

Did he or didn’t he, there is no question

There, there were body’s spread every where. “Oh my god…” I muttered. There was one that was alive, so I ran to him. “Who did this!?” I asked him. “Gun, arm…” He muttered as he died. I stood up, and looked at Barret. “Why?” I asked him confused. Guards ran up, and each one took our arms. I didn’t struggle, Somehow, I just knew Barret couldn’t have done it, but if he had, I was his friend, and he wasn’t going to where ever they put these people alone. “Drop the sword!” The guard ordered Cloud. He shook his head, “Not Cara!” He cried, and he cut the man that was holding me. “Chr… Cloud no, we have to go or we’ll be wanted all over the planet!” I confirmed to him. “Cara, I won’t stand here, and let them take you to jail! You’re not only not ready, but you don’t want to go, and I won’t let them take you where you don’t want to go!” He told me as he attacked another soldier. Tears started down my face, “It doesn’t matter!” I cried. “Life isn’t always my way!” I added. “Cara, run.” He told me solemnly. I closed my eyes, and started into the fighting arena. The soldiers laughed when we were all in. “See ya never.” They told us, and we fell through the floor.

Chapter 18

Desert prison

When I woke up, I was in Cloud’s arms. “What happened?” I asked, as I looked into Cloud’s face. “We’re in jail.” Mandy answered me. I rubbed my eyes. Seto was asleep next to Mandy, who was petting him. Barret was nowhere to be seen. “Where’s Barret?” I asked Mandy. She shrugged, “Ran off soon as we fell.” She told me. I laid back down into Cloud’s lap. “Well, everyone here knows except Seto, so we can talk about it.” I told them. “What don’t I know?” Seto asked, as he opened one eye. “Look, she already blurted it all out.” Mandy told him. He put his head back down, “Oh yeah, about the world travels.” He muttered. “Hey! Get up and work!” A guard yelled. Seto jumped, and Cloud instinctively put his hand on my shoulder. Mandy helped me get up, and we walked to a little cottage. “What are we supposed to do?” I asked her. She shrugged again, “Beat’s me.” She told me. I tilted my head back, “Experienced thief, do you know?” I asked teasingly. “We’re mixing food for the chocobos.” He told me. I closed my eyes, “Do we have to?” I asked. Mandy pushed me playfully. “Hey! No attacking each other!” The guard scolded as he hit her on the shoulder. “Hey, that’s my cousin you’re messing with!” I told him, getting up into his face. They hadn’t disarmed us for some odd reason. The guard hit me, and both Cloud and Mandy stood up tall. “Hey, don’t you be messing with her.” They threatened. He walked away, whistling. I took out some oats for the mix, and put them in a wheel barrel. Cloud wheeled them over to a series of bowls. He picked up the bowl, and scooped out the oats. He put the bowl on the ground a bit away from the table so we could talk. A ragged young man ran to the water, and started gulping some down. A guard with a whip whipped him. I wanted to stand up and help, but Cloud put his hand on my arm. “I’ll get the rest.” He told me. Until Cloud got back, Mandy ended up being the one to keep me calm. At the end of the day, I was so thirsty; I could taste the stale air. My mouth was so dry, it felt like sand paper. “Daily drink!” The guard cried out. I ran to it, but he pushed me down, “Not for you, a guard had to talk to you.” He told me. Cloud stood up in front of me, and helped me up. Then he turned, and knocked the pan out of the man’s hand. “If she doesn’t get any, the no one gets any.” He told the guard. “Yeah, your killing me.” He said as he walked back. Chris looked around for some possible resources. He saw the pan for the chocobo food. “Stay here.” He told me, as he started towards it. “Cloud no!” I cried, I knew that if they caught him, he would be whipped. When all the guards were facing the other way, Cloud got a cupful, and hid it in his shirt. He walked us into a small hut, where we preceded to lock the door. Cloud took out the cup, and passed it around. I almost drank it all, but the water tasted stale. However, it was better then drinking sand. I passed it to Mandy, who then gave it to Cloud, who without drinking gave it to Seto. Seto finished it off. “Cloud, you didn’t drink.” I told him, remembering how my mouth had felt. He shrugged, “I can always steal more.” He told me. I closed my eyes. “I didn’t think it would be this bad.” I admitted. Cloud rubbed my back, and said, “Well, if I’m going to steal some more tomorrow, I better get to sleep.” I opened my eyes again. “Chris?” I asked, his head popped up. I lowered my eyes, “Good night.” I told him. He nodded, and went to bed. I walked into a corner, and softly hummed my song. I wished to see Barret. There, in a little cottage, just smaller then this one, Barret was standing, trying to find bullets to load his gun with. When I came back to myself, Cloud was at my side, he wasn’t even partially asleep, he was staring at me. “What?” I asked him nervously. “Where is he?” he asked, obviously, he knew what I was doing. “In a cabin, just a little smaller then this one.” I told him truthfully. I laid my head on my knee. “You know, even after all that work, I’m not tired. Probably because you did most of it.” I admitted. Cloud smiled. “I’m so glad you remember.” I told him. He put his arm around me. “Tell me the truth now,” Cloud started. I closed my eyes. I hated it when he started a sentence with that. “What did you think of the water?” He asked. I laughed. “Remember when I told you about Earth?” I asked. He nodded, “It tasted like water that comes out of the fountain at school.” I told him. He laughed insecurely. “Is that good?” He asked. I laughed again, “Well, it’s better then a dry mouth, or drinking sand.” I told him. He laughed, “I snuck some on the way here, I didn’t like it, so I didn’t drink anymore.” He admitted. I wiped my eyes; they were starting to get heavy. “You’re getting tired now aren’t you?” He asked innocently. I yawned. “A little.” I admitted. He smiled, and crawled back to his little floor space. I lay down, and closed my eyes. I immediately fell asleep. The next morning, Cloud had shaken me awake early. “Huh?” I asked startled. Cloud held out the cup. I yawned and rubbed my eyes. “What, you want me to come?” I asked. He shook his head vigorously. “I wanted you to know I was getting it so you wouldn’t wake up and panic.” He told me. I leaned on the wall. “Don’t be too long.” I told him as I stretched. I sat and watched him in my mind. The whole place was patrolled by guards. Cloud picked up a big rock, and hurled it as far away from him and the water as he could. All the guards ran to investigate. Meanwhile, Cloud ran to the water, and snuck some. He ran back into the house, and woke me again. “Drink.” I ordered as I walked to the door and locked it. “No, you first.” He told me. I closed my eyes. “You didn’t get much last night, now drink!” I persisted. He put down the cup on a table, and stepped away. Seto sprang up onto the table, and started drinking it all. “Seto thirteen!” I scolded. It cowered into a corner. “Now drink.” I ordered. Cloud looked into my determined eyes, and took a sip. I smiled, and took a sip for myself. I woke up Mandy, and let her have some. “Let’s hide the rest, so we can come back for it when we’re thirsty.” I suggested. But Seto had already drunk it all up. “Seto!” I scolded. He whimpered, and hid. There was a hard rap on the door, and on every other door in the camp. It was time to start working. While everyone was working, I checked the cottages, using them to avoid the guards seeing me. Finally I found Barret. He had found bullets, and was on his way out. “Barret!” I cried softly. “Where are you going?” I asked. He laughed, “I’m getting out, and you guys can’t come.” He told me. Shivers ran down my spine. “Why not?” I asked demandingly. He rolled his eyes. “I’m going to kill the one that did this, you’ll get a trial, and get out.” He told me. “I’ll come back when I’m done, and serve my life here.” He added. I shook my head. “What do you mean no?” he asked. I sent a message to Cloud saying that I found Barret, and that I needed help. Cloud and the others ran through the door. “We’re all leaving together.” Cloud told him confidently.

Chapter 18

Arguments

Barret argued and argued, but we had already made our decision. “When are we leaving?” Mandy asked as she stirred the food. “Don’t know.” Cloud started, “We need a car to get out.” He added, as added water to the mix. I saw to guards walking with a prisoner to the entrance of the Golden Saucer. “What’s going on?” I cried, as I tried to stay sitting. “I have no clue!” Cloud gasped. Mandy got up, and snuck into a corner so dark and shadowed, it matched her jet black hair. About fifteen minutes later, Mandy came back, kicking the sleeping Seto. “He’s riding a Chocobo in the race.” Mandy informed us. Barret pounded on the floor. “Why would he do that?” Barret asked angrily. “It’s the only way to get out alive.” Mandy told him as she kicked poor Seto again. “HEY!!! I’m trying to sleep here!” Seto complained. Mandy rolled her eyes, “Be a man… dog…thing!” She scolded as she sat down beside him. “So Chocobo racing, I’ve ridden a chocobo before…” Cloud pondered. “Oh yeah, and you have to win to get out.” Mandy added. Cloud remembered his last bet. “I have an idea!” An unfamiliar voice rang out. I turned, and behind me was a creature that looked like a marshmallow, with a cat on top. “Who are you?” Barret asked confused. The cat jumped down, and shook all our hands. “Marshy’s the name, fortunes are our game.” He told us. Cloud and I exchanged glances. “Where is Separeth?” I asked it. The cat jumped back up, and a sheet of paper came out of the hand. I read it, “You will find peace and prosperity in the Chocobo races.” It said. I crumbled it up. “Let me guess, you’re in here for fraud.” Barret guessed. “Ur let me try again!” It pleaded and another paper came out of the hand. Mandy read it this time. “You are happy at this moment, but you will soon be let down.” She read aloud. She tossed the paper on the ground. “I know!” Cloud said, ignoring the creature. “Cara and I will ride; one of us will have to win!” He announced. I tapped him on the shoulder softly. “Cloud, I don’t know how to ride a chocoboe thing.” I complained. Cloud put his hands on his hips. “It’s chocobo! And, I’ll teach you.” Cloud told me. I nodded, and headed to a guard.

Chapter 19

Chocobo races

“I would like to try the chocobo races.” I informed him. He laughed, “And?” He managed. Cloud guided me to the big door. Inside was and sitting at a large desk, there were pitchers everywhere. Some were water, and some were flavored drinks. “Sir, we would like to try to win a race, so our friends along with us could be once again free.” Cloud told the man. “I don’t believe this!” The man managed through his laughter, so Cloud took out his sword, and shot a web at the wall behind him. “Now that I do believe…” The man muttered. He searched through his desk for a contract. Cloud and I looked over it. “Should the contestants win, they will be granted their freedom. If they loose, they most undergo ten days in the battle arena with tenth level enemies. On certain circumstances, the winner will be granted one or more thing (Depending on the ranks of winnings) from the prison.” I read. Down below, there were three places for someone to sign. The man handed me a pen. “There’s a catch somewhere…” Mandy warned us. I thought it over, and hesitantly, signed the paper. Cloud followed my suit. “Go wait in your quarters for the race, the rest of you, get back to work.” The man ordered. Cloud led me back to the small cabin, and took out the small basin of water. “Thirsty?” He asked me. I shook my head, and Cloud put it back. I sat down in a corner, half relaxed, half panicked. Cloud seemed so calm and collected. “How can you do that?” I asked him finally. He checked himself, “What?” He asked slowly. I looked down and blushed, “Be so calm.” I told him as I shifted to stare at the ceiling. He laughed, “Riding a Chocobo isn’t hard.” He assured me. I closed my eyes. “That’s not what I meant.” I said, a tear coming from my eye. He sat by my side. “What do you mean?” He asked, wiping away my tear. I laughed nervously. “This is all a different world, we’ve saved two, if we die here… well, the rest will be destroyed. The fate of everything lies on our shoulders! And if there not destroyed, they’ll be taken over, and the cost of life will be reduced… and… well… all the children, they will grow up in a demented world, defeated by evil.” I told him. He held me in his arms, “You’re thinking negatively, if you think about how it will be since we’re not going to fail, it’s not that bad.” Cloud told me. I laughed, and the door was swung open. “The race will begin in thirty minutes.” He told us, and led us into the giant door. We walked up the Chocobo stable, and the chocobos were bigger then I thought. “How am I supposed to get up on that thing?!” I asked confused. Cloud laughed, and lifted me up on it. “SQUARK!” It cried. “Chris… I don’t think it likes me…” I muttered. He laughed. “Just hold onto the reins.” He told me. I searched the Chocobos neck, and saw a rope lying. I picked it up. “Okay, now steer the Chocobo right.” He told me. I looked to my right, and saw a wall. “Are you trying to kill me?” I asked sarcastically. “Do you trust me?” He asked me solemnly. I took in a deep breath, and steered it right. The bird however moved left. “What the?” I cried confused. Cloud smiled, “The Chocobo trainer said that this one is stubborn, and does the opposite of what you tell it.” He told me. I closed my eyes, “Now you tell me.” I muttered. He laughed. “The race begins in five.” The guard told us. “Do you feel comfortable with the bird?” Cloud asked me concernedly. I moved back and forth, left and right. “Yes.” I finally answered. He smiled, and seemed to be fighting off a tear. We walked out to the starting line, and we started the race. I was sure to keep up with Cloud, but birds started getting ahead. “CLOUD!” I cried. He tried to go faster, but his Chocobo couldn’t run any faster then it was already running. “Cara, go ahead, and head them off!” He ordered me. “HOW!?” I asked him confused. “Tell the bird to slow down.” He told me. I smacked my head, and told it to slow down. It shot ahead of all the birds, and hit the finish line for the first round. I caught up to Cloud again. “Very good.” He told me. “Now go do it again. And end the race; I’ll be right with you.” He told me. I told the bird to slow down, and he finished the race in first place. I held onto the bucking Chocobo, until Cloud came up next to me, and helped me off. I through my arms around him, and he spun me around. “We did it! We did it!” I cried. Cloud forced me off his neck, and congratulated me. Mandy ran up through the halls, with Seto at her heels. “ERICA!!!!!!” She cried, she was ecstatic. “SHH!” I cried. The man walked up to me. “Now go get back to work.” He ordered me. I looked at the others. “But I won.” I told him. He pointed out fine print that I couldn’t even see. He held up a magnifying glass. “Having signed this contract, only your friends will leave should you win, you will stay at the dessert, and have agreed not to enter the races again.” It said. I held my heart. “No…” I muttered, as I blinked rapidly. “What does it say?” Cloud asked me confused. “We have to stay.” I muttered. Cloud took out his sword, “Never.” He said, pointing it at the man. The battle dome leader came and pushed Clouds sword aside. “I’ll pay for their bail, and I’ll give them a car.” He told the man as he handed the mean guy a lot of money. He put one arm around Cloud, and one around me. He led us to his office. “Here are the keys to your brand new car.” He said, handing me keys. “What’s the catch?” I asked. The man smiled, “You to have to fight in the dome, but it’s free, and people pay for that.” He told me. Cloud and I looked at each other. “There’s something you haven’t told us.” Cloud told the man. “It will be used as my commercial.” He told us. “The Turks…” I muttered. Cloud shrugged, “Okay.” He told the man. “We’ll be out soon.” He whispered to me under his breath. We entered the battle dome, and a strange tune played. They let out imps, and I took out my staff. “Try to use impressive moves.” The man told us. I smiled, “Might as well advertise who I am.” I told Cloud. He nodded, and the camera was on.

Chapter 20

Commercial break

I gently tapped the imp on the shoulder, and it died. “I hope there’s more excitement then this!” I exclaimed, looking at the camera. “Actually, this is just a warm up Cara.” Cloud told me. A stronger monster walked out of the gate. I tapped it on the shoulder, and it hung its head. It was extremely worn out. “Geeze Cloud, At least it wasn’t a one hitter. Of course, I am going easy.” Cloud hit it, and a new monster came out. It was small, it looked like a seed. I laughed, and hit it with my rod. Like a seed, it planted itself in the floor. It blossomed into a flower. Cloud cut it down, and the next flower was even bigger. “This is supposed to scare us?” I asked with fake nervousness. I sent out two gold aero saucers that I had picked up from the floor in the jail. They cut the plant down to size, but then it grew to be taller then either me or Cloud. It was so big; I was actually scared I might not win. Cloud tried to cut it, but it didn’t cut. “That’s it.” I said, and Summoned Shiva. She coated it with ice, and it got bigger. My jaw dropped. Cloud healed himself, even though he wasn’t hurt. The beast took its first real turn, and knocked me to the ground. I got up, and summoned Ifrit. He burned the stalk down, and it withered, and died. A bull came out of the door next. “Oh boy.” Cloud muttered, as his sword penetrated skin, but not fat. I smiled, and held out my hand. Out of it, came my spider webs. All the black widows ate the bull alive. The next beast was Ifrit himself. “WHAT!?” I cried, and a mirror image of me walked out beside Ifrit. An image of Cloud walked out as well. “This isn’t supposed to be…” I thought to myself. This was obviously a powerful spell cast on this level. I waved my arms about, and sent an ice spell at the other me. That same ice spell hit me. “AHHH!” I cried out. Cloud healed me, but instead, it healed my image. My image seemed to attack herself, but I felt the pain. “I get it…” I muttered, and Cast cure on the image. It bounced back to me. “Cloud, attack me!” I cried. He did as was told, and it hit her, I didn’t even feel it. I sent a spider wave at my other arm. “AHHHHHHHHHH!” My image cried. Spiders absorbed into my skin, and came out hers. My image died, and I pulled back in my spiders. Clouds image attacked me, no longer afraid to hurt his beloved Cara. Cloud attacked himself, and I attacked him with the spiders. The image of Cloud disappeared. Ifrit hit us with a giant meteor. “That’s it Ifrit, I’ll teach you a lesson!” I cried as I summoned Shiva. The beast cried out in pain, and another beast came out… Griever. I gasped. “Cloud… I’m afraid ask this but, did you ever fight my Ifrit?” I asked. He nodded guiltily. “Kuj… This is so cool! This place is taking monsters from our memories!” I cried, trying to hide the truth. I took in a deep breath, my limbs ached. I raised my arm, and out of my hand sprouted an icicle. “Edea, you did me more benefit then bad.” I muttered, and shot the icicle at the beast. It fell back, but quickly regenerated. I felt something pushing at my chest. I couldn’t breath, but somehow I didn’t stop, it was strange. The thing pushing sprouted a point, and it pushed at my back as well. My eyes bulged, and in the same moment that I screamed bloody murder, an icicle sprouted out of my chest. It was evident Cloud was panicking. I felt a pull on the icicle, and Griever removed it. I guess it was out of pity, but Griever then proceeded to heal me, and soothe the wound. Eventually, it disappeared. It seemed to tell me to finish off this battle before it did anything rash. I held out my both hands, and a web shot out of each, as the spiders worked to connect them, it turned into net the caught the beast. Each spider crawled into a puncture wound, and came out another. Then, they faithfully crawled back to my hands, as I bent to allow them to come back. Griever allowed himself to fall, and Ultemecia came out. “How many will there be?” I asked Cloud. He shrugged, and cast holy on her. She died immediately. Out of her sprouted Brahn. I gasped, and shook my head. That same short ballad played in my head, and I knew Kuja had his in on this. I shook my head, “No, She was never my mother, it is always the one person, although she differs in last name, she’s prettier than that.” I told myself, and the ballad went away. I forced myself to send the Black widows to her, they bit her full willingly. She died slowly, but it didn’t bother me, she was dead long before. A man walked out, I had never seen him before. He had blue hair, and his veins were marked out on his bare chest. “Come my lady, it is our wedding day.” He told me. I shook my head, “Not yet, and not ever!” I told him as I sent spiders at him. The spiders bit through him. But he did not die, instead, he laughed. “You’ve never been sent…” I muttered without realizing it. “What?” Cloud asked. I shook my head, “I don’t know.” I admitted. I felt my head being guided to tilt down, and behind me was Mandy, in her true form. I trusted it, but when I did, blood started pouring down my neck. I choked on it, “Mandy…” I cried, and I heard a strange laugh. It was of Mandy’s voice, but it was different. Everything got blurry, and the camera went off. I felt a warm sensation on the wound, and it healed. The strange manifestation on Mandy stood in front of me gaping. The true Mandy stepped up next to me. “This is over.” She said as she sat down, and all the beasts disappeared. She stood up, “We’re leaving now, C’mon.” She said as she turned back to the body she was occupying.

Chapter 21

Cosmo Canyon

We drove out, unafraid of what might see us. Soon, after driving over lots of streams and rivers, we came to a small hill. “HOME!!!” Seto cried out as he jumped out a window. We got out of the car, and followed him into the small town. He climbed up a ladder, and into a house. We followed him, and to our amazement, there was an old man standing there. “Uncle!” Seto cried. He rubbed up against him. “Where were you?” The man scolded. Seto cowered in a corner, “I got captured uncle…” He muttered. The man seemed to just realize we were here. “Oh, I’m sorry, excuse Seto, he’s only forty two years old, and is still quite naive.” He told us. Cloud and I exchanged glances. “That’s equal to two years in your our years.” He told us. I nodded, “I knew that…” Mandy muttered. “Well, go get some rest, there is a hotel across the board, I’ll have Seto show you.” He told us, sending Seto off. “Sorry about Gramps, he still treats me like a baby.” He told us. I laughed. “My niece is older then you.” I told Seto. Mandy punched me on the back playfully, but it still hurt, she was too strong. I held in my pain as Cloud said, “You have a niece?” I nodded, and rolled my eyes, “We went through two worlds and you didn’t know that?” I asked concernedly. Seto bought us a room while we argued, and handing Barret the key, sauntered back across the board. We had a good nights sleep, and returned to the old cottage. Seto was unwillingly scrubbing the floor, and the old man was waiting for us. “Gods be…” He muttered when he got a good look at me. I tilted my head, “What?” I asked. The old man walked to a door, and opened in up, “Seto, break time!” He called, and waved for us to follow him. “Stand on this platform.” He ordered us. So we did, he pushed a button, and the platform lifted. We saw the solar system around us. “Does this look familiar Erica?” The old man asked me. My heart jumped, “How did you know my real name?” I asked, I was really scared. He smiled, “You’re the chosen one, correct?” He asked me. I nodded. “I’ll give you a lecture, you see, there is a stream that flows through every planet. It is called the life stream. The Shinra government sucks the Life from it. Have you heard the planet crying out recently?” The old man started. I nodded, “Well, that is because we’re running low on life, the ghost army’s will soon attack, they already have in the caves, I blocked them off. But according to the prophecy, it’s not the undead that’s too destroy the planet; it’s a meteor that has been fought off for billions of years. Seto’s father, Seto senior worked to prevent this from happening.” He added. “My father was a descrase! I hate him! Him and mom!” Seto cried. The old man rolled his eyes. “They ran off, I was a baby, they left me behind while they ran to stay safe! I hate them!” Seto cried. “It’s time you learned the truth.” The old man muttered. He walked us through a demon infested cave, to a giant statue of a dog. “This is Seto senior.” He muttered. I walked to it, and felt life streaming out. Seto gasped. “He came to the entrance where the demons were entering to stop them. He was protecting you Seto.” The old man added. Seto walked up beside the statue, “Wow, He was a great warrior, wasn’t he…” Seto whimpered. “I’m so sorry dad…” He added. I looked at the picture, it was so saddening. I felt I had to change it somehow. I felt power rushing through my hands, I petted the statue; I didn’t know what to expect. I saw red rushing through, and soon it reared up, and roared. “Seto?” He asked, looking at the smaller dog. A tear fell from his eye. “Yes dad, it’s me…” He muttered. We walked back to the town. And the two talked and talked while we sat around a camp fire. Finally, we saw Seto go to bed, but Seto senior walked down to us. “Thank you so much.” He said, licking my hand. I nodded, “Just seeing you two together is enough for me.” I told him. “So, I guess Seto is staying here huh…” Mandy muttered. “That’s what I came down to address. Seto needs to span his horizons around the world. I would like you to take him with you.” He told us. I could tell it was painful for him, so I stroked his neck. “Well, Seto already knows he’s going, so I’ll go back to maintain my eternal watch, and when Seto dies, he will come with me.” He told me. He started back. “But!” I cried as I stood up. He turned back, “You are powerful, chosen one, but your powers can only give me a day’s break, at dawn tomorrow I will assume again my destiny as my race, protect the world from the undead beasts.” He told me. A tear crawled down my face. “I will see you again.” He assured me, and I watched as he climbed over the ladder, and into the cave. Cloud walked behind me and put his arms around me. “Oh Cloud…” I muttered, as I turned into his chest. “Guess we should get some sleep.” Mandy suggested. Cloud helped me walk up, and slept in the bed two beds down from me. When we went down to the now out campfire, Mandy was waiting. “I will miss him though.” She told me without looking up. I smiled, “He said he’d see us again.” I reassured her, the same way he had me. She laughed, and started out, everyone in the group following her, Seto was still asleep. When we got to the exit of the town, there was a loud scream, “Wait for me!” Seto cried down.

Chapter 22

Stealing Materia

Finally, we all rode in the car through to a forest. We stopped, because we saw a girl lying on the ground. She had short Brown hair. Lying beside her was and over sized shuriken. Her shirt was green, and her skirt shorter then Mandy’s. I jumped out of the car to see if she was alright, but when I bent down beside her, she pounced on me, and all my Materia was gone. “GIVE ME BACK MY JEWELS!” I cried out in anger. Cloud got out with the rest of them, and the girl picked up her shuriken. She inserted the Materia, and cast fire on me. I hit her with my rod, but it was useless, Cloud handed me his sword. I toppled over in the weight of it, but managed to cut her. I got back my Ice Materia. She ran up to me, and stole it back. I gave Cloud back his sword, and sat out of the battle. Mandy took my place instead. Mandy punched her, and tried to get a Materia, but Mandy couldn’t steal, neither could I that was Chris’s job. The girl ran up to Cloud, and tried to steal his Materia, but he caught her hand. “I give up! I give up! Please don’t hurt me!” She cried. Cloud took back my Materia, and threw her to the ground. He tossed me my Materia, and I reequipped it. “Now, shoo.” Mandy ordered. “Wait! Wait! You guys are strong, can I travel with you?” She asked. We thought it over, and thought it best to have more people. “Sure.” Mandy answered. “What’s your name?” Cloud asked. “Mar…” She started, then, she disappeared. “Huh?” I asked, and found that all our Materia was missing. “Damn Shinra!” Barret cried. Mandy slapped him over the head. We looked for the car, but that too was missing. So, we continued to walk, until we found the girl again. “Give us back our Materia!” I ordered. She smiled, “Fight for it.” She told us. Cloud hit her, and she started to plead again, “Please don’t hurt me!” Cloud searched her for the Materia but she had none on her. “Where is it!?” Cloud asked frustrated. “I took it home, can I join you?” She told us. “Yes.” I said, looking at Mandy. We winked to each other, and started walking off. Everyone else followed suit. “H-Hey!” The girl cried. “My name’s Marie!” She cried as she ran after us. She led us to a very far town. It was just in front of the mountains. All the houses and the streets looked oriental. The biggest house there was a giant pagoda. “This is my house.” She said, pointing to the smallest house. We walked in. “You’ll find the Materia down there.” She told me, pointing down a flight of stairs. We all walked down except for Mandy. She was too skeptical. I saw the Materia in the middle of the floor. “I just dropped it because I was in a hurry.” She told me. We all ran in to pick it up (Except Mandy again), and a cage fell down over us. Mandy hid in a closet, and watched as Marie ran off happily. “It’s fake!” I cried. I pounded on the side of the cage. “Calm down, I’m trying to sleep.” Seto scolded. “Hey, where’s Mandy?” Cloud asked as he looked around the cage. “She wasn’t trapped!” Barret exclaimed. She ran down the steps. “I hid.” She told us. “Get us out of here!” I cried. She ran around the room frantically looking for a switch. “Ah, here it is!” She cried, pushing a button. The gate lifted. “It’s payback time…” Barret said angrily. Cloud took my hand, and we searched the town for her. “Cloud, over there.” I whispered. I had heard running feet. We walked, and came to the Pagoda. One of the jugs kept moving. I took my rod, and smashed it into pieces. Marie stood up slowly. “Uh… I was going to get you out, uh; I just had to tell grandpa I couldn’t give him your Materia… heh… heh…” She said nervously. Barret loaded his gun. I turned around, “Barret no! I think, we should take her with us, I think she needs to come with us…” I muttered menacingly. Marie bowed deeply to me. “But, she tricked us!” Barret persisted. “Barret, I think she’s right.” Mandy told him. Cloud and Seto sided with me also. We walked into the pagoda together. Inside was overgrown with vines. The narrow stairs wound up. On the second floor, a man awaited us, “Marie, you have failed, you must now face the trials in order to see your grandfather for the rest of your life.” He told her. She shook her head, “Get outta my way you old geezer!” She said, pushing through. A force field pushed her back. “Damn, you’re telling the truth…” She muttered. “Alright, bring it on, I can handle anything!” She cried. One of the green seeds came through. “Marie, be careful, it’s hard to kill!” I warned her. “Yeah right.” She said as she through a stone at it. It planted itself into the ground, and grew, just as ours had. “I’ve been playing with these things since I was twelve!” She said as she cast Fire on it. It withered and died, as we continued to the next level. Here was the old man, “I am your challenge.” He told Marie. She laughed, and cast ice on him. He shook it off, and hit her with his shuriken. “How dare you!” She cried as she cast a spell that pulled a part of the floor out, and hit him in the head with it. He fell, and she replaced the rock easily. We continued to the next level, and there was a mirror image of her. “Oh this figures.” She muttered, as she cut her own wrists. The figure died. She made it up to the top level, and saw her grandfather. “Hello grandfather.” She said as she hung her head. “Marie, you have bad news to bring me.” He told her. She closed her eyes, trying not to weep. “I messed up.” She told him. I felt so sorry for her, she was only doing her job, and I hated hurting people. “She ended up making friends with the people she was stealing from. She told us we didn’t have to give her all our Materia.” I spoke up. Marie’s head snapped. “Here.” I said, handing the old man my Materia, all of it except my all Materia. “But!” Marie started. I closed my eyes, “Please take it.” I said. Marie’s eyes danced from me to her grandfather. “All the same, she did mess up.” He told us. My eyes bulged, “But you’re her grandfather what ever happened to love!?” Mandy cried out. The man frowned. “When you are chief, there is neither love nor mercy.” He told us calmly. Marie’s mouth quavered. “You must leave this village Marie, and you as well strangers! You will bring nothing but misfortune to this village, Marie, you have brought nothing else.” He told us. Marie clenched her fists, and through her tears cried, “Well I don’t need you either grandfather! I should’ve left years ago!” With that she ran down the stairs. The old man smiled, as I spat on the floor at his feet, and ran after her. Marie was at her house. She had locked the door behind her, and it was clear she was planning on starving herself to death. “Marie, what would dying prove?” I called in. “Go away! I’ll bring nothing but misfortune for you!” She cried out. “Cloud.” I asked, looking at him. He took out two wires, and picked the lock. We ran down the steps, Marie had trapped herself in her cage. Mandy ran around, and pushed the button to let her out. “Leave me here!” Marie begged. Barret took one of her arms, and Cloud the other. They led her out to our car, which miraculously appeared out of nowhere. We drove, our only music Marie’s sobbing. Finally, when we were tired out, we found a small town, with what looked like the tower of pizza in it. Inside we noticed that all was quiet, so we walked into the hotel. “No rooms open.” The man told us before we said anything. “Where is everyone?” I asked him. “They’re smart, unlike you; they’re staying inside while the Shinra army marches through.” He told us. I had to try to hold Cloud back to keep him from attacking the man. “Why are they coming?” I asked. “To talk to Cid, now go away.” He told me. We walked into the neighboring house. “Hi, do you know a guy named Cid?” I asked the lady. She got shivers, “You mean Cid Highwind?” She asked as she busied herself with washing dishes. “I guess.” I muttered. She closed her eyes, “Yeah, he lives here.” She told me. “If you wait, he’ll be home soon, but I suggest you hide.” She told me. The door opened, and she worked herself harder. Through the door walked a scruff man. He had blond hair, and it looked as if he was trying to grow a beard with no success. “God damn it woman, work faster!” He screamed. She tried to. “Who are you?” He asked us just as gruffly. “Cloud, Seto, Mandy, Barret, Marie…” I started pointing to each of them, “and I’m Cara.” I finished, offering my hand. He sat at the table without giving me a second glance. “Pearl, make us some god damn tea!” He ordered. She filled up a pot. “Sit.” He ordered. We all sat around the table. “Why are the Shinra people coming here?” I asked immediately. He coughed, “And beer!” He ordered. I cleared my throat. “Ah, they want to tell me my mission is canceled again.” He told me. We talked amongst ourselves. “Where’s my beer and tea?” The man scolded. The woman walked over, and gave us each a tea cup; she also gave Cid a bottle of beer.

Chapter 23

Illusions

There was a hard knock on the door, and I heard Rudes voice. “No, they can’t find me!” I cried. I ran to the back yard, and spotted a plane. “Cid, can we take your plane?” I asked without thinking. “You crazy, bitch?” He asked me. Barret had to hold Cloud back, and Mandy had to hold me back. “If you were to take away my skies, you would take away my life!” He screamed as he opened the door. Rude saw me, and pushed past Cid. Marie and Mandy stood in front of me, but Cloud pulled me away. The other two Turks crept up behind them, and pulled them into an arm lock. Mandy struggled to get out, but couldn’t, all Marie did was shout threats. “Let them go!” I cried. Rude tried to get me in an arm lock, but Cloud got him off of me. I tried to shoot my spiders, but they were all asleep. “This figures.” I muttered. “We’ll settle for these two; at least we can get money from ‘em.” Rude muttered. “NO!” I cried. They took them away, and we followed. The headed up to Wutai (Marie’s town) and headed up through mountains. There, they caught a helicopter to ride to the top. We climbed, and when we got there, Marie and Mandy were tied up to the mountain. Corneo stood in front of them, looking them over. I looked over head of them, there was a bucket waiting to be dumped. Rude spotted me. “There you are Aeris, I thought you might like to see one of your friends get killed.” He told me. I shook my hand, but the spiders did not wake. “I choose… that one.” Corneo said, pointing to Marie. “NO! MANDY!” I cried as the bucket began to pour. It was bigger then I expected, but what I didn’t understand, was, the water did not hit her. Instead, it went around her as if she had a shell around her. “That’s what you get, now bring them back down!” I ordered. “Okay, okay!” Corneo cried. The signaled to one of his guards, “Why do you think I would do that?” He asked us. I rolled my eyes. “Because you know you can’t win?” Cloud asked. “Cause you’re the worst kisser in the world?” Marie called down. “Because, they’re not wearing a harness.” He told us, and the two began to fall. Mandy held out her hand, and they landed on an invisible platform. “Mandy, here!” I called. The platform moved to the side of the mountain, and they walked off. “PLEASE DON’T HURT ME!” Corneo cried. Clouds lips curled to a smile. “Why do you think we’ll let you live?” I asked. “Because you know I’m truly sorry?” He guessed. We all walked closer. “Wrong.” I said. “Because we’re not.” Mandy told him, but couldn’t bring herself to push him over the cliff, so Barret did it. I turned around to face Rude and the others. Air blew through my hair, and there was a dark glimmer in my eyes. I held out my arm, “You’ll never bother us again.” I said, and allowed the spiders start there mission. They wound their web around an invisible wall. I looked at Mandy, she wasn’t doing it. “Kuja, where the hell are you?” Cloud called out to the sky. I heard his theme in my head, “He’s close...” I muttered. I heard his laugh in my head. “He’s inside of me!” I cried. I unwillingly pulled my spiders back in. “Girl, you never could stand up to me.” He told me. Somehow I managed to push him out of my head. “Stupid girl!” Mandy cried, as she punched me in the nose. “Get out of her!” I cried. What I didn’t notice at the time, was the Turks snuck away. Mandy seemed to be having spasms. She was obviously fighting. Suddenly, Seto jumped up and tried to bite me in the arm. “GET OUT OF HIM!” I scolded. I felt an instant headache. I closed my eyes, “I’m tired of this.” Mandy and I muttered. We held each others hands, and began to chant. Soon, we began to step back. Cloud and Barret kept everyone between us, but there was one missing link. “Cloud!” I cried, pointing to a place next to me. A triangle formed, and all that were in could not be infested with Kuja. He appeared inside of the circle, as Separeth. He ran to me to try to break the field. He attacked me, but I didn’t feel it. Then, he pushed me, and the field disappeared. “This is not happening…” I muttered, as Mandy ran towards me to attack. I put a weak shield around her, but it could not last. She broke through as if it wasn’t there. A dagger appeared in her hand, and my eyes bulged. Then, I slowly closed my eyes, “To be killed by my own cousin, what a terrible way to die.” A menacing Kuja told me. I felt my amulet vibrate, so I opened my eyes. Cloud’s necklace was glowing as bright as mine. Mandy stopped in her tracks, as her amulet glowed. A white triangle formed around us. “Damn.” I heard a voice mutter. “What’s going on?” I asked, I was confused, but not scared. Soon all I could see was white. “You’re leaving. A strange voice answered me. I shook my head, “Where am I going, I haven’t saved this world yet.” I puzzled. I heard a sort of laughter. “Your destiny calls.” It told me. I thought it over, “Why?” I asked. “You wished.” It told me, evidently frustrated. “Your love calls.” It added. “You mean Chris?” I asked. “You must!” It cried out. The voice was getting faint. “Do what? I don’t understand!” I cried. When I woke up, I was on a bed, in Cid’s house. The Turks were pounding at the door. “What happened?” I asked slowly. “We were having tea, and you just passed out.” The woman told me. “The Turks, their coming!” I cried. Cloud nodded. “All right, I’ll go answer the god damn door.” Cid told us. We backed up to the back door. “There she is!” Rude cried. “Quick, into the plane!” Cid cried. We all got in, and took off. We started to fly over the Turks, but they had guns. They shot us a number of times, but Cid was skilled, and didn’t let us fall until we were over the water. “We’ll be killed!” I cried. Cid smiled, and pushed a button. We began to float. “A boat?” Mandy asked. Cid nodded, as he directed us to the closest shore, which happened to be by Nimble Heim. “Let’s go in, we need a place to sleep.” Cid told us.

Chapter 24

New companion found in the least likely place…

I stood still, “But…” I muttered. Seto got the shivers. “C’mon, it’s all we can do.” Cloud told us. So we entered the town. “The Turks wouldn’t come here… right?” I asked. Cloud laughed. “There was a locked door.” Mandy muttered. My head snapped. “Mandy, I don’t want to go through that again.” I told her. She closed her eyes, “But we’re stronger! We have to see something in there!” She persisted. I closed my eyes, “As long as we leave a wedge in the door.” I offered. She shook my hand. “Deal.” She told me. As we walked in, I got a creepy feeling. We fought and killed every monster that attacked us. We found our way into the basement again, and killed the giant blue blob. On the ground, I found a key. I smiled, “This we’re looking for?” I asked Mandy. She looked it over, and placed it in the lock. “Be ready for anything.” She warned us. When she opened the door, all that was there, were caskets. I looked in each one, and in the back, a man sat up, and tried to grasp hold of my neck. “Who are you?” I asked frantically. “I am Vincent.” He said as he bowed deeply. I stepped back towards Cloud. The man had Jet Black hair, he had a long black coat, and on his knuckles were blades, much like Bronze’s. He smiled, and blood streamed down his lips. “I knew I needed a morning snack.” He said as he jumped towards me. He got hold of my arms, and I realized, those blades weren’t his weapon, those blades were part of him. He stared down at my neck. “You also are not human, I need a human snack.” He told me as he threw me back to Cloud. He turned around, thinking. Then all of a sudden, he turned around with a friendly smile. “Hey, why don’t you take me out of here for a while, and I’ll get a snack out there.” He offered. I shook my head vigorously, “Well, I could always snack on your boyfriend.” He said, grinning at Cloud. I looked at Cloud; He wasn’t dying any time soon if I could help it. “We’ll escort you as far as you wish, as long as you promise not to bite any of us.” I told him. He jumped so quickly over to me that I didn’t even know till I felt his hot breath on my neck. “It’s a deal if I can have my pick of a lover from anyone… except you.” He told me. I closed my eyes, “Deal.” I told him. He smiled, and we left the mansion without a fight.

Chapter 25

Traitor

When we left the mansion, the Turks were waiting for us. We ran as fast as we could for the ship. We just made it out, and were on the plains, when I overheard a voice. “Yes Rude, this time you’ll have them, they are totally unsuspecting.” Her voice rang. I climbed up into a tree, and gazed down. There was Marie, talking on the phone. “Do I really have to do this, isn’t there any other way?” Marie asked. “It’s just that I don’t want to do this anymore. Their really nice to me and well…” She added. She hung up the cell. “How rude.” She muttered. I jumped down beside her. “Cara!” She gasped. “You’ve been telling them?” I cried. She turned around. “And still after they tried to kill you, you remain a traitor?” I asked confused. “Look, they said if I didn’t they’d raid Wutai!” She cried. I sat down, and held my head. “They’re on the way.” She warned me. I stood up. “Alright guys! We’re moving out now!” I cried out. Cloud ran up to me. “What’s up?” He asked. I held my head, “We need to go and soon. The Turks know we’re here.” I said, looking at Marie. A tear fell down her face. “Look, Marie, I won’t let them attack your town, I’ve already put a force field around it. Don’t tell them anymore, kay?” I reassured her. She smiled, and we all got into the ship. We got out just as the Turks arrived.

Chapter 26

How do you like me now?

Vincent didn’t stop complaining until we got to a town, where he prowled around for young blood. When we found out that the town was fighting Shinra, and that they needed help, I volunteered in a New York minute. Soon after, Shinra attacked. “Why are we fighting?” I asked between fights. “They want to experiment on our phoenix.” The commander told me. Soon a really bad guy came running up with a sword getting ready to hit me. I didn’t see him, but Cloud did, and he killed him before he could kill me. I held my heart, “What just happened?” I asked as I sat down. “WHOA!” The commander cried as a falcon attacked him. They both fought bravely, but the falcon bit his arm, and he dropped his sword. I got up to help, but Rude saw me, and began a fight with me. Cloud tossed me a short sword. “You do remember!” I cried, as I dropped my rod. Rude laughed, “Wow, two research subjects, President Rufus will be proud of me!” He cried. I hit him, spun, hit him again, spun, and lunged for his heart crying, “Die!” He fell back, and as I looked back to the Commander struggling to keep off the bird. “Cara’s in charge!” he cried as he fell to the floor. Everything became silent. So, if I was to die, I was to call out anyone’s name and say their in charge? I didn’t want to be in charge! Everyone in the Shinra army ran at me, running over Rude in the mean time. “STOP!” Mandy cried, and everything paused. Cloud and I went around killing all the Shinra soldiers, but somehow, Rude came out of it, and stood up. I turned to him as I heard a bullet fired. It landed a few inches short of my feet. I looked down, and back up in a panicked fashion. I saw Rude aim his gun at my face, and he fired a bullet. “NO!” I heard a cry, and a panic stricken Marie jumped in front of me. She took the bullet. “Oh my god…” I murmured as I kneeled down beside her. She coughed vaguely as Mandy and Cloud continued to fight Rude. “Marie…” I muttered, as I swiped the hair out of her face. “I… told… them…” She admitted. “I know.” I told her soothingly. I looked up to the top of the mountain, where a bird majestically stood. It flew down, and landed on my shoulder. “Phoenix, she’s dying isn’t she…” I muttered. It flew up behind me, and some say, I sprouted wings of my own, but I didn’t feel a thing. Sound came back, the raging war. A tear trickled down my face, and onto the pale, lifeless, face of Marie. She coughed again, and Vincent walked over. “Is she dead?” He asked me hesitantly. “I hope not, if she is,” I started, “The one that killed her will be next.” I added extra loud. Rude stood strait up, and began to run. I lied down Marie’s head, and stood up. Wind rushed through my hair, and the phoenix flapped her wings. I held out my arm, and a fireball flew out of each finger. I held out my other hand, and a spider web flew out of each finger. The only one left, was Rude. I smiled, “I guess she’s not dead.” I muttered. I picked back up Marie’s head, and turned to Rude, “I’ll give you one more chance, leave us alone!” I cried. He turned his back, and ran.

Chapter 27

Talk about feeling guilty…

We walked out to the plane, Shinra ships were taken back, and ours was repaired. “Wow.” Mandy muttered. Cid Gaped, “WOW!” He cried as if it was Christmas. He ran over and in, but when he tried to take off, it broke down. I felt a strange draw to a nearby forest, and snuck off to it. Inside, I found a little city. There was nobody living there, but there was a large castle. I looked at my amulet, “Kuja’s close.” I warned myself. I knew I had to do this alone; this was a fight between ancient, and ancient. I got into Clouds mind the night before I entered. “Where are you Erica?!” Chris cried. I was in a dream of his. We were in a forest. I peeked out from behind a tree. “I’m here Chris!” I chimed, and disappeared when he looked. “Up here!” I called, I was up on a branch looking down, but when he looked, I wasn’t there. I stopped my game, and waited in the middle of the clearing. “Where did you go?” He asked me when he saw me. I closed my eyes, “I found Kuja, this is something I have to do on my own, I’m sorry.” I told him. I started to walk back. “But!” Chris cried. I tear crawled down my cheek, and I closed my eyes. “Search through the forest if you want to find it.” I told him without a backward glance, and I arrived back at my body, ready to enter to see Separeth. He was waiting for me at the door. He clapped his hand over my mouth, and pulled me into a room, where he released me. “I know who you are Kuja!” I cried. He laughed insanely. “I was the one who told you.” He told me viciously. Cloud ran in the door. “Good, I needed to kill all the chosen ones.” He muttered, as he turned back into Kuja. “You need to stop flying into bird cages.” Kuja scolded me. I took out my sword, “Who are you to talk?” I asked as I swiped at him. Marie was fully healed, and entirely grateful. I turned to Cloud, “I told you I had to do this alone!” I cried. “Heh, I’m going to destroy more then you know of.” Kuja told me as he calmly walked over to a cannon. I realized what he was going to do. “NO!” I cried out. He laughed evilly, as he caught the end of the rope on fire. It fired, and hit the Shinra building. “AH!” I cried, thinking he was going to attack a town. “Thanks!” Cloud cried. Kuja turned around, “Oh I’m not done yet.” He told Cloud as he took out his giant sword. He started walking towards me, so I began to run.

Chapter 28

The end?

I heard loud footsteps behind me. “By killing you Erica, I will become a god and by killing your friends, I will become the only chosen one. And I will destroy all that you’ve gained!” He called after me calmly. Cloud got behind me, but was thrown out, Seto stood in front of me, but he too was not meant to save me. Marie stood in front of me, only to be pressed against the others; Mandy couldn’t move at all, Vincent didn’t want too. Barret ran over to Mandy before me. I tripped on a rope. “NO!” Cloud cried, as he began to glow. I felt the tip of the blade softly touch my shoulder. I closed my eyes, “I cannot become just a dream!” I cried, as the blade passed through my back, through to my chest. I felt it go through my heart. A tear fell down my face, as Mandy struggled to get up. Vision got blurry; I felt the spiders crawl out of my hands. They became numb. I heard Kuja laugh, and the group got up to fight. I turned to see him, he was back to Separeth, and he had sprouted one wing. I closed my eyes, I had failed. But, being the ancient I was, I could still see what was happening. Mandy finally managed to get up, and fought with all her might. She began to glow blue, “This is for you!” She cried as she looked back at me, she ran up to the beast, and punched it as hard as she could, “And take, THIS!” She cried as she jumped in the air higher then the flying fiend. She brought him down with a single kick. She landed next to Cloud, who proceeded to cut his head off. I heard a soft melody, a strange voice singing. It was defenatly male. Then I saw the world crumbling. Then I felt a strong hand on my neck. I didn’t care about anything else but staying near that hand, but I had to see the world’s pain. The life stream was lifting from the core of the planet, for there was nobody to keep it in anymore. Towns were destroyed, Chocobos killed. I felt a soft touch on my hand; I knew from the feel that it was Mandy. I felt myself drawn to that hand, I tried to let it take me back, but the pull of the life stream kept a tight hold on me. I focused on seeing Chris, and he was weeping over me. I reached out to him, and all of a sudden, he grabbed hold of my hand. I reached out to Mandy, who also grabbed a hold of me. They pulled me until I found myself back in my body, and in Clouds arms. “It’s over.” I told Cloud. “Oh Chris it’s finally over!” I added. He held me tighter. “Not yet.” He warned, and pointed out the window to the life stream, and all the ghosts. I made my rod appear, and began beating on a table a strange melody, the same one that was being sung to me. The ghost of Seto’s father galloped over to me. “Their to strong, I can’t hold them back!” He cried. Mandy healed him, and told him to leave it all to me. I hit the table harder, and quicker, playing a song I thought of as Cid’s theme. Then I calmed it down to my theme, and then proceeded to Mandy’s theme, then to the theme of life in these worlds, always changing. Cloud stood up, and his appearance flickered. I threw my staff to the ground, and all the undead disappeared.

Chapter 29

Leaving a bit for the rest of the group

I felt so strangely as the spiders crawled off, knowing they did as they were expected. My appearance darkened, as my phoenix powers left me. “Is it time to go already? We missed quite a bit.” I told Cloud. A tear crawled down my face, “I don’t want you to forget!” I cried as I ran into his arms. He stroked my hair, “I will remember eventually.” He assured me. I held his hand, “That’s then.” I told him, not trying to hide my tears. He looked into my eyes, “Don’t worry.” He told me. I squeezed my eyes. “I’m tired Chris.” I whined, “I’m tired of it all.” I added. He held me tighter, “Some day the dream will end.” He assured me as he began to disappear. I looked at Mandy, she was disappearing as well. I closed my eyes, “Will it ever?” I asked as I felt his hand slip into nothingness. “Why does it take so long, this is horrible!?” I Cried. I heard Mandy laugh, and saw darkness.