A Call For Help

The walk to the restaurant was a lengthy one. They had taken the elevator up from Lower Junon and were now walking through the streets of the main city, being careful to avoid construction sites.
After Priscilla wore herself out playing with Cloud and Mr. Dolphin, her father invited them in to shower and change out of their muddy clothes. Priscilla had been reluctant to let Cloud leave, but he promised her he would come back on his way home.
They were dressed casually, yet classy. Tifa was wearing a simple blue dress and matching shoes, with her hair tied back. She rarely ever tied her hair back, but since she really didn't have time to wash it all completely, she did. It made her usually stunning appearance slightly modest.
Cloud and Barret were usually wearing their old uniforms; Cloud never understood why, but that old SOLDIER uniform was like a second skin to him, and he almost always wore it. But tonight, Cloud wore a black buttoned down shirt and khakis. Barret was dressed similarly, with black pants and a blue shirt. Tifa was glad he hadn't put up too much of a fuss about it. When AVALANCHE attended a press conference after their adventure, the whole trip to the TV studio was one long complaint about having to wear a tie. Barret hated dressing up.
Once they reached the restaurant, they were seated near a window overlooking the harbor, and while they were waiting for their food, Cloud felt the need to bring something up.
"I think we should look into this Zolom thing. I've never heard of anything like that before in my life. I think it deserves some attention." Cloud said as he picked at the appetizers.
"What can we do about it? We ain't no animal control people or nuthin'."
"Maybe not, but do you really feel comfortable just ignoring something like that? I mean, we've been through worse, but still…"
Barret agreed silently.
Tifa spoke next. "Besides, Chocobo Farm isn't that far from there. If the Zoloms are acting up, they might put those people in danger."
"Ain't ever heard of no Zolom leavin' the marshes."
"It happens occasionally. I once heard of a Zolom attack just outside of Midgar."
Cloud looked at Tifa in surprise. "When was this?"
"Long time ago. It was when I had just opened 7th Heaven. I heard a corpse was found pumped full of Zolom venom just outside Sector 6."
Sector 6…where Aeris lived.
Cloud shook his head. He had to keep himself in a good mood. "Well, maybe we can stop by Cosmo Canyon on the way back and ask Red. I think he's away on some geological expedition until Tuesday, so we can see him on the way home."
Tifa nodded. Just then, a waiter approached with their food. Tifa saw the expression on Barret's face when the plate was placed in front of him. "Just remember, you're in public Mr. Mayor."
Barret glared at Tifa as he began cutting a thick steak.

After they had eaten, the three returned to Lower Junon. They had to get the truck to the main city through the cargo elevator, where they would board a ferry destined for Costa Del Sol. Cloud took a few minutes to bid goodbye to Priscilla and her father, and then rejoined Tifa and Barret in the truck. "Ugh, it still smells like swamp in here."
"We can get some of those tropical air fresheners once we get to Costa Del Sol. Those always smell nice." Tifa said as she ran a brush through her long hair.
"Yeah, or we can just use whatever that stuff you put in your hair is. All of Junon smells like fruit now!"
Tifa responded by throwing her hair in Cloud's face.
Barret laughed. "Cloud's just jealous because your hair goes in the right direction, down!"
Cloud glared at Barret, who started the truck and pulled out of their parking space. The guard at the cargo elevator opened the door for them, and although it was a tight squeeze, they managed to get in without scratching the paint.
"I hate this elevator. It's creepy!" Tifa said, looking around. She turned to Cloud. The elevator shaft was dark, and she could see his Mako eyes clearly, glowing in the dim light. "You look like a cat."
Cloud didn't respond, only hid his smile. This "insult game" he played with Tifa and Barret had gone on ever since the defeat of Sephiroth, especially with Tifa. They would poke fun at each other all day sometimes, yet never said an unkind word in the entire time they lived together.
When they finally reached the top of the elevator shaft, the door opened to reveal a cargo loading dock and a ferry port. Barret had been through here before, and found the entrance to the ferry without a problem.
They waited about ten minutes before they reached the front of the line. Barret handed his ticket to the guard, who raised the gate for them to go through. Once they had parked on the ferry, they got out of the car, and looked out to the west. The air was a little chilly, but the sun was just setting completely, and it was a beautiful sight. The smell of the ocean was refreshing, and the wind blew Tifa's hair about. It was going to be a nice night.



About forty-five minutes later, the ferry was quiet. Most of the passengers stayed in their cars, and Barret had gone to the small lounge below deck to relax. Tifa and Cloud stood, leaning against the railing, enjoying the fresh ocean breeze. The stars were brilliant, and the full moon looked down on the two happy friends as they laughed together.
"It's nice to see you in such a good mood Cloud. You're usually not so upbeat."
Cloud shrugged. "I feel good is all. It's nice hanging out with you and Barret again. Brings back memories." Cloud turned towards the ocean. He did feel good, but whenever he saw a beautiful sight, like the soft glow of the moon on the water, he would think of her.
Aeris would love this. She loved the ocean.
"Cloud?" Tifa asked, sensing a change in his mood. "What's wrong?"
"It's nothing…"
Tifa eyed Cloud. "What's wrong Cloud? Is it…the dream?"
Cloud hung his head. "I'm just thinking about…about her."
Tifa sighed sadly and put a hand on Cloud's back. "We all miss her Cloud."
"I know…it's just hard." Cloud turned his eyes to the moon. "When we were on the Shinra boat going to Costa Del Sol, I remember the way she looked dressed up as a sailor. She looked so funny, but then her cap blew off in the wind, and her hair came loose. She looked so happy…"
It hurt Tifa to hear Cloud talk of Aeris like this. She knew that they had very special bond, even though they had only know each other a short time, but it still hurt. She wished he would talk of her like that. But Tifa said nothing.
"Now that she's gone…I know she'll never be able to feel the ocean wind again."
Tifa sighed. "Cloud, I'm sure wherever Aeris is, she's happy."
"I don't doubt that." Cloud said as he scratched his head. "But it doesn't change much." Cloud suddenly turned to Tifa, and searched her eyes. "Teef, is this wrong?"
Tifa was stunned at first, and wasn't sure what to say. She felt a little self-conscious with Cloud looking at her that way. "What do you mean?"
"I mean, I know that she's in the Promised Land with her mother and father and the rest of the Cetra, and I know she's as happy as she'll ever be there, but…" Cloud looked away. "Is it wrong that I wish she was here instead?"
Tifa sighed and fought back tears. "No Cloud, it's not. It's perfectly OK for you to miss her, and want her back. There's nothing wrong with that."
Cloud turned away, and seemed to be content with her answer.
"Cloud…"
Cloud didn't answer, only looked up at the moon. They stayed there a minute, in silence. When Cloud spoke, Tifa barely heard him over the wind. "Thanks Tifa."
"Anytime."
Cloud put a hand on Tifa's shoulder. "I'm going to bed. I guess we have to sleep in the truck."
Tifa nodded.
"Ah well, at least be brought sleeping bags. I'll see you in the morning."
Tifa gave Cloud a quick hug, and he turned toward the truck. "Goodnight." she called to him.
"Goodnight." Cloud said as he climbed in the front of the truck. Tifa stayed outside, looking over the railing, watching the water race by below her. She sighed heavily, wondering if Cloud would ever be able to let go of Aeris.
I just wish for once, he'd think about me like that.
Tifa turned back to look at Cloud, and saw him relaxing in the truck.
I wish he'd love me.
She turned away to let her tears fall into the ocean, where they wouldn't be noticed.



The Ancient City gleamed as it always did.
The gleaming rooftops and crystal steps were brilliant, and Cloud could see the city's perfect reflection in the placid waters below. But even more brilliant was the aura around the lone figure kneeling in the center of the altar.
Cloud quickly ascended the pillars leading up to the altar, where Aeris knelt. Upon reaching the top, he looked down on her, silently praying, her hair shining in the light.
He felt his hands raise over his head, despite his desperate efforts to keep them at his sides. His sword high in the air, he prepared to strike the young woman down. His mind raced, and his soul screamed. What was he doing?
As her head tilted up, and her innocent smile came into view, he regained himself. He lowered his sword. More than anything, he wanted to take her in his arms, and hold her. He would keep her safe, no matter what…
But before he could do anything, fear pierced his heart like a cold arrow.
Turning his head upward, he looked for Sephiroth, swooping down like a vulture…
But instead, he saw the terrifying black form above him, coming down like a dark angel.
Cloud could not see it's face, and its body was a blur. He felt the temperature of the air around him plummet.
Aeris sensed it as well. Cloud looked down to her for a moment, afraid to take his eyes off the interloper for very long. She shuddered in fear, and looked to him, as if seeking an answer. An answer he did not have.
As he turned his eyes up again, the dark form was only a few feet away…
Screams shattered the tranquillity of the city…
And all went black…

"Cloud Strife…"
Cloud did not recognize the voice that called his name. Nor could he see anything in the total darkness around him.
"Who's there?"
"Are you Cloud Strife?"
"Yes, I am. Who are you?"
"So, you're the one…"
"Who are you? What is all this about?"
The unknown voice suddenly became strained.
"You must help me…"
"Who are you?!"
"Am a lost traveler…I am not unlike you…"
The voice was faint, and Cloud could sense something very wrong behind it…
"What is all this about?"
"You must find me…"
"I don't understand what you mean."
"I can…no longer…control…him…"
Cloud tried to see something, anything in the blackness, but could not.
"He has…"
"Who?"
"He will come…you will…find him…waiting for you…if you go…"
"What are you talking about?! Who are you?!"
"I…am…lost…behind his…eyes…"
Cloud felt a fear welling up within him…
"You…must…find…"
Cloud's heart began to race as the voice became forced, and cold…
"I am…he…he is forcing me…back…"
"What do you mean?!" Cloud screamed the words into the darkness. They reverberated against walls that weren't there.
"Only…you…can…stop him…help…help…me…"
Fear set the hair on Cloud's arms on end.
"He…will…come…for…"
The voice gave out.
Cloud looked desperately for a sign of something here with him, in this endless darkness. Suddenly, he became aware of something…
Something cold, surrounding him…
It was everywhere…
Cloud could feel it…
And slowly…
Something in front of him…
Began to take form…
And Cloud's terrified screams shattered the air.



Author's note:
Hmmm....another dream? Suppose it means somethin'? Keep readin'!
Thanks,
-Chris



Chapter 4 - Junon Lies Ahead

Chapter 6 - Forest Of Darkness

Index

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