Fall Of Darkness Chapter 7

The sun appeared slowly over the horizon, warming the salty sea air. Rays of early morning light flooded across the land, chasing shadows away. The ocean glimmered in the light, producing a brilliant glare, which woke Tifa Lockhart from her peaceful sleep. She opened her eyes slowly, squinting in the light. She was slightly disoriented at first, but then realized where she was. She was sleeping in the back seat of Barret's truck. She was still wearing her day clothes, and her short skirt had ridden up her thighs. Straightening it, she looked around.

Barret and Cloud were not in the truck, but she remembered them being there. Barret was too big to sleep in the seats, so he had slept in the storage area, among their luggage, while Cloud occupied the front. Sitting up, she figured they had woken up early, and gone to the lounge to eat. She reached into the glove compartment and withdrew a comb, which she hastily ran though her hair. She checked herself in the mirror, and content that she looked decent, climbed out of the truck.

Passengers were milling around on the deck, some sitting on their cars and chatting, enjoying the morning sunlight. To the West, Tifa could see Costa Del Sol clearly. They would probably dock in about a half-hour. She walked quickly to the stairs that led to the lounge. Decending them, she found a cozy sitting area and couch, and a series of tables. On the far left, there was a counter that sold muffins, bagels, and the like. Not to far from it, she saw Barret and Cloud, empty plates in front of them, laughing about something.

Cloud smiled when he saw Tifa approach them, and Barret extended a long arm to a nearby chair, and pulled it over for Tifa to sit in. "Thanks."

"Mornin'" Barret said as Tifa sat, straightening her skirt.

"What are you guys doing up so early?"

Cloud looked surprised. "You didn't wake up when that foghorn went off?"

Tifa blinked. "Foghorn?"

Barret snorted. "Some jackass in a speedboat near smashed hisself into us. The captain blew the horn at him to make 'im go away."

Tifa shook her head. "Probably some hotshots from Costa Del Sol." she said, laughing softly. "No, I didn't hear anything."

"You was asleep when I came up." Barret said. "I was in the lounge until 'round one. You woke up when I came in, then went back to sleep."

"We're probably all tired from our little adventure yesterday." Cloud said as he rubbed his leg. His bite had healed, but was still sore apparantly.

Tifa nodded. "Did you sleep well Cloud?"

Cloud lowered his eyes and fidgeted in his seat at this. "Fine." he said quielty.

Tifa was about to say something when a thunderous horn sounded, and a voice crackled over the PA system.

"Attention passengers, we will be docking at Costa Del Sol in approximately ten minutes. Please collect you personal belongings and return to you vehicles at this time, as this will expedite our unloading time. Thank you."

The three stood quickly and cleared the table. Cloud handed Tifa a bagel he had saved for her, and she chewed on it as she threw some napkins away. Once their garbage was deposited in a trash can, they proceed to the deck, where they would prepare for their journey.

A short while later, Barret's truck rolled off the ferry, and onto the sands of Costa Del Sol. Barret and Cloud had donned shorts and light shirts. They were not planning on staying here, but the heat on this continent was sweltering. Once he found a clear path, Barret promptly drove out of the resort town, and out across the plains. They were in for a long drive, and none of them wanted to waste any time.

The trip to Rocket Town was a scenic one. As Costa Del Sol faded on the horizon behind them, they marveled at the pure green grass that stretched for miles around. In the distance Mt. Corel stood proud and tall in the early morning light. The windows were down, and the air was fresh and cool.

They made good time considering the distance they had to travel. Within a short while, Tifa pointed out the spectacle of the Gold Saucer. It appeared as they drove along the beach, working around the North Corel mountain range. Cloud held many memories of this place.

Why didn't I tell her when I had the chance?

Cloud pushed the thoughts form his mind, something he seemed to be doing a lot lately. The date with Aeris, as short as it was, was one of the happiest moments of his life. But now, the memory only brought pain.

Barret wanted to try his luck at the Chocobo races, but Tifa talked him out of it. If Barret got anywhere near Chocobo Square, he would blow all his cash gambling, and make them late by several days at least. Barret grumbled to himself as he passed the Saucer, and the enormous Desert Prison that used to be Barret's home town that rested beneath it. Barret seldom visited that place, and had made no atttempts to restoe it, even though his position as Mayor of Corel would have allowed him to. He preferred to leave South Corel buried, and the past left behind.

Once they reached Goganga River, Barret had to find the shallow land bridge that would allow him to drive across the water. Should he miss it, they would have to get some scuba gear on, and quickly. It didn't take him long to find it, and Cloud made sure to remind him that there may be sharks down there.

"Shu' up. There ain't no sharks in this river." Barret said, biting his lip. Ever since he had seen a nature documentary on sharks, he wasn't crazy about the water.

Barret drove across the land bridge fairly quickly, and were soon passing Goganga. In the distance, Cloud could see the remains of the Goganga reactor, which Reeve had planned to remove in the near future. He remembered his fallen comrade Zack, who had grown up here. He had been Aeris' first boyfriend, and his best friend in his SOLDIER days.

Damn you Sephiroth. Damn you to hell.

Cloud tried to keep his smile in place, hoping not to upset Tifa. She knew that he was feeling strange the last two days, but did not know about the dreams he was having.

By now, the sun was sinking toward the horizon, and just ahead was Cosmo Canyon, as well as a barren land of rocks, and intense heat. They had eaten lunch in the truck, but were tired and hungry. It was only a day's travel from Cosmo Canyon to Rocket Town, and the three agreed to pay Red a visit, and spend the night.

Barret parked just outside of the entrance to Cosmo Canyon, and the three stepped from the truck. Tifa yelped as her feet touched the ground. She had forgotten to put her shoes back on, and the ground was hot. Cloud laughed as she scampered back in the truck to put her sandals on.

Once Tifa had her feet covered, the three climbed the stairs that led to the town. The guard at the gate recognized them immediately, and welcomed them. The city's activity was beginning to cool down, as it was around eight thirty. Cosmo Candle burned brightly in the city center, and around it sat several people, who seemed to be silently meditating. Cloud motioned for his companions to follow him as he ascended a staircase that led to the weapons shop. Inside was another staircase, and another after that, followed by a long climb up a ladder to reach the peak of Cosmo Canyon.

Tifa joked at Barret, saying he'd better go up last, so at least two of them could get up before the ladder collapsed. Barret snorted and began climbing first, followed by Tifa, and then Cloud. When they reached the top, Bugenhagen's observatory shone in the sunset. It was a splendid sight, and Cloud smiled as he approached the door. Cloud rang the bell, and a series of chimes came from within.

"Just a moment." spoke a familiar voice from inside.

Cloud chuckled to himself as he thought of the door opening mechanism on the inside. Red was, after all, a quadruped, so several foot pedals were installed around Cosmo Canyon to make his life easier.

There was a click as the door opened, and a furry red face looked up at him. "Yes, what can I do for…Cloud!"

"Hiya Red. Good to see you!"

Red opened the door all the way to let Cloud in, and Cloud scratched Red's head as he walked in. Red wasn't crazy about people doing that to him at first, but he had grown used to it. "Don't close the door yet, there's more coming."

Tifa was next to enter, and she knelt down and hugged Red warmly.

"Hello Tifa. It's nice to see you."

"You too Red. Oh, um, which do you prefer, Red or Nanaki?"

Red moved his shoulders in a manner that seemed to resemble a shrug. "Everyone calls me Nanaki except AVALANCHE. I'll take either one. Those loud footsteps must be Barret."

Barret scratched Red's head as Cloud had done before entering the observatory. "Been a long time."

"Yes it has." Red said as he shut the door with his nose. "Please sit down. What brings you here?"

The three walked over to the small table in the center of the room and sat. Red kept this table here for visitors, and it came in handy now and then. Red himself sat on the floor facing his friends.

Cloud spoke first. "We were on our way to Rocket Town to visit Cid, and we decided to stop by."

Red nodded. "Ah, he invited me to that. I wish I could join you, but I am afraid I am rather tied down with my work here." Red had become something of a leader in Cosmo Canyon, and was always at the head of new projects and experiments.

"It's no problem. We're due there tomorrow afternoon, so we decided to book a room here and get some food."

Red nodded approvingly.

"There's somthin' else." Barret said, drawing Red's attention. "We had a weird encounter yesterday."

Red cocked an eyebrow and his ears perked up.

"When we were crossin' the marshes, we were attacked by Zoloms."

Red gave Barret a puzzled look. "It's not abnormal for Zoloms to be quite aggressive, especially when their home is invaded."

"We were attacked by twenty or thirty Zoloms." Cloud said.

Red whirled towards Cloud. "What?"

"At once. First three, and then a whole wave came up on us."

"Impossible."

"It's true." Tifa said. "We got about halfway in when one started chasing us, then we found two more. After we beat them, a whole bunch of them came at us. We barely escaped."

"An' they @#$%ed up my truck, the bastards." Barret snorted.

Tifa gave Barret a look before turning back to Red. "Is it mating season or something?"

Red stood and began to pace. "I've never heard of anything like that. Even in mating season, you'll never see a group of more than three Zoloms in the same place. That many in the same place is unheard of."

"Any theories?"

"Perhaps something has upset the marshes, and caused them to become very defensive. It is possible that a Lifestream swell in the area would affect them. Animals can sense things humans can't. Changing environmental factors could possibly lead to them getting the jitters, so to speak."

Barret scratched his chin, and seemed to be thinking.

"Red, what do you mean by a Lifestream swell?" Cloud asked.

"Sometimes the Lifestream concentration in an area can thicken, and become more dense. You of all people Cloud, know the power of the Lifestream. It's mere presence can affect the minds of creatures in the area, even cause the climate to become unbalanced."

Cloud nodded.

Could that be the explanation for my dreams?

"How large of an area can be affected by that?"

"Not much more than a mile. Unless another Meteor is on its way." Red was thankful that there was no possibility of that.

Cloud leaned against the table.

Kalm is too far from the marshes. It's not the Lifestream…

"I'm sorry, where are my manners? Can I offer anyone something to drink?" Red said, breaking the short silence.

The three declined, as they would be eating at the local restaurant anyway. Over the next hour, the four discussed recent events, and caught up with each other. Red's life had not changed much. He was well respected across the globe, but lived a modest life with his friends and coworkers here. He remained in contact with Reeve, informing him of knowledge gained by his experiments, and occasionally ordering supplies. Next to Shinra Labs, Cosmo Canyon was the scientific capital of the world. Red also had a hand, or paw rather, in experiments at Shinra Labs. While he declined to actually work there, he opened up many new projects there, and presented many theories to solve the world's energy problem.

Red had also explored the possibility of producing natural materia. Mako compression had been banned, and the reactors shut down, cutting off materia supply lines. AVALANCHE and Shinra controlled whatever materia was left in the world. Reeve allowed people to use it, but not store it in bulk. Only AVALANCHE was allowed keep large amounts, as they were a "special case".

With no materia being produced anymore, Red had tried countless way to cause materia formation by natural means. Compressing and manufacturing it was dangerous to the planet, but Red was convinced that the Lifestream could compress itself in a safe manner if the proper conditions were met. He had come close a few times, but had never totally succeeded.

"The materia fountain at Mt. Nibel has been an inspiration to our project," Nanaki explained, "in that it is only a step or two away from being a solid materia orb. It is actually self-compressed to the point of being what we call Mako energy. But in order to produce a materia orb, it would have to be further compressed by a reactor. But to do so would actually cause the energy to diminish, which means it would need to be drawn out further. The result would be a full blown Mako reactor."

"I remember Bugenhagen telling us that creating materia that way ruins the Lifestream, and the materia produced wouldn't be able to return to the planet." Cloud said.

"That's basically correct." Red said. "My idea is to cause a Lifestream swell in a controlled environment, so that the materia would form itself."

"But won't that be jes' the same thing?" Barret asked.

"No. Mako reactors don't only gather the Lifestream, they crush it down into materia. We intend to find a way to gather the energy, but let the materia form itself. Think of it this way. If you wish to put a dog in a doghouse, you can either grab him and stuff him inside and shut the door, or you can lead him to it, and let him enter under his own free will."

Barret nodded that he understood. "How close have you come?"

"We've managed to create swells through use of machines, but never a fountain compression. If we can create a materia fountain, all we need is an extra push to have materia orbs."

Cloud was about to say something when he happened to glance out the window. "Wow, it's dark out!"

Tifa gasped. "My gosh, we've been here for over an hour!"

"I'm sorry for keeping you. You should get to the restaurant before it closes."

The four friends stood up, and Cloud, Tifa, and Barret prepared to leave. "Care to join us Red?"

"Yes, I think I would. Thank you, Cloud."

As the four exited the observatory, Cloud looked up at the moon. He would have to come back here one day and get a look at the stars through Bugenhagen's telescope.

I wish you could see this Aeris.

"You coming?"

Cloud regained his senses as Tifa called him, and hurried after his friends.

Later that night, the four sat around the Cosmo Candle, reminiscing. Just over a year ago, they had all sat here, wondering what to do next, and where to turn in a time of crisis. Red had discovered the truth about his past, and his father, the great Seto, and decided to fight in his honor, as well as the honor of his grandfather Bugenhagen, against Sephiroth. Ever since then, his life had found direction, and for the first time, he had friends he could trust.

Later that year, they returned to this place, and an amazing, bittersweet victory party was thrown. AVALANCHE, as well as the rest of the world, spent the night celebrating the defeat of Sephiroth and the final downfall of the old Shinra Inc. Loud music kept the dancers happy, and there was no shortage of food. As the sun began to rise in the eastern sky, and the madness subsided, Cloud ended the celebration by offering a toast, and prayer, to their fallen friends, Biggs, Jessie, Wedge, and Aeris. The next day, they bid each other goodbye, and made their separate ways.

Returning now brought back memories for all of them as they sat in silence, watching the eternal glow of Cosmo Candle.

"To think we've come this far."

Cloud wasn't sure who spoke the words, but nodded in agreement. Suddenly, a thought entered his head. "Oh, um, Red. About the Zoloms…"

"Oh, yes. I will contact my associates and arrange a survey of the area."

"Not a good idea." Tifa said, "A ground survey would be a blood bath. Is there any other way?"

"I'll make some calls. Reeve can help us. He can have Shinra troops defend our researchers. We may only need a few samples of the water, and Zolom blood."

Tifa nodded and turned to Cloud. "Gil for your thoughts."

"How about ten gil instead? My thoughts are expensive."

Tifa rolled her eyes. "Because they're few and far between. Besides, that's highway robbery."

"Seems like yesterday, you know?"

Tifa nodded. "Things sure have changed."

Cloud didn't respond. He just watched the flickering fire. It reminded him of Nibelheim, burning to the ground after Sephiroth set it ablaze. He would never forget it. The heat from the flames was overwhelming, and he nearly lost consciousness on the way to the Nibelheim reactor.

"Cloud?"

Tifa had a way of bringing Cloud back to reality. She always did. At the sound of her voice, Cloud stood. "I'm going to bed guys. I'm kinda tired."

"Jes' make sure you up early tomorrow. We got to be at Cid's in time for dinner."

"Wouldn't wanna miss the food, Barret!"

Barret sneered at Cloud. Cloud bid everyone goodnight, and then retired to his hotel room.

Few things are more frightening than losing control of one's own mind. As Cloud regained his senses, he realized just how close he had come to committing an atrocity. Aeris was not afraid though. Her trust in him never wavered, no matter how far from reality he slipped. Lowering his sword, he looked back at her, wondering what made her trust him the way she did. How could this innocent young girl, who barely knew him, lay her life in his hands the way she had?

He gazed into her eyes. Her eyes had caught his attention immediately. They were like the sea; when you look out across the sea, no matter how hard you try, you can never see the end. It stretches on into nothing, crystalline, and pure. Like her eyes. As he searched them, he felt like he was looking across the sea. But now, the sea looked back at him, beckoning him.

Cloud was frozen in the moment. As he regained control of himself, he began to move forward, and embrace the girl before him…

…but something set the hair on the back of his neck on end.

He suddenly became aware of a shocking drop in temperature. Was it his imagination?

No, Aeris felt it too. He could tell just by the way her smile faded. And then her eyes turned upward as a shadow fell…

The horrifying black shape was nearly upon them. Cloud's eyes widened as it approached with inhuman speed…

…and then fell into blackness.

Cloud could see nothing…

"Cloud Strife…"
"Who's there?"
"It's been a long time…"
Cloud looked around him, but could see nothing. "Who is doing this to me?!"
"You are confused Cloud. You must find yourself…"
"What?" The voice that spoke was strangely familiar, but he could not identify it.
"You must trust yourself Cloud Strife. You must be prepared…"
"Prepared for what?"
"You will see in time. But you must be strong."
"I…what is happening?"
"There is a darkness settling upon the world, Cloud. Surely you feel it."
"I…feel…I feel nothing! What are you doing to my head?"
"You are confused. But you will sort it out. I know you will."
"Who are you?!"
"You will see in…no…"
The last word the voice spoke trailed off. An eerie silence followed. "What is happening?"
"He is…gaining strength…"
"Who is gaining strength? Is it…Sephiroth?"
No answer.
"Who?!"
The voice strained to get words out. "He is coming Cloud. You must…be careful…I have…faith…in…you."
"Faith in me?"
"Don't get lost…in the darkness Cloud. Fight…the…"
The voice ceased, and another eerie silence followed.
Cloud looked about, reaching into the air, but he could not see his arms.
Suddenly, Cloud felt something approaching…
It was coming from behind…
Cloud spun around to face his attacker…
But saw nothing…

Cloud's piercing scream surely woke the entire hotel, maybe even the entire town as he leapt from his bed. Disoriented, he tripped on the carpet and crashed hard against the floor.
What is happening to me?!
Cloud suddenly felt himself being picked up. His instincts took over, and he began to struggle. Whoever it was had a definite strength advantage however, and Cloud was quickly lifted into the air. He prepared to strike the person, but stopped as he realized who it was.
"What the @#$% are you doin'?! Calm yo ass down!"
"S-sorry, Barret. You kinda freaked me out." Barret released Cloud, and he staggered back to his bed, sitting on the edge of it.
"Freaked you out?" Tifa said as she sat next to him. "Cloud, what happened?"
Barret went back to his bed, on the far left of the hotel room, and sat. "Shi't man, never heard you scream like that."
"Had a nightmare, that's all."
Tifa put a hand on Cloud's shoulder. "No, you had the nightmare."
Cloud nodded.
"What nightmare?" Barret asked. He was barely visible as a huge silhouette in the darkened room. He didn't know about Cloud's recurring nightmares, and Cloud could tell by the way the silhouette moved that he was puzzled.
"Every once in a while, I have a nightmare…about that day. I see Aeris…and Sephiroth…and…"
"Man, you got to let go. It wasn't your fault."
"But Cloud, this is only the second time you've screamed yourself awake, and you must have had this dream about fifty times." Tifa said.
Cloud turned to face her. Her eyes glinted in the moonlight. He didn't want to tell her. Not yet. "It was just that it was so…vivid."
At least he wasn't lying.
"So were the other ones."
"Tifa…this dream…it felt different." he said quietly.
"How so?"
"It was just…different. I can't explain it."
"Tifa, jes' let him get some sleep. You'll be fine in the mornin' man." Barret said, weariness evident in his voice.
"Yeah…Barret's right."
Just then, there was a knock at the door. "What's happening in there?" a familiar voice asked.
"Come on in Red. Cloud had a nightmare." Tifa said.
The door opened and Red stumbled in sleepily. "A nightmare?"
"I'll explain later." Cloud said. "Sorry to wake you all up."
"That's quite alright."
"You damn better be sorry!"
Cloud glared a mock glare at Barret. Then turned to Red. "Go back to sleep. I'll tell you about it in the morning."
"Would you like something to help you sleep? I have some materia…"
"No, that's OK Red. I'll be fine."
"Very well. I'll be going then. I will see you in the morning. Goodnight" Red then turned towards the door. They bid him goodnight, and Barret reached over and shut the door.
Tifa looked concerned.
"Teef, I'll be fine. It was just a dream." Cloud assured her.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes."
"OK." Tifa said as she hugged him quickly. "But please tell me if this happens again."
"I will. Goodnight."
Tifa walked back to her bed and settled in. Barret was already in his, and from the looks of it, sleeping. Cloud laid back and pulled his covers up. Resting his head on his pillow, he didn't feel like sleeping at all.
There is something wrong…I just know it.
Cloud let his thoughts consume him for awhile. A feeling of dread came over him, one that he could not explain. He remembered the last time he had this feeling. It was when he discovered Shinra HQ ransacked, and the sword of Sephiroth shoved in the president's back.
If there is any way you are still alive Sephiroth…rest assured, I will find you…and I will make you pay.
Cloud then succumbed to sleep.

Author's note:
Things are heating up a little! Who was that mysterious voice?! I dunno! Hope you didn't mind a little "materia science" in there. Had to throw that in.
Next chapter: Rocket Town, and a message from another place...keep readin'!
Thanks,

-Chris

Chapter 6 - Forest Of Darkness

Chapter 8 - Message From Afar

Index

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