Fall Of Darkness Chapter 8 - Message From Afar

Message From Afar

The next morning, Cloud awoke feeling a little tired, but better. The three got up at 7:00 to join Red for breakfast, so they would have plenty of time for the trip to Rocket Town. As the three ate, they discussed the Zolom incident, to decide on a logical course of action.
"I think we should alert the entire area. The people at Chocobo farm especially." Tifa said as she munched on some bacon.
"I agree," Red said, "and Shinra troops would be of great help if the Zoloms leave the marshes."
"Well, do you have any theories as to what's happening?"
Red thought for a second. "No. None other than what I told you, anyway. But I will investigate immediately. I have already contacted several of my associates."
"Good to know."
Red nodded in agreement, and then turned to Cloud. "Did you sleep well after the incident last night?"
"Yeah, I did." Cloud responded. "Don't remember what I dreamed about, but I slept well."
"Scared the hell outta me, screamin' like that." Barret said through a mouthful of food.
"Exactly how often have you had this dream, Cloud?" Red asked, ignoring Barret.
Cloud shrugged. "Every now and then." Cloud felt Tifa's eyes on him. "A little more recently."
"If it continues, you should see a doctor."
Cloud put his hands up and shook his head. "No way. No shrinks, no way."
"Suit yourself."
"Wake me up like that again, and you'll need a doctor awright." Barret said.
"I think I might already. One night of your snoring, and I can barely hear anything anymore!"


A short while later, Barret, Tifa, and Cloud climbed into the truck, with Red standing just outside to see them off.
"I'll contact you as soon as I know anything about the situation. Keep your PHS on." Red said.
"We will. Maybe we'll stop by again on the way back." Cloud said as he pulled a bag from the back onto his lap. He had located their materia, and wanted to keep it handy.
"Please do."
Barret started his truck, and the speakers came to life with deafening noise. Red winced as Tifa turned the volume down. "Sorry Red."
"It's alright, I think. Give my regards to Cid and Shera."
"We will. Goodbye Red. Good seeing you."
"Same to you."
Red turned and walked away, and Barret took off across the rocky terrain.


They traveled for about an hour before reaching Nibelheim. The town would be the passageway into the Nibel mountains, on the other side of which would be Rocket Town.
Cloud and Tifa were silent as they passed through the empty streets, there eyes turned down. They had grown up here together, but this was not their home. Sephiroth had burned Nibelheim to the ground eight years ago. This town was a replica, built by Shinra as a cover up after the incident. All that remained of the original town was Shinra Mansion, and the lab below, where Cloud was held for years.
Many dark secrets lurked in that lab.
Cloud pushed the memory out of his mind. Eight years ago, his world turned upside down. It marked the beginning of the end. On that day, Sephiroth turned on them, Jenova was released, and the events leading to the summoning of Meteor were set in motion. A dark day indeed.
They passed through the town and into the mountains without a word. The few people who lived there barely gave them notice. They reached the mountain trail shortly after exiting the town.
Only then did Cloud and Tifa remove their eyes from the floor. They had to exercise great caution here, as many dangerous creatures, some spawned by the Nibel reactor, lived here. The Nibel reactor was another place neither of them cared to see, but to keep one's guard down here would be suicidal.
The trail across the mountain was rough, and Barret had to drive extremely slowly in a few places to avoid falling several hundred feet. Several times, some of the mountain inhabitants came out to greet them, but even though their skills were rusty, they had no real trouble in taking down their attackers. With the reactor shut down, abnormal mutations had lost their numbers, and their worst encounter only resulted in Tifa being slightly poisoned, which Cloud was able to treat easily.
After traveling the treacherous path for several hours, the truck reached a normal road. Shinra built it many years ago, but never completed it, as they did not want anyone near the Nibel reactor, for fear that someone may discover the secrets hidden there.
The trip from there was easy. After clearing a few monsters out with Bolts, the three quickly found their way across the plains. Tifa pointed out the enormous structure that used to be the housing for Shinra No. 26 from quite a distance, and just a few hundred yards from it, the spectacular Highwind airship.
Everyone in Rocket Town waved to the visitors as they drove towards Cid's house. They were well known here. It was around 3:00, slightly earlier than they expected to arrive, so Cid was not outside to greet them. They parked just outside of the fence surrounding the house, and Cloud rang the bell.
After a few moments, a young woman in a lab coat and wire rimmed glasses opened the door. "Cloud! It's good to see you!" Shera said happily as they embraced.
"Hi Shera. How've you been?"
"I've been good. I'm sorry, I wasn't expecting you for another hour yet, there's no food ready."
Cloud shook his head. "Aw, that's OK." he said as Shera greeted Tifa and Barret.
Cloud turned as he heard heavy footsteps behind him, and came to face the one and only Cid Highwind, who looked quite well. He extended an arm and shook Cloud's hand firmly. "Long time no see, leader." Cid said, his cigarette clenched between his teeth, "Still haven't gotten a normal haircut, I see."
"Hey Cid, is that a little grey hair there, or is that just me?"
"@#$% you, smart ass. Hey Tifa." Cid said, hugging Tifa. He then shook Barret's giant metal hand, and was given a short explanation of why it was there. The five then proceeded into the house.
"Place looks nice, Cid." Tifa said, admiring the new furniture, "I love these colors!"
"That's what I said myself!" came a voice from the kitchen. It spoke in a light southern accent. The three guests were surprised when Reeve strode out to greet them.
"The hell you doin' here, Mr. President?" Barret asked as he shook Reeve's hand.
"I had some free time comin' to me after workin' so hard all year," Reeve explained, "so I decided I'd visit y'all. Cid told me you were comin' here, so I flew in yesterday."
"'Bout time you took a vacation, too." Cid said as all six of them took seats in the living room, "You been workin' your ass off a year now."
Cloud nodded in agreement. "Shinra sure has turned around. Nothing's safe from your fix-it people."
Reeve shrugged. "I figure I owe the world somethin' after workin' for people who were destroyin' it for so long. Someone's gotta do it."
"How did you stand to work for someone like Rufus or his father for so long?" Tifa asked. Reeve had proven to be a just leader, with a strong sense of morality, and it was hard to believe he had been fooled by the Shinra for so long.
"Guess I never thought about it." Reeve sat back and scratched his thin beard. "I was makin' money, and that was all I knew. I never considered I might be hurtin' people by what I was doin', and if it wasn't for the stuff I learned from you guys, I'd never would've either."
"That's great, Mr. President," Cid said, "So when the @#$% are we gonna restart the space program?!"
"Soon as possible, Cid. But right now, all the money and supplies are goin' towards findin' a way to provide power."
Cid muttered a few swear words under his breath. Shera gave him a look, which he took no notice of.
"I hear Red's been quite a big help." Tifa said.
Reeve nodded enthusiastically. "He has. He's got so many ideas. He's really into his materia research, but every time we make progress in findin' a power supply, he calls the next day to get a complete blueprint, and make sure nothin's wrong."
"And then I gotta sign the damn thing." Barret said.
Cloud laughed. "Didn't you volunteer for that?"
"Don't mean I gotta enjoy it. How'd you like it, signin' papers all damn day?"
Cloud just shrugged before addressing Cid. "How's your job? Never imagined you'd work as a mechanic." Cid owned a small garage in Rocket Town as a way of keeping himself busy, and making a little extra cash, until he could go into space again. He also planned on opening a commercial airline, but would have to wait until the power problem was solved.
"It's better'n I thought it'd be." he said as he mashed his cigarette into an ashtray, "I don't mind workin' on cars, but I'd rather be flyin'."
"You certainly have spent a lot of time there, Captain." Shera added.
Cid shrugged. "I don't mind. I'd rather be doin' somethin' than just sittin' around here all day."
"What about the Tiny Bronco?" Cloud asked "Don't you take it out every now and then?"
"All the time. But money don't last forever, and I need to keep some kind of steady cash flow."
Cloud nodded.
"Speaking of working, Cid, do you mind if I use your phone?" Tifa asked, "I promised Madeline I'd call her when I got here."
"Sure. Right in the kitchen."
Tifa and Shera excused themselves to the kitchen to call 7th Heaven and start dinner, while Cloud, Barret, Cid and Reeve talked in the living room, remembering old times.


The six friends ate dinner outside just after five. The sun was warm, and Cid had bought new outdoor furniture. Shera had prepared pot roast and mashed potatoes, among other things, and she received several compliments on her cooking.
While they ate, Cloud brought up the Zolom issue to Reeve, who was quite surprised. "I never heard of anything like this. We're gonna have to warn the people in the area, and maybe get some people down to get a handle on things."
"Batter watch your step," Barret said between mouthfuls, "We nearly lost our asses out there."
"Don't worry 'bout it." Reeve assured him. "I'll contact HQ and tell them to get some troops ready to go down there and clear the area. I'm sure Red knows 'bout this, so I'll be getting' a call from him soon enough."
Cloud nodded. "Hopefully he'll work out a theory or something."
Content that Reeve was aware of the situation, and would set about handling it right away, the discussion turned towards more pleasant topics. By 6:00, their plates were clean, and Tifa and Shera brought out coffee and cake as the shadow of the Highwind fell across them. But they had barely touched it when Cid heard something from inside.
"Sounds like the doorbell." he said, looking at Shera. Shera said nothing, only stood and walked inside to answer the door.
Tifa gave Cid a look, but he wasn't paying attention. She often wondered how Shera could deal with Cid being such a slave driver. Tifa and Cid were close, but his attitude often irritated her.
She was about to say something when Shera returned. Following her was a very large man in working clothes. He was somewhat dirty looking, and had a thick mustache. He resembled a construction worker, but his demeanor was strange. He seemed to be slightly nervous.
"Um, this is James Allan," Shera said, motioning to the large man, "He's here from Bone Village."
"Somethin' we can do for you?" Cid asked in a harsh tone. He was apparently annoyed at having his dessert interrupted.
The man wrung his hands and bit his lip. "Yes there is actually…"
Cid frowned. "Well, speak up."
Cloud studied the man. Something was definitely disturbing him. Excavators from Bone Village were known to be very gruff and loud. This man, while looking like the type, seemed downright timid.
He spoke nervously. "Um, are you Cloud Strife?"
Cid frowned again and pointed to the correct person.
"Mr. Strife," the man said, turning to him, "I'm afraid we need your help."
Cloud raised an eyebrow. "My help?"
The man bit his lip again before looking Cloud right in the eye. "There's something wrong with the Sleeping Forest."


"Eight people?" Cloud asked in shock. It had been a few minutes, and after Shera had served their visitor some coffee, he proceeded to explain a most unusual problem.
"Yes. Day before yesterday it started." he explained, "We all heard this groaning noise in the forest. Real loud, didn't know what it was, so some guys figured it was a monster and they should kill it." He lowered his eyes. "Seven went in, one came out. Then last night, two were killed in their sleep, but the bodies were left in the tent."
"Did you see anything?" Tifa asked.
The man shook his head. "No, nothin'. One guy from the group that went in is still alive, but he couldn't come here. He was hurt bad."
Cloud had already begun to pace the floor. "Monsters never come out of the Sleeping Forest."
"And if they kill anything, they usually eat it."
Barret scratched his chin. "Were the two guys in the tent eaten?"
The man lowered his eyes again. He seemed to be deeply disturbed. Tifa sensed this. "Try to relax, Mr. Allan."
"Call me James. No, they were whole. The thing is…they were…oh, man…"
"What is it?"
The man shook his head, his eyes closed tightly. "You've never seen anything like it. You'd have to see it yourself."
Cloud continued to pace, and Cid lit up his third cigarette since the conversation began.
"It ain't just that. The last two days, since it all started, the place has been freezing. I mean freezing. And the noise…the wind has been unbelievable. The sounds that come from the forest are just unnatural. Plus the whole thing is fogged up, and you can't see three feet inside in broad daylight."
"Has anyone gone in there since?" Cloud asked, quietly.
"No way. Not after what happened…" James cleared his throat. "There's also this…thing."
Cloud stopped. He turned towards James. "What thing?"
"I don't know. But…there's something in the air. We all feel it." James began to fidget uncomfortably. "It's like…it's like when you're a kid. Did you ever wake up in the middle of the night, and you can't see anything, but you could almost swear there's something looking at you? Like there's something in the closet, or under the bed, or…do you know what I mean?"
Everyone was silent.
James lowered his eyes. "It's like that. Everywhere you go, you never feel like you're alone. It's like there's always something there, watching us."
Another silence followed. This time, Barret broke it. "What do you want us to do?"
"Find out what's doing this, and kill it. Before it kills any more of us."
"Do you think it will?"
"I know it will. And you'll know it too, the minute you set foot on the continent."
Cloud had sat down, and was rubbing his chin, staring at the floor. Tifa studied him, wondering what was going through his mind.
A nervous Shera presented a question that had been in all of their minds. "Cloud…do you think it could be…"
"No." Cloud said, cutting her off. "I killed him with my own two hands. He's dead."
I hope.
Shera dropped the issue. They were all quite unnerved by this news. The Sleeping Forest had been in peace for centuries. A disturbance there could only be caused by something very bad.
"So what do we do?" Reeve asked.
Cid took a drag on his cigarette before speaking. "I vote we check it out. This could really be somethin'."
"What do you mean 'we'?" Shera asked, glaring at Cid.
"Just what I said. They can't walk there for one thing."
"Captain, can I speak to you inside, please?"
Cid was about to protest when he saw the pleading look in Shera's eyes. He bit his lip, and then nodded. They excused themselves and went into the house.
James wrung his hands nervously. "So you'll help?"
Cloud shrugged. "I guess we have to."
"Now wait a minute," Tifa said, "I think we're jumping to conclusions a little. We don't even know what's going on."
"We can't just do nothing."
"I'm not saying we do nothing, I'm just saying that we take this one step at a time."
"Tifa's right," Reeve cut in, "I could easily send troops in if…"
"No," James said, "They'll never come out. It'll be just like last time."
"So what makes you think we can do it?" Barret asked.
James turned to Barret. "You're AVALANCHE."
Barret cracked a small smile before his serious expression returned. "It's not like we've never gone out a limb before."
There was silent agreement all around.
"So I guess we do it then." Cloud said.
"Hope y'all don't mind if I send a…friend, instead o' myself." Reeve said, grinning.
Cloud nodded. "He's still in shape?"
"Much as he ever been. I'll go over with y'all, but if things get messy, I can't be much help to ya. I can't fight like he can."
Cloud shrugged and stood up. "OK, I guess we can have Cid fly us over there tomorrow or later tonight. We'll need a few hours to get prepared."
"Shera doesn't seem to like the idea of him going." Tifa said.
"No one's forcing him. I don't mind if he just drops us off."
James seemed to be relieved. "Thank you guys."
"No problem." Cloud grinned. "Jumping into dangerous situations is what we do best!"


Back in the house, Cid paced the living room while Shera sat on the couch. "Captain, please think about what you're doing."
"I've thought all I need to Shera. I can't leave my friends hangin'."
"What about me? Do I count at all?" Shera sounded more than a little upset.
Cid sighed and sat in his chair. "Yeah Shera, you count. But what the hell difference does it make anyway?"
"I don't want you to get hurt."
Cid laughed. "Like I never have before. Shera, it's no big deal, don't act like a baby. It's not like Sephiroth is in the woods."
Shera wrung her hands. "Is Cloud sure about that?"
"As sure as anyone can be. I'd take his word over anyone else's."
Shera looked at her hands, which were wringing in her lap. She was quite nervous.
"Look Shera, I'll be home in a few days." Cid said, putting out his cigarette. "It's not gonna be like the last time. It's probably just some damn weird monster, and I've killed me plenty of monsters."
"Are you sure this is a good idea?"
Cid shrugged. "Damned if I know. But if Cloud thinks it is…the guy motivates me, you know?"
Shera didn't respond.
"Look, I'll be back in a few days, OK? Just sit tight here and take some time for yourself." Cid said as he went to tie his boots tighter.
Shera sighed. "I'm going with you."
Cid looked up at Shera in surprise. She was looking back at him, a serious look on her face. She wasn't kidding. "What?! Hell no, Shera. No @#$%in' way. Don't you pull this on me."
"Captain, don't think you can make me stay. I'm going with you no matter what you say."
Cid shook his head and threw his hands up defensively. "Ain't no way in hell Shera. You're stayin' here. What the @#$% do you think you're gonna do there, anyways? This ain't no goddamn vacation, woman. You can't fight, and I don't want you gettin' hurt."
"And I don't want you getting hurt!" Shera snapped. Cid was shocked. She had never stood up to him like that before. She had a look of pained anger on her face, but it faded quickly. "Captain, I know this is dangerous, and that's why I want to come. I don't intend to fight, or get in the way, I just want to be there to make sure nothing happens."
"What do you think is gonna happen?"
"I don't know…but I don't want to go through what I went through last year again. I don't want to stay awake at night worrying about you. If you're going to risk your life again, even if it's a small risk, I'm going to, too."
Cid was stunned into silence.
"Besides, if it's going to be the walk in the park you say it is, what are your worried about? I'll stay close to you and the others, and I'll be fine." Shera said decisively.
"Shera, you're out of your mind."
"And so are you, Captain, running off to other continents to fight things. You're a pilot, not a soldier."
Cid shook his head. "Shera, I can't let you. If any of us makes one bad move, you could end up dead."
"And so could you. If you can risk your life, why can't I?"
"Because I can fight, dammit!"
"So then you protect me." Shera suddenly stood up and walked over to where Cid was standing. "I'm not going to let you go alone. I'll follow you even if I have to stow away. But I'm not going to just stay here and wonder if you're going to get killed or not."
Tears glistened in her eyes.
Cid's tone softened. "What difference does it make if you're there or not?" He was surprised at himself. Why could he not find the strength to yell, and order her to stay home, where she'd be safe?
You soft old bastard.
"Please Captain."
They stood there in silence for a few minutes. Cid finally turned away and cursed under his breath. Shera smiled. "Thank you."
Cid stood. "I'm warnin' you Shera, if you even stub your toe, I'm gonna drag you home kicking and screaming if I have to."
"Fair enough."
Cid turned and walked towards the back door, then stopped. He grinned over his shoulder at her. "Start packin'. Warm clothes, hat, gloves, scarf, boots, you know the deal. It's chilly there."
"Right!" Shera said as she raced up the stairs.
Cid walked outside to join the others. He plunked down in a chair across from Cloud. "We're gonna have one extra person with us."
Tifa looked shocked. "You're bringing Shera?"
"She's bringin' herself. Damn woman got a thick skull."
Cloud laughed. "No wonder you two go so well together!"
"The @#$%'s that supposed to mean?"
"Nothing!"
Cid grumbled something to himself, then adopted a more serious tone. "If we can leave by ten thirty, we'll get there by eleven fifteen or eleven thirty. The Highwind's fast enough. We can sleep on the ship, and walk to the Village, sine I can't land too close to it."
Cloud nodded. "We have enough supplies with us to support ourselves, but the rest of you will need extra. We should get to a shop before we leave."
"Y'all got enough materia?" Reeve asked.
Cid nodded. "I kept a box of it. I'm a little rusty, but it shouldn't take long for us to get back in the swing of things."
"Hopefully we won't need to."
With that, everyone stood and prepared for their impromptu trip. Tifa and James helped Cid clear the table, Reeve called Shinra HQ and asked them to get Cait Sith up and running, just in case, and prepare his private helicopter. Barret unpacked all their weapons and materia from the truck and prepared them for the trip, as well as locking the truck up tight. They planned to take it with them in the cargo hold. Cloud went by himself to the shop at the edge of town to buy all the extra supplies they would need, especially for Shera, since the trip would no doubt be exhausting for her.
The walk was short, but he found himself lost in thought the whole way there. What was causing this? Why, after so long, had the Sleeping Forest been disturbed? Did it relate to the Zolom incident in any way?
Does it have anything to do with my dreams
Cloud shook his head and chuckled to himself. Despite his confusion, he was amused at himself for jumping into this the way he did. He always had a taste for adventure, but after last year's ordeal, he liked to think he had calmed somewhat. Apparently, that adventurous spirit still lingered in him. And on top of that, the leader of AVALANCHE was dragging his friends into it.
Oh well. This shouldn't be any big deal. Just killing a monster, right?
Right.
Cloud spared no expense at the shop. He filled a large bag with Potions, Antidotes, Elixirs, and other essentials. Materia was in short supply, and no longer sold here, but he figured they had all they needed. He skipped over armor, as Cid had informed them that he had some extra. Cloud only hoped he had enough for Shera. He doubted Cid's sanity for letting her come, but grinned to himself when he remembered that soft spot that Cid had for her, which he tried so desperately to hide.
Content that he had enough for the trip, Cloud paid the shop owner, who was no doubt happy with the lump of gil Cloud gave him, and set back towards the house. He saw his friends running about, trying to take care of all the details before they left. It was nearing eight thirty, and the sun was just touching the horizon. In the bright red light, he saw Barret and James getting acquainted as they hurled duffel bags into the Highwind's loading dock.
Cloud walked around the house to find Cid dragging the outdoor furniture into the garage, and Tifa was on a portable phone telling Madeline where she was going, and how to reach her PHS from a normal phone. Shera was next door, telling the neighbors that they'd be gone for a while, and to look after things. Cloud saw Reeve washing dishes through the window. Reeve looked at him and grinned.
Without a word, Cloud unpacked the bag he had brought back, and divided the items equally into piles on the table. After separating everything into seven equal piles, he took one pile and put it in his pocket. "Help yourself." he called to everyone.
Cloud proceeded inside and called for Shera. She answered from upstairs.
"Make sure you have large pockets, or a bag or something to hold your stuff." he called up to her.
"Stuff?"
"Potions and stuff. You have to have them with you at all times. It's a rule of the road."
"Oh, OK."
Just about then, Cid came inside. He was carrying a backpack, and already wearing some armor. "So when do we go, leader?" he asked, for once not holding a cigarette in his mouth.
"Soon as possible. You get your stuff from the table outside?"
Cid nodded. "I'll get the Highwind started in a minute. There's food and stuff on board, so we don't need to worry about it."
"Good. Barret and James finish loading?"
"Yeah, they're putting the truck in now. Do you trust that guy?"
Cloud shrugged. "I don't know. It seems to far fetched to be total crap, but if it is, there's six of us and one of him. What's he gonna do?"
Content with that answer, Cid walked upstairs. He walked down the hall and to his room, and looked at the left wall. Hanging there, shining in the dimming light, was the Venus Gospel. It had been a long time since he had used it, but as he lifted it slowly from its holders, he felt like it had been yesterday. He looked at it for a moment, then sat on the bed. He reached under the bed, pulled out a small box, and entered a combination. The box sprung open, and inside sat a pile of materia. He placed his best in the spear, mastered Cure, Heal, Fire, Ice, and Titan, leaving a few holes empty, and saving the rest for his friends. He took the box and spear with him, and closed his door. He looked down the hall at Shera's door. It was closed.
Dammit woman, you'd better not get hurt on me.
Cid walked down the stairs and outside, silently reminding himself that he was a soft old bastard. Outside, everyone seemed to be almost ready. The sun was barely showing over the horizon now, and in the dim light, he saw Cloud helping Reeve equip a bangle and materia. He had never actually been in a situation like this, only as Cait Sith.
Cid studied everyone, all silently preparing for their trip, physically and mentally, for only a moment. Then he proceeded towards the Highwind.
Seeing that Reeve was getting the hang of things, Cloud equipped his own armor. Cid had set some outside before, and he they each took some. Cloud took a diamond bangle, and an amulet. "Everyone all equipped and everything?"
Everyone responded in the affirmative. Even James.
Cloud turned to him. "Can you handle materia?"
"I've used some, low level stuff though."
Cloud tossed him a Cure and a Heal. "Use 'em wisely. OK, it looks like we're all set, just have to wait on Shera, and…" Cloud stopped as he heard the Highwind's main engines come to life. As the sun disappeared, Cid turned on its outboard lights, giving them just enough light to see by. "OK, just Shera then. Listen, we make this quick and painless. In and out, so maybe we can still have some vacation time left."
"Do you think it will be that simple?" Tifa asked, eyeing James, who looked more than a little skeptical.
"I don't see any reason why it shouldn't be. Just a monster." Cloud hoped he sounded convincing. Just then Shera came out of the house, locking the door behind her. She was carrying a suitcase, her purse, and wearing baggy jeans and a sweater, a very new look for her.
"I ready guys," she said as she approached, "But I don't really have traveling clothes."
"That'll do fine." Cloud said. "Here, I'll show you how to equip your stuff."
"You're giving me armor?"
"And Cure materia. You can never have too much Cure materia. If you want to go with us, we need to know that you're going to be safe."
Shera nodded.
"Are you sure you want to do this? I really don't think it's a good idea."
Shera sighed. "Do you know what it was like for me to sit home for four months and worry about him?"
Cloud said nothing. It was just like with Aeris. He had felt better with her close, knowing she was safe. He pushed the memories from his mind as he nodded. "OK, but…"
"I know, if I even stub my toe, you'll drag me home kicking and screaming."
Cloud smiled and handed Shera the last remaining bangle.

A few minutes later, they were all on board the Highwind as Cid and Shera made the final preparations for takeoff. James walked around admiring the ship, while Barret and Tifa checked the supply rooms. Reeve was helping by running diagnostics on all the ship's main systems, and Cloud was monitoring weather patterns and air travel time. They had all learned simple operating procedures the last time they had traveled in the Highwind, so even in the absence of Cid's main flight crew and mechanics, the trip should be smooth, safe, and efficient.
Just as Cloud had finished monitoring the area they would be flying through, Barret and Tifa returned. "Everything's locked up, and the supply rooms are full. We got enough food to last us a while." Barret said.
"Good." Cloud said. "It'll take about 45 minutes to get there at high speed, so we can make the trip, and sleep here. Cid how long before we take off?"
"Right now!" Cid said as the ship shuddered. The sound of the engines grew louder, and Cloud could see the warning lights dancing across the ground outside. "Shera, main power to 60%."
"Main power to 60% Captian."
"Reeve, get our coordinates on the monitor. Reeve, Mr. President, sir!" Cid said, grinning.
Reeve saluted. "Aye aye!" Reeve pushed some buttons on the control panel in front of him, and a reading came up on the screen as James watched in awe. "We need to come 'round 46 degrees starboard."
"Right. Shera, 46 degrees starboard."
"46 degrees starboard Captain."
The ship began to turn slowly, and everyone took solid footing to maintain their balance.
"Get ready for vertical liftoff." Cid called.
"I didn't know this thing was so complicated to run!" Cloud called.
"It's not as bad as it seems, but we wanna make this a fast trip, don't we?"
Cloud nodded. Suddenly, he felt the ship move, and looked out the window. They were slowly rising. A few feet at first, and then they were well above the trees.
"Hold on to something!" Cid called. Everyone quickly obliged. "Here we go!!"
They all felt a jarring forward motion and the ship careened across the sky. Cloud punched a button on his console, and the rear monitor came up. Rocket Town was fading into nothing behind them.
"Whooo! Go Cid!" Reeve hollered. He had never flown on the Highwind personally before, but he sure was enjoying it.
"OK, that's it!" Cid said, turning his chair around. "I'll stay at the helm, and I need one of you to copilot."
"I'll do it Captain." Shera volunteered, but Cid shook his head.
"You go the hell outside or somethin'! Relax a while! You wanted to come, now you gotta cooperate!"
Shera was going to protest, but decided against it. She flashed a smile at Cid, and walked away from her post.
"I'll do it Cid. I like this stuff." Tifa said.
"Fine by me. The rest of you, relax. There's a rec room on second deck if you wanna watch TV or somethin'. Just be back here in about 40 minutes for landing."
Everyone agreed, and walked off. Shera and Reeve went outside to get some air, and Barret, Cloud, and James went to the rec room, leaving Tifa and Cid to pilot the ship.


On the outside deck, Reeve and Shera stood against the railing, letting the fresh wind run through their hair. Shera's hair whipped about, and she enjoyed the feeling. The engines were surprisingly quiet during flight, as opposed to the enormous roar they gave out during takeoff, and Shera barely noticed them. She had been on short trips on the Highwind before, but never did she have the opportunity to enjoy its outer deck.
"So what made you want to come with us, Shera?" Reeve shouted over the wind.
"I didn't want to spend my days worrying about Cid. Besides, I could use some adventure in my life!"
"You really care for him, don't you?" Reeve asked.
Shera's smile faded somewhat as she turned to face him, brushing her hair out of her face. "Yes, I do. The Captain has been good to me. He took me in when I had nowhere to go."
"You don't have family anywhere?"
"My mother and sister live in Midgar, but my father left us when I was born. But I never liked Midgar. It was too noisy."
Reeve laughed. "So you moved in with the loudest man on the planet?"
Shera giggled lightly, trying to contain herself. "I feel at home in Rocket Town. I promised my mother I would visit, and I have, but never for long."
Reeve nodded. "I ain't got no folks. I lived with foster parents in Goganga until I was seventeen, when I took an internship with Shinra. I moved up in the company and decided to stick with them."
"You've been with Shinra for that long?"
Reeve nodded. "Thirteen years. And I woke up after twelve."
The two were silent for a moment.
"Shera, are you sure you don't wanna turn back?"
Shera turned back towards the railing. "Too late now." "If I pull out, I can take you back in the chopper and drop you off. Or I could even take you to Shinra HQ, and you can keep an eye on Cid through Cait Sith's monitor."
Shera shook her head. "No, Reeve. I'm not afraid." Shera giggled. "I was working on an oxygen tank five seconds before I was scheduled to get burned up."
Reeve was silent.
"Why do you want me to go back so bad?"
Reeve looked out over the railing. They were out over the ocean now, and in the moonlight, the distant silhouette of the Northern Continent came into view. Reeve watched it silently for a moment, then spoke. "I've got a feeling…"
"What?"
Reeve turned to Shera. "I can't explain it. I've just got this feeling…"
Shera was puzzled. "A feeling of what?"
Reeve closed his eyes, and his brow furrowed. "Just a feeling…that there's a lot more to this than we think."

Back in the rec room, Barret, Cloud, and James sat watching a game show and talking. James seemed like a friendly guy, and they were getting to now each other a little better. James had worked at Bone village for eight months now. He was in charge of placing the seismic explosives that were used in locating buried artifacts and fossils. He was planning on staying there a while, but now he was having second thoughts, after two of his best friends were killed in the Sleeping Forest.
"This new guy Willy, he was sayin' he had this weird feelin', just before this all happened. And this guy Ricardo, a freakin' dumb sonavabitch, says they should go in and kill the monster. My friends Omar and Darryl…they went in with him, they never came out."
Cloud and Barret listened silently as James told his story, silently hoping the situation wouldn't get any worse. "Did you see or hear anything?" Barret asked.
"Just the wind…and that groaning noise. Ain't ever heard nothin' like it."
Cloud sat, his arms folded, mentally reviewing their situation. He was supposed to be a leader, but he found that at times like this, he never really knew what to do. He just let his instincts take over, and somehow, it worked. But it didn't help calm his nerves any.
Cloud was lost in though as Cid's voice came over the loudspeaker. "Get yer damn asses up to the deck, we're landin' in fifteen!"
"Man, time flies." James said.
Barret turned off the TV, and the three left the room without another word.
When they got to the flight deck, Shera and Reeve were already taking their posts. Reeve went to the main operating system monitors, while Shera relieved Tifa at the copilot's seat and went over to Cloud. "Have fun?"
Cloud just shrugged. "I've got a lot on my mind, you know?"
Tifa closed her eyes nodded. "Don't we all. Are you feeling OK?"
"Yeah, I guess so." Cloud said as he walked over to his usual post and brought up the Highwind's coordinates. Tifa watched him. "Cid, we're eighty miles off the coast. What's our ETA?" Cloud asked, laughing to himself, as he sounded somewhat reminiscent of Star Trek or something.
"At this speed, about ten minutes. We're gonna need to find a clearing. Are we sleepin' here or in the village?"
"Here." James answered. Everybody looked at him. "You guys don't wanna sleep in Bone Village. Just take my word for it." James' expression was serious enough to drive his point home.
"OK, so the clearing can wait until morning." Cid said. "We'll hover just off the beach. Cloud, get me weather conditions near the coast."
Cloud punched some buttons on his console. "The wind's gonna be heavy."
"OK, so we need to anchor then."
"We have an anchor?" Tifa asked.
Cid looked over his shoulder. "Yeah. If we hover in hard wind, we could move. We have two big harpoon anchors. Shoot 'em into the ground from each side."
Tifa nodded and Cid turned back to the controls. "Five minutes. Cloud, pull a map and get it on my monitor."
"I'm on it." Cloud drew up a map of the Northern Continent on one screen, and traced their course on another. He located the point at which they would most likely reach the continent, and zoomed in before transferring it to Cid's monitor. Cid would be able to use it to find a landing point.
"OK, we're gonna anchor about four miles from Bone Village. We'll get a little closer in the morning." Cid then flipped on the outboard brights, giving them all a clear view of the water in front of them. The beach was rapidly approaching, and Cid was steering them away from any trees. "Shera, throttle down."
"Throttling down Captain. Main engines at 45%, hover engines at 70%."
Their speed reduced as they moved over the land, and Cid brought the ship down until they were only about one hundred feet in the air. The ship slowed to a crawl, and Cid turned on the landing lights. "Brake!"
Shera cut the main engine power down. The ship stopped, and hovered in the air. "Should I reduce our altitude, Captain?"
Cid nodded. "Take us to thirty feet. That should keep us out of any monsters' reach."
"Thirty feet, Captain." Shera and Cid lowered the ship, and when they were in position, Cid instructed Barret and Cloud to fire the anchors.
"There's one control panel on each side. Aim with the monitors until you find a place to hit, then hit the blue button, then the red."
Cloud and Barret did as they were told. Cloud found an area with no visible obstructions, and hit the blue button. A light flashed outside, and a horn sounded. He hit the red button, and a large harpoon fired, dragging a huge chain behind it. It hit the ground with an audible thud, and the ship jerked slightly. It jerked again as Barret fired his, and Shera cut the main engine power. With the hover engines running by themselves, the ship floated silently in the night air.
Cid stood up. "That's it. We can get closer in the morning."
"It's eleven twenty," Cloud said, "Hit the sack, and be up by six thirty. We'll meet in Operations and have breakfast. Seven fifteen, we move the ship as close as we can get, then walk from there."
"What do we do when we get there?" Shera asked.
"Play it by ear. Find out as much as we can, and check out the Sleeping Forest. If there's something there, we kill it, and head out."
Shera nodded.
"Are we going in fully equiped?" Cid asked.
"Yes. All of you have your weapons ready at all times. Materia too. I want nothing left to chance. If something comes out of that forest, we take it down and worry about what it is later."
"Cloud, James said it was foggy." Reeve said, "Do we have flashlights?"
Cloud nodded. "I have three. I'm sure there are more at Bone Village." Cloud said, looking at James, who nodded. "OK, so that's that. How many rooms are on the ship, Cid?"
"Five. Number six has no bed."
"Four of us need to double."
"Me and Tifa can share a room." Shera volunteered.
"OK, anyone else?"
James spoke up. "I guess I'll double. I'm new here, I don't deserve special treatment."
Cloud grinned. "Sure. Barret?"
"Yeah, I guess so."
"OK, settled. Six thirty folks. Goodnight."
With that, they all retired to their rooms.


As Aeris stared back into Cloud's eyes, Cloud felt a great warmth pass over him. Her utter tranquillity calmed his very soul, and giving him his first glimpse of true peace. He stared back, absorbing her peace, and feeling her warmth…
…until the tranquillity was shattered by an unworldly cold.
Cloud sensed her confusion. He saw it in her face. She felt the cold as well. A chill ran down Cloud's spine as they both turned their eyes upward, to the source of the cold…
…and saw the terrifying creature descending upon them.
Cloud wanted to look away, but even more so, he wanted to look harder, and see the face of the interloper. He wanted to know what it was, and why it was there.
Cloud looked, but saw no face. Only blackness.
And then, without warning, the blackness engulfed him.
The blackness was so pure it defied description. Total darkness. Cold unlike Cloud ever imagined cold to be.
Cloud's eyes strained to see, but found nothing.
There was only dark emptiness…
But heard a familiar voice…
"Cloud Strife…"
"You bastard."
Cloud could never mistake the cold sound of Sephiroth's voice. It haunted him ever since his home had been destroyed. "It certainly has been a long time, hasn't it?"
"What are you doing? You're dead! Get out of my mind!" Cloud said as a rage came over him.
"So confused…you don't understand what is happening to your poor mind."
"It's you! You're doing this!"
Sephiroth laughed.
"I'm not your puppet anymore! Get out of my head!"
The darkness in front of Cloud parted, revealing his enemy's form. Sephiroth stood with arms folded, his eyes staring back into Cloud's. From his belt hung the blood stained Masamune, somehow glistening in non-existent light. "After so long, you are still running in circles Cloud."
Cloud did not remember drawing his sword, or even picking it up after he dropped it, but found it in his hands. He leapt through the darkness, sword aimed at Sephiroth's heart…
…and Sephiroth's smiling face shattered, like it was made of glass. The rest of him followed shortly after. Had he been a reflection in a mirror?
Cloud wondered if Sephiroth was not coming up on him from behind, ready to strike him down. Cloud would turn around quickly and defend himself…
…but his sword would not move.
The end of it was hidden by darkness. Cloud tried to pull it back, but it would not budge. It was stuck in the darkness around him. Cloud's confusion made his head hurt, and he gazed into the dark in front of him…
…and then, he began to see a shape, holding his sword.
It was a hand of enormous proportions. After the hand came a long arm, which Cloud traced with his eyes…
…up…


Cloud's scream was one of pure terror. He leapt out of bed, and immediately crashed to the floor, hitting his head hard. He grabbed his aching skull, and laid there, on the floor, shaking in fear.
It's not Sephiroth…it's…what the @#$% is happening to me?!
Cloud's door opened, and Cid, Shera, and Tifa stood there. James, Barret, and Reeve quickly followed, all looking tired and frightened.
Tifa was at Cloud's side in a second. "Cloud, what is going on?"
Tifa and Cid helped Cloud to his feet, and when he regained his balance, he sat down on the bed.
"What the @#$% was that all about?!" Cid asked.
Tifa gave everyone a brief explanation of Cloud's dream. Cloud simply sat there, slouched over, panting. "This is damn embarrassing."
Tifa spoke sternly. "Cloud, don't try to tell me nothing's wrong. Look at yourself. And this is the third night this has happened!"
"Fourth. In a row."
"What is going on Cloud?"
Cloud looked up at Tifa. She was clearly irritated at his hiding the truth, but also deeply concerned.
It's no use…I have to tell her.
"Tifa, there is something really wrong happening. I don't know what…but I know that something is wrong." He paused a moment to think. "The dream has been different these last four nights. I don't know why."
"How has it been different?"
Cloud collected his thoughts and sighed heavily. "Tifa, I don't know. I don't understand it. I just know that something is trying to get into my head."
"Sephiroth?"
"No."
"How can you be so damn sure?" Barret asked.
"Take my word for it."
Barret gave Cloud a skeptical look.
"Listen, I know I should have told you sooner…but I couldn't. And I still can't. Not until I know more. I promise, I will tell you the whole story soon."
Tifa turned Cloud's face towards hers. "When?"
"Tomorrow night, after we go into the Sleeping Forest."
"Do you think it has something to do with what's been happening?"
Cloud sighed and shook his head. "I don't know."
There was a long silence.
"Um, Cloud…" Shera said, breaking the silence, "Do you want me to make you some tea? Or something to help you sleep?"
Cloud shook his head. "No, that's OK Shera. Please, all of you go back to bed. We're getting up in a few hours. I'm sorry, I'll explain everything tomorrow."
"You promise?" Tifa asked.
"I promise."
Tifa gave Cloud a hug, a little longer than usual this time, before standing up and motioning for everyone to leave. Cloud bid them goodnight, and when Tifa closed the door behind her, he laid back in bed. His mind was a whirlpool of thoughts.
It's not Sephiroth…
Cloud was sure that the enormous hand was not Sephiroth's. He did not know who this mysterious attacker was, but in the back of his mind, there was a feeling of dread. The dread that tomorrow, they might be walking right into its arms…




Author's note:
Looks like this is gonna get serious now! Please excuse my Star Trek crap back there, I just liked the way it sounded. By the way, in case any of you are asking "what the hell's with Reeve and this 'southern accent' crap?", I read a fic once that mentioned him having a southern accent. I don't remember what it was or where or whatever. But I remember a lot of "y'all"s coming from Cait Sith, so what the hell?
Next - into the Sleeping Forest!
Thanks,
-Chris



Chapter 7 - Cosmo Canyon

Chapter 9 - Into The Fog

Index

Back To Fics