I totally forgot about this fanfic which I wrote around September of this year. It was for someone's birthday, someone I am good friends with. What else can I give her, she lives in a different continent Here you go, enjoy. Part II should come for Christmas.
REMINISCENCE:<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comfficeffice" /><o></o>
<o></o>
Cloud, Tifa, Yuffie and Vincent travelled through the vast forest beyond Bone Village. After excavating much treasure in the hunt for the Lunar Harp, the group were very tired. However, no matter how exhausted they were, they were persistent in finding Aerith.<o></o>
<o></o>
It wasn’t long before when she ran off, leaving her friends at the ruins of the Temple of the Ancients. During the visit, she had learned much of her origins and her existence, the legacy known as the Cetra. Sephiroth had paid a visit to the temple also, in hopes of obtaining the Black Materia, the key to summoning Meteor. Meteor was known as “The Ultimate Destructive Magic”. It would tear the planet asunder, a wound so deep that it would threaten the very life of the planet. Aerith knew of her position, she knew that only she could contact the planet and ask for help, using the power of Holy, the “Ultimate White Magic”. Knowing that the others could be of no physical help, she fled for the forgotten city, the City of the Ancients.
<o></o>
THE JOURNEY TO SAVE A FRIEND:<o></o>
<o></o>
Yuffie was becoming anxious. She was shocked at how quickly these people could forgive her after stealing from them. She was allowed no Materia on the road to finding Aerith. Vincent had picked up a piece of Materia known as Kjata, but she was denied it by Cloud, who still did not fully trust her again. Yuffie liked Vincent and respected him very much, but his recent cold-attitude towards her left her feeling alone. Was that longing she had seen in his eyes? Probably not, most likely just intelligence and deep thoughts, swirling around in his face, conveying supremacy. Yes, that would be it.
<o></o>
Tifa, naturally, was worried for Aerith. She did not want to lose a dear friend that she had gained, and she hated seeing Cloud like this: much more miserable and contained than he usually was. She still felt uncomfortable around Cloud, never admitting how she really felt, never showing her true emotions. Every now and then she would see Yuffie exchange a quick glance with Vincent. This didn’t matter to Tifa, whatever it was those two were doing: Tifa only cared for Cloud. She gazed at him, knowing she could never have him. He was in love with Aerith, not her. His mind was set.
“Cloud? How do you know that Aerith is here?” asked Tifa innocently, trying to break the uncomfortable silence.
“I just … know. She’s here, beyond this canyon,” replied Cloud. His facial expression remained frozen. His icy-blue eyes were fixed on the road ahead, never for one second losing his focus.
“So, again, what makes you think Sephiroth is after her?” asked Tifa, still confused from the previous reply.
“He … spoke to me, in my dreams. The same way she did. He’s here, trust me” said Cloud. It hurt Cloud to even mention Aerith’s name. He was overcome with worry, although he would never directly show it. Tifa didn’t say anything else, she didn’t want to spoil what little conversation she drew from Cloud. Little by little, she would get him to open up, let her inside. ‘This might take some time’ she sighed, quietly.
<o></o>
The four made their way to the forgotten city, climbing over bones, helping each other along the path. Yuffie tried hard to be the first to jump acrobatically to the highest possible ledge, but Vincent was swift and caught up quickly. She wanted to be challenged; Vincent could never back down from a confrontation – one of his sins, and part of the reason why Hojo used him as an experiment. Yuffie was testing him, testing his skills. Tifa would lend Cloud a hand, but he was stubborn and tried himself. He didn’t want to appear weak in Tifa’s eyes, that was his last aim.
<o></o>
Soon, the group arrived at the top of the canyon, past the Sleeping Forest. At the top, there were three possible routes of which to follow. Cloud, up until then, had been feeling drawn to this area, taking him in the right direction. Now, he had no idea where he was, or even if he had been going the right way. It looked promising, considering the ancient buildings that had been constructed in the surrounding areas. There were glowing lights, radiating strange warmth. It was almost as if it was trying to speak to him. Maybe it was? Cloud was no Ancient, this was most definitely language used by the Cetra. He could tell that much.
<o></o>
After searching every area in vain, the group decided to retreat back to a room with four beds that they had stumbled upon in their search, conveniently.
“G’night … everyone. We’ll continue tomorrow,” whispered Cloud. He couldn’t help but fear that Sephiroth had already found Aerith before him.
“Nighty-night Vincent” giggled Yuffie. Never before had Vincent seen her giggle so much, with a grin upon her perfect face. He tried to reply, but found himself speechless, then nodded instead.
Tifa whispered to Cloud later that night, which she found awake, un-surprisingly. “She’s calling you, isn’t she?” she asked.
“I think so … I can almost feel her, reaching out, trying desperately to touch me…” Cloud replied. “I have to go look for her, Tifa, I have to.”
“Then I’m coming too, I’m not letting you go alone after her!” she insisted. “She’s my friend too and I don’t want to let her get hurt!” her voice was assertive, powerful, yet quiet.
“I suppose, once your mind is set, there’s no changing it, is there, Tifa?” agreed Cloud, reluctantly.
“I suppose you thought you were leaving without ME!?” interrupted Yuffie. There’s bound to be lots of Materia about, so I’m definitely coming!”
“I will also accompany you. If Sephiroth is present … then, well … I shall meet him. Cloud, don’t leave any of us behind” added Vincent. He almost found a smile, but the prospect was lost instantaneously.
“Guys … thanks” said Cloud, smiling and nodding gratefully.
<o></o>
Gathering their things, they group set off, following Cloud, who seemed to know exactly where he was going. He kept a constant thought of finding Aerith, smiling, laughing. That thought drove him forward.
“Cloud, how much farther do you think we … OH LOOK! MATERIA! Cloud, can I keep this? I did find it myself after all…” said Yuffie. Her face was alight, with a lovely attractive glow. It was strange that only Vincent caught this aspect of Yuffie, it was so obvious.
“Cloud, can I test it out, see what it does? Can I, can I?” she pleaded.
“Well … you did technically find it yourself. Vincent, what do you think?” asked Cloud, scratching his head, pondering.
“Tah … wha? Why would I care? You make it sound as though I know Yuffie better than any of you!” exclaimed Vincent, looking embarrassed. He was almost blushing.<o></o>
“Yuffie, just go for it” said Tifa, chuckling. She winked at Yuffie. Did she have ulterior intentions for the wink?<o></o>
Yuffie begain to examine the Materia for the instructions of use. “Alright … what’s this writing? Cool-men? Cat-mat? Oh, wait … COMET!”<o></o>
Suddenly, a monstrous roll of thunder started above them. The noise became louder, finally ripping a hole in the clouds above. Where the hole had been made, a small comet was rapidly descending to a large building. It crashed through the side of it, creating a perfectly circular break in the building.<o></o>
“Tifa! I can feel her again … follow that Comet!” exclaimed Cloud.<o></o>
“Bet you’re glad I found that, huh?” asked Yuffie, with a cocky attitude.<o></o>
<o></o>
The four arrived at the landing site quickly, thanks to transportation provided by a group of wild Chocobo’s conveniently running past. It wasn’t difficult to discover the area the comet had struck – there was a set of crystal stairs where a statue had once stood. The statue now lay several miles away, crumbled. No one had to ask where they were going next – they automatically ran straight toward the new set of stairs.<o></o>
<o></o>
The stair seemed to go on forever. All the journey, no one said a word. Vincent frequently found himself staring at Yuffie, after which he would slap himself conscious with his claw.<o></o>
<o></o>
Finally, they arrived. There were pillars standing supremely in a lake – beautiful, crystal pillars, creating a set of stairs leading to a crystal dome, inside of which sat Aerith, praying. Yuffie and Tifa began to excite themselves. Cloud quickly hushed them and started jumping between the large pillars. He signalled to Vincent when he attempted to follow.<o></o>
Cloud reached the top of the alter, but Aerith had her back to Cloud. Did she not see him? Was she concentrating?<o></o>
Cloud suddenly felt a sensation over-come him. He was over-powered; he lost control of his body. He began to drag his sword across the ground, despite his best efforts to fight this movement. He fought this strength – it was foreign, he was not doing this. He lifted his heavy Buster Sword above her head, and brought it far back behind he body. The weight must have been astronomical, because he was dragged backwards into the lake her tried for so long to cross. Yuffie found it in herself to be mature about this, and realise no matter how hysterically pathetic her friend was, she had to grow up at this time.<o></o>
<o></o>
“SEPHIROTH!” yelled Vincent.<o></o>
“Wait … wha? My name’s Yuffie!” exclaimed Yuffie, insulted.<o></o>
“No, Yuffie, look up! He’s above Aerith!” screamed Tifa.<o></o>
Cloud floundered about in the water like a fish on land. Sephiroth had begun his descent towards Aerith
<o></o>
<o></o>
<o></o>
“Cloud, hurry” shouted Yuffie.<o></o>
“Stuff you, Cloud, I guess I’ll have to be the one with the balls here!” said Tifa, anger building in her face. She ran at high speeds, up the pillars and into the dome where Aerith was praying. The dome was crystal, and Vincent, Yuffie and Cloud saw it all: Sephiroth's sword emerged from the breast of a woman. Panic eased its way into Clouds heart.<o></o>
<o></o>
<o></o>
END OF PART 1<o></o>
<o></o>
PART 2 TO FOLLOW SOON … <o></o>
<o></o>
REMINISCENCE:<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comfficeffice" /><o></o>
<o></o>
Cloud, Tifa, Yuffie and Vincent travelled through the vast forest beyond Bone Village. After excavating much treasure in the hunt for the Lunar Harp, the group were very tired. However, no matter how exhausted they were, they were persistent in finding Aerith.<o></o>
<o></o>
It wasn’t long before when she ran off, leaving her friends at the ruins of the Temple of the Ancients. During the visit, she had learned much of her origins and her existence, the legacy known as the Cetra. Sephiroth had paid a visit to the temple also, in hopes of obtaining the Black Materia, the key to summoning Meteor. Meteor was known as “The Ultimate Destructive Magic”. It would tear the planet asunder, a wound so deep that it would threaten the very life of the planet. Aerith knew of her position, she knew that only she could contact the planet and ask for help, using the power of Holy, the “Ultimate White Magic”. Knowing that the others could be of no physical help, she fled for the forgotten city, the City of the Ancients.
<o></o>
THE JOURNEY TO SAVE A FRIEND:<o></o>
<o></o>
Yuffie was becoming anxious. She was shocked at how quickly these people could forgive her after stealing from them. She was allowed no Materia on the road to finding Aerith. Vincent had picked up a piece of Materia known as Kjata, but she was denied it by Cloud, who still did not fully trust her again. Yuffie liked Vincent and respected him very much, but his recent cold-attitude towards her left her feeling alone. Was that longing she had seen in his eyes? Probably not, most likely just intelligence and deep thoughts, swirling around in his face, conveying supremacy. Yes, that would be it.
<o></o>
Tifa, naturally, was worried for Aerith. She did not want to lose a dear friend that she had gained, and she hated seeing Cloud like this: much more miserable and contained than he usually was. She still felt uncomfortable around Cloud, never admitting how she really felt, never showing her true emotions. Every now and then she would see Yuffie exchange a quick glance with Vincent. This didn’t matter to Tifa, whatever it was those two were doing: Tifa only cared for Cloud. She gazed at him, knowing she could never have him. He was in love with Aerith, not her. His mind was set.
“Cloud? How do you know that Aerith is here?” asked Tifa innocently, trying to break the uncomfortable silence.
“I just … know. She’s here, beyond this canyon,” replied Cloud. His facial expression remained frozen. His icy-blue eyes were fixed on the road ahead, never for one second losing his focus.
“So, again, what makes you think Sephiroth is after her?” asked Tifa, still confused from the previous reply.
“He … spoke to me, in my dreams. The same way she did. He’s here, trust me” said Cloud. It hurt Cloud to even mention Aerith’s name. He was overcome with worry, although he would never directly show it. Tifa didn’t say anything else, she didn’t want to spoil what little conversation she drew from Cloud. Little by little, she would get him to open up, let her inside. ‘This might take some time’ she sighed, quietly.
<o></o>
The four made their way to the forgotten city, climbing over bones, helping each other along the path. Yuffie tried hard to be the first to jump acrobatically to the highest possible ledge, but Vincent was swift and caught up quickly. She wanted to be challenged; Vincent could never back down from a confrontation – one of his sins, and part of the reason why Hojo used him as an experiment. Yuffie was testing him, testing his skills. Tifa would lend Cloud a hand, but he was stubborn and tried himself. He didn’t want to appear weak in Tifa’s eyes, that was his last aim.
<o></o>
Soon, the group arrived at the top of the canyon, past the Sleeping Forest. At the top, there were three possible routes of which to follow. Cloud, up until then, had been feeling drawn to this area, taking him in the right direction. Now, he had no idea where he was, or even if he had been going the right way. It looked promising, considering the ancient buildings that had been constructed in the surrounding areas. There were glowing lights, radiating strange warmth. It was almost as if it was trying to speak to him. Maybe it was? Cloud was no Ancient, this was most definitely language used by the Cetra. He could tell that much.
<o></o>
After searching every area in vain, the group decided to retreat back to a room with four beds that they had stumbled upon in their search, conveniently.
“G’night … everyone. We’ll continue tomorrow,” whispered Cloud. He couldn’t help but fear that Sephiroth had already found Aerith before him.
“Nighty-night Vincent” giggled Yuffie. Never before had Vincent seen her giggle so much, with a grin upon her perfect face. He tried to reply, but found himself speechless, then nodded instead.
Tifa whispered to Cloud later that night, which she found awake, un-surprisingly. “She’s calling you, isn’t she?” she asked.
“I think so … I can almost feel her, reaching out, trying desperately to touch me…” Cloud replied. “I have to go look for her, Tifa, I have to.”
“Then I’m coming too, I’m not letting you go alone after her!” she insisted. “She’s my friend too and I don’t want to let her get hurt!” her voice was assertive, powerful, yet quiet.
“I suppose, once your mind is set, there’s no changing it, is there, Tifa?” agreed Cloud, reluctantly.
“I suppose you thought you were leaving without ME!?” interrupted Yuffie. There’s bound to be lots of Materia about, so I’m definitely coming!”
“I will also accompany you. If Sephiroth is present … then, well … I shall meet him. Cloud, don’t leave any of us behind” added Vincent. He almost found a smile, but the prospect was lost instantaneously.
“Guys … thanks” said Cloud, smiling and nodding gratefully.
<o></o>
Gathering their things, they group set off, following Cloud, who seemed to know exactly where he was going. He kept a constant thought of finding Aerith, smiling, laughing. That thought drove him forward.
“Cloud, how much farther do you think we … OH LOOK! MATERIA! Cloud, can I keep this? I did find it myself after all…” said Yuffie. Her face was alight, with a lovely attractive glow. It was strange that only Vincent caught this aspect of Yuffie, it was so obvious.
“Cloud, can I test it out, see what it does? Can I, can I?” she pleaded.
“Well … you did technically find it yourself. Vincent, what do you think?” asked Cloud, scratching his head, pondering.
“Tah … wha? Why would I care? You make it sound as though I know Yuffie better than any of you!” exclaimed Vincent, looking embarrassed. He was almost blushing.<o></o>
“Yuffie, just go for it” said Tifa, chuckling. She winked at Yuffie. Did she have ulterior intentions for the wink?<o></o>
Yuffie begain to examine the Materia for the instructions of use. “Alright … what’s this writing? Cool-men? Cat-mat? Oh, wait … COMET!”<o></o>
Suddenly, a monstrous roll of thunder started above them. The noise became louder, finally ripping a hole in the clouds above. Where the hole had been made, a small comet was rapidly descending to a large building. It crashed through the side of it, creating a perfectly circular break in the building.<o></o>
“Tifa! I can feel her again … follow that Comet!” exclaimed Cloud.<o></o>
“Bet you’re glad I found that, huh?” asked Yuffie, with a cocky attitude.<o></o>
<o></o>
The four arrived at the landing site quickly, thanks to transportation provided by a group of wild Chocobo’s conveniently running past. It wasn’t difficult to discover the area the comet had struck – there was a set of crystal stairs where a statue had once stood. The statue now lay several miles away, crumbled. No one had to ask where they were going next – they automatically ran straight toward the new set of stairs.<o></o>
<o></o>
The stair seemed to go on forever. All the journey, no one said a word. Vincent frequently found himself staring at Yuffie, after which he would slap himself conscious with his claw.<o></o>
<o></o>
Finally, they arrived. There were pillars standing supremely in a lake – beautiful, crystal pillars, creating a set of stairs leading to a crystal dome, inside of which sat Aerith, praying. Yuffie and Tifa began to excite themselves. Cloud quickly hushed them and started jumping between the large pillars. He signalled to Vincent when he attempted to follow.<o></o>
Cloud reached the top of the alter, but Aerith had her back to Cloud. Did she not see him? Was she concentrating?<o></o>
Cloud suddenly felt a sensation over-come him. He was over-powered; he lost control of his body. He began to drag his sword across the ground, despite his best efforts to fight this movement. He fought this strength – it was foreign, he was not doing this. He lifted his heavy Buster Sword above her head, and brought it far back behind he body. The weight must have been astronomical, because he was dragged backwards into the lake her tried for so long to cross. Yuffie found it in herself to be mature about this, and realise no matter how hysterically pathetic her friend was, she had to grow up at this time.<o></o>
<o></o>
“SEPHIROTH!” yelled Vincent.<o></o>
“Wait … wha? My name’s Yuffie!” exclaimed Yuffie, insulted.<o></o>
“No, Yuffie, look up! He’s above Aerith!” screamed Tifa.<o></o>
Cloud floundered about in the water like a fish on land. Sephiroth had begun his descent towards Aerith
<o></o>
<o></o>
<o></o>
“Cloud, hurry” shouted Yuffie.<o></o>
“Stuff you, Cloud, I guess I’ll have to be the one with the balls here!” said Tifa, anger building in her face. She ran at high speeds, up the pillars and into the dome where Aerith was praying. The dome was crystal, and Vincent, Yuffie and Cloud saw it all: Sephiroth's sword emerged from the breast of a woman. Panic eased its way into Clouds heart.<o></o>
<o></o>
<o></o>
END OF PART 1<o></o>
<o></o>
PART 2 TO FOLLOW SOON … <o></o>
<o></o>