The FF7 Experience: (Chapter 16: That Magic Place in the Sky)
Author stuff: I’ve been forgetting to do this at the start of each chapter…I do not own Final Fantasy 7 or any or if characters. Also, thank Frankto for his betaing and proofreading skillZ.
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I took several moments to study myself, dressed in these new clothes. There was no mirror in the tent, so I had to scan down my body with my eyes and formulate a mental image. The loose white T-shirt was too large for me. The bottom almost touched my knees and the short arm sleeves my elbows. It must have belonged to a rather big person. My jeans fit rather nicely, though they were torn in several places. Thankfully, none were in any compromising areas.
The small weapon holder off my old set of clothes was placed with my new-old garments. It was a small but strong strap with a lock for the shaft of my scythe. I listened for the click as my weapon went in to its usual place, before setting my money and item pouches on the belt of my pants. My cell phone went in the front pockets.
One wonders what my face looks like right now, I’m sure it’s quite bad. The water in the mountain area was not that clean and I fell in the dirt a number of times. Combine that with sweat, perhaps blood from the monsters I had killed, and I likely am a mess. Still, I’d gotten used to that by now. It no longer concerned me when total strangers would eye me from head to toe.
With everything in place, I stepped towards the edge of the dirt stained white tent and unzipped the flap. I poked my head out and glanced around the village for someone familiar. The townspeople were still going about their business, disassembling trash they had found, or building this and that. I couldn’t see anyone familiar yet.
With my hands, I pulled the opening of the tent apart and slipped through. This simple action alone made it feel like this dismal little world was a part of me again. It was all too easy to hear the murmurs of the hungry and to see the permanent frowns of the many. I looked down to the ground, finding myself anxious to get out of here and in to the more welcoming scenery the Gold Saucer would give.
I wandered through the town some, still weary of sharp trash. I tried to ignore the townsfolk and find instead, those who I knew. I had checked where Cloud and Tifa were last, but to no avail. They must have moved. Fortunately for me, this place, while bigger than it had been in the game, was not all that large.
A nearby man moved past me, almost close enough that our arms brushed. I turned around slowly and cleared my throat to catch his attention.
“Excuse me, sir.” I stated.
The man stopped and turned around. I caught site of a liquor bottle in his hand, which swayed about with his equally wobbly form.
“Have you seen the people I came here with?”
His head bobbed from side to side as a drunkards grin formed on his face His eyes flared open for a second, as though he had caught himself trying to sleep standing. With a less than graceful motion, he threw his arm in the direction of the western side of town where the ropeway could be found. I reached out and steadied him as he nearly fell and nodded my head lightly.
“Thank you.” And for his trouble, and no doubt because of some pity I had felt, I slipped a 500 gil coin in to his hand and was off. Perhaps he didn’t care, or maybe it took him a while to realize what I had done, but he did nothing to say thanks. I wasn’t fishing for compliments anyhow.
It didn’t take long for me to cross over to the other side of the village; less than five minutes in fact. Sure enough, I could see most of the group waiting in their new outfits.
Cloud looked unusual in a pair of jeans and a matching jean jacket. The tacky blue set up didn’t do him or his giant sword much justice, which, by the way, I could see he had already bought the ‘Force Stealer’ from that man already.
Tifa was next to him, ready to use him for support at a moments notice should the strength in her legs leave her. The long and deep cut that had been made by the knife slash had been dissolved by strong healing magic, but some of the pain and ache no doubt remained. Her clothing did not change a great deal. She had a simple white shirt and black sweat pants. Same colors, only less revealing, really.
Red waited silently, sitting on his hind legs and lost in whatever thoughts the little creature may have.
While jogging closer to the group, I couldn’t help but notice that Barret hadn’t changed. He’d thrown away his jacket since it was wet and torn up, but there was no replacement. His bare chest was exposed with its hulking muscular glory. His pants were the same as before, still wet and cold. I’m not sure if they didn’t give him anything or if he just didn’t accept it, but best not to ask.
The group was a few meters away from a set of stairs that would lead to the railway. I leaned against the wall in the back of the group and looked ahead, finding that there was an almost immediate transition from one place to another. The railway had nicely paved walkways and stairs, all of a shimmering golden brown likeness. The man at the ticket stand was well groomed and dressed in a blue uniform. The railway itself was very large, easily big enough to fit a dozen people by my guess. It was lined with a reflective blue metal. I couldn’t see the interior, but I’m sure it was equally fancy.
But the most notable thing, in my opinion, was that there was a set of stairs leading out of Corel. In the game, you had to go through the rundown place to get here, but in this world it was quite different. Why might this be significant? Because now anyone that went to the Saucer or back would never have to set foot in Corel…in all probability, people ignore that place like the plague unless they are one of the ones unfortunate enough to live there.
I’d thought of saying something, but really, I didn’t need to. No doubt, Aeris and Yuffie would be here soon. We just needed to wait.
I lowered myself on to the ground and sat cross legged, setting my scythe down next to me. When I think about it, I’ve dropped this weapon far too often. There may come a time when I won’t be able to retrieve it in time, or I won’t have anyone else there to cover me while I get it. I need to learn to keep a tight hold, no matter how hard of a hit I take.
My eyes slipped shut and I waited. I did not think, nor did I focus on anything happening around me. I just let time pass emptily.
I don’t know how much time had flown before I heard a double set of footsteps from off to the side. The first set was a little faster while the other seemed delayed and almost had a limp to it. It took a few seconds for me to become aware. I opened my eyes, feeling more tired than I had previously. Still, I turned my head to the side and watched as Aeris and Yuffie came closer.
Aeris was in a simple sleeveless red dress. It had no special designs of any kind and was long enough to touch her ankles. She’d never be able to move around properly in a fight with that on. From behind, Yuffie appeared mostly awake now. She skidded forward with dragging feet in a pair of tight cobalt overalls.
I stood up with a light grunt, expecting that we would soon be moving. A quick look around said everyone else had similar thoughts.
“How are you feeling, Yuffie?” Cloud asked calmly.
In reply, the girl sputtered a single word; “Crap.”
Our spiky haired leader only nodded, somewhat solemnly. He turned around and pointed with his hand towards the still motionless ropeway. “We can all get some sleep once we reach the Gold Saucer. Hang in there until then, everyone.”
The group was almost silent, save for the inaudible grumblings a few of us gave. Almost begrudgingly, we moved for the ropeway with Barret ahead of us all. To my mild surprise, he did not stay behind to share with us the story of his past, but rather, he moved on ahead and slipped inside before anyone could ask. Perhaps he was too tired and too stressed at the moment to go in to it, or maybe he’d share it inside. It was of little concern to me really, having already heard it when I played the game a little over a year ago.
There were a number of people moving around the station, but by strange coincidence, none were going to the Saucer it seemed. That left the cart open to us, which looked to be spacious enough to fit us all.
There were seats made of tanned brown leather lined along the inside. Most were forward facing with the exception of two sideways benches on each region at the back. A few dozen could fit in here by the looks of it, but poles were distributed at different points incase some were forced to stand.
My feet clunked on the hollowed out floor and bits of wet mud on my shoe stuck on to the once clean golden coverings. I glanced towards the front, where a uniformed man watched us all through his rear view mirror, waiting for us to be seated before departing. Turning back to the group, I took a spot on a sideways bench and let out a tired groan.
The door slid shut after a minute and the vessel began to hum and rumble as it set off. Through the window on my right, I watched Corel slowly pass by and be replaced by heaps of rocky mountains and a vast field of greenery. I could make out a large structure far off; a towering golden mass with saucers jutting out from the center tower in every direction. Below, I could see a sandy terrain much different from the ground we were currently passing over. If memory served me correctly, and I’m sure it did, that was the Corel prison and also where the Ruby weapon would be some time later on.
I grunted a ‘bah’ at the thought of the Weapons. When ever I would think of battles that would have to be fought in the future, I always stopped around what was the second disc in the game. My hope is that we never ever have to fight any non-mandatory Weapon. Simply put, I think we’d be killed.
At the back, Tifa decided on taking a small nap. She had been sitting next to Cloud and unconsciously slumped to his side until she was leaning up against him with her head on his shoulder. Not wanting to wake her, he merely watched the passing fields.
Ten minutes later, we began to pass over the desert prison. The people who resided there were closer to the actual tower structure I believe, but at this height, I wouldn’t be able to see anyone no matter where they were. The railway began lifting upwards more and more, and the entire sky seemed to change color. The clear blue sky was replaced by a dark night time feel as fireworks exploded left and right in a flash of wonderful colors. The happy and fun filled atmosphere that seemed to naturally cling to this place was already affecting my spirits.
Forgetting my tiredness for the moment, I perked up in my seat and peered ahead as far as I could. I could see the Golden Saucer was much closer now. Rollercoaster’s flew by and excited screams carried through the air for one brief moment before dying out. All the saucers and sections that had once been so indistinct were now quite clear to me. Houses and holographic images coupled with special effects and lighting made each area seem quite unique.
Up ahead, the image of a large white cat opening its mouth was revealed. We passed through, and for one small instant, everything seemed completely pitch dark. An instant later, we were inside the Gold Saucer. The transit began to slow until it finally stopped and lowered itself down, closer to the ground.
You know, I’m thankful that this place doesn’t actually play the theme music like it did in the game. That got annoying pretty damn fast.
Along with the others, I stood and double checked my pouch to ensure I had enough money for the entry fee and hadn’t miscounted before. Sure enough, I did have enough plus a small amount extra.
The lift remained stationary as we disembarked. Others quickly loaded up once we were clear. I took this moment to look around more. The area appeared a bit cartoony with its blend of light colors and the mirage of childish images mashed around on the walls and floors; of chocobos and moogles and the like.
For the most part, those who wandered around the station would recognize the state we were in and would move for us. The rest needed a harsh glare from Barret before they’d clear away. When we reached the secondary entrance, the head of a white cat with its mouth opened wide, a young blonde haired woman greeted us energetically.
“Welcome to the Gold Saucer.” She smiled. The girl looked to be in her early twenties and was dressed in a tight black jacket with pink seams running along the edges. “Are you all together? A single pass costs 3000 gil, or you can purchase a lifetime pass for 30,000 gil.” I have to wonder how many times she’s gone through that same routine.
Cloud gave a brief nod and turned to us all as he shuffled through his coin pouch with one hand. He glanced between us all, mentally calculating what the total would be.
“Wow, 21,000 gil…” Aeris murmured. “That seems like a lot.”
The girl tilted her head, “Would you like to get a group pass? For groups between five and eight, it’s only 10,000 gil.”
Gosh, those are some exceptional savings. We’d be crazy not to take advantage of that explosive offer.
I grunted as Yuffie suddenly jabbed me in the ribs with her elbow. “Only, she says. We could buy some good materia for that.”
I rubbed my side with my hand and took a step away from Yuffie. With my ribs still aching, I didn’t want another one of those.
Cloud drew out 10,000 in gil coins, paying in increments of one thousand. He dropped them all in the woman’s cupped hands and she placed them in a register before giving him a small bundle of tickets to distribute.
“Have a good time.” She commented. She shuffled out of our way and allowed us inside.
Light blends of yellow coated the floors and walls. Circular openings leading to slides branched off in to the different areas of the Saucer and each would be labeled by a painted mural on the ground. Against the back wall, there was a map of the area and a labeling of all the different areas and activities.
We followed along until we were in the center of the room, when Cloud stopped suddenly and began checking each section one at a time, probably trying to see which leads to an Inn.
Aeris placed her hands behind her back and locked her gaze on the Haunted Square. She cleared her throat lightly and pointed once Cloud looked her way.
“It’s that one.” The mural beneath the entrance showed a brown house made of boards amongst a dark night with little white blobs, presumably ghosts, floating around in the sky.
“You sure? That looks like a Haunted house to me.” Cloud said.
“I’m sure. I’ve been here before.”
“Hm.” Cloud looked ahead “with your old boyfriend, right?”
Barret grunted roughly and moved past us all. He turned abruptly and pointed accusingly at the whole lot of us. “We goin’ or what? What’s with all this damn gibber gabber?” and without even awaiting a response, he went on ahead of us.
Reactions varied amongst the group. Cloud was solid as a rock, and from the look on his face you’d get the impression nothing had happened at all. Yuffie snorted in a snide fashion, turning away from the hole Barret had descended down, as though he had still been standing there.
“I guess he’s still grumpy…” Aeris frowned.
Cloud shrugged. “Whatever the reason, let’s just give him his space until he calms down.”
A few things stuck out as I looked around. The first was a stairwell in the floor leading downwards. According to a sign near the well, it led to a shuttle that moved around the Gold Saucer, in the event of a person being handicapped or they just didn’t want to go down the slides. The second thing I had noticed was the addition of 2 squares that hadn’t been present in the game; ‘Shopping Square’ and ‘Pub Square’. It seems to be a continuation of this whole ‘bigger than in the game’ theme. It makes sense, I suppose. Having a place to shop and eat is good business.
Cloud went in first with Tifa, helping her climb in to the tube before watching her slide. He followed soon after along with Aeris and Yuffie. Red went before me, with some difficulties.
After one last look around the area, I prepared to slide down myself.
“Hey, did you hear?” the voice of a near by man caught my interest. My experience in gaming was telling me whatever this man was going to say would have some relevance. I glanced at a short man with a bow tie whom was speaking to a taller red head.
“They say a replacement for the Vice-General of SOLDIER has been found…and it’s a woman!” he exclaimed.
I waited for some elaboration, but the listener merely hummed with disinterest before turning away. With that little tidbit out in the open, I removed my scythe and held it close to my body before pushing down the slide.
It was a bit dark and somewhat slow at first, but every few seconds, a sudden burst of air would rush through the slide and send me forward faster and faster, until I could see the end. There was no light at the end of this tunnel, as it had been the Haunted Square and all.
As I neared the end, I slid my weapon forward so it would come out first. It hit the ground with a light clang before I slowed down to a stop. I stood up and scanned the overly misted ground for my weapon. Much to my annoyance, the effects seemed a bit overdone, so I had to place my hand on the ground and feel around for it.
I looked up and found that some of the others were up most of the stairs leading to the mansion. I took a step forward and suddenly felt a chill run down my spine as the whole image of this place settled in. For a brief instant, I could recall all the images and feelings from my more recent flashback. It was as though Diablos was breathing down my neck behind me. I glanced over my shoulder and found nothing.
Once the chill subsided, I picked up my pace and began to jog up the stony steps until I had caught up with Red. A flash of lightning streaked the simulated sky, producing a loud and rippling boom.
It was a bit unnerving for this place to have such a familiar feel. In some sense, all places I visit did, as I would recall passing by in the game. But here it was more; everything from the sights and sounds to the very atmosphere felt the same as it had in my more recent memory. In fact, the images and experiences in the last one were much more vivid than usual.
As Yuffie went inside the mansion, Red picked up his pace and ran through the door before it closed itself. I placed my hand flat on the door and pushed it open further to slip inside. The moment I was inside, all of the continual sounds I had been listening to a moment ago ceased, as though the walls were designed to keep them out.
Blood red carpets covering nearly every inch of the lobby floor and a chandelier hung over head, covered in webs and giving a very lax lighting to the room. A few candles and lamps had been spread out across the lobby area, but they seemed mostly for decorative purposes.
Cloud spoke with the innkeeper while the rest of the group stood a small ways back, waiting patiently. I took my place in a gap between Tifa and Aeris and folded my arms.
A minute later, Cloud turned with a handful of black-grey keys. Hey moved them all to one hand and wrapped his fingers around the circular chains at each key’s end.
“Hey…” Yuffie pointed at the items dangling within our leaders grasp. I mentally counted up the number and found a few to be missing.
“Sorry.” Cloud said, “Rooms are expensive here and we need to save money for new clothes. There’s going to have to be some sharing.” He lifted one key and passed it to Aeris. “You and Tifa in one” another went to Barret, “You and Red”
Seeing that only two keys remained, Yuffie quickly stepped forward and yanked one out of Cloud’s hands.
“Looks like you and I will have to share, Cloud. Try not to take advantage of little old me cuz I’m sexy and all.” And for good measure, she winked with a mild blush to her cheeks.
Cloud rolled his eyes, “Sure.” He tossed me the last set of keys, figuring it obvious that I had been granted my own room.
As everyone departed for the night, I checked the key to see which room was mine. My feet clunked on the stairs as I walked with heavy feet. I almost thought that by some twist of fate, I’d be given the same room I had with Erika. But none of us had that one, it seemed.
“Good night.” I said, to any who were still around to hear it. I didn’t bother checking, and instead entered in to my room.
It was small and had a single bed in the corner of the room. The carpets were of the same color as those in the lobby, but sets of chains and laid about the floor not far from the gray stony walls.
Almost the moment the door had shut, I began to toss everything; my scythe, items, and money, and settle in to bed. The feel of soft coverings and a well fluffed pillow was so very inviting. In a matter of minutes, I was sound asleep. I imagine the others were just as quick.
What had begun as a simple lack of awareness that is usually associated with sleep soon began to change. A form of consciousness began to build until I had become aware even without being awake. There was no sight or sound, but these things soon emerged.
The darkness was replaced by a chilling blue ice. A floor, walls, and ceiling began creeping along, becoming more and more distinct with each passing second. Finally, this frozen little room had a definite form.
I glanced down at my arm and made a conscious effort to move it left and right. While its movement did seem choppy, I had full control over it. It wasn’t a flash back; I knew that much.
The room was covered in solid ice in each direction, but no doors or windows could be seen. I was beyond confused, and the powerful chill this room brought about led me to think this wasn’t a simple dream either.
Confused and dazed, I glanced around frantically for something. I don’t know what I was looking for…perhaps an exit, or something I could identify. So long as it brought some clarity, I didn’t care a whole lot.
But there was nothing. I checked my back and waist, finding no weapon or items of any kind.
“Hey!” I shouted. No answer came.
I rubbed my hands along my bare arms and stepped towards the center of this little room. My feet slid across the ground with ease.
Where was the light coming from? It wasn’t dark by any means, but there was no source for light to enter.
Continuing with my examination, I had to do my best to hold back any restlessness I was experiencing. I had to focus.
Crouching down to my knees, I felt the cold floor numb away at my legs. With my bare and gloveless hand, I rubbed it along the azure blue surface and quickly pulled back. I glanced at my red hand which felt chilled to the bone.
I stood back up and felt my mind race again; thoughts such as “am I going to freeze to death” and “where the fuck am I” would not cease. I was getting a headache, but at the same time, my chest felt hot with frustration.
“Hey!” I shouted again.
After seconds, I wanted to yell again, but I could hear something. The light tapping of footsteps seemed to echo through out the room. I spun around, searching all directions to see where it had come from.
Within my line of sight, a near transparent form was approaching; how it got in, I’m not sure. The form became more and more visible as it walked closer, until finally it was fully translucent.
A sleek and feminine woman ran a hand through her deep blue hair, causing shards of ice to fall to the ground and shatter. The woman’s skin was a light cerulean, and dark streaks covered her naked body. Her eyes were of yet another tone that seemed to match this room well. Moving beyond just the color, her eyes looked cold and emotionless. They had little sympathy. In fact, there was almost an air of amusement wrapped around this woman…she enjoyed my little freak-out.
“How sad it was to watch.” She commented listlessly. “You lost your head so quickly.” Her voice was near monotone, making only slight variations when she wanted to sound scornful.
It didn’t take long to understand who this woman was; her appearance alone made it rather obvious. It was Shiva, the ice summon.
Although I wanted to yell at her and vent some of my anger, I knew enough to figure that I was at her mercy. She could very well leave me here to die.
“What’s going on?” I said as neutrally as possible.
A light frown played about her pale lips.
“As you have no doubt gathered, I am Shiva. I have discovered that you have equipped my corresponding materia with the intention of using my power. Correct?”
I nodded slowly.
“Then I am here to tell you quite plainly that I have no interest in helping you.” And without bothering to explain why, she left me to respond however I saw fit.
I had to spend a number of moments in thought, pondering why this was so as well as where I was. I would have taken longer had another chill not crept up my spine and given me incentive to hurry this along.
“Why?” I asked.
Shiva knitted her eyebrows together and began to pace around me in a circle, as if sizing me up.
“I don’t like you.”
I began to follow her with my eyes slowly as she went on.
“Those like my self once thrived on this planet. However, those days have long since passed. We left to another world, in much the same way as the Cetra. However, some of us still had an interest in this planet’s welfare. I am one of those spirits.”
I rubbed my arms faster and faster as my body slowly went numb. That bitch—she was doing this on purpose—taking her time with a story while I freeze.
Shiva’s frown began to turn, as though my thoughts had been projected aloud.
“We can now only subsist in this world for short periods of time before we are forced to return. The red materia is a method of calling us in to this world. Historically, we’ve existed to aid whatever side of our choosing when conflicts arise. The war between the Shinra and Wutai is a good example of this.”
My teeth began to chatter. “What does that have to do with anything?” I said bitterly.
Shiva stopped her pacing and folded her arms, offering an annoyed glare.
“In this instance, the conflict is between your selves, Shinra, and Jenova. Your cause is one I can agree with, but I see nothing praise worthy about you. My suggestion is that you give me to someone else amongst your group. You are the last one I would offer my services too.” she spoke venomously.
I hated this woman. As I watched her self righteously presume she knew me with any real depth, I grew more and more angry, such that I couldn’t even stop my face from showing it. My eyes narrowed as I clenched my teeth together.
“You don’t know—“
“I do.” She interrupted. “I make a habit of knowing anyone who would seek to use me. I know where you came from and everything you have done. I know the kind of person you are. You’re weak.”
I blinked rapidly, trying to digest this. How? How was it possible that she knew? And how did she bring me here?
Again she smirked.
“You look surprised. Do not under estimate our power. There are those of us who could lay waste to cities and landscapes with a wave of the hand. Through the link materia provides, we spirits are able to enter your consciousness while you sleep. This here…” she gestured around the room with her hands, “…is a small space in that link where we might meet. Before anyone is allowed to summon, a meeting must take place and a verbal contract must be drawn out.”
So she did know me. There was something very unsettling inside me now. Perhaps it was an overwhelming feeling of rejection. My eyes traced down towards the floor.
“But you are fortunate.” She continued, “Death here means the return to your own world. I am feeling particularly merciful. I’ll allow you a doorway out.”
Just past Shiva’s shoulder, I could see a rectangular section in the thick wall of ice began to melt away, revealing a wooden doorway.
“When you are able to take things in to your own hands and stand on your own two feet as such to my satisfaction, perhaps I’ll reconsider.” She spun on her heel gracefully, turning her back to me. I watched her retreating form slowly fade from sight.
I let out a cold breath and watched the visible air disperse before me. I got past the initial shock of the harsh dismissal I had just received and hurriedly trotted for the door. In one fast motion, I grabbed the handle, turned, and yanked the door open.
I awoke strait away, swinging myself up in to a sitting position. As though still affected by the cold, goose bumps crept up and down my body. I hugged my knees and began to mutter a string of quite, confidential curses. All the anger I neglected to show what felt like moments ago was being vented out within the confines of this room. I swore again and again and pictured myself hacking that damned woman apart with my scythe.
Another shiver approached, but not one born out of coldness. Rather, it was directed at the thoughts I had been taking such satisfaction from. It makes me wonder what kind of person I’m becoming. In that moment when I stood before her, her gaze alone seemed to pierce right through me. She knew everything about me and found nothing at all exceptional.
It didn’t take long for me to grow tired of all this inner angst and self-pity. I swung my feet off the bed and began putting everything I had left on the floor back on. I didn’t care to check the time, though I did offer that seemingly innocent red orb in my weapon a glare.
I’ll say this: Shiva is one cold bitch.
With my low cut borrowed clothing and my weapons and items with me know, I had considered hucking Shiva’s orb out the window or attempting to shatter it, but something inside me resisted. I could give it to someone else, of course…but more importantly, I now have this insatiable urge to hang on to it and prove her wrong somehow.
For now, I left the Haunted Square. I had asked the innkeeper to tell everyone I’d gotten up early and left. Really, I wasn’t sure that this was early. It was more of a feeling that it was early; perhaps because I still felt so damn tired.
The ride back to the station was a quiet one. The only way back was to take a lift, since the traditional method used in the game posed some safety problems I suppose. When I got off and went up the set of stairs leading to the station, I found the place to be almost completely dead, and with good reason; according to a digital clock suspended from the ceiling, it wasn’t even six in the morning.
I rubbed my eyes tiredly and chose to go to the shopping square first. It resembled a large and multi-colored Wal-mart from back home. Scores of isles were lined up with the occasional groupings of people going back and forth with baskets in hand. Smaller goods people could just take with them, but if they bought too much or something to large to take back via the lift, the Saucer had a delivery service that would make rounds on a transport ship, bringing their goods to them at home.
Curious; how did I know that. Just like that, it seemed a small fragment of a memory the alternate ‘Grant’ had popped up. There was no flash and no lapse in consciousness. That small little fact quietly crept in on me.
I moved past the baskets since all I would need are clothes. I had no trouble moving in between isles, since it seemed most of the people in the Gold Saucer were still in bed. I examined the hanging signs for one labeled ‘Clothing department’. It didn’t take long to find.
In the men’s section alone, there was such a vast assortment of clothing. It ranged from casual, to business like, to combat designed. After pacing down the isles for a good thirty minutes, stopping to deliberate here and there, something caught my eye.
The first article was a long sleeved black jacket which trailed close to the floor like a cape. A section was opened in the front to allow the wearers legs to still move freely. A matching pair of black pants seemed to come with the set. I held it all over my spare arm and sought out a few more things.
Before leaving the isle, I yanked a sleeveless sand colored vest off a rack and felt at it with my fingers. The material was thicker than my previous vest and only a little heavier. Lastly, I picked out a pair of black, fingerless gloves with light metal platings on the back of the hand.
With my new set up chosen, I waited in line and paid like any normal person. It occurred to me that I’d need to change right away or I’d be carrying this all around wherever I went. Since I didn’t much feel like going back to the hotel, I slipped inside a spare changing room to change.
My mirror image was looking half decent today, especially compared to yesterday. I turned left and right, admiring my new attire. The vest didn’t quite match all the black I was wearing, but I still liked it. I walked back and forth within the enclosed space a few times; making sure the cape segment wasn’t too long. Thankfully, it never once imbalanced me or got caught under my feet, regardless of what positions or poses I tried. Additionally, my weapon holder and all my pouches fit perfectly.
By now, I was in desperate need of some food and a coffee. The last time I had eaten was a day ago when we all had breakfast in Costa Del Sol, and while my eyes felt awake, my body always seemed to feel a lack of energy until I had a coffee for the morning.
The Restaurant Square had seen much more activity by this time. It was a little after seven by the time I got there, and a number of early risers or people pulling all nighters were scattered around the area. I got in line and ordered a breakfast combo; bacon and eggs with hash browns and a coffee.
It felt good to sit back and slowly sip on a coffee. I picked away at my food little by little and thought a few things over. I still need to call Glen and have him give me Marlene’s number. Barret would probably want to talk to her as soon as possible, especially since he’s in such a bad mood. Also, maybe I should try Erika again.
The cell phone Erika had given me snapped open as I pulled it out from my new vest. I scanned through the speed dial, skipping over Glen’s number; he may still be asleep. The little digital numbers were right before me, with my thumb dangling over the dial button. Strangely, something held me back from calling her. While I realize that she might have something important to say, this is one of the few times where I’ll get to relax. Sometime later today, I will likely end up in the Corel Desert Prison.
I slipped the phone shut and slid it back in my pocket, deciding to call her later, or better yet, let her call me.
I lounged around for nearly an hour before I had left the square. My destination was the Saucer’s station, but I didn’t know what to do beyond that yet. When I got off the lift, I took a moment to survey all the different possible places I could go.
From my peripheral vision, I could see a blond haired man walking in my direction. I glanced to the side and soon recognized him as Cloud. From the looks of things, he’d already picked up a new set of clothes: a navy blue muscle shirt with black vertical streaks, long navy pants, buckles for his pouches, and his latest gigantic sword.
“Morning.” I greeted.
“Morning.” Cloud waved lightly. He took up a spot next to me and folded his arms, checking all the different areas as I had been not long ago. “Up early?”
I shrugged, “Yeah. I had trouble getting a good sleep so I took care of shopping early. You had problems too, I guess?”
Beneath Cloud’s mako blue eyes, I could see faint black circles. What had been keeping him awake, I had to wonder? Perhaps it was worry, or bad dreams. He gave a long and drawn out breath, but didn’t actually answer.
“I’ve been asking around, seeing if anyone has seen Sephiroth recently.”
“And? Any luck?”
“Yes, actually. I’ll explain when everyone gets here.” Noting my mild look of confusion, Cloud elaborated. “I’d told everyone to meet at the station here around eight, remember?”
I must have been distracted or too far behind to hear at the time.
“Ah. I must have forgotten.”
Cloud merely tilted his head, showing he had at least been listening. The spiky haired blond gazed around, presumably looking for signs of the others.
In these passing minutes, my mind drew blanks for any conversation starters. I’d thought of Shiva again and her words; part of me wanted to bring that up to Cloud. I don’t know what I’d say, really, but even if I did, everyone has enough of their own problems at the moment. I think I’ll keep this to myself.
Little by little, the crew began to show. Aeris was the first, and most punctual of the lot. She gave a small yawn upon leaving the lift and waved a good morning to us. Her spirits seemed as high as ever, at least on the outside. She had yet to buy herself a new set of clothing.
Red followed, with a much more stiff and formal greeting. He softly spoke of the reason for his tardiness; he had trouble getting on any lifts by himself.
Tifa and Yuffie came last, both still in their temporary clothing. Whatever greeting Tifa had made was quickly drowned out by Yuffie’s own.
With the group together, everyone seemed to notice the missing member, but no one had really said anything about it. Keeping with his ‘leave him alone’ philosophy, Cloud spoke as though all had been present.
“Good morning. I’ll make this quick so you can all get in to something a little more comfortable.” Cloud scratched the back of his head for a moment before making the jump to ‘serious leader’. “I’ve been talking to a number of people this morning, and while most didn’t have anything useful to say, the Saucer’s owner said something interesting.”
“I hear he wears a Speedo” Yuffie commented unhelpfully.
Cloud ignored her offhanded comment, “Sephiroth had been here and asked about something called the ‘Black Materia’.”
“Black Materia?” Yuffie cut in again. She scrunched her nose and looked serious for a moment, willing all her knowledge of materia to produce something. “I’ve never heard of it, and that’s telling you something.”
Red stepped forward and seated himself on the floor before the group. “In my years at Cosmo Canyon, I can not say that I have heard of such materia either.”
Tifa placed a hand on her hip and hummed lightly before turning to Aeris. “Maybe it’s an Ancient thing? Have you heard of it, Aeris?”
The woman could only shake her head cluelessly.
“Whatever it is,” Cloud said, “we at least have some understanding of Sephiroth’s goal. If he’s asking about it, then he obviously doesn’t know where it is. So long as we can meet him before he finds it or find it first, we won’t have anything to worry about.”
“Except the actual meeting we’re bound to have with him.” Yuffie added pointedly.
“We’ll be ready for him.” Cloud glared.
As though sensing the small tension that was beginning to grow, Aeris stepped in to change the flow. “Hey, Cloud?” abruptly, she grabbed his hands and turned towards the Shopping Square. “Since everyone needs to shop, why don’t we have a bit of fun while we’re here too? Maybe you can help me pick something out?” she suggested sweetly.
An almost unimpressed look came over Tifa, and she soon showed a strange interest in the floor at her feet. Aeris had done exactly what she had planned to do, only sooner.
“I suppose, as long as it doesn’t prevent us from leaving early.” Cloud agreed.
With business apparently taken care of, Cloud left us all to our own devices as he set off for the Shopping Square with Aeris. Without even making a parting comment to Tifa, the amber eyed woman almost looked stung, yet it didn’t take long for her to suck it up and go on as though everything were fine.
Yuffie paced forward with her thumbs tucked under the straps of her overalls. “Damn, I wanted to go with Cloud.” Her pout ended seconds later, when she spun around on her foot and showcased a wide grin. “So, who wants to go with me?”
I’d been quiet up until now, not wanting to say anything about the Black Materia, but now I felt the urge to make myself heard again.
“I would, but I’ve already got my stuff and I don’t want to go back.”
“Fine, whatever. Anyone else?” Yuffie asked.
Tifa smiled and set her gloves hand on Yuffie’s shoulder. “I’d love too. Maybe we can pick something out for each other?”
“Oh? Sure, you could use my fashion sense.”
I had to snerk as I walked for the Wonder Square. I stopped to glance down at the motionless red feline at my feet. “Red, why don’t you come along?”
He shook his head, “I would not fare well in the world of electronic gaming devices.”
“Arcades.” I smirked, “And I’m sure there’s something you can play. If not, your IQ would probably help me win stuff. At least for the company?”
Red straitened out and lifted his tail up high, taking a moment to stretch out and shake his flame red mane.
“Very well.”
I had insisted that Red go first, and it was a comical thing to watch. Instead of slowly working his way into a comfortable position and sliding down the tube, he dived in head first and slid down on all fours. I followed after adjusting my scythe to fit a little better and met him on the other side. Suddenly, a vacuum seemed to suck us forward in the darkened tunnel before pressure erupted beneath us, sending us up in to the Wonder Square.
Red landed on his feet smoothly while I stumbled a bit before gaining balance. I glanced to the left and saw a flight of amber colored spiral stairs leading to a room suspended from the ceiling. Through the glass windowed hall, kids could be seen running back and forth between machines joyously.
“I think I’m ready to kick some ass,” I commented to Red, “you should see me at fighting and puzzle games. I’m a total ninja.” Glancing down at my unresponsive companion, I found his ears perking backwards and his remaining eye narrowed in concentration.
I left him be, not bothering to ask what had been distracting him seeing as how he is rather anti-social anyways.
Not far ahead, I saw him; a future member of AVALANCHE.
The bottom section rocked back and forth on his stumpy white legs, which connected to his bulking torso and powerful arms. On its back were a set of tiny purple wings, styled like those of a bat, though far too small to allow him flight. On the top, a lifelike form of a dark grey cat had its arms tucked behind his dangling red cape.
The ‘fortune teller’ Cait Sith was waiting for Cloud to show, all while giving others their fortunes to pass time. As a man walked past him, he sprang to life, cutting off the man’s path. He tipped the golden crown he wore atop his head and offered to tell the man’s fortune.
I think the biggest shock to me was Cait Sith’s voice. I had been expecting something high pitched, cute, or childish. Instead, the cat’s voice had a low pitch and sounded rather disinterested, like a feline version of Ben Stein.
“Grant.” Red whispered quietly but firmly.
I turned back to him and found him seated by the tube leading to another square.
“What?”
“It’s far off, but I think I can hear gunfire.” He said seriously. He tilted his head down towards the opening at his side, which read: “Battle Square”
My throat felt dry suddenly as it all came together. By this time, the people in that square were likely being mowed down by a psychopath. We’re supposed to find out after it’s already happened, which would thus lead us to Corel’s Desert Prison soon after…
“Come.” He commanded.
I watched as he dove in without another word, fully expecting me to follow after him. This had caught me completely by surprise. Something as simple as asking Red to come with me has allowed him to pick up the sounds of bullets being fired with that ridiculously honed hearing of his.
Several seconds had already passed and I had yet to go in. I couldn’t delay any longer. I took a deep breath, and dove in after.
Yet again, my presence here has fucked up the natural flow of things. One would call this ‘Chaos Theory’ perhaps?
---------------------END OF CHAPTER----------------------
Author Notes: Sorry the chapter took so long. I’ve been rather busy. Also, it’s a bit shorter then usual chapters. Number 17 should be long though, as when that chapter ends, the ‘Gold Saucer’ arc will be done. Next chapter…
Chapter 17: Chaos Theory in Motion