Prologue 1: Darkness Falls

It had been three months since Meteor had nearly destroyed the Planet. In that time, peace had finally come to the lands. Barret had taken his daughter Marlene from the wreckage of the Midgar slums, and now lived as a real family in North Corel. Marlene had developed a deep bond with 'Auntie Elmyra,' and visited her often. Barret's hometown had become a boomtown once again, now that fossil fuels and solar power were being used to provide energy around the world. Midgar was being rebuilt, under leadership of President Reeve of New Shinra Enterprises. Already, Sector 5 and several others had been renovated, no longer the slums they once were. Cloud and Tifa... they married, opened up a new "7th Heaven" bar in Costa del Sol, near Villa Cloud, their new home.

And Red XIII, what of him? The Cian warrior had gone home again, where his kind and humans had lived for centuries. Now he was the last of a proud race. But Red could not find it in him to be consumed by sadness, for he had lived a relatively happy life, and found new friends. He thought of them often, about how all their lives had changed after the fall of Sephiroth. Wutai had once again become a center for trade. Last Red had heard, Yuffie Kisaragi and her father had become the heroes of their home. Cid Highwind had married Shera, and after fixing the Highwind, became a skipper for hire, as well as head of the aeronautics division of the New Shinra Corp., thanks to Reeve. Vincent, true to character, had disappeared. And what had Red done? He had become the elder of Cosmo Canyon.

If he had been told years ago, he would never have believed it, he, Red XIII, elder of his people....

"Master Nanaki!"

...Also called Nanaki to those who knew him well. This particular visitor was one of the children who lived in the Canyon. Ever since his return to the village, he had become a favorite among the young ones.

He smiled. "What is it child?"

"Master Nanaki, may I watch you work today?" she pleaded.

"Of course Aleana, please sit."

The little girl took her seat as Red began to commune with the planet. Red went forth to his Grandfather's machine, a holographic map of the planet and all its surroundings.

"Grandfather Bugenhagen... what wonders will your device show me today?"

As Red activated the hologram, he was immediately immersed in a multitude of colors, resolving into the shapes of planets.

"Everything seems in order, let us take a closer look."

Upon zooming in on his home planet, Red heard an eerie sound. It was a shrill cry that could still send shivers down his spine... the Cry of the Planet.

Managing to regain his wits, Red studied the matter further. "Computer...why is the Planet crying out again?"

Bugenhagen's device began to search for an answer, when it finally found one, Red could see a message show itself on-screen.

'PLANET ANOMALY, LIFESTREAM IN FLUX... REFERENCES IN THE SCROLLS OF THE ANCIENTS... CROSS REFERENCE... KEY TO THE LIGHT... END.'

Red immediately shut down the machine, lowering himself back to his study, concern etched in his face.

Aleana, sensing Red's discomfort, went to him. "What's wrong, master?"

"I'm not sure.... Aleana, could you bring me the Scrolls of the Ancients?"

"Of course...."

When Aleana had brought him the scrolls, Red promptly began his search.

"Something is stirring the planet, causing imbalance."

When he found what he was looking for, his discovery sent chills down his spine. The scroll read:

'I BUGENHAGEN, HAVE FOUND THESE NEW SCROLLS, UNLIKE ANY I HAVE EVER SEEN BEFORE, THEY SAY:

IN THE YEAR OF THE GREAT CALAMITY, THERE WILL COME A TIME WHEN THEY WILL COME ONCE MORE, WHEN WE AS A RACE HAVE CONQUERED THE DARKNESS, ONLY TO BE CONSUMED BY AN EVEN GREATER DARKNESS. THE ANCIENT WARRIORS WHO HAVE FALLEN SHALL RISE AGAIN. THE WALKER OF THE PLANES SHALL RETURN, COMPLETING THE CYCLE. THE KEY TO THE LIGHT WILL BE FOUND. AND IN ITS WAKE WILL COME THE DESTRUCTION OF WAR ANEW. BLOOD WILL HAVE BLOOD. CHAOS SHALL HAVE ITS DAY.

THIS IS WHERE THE RECORDS BECOME INDECIPHERABLE. THE ANCIENTS FORESAW A GREAT EVIL. I CAN ONLY HOPE THAT WHATEVER FOLLOWS CAN BE STOPPED. IF SOMETHING CANNOT BE DONE, THE PLANET SAVE US ALL....'

Red felt as if his heart had stopped.

"A great war? Warriors will rise again? What in the name of Holy is happening?"

"Master," asked Aleana, "what is going on?"

"Trouble is afoot. It says within a year of the 'Great Calamity,' that must mean Meteor."

"But Meteor came three months ago...."

"Yes child, that means that we have six more months until..." Red trailed off.

"Until what? Master, what will happen?"

"... Child, go and play with the others," said Red, smiling at the girl. "Nothing will happen."

I hope, he thought to himself, just this once grandfather, please be wrong.

Prologue 2: Darkness Falls

Six months later....

Red woke with a start. It took him a while to recognize where he was... he was lying in his study. He had been having the dreams for weeks now. Dark figures would fall upon the planet, bringing death and destruction. Blood flowed on the battlegrounds, as foretold in the scrolls. It was always the same, every night. Except today, today there was something new. A voice called to him, it told him to gather his friends again.

Assemble at Bone Village, it had told him, assemble, lest you be destroyed. And there you will find, a new beginning....

Normally, Red would have considered it a trap, or ignored it completely as a hallucination. But something in the voice had comforted him. In that nightmare, it had reached out to him, forcing him to take notice. Red resisted the urge to go back to sleep.

"I'd better call the others." Red went to his computer, and began to make calls around the world. "I hope we're strong enough this time."

Red first called Cloud and Tifa.

Tifa was the first to answer. "Hello Tifa."

"Red? Hey Cloud! It's Red!"

"Red!" answered Cloud. "Nice to hear from you again. What's up?"

"My friends, I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news."

"What is it Red?" asked Tifa. "What's wrong?"

Red took a deep breath. "It has begun...."

Meanwhile, in space, a figure dressed in black smiled. He had contacted the one known as 'Red.' Nanaki would alert his comrades. The figure turned to his computer, reading about the various properties of the planet. Nothing out of the ordinary. Even though the planet did have a large supply of 'Lifestream,' it was hardly a reason for the Drahk to notice it.

Why would they want this planet? he thought to himself

The lonely figure sat in his spacecraft, thinking. Why had he been sent here? Then he found something, something that piqued his interest.

"So," he said to the emptiness, "some of the ancients lived here."

The records seemed familiar, almost as if... he pushed his thoughts aside. He would gather more information before making any guesses as to why the planet was so important. Then he came across more information, about something called 'Meteor,' and reports of 'the last ancient.'

"Hardly."

He looked at more clips, this time actual footage of the so-called 'Meteor.' Nothing special, the planet would destroy it. However, something strange happened. The planet's counterattack, Holy, had no effect. Then, something new came, the Lifestream snaked its way into Holy, eventually helping it destroy the calamity. He read some more, about a man named Sephiroth, and a group called Avalanche. This warrants further investigation, he thought to himself. If they come here, it may be to find her, the one they call Aeris.

The dark figure smiled, donning his black and silver armor. A helmet covered most of his face, but left his mouth and his eyes open. The man tested his armor, and smiled again. It seemed as if this trip might be fun after all. He took a pod down to the surface of the planet. He would first investigate this so-called 'City of the Ancients.'

"Time to get to work."

Author's Note: Okay, we are well under way. In case you're wondering what kind of mask this stranger has, think of Maverick (Wolverine's friend before he joined the X-Men), except black instead of yellow. What do you think so far?

Chapter 1: Darkness Falls

The Highwind had picked up the seven warriors, the "Protectors of the Planet." Cloud stood upon the grassy field south of the Bone Village, feeling a slight shiver once again, but not from the cold. A year ago, they had come here, and what they had found was pain and suffering...dearest Aeris. It still plagued him that he could not protect her from Sephiroth. Tifa came from the camp fire and hugged him from behind, and he once again had to remind himself to be happy. He was with his friends, after all.

"Tell me again Red," asked Cloud, "why are we here?"

"Yeah," said Yuffie, "is it a fight? 'Cause if it is, I'm dying to get a real workout for a change."

"Mature as ever kid," said Cid, smoking on a cig, "but why don't we let Red answer that question?"

"My friends," continued Red, "I don't know why we're here."

"What?" demanded Barret, "You mean to tell us you dragged us out here for nothin'? Not that I mind spending time with you guys, but I left Marlene waitin' at Elmyra's place."

A figure came out of the darkness of the forest, clothed in red and black. "Sorry Barret, but this is important."

Everyone turned to see the owner of the voice.

"Vincent!" shouted Yuffie, "How did you get here?"

"Hello friends," replied Vincent, "I flew here in Chaos Beast form. The Planet has been crying out for months now. But recently, the cries became more...intense. I came here to investigate why."

"Yes," agreed Red, "Trouble is afoot. I was told to bring us all here."

"By whom?" asked Reeve, "What possible reason can the planet be crying out for? We shut down all the mako reactors."

Suddenly, flashes of light and sound exploded in the distance. They were far away, but the blasts came again. Whatever it was, it was coming closer.

Cid brought out his communicator, "Cid to Highwind, come in Shera."

"Shera here, what are those explosions?" came an answer.

"Shera, take the Highwind and get into the air."

"What is it captain?"

"No time to explain, just fly away and patrol the area."

"But cap--

"

"Don't argue with me this time dear. Be ready to pick us up if I call. Just go, understood? Don't come back unless I call."

"...Very well, I trust you. Take care."

"You too." Cid threw away his smoke.

The others looked at Cid.

"Cid." smiled Cloud, "What did you call just Shera?"

"Doesn't a guy have the right to call his wife 'dear' anymore?" Cid asked.

Reeve shook his head in jest, "You've changed, my friend."

Another explosion wracked the horizon.

"Come on guys," said Tifa, "if Red says we were brought here for some reason, let's at least check it out."

"Weapons ready?" asked Cloud. The others nodded. "Yuffie, did you bring our materia?"

Before she could answer, Vincent warned her, "Remember, we only agreed to let you borrow them. If, for example, we come up to a WEAPON without our materia, we may just let you handle it by yourself."

Yuffie glared at Vincent, then smiled, "You guys know me too well."

"Of course," returned Cloud, "we've had first hand experience with you."

"Too much, I'd say," laughed Tifa.

Yuffie laughed as she handed the materia to the others. Then she noticed that Reeve had no weapons, only strange white armor. "Reeve, don't you have any protection?"

"Of course," he said, gesturing to his armor. Pressing a concealed button, it expanded, with arm guards and wrist lasers. "As you know, I no longer have use for Cait Sith, so I used him to create this armor."

"Cool," said Yuffie, "can I have one too?"

Reeve smiled, "Sure Yuffie, later. Right now we have work to do."

"Indeed we do," said Red, "As I seem to remember, the Turks still work for you, do they not?"

The others looked at Reeve, remembering there on-again-off-again allies.

"Yes, but they're on vacation, I thought we could handle this. I can give them a call if you want."

"That won't be necessary, yet. Let's get going."

With that, the group of eight marched towards the source of the explosions. Then they noticed a strange light, emanating from afar.

"Cloud," said Tifa, "isn't that light coming from...?"

"Yes," answered Red, "the City of the Ancients."

"Aeris..." said Cloud under his breath.

The group ran towards Bone Village, but more importantly, towards the City of the Ancients. Everyone had pointedly not said anything about the death of Aeris, some things were too painful to talk about; but it was still in all of their minds.

Aeris, thought Cloud, What is going on?

It was cold in the City of the Ancients. Darkness came from every corner, as if it were tangible. A silent figure knifed through the darkness as if it didn't bother him.

"Good thing I can see in the dark," said the wanderer to no one in particular, "It's as dark as an abyss in here."

As he came close to a spiral staircase, the traveler noticed a strange light coming from the water.

'No doubt about it' thought he, 'Cetra technology, now let's see if we can get some more light.'

The mysterious stranger went to the water's edge. and began to concentrate. Energy flowed through the water, and into the structures around him. Slowly, darkness began to lift from the city. Power flowed into recessed lights all around the city. The Cetra had built their city well, for soon the lights illuminated the entire city, as if it were broad daylight, even though the sun had set only a few hours ago.

The figure stopped concentrating. "That's better..."

A strange glimmering caught his eye. It was down deep beneath the water's edge. He tapped a button on his helmet, and immediately holographic projections began feeding him information.

There seems to be a strange power source under there. Records say this is the last known whereabouts of the Cetra, Aeris. Might as well check it out.

He immediately turned of the holographic readout and jumped into the lake. He noticed immediately how ethereal this water seemed to be. He had already swam a far way from the surface, yet the water retained a slight hue of light, as if he were only a few meters deep. He swam on, ignoring the cold water seeping in through his armor. His clothes were waterproof anyway.

The stranger was immediately jarred from his thoughts when he came upon the source of the glimmer. It was a girl, or rather, a strange white orb that she had near her. 'This must be her...Aeris. Time to get you to the surface.'

He grabbed the white orb, attaching it to his belt, and picked up the woman in pink clothing. He also caught sight of a staff, and took it as well. Wasting no time, the traveler pushed off from the floor of the lake. When he reached the surface, the traveler noticed that despite her pallor, many could still consider her beautiful, with her golden brown hair...she reminded him of...

Then he saw where the girl had been stabbed, when her life was snuffed out by a fanatic.

What a psychotic. he thought, remembering the archives he had read. A madman, named Sephiroth, had actually killed this Cetra, hoping to summon forth a destruction of the planet, thus granting him ultimate power.

What amazed him was that the girl had been able to summon the planet's energies, even from "beyond the grave." She had been able to stop this Sephiroth through pure force of will.

Fool, didn't Sephiroth know that he could never control such power? Where would he have gone after Meteor anyway?

He immediately snapped out of his reverie, thinking on the task at hand. First the body. He concentrated deeply, resting his hands over the months old wound. A light came from his hand, surging through the dead woman's body, slowly sealing the wound.

It will leave a scar, no help for it. Now the spirit...

Aeris had been floating in Lifestream for what had seemed like an eternity. Everyday was much like the other, floating in a sea of light, hearing voices of others long dead. It was peaceful, yet somehow, she couldn't understand why she was still here. If she had died, why didn't Lifestream simply absorb her life energies into itself? And so she continued to float through Lifestream, day by day, pondering her fate.

Except today, something was different. She had felt the planet crying for months now, yet something about today felt different. Then she felt it, someone had found the White Materia. Even in death, she had a strange affinity with what happened in the living world. She barely had time to think on this, when she was suddenly pulled from her slumber in Lifestream. Whatever was happening, it felt painful. What had the power to hurt a ghost? The pain grew worse, spreading through her body. Aeris began to panic, but became truly scared as images of death and suffering raged through her mind, images of blood and war. Then, when everything went dark, she felt a shiver run down her 'body,' a searing and indescribable agony, it was as if she were dying again. In all her time after Holy, Aeris had never been surrounded in total darkness. There was always some measure of light to comfort her. But now there was nothing. Aeris felt she could not move. She could not speak. She could hardly even think. The cold darkness closed in on her, consumed her, and she screamed...

Author's Note: Great, now I'm really getting into this! Okay people, I am cranking out about two or three chapters a week, but it will take longer for me to finish them since I revise like mad once I'm done typing. If you want to see something (or don't), drop me a line, I may put it in if the idea works.

Chapter 2: Darkness Falls

She's going to wake up with one hell of a start, thought the traveler, as he attempted to revive Aeris. Strange, he had always mentally referred to her as 'girl' or 'woman,' but seeing her body here, knowing the sacrifices she had made, made him realize that she was a person as well. The young Cetra had endured much pain to save her friends. Let's hope this works.

There was always some chance involved with reviving people. Many times, their bodies would be too far gone, not able to contain life. Yet she was a Cetra, moreover, her body had been preserved, in almost perfect condition, by the waters of the lake.

He noticed small strands of Lifestream slowly snaking their way into the body. It was working. The color began to return to her skin. The wanderer concentrated more, willing her soul to return, drawing forth her life energies from the planet. He noticed that her face began to move. Slowly, it turned into a wince of pain.

It will hurt like hell Aeris, but at least the pain means that you're alive to feel it.

Her eyelids quickly opened, as she arched her back and screamed forth her cries of pain. Aeris was in agony. The coldness raged through her, and now she felt as if her entire body was being stabbed. She began to shudder uncontrollably. Even though her eyes were open, she couldn't see a thing. She screamed again in pain. Then, someone held her, refusing to let go, despite her convulsions. At first, she was afraid, but then she realized that whoever it was meant her no harm. The way they held her, it was like a mother cradling her baby. Slowly, her body calmed down, the tremors subsided, and Aeris felt warm again. She felt whoever it was lay her down again, giving her space to move. The stranger wanted to make sure she was all right, and she felt a hand touch her forehead. Aeris cautiously got up on her elbows, her eyes slowly adjusting to the new light.

The image of a dark figure slowly began to coalesce.

Cloud? she thought.

The figure resolved into the shape of a man Aeris had never seen before. He was dressed in black, with silver armor protecting him and the hilt of a sword protruding from behind. At first, she felt a sense of fear, reminded of Sephiroth. Then she looked through his helmet, into his deep, piercing eyes. They were bluish-grey, with tinges of a familiar green glow. She read in those eyes pain, but sensed feelings of security as well. They seemed to say "Everything's all right."

His voice woke her from her thoughts.

"Don't worry," he said, "nothing will harm you."

She merely gazed at him, speechless.

"Are you okay?" asked the calm, deep voice.

"... Yes..." said Aeris tentatively, "where am I?"

"You are in the City of the Ancients."

She felt at her stomach, where there was now a scar. She could remember the sword... her clothes were still torn from the blade that had caused the wound.

"I'm alive?"

"Yes," he answered.

"How...?" she asked

"Eat this first." He handed her a wafer of some sort of bread. She slowly nibbled at it, then with more certainty as her hunger took over. Whatever it was tasted good.

The man nodded slightly and handed Aeris a canteen, which she gratefully drank from. Upon finishing the first meal she had had in a year, Aeris felt surprisingly rejuvenated. She looked at the helmeted figure with questioning eyes.

"Good," he said, "that food was concentrated with energy, you should feel fully functional in a few moments."

"Thank you," she returned. "Who are you, and what am I doing here?"

"I am a friend," he replied. "As for why you're here, let's take that up when we meet with your comrades."

She immediately conjured up images of the others: Cloud, Tifa, Barret, little Marlene....

"You know my friends?"

"Not exactly,... but they should be waiting for you near Bone Village."

She was about to ask him more questions when she heard an explosion close by.

"What was that?" she shouted.

The stranger looked around, then turned to her.

"Can you walk?" he asked.

She slowly got on her feet, nodding affirmatively.

"What's wrong?" questioned Aeris.

"I sense trouble. Here, take this." The man handed her two familiar objects.

"My White Materia! And my staff!" exclaimed Aeris, her weapon even had a few materia stones in it. "Where did you...?"

"No time for explanations," he interjected. "I hate to do this to you, but you have to run towards the forest, past Bone Village, and meet your friends. Be sharp, they don't know you're coming."

Aeris had a mountain of questions she wanted to ask, but settled for "What's wrong?"

"They are coming," he replied, helping her to the forest's edge.

"Who....?"

The explosions got louder and closer.

"No time, RUN! Find your friends!" he shouted.

Aeris had no time for more questions, for the dark figure immediately ran back towards the city, drawing his sword. More explosions broke out through the night air.

"Whatever it is can't be good," she said to herself. "Well, I better find the others." Aeris began running through the forest, hoping that her friends would be nearby, trusting that the strange man had not lied to her.

From a distance, shrouded figures watched her leave, and followed her....

Meanwhile, the traveler could feel that Aeris had already left. Good, she would be safe, as long as he could hold off whatever was coming. The wanderer cursed as he finally felt what was approaching the city.

"Shit... Reavers."

Dark behemoths descended upon the city, and found him waiting.

"So," he taunted, "I see they sent their toys to follow me."

The dark creatures hid in the shadows. He could not see them, but knew where they were. They let forth a shrill cry to answer him.

The stranger somehow understood their outburst.

"Nevertheless," he continued, "if you want her, you'll have to get through me." He brandished his sword, which shimmered and promised death.

The creatures screamed as they came into the light, huge were-beasts, with razor sharp talons and metal work protruding from everywhere, the blood of countless murders still unwashed from their foul bodies. They were the ultimate killing machines for their masters.

Several monsters rushed towards the wanderer, as he braced himself for combat.

Here they come.

Screams and explosions could be heard for miles around.

Author's Note: Yes, yes, I know what you're probably thinking...'Not another Aeris resurrection fic!' Bear with me, and I'll try to make this work. Also, don't expect Cloud to dump Tifa anytime soon, they've been married for nearly a year. Sorry Aeris fans. As always, drop me some suggestions, and I can try to work them in. One more thing, what was Red's mom's name?

Chapter 3: Darkness Falls

Aeris ran through the forest with all her strength. Despite having been dead for so long, the food she had eaten somehow gave her enough energy to continue. However, her happiness at this new found strength was short-lived, for she could feel something following her. Something inside her told Aeris that it was no friend. She ran on, wondering why the dark forest had not yet opened into Bone Village. Was she being taken somewhere else? More than just from 'ghost stories,' Aeris knew that the forest was somewhat sentient. It could move slightly, leading its travelers to different places....

She suddenly heard the screams, bone-chilling cries of agony came from behind her. Whether from the City, or from her pursuers, Aeris could not tell, but she immediately began to run faster. Sounds of pursuit increased, now Aeris was sure she was being followed, and whoever it was would not let her get away. She just hoped--

Explosions erupted throughout the forest, waking Aeris from her thoughts. Blasts came from out of nowhere, detonating all around her. She tried to run faster, but her new-found reserves were quickly fading. They would have her soon. Then she saw figures up ahead, but could not tell what they were for all the darkness.

They have me cornered, she thought, drawing her staff. Well, they won't get me without a fight!

Ready for battle, Aeris ran at the dark figures.

Red had been tracking for awhile. Along with his friends, they had been headed for the Ancient City. That was when the explosions had started. Then, something else could be heard, something much more eerie than the sound of any weapon. They were screams, but the sound was not human.

"Great Planet," said Cloud, "what in all creation makes a sound like that?"

"I don't know...." answered Vincent. "I've never heard them before, even from Hojo's monstrosities."

"Silence," ordered Red, "I hear something... someone's coming this way."

"Okay everyone, get ready," said Cloud, bringing out his sword.

The others brought out their weapons as well. Then they saw a shadow come out of the forest. The moon was shining brightly, but the forest concealed the figure well. It was running fast. Upon seeing them, it hesitated, but then seemed to draw a weapon before charging again.

The figure attacked silently, Cloud strode forth to meet it. The two attackers met in a lock of weapons. Cloud could now see his opponent in the moonlight. He went cold inside, and stepped back, it was a girl... one he had thought dead....

Aeris attacked the foremost of the figures, clashing her weapon onto a sword. Then she noticed his eyes, eyes she had seen once before. The figure stepped back.

"Aeris..." whispered the swordsman.

"Cloud..." she whispered back.

He flinched, and backed away further.

"Cloud..." said another voice, which sounded like Tifa, "what's wrong?"

Cloud backed away further, stumbling to the ground. The others ran to him, fearing the worst. Then they saw who stood before them, and froze, not a sound broke the silence, even the explosions and the screams had subsided.

Tifa was the first to regain her composure. "Aeris... is it you?"

"Yes, it's me," said Aeris, looking at her feet.

Cloud got to his feet, and stared her in the eyes. Then he knew it was her, somehow, she had come back.

"Aeris..." whispered Cloud, "you're back...."

Before Aeris could react, Cloud drew her up in a bear-hug. He was crying and laughing at the same time.

"Cloud..." wheezed Aeris, "I can't breathe...."

He drew back immediately. "Sorry...."

"It's all right," she managed to say.

"Is it really you?" asked Tifa, touching Aeris' shoulder to make sure.

"It is," answered Aeris. "I'm not a ghost, I'm here to stay...."

The others gathered around her not believing she had come back, it was a meeting of friends. That was when they heard the explosions again. Aeris quickly began to run. She grabbed Tifa and Cloud, and began to run away from the trees. The others followed after the trio. There was no more time for questions.

"Hey!" yelled Barret. "Waitaminit, dammit!"

"Come on!" shouted Aeris. "There's no time to lose!"

"Aeris..." said Tifa, "what are those explosions?"

"Someone's... following... me," breathed Aeris.

"Following?" asked Cloud. "Who?"

"Don't... know," she replied.

"Go easy on me," wheezed Cid, finally catching up, "running is not my best skill."

"You really should cut down on those cigarettes," said Reeve.

"Aw shaddup!"

The band had made it to the fields, and were out of the forest. Cloud was about to ask another question when an explosion came again. This time, it fell in between the group, scattering them everywhere. Red and Vincent were the quickest to recover. They got on their feet, guarding the others as they got up.

"What was that?" asked Yuffie.

"You'll find out," answered Red. "They are coming this way."

Dark shapes began to emerge from the forest. In the full moonlight, Cloud could see that they were men, clothed in black shrouds. At first, he thought they were Jenova project clones, but there was something different about them.

One of the men spoke, "We have come for the Cetra," said a raspy voice.

"Give her to us, and we may let you live," said another.

"The hell we will! We'll show you what Avalanche is made of!" answered Cloud, drawing his sword. The others drew their weapons as well. "Aeris, are these the guys who've been chasing you?"

"I think so..." she answered. "I never really saw them."

Tifa was going to ask something when she heard the screams again. A foul stench filled the air, and more shadows came out from the dark.

The leader of the group smiled. "Ah, my Reavers return. Too bad for the traitor, he would have made a fine capture."

"What do you mean?" screamed Aeris. "Is....?

"Alas... I believe your friend is dead," laughed the evil man. "Now, I send you to join him. ATTACK!"

The Reavers attacked the group with the ferocity of raging animals. They ran everywhere, smelling death in the air. A giant werebeast ran towards Tifa, she blasted it with fire. The smell of burnt flesh and hair invaded her nostrils, causing her to gag. The creature fell, but another attacked her from behind, knocking Tifa to the ground with a blast of energy from its mouth. It was about to pounce on her when someone cut the creature in half.

Cloud smiled down at a gasping Tifa, helping her to her feet. "Are you all right?"

She nodded in the affirmative.

"Good." He smiled. "Can't have my wife go before her time, can I?"

Tifa smiled back, but screamed as she saw another monster raging at them.

A blast from behind froze the creature in its tracks, splitting it into a thousand pieces. Aeris smiled at them. "Pay attention guys, can't have my best friend's husband dying, either!"

Meanwhile, Vincent and Red fought like wild demons. Red slashed and tore his way through scores of enemies. Vincent had already turned into the Chaos beast, ripping the monstrosities apart with his bare hands. Barret wreaked havoc on his foes, blasting away at their numbers, while Yuffie threw her shuriken, slicing multiple enemies at once.

"Good job guys," said Cid, "but I prefer a more direct approach."

He grinned as he skewered several of the abominations. Reeve remained silent, batting enemies away with his armored fists and blasting them with arm lasers.

"Enough!" yelled the leader of the shrouded men, releasing a torrent of energy at the fighting figures. Many of the Reavers fell, but so did Avalanche.

Cloud barely managed to get to his feet. "You... you would kill your own forces just to get to us?"

"They are pawns, and can be easily replaced. Now, YOU WILL DIE! Reavers, kill the Cetra, kill them all!"

A few of the beasts ran towards Aeris, ready to rip her to shreds. Cloud saw that the others were getting to their feet, but they would never be in time to save Aeris.

No, we can't lose her again! He shot forth a beam of energy, hoping to distract the monsters.

The leader of the shrouds simply deflected the attack with his own energy, and laughed. Cloud screamed out his rage.

"NOO! AERIS! NOOOOOOOO!"

The Reavers jumped into the air, ready to descend upon the barely conscious Aeris.

A blast of light swallowed the two attackers, completely engulfing them. The energy was blinding, and when the smoke cleared nothing was left of the two abominations. Aeris slowly got to her feet, dazed and confused.

"WHAT?!" screamed the leader of the shades. "Who did that?"

The remaining Reavers looked around, trying to find the source of the attack. The members of Avalanche picked up their weapons, wary of any trickery.

"What are you waiting for?" yelled the dark figure. "Kill them now!"

More of the beasts ran towards Avalanche, but were also destroyed by an unknown energy. Some immediately disintegrated in midair. The beasts drew back, forming a pack, and began to gather energy. They snarled and howled, then began to run towards Avalanche again, now in a phalanx formation.

This time, a circle of fire surrounded the pack, and consumed the beasts whole. Those of the pack that had managed to survive quickly scurried behind the protection of the shrouds.

"Useless mongrels," cursed one of the figures.

"I will do this myself," said another, leaping forth to attack the group.

He ran towards Cloud first, then jumped away from an expected energy blast. Whoever it was, his attacks were getting to be predictable. That maneuver had allowed him to close in on the Cetra with ease. Now he drew his sword, preparing a killing blow. Aeris weakly raised her staff for protection.

A form came out from the shadows, and in a torrent of light, blocked the sword with his own. The force of the swords striking one another was so strong, the shrouded figure flew backwards. The new man turned to Aeris.

"Are you all right?" asked the wanderer.

"It's you!" shouted Aeris.

The wanderer grabbed Aeris and jumped towards the relative safety of her friends.

"Didn't think I'd leave you all alone, did you?" He grinned. "You will be safe with them."

Cloud and the others stared at him with uncertainty. Except for his silver armor, he could have been one of the shrouds.

"Who are you?" asked Tifa, fists clenched.

"It's okay," said Aeris, "he's a friend."

The traveler glared at the dark figures, drawing energy into one of his fists. The fallen shroud got on his feet, and backed away to join the other shades.

"It's a good thing your friends were here." The wanderer turned to Aeris. "I got here just in time."

Red walked up to him. "You're him, aren't you? You're the one who sent me the dreams."

"Yes, I am."

"What are you doing here?" asked Cloud.

"Let's continue this later," he returned, brandishing his sword at the shadow men. "I have unfinished business with this scum."

"So," sneered the leader of the group, "our Reavers failed to destroy you."

"Your 'Reavers' can no more kill me than you can."

"Is that so, traitor? Do you realize what you are dealing with?"

"What I realize is that you are the one fated to die today."

The shade laughed. "And what of you?"

"... It is of little consequence...."

"Enough talk!" shouted another shade, firing a bolt of lightning at the traveler.

The traveler merely raised his hand, absorbing the energy. "Foolish, your kind never learns from its mistakes."

The leader shouted his anger, "Reavers, attack!"

What was left of the decimated attack force ran towards Avalanche and the mysterious stranger.

"Whatever you do," he said, "leave the five shadows to me."

"Can we trust you?" asked Cloud.

"Fair question, but you don't really have a choice." The traveler ran forward, slicing through the beasts that were foolish enough to get in his way.

"Let's get started then!" shouted Barret.

Avalanche went into action, attacking what was left of the enemy force. Despite the multitude that had already been destroyed, there were still quite a few left.

The wanderer ran into battle silently, destroying anything that got in his way. Soon, he faced the five shrouds. They merely stood still for a while. Then, like lightning, they attacked. Sword clashed on sword as they battled. The weapons seemed to take on different colors of light, sparks flew through the air. The wanderer's blade shone an intense blue, as if charged by energy. A shroud jumped behind him, slicing at his back, but the wanderer merely fell to his hands, initiating a foot sweep which floored the attacker. As the second shroud brought his sword down to skewer the wanderer, he used his spinning momentum to do a somersault, hitting the attacker on the chin with his feet. The wanderer then regained his footing, and with his sword drawn, beckoned the two to attack him again, taunting them. However, he was caught unaware by a third shroud, which blasted him from behind. The new attacker stood a few feet away from the fallen warrior, and prepared to deliver a killing blow.

Aeris had spent her time casting support magic on her friends, healing their wounds and enhancing their strength when she could. She even dispatched some of the enemy using several destructive spells. However, she knew it would not be enough. Sooner or later, something would have to give. That was when she saw the wanderer fall. He had been taken from behind by one of the shrouded figures. Aeris casted a spell, and flew through the air. She charged up the energies in her staff, preparing to cast Ultima. However, the shaded figure saw her, and let loose a powerful blast of energy. Aeris had never sensed such power, and knew immediately that a direct hit would be fatal.

This can't be the end!!! she thought. Not now, not after all this!!!

The wanderer got to his feet. Why had his enemy stopped the attack? They had gained the upper hand. Then he saw Aeris flying through the air. He sensed her bringing a powerful spell to bear, but knew immediately that it would not be enough. As the shroud let loose his energy at Aeris, the wanderer shouted in denial.

He rushed past the shroud, jumping into the air. By some surge of strength, he managed to get to Aeris before the blast, taking her up in his arms. That was when the blast hit them. The force of the explosion was earth shattering, and pushed them higher into the air.

Still in midair, Aeris looked into her friend's eyes, and saw the pain and anger that registered there. He had sheltered her from the blast, but how could he still be alive after that? They were still flying through the air, at the trajectory the blast had sent them. The wanderer held Aeris closer to him, then spun around, sending a returning blast at the shrouds. The shot managed to scatter the enemy, but now Aeris and the wanderer began to fall to the earth. The force of the landing was so massive, it actually formed a slight crater in the ground. Aeris woke up from her slight daze to find that she had fallen on top of the wanderer, he had managed to cushion the fall.

"Are you injured?" he asked.

Realizing where she was, she quickly backed away from him, giving him room to breathe. Aeris blushed slightly. She slowly got up, regaining her wits, then cast several healing spells.

"I'm fine now," breathed Aeris. "That was close... thank you. Are you okay?"

When she got no answer, Aeris turned around. Then she kneeled and noticed something wrong with her friend. He wasn't moving at all. Then Aeris screamed, for the wanderer lay still and silent, in a pool of blood.

Author's Note: Okaaay! Yes, I will have quite a multitude of bloody fight scenes. I am trying to keep this fic a PG-13 rating, but if I this keep up, it may get to be rated R. I will not go beyond that, no lemon scenes, just cursing and violence. As always, drop a line.

Chapter 4: Darkness Falls

Cloud and the others battled on and on.

"Damn!" he cursed. "How many more of these guys do I have to cut in half?"

"Look on the bright side Cloud," shouted his wife, smashing even more werebeasts. "At least you're alive to kill them!"

"Yeah, great, Tiff, thanks a lot," laughed Cloud sarcastically.

"C'mon kids!" shouted Barret. "Quit yer' gripin'!"

Then came an ear-splitting explosion, which momentarily blinded everyone. The Reavers were also disoriented, and backed away, fearful of another counterattack. Even more bone-chilling was the screaming. The members of Avalanche slowly turned to see Aeris shouting in fear and agony, the wanderer lying in a pool of his own blood. He didn't seem to be moving.

"Shit," muttered Cid.

Several Reavers, sensing opportunity, leaped into the air, only to be cut to pieces by a huge shuriken.

"Not on my watch, fell'as." Yuffie grinned.

A few more ran at the group, only to be blown away by powerful gun blasts from Vincent and Barret. Vincent's glowing eyes held the monsters at bay, for they sensed danger concealed in his body, danger better left alone. The two sides seemed to be at an impasse. That was when the five shrouds walked forward....

***

'Am I dead?' The wanderer was surrounded by darkness.

'No, my child, you have much to do yet,' said a comforting voice.

'Sensei, is that you?'

'You... have always been my favorite student. I loved you like a son. I know you are tired, but your friends need you. Awaken!'

'No... sensei, don't leave again....!'

'You don't need me anymore, my son, you know all you need to know. You are now the master, let me die. Look into yourself to find strength. Look into the past, and I will always be there to guide you....'

He woke with a start, but could not open his eyes. The wanderer felt pain throughout his body. He sensed that many of the Reavers had been decimated, but the shrouded men were still alive, and were coming closer.

Aeris had been watching her friend for any sign of life. At first, she thought he was dead. His helmet still covered most of his face, but she noticed his eyelids twitch, and his mouth grimace. Then she saw that the Reavers and the shrouds were coming closer.

This can't be, she thought, if only....

She received a shock when the wanderer's eyes opened. She could see his eyes glowed with power. Energy flowed from his very being as the wanderer quickly raised himself to his feet. With a roar of anger, he let forth an enormous blaze of energy, one that surrounded the entire area. The light could be seen for miles around. The shrouds managed to shield themselves from the blast, but the Reavers were not so lucky. What was left of the abominations were vaporized in an instant.

The wanderer stopped concentrating, the glowing stopped, and Aeris could see his eyes again. He guided her back to the others once more.

"Thank you for holding them off, I'll take care of the rest." He turned towards the shades, drawing his sword. The flames rose high into the air, feeding off the dead bodies of the Reavers. The strange figures slowly walked towards each other, looking for weaknesses.

The battle began instantly, no words exchanged, no quarter asked or given. The wanderer's sword was a blur of light and sound as he blocked and attacked the five shades. He parried a thrust, spinning around to kick another shade. Another attacked him, punching the wanderer in the chest, but he back-flipped, kicking the attacker. The wanderer fought like a demon. However, no matter how fast he attacked, it didn't seem to be enough; neither side held the upper hand for long.

The wanderer hit the ground with his fist, causing shockwaves of energy to lash out at those around him. The shrouds jumped back, forming a group around each other. The wanderer stood up again. Bringing his sword to bear, he simply waited, daring the shrouds to attack him.

One of the shadowed men raged forth, running towards the wanderer. The wanderer, ready for battle, also ran towards his enemy. When they neared, the shroud swung his sword at the wanderer's exposed throat in a perfect killing blow.

The wanderer merely ducked beneath the attack. Charging his blade with energy, he brought his sword up in a cross slash. The attack cut the shroud in half, and it fell to the floor, broken and bleeding.

A second shadow charged. The wanderer ran up to meet him. This time, the shroud took no chances, and aimed his sword at his enemy's stomach, intending to run him through. The wanderer merely pivoted on one foot, side stepping the attack. When the shroud was behind him, the wanderer thrust his sword backwards, and through the attacker's neck. With a quick jerking motion, the wanderer neatly beheaded the second attacker, which fell to the ground, dead.

However, a third shadow had already begun his attack, letting loose an energy blast at the dark warrior. The attack was deflected by a single sword slash. Enraged, the third shadow leapt into the air, bringing his energies to bear on the defiant warrior. The wanderer jumped into the air as well. Both enemies slashed at each other once before landing on the ground again. They just stood where they were, still and silent. Then, a stream of blood burst from the wanderer's side. The third shroud laughed. However, he soon fell to the ground in a bloody heap, the look of shock clear on his dead face.

The traveler looked at the two remaining shadows, waiting for an attack. The leader and a single minion were left. The minion stepped forward, charging up his energies. He fired a powerful blast... at Tifa.

Cloud shouted his denial, standing in front of her, ready to take the full force of the blast. Aeris leapt forward, pushing Cloud and Tifa out of the way. But she tripped on a rock, and was caught in the fireball's path.

Caught completely unaware, the wanderer knew he could not send a deflecting attack in time. Instead, he merely ran into the path of the blast. Standing a few feet in front of Aeris and the others. He prepared himself for the blast, crossing his arms in front of his chest and head. The members of Avalanche cried out in dismay. The impact of the fireball momentarily blinded them all.

When Aeris opened her eyes, she saw the tip of a blade, a scant few centimeters from her face. The fourth shadow had used the fireball as a diversion, and while everyone was blinded, the shroud ran his blade through the right side of his enemy's chest.

The wanderer had immediately reacted, clamping the blade close to his body by bringing his right arm tightly against his side. It hurt like hell, but he managed to ignore the pain.

The fourth shroud was confused. He had planned to skewer both the wanderer and the Cetra behind him. However, the warrior was still standing, an immovable wall. The shroud tried to pull out his sword, but found that it was lodged firmly into the wanderer's body. This further confused the shroud.

The traveler merely grinned, and spun on one foot. The force of the turn broke the blade in two, and the wanderer used that same momentum to kick the shadow back several feet. The shroud landed hard on the ground, dazed and disoriented. He got back to his feet, but had no weapon with which to attack, so he charged at his enemy once again.

The wanderer ran forward with his sword, and sliced downward. He cut the fourth shadow in half before it could attack. The shroud slumped over and fell dead. The wanderer merely stood there. He pulled the broken remains of his enemy's blade from his chest, and threw it to the ground. Then he brought his sword back up again, ready for battle.

The members of Avalanche watched this display with no small amount of surprise.

"Shit!" yelled Cid. "This guy's a machine!"

Aeris stood speechless, wondering what kind of character this new found friend was. Cloud merely nodded, respecting the fighting prowess of a fellow warrior.

The traveler glared at the final shadow, who sneered back.

"You may have killed them, but you are no match for me. Especially in that weakened condition." He then shouted something in a language that Cloud and the others could not understand. The voice sounded guttural, like a wild animal.

The traveler merely smiled. "It seems all you can do is talk. You are overconfident."

"Let's see," returned the shadow. "Now, DIE!!!"

The two figures ran at each other, slashing and attacking at each other with charged swords. Energy sparks flew from their battle. They moved so fast, Cloud could just barely make out their movements. All anyone else could see was a blur.

"Damn!" shouted Barret. "How can they be so fast?"

"Who is he?" asked Tifa, turning to Aeris.

"Don't ask me," replied the healer. "I just met him."

Meanwhile, the two figures fought on, spinning and thrusting their weapons at each other. Then the wanderer brought his sword down hard. The shroud somehow managed to block it. The two glared at each other through locked swords.

"You are not the weakling I take you for," sneered the shadow.

The wanderer replied in a strange language. Something he said enraged the shroud, for it yelled angrily, slashing wildly at the warrior.

He did not even bother to block the attack. Instead, the wanderer merely dodged all of the blows. However, the shroud was cunning and treacherous. He brought out a hidden dagger, stabbing the wanderer between the ribs. The others gasped as they saw this. It seemed their new friend had been dealt a lethal blow.

The pain running through the wanderer's mind was unbearable, but somehow he managed to block it out. He then kicked the shadow in the stomach, sending the villain flying through the air. The wanderer drew the dagger from his side, throwing it to the ground. He then shook his blade, clearing it of blood, before sheathing it. The shadow landed hard on the cold battle ground, but got back up.

Spitting blood, the shadow cursed at the wanderer in that same strange language.

The warrior jumped into the air, bringing out his sword again. Grasping his weapon with both hands, the wanderer faced his sword downward, charging it with more energy. He thrust at the shadow with his sword, sending energy waves lashing wildly about. However, at the last moment, the shrouded man moved back. The wanderer missed, and his sword embedded itself in the ground. Like lightning, the shadow thrust his sword into the wanderer's chest....

... Only to have it stopped. The wanderer trapped the sword between his two palms. The blood coming from his hands didn't even seem to faze the warrior. In a fluid motion, he let one hand go, swatting the hilt of the sword from his enemy's hands. Using the same hand, the wanderer turned the sword around. He impaled the surprised shadow on its own blade.

The shadow stepped back, unable to conceive how he had been stricken through the chest by his own sword. Blood flowed down to the ground in streamlets. He yelled his rage, preparing to attack the wanderer again. However, the wanderer used the momentary confusion to grab his own sword. He ran at the shadow, slashing upward, decapitating the villain.

The dead man's screams echoed through the air, and lighting filled the sky. The wanderer stepped back and lowered his sword. He raised his hands to the sky, as if he were praying to the stars. The lighting grew stronger, swirls of energy coalesced around the wanderer.

"What's happening?" screamed Aeris above the shriek of the wind.

"I don't know," answered Vincent, "but I sense energy flowing into him."

"No kidding," said Cloud, looking at the wanderer. "Whatever it is, it seems to be directed right at him."

Lights crackled through the air, striking the wanderer. Energy rose up from the body of the five dead shadows, and shot into the traveler's body. He shouted in pain and raised his sword. The energy seemed to circle about the weapon as well. He fell to his knees as power flowed through him.

Then, just as soon as it had come, the blinding light was gone. The traveler raised himself, and walked with shaky steps towards the members of Avalanche. They watched him carefully, wary of any signs of danger. The strange warrior staggered a few more steps before collapsing to the ground. Aeris, Cloud and the others ran up to him. The wanderer forced himself to his knees. He reached beneath his chin; and removed the helmet that had been hiding his face for all this time, allowing a few small strands of raven-black hair to fall across his face. The traveler took deep breaths, as if able to breathe properly again. Soon, however, he began to spit blood. Wiping his face with a cloth from his belt, the wanderer managed to raise himself on one foot before falling again. Aeris caught him in midair, slowly lowering him to the ground. Cloud and the others surrounded the two.

"Will he be alright?" asked Cloud.

To everyone's surprise, the wanderer answered, "I'll be fine."

Cloud inspected the man closely for the first time. His face was set in a grimace. He had deep, searching eyes, the sort of eyes that seemed to carry pain and knowledge. Cloud felt certain misgivings about the ferocious warrior, but those eyes seemed to convey honesty and friendship. They mirrored his own....

The others examined the fallen warrior. Red could see the wounds through the breaks in his armor and clothing. Despite all the blood, the figure was what many humans would call "handsome."

The wanderer looked at Red. "You've done well, Nanaki."

Red was not one to be easily surprised, but his eyes grew wide in astonishment.

"How do you know my name....?"

The traveler smiled. "I have my ways...." He coughed up more blood.

Aeris looked at her new friend's face for the first time, holding his head in her lap. She concentrated her energies, trying to heal the wounds, but he would still need medical attention.

"Cloud," said Aeris, "we need to get him to a doctor."

Cloud nodded, then turned to Cid.

Cid nodded, then got out his communicator. "Shera... this is Cid... come in."

"Cid!" came Shera's voice through the receiver. "We saw more explosions, and broke our patrol of the surrounding areas. We're already flying your way. What's going on?"

"Everything's fine," answered Cid, "but we need to get out of here fast. How quickly can you be here?"

"We'll be there in a few minutes."

"Good, I'll see you then. Take care."

"You too. Highwind out...."

"They'll be here shortly," voiced Cid.

Aeris turned back to the wanderer.

"I'll be fine," he said. "I need no medical attention."

Aeris started to protest, but she could already see that the bleeding was beginning to stop. She had thought it was due to her spells, but his body was healing faster than should have been possible, even with the help of materia. Already, some of his minor cuts were gone.

"How...?" asked Aeris.

"Like I said," he continued, "I'm okay. I heal quickly. Just get me to a place where I can rest. I feel tired."

Aeris nodded, she knew nothing of this man, and had not had time to ask him anything before. So, she asked a question, one she had not even thought of until now.

"Do you have a name?"

The stranger laughed slightly, but stopped when he began to cough again.

"My name,..." He breathed. "... Is Knight."

She now had a name to go with this strange man. She gripped his hand, trying to comfort him. Knight briefly smiled before finally falling unconscious.

Aeris looked up as she heard a roar. She saw the familiar shape of the Highwind above her.

Tifa put a hand on Aeris's shoulder. "Time to go home."

Author's Note: All right! Now that we have a name for our new hero, what do you think of him? Don't worry, the others will get some fight coverage. By now, you've all probably figured out that this is mainly from Knight's point of view. Rants? Raves? You know what to do! No major flames please, this is my first time writing a fan fic!