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The Final Fantasy

By: IMRIOTSTAR



Chapter 1: Need More Gil

Cloud needed money badly but he was tired of fighting for it. Most of his competitors lost under a minute even when he didn't use his sword. That money had felt dishonorable in his hands and he was tired of hurting people for his own survival. There weren't many fit jobs in Midgar, but the pains in Cloud's stomach moved him to fighting once again.

After winning another fight and collecting his Gil, some kids ran up to Cloud and asked the same questions the young always asked him. 

"Excuse me sir, where did you learn how to fight?" Asked one small child, just barely over Cloud's padded knee.

Another, not even allowing Cloud to answer, interjected, "Isn't your sword heavy? Why, it's even taller than you!"

Cloud smiled, everyone who had the courage to ask that question did. "It's not that heavy, I exercise everyday and I've gotten used to it by now." 

A third, chubby child, asked, "Why are holes in your sword, sir?"

"To put Materia in. Do you know what Materia is?"

All the children laughed and the youngest spoke for all, "Everyone knows what Materia is! It's magic!"

Cloud smirked to himself, "Close enough." 

"Why don't you have Materia in the holes then?" Asked the confused chubby child.

Before McCloud could answer, the small boy said, "Because it's too much money, you dummy!"

McCloud finished counting his money. There was only 350 Gil, 150 less than last time. Cloud had been fighting in sector four for a while and people stopped betting against him. 

"Hey ringleader!" Cloud shouted to the stout man counting his profits on an empty barrel. "I want the rest of my money." 

"You've got your money, now go before I tell my crew to make you go!" The ringleader's crew looked at Cloud; worried they would taste a sample of the fighting they'd seen so much of. 

"I don't know if you should depend on your crew for that."

"What?" The ringleader turned his head to his crew and sensed their freight. "Humph, I'll give you fifty gil more and then I'll ask you to stay out of my face, forever!"

Cloud walked a few feet more to the ringleader, ground his teeth and barely audibly said, "Make it a hundred and I'll take my leave."

The ringleader pursed his lips and became flush from neck to brow. "Here is your hundred gil, now get out, I warn you." 

Cloud turned and left with his three little companions following behind jumping and hollering at how tuff Cloud was and what a great fighter he is. All the time, they could hear the ringleader cursing at his crew for being so cowardly. 

Up and down alleyways and streets the three youngsters followed the fighter through sector four until they ended up at a small diner on the corner of a street.

Cloud sat himself on an empty stool and waited to be served. There were two empty seats near Cloud, one on the left and another on the right. The smallest child, whose name is Brandon, climbed onto the stool to Cloud's right and then looked up at Cloud in awe, smiling the whole time with a ridiculously wide grin. The other two children fought over the other seat but Richard, the plump one, won over and laughed a childish laugh. 

"What are you going to eat, Cloud?" Asked Richard.

"Oh, I don't know maybe a chicken sandwich and some fries."

"Mmm, that sounds good," said Brian, the child who had lost the seat battle.

"Meat and potatoes is a heap better than a chicken sandwich, why don't you get that cloud?" Bellowed Richard. 

"A chicken sandwich would be lighter on my stomach." 

An old waiter came over to the counter and asked, "What can I getcha?" He eyed Cloud's sword with momentary interest and then turned his attention to his pad. "Drinks first."

"I'll have a pint, give these kids some juice. Do you all like berry juice?" 

The children were ecstatic, "Yeah Cloud, that's great! We love berry juice. Thanks Cloud!"

"Three berry juices'."

"And to eat?"

"Two chicken sandwiches with fries, one plate of beef and potatoes."

"Mashed or whole?" Asked the waiter.

"Mashed please! Cried Richard."

"Add some dinner rolls with that. That's all."

"Alright, that'll be fifteen gil.

Cloud handed the money to the waiter.

"I'll be back with your food right now."

"Wow, thanks Cloud, you're a real nice guy," said Brandon while spinning around on the stool.

"That's ok, I've got some money that'll last me for a bit. Food is one of the best things you can spend with your money."

"Are you going to buy some Materia with your money, Cloud?" Richard asked wide-eyed.

"Don't get dull Materia, Cloud!" Warned Brandon.

"You're dull, Brain! You've never even seen Materia."

"So! You've never either!" 

"It doesn't matter, I don't have enough to buy any Materia anyways." 

The waiter came with their drinks and set them on the counter. " 'Ere you go. Drink up."

The youngsters drank their juice happily as Cloud gulped down a mouthful of ale. The drink shaved a shred of gloom hanging over his head and then he took another mouthful. "Why are you kids still out? My mother would beat me if I'd be out this late at your age."

"It's only a couple of hours pass duck! We're always out at this time," said Brandon.

"Besides, there's plenty of Shinra around," added Brain. 

"Yeah, but all they have is stupid batons. They don't have swords like Cloud!" Brain ended his comparison with a ball of laughter. 

The waiter came with their food and then left to serve the other customers. The kids stopped talking and dove into their food. Cloud stared at his glass of ale, thinking about the future. The patrons spoke loudly, talking about present things and present cares, blinded toward future worries and concerns. Cloud began to eat though his appetite failed at least he wouldn't be hungry later. 

"That was great Cloud! Thanks for the food!" Brandon joyfully decreed. 

"Really Cloud, those were the best potatoes I've had in a long time, thanks!" Richard nodded.

"I wish I had some Materia on me Cloud, I'd give it to you, really!" Brain said wishfully.

"I'll be fine. Do you know what I like to do when I've eaten a good meal?"

The children looked at Cloud curiously.

"After a good meal, I like to sleep a good nap and so should you, it's late now."

Brandon rubbed his eyes at the mention of sleep. "I am getting tired, what about you guys?" 

Richard and Brain agreed with Brandon. "Yeah."

"Have good dreams young men." Cloud started walking down a dark street; he could hear the youngsters calling out to him. 

"We hope to see you again, Cloud!" 

"Have a good night, Cloud!" 

"See you later, Cloud!"

There was 485 gil left in his pocket. A room for the night, at the cheapest, would be at least thirty gil. Finding a cheap room for the night was the smallest problem in Cloud's mind. Bigger and better things waited for him but he didn't know where or when. Destiny burned in his bones but without a trail. 

As Cloud walked the nearly empty street he could hear the footsteps of approaching feet. By the sounds of the shuffling there were two people. The steps were brisk and heavy. Shinra guards. 

From around some building a couple of Shinras appeared. Carrying their batons in their hands and boisterously walking the ill lit street. Cloud could barely make out their green uniforms and heavy black boots. To avoid trouble Cloud crossed the road, the soldiers noticed and eyed him. The Shinra wouldn't dare make trouble with such small numbers, not while armed with his sword. They kept on and didn't say anything. Cloud was too weary for battle; he needed good rest.

Two blocks ahead a glowing sign flickered on and off. A place to sleep! Good. I'm so tired now. Thoughts about the future would have to wait, Cloud made his way to the neon sign.

The door to enter was open and Cloud walked to the front desk. A bald fat man was sitting down looking at a monitor connected to the building's wall. The monitor was tuned to an informant program and the economy was being discussed. The bald man ignored Cloud and stay grimacing at the program.

The volume wasn't that high but Cloud could still hear what was being said. 

"…Rations of power have been short due to lack of Materia in the region. New mines are opening up in different territories but some worry not soon enough to stifle rising prices."

Cloud didn't bother to listen to the rest. The informant programs always brought the same news anyhow. Prices go up, up, and jobs go down, down. 

"How much for a room?" 

The bald man looked on at the program for a moment longer and then turned to Cloud. His head waved back in surprise at Cloud's weapon. "How do you carry that thing, huh?" 

"Special metal. Light as a feather. How much for a room?"

"Um, forty five gil." 

"I'll give you thirty."

"Fine," the man pulled a key from behind the front desk and handed it to Cloud. "Be out by midday tomorrow."

Cloud left to retire to his room. As he walked upstairs to room twenty-seven he could hear other people in their rooms. Some people were screaming, others cursing, a few were singing, drunkenly. 

When he reached his room he unlocked the door and entered quickly. He laid his sword on the floor alongside the bed. A few more feet and the sword would be as long as the bed. After turning the lights off, Cloud rested on the soft mattress. I can't even put a decent piece of Materia in my sword! … That's it! … If I do anything from this point on it'll be to put some good Materia in my sword, from there I'll worry about something else but for now. I have to have a goal. … I need something to concentrate on, besides my poverty. Cloud closed his eyes and the comfortableness of the mattress drew him closer to slumber. Things will turn out well, tomorrow.

The Final Fantasy



In all the years we've been married, I've done everything I can think of to satisfy my husband's sexual appetite, including masturbating in front of him, which I never thought I would do. But I love him, with every part of my soul and want him to be as sexually satisfied as he has made me. You see, until I met my husband I hadn't had many sexual experiences, none of which had introduced me to the enjoyment of an orgasm. He was different, though, and the first time, we made love, he brought me to my first orgasm, which finally helped me understand what the big deal was about sex.

As I said, I did what I could to meet his fantasies, but one. He always wanted to be with two women at once, which my old-fashioned tendencies would not even allow me to consider. This tale is for him.

It had been a long week and he was glad to be getting away for the weekend with his wife, just the two of them. With work, kids and all the trappings that being an adult included, a nice relaxing, peaceful weekend was just what the doctor order for both of them.

On the drive to the hotel, they chatted about everyday things and how much they looked forward to being alone together, for a change. When they arrived, they got their room, unpacked and stretched out to rest for a bit before going out to dinner. 

At the restaurant, they ordered dinner and drinks from their beautiful red-headed waitress. He had his usual beer and she was drinking a margarita. As their waitress made her way back to the table, she noticed that the young woman was extremely pretty, with shapely legs, full round breasts and gorgeous long, wavy red hair. It didn't escape her attention that her husband also appreciated this beautiful young woman waiting on them. She also noticed that the waitress seemed taken by her husband as well. She grew quiet thinking about how he would never get his final fantasy, since they were married and he would not give up his vows even to satiate his own desires. 

His wife excused herself from the table as she saw the waitress coming toward them at the end of dinner, to check on them. She watched from the bathroom doorway as this sexy little vixen was smiling and discreetly flirting with her husband, making sure to bend low when she picked up the plates in order to give him a good view down the front of her top. That's when she knew what she was going to do. As the waitress was walking past the doorway, on her way to the kitchen, his wife stopped her and asked to speak with her.

"I saw you flirting with my husband just now and showing off your tits to him," she started.

The waitress blushed furiously and began to apologize, before the wife stopped her.

"I'm not mad but I do have a question."

A few moments later, his wife returned to the table. She knew his little flirt session with the waitress would be making him horny but wasn't ready to go back to the room yet. "Let's go for a walk before we go back to the room," she said. And though he really wanted to get her back to the room and make love to her, he agreed. 

They walked through the town, window shopping and chatting along the way. She broached no topic that would give him any idea what she had in mind for the night. Holding hands, talking and walking, he looked at her with such love in his eyes. He briefly thought about the hot, young waitress but knew this was the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. Smart, beautiful and loving, he had really lucked out, after having so much bad luck with the women he'd been with before her. 

When they got back to the room, he was more than ready to take his wife in his arms; thinking of how he loved to look at her face as he brought her to orgasm over and over again. He would never tire of that feeling. As he closed the door, he reached out to her and pulled her close, kissing her lips then down her jaw and neck. He could hear her breathing change as she responded to his kisses and his arousal became apparent as his manhood grew inside his pants. Finally, alone with her, no kids or other distractions, he couldn't be happier. 

There was a knock at the door and he stopped in frustration. Damn, they had come all this way to be alone..who was at the door? His wife stepped past him, opened the door and there stood the sexy waitress, from the restaurant. What was she doing here, he wondered?

His wife invited her in and helped her remove her coat. His jaw dropped open as he saw she was wearing only a lacy bra, which barely contained her voluptuous breasts; a garter belt, no panties, thigh high stockings and high heels. My God, she had an amazing body and he could feel his erection growing. He looked over at his wife and saw she had a huge smile on her face, as she walked toward him.

"Tonight," she told him lovingly, "I want to make your final fantasy come true, honey."

"What? What are you talking about?" he asked.

But she didn't utter another word, instead she pushed him back to the bed, as the young woman came to her side and together they removed his clothes, slowly and seductively. Both women, took time to stop at various parts of his body, to kiss, lick and nibble him like a midnight snack.

He could do nothing but sit, stare and enjoy what was happening. He had a million questions running through his mind but figured there was no point in asking and ruining what appeared to be a monumental moment in their marriage.

As his wife, bit and sucked his right nipple, she began massing his balls. At the same time, the waitress was sucking and nibbling his left nipple as she stroked his hardening cock. He was getting such an escalated since of pleasure, he could do no more than lay back and let them work their magic assault on his body. He relaxed as they continued to work over him, loving and caressing his body to heights he could have only imagined before this. He put a hand on each of their heads as he murmured words of ecstasy and encouragement, at how good their attentions felt.

As he watched, they began kissing each other, sliding their tongues in and out of each other's mouths, while they continued to fondle his manhood. How sexy they looked to him, making out over his naked body; this hot vixen and his beautiful wife. He continued to watch as the vixen slid her hand up his wife's shirt and began fondling her breast, making his wife let out a small moan as she became turned on by the gentle attentions to her delicate nipples. As the woman released their attention from him and stood body to body, he watched in fascination as his wife reached her arms around the vixen, unhooking her bra and releasing those bodacious breasts from their restraint, reaching her hands up rubbing her breasts and pinching her nipples as they continued their tongue teasing on each other's mouths. The vixen made quick work, of removing his wife's shirt and bra, working her breasts in kind. 

At first, the rhythm was slow and sensual but, as he noticed the wetness glistening on the vixen's naked pussy, both women's movements became more intense. As his wife, removed what was left of her clothing and stood naked in front of the vixen, he could hard believe what he was watching, as he began stroking his prick as it grew harder. He felt like he could burst at any moment. This was so hot, he wondered if it was a dream.

Soon they stepped apart. The vixen climbed on the bed and straddled his face so he could lick and suck her wet and wanting cunt. As he pushed his face into her lovely bush, eating as she began moaning and writhing over his face, he felt his wife's hot mouth descend on his throbbing cock, slowly working her way up and down his shaft as she squeezed and rubbed his full balls. It was almost more than he could take; it felt so amazing to have this sweet pussy in his face, while he was being sucked and licked by his wife. And as he was eating this pretty little thing he gazed up to see her squeezing and pinching her breasts in momentum with his tongue action.

The motion, rhythm and sensations running through him were completely overwhelming taking his body to the brink. Just when he felt as if he was going to cum in his wife's mouth, she stopped and his little vixen climbed off his face. 

Each woman lay on either side of him, as his wife whispered in his hear, "No, no, no, we're not ready for that just yet."

He turned to her and began kissing her, thrusting his tongue into her mouth with such passion. She responded in kind and they were kissing, and nibbling at each other's mouths with intensity. As he began massaging her breasts and rubbing her nipples, she began moaning in a low throaty tone. He felt the vixen move on the bed, then felt his wife arch as she gasped into his mouth. He looked down and the vixen had her face between his wife's leg, kissing and licking her hot, wet pussy, as she slid her fingers in and out of her hole. He was so turned on, he intensified his attention to her breasts and deepened his tongue in her mouth. He could feel her writhing under all the attention her body was receiving. Faster and harder, he and the vixen worked his wife until she screamed out and her body rocked from an intense orgasm. 

The vixen looked up at him and as their eyes met, she gave him a slow, sultry smile. She climbed back up on the bed next to him, as his wife climbed over to her and began sucking her breasts and nipping at her nipples, much to the vixen's enjoyment. He took his cue and slid down between the vixen's leg. He licked and sucked her pussy lips and could tell by her movements, his skill was having its desired effect. Slowly, he opened her up and began rubbing and licking her clit as she moaned in approval. He looked up and could see his wife fully enjoying the vixen's breasts and paying careful attention to gliding her tongue over those taut nipples, as he worked his magic on her lower extremities.

As he began, sliding his fingers in and out of her hole, she began pushing her hips against his fingers, wanting them deeper inside her. She was growing closer and closer to orgasm and he licked, rubbed and probed her hot cunt. He rubbed the fingers of his other hand with her juices then slowly slid them into her asshole, as he continued to suck her clit and fuck her soaking pussy with his other hand. Her moans became louder and louder as she spread her legs as far as she could and began humping his hand as hard as she could. He pumped both hands harder, getting as deep inside her as he could, while he wrapped his mouth around her swollen clit, sucking on it as his wife sucked and squeezed her breasts.

She stiffened and let out a primal scream as she came all over his hands. She slumped back savoring her orgasm as he stood up. His wife rolled over, sticking her ass in the air, motioning for him to take her doggie-style. He needed no further coaxing than that. He positioned himself behind his wife and slid his cock into her wet, waiting pussy. As he began pumping into her, he took his already wet finger and slid it into her asshole, fucking her with his finger in rhythm with his cock. She was gasping and moaning in appreciation, as the vixen slid her hand under his wife and began rubbing her clit, with his momentum. 

As his wife moaned and gasped, pushing her ass back into his cock and hand, he knew it wouldn't be long. The vixen was fixed on his wife's clit as she rubbed her tits, pinching the nipples from time to time. His wife was lost on the sheer pleasure of all the sensations ripping through her body. Just as he began to feel her tighten around him and orgasm, he felt his monstrous release coming on. They both let out a yell and came at the same time.

He rolled onto his back as his wife snuggled up to him and kissed him on the mouth as they lay catching their breaths. The vixen leaned over, kissing them each sweetly on the mouth. She got up, put on her coat and walked out the door.

"So honey, are you happy you got your final fantasy," she asked him sweetly.

He smiled back at her and said, "Yes, now let's talk about your fantasies, my love." They both laughed as they snuggled together and drifted off into a deep, relaxing and satisfied sleep.



The Final Fantasy Pt. 2



Chapter 1: Need More Gil

Cloud needed money but he was tired of fighting for it. His competitors were pathetically skilled street fighters with or without weapons. The money was good and fast, the only reason he had stuck to it. There weren't many fit jobs in Midgar and so Cloud kept fighting.

"Bam!" The strong man fell on his back with a clap on the pavement.

Another winning, another fight, and Cloud collected his Gil. Most of the crowd dispersed except for a small clan of children. Some kids ran up to him and asked the same questions the young always ask. 

"Where'd ya learn how to fight, mister?" Asked one small child, just barely over Cloud's padded knee.

Another, not even allowing Cloud to answer, interjected, "Isn't your sword heavy? Why, it's even taller than you!"

Cloud smiled, everyone who had the courage to ask that question did. "It's not that heavy, I exercise everyday and I've gotten used to it by now." 

A third, chubby child, asked, "Why are holes in your sword, sir?"

"To put Materia in. Do you know what Materia is?"

All the children laughed and the youngest spoke for all, "Everyone knows what Materia is! It's magic!"

Cloud smirked to himself, "Close enough." 

"Why don't you have Materia in the holes then?" Asked the confused chubby child.

Before McCloud could answer, the small boy said, "Because it's too much gil, you dummy!"

McCloud finished counting his winnings. There was only 350 Gil, 150 less than last time. Cloud had been fighting in sector four for a while and people stopped betting against him. 

"Hey ringleader!" Cloud shouted to the stout man counting his profits on top an empty barrel. "I want the rest of my money." 

"You've got your money, now go before I tell my crew to make you go!" The ringleader's crew looked at Cloud; worried they would taste a sample of the fighting they'd seen so much of. 

"I don't know if you should depend on your crew for that."

"What?" The ringleader turned his head to his men and sensed their freight. "Humph, I'll give you fifty gil more and then I'll ask you to stay out of my face, forever."

Cloud walked a few feet closer to the ringleader, ground his teeth and barely audibly said, "Make it a hundred and I'll take my leave."

The ringleader pursed his lips and became flush from neck to brow. "Here is your hundred gil, now get out, I warn you!" 

Cloud turned and left with his three little companions following behind jumping and hollering at how tuff Cloud was and what a great fighter he is. All the time, they could hear the ringleader cursing at his crew for being so cowardly. 

Up and down alleyways and streets the three youngsters followed the fighter through sector four until they ended up at a small diner at the corner of an unpopular gloomy street.

Cloud sat himself on an empty stool and waited to be served. There were two empty seats near Cloud, one on the left and another on the right. The smallest child, whose name was Brandon, climbed onto the stool to Cloud's right and then looked up at Cloud in awe, smiling the whole time with a ridiculously wide grin. The other two children fought over the other seat but Richard, the plump one, won over and laughed a childish laugh. 

"What are you going to eat, Cloud?" Asked Richard.

"Oh, I don't know maybe a chicken sandwich and some fries."

"Mmm, that sounds good," said Brian, the child who had lost the seat battle.

"Meat and potatoes is a heap better than a chicken sandwich, why don't you get that cloud?" Bellowed Richard. 

"A chicken sandwich would be lighter on my stomach." 

An old waiter came over to the counter and asked, "What can I getcha?" He eyed Cloud's sword with momentary interest and then turned his attention to his pad. "Drinks first."

"I'll have a pint, give these kids some juice. Do you all like berry juice?" 

The children were ecstatic, "Yeah Cloud, that's great! We love berry juice. Thanks Cloud!"

"Three berry juices'."

"And to eat?"

"Three chicken sandwiches with fries, one plate of beef and potatoes."

"Mashed or whole?" Asked the waiter.

"Mashed please! Cried Richard."

"Add some dinner rolls with that. That's all."

"Alright, that'll be fifty gil.

Cloud handed the money to the waiter.

"I'll be back with your food right now."

"Wow, thanks Cloud, you're a real nice guy," said Brandon while spinning around on his stool.

"That's ok, I've got some money that'll last me for a bit. Food is one of the best things you can spend your money on."

"Are you going to buy some Materia with your money, Cloud?" Richard asked wide-eyed.

"Don't get dull Materia, Cloud!" Warned Brandon.

"You're dull, Brandon! You've never even seen Materia."

"So! You've never either!" 

"It doesn't matter, I don't have enough to buy any Materia anyways." 

The waiter came with their drinks and set them on the counter. " 'Ere you go. Drink up."

The youngsters drank their juice happily as Cloud gulped down a mouthful of ale. The drink shaved a shred of gloom hanging over Cloud's head and then he took another mouthful. "Why are you kids still out? My mother would beat me if I'd be out this late at your age."

"It's only a couple of hours pass dusk! We're always out at this time," said Brandon.

"Besides, there's plenty of Shinra around," added Brain. 

"Yeah, but all they have is stupid batons. They don't have swords like Cloud!" Brain ended his comparison with a ball of laughter. 

The waiter came with their food and then left to serve the other customers. The kids stopped talking and dove into their meals. Cloud stared at his glass of ale, thinking about the future. 

The patrons spoke loudly, talking about present things and present cares, blinded toward forthcoming worries and concerns. Though Cloud lost most of his hunger he ate so not to be hungry later. They all concentrated on their food and stopped talking until they were finished.

"That was great Cloud! Thanks for the food!" Brandon joyfully decreed. 

"Really Cloud, those were the best potatoes I've had in a long time, thanks!" Richard was nodding.

"I wish I had some Materia on me Cloud, I'd give it to you, really!" Brain said wishfully.

"I'll be fine. Do you know what I like to do when I've eaten a good meal?"

The children looked curiously at one another.

"After a good meal, I like to sleep a fine nap and so should you, it's late now."

Brandon rubbed his eyes at the mention of sleep. "I am getting tired, what about you guys?" 

Richard and Brain agreed, "Yeah."

"Have good dreams young men." Cloud said and then started to walk down a dark street; he could hear the youngsters calling out to him. 

"We hope to see you again, Cloud!" 

"Have a good night, Cloud!" 

"See you later, Cloud!"

There was 400 gil left in his pocket. A room for the night, at the cheapest, would be thirty gil. Finding a cheap room for the night was the smallest problem in Cloud's mind. Bigger and better things waited for him but he didn't know where or when. Destiny burned in his bones but without a trail. 

As Cloud walked the nearly empty streets he could hear the footsteps of approaching feet. By the sounds of the shuffling there were two people. The steps were brisk and heavy. Shinra guards. 

From around a building a couple of Shinras appeared, carrying their batons and boisterously walking the ill lit street. Cloud could barely make out their green uniforms and heavy black boots but he could tell they were Shinra. To avoid trouble Cloud crossed the road, the soldiers noticed and eyed him. They wouldn't dare make trouble in such small numbers, not while armed with his sword. They kept on and didn't say anything. Cloud was too weary for battle; he needed good rest.

Two blocks ahead a glowing sign flickered on and off. A place to sleep! Good. I'm so tired now. Thoughts about the future would have to wait; Cloud made his way to the neon sign.

The door to enter was wide open and Cloud walked to the front desk. A bald fat man was sitting down on a chair looking at a monitor connected to the building's wall. The monitor was tuned to an informant program and the economy was being discussed. The bald man ignored Cloud and stood grimacing at the program.

The volume wasn't high but Cloud could still hear what was being said. 

"…Rations of power have been short due to lack of Materia in the region. New mines are opening in different territories but some worry not soon enough to stifle rising prices of energy..."

Cloud didn't bother to listen to the rest. The informant programs always brought the same news anyhow. Prices go up, up, and the number of jobs go down, down. 

"How much for a room?" 

The man looked on at the program for a moment longer and then turned to Cloud. His head waved back in surprise at Cloud's weapon. "How do you carry that thing, huh?" 

"Special metal. Light as a feather. How much for a room?"

"Um, forty five gil." 

"I'll give you thirty."

The man thought about it for a second and then said, "Fine." He pulled a key from behind the front desk and handed it to Cloud. "Be out by midday tomorrow."

Cloud left the front desk to retire to his room. As he walked upstairs to room twenty-seven he could hear other people in their rooms. Some people were screaming, others cursing, a few were singing, drunkenly. 

When he reached his room he unlocked the door and entered quickly and then locked the door securely. He laid his sword on the floor alongside the bed where he could get it if he needed it. Cloud noticed that if the sword were a few more feet longer it would be as long as the bed. After turning the lights off, Cloud rested on the soft mattress. Those kids were funny. They sure knew a lot about Materia it seemed. I wish that I could have at least a Dull Materia in my sword. I can't even put a decent piece of Materia in my sword! … That's it! … If I do anything from this point on it'll be to put some good Materia in my sword, from there I'll worry about something else…anything else but for now. I have to have a goal. … I need something to concentrate on, besides my poverty. Cloud closed his eyes and the comfortableness of the mattress drew him closer to slumber. Things will turn out well, tomorrow. 

On most nights, Cloud dreamt about battle, the ultimate battle. It would be brutal yet satisfying, ultimate. Towards the end of the dream, Cloud would stand atop a huge building, raise his sword into the air and scream his victory to the clouds.

And then, Cloud was in room twenty-seven of a cheap motel. Birds perched on a window seal and sang their songs of chirp. A new day has come for me to accomplish my heart's desire. What do I desire to accomplish this day? The rising sun sent its rays into the musty room and they bounced off the shiny metal of the large sword. A sparkle? My wonderful sword, Buster. Ah…Materia, I have to get Materia. I only know one way to get money for Materia, fighting. Cloud got out of bed and watched the birds fly away. The day was definitely an inspiring one. Dark golden light poured into every dark crevice of Midgar, transforming it into a happy place for the moment. Cloud took a deep breath of the morning air and began to do his exercises. 

A short time after dawn Cloud left the ugly motel and searched the streets for a fruit vendor. Fruit in Midgar was reserved for the person of wealthier faculties. Mostly, a fruit vendor could be found near train stations (There were many stations in all of the seven sectors of Midgar). As Cloud walked to the nearest station, he paid little attention to the two classes of people that passed his way. The Lower cast of residents were dressed shabbily and didn't seem to be headed toward anywhere in a hurry. The Middle cast was better presented in materials of a better quality and they appeared to be a bit happier over their fortunate welfare. The highest cast didn't take public trains and didn't walk the roads of the other two classes. Most people didn't see them or have an idea of their daily routines and such. That was the way of Midgar daily life. 

Still, children played in the streets, boys and girls chassed each other during games of freeze tag. Older folks complained of the younger generations lack of respect and responsibility and men and women still fell in love and got married together. The majority of people even under very stressful conditions tune out the life that they could have had and settle for the life they do have. Some individuals in Midgar could not do such a thing and Cloud was one of them.

Another block and Cloud would reach the station where the fruit vendor undoubtedly would be selling his expensive food. People were already gathering in the city and making their way to work, if they were fortunate enough to have employment. Women and Men walked towards the train stations, to work in other sectors where there were jobs available. 

Cloud looked on in semi-fascination. I couldn't do that. They're either strong or I'm weak because I could never work my life away for someone else's benefit! All this wretchedness makes me tire of Midgar. If it wasn't for the money I'd be gone.

"Today, I have apples and I have oranges, the best! Get them while you can because they'll be gone by lunch!"

The fruit vendor had a small stand less than twenty feet from a train boarding for sector five. 

"If you have the money for it I have wild grapes, only the sweetest of them!"

"Give me two oranges, a banana, and two apples."

The vendor incredulously responded, "Sixty gil, do you have it?"

"Sixty gil is too much, I'll give you fifty."

"You don't even have that! Stop wasting my time with your games!"

"Apples, oranges, wild grapes I have it all, come…"

"Here," Cloud placed the money on the vendor's small stand. "I pick the fruit."

"Oh… sure, anything you say sir, here, let me open it for you." The vendor opened a small door on the side of the stand and showed the fresh fruit lying on a cold bed of ice. "Take your pick, they're all good."

"Do you have a bag for me, vendor?" 

"Of course I do," the vendor handed Cloud a paper bag for his fruit. "If you get hungry later I'll still probably have some fruit." The vendor's lips spread into a wide friendly smile. "I'm here until dusk, after that I won't be back until morning."

"I'll be leaving sector four today."

The vendor's smile went away and he started yelling out again, "Fresh delicious fruit, on sale! Good prices for great fruit! You want it; I've got it! Fresh fruit!"

Cloud walked away while eating the banana. The fruit was chilled, delicious, on lookers drooled as they watched Cloud gobble his bag of fruit. The food was terrific but the juice had made Cloud thirsty and his hands were sticky.

Not to far away a small boy was drawing on the sidewalk with a little piece of red brick. 

"Boy, come over here."

The child looked up; wiped his pants and then ran over to Cloud.

"Yes, sir?"

"Would you like to make a couple of gil?"

The small boy enthusiastically said yes, "Yes, sir, what do I have to do?"

"Tell me where you live."

"I live a few houses down, sir."

Cloud and the small boy walked to the house. 

"This is my house!" The boy was pointing with a finger covered in red chalk. 

The house was shabby, the windows dusty and the small yard kept untidily. 

"Get me some water and a wet rag and I'll give you two gil."

"Alright! Yes sir!" The boy scampered off into the house and returned with a large cup and wet rag. "Is this good, sir?"

"Yes, very good. What is your name?"

"Bobby! My father's name is Bob! I'm Bobby Willams the second! What's your name, sir?"

"My name is Cloud Strife." Cloud drank the whole cup of water and scrubbed his hands with the rag. "Ah, that's good." 

"Wow Cloud, that's the biggest sword I've ever seen? Are you a soldier?"

"I used to be."

The kid's face lit up.

Then Cloud said, "Do you know where there's a Materia shop around here? I'll give you another gil if you tell me."

"Four gil!" 

Cloud lightly frowned and smiled. "Yes, four gil."

"Wow, hmm… well, there's a shop in the market place but that's sort of far."

"Which market place?"

"Figaro market place on Figaro Road."

Figaro was more than ten miles away but there were trains that could be taken there. 

"Do you know of any others?"

"Umm… There's a small shop on York St…. but I heard their Materia is dull… unless you don't care. Do you care?"

"I want Ultimate Materia."

The small boys eyes grew wide again.

"The best," said the child.

Cloud fished in his pockets and then counted the gil in front of the boy. "Here you go Bobby Willams the second, four gil.

"Wowie, Thank you Mr. Strife! I'll save it up for something nice. Have a good day, Mr. Strife!" With that said the little boy skipped down the street, perhaps to boast about his earnings to friends.

Cloud looked on at the boy and then contemplated on his next destination. York St. was closer but Cloud wanted Ultimate Materia, neither Dull nor Bright Materia would suffice. A few miles ahead was a train headed towards Figaro, Cloud would go there. The few miles to the station took only a short time since Cloud was eager to lay his eyes on the powerful Materia. He pondered on what type of Materia he would get. 

There were all sorts of Materia, small, large, round, square, light, dark, weak and strong. Many types of Materia were sold, fire, ice, poison, electrical, all deadly in the wrong hands. Generally, Materia was categorized into three levels, Dull, Bright, and Ultimate. Like the name, a dull Materia gave off a murky glow; Bright Materia shone enough light to survey a darkened room. Ultimate Materia was ultra powerful as well as expensive and rare. Left on the skin Ultimate Materia could cause a nasty burn to a person. People carried Ultimate Materia in special pouches that had to be changed every couple of years or the Materia would eventually burn through, however, not many people even carried around any form of Materia.

The train station was smaller than the one Cloud had just left; it was an inner city train and it boarded less passengers. The whistle to the train blew for people to start boarding. A man in a red coat and gray slacks opened the first doors. "Have your gil ready, one gil to ride the train."

Cloud had his gil ready; all inner-city trains charged only one gil to ride. 

The man with the red coat was the conductor. "Thank you, sir, please enter."

Cloud walked in and moved to the back of the car. He set buster (the name of his sword) against the window and sat on the adjoining seat. A dozen or more people entered the car and then the door was closed. A couple of more cars were opened and a couple more dozen boarded and then the train's whistle blew its final call. 

"All aboard!" Screamed the conductor. 

Some moments passed and then the train jumped with a start and slowly inched its way forward. There were some people still running to the train station, late arrivers, but the train was already moving. One man threw his hat to the ground and stomped his feet in frustration. Cloud smiled at the man and the man just stared at Cloud and then scooped up his hat and then turned and walked away. It wouldn't take long now, Figaro was losing distance and so was the Materia. 

I wonder how much it is? Five thousand gil? Eight thousand gil? Maybe less? I'll get fire Materia. Maybe I should get ice. Electrical Materia is nice too. How much do I have? Cloud counted his gil; he had 305 gil left.

The train entered the subway and stood underground for most of the way. A maze of lights and the bump of tracks at perfect intervals made the ride a dreary one. Cloud was happy when the ride was over and he was at his destination. He was the first passenger to leave the car. None of the others patrons stood too close to Cloud for fear of accidentally hitting him and inciting his anger. Cloud didn't mind; he liked to be left alone. 




The Final Fantasy Pt. 2



Figaro was not far and Cloud quickly found Figaro Market. Once there, Cloud asked different people to give him directions to the nearest Materia shop and they pointed the way. When he finally found the shop, it was smaller than Cloud had first expected. Hopefully good Materia lay inside. He pushed for the door to open but it was locked. He knocked on the door and peeped inside. Through the glass, Cloud could see a three-sided display case inside. To the left was dull Materia and to the right was bright Materia and connecting the two cases was the third with a few bulgy pouches, most likely Ultimate Materia! Cloud fervently looked around for someone but there was only a curtain at the rear wall of the store. Cloud pounded on the glass of the front door and eventually a man walked through the curtain and inspected Cloud.

The man was tall and brawny, dark skinned and he had a thick beard. He looked at Cloud's sword for a second and then unlocked the door and opened it a foot wide. 

"Wha du wan?"

"I want to buy Materia?"

"Yu wan tu buy Maateria? How much?"

Cloud didn't understand, "How much?"

"How much money u have?"

"I don't have that much money, right now but I'm going to get some!"

"Why du u bother me when u don hav money?"

"I want to know how much I have to save, I'm a fighter and I'll have the money soon." Cloud leaned sideways so the man could see Buster better.

"Iz dat why u hav da sord?"

"Yes.
The man thought briefly and then said, "Hmm… Come in."

After Cloud entered, the brawny man locked the door and walked behind the glass counter.

"Wha type u wan? Dull, Bright"

Cloud shook his head, "I want the best! Ultimate!"

"Oh… Ulltimete iz verre egspenzive."

"How much?"

"Depands on yu, wha type u wan? Fire, ice."

"What causes the most damage?"

"Causes da mos damege to wha, a persan? Anyding Ulltimate will kill a person."

"What's the cheapest and what's the most expensive?"

"In dis stor da strongest Materia is dis one."

The brawny man opened the glass case from a sliding door in the back and pulled a pouch out. "Dis iz wha yu looking for. The man opened the pouch and an awesome yellow light poured out. "It'z butiful, yez?"

"M a t e r i a!" Cloud stared on, changed from within, strengthened in his conviction of getting a piece of the powerful energy.

"Dis one iz is electiicaal. Thee bezt one I have."

"How much?" 

The man looked at Cloud and said, "Fifteen thousand gil."

"Fifteen!" cried Cloud.

"It'z wordth da prize."

Cloud made a cupping gesture and said, "Let me hold it."

"Jus for a moment."

The brawny man handed the precious Materia to cloud, still in the pouch.

"Don hold it in yur handz too long or id'll start to heet up."

Cloud shook his head. "Thank you." He lifted the pouch from the bottom and let the Materia fall out onto his gloved palm. Immediately his hand began to feel warm. "Wow, it is warm."

"Yez."

Cloud looked at the center, almost too bright to stare at. The middle of the roughly cut Materia was the brightest and the most beautiful. Cloud felt powerful with the deadly energy in his hands, if only he knew how to use it. 

"How does it work?"

"I wud hav to fit it to yur weapon. Then id wud work on it'z own. Unles yu ar a mage, but yu don look lik one."

"You can't give me a lower price? Maybe 500 or a 1000 less?"

"No, absoluutelly not! This is rare and wanderfull."

"I admit, it is."

The Materia started to get too hot and Cloud sadly put it back in its pouch. 

"I tell you as a favar. You can make paymant to me. At least 1000 gil a month but you must put 3000 gil as your first payment."

Cloud's dreams seemed to be coming true. "Ok, I'll come back as soon as possible with the 3000 gil." He was ecstatic; he could barely contain himself. He moved to the door and unlocked it.

"Bedder be fas my frend, someone might ged id firs!"

Cloud stepped outside after the shopkeeper's warning and thought about his words. Gotta be fast or someone else'll get it! No telling when another piece of Materia that good'll be in the market! Gotta get some money! …Gotta be quick…gotta fight! Cloud left to find a bar, the best place to find information about fight competitions.

Figaro had plenty of saloons and Cloud went into one named Rigo's Pub. The bar was a decent place, for Midgar at least. None of the windows were scuffed up; the swinging saloon doors didn't hang off their hinges. Degenerates didn't hang about trying to beg a pint of ale off the passerby. A couple of older men walked out of Rigo's but neither were they degenerates nor drunkards.

Perhaps, this place is a little too…high up the ladder to have any idea about where fight competitions are held. One way to find out. Cloud passed the older men and pushed the swinging doors aside and walked through. 

Inside the pub, things were merrily lit and small groups of men were seated together, laughing and telling crude jokes to one another. The smell of cigars and beer danced in the air and it had a spinning effect on Cloud's head. The bar keep was busy pouring a hard drink (that is, hard liquor) for one of the patrons sitting on a stool at the bar. There were three Shinra sitting down at a table near in the corner. They were passing glances at Cloud, looking at his sword; one of them was smoking the remainders of a stubby cigar and puffing out billows of dark smoke. Cloud turned away, not wanting a confrontation for surely Shinra loved to shove their weight around. He sat down at one of the stools. 

The barkeep walked over to where Cloud was sitting. "Aye, what can I getcha? 

"I'll have a pint, how much?" 

"Two gil, sir."

Cloud put ten on the bar table and without saying a word looked deeply and seriously into the keep's eyes and said, "I'm looking for something. Maybe you can help me."

"Aye sir, just ask what it is and I'll do my best."

Cloud nodded and smiled. "This money is from fighting. That's how I make living. It's running low and I need more. Where do I go?"

The barkeep crookedly smiled and protruded his finger into the air as if he had happened on a rare epiphany of special truth and said, "I know of a place, right close too, in this very sector…"

Cloud's features dropped and the barkeep stopped talking.

"I forgot to mention one thing; I'm a decent enough fighter and I need good wages. Can you tell me where I can find a good competition?"

The light's shone off the keeper's eyes and wide grin broadened to show the man's unsightly teeth. "Oh … he, he, he. I know where you would like to go." While talking, the keeper picked up the ten gil and walked off to serve another customer and then returned. "You'll be wanting to go to sector seven, yes, that's where you'd want to be going."

Cloud took a big drink from his pint and wiped the foam from his mouth. Obviously, the keeper wanted to get paid more money for the location of the fight competition. Cloud frowned. "Where in Sector Seven?"

"Oh … it's important to you? But would you look at this? Here I is loosing money jabbering to ya while I should be serving me customers!"

Cloud looked tiresomely at the bar keep and said, "I see, you tell me what I want to know and I'll pay you what you've lost."

"What a nice man you are. I'll only ask but a small amount and not even that especially that from the eyes of a future money making fighter!"

There was whistling from across the room, the corner to be exact. One of the Shinra was standing up and holding an empty mug in his hand. "Hey! Barkeep, bring me a fresh pint and be quick!" He sat down and stared at Cloud for a moment but then Cloud turned to finish his ale and the man continued talking to his Shinra friends.

After filling the Shinra's mug, the barkeep returned. "Sorry their sir, would you like another? 

Cloud pushed the mug over to the keep and the keep filled it to the brim, blew the foam off and then slowly filled the rest with ale. 

"There you go sir. Now about Sector Seven." The keep cleared his throat as if he were going to begin a very important speech. "Sometimes bar's run a little low on drinks, mostly holidays when men's heart's are full of cheer, you know?"

Cloud impatiently agreed and beat down the urge to demand the exact location of the bar in the most concise answer the keep could muster but Cloud was afraid the keep would raise the information's price even higher. 

"Yes, go on."

The keep stuffed a tail of shirt that had spilled out and continued, "Well, bars will sell their extra liquor to other bars that've run out, for a reasonable amount of gil mind you! On a fair amount of occasions, I've had to buy from different bars across all seven sectors! During this time, one gets to build a small relationship in the business of others. Owners try to get you to fund their different schemes to get rich! I usually pass, I'm happy with mine own." The keep looked up and stared at the rafters, forgetting about the point he was talking in the first place.

Cloud looked on in eager anticipation. "And?"

The keep was taken aback and laughed a little laugh to himself and apologized. "You have to forgive me, not everyday a young lad passes by willing to hear my old stories. By the way, is that beer good?"

Cloud hadn't even started drinking. He took a quick sip and commented, "Yes, it's good, better than most I've tasted."

"Aye, that's good sir. You know, most people pay for their drinks first. The keep smiled and then walked off to serve a customer that had walked in."

Cloud dug into his pocket and counted forty gil. He'd better not try to get more or I'll start my own fight competition right here!

When the keep came back, he put the money in his trousers without much notice. "Thank ye much. Now, I won't be taking more of your time. I know that you younger people have much energy to spend on your fruitless labors."

Cloud frowned for a second and wished the keep would hurry. He also thought a dreadful thought. What if the keep was wrong and he wastes his time and gil to go to a place that isn't worth going to? The Materia might be gone by that time! Hopefully things would go right.

"In sector seven, find Main Street. Then, look for South Alley fifty-three. It won't take you long; Alley fifty-three isn't much to begin with. From there, find a bar named "Seventh Heaven", got it?"

"Main Street, South Alley Fifty-Three, Seventh Heaven, got it." Cloud stood up, full of energy and ambition.

"Aren't ya even gonna finish your beer?"

"No time!"

"That's what all the youngsters say! You'll be wanting it later!" The keep was yelling but Cloud was already on the street jogging toward a train that would take him to Sector Seven.

People were looking at Cloud run through Figaro and looked behind him, expecting to see a group of Shinra chasing after him but of course there was no one. Buster, bounced and wavered on Cloud's back, making the run a bit more difficult than necessary. No matter, Cloud's desperation to get to Sector Seven pushed him on. The trains ran all day; Cloud hoped he would reach Sector Seven before midnight.

After a time of running and then some jogging, Cloud reached Midgar's main train station that ran through all of Midgar's Seven Sectors. It was three times as large as the other trains and it ran at a much faster pace. Besides it's size and speed it was the nicest looking train in all of Midgar. 

Cloud was still huffing and puffing while he waited in line for the next departure. A ticket would cost fifteen gil, five gil for each sector crossed. There were three people ahead of him including one that was currently purchasing tickets. They were dressed in good clothes and they stole uncomfortable glances at Cloud. He felt as if the whole station was looking at him and his over-sized sword, a sword that he had named Buster. 

The man at the window was given a ticket and when starting to walk away said, "My goodness, what a big sword!"

"Next," asked the woman in the booth.

A young couple made their way to the woman and began their transaction. They received their tickets and walked past Cloud with a look of unease. The next person was an older man, tall, thin with a bushy mustache. He purchased a ticket and slightly bowed his head to Cloud and walked on. Cloud smiled inwardly, surprised that the old man made a friendly gesture to someone who was carrying such a boisterous weapon.

"Next," The woman spoke smugly in her safe little den. "Are you on the right train, sir?" 

"I'm positive, give me a ticket for Sector Seven."

"Thirty gil, sir."

Cloud handed the ready payment through the little glass opening and took his ticket. He then joined the crowd of people gathered at the train, waiting for the conductor to let them on. He noticed a man taking small steps toward him. He turned his face slightly to get a better view without being noticed. It was the man with a bushy mustache and he had gotten to where he was only a few feet from where Cloud was waiting. 

"Are you a fighter?" The man whispered.

Cloud looked over at the man and said, "Why do you whisper?"

"Excuse me," the man raised his voice. "I didn't want to call any unwanted notice. People are looking at you enough."

"Yeah." 

"So… Are you?"

Cloud hesitated. "Yes." 

"I thought maybe you were with Soldier for a moment."

"I was… but then I left."

"Didn't like things did you? All orders no real action is there?"

Cloud just looked at the man. "How would you know?"

"I'm an old man, I know. Not old enough so that I can't fight."

A few of the people who were waiting for the conductor and heard what the old man was saying and walking to some of the other carts.

The old man gave a quiet laugh. "Where are you headed if you don't mind my asking?"

Cloud didn't see the harm in talking to the man. "I'm headed to Sector Seven."

The man looked at the train, through it, and reminisced, "I used to go to Sector Seven, to a place called Seventh Heaven." The man caught Cloud's amazed expression. "Oh, that's where you're going?"

Cloud was about to ask how the man came to know about Seventh Heaven when the man started to speak again.

"Yes, I used to go there myself. I'm too old for that now. Fighting is for young blood like yours. I got myself a wife and a decent enough job to stay out of the trouble these days." 

"What's your name?" 

"My name is Cid, what's yours?"

"Cloud, Cloud Strife."

The conductor opened the first car door and called out to the people, "All aboard."

"Where are you going, Cid?"

"I'm going to the next Sector, we can sit at one of the lounge tables if you'd like."

"Ok."

"The lounge is in the back so let's get moving."

The two men walked to the luncheon car, gave their passes to the ticket holder and got a table with a big window. 

"There isn't that much too look at but it's better than nothing," said Cid.

"I don't know. I try not to take in Midgar when I don't have to. I just want to get out."

"Where do you want to go?"

Cloud looked down at the table. He looked intensely at the knots in the wood and thought about where he would go. He'd never been out of Midgar before and neither had he known anyone who has. As far as he knew, he didn't know how to leave, there were no trains that left out of Midgar. There were a few ideas that floated around but nothing well founded. 

"I don't care, anything would be better than Midgar."

The older mad could remember making similar convictions when he was young but little by little responsibilities crept in and then the wife and kids came along. Dreams went away as did the time and Cid recalled them no longer.

"When we're young, we don't fear. We don't worry. We think, everything will come on it's own. I don't know if I admire or pity you."

"I'm happy I'm the way I am. I don't worry about anyone except myself. I only have to cloth and feed me! My dreams are big and I accomplish all that I set before myself!" Cloud felt better; he foreboded good things in his future, for the time being.

"Ho, ho, ho," cried Cid. "I can remember saying that when I was your age!" Cid extended his index finger at Cloud in a mock accusing manner. 

"What were your dreams?"

"My dreams?" Cid pondered. He could feel the pull of the engine starting. Cid was looking out the window and he was wondering back to the days of his young manhood. It's been so long. I remember I wanted to leave Midgar. Before that though, I wanted to become the best fighter. After, I planned to leave with my now wife and live a quiet life someplace far. "Well…I basically wanted the same as yourself. To leave this place. Be the best fighter in all the Seven Sectors. I don't know why, I just wanted something different for myself. Different from what everybody else wanted. I thought I couldn't stand living here like everyone else. I guess I've proved that wrong, huh?" Cid let out an unpleasant chuckle.

Cloud looked out the window in pity. "When I get out of here, you and your family can come along, if you still want to… leave."

Cid looked at Cloud with glazing eyes and said, "If you get out and you find there's something out there worth living for I'll leave this life."

Cloud's eyes popped open and he began to laugh. He pounded his fist against the table and put the other to his stomach. "That was fast," and then he began to laugh again, whole-heartedly. 

Cid couldn't watch Cloud without joining. Soon the two of them felt the cramps from their uncontrolled laughter. The laughter abated as the two watched the slums go by and the gloomy view soon eradicated any humor they had about them. 

"I can't stay here. It's draining the life out of me. I can't become…"

"What? You can't become like me?"

Cloud tried to search for the right words. He didn't want to make Cid angry. He was the closest thing to a friend that he's had for a long time. "I didn't mean…I wasn't trying to upset…"

"No… it doesn't bother me. I don't want you to become like me either. Go with your dreams for as far as they'll take you. Some go farther than others. Mine stopped short of my goals. How long will yours last? That's up to you."

Cloud returned his gaze to the window without saying anything. For the rest of the ride the two didn't speak much. Some words were exchanged but the desire to converse had dwindled. The train eventually made its stop at Sector Five and most of the passengers got off but Cid stayed on. 

Cid spoke slowly and softly as if he had known Cloud all his life. "Do you have money?"

Cloud was surprised at the break of their quiet. "Yeah, why?"

"Nothing much, are you hungry?"

"I should probably be the one to buy you something."

"Poppy cock. Waiter!"

A short slim man came to the table with menus. "Would you like something for dinner or perhaps just a drink?"

"Both please."

"Excellent sir, would you like a moment with the menu?"

"Yes, thank you but just a moment."

"Very good, here you go," the waiter handed a menu to Cid and then to Cloud. The waiter eyed Cloud suspiciously and then left.

"I've never gotten anything from here before, what are you going to have, Cid?"

"Hmm… try the steak and potatoes. Not every day that you have that, huh?"

Cloud looked up at Cid and almost laughed. "I have that all the time. I'm a fighter remember, fast easy money! Ring a bell?"

Cid chuckled. "Yes, thank you for reminding me. I'm fortunate enough to have a good job. I manage a string of small motels. Nothing fancy, I get to travel and check on things whenever I want. Anyhow, what'll you have to drink? Do you drink wine?"

"No… do they have some good ale?"

"I'm sure they do but for today try some red wine with me. If you're not satisfied I'll order their best ale," Cid made another chuckle.

"Fine, I'll try the ale. I've had wine before but I didn't like it.




The Final Fantasy Pt. 2



"What kind was it?"

"I can't even remember it's been so long."

Cid folded his menu closed and so did Cloud. The waiter watched and then came over. "What may I get you?"

"We'll have two steaks with potatoes. Put lots of cream on mine and bring a bottle of red wine."

"Any particular vintage, sir?"

"Nothing special but not your cheapest."

"Very well sir, I'll be back with your wine in a moment."

"Good, thank you."

The waiter left to the kitchen and returned with their wine and some glasses. He opened the bottle and poured theirs drinks and then left.

Cloud took a sip and then another. The wine wasn't bad but he preferred cold ale with a foamy head. "So… Seventh Heaven will show me where the fights are held?"

"No… Seventh Heaven controls the fights held. It's a really small bar but it has the best fighters and most importantly they pay good. At least while I went their, they paid well." Cid took a big sip of his wine and then said, "The money is for when you get out of here?"

"Actually, I wanted to buy some Materia…good Materia."

"Oh, good Materia, huh? Hmm. What do you want that for?"

"For protection… a means to get out of here. The Shinra just doesn't open the doors to this place, you know?"

Cid made a flippant gesture with his brow and said, "I've noticed."

"Besides, I would like to own a piece to put in my sword, Buster."

Cid eyed the weapon. "What does that thing weigh?"

"Not much for it's size. I've gotten used to it; it doesn't bother me at all."

The sword was grossly out of proportion, Cid noticed. Its size challenged its owner's own height! Light from the dinner car shone off the brilliant metal of the blade. 

"Have you ever…had to use it?"

"Well… I have. While I was with Soldier, on a few occasions, I broke up some riots. People are ferocious when they're in a mob. Some are fearless, especially, if they have a weapon."

Cid displayed a shadow of discontentment and said, "Do you know what type of Materia you'll get?"

"I have my eye on some very strong Electrical Materia." Cloud reminisced on the Electrical Materia's glow, the feel of the heat emanating into his hand. Energy pulsed from the glowing jewel like substance. "It was good."

Cid realized Cloud was in a daze and left him so until the food arrived.

"Here you go gentlemen." The waiter left the food on the table and then said, "Is everything to your liking?" 

Cid answered, "Yes, everything is fine, thank you."

"Very well, enjoy your meal." The waiter walked away and left the two men to their meals.

Cloud noticed the meat was a better sort than what he was accustomed too. He ate the potatoes first and then finished his steak dinner. Lastly, he scooped the remaining gravy with the dinner rolls that the waiter had brought out with their steaks. Cid was still eating his food while Cloud was finishing off his. 

"Fine food, hmm?" Cid asked.

"Very good, Cid. Thank you. I don't remember the last time someone treated me to a meal without wanting something in return."

Cid devilishly grinned. "I do want something."

Cloud had a roll sopped with gravy just below his open mouth and held it there and looked up to Cid, waiting for an explanation. His heart slowed with dread and his hopes that he had made a friend started to diminish.

After collecting Cloud's attention, Cid continued. "Remember, I want you to find a way out and then come and get me out of here." Cid smiled a child's smile. 

Cloud was relieved. He finished his roll and sat back in his chair. "I'm glad that that's what you meant."

"I know. This is a hard world and people usually don't do things for free bus some still do, remember that, ok?"

Cloud shook his head.

"If I'm going to get out of here, I'll need your help. Tell me all you know about the fighter's I'm going to be up against."

Cid's brow wrinkled and he shuffled in his seat, scooting up to the table. "I told you. It's been a long time since I've fought. I don't know the fighter's that are there now but if Barret is still there you'll have to watch out for him."

Cloud waved a hand and said, "I've handled big guys before. I've even handled men bigger than you…"

"I'm not talking about runts like me!" Cid drew his face over the table in all seriousness. "Barret is a big man!" The man weighs somewhere around three hundred pounds and I'm not talking about fat either."

"How tall is he then?" Cloud looked more interested in what Cid had to say.

"I don't know exactly, almost seven feet."

Cloud swallowed. "The bigger they are the harder they fall."

Cid shook his head and said, "Just make sure he doesn't fall on you or that's it!"

Cloud tried to laugh but it didn't come out the way he wanted. He shook of the fear not long after. "Does he have any moves?"

"His main strength is his strength but his punches are mostly sloppy but that's when I fought him. He might have had training; I don't know."

Cid and Cloud continued to discuss things, swapping history about each other. They shared some laughs and worries but mostly Cid talked in that area. Cloud mostly listened to his older newfound friend. 

A considerable amount of time passed and the train reached Sector Six. 

Cid collected his things, paid for the meal, and stood up before saying goodbye. "I suppose this is it."

Cloud didn't show any emotion but he wished that he and Cid could still talk. 

"When you get on the outside you know where you can find me."

"I do."

"I wish you much luck young man, you'll need it."

Cid turned around and walked down the car's length and left. Cloud felt utterly alone. For now, his closest companion was Buster.

When the train started up again, Cloud left the Café portion of the train and found a lonely seat in which to ride out the rest of the trip. For a while Cloud slept until he was interrupted with the trains abrupt halt. Alarms blazed from hidden speakers in the train overhead compartment. Red and blue lights flashed and circled. People panicked and some women shouted in confusion. 

Cloud grabbed the hilt of his sword and frantically looked about. He stood up, still his hands clutched onto Buster, and he tried to open the door to the next compartment but it was locked. 

A passenger, a young man, tried to help Cloud push the door open but it was securely sealed. Next they tried the windows but they weren't glass but rather a much tougher substance. 

"Let's try the other door," said the young man.

He and Cloud pushed and pulled but no amount of effort prevailed. After Cloud meditated on the predicament enough, he quietly sat down. 

"What are you doing?" Asked the young shocked man.

"We'll have to wait; we can't use force. What else can we do?"

The young man pondered and then sat down next to Cloud. "My name is Chris."

Cloud shook his hand but the two made no other conversation. 

Most of the passengers had settled down and talked about speculations when the door opened and Soldiers entered. 

A soldier with higher rank stepped out in front of the others and said, "We're sorry that you were detained but it was for a good reason. The conductor said he thought he recognized a man from the terrorist group Avalanche in car no. 1 but he was mistaken. The train will shortly resume its procession."

The passengers began to settle down and Cloud made his way to his previous seat. The young man stood seated for a while longer and then made his way to the seat in front of Cloud. 

"What do you think of that Avalanche?" 

Cloud didn't feel like having a conversation but he said, "I don't know much about them except the Midgar Government hates them."

"Yeah, but because Avalanche is disrupting a lot of government agencies. Avalanche has been trying to get the president to give more freedom to the private sector, by force that is."

"Hmm." Cloud turned his head to look out the window not particularly looking at anything specific. People were walking along the streets, not quickly but sluggishly. 

"Anyhow, as long as they don't hurt any innocents, I wouldn't need to be persuaded in thinking that Avalanche is a good group."

"I thought I heard on an informant program that Avalanche terrorist group that robbed people to grow stronger."

The young man made a face of abhorrence and said, "You don't believe those informant shows do you! If you'd look at some of the papers Avalanche distributes it'd open your eyes!"

Cloud squinted his eyes in suspicion and faintly smiled at the young man who had turned completely around in his chair. "Are you a part of Avalanche. You should be an Ambassador between your group and Shinra." Cloud made a low laugh.

The young man looked scared. "Hey! Don't say that! Don't you know that I could get jailed just for being accused of having part with Avalanche?"

"I was just kidding."

"Well, don't! As we speak, there's a new law that'll probably take effect real soon. The law will make reading Avalanche's paper and any other type of communication with negative views on the government illegal."

"I don't have to worry about any of that."

The young man looked hopelessly at Cloud. "Don't you care or aren't you interested in what's going on around you?"

A flash of anger swept through Cloud's chest. He stared ferociously at the young man and said, "I don't care one bit. Now turn around."

The young man almost cried out in fear but he didn't. Instead, he turned around and looked out the window, still wide eyed with disbelief.

Cloud exhaled his anger and suddenly he felt tired. He massaged his temples with his fingers and that eventually lulled him to sleep. Cloud was so tired that the pull of the train didn't waken him. Not long after resuming the trip the train halted in Sector Seven. The conductor hollered for the new passengers to get on and that's when Cloud awoke. 

He scurried off the train and onto the grimy pavement of Train Station Sector Seven. The whistle to the train blew and there were a few people making their farewells, probably to what were relatives leaving for other sectors for some purpose or other.

The time was past dusk and Cloud could see the moon beginning to rise in the night's sky. He drearily shuffled off to find a place to sleep. No use in searching for Seventh Heaven then. Things could wait for tomorrow when he'd be alert with the morning's energy. 

First thing was first, Cloud needed to find a place to sleep. Leaving the station Cloud had the choice to go up or down the main St. the station was alongside of. Cloud decided on taking the low road and began walking that way. He walked for half an hour and came across homes and only homes. There wasn't a single place for rent. Cloud thought that maybe he should stop and try taking the opposite direction but he continued for a while longer until he could see some bright lights in the dark distance. Hopefully, it was a motel but maybe it was just a restaurant. The building was tall, maybe three stories high; Cloud couldn't tell. He continued to walk but a little faster than before. 

Eventually he reached the building. There were old Christmas lights decorated at different places all along the walls and windows of the ageing establishment. Many of the bulbs were burned out but most remained. Cloud supposition was correct; the building was three stories high but at the top most floor lay nothing more than a small shack-like construction. From the outside a wooden stairway could be use to travel to the third floor.

The front entrance had no door and some of the planks needed to be re-nailed to the founding boards. Cloud could hear the barks of far off dogs. From inside the establishment came an aroma of food, beef. There was no hunger in Cloud's stomach but he entered anyhow. Cloud turned his back to the short string of humble businesses that surrounded the three-story eatery. 

Inside, groups of people were eating meals talking together. There was a small collection of young men and women dancing in one corner. To the right and to the left of the entrance of the eatery were caged rooms. In the left caged room were weapons of different sorts, guns, knives, swords, and gauntlets with spikes protruding from the knuckles. To the right of the entrance in the caged room were what looked like foodstuffs. Inside both caged rooms were their merchants, eyeing Cloud as a potential buyer.

A large burly man walked up to Cloud coming from what seemed out of nowhere said, "Where do you come from and to where do you go?"

Cloud looked at the man and squinted. "Who are you?"

"I'm the caretaker here and I've never seen you around? Do you work for Shinra?"

"No."

The stout man pointed at Buster and said, "That's a Shinra sword!" 

Cloud turned his head away in anger and appeared to be looking behind himself. "I was a soldier."

"Get out of here soldier!"

Everyone in the place stopped what they were doing and concentrated on the Burly man and Cloud. Then dancers had stopped in mid step and gawked.

"What are you coming over here for, Shinra dog?" The man leaned over Cloud. 

"I'm no dog!"

"You're right. Shinra is worst than a dog!"

Some of the customers left while others huddled closer to watch a fight in progress. 

"I'm not Shinra but like you said. I carry a Shinra sword." Cloud unsheathed Buster. 

A bolt of fear shot through the stout man but the grunts and calls of the customers moved him on. "A cowards move!"

Cloud pitched his sword a few feet away from where he stood. The blade stabbed the wood floor while the hilt stood upright toward the ceiling. "Come get me."

The stout man charged with his hands in a grabbing motion toward Cloud. Cloud whisked to his right and punched the man in the gut. The man fumbled a few more steps and regained composure. The hit had dented him but a bit. "Like a girl, you hit like a girl." 

"Yes? At least I hit, though."

At intervals the crowd slightly let out laughs, the few that were brave enough. 

"Not for long!" The stout man moved toward Cloud and started swinging. First he swung with his left arm in a wide arch and then his right. Cloud backed away from both. Again, the man swung his left arm at Cloud. Cloud spun and with the back of his heavy boot he slammed into the man's meaty elbow. 

"Pop." The man cradled his elbow into his free palm and slightly leaned over it in protection. He was wincing and on the verge of yelling out."

"Do I show mercy?" Cloud was close to laughter, standing in his unnecessary fighter's stance. The crowd was quiet, not one of them made a response. The stout man looked grimly at Cloud as if to say, "I take it back, you're not a dog!"

"Cloud took two large steps and then spun around. The man braced himself for the impact just in time to feel the heavy blow to the middle of his stomach. All the air in his lugs emptied and he noticed that he was on the floor. At first there was no pain but then it all came flooding at once. 

Cloud actually let a laugh escape his mouth. "Do I continue?" The stout man, who wasn't feeling so stout anymore, shut his eyes and waited for another pummel. 

"He's had enough, he's learned his lesson, son." An old man was speaking. 

Cloud saw the sincerity in the man's eyes and he calmed down. "I think you're right but I'll have one more for the road I think." He brought his right fist up to the air above his head and drove it down toward the man's face. He hit the wood floor just to the right of the jaw. "You listen! Listen good because I'm not going to repeat myself!"

The man shook his head wildly and waited for the question with horror. 

"Where is a bar named Seventh Heaven?"

The man's eyes popped open and lay incredulously on the floor as if he were a corpse. 

Cloud lifted his fist into the air again and said, "Well!"

"It's next door." The man's pupils moved upward towards the door. "Across the street I mean."

"Are you playing with me?" Cloud's fist was shaking. 

"He's not playing, you can look for yourself." The old man was pointing to the doorway.

Cloud stood up and walked to the post, while doing so he grabbed Buster, and looked at the bar across the street. A sign read: Seventh Heaven. There were a bunch of stragglers at the front standing about acting abjectly. 

Cloud felt like kicking himself. His sleepiness and the bright glare of the eatery drowned out any notice of the surrounding businesses. 

Cloud had been staring at the bar for while when one of the youngsters who had been dancing said, "Are you here for the fights?"

Cloud turned. He could see some of the others looking at the young man condescendingly. 

"I am. Is Barret still fighting?"

The others gave even angrier looks at the young man. He then asked, "You're not with Shinra, right?"

"I'm not." 

Something about Cloud gave the young man no reason to keep his secret. "There're fights and yes, Barret is still there. He's the best so I'd be careful if I were you." 

Cloud turned back to look at the bar. "It's late; where's there a place where I can stay?" 

"There's a place down a bit called Cisco's."

"What's upstairs?" 

"Beds." The stout man managed his way to his knees. "Why didn't you tell me you were a fighter?" 

"You would've hassled me then too."

"Ah! How long are you staying?" The old man helped the stout man up. "Thanks Joe." The stout man turned to Cloud. "I'll give you a room but you have to pay upfront. You'll lose the rest of your money in the fights tomorrow after Barret pounds you to mush."

"What's so great about Barret besides his size? I beat you."

"The stout man thought for a bit. I'm not a fighter! You want your room or not?"

"How much each day?"

"For you, fifteen gil. The beds are not much and there's no privacy, just a whole lot of beds in a small room. You still want it?"

"At least for tonight." Cloud gave the man the gil and put 240 back in his pocket. 

"I'll show you your bed. By the way, my name is Milo." 

"Do you see Barret fight much?"

"All the time, nobody around here watches the monitor for entertainment so the fights and the bars are about all we keep busy with."

"That sounds really great," said Cloud sarcastically. 

The two men walked up some steps to the second and third floors. They passed the second floor and got to the third where the small shack-like structure lay and Milo opened the door. "Here you go."

Cloud walked in and looked around the tiny room and picked out one of the beds out of half a dozen. Two were occupied with snoring patrons but the rest were free.

"You can get eat in the morning. As long as there's someone downstairs there's someone to serve you." Milo laughed then said, "Good luck you'll need it." Afterwards Milo shut the door.

Luck, I make my luck. Barret will be easy money. After the money, I'll get the Materia and supplies and get out of this swamp! Out of Midgar and travel. Whenever I need money I'll fight in a competition. Whenever I get tired, I settle somewhere nice. Somewhere where I can be alone with my thoughts. Somewhere where nobody can reach me. I won't have to see other people's problems and mistakes. 

The sleep took Cloud far away to a tall building that reached the vast firmament. The sky was darkening with violet and light maroon. Strands of charcoal colored clouds slowly drifted in the calming winds. Cloud was standing on top of the tall building on the roof. There was another man far off at the other end of the building. He was a tall slender man all dressed in black. He was walking towards Cloud. The man was wearing a black and gold robe and the garment swept in the air. He had long gray hair that reached down past his shoulders but the man didn't appear to be old. The man started to walk faster towards Cloud so that now he could distinguish him more clearly. Something about the way the man was approaching him made Cloud worry. The man's legs started to stretch more and more until he was running right toward Cloud. The man's arms were pumping furiously like a train's engine and the man was still coming. Cloud moved to grab his sword but his own movements seemed lazy and weak. Lifting his arm was tiring and excruciating while the man's movements were animalistic and powerful. Cloud could distinguish the man's countenance and they weren't pleasant features. Dust from the roof smoked at either side of the man's blurry feet. The man's hand shot upwards and to his back and then pulled on a hilt that Cloud hadn't noticed. The blade was dark and slender and even longer than Cloud's Buster. Cloud finally reached his sword and began to sluggishly pull it out to fight back the monster that would be attacking him at any moment. The dust from the man's boots left a thick trail behind him and he lifted his dark saber in the air. Cloud brought out his blade in front of him just as the man's blade crashed down on Buster. Terrible sparks burned and flew from the crash and the man's saber was burying into Cloud's sword, it was halfway through. The man pounded his strength and weight on Cloud until Cloud failed to his knees. A sinister glare appeared in the man's eyes and he began to laugh horribly so that Cloud was able, for the first time in his life, to see true evil. Buster snapped.