Fixing His Mess

He found Aerith the next morning in the main square, talking to some youths.

"What's wrong?" Cloud asked genially. At least he'd fucked ass yesterday, he thought. It was his second time fucking a guy, but he knew he'd get pussy soon.

"You could say that. Sounds like someone spooked the kids," Aerith said, comforting the kids.

"Yeah, two of 'em disappeared. They ran away after this creepy guy wearing black clothes showed up," the older boy said. Cloud froze up.

"A Turk?"

"That's what I thought, but no," Aerith said.

"They say he's sick or something," the boy said. "He's super pale now, wearing a dark robe full of holes. He has a number tattooed on his arm."

Fuck, Cloud thought. Was it Marco? Or last night's rendevous?

"I know someone who fits that description. I'll come with," Cloud said.
***

The kids were on an island in the middle of a pit filled with noxious water, and the bridge having fallen into the water.

They were walking back, Cloud feeling relieved that it wasn't the guy he'd fucked (either of them) when he saw him. The kids freaked out, but Aerith gingerly went over to him, helping him up.

"There's a number tattooed on him alright ... but why 2?" she asked, confused.

"Who knows ... come to think ..." Cloud started, as his head instantly started to pound and _he _was in Cloud's head.

"The reunion is nothing to fear. As my harbinger, you will trigger the reunion, Cloud ..."

The hooded man stood up, walking away. Aerith's bright green eyes were fixed on him, concerned.

"Cloud? Get it together ... c'mon."

"You don't ... you don't know who Sephiroth is, do you?"

"Sephiroth, the war hero? I know he died in an accident five years ago. They said so on the news."

"Maybe they did. But I've got a feeling he's still alive," Cloud said, doubtfully.

They made it without further disruption, the kids chattering to both of them, until ...

"Isn't that right, Cloud?" the girl asked.

Then his headaches triggered anew ... this time, Tifa. And a boy telling Tifa to wait.

"Tifa," Cloud muttered, his fingers rubbing his temple.

"Tifa?" Aerith asked. "Sounds like a girlfriend."

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