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FFVII
Getting Out Alive

Genre: Action/ Adventure/ Emotive themes
Setting: 3 years after DoC
Rating: M
Status: WIP
OCs: 25%
Disclaimer: All related Final Fantasy VII names and characters are copyrighted © by Square Enix. However, this story and the OCs are ALL mine. Thank you.

GETTING OUT ALIVE

Marlene, Ely and Belia continued through the Jenova infested forest. At least they were moving with some direction now that they had Belia’s guidance and company. She wasn’t as cheerful as usual, but that was too be expected in such a morbid place. The three walked close together, not speaking much, but listening to the eerie nocturnal sounds of deformed beasts.

Marlene stared in shock at the decrepit surroundings. “Is this how the planet would end up?”

Belia’s eyes were transfixed by the decaying tree branches overhead. “Probably.”

“I don’t get it. Why would they want to live in a world like this?” Marlene said with mournful fascination.

Ely said, “Well I get it. This would suit them.”

Belia shrugged. “I guess, they don’t see it. The beauty of the planet is lost to them. They are dead inside.”

Marlene considered the horror of that for some moments. “So sad.” But Cloud, he wasn’t dead. Not for the first time, she wondered why he was so different.

“It really is…” Belia said, somberly.

“Are we getting closer to this thing?” Ely’s voice was tight as he scanned the ever darkening forest. Black ooze clumped over dead branches and congealed onto the murky debris of the forest floor. Foul gunk bubbled up from the earth, making puddles by their feet. Even the air was dense with the putrid stink.

Marlene pulled Belia away from a muddy patch of it. “Just don’t touch anything, Belia.”

Even Belia was subdued. “I don’t think it matters now.”

Ely said, “I don’t want to hear it.”

“As long as I can help,” Belia said, “it will be okay. You’ll see.”

Marlene nodded with a half smile. “We’ll do the best we can.”

“Can you feel it, Marlene?” Belia’s eager eyes were pools of life in the darkness.

Marlene attempted to sense any life nearby. A pleasant warmth soothed her thoughts. “There’s something…”

Belia nodded with a smug smile.

“At last.” Ely breathed a sigh.

“This way.” Belia pulled them along until they came to a line of twig shrubs.

Marlene whispered, “It’s not far off.”

Belia hunched down and waved them to join her. She stabbed her finger towards shadows and a group of trees dripping in sludge.

“In that big one?” Marlene peered through the darkness at one giant tree in the midst of others. About twelve feet up was a deep dark space. “I think I see a hole.”

“I think that’s it,” Belia said.

Marlene said, “What are those mounds round about? And that sound?” A tearing slurping noise came from that direction. She stared at the heaps of distorted shapes and colours in puzzlement.

Finally Ely said, “those ‘mounds’ are corpses. I see bones.”

Marlene gasped. “Errw.”

The shadows suddenly turned grey near the tree and shifted. A monstrous figure stood from a crouched position and it was over fifteen feet high. A humanoid head was on top of bony grey flesh, although it was far from human. Out from its back was rock-like wings, and its legs were more like stumps. Long lanky arms and hands with claws clenched the torso of another indistinguishable monster. Even in the poor light, its rows of pointed teeth were visible and it lifted the dead creature to its mouth and fed on the flesh.

Marlene paled. “Ewww. Gross!”

“Explains the bodies,” Ely said, “And maybe why we didn’t encounter anything on the way here.”

“Do you think it can sense us?” Marlene whispered to Belia.

“It could probably sense me. Maybe. I don’t know about you two. It’s really old though.” Without any sign of fear, Belia watched it feast on the dead flesh. “And I think its attracted to the materia in the tree. But look,” she pointed beyond it and the massive tree to pulsing black pods. “Maybe it eats whatever comes out?”

Marlene cringed with disgust at the scene.

“And we have to get by that?” Ely let up a resigned sigh. “No one said this would be easy. Oh, wait, Brannan did. I’m going to kill that guy.”

Belia gave a quiet giggle. “We’ll just do what we do best.”

Marlene sputtered, “I hate to ask…”

Ely chortled. “Get into trouble?”

“You two are so funny!” she laughed.

“Well, tell us!” Marlene huffed.

“Distract, Evade, and run.” Her eyes gleamed with pride.

Marlene groaned. “You know, that doesn’t encourage me.”

Ely grinned with mirth. “I don’t know. I think we might be able to kill it.”

Marlene sputtered, “Look, I really don’t think I, or all of us together—”

Ely chuckled. “Hey, I’m going with Belia’s plan. It’s probably the best chance we have of getting out of here alive. Brilliant strategist.”

Belia put her hand over her mouth in attempt to stifle her laughter, which wasn’t very successful.

“Okay, okay.” Marlene waved her hands at them, trying to make them quiet. “We don’t want it seeing us yet.” She studied the creature. Maybe, just maybe, and while it was gorging itself. Perhaps it would be too full to want to eat them.

“But, I think it will be protective of the materia,” Belia added.

“That might be useful.” Ely shrugged at their puzzled looks. “Don’t hold the materia too long.”

Marlene pressed her lips together in determination. “Alright. What are you going to use, Belia? I haven’t been able to use my Cetra powers.”

“I’ve got these.” She clinked the two shards of materia together.

Ely held his sword out and scanned the blade. “This is not bad either.”

Marlene turned to Belia. “Do you want to get the materia?”

An unusual look of terror crossed her face and she shook her head fiercely. “No. Not me. You go.”

“Me?!” Marlene squeaked. “I don’t think…” she scrunched her mouth up at their comical stares. “Okay.” She fisted her palm and said with some force, “I’ll climb the tree.”

“Can you?” Ely said with surprise.

Marlene eyed the tree, covered in black gunk. She wasn’t sure exactly, but she wanted to make up for looking a fool on the short cliff she climbed not that long ago. “Yes.” She could do that at least. “You and Belia distract it till I get it. But we should do it now. While it’s busy.”

Belia nodded. Ely stood, sword in hand. “Right. We’ll go round this way.”

Ely and Belia went round the trees till they neared the creature, but not too close.
Belia stood and stared at the thing with an angry frown and no fear whatsoever.

Marlene dashed through the shadows as quiet as possible, and avoiding the stinking decaying obstacles. She leaped onto the first branch, nearly knocking herself out in her rush and slipping off. Steady, and up. I’ve got to be getting better at this. Snagging her pink cardigan on the branch, she moaned with irritation. Not that! And now it was splashed with black scum.

Belia and Ely had the Jenova monster’s attention. She could hear it hitting the trees trying to get them. Focusing on the branches she pulled herself up. Eventually, she came to the nearest branch, it was still not close enough and it was precariously slippery from the black slime. She reached high, up into the hole. Her hand dug into muck and she winced at the sensation of evil.

Yells and a loud crack came from below. She blocked out the activity and felt around. She could sense it, for sure. “I know you’re there. I’m here to rescue you,” she muttered, “Please, help me, Gaia.” She repeated over in an urgent desperate plea. If nothing else it calmed her mind while she felt around the infested nest.

Finally, an electrifying tingle hit her fingers and it rolled into her hands. She clutched the smooth orb tight. A perfect fit in her palm. She nearly whooped with joy, but slide and landed on her stomach over the branch. She groaned, “Ouch.”

From below, Belia screamed, “Ely!”

He had fallen with a hit to this chest. Marlene fused her thoughts with her Heal materia and all of them felt the restorative affect. But now, the monster’s attention turned to her in the tree. “Oh, no.” She scrambled to right herself and get down.

The Jenova thing growled at the sight of the radiating materia in Marlene’s hand, and vapours spurted out of its mouth. It appeared more enraged as it rushed at the tree, its arms grabbing for her.

“You like this?” Marlene opened her hand, she would see how much the monster wanted it. “Ely, catch!” She threw the orb down in time.

Ely, up and moving again, caught it easily.

The monster shook the tree and latched onto Marlene’s leg, hauling her down. Winded, she lay recovering while the thing charged at Ely. She got to her feet and cast fire onto the beast. It flamed as it neared Ely, but he had already tossed the materia to Belia.

Marlene continued setting it on fire and healing all of them as well. The fire seemed to affect its ability to hit, but she wondered if Belia’s materia was doing something too. Even Ely managed to slice into it a couple of times. It was working, but, how long they could keep it up, she didn’t know. They had to get away. Suddenly the earth trembled and shook them off their feet.

“Ohnoo…” Marlene tried to catch the materia coming her way. Missing it, she scrambled to reclaim it. The earth continued to quake, making them stumble. The sound of another creature was not far off. Between the Heal and Fire spells she was getting tired. The thing kept going without any sign it would stop. But she was ready to drop.

“I’m coming!” Belia shouted and dashed under the swing of the flaming creature. “Come, Ely.”

“Don’t know if that’s a smart idea,” he puffed and stood with the creature between them. “This monster is lethal, and sounds like another one is on the way.”

Marlene sat up and the monster bared down on her and Belia, crouched beside her with her eyes pleading for Ely. “Come.”

He slashed the monster’s arm freezing it off completely and stood over the girls. He yelled at the creature, “Ready for more of that.”

The thing shrieked with pain and annoyance.

Belia grabbed Marlene’s sword and clutched one of her stolen materia. She grinned.

A blur of colour followed. Marlene was nauseous as she glanced around at an unfamiliar clearing yet still in the Miasma forest. Quiet for the most part – until she picked up the distant angry cries of the Jenova monster.

Ely shouted, “Whoa! That was incredible! What was that?”

Marlene hobbled to her feet. “It was…” she was breathless.

“Escape.” Belia bounced the gem in her hand. “But…” she stared in the direction of the noise.

Ely followed her gaze. “Yeah, we still have to get out of here, before they come looking for us.” He helped Marlene to stand steady. “You going to be alright?”

“I think… yes.” She shook her head and the fogginess would not clear. “I know…” she slipped a vial out from her sword belt and drank the blue potion. Energy filled her limbs with life.

“We were awesome!” Ely smirked and he looked down at his ripped and bloodied shirt, nearly rags on his chest. “You don’t know how many times I should have died!”

Belia laughed and flared her dirty and torn dress for them to see. “Me too!”

“I know very well!” Marlene was the one healing them.

“But you got it, right?” Ely faced her with seriousness.

She gripped it so tight, her fingers hurt. “Here.” She opened her hand a smidgen, afraid it might roll away. The polished orb was luminesce crystal with a greenish glow over it. The forest darkened around them as they stood in its tranquil light.

“It’s amazing!” Ely said in wonder.

Belia grasped her arm and shook her. “I’m so glad! Put it away and we will go.”

“As quick as we can.” Ely holstered his weapon and stood facing the forest. “Any chance you can use that materia again?”

“We have to be facing extreme danger,” she stated, “and I think it only reaches so far. I think. I’ve never used anything like it before.” She hung her head. “And I’ll probably get in trouble now.”

“No, you won’t.” Marlene hugged her. “You saved us.”

“Alright, we’ll talk on the way.” Ely started off. “This way?”

“No, this way.” Marlene pointed in the other direction.

He stared a brisk jog. “Materia has some cool spells.”

“It’s not really spells,” Belia ran alongside him, “It’s power from the planet that we get to use.”

“That’s a beautiful way of thinking of materia.” Marlene jogged on the other side of her. “And Cetra can have these powers without materia?”

“Yes! But not all the powers. They can have their own unique ones too.”

“I couldn’t use mine.” Marlene wondered how unique her power was.

Belia dropped her face. “Yeah, not in this sick place.”

“It’s okay, we’re over half-way done.” Ely smiled. “We just have to get out of here safely and we can hand it over.”

After some time of quietly walking, the dead forest regained some life. Even Marlene was able to direct their path into the life of the planet. On reaching clean air, she breathed deep of the refreshing life energy. She forgot how beautiful the forest was. They had walked for some time without any incident with creatures. She was suddenly worried and she patted her pouch. Could it be the materia kept them away?

“Now that we’re out here in this,” Ely stepped a few paces ahead, “it really doesn’t seem that hard.” He turned back to look at the girls.

Marlene smiled in agreement.

His face fell with sadness at the sight of Belia. “Except…”

Marlene glanced at Belia and the black muck on her dress and in her hair, and she recalled the black mist coming from the Jenova monster. “Oh Gaia! No.” She wiped the dirt off the child’s face and brushed the dried gunk from her dress. But there was so much. “We need to wash this off somewhere. Quick.”

Belia grabbed her hand and stopped her fussing. “It will be too late.”

“Don’t, I won’t hear that.” Marlene’s eyes moistened and she gave a sob. “We can try.”

Ely chewed his lip. “Let’s find somewhere to wash. I know I need it too.” He glanced at his own torn and black slimed clothes. “Before we meet up with Brannan and the rest.”

Belia led them along and Marlene trailed behind. She was trying not to think of Belia being infected, but if it hadn’t been for her they would never have got the materia, and would probably still be in the miasma. “You used to keep this materia, didn’t you, Belia?”

“Papa did.” Belia kept walking. “But they took it.”

“Did they take your father?”

“No!” She swiveled around and her face was sullen. “He…” she shook her head. “No.”

“He died, didn’t he? And your mother?” Marlene let Belia’s painful thoughts of her family flow into her mind. In the past she always blocked emotions from entering her thoughts, but now she was learning how to accept her ability, and appreciate it. “Oh, no, I’m so sorry. That’s terribly sad. But very brave and wise in a tragic way.”

Belia lowered her face and was unusually quiet. “They were.”

Ely said, “Are you going to let me in on the story?”

Marlene was quiet, waiting for Belia to respond. After some moments Belia said, “Ma and papa were never going to let them take them away even if they took the materia. They knew… and they accepted it was for the best.” Her voice faded, “But they could never do it to me. The Harbingers came and I ran and ran…”

Marlene grimaced as she received an inkling of what occurred.

Ely said, “and what happened—”

Marlene frowned at him and shook her head and mouthed No.

“The Harbingers took the materia,” Belia stared into the forest, her thoughts lost in a mournful scene.

Mixed with her pride at reading Belia’s thoughts, Marlene was saddened by the dreadful tale. “Now we have it back. We don’t need to talk on it anymore.” She put her arms around Belia and hugged her.

“That’s good to hear.” Brannan stepped out from the trees right in front of them, beaming with joy. “Although I had a sense you had it.”

Marlene jumped with shock at his sudden appearance and clasped her chest. “Brannan, do you have to do that?”

“So you really got it?” He couldn’t stop smiling. “Wasn’t hard was it?”

Ely was also grinning. “Not really. And if it wasn’t for Belia…”

“We wouldn’t be here,” Marlene finished for him.

Brannan scrunched his lips up at Belia and studied her clothing. “Yeah, figured as much. We were going to go after her, but Althaea said no. You kids look terrible though.” He looked over his shoulder. “First, I’ll take you somewhere to wash up.”

They didn’t walk far till they came to a soft leafy slope leading down to a stream. Huge trees bordered the edge along with billowing ferns and other giant-size shrubs. The running water was fresh and clear. Marlene kicked off her shoes and waded in to wash.
Belia did the same.

Brannan stopped at few feet from the edge and eyed Ely’s clothes. “I see you did well, but you can’t wear that anymore.” He rummaged in his pack and threw him a khaki t-shirt. “Here.”

“Thanks.” Ely threw the new shirt on top of his sword belt on the ground and pulled his near useless shirt off and tossed it aside.

“Sorry, I’ve got nothing for you ladies.” Brannan smirked at them.

Ely took off his shoes and rolled up his pants. Marlene averted her eyes from his bare chest, even so she still managed to blush as she sneaked glances. It was not a surprise he was quite muscular. She said quickly, “I thought it might have been harder to get out, but it wasn’t so bad…”

“That’s good to know,” Brannan chuckled, “Althaea was praying like mad.”

“Will they know we have it?” Ely splashed water on himself.

“Jenova probably does, but I don’t know about its goons.” Brannan creased his brow. “Who knows, it might have some scrupulous way of informing them.”

“Hopefully not,” Marlene said with disdain.

Ely said, “Is this materia that powerful?”

“Must be,” Brannan replied.

Belia walked a little way through the water with her skirt flowing around her. She stopped to wash her face. “It can save the planet. And save us.”

Marlene scrubbed dirt off her pink cardigan. “It did. Once before. But why didn’t Cetras help back then?”

Brannan looked confused. “You mean when the black materia nearly killed the planet?”
“Yes…” she sighed with regret she had mentioned it.

“I was only a kid back then, so I don’t know much.” He studied her with suspicion. “How do you know if we were there or not?”

Marlene shut her mouth, aware Ely and Belia were eagerly listening.

Brannan went on, “We’ve been fighting Jenova since always. Everyday I’m prepared to fight. Hiding and trying to kill… an enemy who used to be my friends, even my own family…”

Marlene hung her head and whispered, “You’re right. I feel like I’ve been fighting too, it’s just I didn’t know it. Life is a battle. People dying and getting sick…”

“Yeah…” Brannan’s tone softened, “Maybe it’s all from Jenova, and we should all be living long, happy lives, sitting under a shady tree in a peaceful community, and finally returning to the lifestream at the end of it.”

“Sound’s fine that,” Ely added with a teasing grin.

Brannan grinned back with a non-chalant shrug. “Who knows, eh? Or maybe that’s too boring for some…”

Marlene nodded firmly. “Maybe this materia will make that happen?”

“Because the other one didn’t.” Belia dunked her hair in the water.

“True, but it did save the Planet so it and us could fight another day.” Brannan’s tone turned serious. “Gaia decides what will happen with it, and she knows. Holy called to one person alone, and it will be the same with this materia, whatever it’s called.”

“You don’t know what it’s called?” Ely stood with his hands on his hips, his clean chest glistening with water.

“I don’t,” Brannan replied, “Althaea might.”

Marlene had a sense of foreboding. “Not just any Cetra can use it?”

“No,” Brannan said, “We can’t even know what it will do until it’s used. Makes things difficult. Like with the last one.”

“Yeah, I know about that,” Marlene said quietly.

“Thought as much.” Brannan nodded at her and his eyes gleamed with wonder. “You really knew that girl?”

Marlene nodded. “Did you?”

“Nah, I was only a kid, but,” he glanced around the forest and he whispered, “Talana did.”

“Really?” Marlene was stunned. “But how?”

“Ahh,” Brannan’s cheeks flushed and he continued looking around at the tree line. “She was her relative. And that’s all I’m saying.” He lifted his palm to ward off any more questions. “Nope. Talana will know I said something,” he added, “And don’t go talking about it, not to her. Ifrit, I’ve already said too much!”

“It’s crazy.” Ely looked between them. “Why wouldn’t she want to talk about her?”

“I’m not saying a thing.” Brannan zipped his mouth.

Marlene let him be, even though curiosity would get the better of her eventually.

“She’s allowed her secrets,” Belia said, “Papa told me about the One who called Gaia through Holy to save us. She’s a hero.”

“Yes.” Marlene waded out of the stream and knelt by her pouch. She retrieved the white materia and pondered it in her hand. “She really was.”

Brannan crouched by her. “Hey, it’s best you always keep it hidden.” He stared with fascination at the orb. “It’s very powerful magic and a beautiful object.”

Marlene offered it to him. “You can take it.”

Brannan stood and waved it away. “You found it, you keep it. For now anyway.”

She put it back and took a long breath. Why did Belia react in the same way? The foreboding sense was returning, this time with sickening effect.

Ely came up to them, yanking the khaki shirt over his head.

“Anywho, we better get going and meet up with the others.” Brannan started up the slope first.

Marlene followed him.

Ely turned to wait for Belia coming out of the water at a slow pace. Noticing her pale face, he said, “You okay?”

“Just tired, and wet.” She gave him a limp smile. “And abit hungry.”

He stretched out his hand to her. “Here.” She grabbed his hand and he walked her up the rise. He called out to Brannan, “Where are we going now?”

“First, we’ve got to walk aways, and you should be able to dry off,” Brannan said over his shoulder, “then, after, if you’re good, we’ll go someplace special.”

Marlene followed Brannan on an arduous track through the jungle forest. Tired of walking non-stop, she wondered if she would ever get there without collapsing. At least they were drying off, but they had no opportunity to chat, which is probably why the journey was so tedious.

Finally Brannan stopped at a clump of bushes by a massive tree trunk, so high, she couldn’t see past the dense foliage. He waited for her, Ely, and Belia to catch up. After giving furtive glances around the compact space, he parted the shrub. “Go inside.”

Marlene ducked in to enter the opening in the bush and she came into the trunk. Brannan stayed outside while a hooded man bade them come in and walk into a dip in the ground. It went down and through the tree and under a canopy of leafy tree roots. Speckled light came from above and just enough to see by. The covered area seemed to go a great distance that Marlene could see, and leading to other trees. Other Cetras were present and she noticed Althaea and Talana speaking with a bunch of them. Marlene stared in awe at the new secret location. Ely and Belia, beside her, also oogled their surroundings.

Dassiel threw back his hood, and greeted them. “You have safely returned and with the treasure. I’m very pleased to see you again.” His eyes were beaming with joy.

“Yep. Safe,” Ely grinned, “we’re glad about that part.”

Belia stood up proud. “We got it too.”

Dassiel glanced at Belia with sadness. “Dear child, you are brave…”

Marlene interrupted with impatience, wanting to be rid of the materia, “Here.” She started bringing it out of her pouch. “Take it.”

His eyes widened with shock. “It is not for me to take such an object.”

Talana and Althaea approached them. Talana looked them over with disbelief before smiling. She gave them a nod of approval. “You have done well. More than I expected.”

“I’m not going to ask what you expected…” Ely grumbled, “But thanks…”

Marlene gripped the materia in her hand and stepped closer in defiance of her pessimism. “We couldn’t have done it without Belia.”

“We wouldn’t be standing here, that’s for sure.” Ely gave Belia a fond smile.

“I know.” Althaea’s eyes saddened as she looked to the child. “Your sacrifice is a noble one.”

“Wait, she hasn’t…” Marlene stopped.

“Not yet.” Altaea touched Marlene’s shoulder. “Let me see the white materia.”

Marlene uncurled her fingers from the orb and handed it to her freely. Finally someone wanted it.

The Oracle held it in her open hand, and the orb dulled. “Mmm…” she stared into it with furrowed brow. “I shall meditate on this while you three rest and refresh. Dassiel watch them.” She walked away.

Talana stepped up to Belia and put her hand out. “Hand over that materia you stole.”

“That materia really helped us,” Ely said with rising anger.

“Not a surprise, it’s top quality,” Talana replied.

Belia dropped it into Talana’s hand. “It’s alright, Ely. It doesn’t belong to me.”

She pocketed the materia and with a hand on her weapon hilt, she leaned close to Dassiel. “Watch them well.” She followed after the Oracle.

Dassiel shook his head after her with a hard press of his mouth.

Ely mimicked her under his breath, “Watch them well.”

Dassiel chuckled. “Alright. Enough of that. She is extremely vigilant.”

Marlene slumped with weariness. “What does she think we’ll do? I’m ready to drop.”

“Maybe she’s actually worried about us…” Belia yawned and stretched her arms. “I could sleep forever.”

“Yes. You will sleep and have something to eat.” Dassiel pulled out food parcels from his bag. “Come.” He took them a short way to a darkened alcove and some mats. As they ate and drank, the three retold their story. Then Ely and Belia lay down and fell asleep straight away. However, Marlene sat talking to Dassiel, despite knowing she needed to sleep. There was too much she wanted to find.

Dassiel’s keen eyes watched her. “I sense what you wish to know,” he paused, “But I’m not at liberty to share such information.”

“Really? Oh…” Marlene started, “Dassiel, you said there were other Siblings, like me…”

“Yes,” he glanced at the other Cetras, talking together or resting quietly. “They do not know how to use their abilities to their full extent, or if they know they abilities at all. We can find them and we have, but they need training. You are different, you know about Cetras.”

“But, still…” she stared at the hard packed floor. “I feel I don’t know what to do. What are my abilities?”

“Only you will discover what you are capable of,” Dassiel said, “It takes time. Brannan said you used Words?”

Marlene nodded. “I copied Belia’s Word and Gaia gave me another Word.” She blushed at the personal inference to the planet.

“Some use Words, some signs, some infuse their Spirit energy into staffs or weapons.” Dassiel rubbed his short gray beard. “It’s a rare skill to be able to use another’s Word.”

Marlene’s eyes widened. “What do you use?”

“A mix of methods. Words and my weapons.” He nodded towards his great sword leaning against the earth wall.

“Weapons….” Marlene mumbled, feeling the burden of her weakness. “I’m not really a fighter.”

“I gathered.” Dassiel chuckled. “What you need is a staff.”

Her eyes lit up with hope. “You have one?”

“It’s not something you have lying around,” he said, “You would have to make it and be the only owner for it to be effective.”

“Too bad.” She stared at her hands, she wasn’t a crafty person in that way.

“At a later date.”

She gave a sharp nod. Provided they could all get home safely, provided they all had homes to go to.

“Let’s see. For now, try this.” He put his hand out and said with force, “Arma.” Light covered him and became a dome over him, before disappearing from vision. “It’s a shield and it should be useful. Try it.”

Marlene concentrated on the Word. “Arma.” Light shot up from the earth and formed a bubble of protection over her.

“You have strong Spirit Energy. Disperse.” The light shimmered for seconds. “I could give you others, but Gaia will give you the Words when they are needed. It’s best that way.”

“Okay.” She trusted this warm-hearted Cetra man and was comforted by his kindness.

“Now, before you fumble around trying to ask those other questions, I will save you time. First, you wish to know about the last time the white materia was used? I’m not sure on the exact details of the event. But as you know that girl died and her life was given to the life-stream. Her invocation was successful and she saved us all, but she paid the ultimate price. She was very brave.”

Marlene flushed at his frankness and she whispered, “Her name was Aeris… and you’re right, she was brave.”

He nodded without any surprise. “She was…related to Talana. But it is not my place to speak on it. The other, is for the Oracle to tell you, and she will do that once you have rested.”

Despite her shock at his revelation of Aeris, Marlene was too tired to talk more on it, instead she said, “Where will we be going?”

“Montem-Lucerne.” He gave her a wistful smile.

With no idea where that was, she lay down to sleep.

Description
body div#devskin0 hr { }

FFVII
Getting Out Alive

Genre: Action/ Adventure/ Emotive themes
Setting: 3 years after DoC
Rating: M
Status: WIP
OCs: 25%
Disclaimer: All related Final Fantasy VII names and characters are copyrighted © by Square Enix. However, this story and the OCs are ALL mine. Thank you.

GETTING OUT ALIVE

Marlene, Ely and Belia continued through the Jenova infested forest. At least they were moving with some direction now that they had Belia’s guidance and company. She wasn’t as cheerful as usual, but that was too be expected in such a morbid place. The three walked close together, not speaking much, but listening to the eerie nocturnal sounds of deformed beasts.

Marlene stared in shock at the decrepit surroundings. “Is this how the planet would end up?”

Belia’s eyes were transfixed by the decaying tree branches overhead. “Probably.”

“I don’t get it. Why would they want to live in a world like this?” Marlene said with mournful fascination.

Ely said, “Well I get it. This would suit them.”

Belia shrugged. “I guess, they don’t see it. The beauty of the planet is lost to them. They are dead inside.”

Marlene considered the horror of that for some moments. “So sad.” But Cloud, he wasn’t dead. Not for the first time, she wondered why he was so different.

“It really is…” Belia said, somberly.

“Are we getting closer to this thing?” Ely’s voice was tight as he scanned the ever darkening forest. Black ooze clumped over dead branches and congealed onto the murky debris of the forest floor. Foul gunk bubbled up from the earth, making puddles by their feet. Even the air was dense with the putrid stink.

Marlene pulled Belia away from a muddy patch of it. “Just don’t touch anything, Belia.”

Even Belia was subdued. “I don’t think it matters now.”

Ely said, “I don’t want to hear it.”

“As long as I can help,” Belia said, “it will be okay. You’ll see.”

Marlene nodded with a half smile. “We’ll do the best we can.”

“Can you feel it, Marlene?” Belia’s eager eyes were pools of life in the darkness.

Marlene attempted to sense any life nearby. A pleasant warmth soothed her thoughts. “There’s something…”

Belia nodded with a smug smile.

“At last.” Ely breathed a sigh.

“This way.” Belia pulled them along until they came to a line of twig shrubs.

Marlene whispered, “It’s not far off.”

Belia hunched down and waved them to join her. She stabbed her finger towards shadows and a group of trees dripping in sludge.

“In that big one?” Marlene peered through the darkness at one giant tree in the midst of others. About twelve feet up was a deep dark space. “I think I see a hole.”

“I think that’s it,” Belia said.

Marlene said, “What are those mounds round about? And that sound?” A tearing slurping noise came from that direction. She stared at the heaps of distorted shapes and colours in puzzlement.

Finally Ely said, “those ‘mounds’ are corpses. I see bones.”

Marlene gasped. “Errw.”

The shadows suddenly turned grey near the tree and shifted. A monstrous figure stood from a crouched position and it was over fifteen feet high. A humanoid head was on top of bony grey flesh, although it was far from human. Out from its back was rock-like wings, and its legs were more like stumps. Long lanky arms and hands with claws clenched the torso of another indistinguishable monster. Even in the poor light, its rows of pointed teeth were visible and it lifted the dead creature to its mouth and fed on the flesh.

Marlene paled. “Ewww. Gross!”

“Explains the bodies,” Ely said, “And maybe why we didn’t encounter anything on the way here.”

“Do you think it can sense us?” Marlene whispered to Belia.

“It could probably sense me. Maybe. I don’t know about you two. It’s really old though.” Without any sign of fear, Belia watched it feast on the dead flesh. “And I think its attracted to the materia in the tree. But look,” she pointed beyond it and the massive tree to pulsing black pods. “Maybe it eats whatever comes out?”

Marlene cringed with disgust at the scene.

“And we have to get by that?” Ely let up a resigned sigh. “No one said this would be easy. Oh, wait, Brannan did. I’m going to kill that guy.”

Belia gave a quiet giggle. “We’ll just do what we do best.”

Marlene sputtered, “I hate to ask…”

Ely chortled. “Get into trouble?”

“You two are so funny!” she laughed.

“Well, tell us!” Marlene huffed.

“Distract, Evade, and run.” Her eyes gleamed with pride.

Marlene groaned. “You know, that doesn’t encourage me.”

Ely grinned with mirth. “I don’t know. I think we might be able to kill it.”

Marlene sputtered, “Look, I really don’t think I, or all of us together—”

Ely chuckled. “Hey, I’m going with Belia’s plan. It’s probably the best chance we have of getting out of here alive. Brilliant strategist.”

Belia put her hand over her mouth in attempt to stifle her laughter, which wasn’t very successful.

“Okay, okay.” Marlene waved her hands at them, trying to make them quiet. “We don’t want it seeing us yet.” She studied the creature. Maybe, just maybe, and while it was gorging itself. Perhaps it would be too full to want to eat them.

“But, I think it will be protective of the materia,” Belia added.

“That might be useful.” Ely shrugged at their puzzled looks. “Don’t hold the materia too long.”

Marlene pressed her lips together in determination. “Alright. What are you going to use, Belia? I haven’t been able to use my Cetra powers.”

“I’ve got these.” She clinked the two shards of materia together.

Ely held his sword out and scanned the blade. “This is not bad either.”

Marlene turned to Belia. “Do you want to get the materia?”

An unusual look of terror crossed her face and she shook her head fiercely. “No. Not me. You go.”

“Me?!” Marlene squeaked. “I don’t think…” she scrunched her mouth up at their comical stares. “Okay.” She fisted her palm and said with some force, “I’ll climb the tree.”

“Can you?” Ely said with surprise.

Marlene eyed the tree, covered in black gunk. She wasn’t sure exactly, but she wanted to make up for looking a fool on the short cliff she climbed not that long ago. “Yes.” She could do that at least. “You and Belia distract it till I get it. But we should do it now. While it’s busy.”

Belia nodded. Ely stood, sword in hand. “Right. We’ll go round this way.”

Ely and Belia went round the trees till they neared the creature, but not too close.
Belia stood and stared at the thing with an angry frown and no fear whatsoever.

Marlene dashed through the shadows as quiet as possible, and avoiding the stinking decaying obstacles. She leaped onto the first branch, nearly knocking herself out in her rush and slipping off. Steady, and up. I’ve got to be getting better at this. Snagging her pink cardigan on the branch, she moaned with irritation. Not that! And now it was splashed with black scum.

Belia and Ely had the Jenova monster’s attention. She could hear it hitting the trees trying to get them. Focusing on the branches she pulled herself up. Eventually, she came to the nearest branch, it was still not close enough and it was precariously slippery from the black slime. She reached high, up into the hole. Her hand dug into muck and she winced at the sensation of evil.

Yells and a loud crack came from below. She blocked out the activity and felt around. She could sense it, for sure. “I know you’re there. I’m here to rescue you,” she muttered, “Please, help me, Gaia.” She repeated over in an urgent desperate plea. If nothing else it calmed her mind while she felt around the infested nest.

Finally, an electrifying tingle hit her fingers and it rolled into her hands. She clutched the smooth orb tight. A perfect fit in her palm. She nearly whooped with joy, but slide and landed on her stomach over the branch. She groaned, “Ouch.”

From below, Belia screamed, “Ely!”

He had fallen with a hit to this chest. Marlene fused her thoughts with her Heal materia and all of them felt the restorative affect. But now, the monster’s attention turned to her in the tree. “Oh, no.” She scrambled to right herself and get down.

The Jenova thing growled at the sight of the radiating materia in Marlene’s hand, and vapours spurted out of its mouth. It appeared more enraged as it rushed at the tree, its arms grabbing for her.

“You like this?” Marlene opened her hand, she would see how much the monster wanted it. “Ely, catch!” She threw the orb down in time.

Ely, up and moving again, caught it easily.

The monster shook the tree and latched onto Marlene’s leg, hauling her down. Winded, she lay recovering while the thing charged at Ely. She got to her feet and cast fire onto the beast. It flamed as it neared Ely, but he had already tossed the materia to Belia.

Marlene continued setting it on fire and healing all of them as well. The fire seemed to affect its ability to hit, but she wondered if Belia’s materia was doing something too. Even Ely managed to slice into it a couple of times. It was working, but, how long they could keep it up, she didn’t know. They had to get away. Suddenly the earth trembled and shook them off their feet.

“Ohnoo…” Marlene tried to catch the materia coming her way. Missing it, she scrambled to reclaim it. The earth continued to quake, making them stumble. The sound of another creature was not far off. Between the Heal and Fire spells she was getting tired. The thing kept going without any sign it would stop. But she was ready to drop.

“I’m coming!” Belia shouted and dashed under the swing of the flaming creature. “Come, Ely.”

“Don’t know if that’s a smart idea,” he puffed and stood with the creature between them. “This monster is lethal, and sounds like another one is on the way.”

Marlene sat up and the monster bared down on her and Belia, crouched beside her with her eyes pleading for Ely. “Come.”

He slashed the monster’s arm freezing it off completely and stood over the girls. He yelled at the creature, “Ready for more of that.”

The thing shrieked with pain and annoyance.

Belia grabbed Marlene’s sword and clutched one of her stolen materia. She grinned.

A blur of colour followed. Marlene was nauseous as she glanced around at an unfamiliar clearing yet still in the Miasma forest. Quiet for the most part – until she picked up the distant angry cries of the Jenova monster.

Ely shouted, “Whoa! That was incredible! What was that?”

Marlene hobbled to her feet. “It was…” she was breathless.

“Escape.” Belia bounced the gem in her hand. “But…” she stared in the direction of the noise.

Ely followed her gaze. “Yeah, we still have to get out of here, before they come looking for us.” He helped Marlene to stand steady. “You going to be alright?”

“I think… yes.” She shook her head and the fogginess would not clear. “I know…” she slipped a vial out from her sword belt and drank the blue potion. Energy filled her limbs with life.

“We were awesome!” Ely smirked and he looked down at his ripped and bloodied shirt, nearly rags on his chest. “You don’t know how many times I should have died!”

Belia laughed and flared her dirty and torn dress for them to see. “Me too!”

“I know very well!” Marlene was the one healing them.

“But you got it, right?” Ely faced her with seriousness.

She gripped it so tight, her fingers hurt. “Here.” She opened her hand a smidgen, afraid it might roll away. The polished orb was luminesce crystal with a greenish glow over it. The forest darkened around them as they stood in its tranquil light.

“It’s amazing!” Ely said in wonder.

Belia grasped her arm and shook her. “I’m so glad! Put it away and we will go.”

“As quick as we can.” Ely holstered his weapon and stood facing the forest. “Any chance you can use that materia again?”

“We have to be facing extreme danger,” she stated, “and I think it only reaches so far. I think. I’ve never used anything like it before.” She hung her head. “And I’ll probably get in trouble now.”

“No, you won’t.” Marlene hugged her. “You saved us.”

“Alright, we’ll talk on the way.” Ely started off. “This way?”

“No, this way.” Marlene pointed in the other direction.

He stared a brisk jog. “Materia has some cool spells.”

“It’s not really spells,” Belia ran alongside him, “It’s power from the planet that we get to use.”

“That’s a beautiful way of thinking of materia.” Marlene jogged on the other side of her. “And Cetra can have these powers without materia?”

“Yes! But not all the powers. They can have their own unique ones too.”

“I couldn’t use mine.” Marlene wondered how unique her power was.

Belia dropped her face. “Yeah, not in this sick place.”

“It’s okay, we’re over half-way done.” Ely smiled. “We just have to get out of here safely and we can hand it over.”

After some time of quietly walking, the dead forest regained some life. Even Marlene was able to direct their path into the life of the planet. On reaching clean air, she breathed deep of the refreshing life energy. She forgot how beautiful the forest was. They had walked for some time without any incident with creatures. She was suddenly worried and she patted her pouch. Could it be the materia kept them away?

“Now that we’re out here in this,” Ely stepped a few paces ahead, “it really doesn’t seem that hard.” He turned back to look at the girls.

Marlene smiled in agreement.

His face fell with sadness at the sight of Belia. “Except…”

Marlene glanced at Belia and the black muck on her dress and in her hair, and she recalled the black mist coming from the Jenova monster. “Oh Gaia! No.” She wiped the dirt off the child’s face and brushed the dried gunk from her dress. But there was so much. “We need to wash this off somewhere. Quick.”

Belia grabbed her hand and stopped her fussing. “It will be too late.”

“Don’t, I won’t hear that.” Marlene’s eyes moistened and she gave a sob. “We can try.”

Ely chewed his lip. “Let’s find somewhere to wash. I know I need it too.” He glanced at his own torn and black slimed clothes. “Before we meet up with Brannan and the rest.”

Belia led them along and Marlene trailed behind. She was trying not to think of Belia being infected, but if it hadn’t been for her they would never have got the materia, and would probably still be in the miasma. “You used to keep this materia, didn’t you, Belia?”

“Papa did.” Belia kept walking. “But they took it.”

“Did they take your father?”

“No!” She swiveled around and her face was sullen. “He…” she shook her head. “No.”

“He died, didn’t he? And your mother?” Marlene let Belia’s painful thoughts of her family flow into her mind. In the past she always blocked emotions from entering her thoughts, but now she was learning how to accept her ability, and appreciate it. “Oh, no, I’m so sorry. That’s terribly sad. But very brave and wise in a tragic way.”

Belia lowered her face and was unusually quiet. “They were.”

Ely said, “Are you going to let me in on the story?”

Marlene was quiet, waiting for Belia to respond. After some moments Belia said, “Ma and papa were never going to let them take them away even if they took the materia. They knew… and they accepted it was for the best.” Her voice faded, “But they could never do it to me. The Harbingers came and I ran and ran…”

Marlene grimaced as she received an inkling of what occurred.

Ely said, “and what happened—”

Marlene frowned at him and shook her head and mouthed No.

“The Harbingers took the materia,” Belia stared into the forest, her thoughts lost in a mournful scene.

Mixed with her pride at reading Belia’s thoughts, Marlene was saddened by the dreadful tale. “Now we have it back. We don’t need to talk on it anymore.” She put her arms around Belia and hugged her.

“That’s good to hear.” Brannan stepped out from the trees right in front of them, beaming with joy. “Although I had a sense you had it.”

Marlene jumped with shock at his sudden appearance and clasped her chest. “Brannan, do you have to do that?”

“So you really got it?” He couldn’t stop smiling. “Wasn’t hard was it?”

Ely was also grinning. “Not really. And if it wasn’t for Belia…”

“We wouldn’t be here,” Marlene finished for him.

Brannan scrunched his lips up at Belia and studied her clothing. “Yeah, figured as much. We were going to go after her, but Althaea said no. You kids look terrible though.” He looked over his shoulder. “First, I’ll take you somewhere to wash up.”

They didn’t walk far till they came to a soft leafy slope leading down to a stream. Huge trees bordered the edge along with billowing ferns and other giant-size shrubs. The running water was fresh and clear. Marlene kicked off her shoes and waded in to wash.
Belia did the same.

Brannan stopped at few feet from the edge and eyed Ely’s clothes. “I see you did well, but you can’t wear that anymore.” He rummaged in his pack and threw him a khaki t-shirt. “Here.”

“Thanks.” Ely threw the new shirt on top of his sword belt on the ground and pulled his near useless shirt off and tossed it aside.

“Sorry, I’ve got nothing for you ladies.” Brannan smirked at them.

Ely took off his shoes and rolled up his pants. Marlene averted her eyes from his bare chest, even so she still managed to blush as she sneaked glances. It was not a surprise he was quite muscular. She said quickly, “I thought it might have been harder to get out, but it wasn’t so bad…”

“That’s good to know,” Brannan chuckled, “Althaea was praying like mad.”

“Will they know we have it?” Ely splashed water on himself.

“Jenova probably does, but I don’t know about its goons.” Brannan creased his brow. “Who knows, it might have some scrupulous way of informing them.”

“Hopefully not,” Marlene said with disdain.

Ely said, “Is this materia that powerful?”

“Must be,” Brannan replied.

Belia walked a little way through the water with her skirt flowing around her. She stopped to wash her face. “It can save the planet. And save us.”

Marlene scrubbed dirt off her pink cardigan. “It did. Once before. But why didn’t Cetras help back then?”

Brannan looked confused. “You mean when the black materia nearly killed the planet?”
“Yes…” she sighed with regret she had mentioned it.

“I was only a kid back then, so I don’t know much.” He studied her with suspicion. “How do you know if we were there or not?”

Marlene shut her mouth, aware Ely and Belia were eagerly listening.

Brannan went on, “We’ve been fighting Jenova since always. Everyday I’m prepared to fight. Hiding and trying to kill… an enemy who used to be my friends, even my own family…”

Marlene hung her head and whispered, “You’re right. I feel like I’ve been fighting too, it’s just I didn’t know it. Life is a battle. People dying and getting sick…”

“Yeah…” Brannan’s tone softened, “Maybe it’s all from Jenova, and we should all be living long, happy lives, sitting under a shady tree in a peaceful community, and finally returning to the lifestream at the end of it.”

“Sound’s fine that,” Ely added with a teasing grin.

Brannan grinned back with a non-chalant shrug. “Who knows, eh? Or maybe that’s too boring for some…”

Marlene nodded firmly. “Maybe this materia will make that happen?”

“Because the other one didn’t.” Belia dunked her hair in the water.

“True, but it did save the Planet so it and us could fight another day.” Brannan’s tone turned serious. “Gaia decides what will happen with it, and she knows. Holy called to one person alone, and it will be the same with this materia, whatever it’s called.”

“You don’t know what it’s called?” Ely stood with his hands on his hips, his clean chest glistening with water.

“I don’t,” Brannan replied, “Althaea might.”

Marlene had a sense of foreboding. “Not just any Cetra can use it?”

“No,” Brannan said, “We can’t even know what it will do until it’s used. Makes things difficult. Like with the last one.”

“Yeah, I know about that,” Marlene said quietly.

“Thought as much.” Brannan nodded at her and his eyes gleamed with wonder. “You really knew that girl?”

Marlene nodded. “Did you?”

“Nah, I was only a kid, but,” he glanced around the forest and he whispered, “Talana did.”

“Really?” Marlene was stunned. “But how?”

“Ahh,” Brannan’s cheeks flushed and he continued looking around at the tree line. “She was her relative. And that’s all I’m saying.” He lifted his palm to ward off any more questions. “Nope. Talana will know I said something,” he added, “And don’t go talking about it, not to her. Ifrit, I’ve already said too much!”

“It’s crazy.” Ely looked between them. “Why wouldn’t she want to talk about her?”

“I’m not saying a thing.” Brannan zipped his mouth.

Marlene let him be, even though curiosity would get the better of her eventually.

“She’s allowed her secrets,” Belia said, “Papa told me about the One who called Gaia through Holy to save us. She’s a hero.”

“Yes.” Marlene waded out of the stream and knelt by her pouch. She retrieved the white materia and pondered it in her hand. “She really was.”

Brannan crouched by her. “Hey, it’s best you always keep it hidden.” He stared with fascination at the orb. “It’s very powerful magic and a beautiful object.”

Marlene offered it to him. “You can take it.”

Brannan stood and waved it away. “You found it, you keep it. For now anyway.”

She put it back and took a long breath. Why did Belia react in the same way? The foreboding sense was returning, this time with sickening effect.

Ely came up to them, yanking the khaki shirt over his head.

“Anywho, we better get going and meet up with the others.” Brannan started up the slope first.

Marlene followed him.

Ely turned to wait for Belia coming out of the water at a slow pace. Noticing her pale face, he said, “You okay?”

“Just tired, and wet.” She gave him a limp smile. “And abit hungry.”

He stretched out his hand to her. “Here.” She grabbed his hand and he walked her up the rise. He called out to Brannan, “Where are we going now?”

“First, we’ve got to walk aways, and you should be able to dry off,” Brannan said over his shoulder, “then, after, if you’re good, we’ll go someplace special.”

Marlene followed Brannan on an arduous track through the jungle forest. Tired of walking non-stop, she wondered if she would ever get there without collapsing. At least they were drying off, but they had no opportunity to chat, which is probably why the journey was so tedious.

Finally Brannan stopped at a clump of bushes by a massive tree trunk, so high, she couldn’t see past the dense foliage. He waited for her, Ely, and Belia to catch up. After giving furtive glances around the compact space, he parted the shrub. “Go inside.”

Marlene ducked in to enter the opening in the bush and she came into the trunk. Brannan stayed outside while a hooded man bade them come in and walk into a dip in the ground. It went down and through the tree and under a canopy of leafy tree roots. Speckled light came from above and just enough to see by. The covered area seemed to go a great distance that Marlene could see, and leading to other trees. Other Cetras were present and she noticed Althaea and Talana speaking with a bunch of them. Marlene stared in awe at the new secret location. Ely and Belia, beside her, also oogled their surroundings.

Dassiel threw back his hood, and greeted them. “You have safely returned and with the treasure. I’m very pleased to see you again.” His eyes were beaming with joy.

“Yep. Safe,” Ely grinned, “we’re glad about that part.”

Belia stood up proud. “We got it too.”

Dassiel glanced at Belia with sadness. “Dear child, you are brave…”

Marlene interrupted with impatience, wanting to be rid of the materia, “Here.” She started bringing it out of her pouch. “Take it.”

His eyes widened with shock. “It is not for me to take such an object.”

Talana and Althaea approached them. Talana looked them over with disbelief before smiling. She gave them a nod of approval. “You have done well. More than I expected.”

“I’m not going to ask what you expected…” Ely grumbled, “But thanks…”

Marlene gripped the materia in her hand and stepped closer in defiance of her pessimism. “We couldn’t have done it without Belia.”

“We wouldn’t be standing here, that’s for sure.” Ely gave Belia a fond smile.

“I know.” Althaea’s eyes saddened as she looked to the child. “Your sacrifice is a noble one.”

“Wait, she hasn’t…” Marlene stopped.

“Not yet.” Altaea touched Marlene’s shoulder. “Let me see the white materia.”

Marlene uncurled her fingers from the orb and handed it to her freely. Finally someone wanted it.

The Oracle held it in her open hand, and the orb dulled. “Mmm…” she stared into it with furrowed brow. “I shall meditate on this while you three rest and refresh. Dassiel watch them.” She walked away.

Talana stepped up to Belia and put her hand out. “Hand over that materia you stole.”

“That materia really helped us,” Ely said with rising anger.

“Not a surprise, it’s top quality,” Talana replied.

Belia dropped it into Talana’s hand. “It’s alright, Ely. It doesn’t belong to me.”

She pocketed the materia and with a hand on her weapon hilt, she leaned close to Dassiel. “Watch them well.” She followed after the Oracle.

Dassiel shook his head after her with a hard press of his mouth.

Ely mimicked her under his breath, “Watch them well.”

Dassiel chuckled. “Alright. Enough of that. She is extremely vigilant.”

Marlene slumped with weariness. “What does she think we’ll do? I’m ready to drop.”

“Maybe she’s actually worried about us…” Belia yawned and stretched her arms. “I could sleep forever.”

“Yes. You will sleep and have something to eat.” Dassiel pulled out food parcels from his bag. “Come.” He took them a short way to a darkened alcove and some mats. As they ate and drank, the three retold their story. Then Ely and Belia lay down and fell asleep straight away. However, Marlene sat talking to Dassiel, despite knowing she needed to sleep. There was too much she wanted to find.

Dassiel’s keen eyes watched her. “I sense what you wish to know,” he paused, “But I’m not at liberty to share such information.”

“Really? Oh…” Marlene started, “Dassiel, you said there were other Siblings, like me…”

“Yes,” he glanced at the other Cetras, talking together or resting quietly. “They do not know how to use their abilities to their full extent, or if they know they abilities at all. We can find them and we have, but they need training. You are different, you know about Cetras.”

“But, still…” she stared at the hard packed floor. “I feel I don’t know what to do. What are my abilities?”

“Only you will discover what you are capable of,” Dassiel said, “It takes time. Brannan said you used Words?”

Marlene nodded. “I copied Belia’s Word and Gaia gave me another Word.” She blushed at the personal inference to the planet.

“Some use Words, some signs, some infuse their Spirit energy into staffs or weapons.” Dassiel rubbed his short gray beard. “It’s a rare skill to be able to use another’s Word.”

Marlene’s eyes widened. “What do you use?”

“A mix of methods. Words and my weapons.” He nodded towards his great sword leaning against the earth wall.

“Weapons….” Marlene mumbled, feeling the burden of her weakness. “I’m not really a fighter.”

“I gathered.” Dassiel chuckled. “What you need is a staff.”

Her eyes lit up with hope. “You have one?”

“It’s not something you have lying around,” he said, “You would have to make it and be the only owner for it to be effective.”

“Too bad.” She stared at her hands, she wasn’t a crafty person in that way.

“At a later date.”

She gave a sharp nod. Provided they could all get home safely, provided they all had homes to go to.

“Let’s see. For now, try this.” He put his hand out and said with force, “Arma.” Light covered him and became a dome over him, before disappearing from vision. “It’s a shield and it should be useful. Try it.”

Marlene concentrated on the Word. “Arma.” Light shot up from the earth and formed a bubble of protection over her.

“You have strong Spirit Energy. Disperse.” The light shimmered for seconds. “I could give you others, but Gaia will give you the Words when they are needed. It’s best that way.”

“Okay.” She trusted this warm-hearted Cetra man and was comforted by his kindness.

“Now, before you fumble around trying to ask those other questions, I will save you time. First, you wish to know about the last time the white materia was used? I’m not sure on the exact details of the event. But as you know that girl died and her life was given to the life-stream. Her invocation was successful and she saved us all, but she paid the ultimate price. She was very brave.”

Marlene flushed at his frankness and she whispered, “Her name was Aeris… and you’re right, she was brave.”

He nodded without any surprise. “She was…related to Talana. But it is not my place to speak on it. The other, is for the Oracle to tell you, and she will do that once you have rested.”

Despite her shock at his revelation of Aeris, Marlene was too tired to talk more on it, instead she said, “Where will we be going?”

“Montem-Lucerne.” He gave her a wistful smile.

With no idea where that was, she lay down to sleep.