Legacy of a Star Child

Chapter 5: A Phantom of a Smile

-Denzel was awoken by a loud knock on the door downstairs to the bar. He grunted softly and willed himself out of bed, leaving both Marlene and a passed out Tifa there to rest. He knew that Tifa had been working really hard without Cloud here, so he wanted to just let her sleep, especially with how loud things had been the night before. Slowly but surely, he got to the door, gently he opened it, to find a brunette woman standing there. Aerith. He rubbed at his tired eye before mumbling softly.-

Um... I'm sorry lady, but the bar is closed right now... is there something important you needed?

-This seemed simple enough, he could do this. Aerith paused, looking down on the small child, processing his question before laughing musically and smiling widely.-

Oh, I didn't come here to drink. My friends and I have been traveling a really long way to come home. They went down the block into town to get supplies. Is Tifa home? She does still live here, right?

-Denzel slow blinked, staring at the woman before responding back in his half awake stupor.-

Oh, she's sleeping right now, I'm sorry, but can you come back later? She had a really rough night with work, and I don't want you waking her.

-Well, he was honest at least, and so adorable. The woman tried not to giggle as his actions and demeanor reminded her ever so much of a certain blond man. It was actually hard for her to not state that right to his face. The girl gave a little pout before going-

Aww, come now, can I at least come in? I've been walking for days. A seats not too much to ask right? You're not heartless are you? You can't be with how much you remind me of Cloud.

-She said happily. The boy looked star struck, a shiver running through him at the mention of his adoptive father/ older brother figure.-

You know cloud?

-He asked without thinking, causing Aerith to nod and laugh.-

Mmhm! I sure do. Did he make it back to the house ok?

-Denzel's gears in his head were now spinning rapidly as he quickly got out of the way to let Aerith in, trying not to stumble on his awkward little feet.-

Um... no, he's been gone a while, a lot of Cloud and Tifa's friends have been. They disappeared... are you saying you know where they are-- Have you seen cloud!?

-He went from calm to semi-excited and yelling in a matter of seconds. The thought that Cloud was ok would bring a smile to everyone in the houses face, let alone bring the boy peace of mind and happiness. Aerith shook her head before smiling faintly.-

I haven't, not yet. But my friends did. He's out there somewhere.

-She wandered right into the house all smiles as she looked around.-

This place looks great! I was told you guys rebuilt the bar, who ever did the wood work did an amazing job!

-Cooed Aerith as she sighed and quickly plopped herself down into a seat. They honestly really had walked a long way after Cid parked the Gummi-Ship. He was probably happy to be home so he could go back to making normal airships, with perhaps some gummi modifications. The shattering of glass however snapped Aerith from her thought, and caused Denzel to quickly spin around... there were Tifa and Marlene. The pair had knocked over one of the water glasses sitting on the bar from bedtime last night, shaking. Marlene let out a cry and came sprinting forward, throwing herself into Aerith's arms. She said nothing, but clung to the woman and sobbed. Tifa couldn't move. She was shaking, trying to process if she was really seeing the woman, or if she were seeing a ghost of a memory. The moment Marlene made contact however, the women dropped to her knees, sniffling... it wasn't a dream, she was real.-