Legacy of a Star Child

Chapter 8: Resurrection of Old Nightmares

-It had been foolish of Cloud to think that bargaining with that snake Hades would have gotten him Aeriths soul back. It had smelled of a trap the moment the netherworld hot head had even mentioned it, but, sometimes guilt had ways of creeping back in, even when its something you should already be over. He was sure she would understand, he had just wanted to try. Who knows, maybe if things had gone well he would have seen a certain dead SOLDIER as well. He needed to thank Sora later however, he was right, he was looking for his light, and maybe now was time to acknowledge, that Aerith, had not been the only light in his life. There were many, and they all were probably going mad with worry on where he could be. Unfortunately, he was struggling with determining a way to get back home, or at least, get back to where he had left Cid and Yuffie. At least he was in good company, Hercules, considering that Cloud had been hired to kill him, had been rather kind to the struggling chocobo mercenary. Both were seated out on the stairs of the coliseum, sipping on a finely aged red wine out of goblets.-

So, like Sora you're from another world too? I feel like I met someone like you once... It must just be the eyes.

-Spoke Hercules with a big goofy grin as he took a sip from his cup. Clouds gaze slowly lifted and shifted over at the Demi-god with a mildly confused frown.-

Is that so? Eyes like mine are not exactly common.

-Hercules laughed and nodded some.-

Oh I know. There was someone I knew a long time ago...I'd say about 10 or so years ago, we are around the same age. He wanted to become a hero. You see, when someone with a pure heart has the desire to be a hero, they can be lead here by the gods to test there worth for the chance to be trained.

-Cloud tilted his head some seeming to nod.-

I see, and I remind you of him?

Sort of, you just... I don't know, it really must be the eyes because personality wise you both are different.

-Cloud nodded and downed some of the wine. It was really nice. He wasn't really a wine drinker, but who would ever dare deny a drink offered by a demi-god that spared your life? Cloud seemed to mull over a thought for a moment before speaking again.-

What exactly was he like? Was he a god too like you?

-Herc shook his head.-

Nope, not at all, he was a normal mortal just like you actually. But his heart was so big, that I bet you anything if he had actually been trying his hardest and wasn't having so much fun, he could of kicked my ass back then.

-The half god was grinning just at the thought of it, resting his elbow on his knee and his chin on his hand.-

Man what I wouldn't give to fight him again. I saw him again recently actually. Him and some girl were fleeing from Hades. He didn't see me of course, but I decided to have a little fun with my uncle and let them have a little extra escape time. I can't wait to see him again.

-Cloud paused, blinking.-

Escape hades? Do you believe they made a deal with him as well and he screwed them over?

I mean I wouldn't put it past him, he's kind of known for that. Everything goes by his rules and even then there's always a catch.

-Cloud nodded, he was trying hard not to slip back into his thoughts about the past, and worrying over how to get home. He had been lucky that Hades tended to cut losses rather quickly when he knew he had lost.-

What was his name anyways? That guy?

-Cloud didn't actually really care to be honest, but it was a bit rude not to at least show some interest in the conversation. Herc was a nice guy, and in some ways Cloud felt a bit guilty for being willing to take on a job to snuff someone like him out. Hercules hummed.-

Oh! His name was Zack, Zack Fair. I teased him about the name a few times.

-Cloud froze, he had been midway through taking a sip of his wine, and it caught in his throat causing him to cough after he swallowed.-

Z-Zack?!

-He half shouted, causing Hercules to blink.-

Oh, you guys know each other?

-Cloud now had the wheels in his head spinning off the rails.-

Herc...You said a girl was with him, what did she look like? Was she a brunette with big blue eyes and um... a...

-He hesitated, but attempted to finish his statement.-

A large warm smile...

-The god man blinked then frowned, his new friend looked horribly distressed.-

Um, yeah actually, that's exactly what she looked like. I had sworn she looked to be a god herself with the power she was using to help fight off Hades... What's going on Cloud?

-Cloud quickly put his goblet down on the steps and stood up trying to keep himself calm and taking strong breaths.-

...I need you to show me where they were. I need to find them.

-Hercules seemed to ponder a moment before smiling.-

I see... is that why you made a deal with Hades? I guess you got your wish after all.

-The muscly man laughed as he too stood up, downing the rest of his wine with a soft sigh.-

I've been there, sometimes, we are willing to do just about anything for our friends. I can help you look for them, I still owe Zack a rematch anyways, and with everything having calmed down around here, I am looking for the next bout of excitement.

-Cloud seemed to have relaxed, and slowly, a small almost tender smile crept into his usually expressionless features.-

Thank you. This means a lot to me.