Standard Disclaimer: Final Fantasy: the Spirits Within and the characters therein are not mine

Standard Disclaimer: Final Fantasy: the Spirits Within and the characters therein are not mine. I am making no claim to them. This is a work of fiction for entertainment purposes only.

Missed Chances



For once in her life, Jane Proudfoot didn't care. She didn't care that Gray was screaming orders at her. Didn't care that she had probably condemned Ryan to the same fate that now awaited her. Didn't bat an eyelash at the memories of her father and brothers, who were very displeased with her actions, reprimanding her from oblivion. Didn't even give a damn that she had fucked up the only chance of escape for the two scientists who actually had a chance - a slim chance, but a chance nonetheless - of saving the planet.

The only thing she gave a damn about had just died, right in front of her. Right in front of her! The artillery expert, the markswoman supreme. The shame and embarrassment were almost too much to bear.

Neil looked at her sadly and managed a weak smiled even as the trio of glowing tendrils retreated through his body, dragging his soul with them and leaving his empty shell to topple to the ground. Rage flickered in the soldiers eyes as her comrade in arms was devoured by the phantom. She attacked, her gun at the ready, belting out insults and bullets that did more than sting the alien.

Jane barely acknowledged its death as fired again and again and again. Neil- stupid, arrogant, cocky, sarcastic, jackass Neil- was dead. She knew he had an interest in her from the first day they met at the Houston Military Academy, with the thinly veiled hints and comments. Comments that had continued throughout training and their assignment to the Deep Eyes Squad.

She fondly remembered Neil and his vigilant crusade against the scanners and the threat of sterility. "Hey, I wanna have a Neil, Jr." Was that only yesterday? It seemed like infinity and a day. Now, he would never have that chance.

Calmly, the athletic woman set her rifle down and deactivated the com link, shutting off Gray's voice from her ear. 'Neil,' she though solemnly , 'all you had to do was ask.' There was a pressure through her back, a vague sense of awkward pain, and then she too was ushered on to blackness.

Jane Proudfoot crumpled, landing softly on Neil Flemming, just two more victims of missed chances.


Author's Notes: Neil and Jane's death was one of the most meaningful scenes in the movie to me. I liked Neil. Anyone who disagrees shall be smote down with a Herring. ^_^ Now remember kids! If you don't review, I cant get better. Please, be kind and rewin- er, review.