I'm no hero, what I did, I had to do to survive.
Ever since I left SOLIDER behind i never thought I'd end up here. To be a part of this...we have a chance to change the world for the better. Not many people have this opportunity, there are those who dream of a better life for themselves and those around them. But few actually attempt to do something about it. This is the start of a new beginning. We will succeed.Cloud pondered.
Cloud was sat at the bar in Heaven 17 waiting for Tifa to return with the drink he had ordered. The sirens starting to ring on the pinball machine, as Barret came rushing in with Jessie, and Wedge following behind. "We need everyone here pronto, this is not a drill, shit is going down" Before Cloud could even take a sip of his drink Barrett shouted "I said NOW Cloud!"
Wondering what the rush Cloud was made my way to the meeting room, the ceiling still rotting with damp and every piece of furniture had atleast one hole in it. We weren't running a profitable business model, plus it doesn't help when someone goes on frustration firing sessions. Leaning against the wall staring at the wood flooring, watching the bugs go by as we waited for the rest of the crew to hear the signal.
It was just Biggs that we was waiting for, he was never on time for any meetings but there was something different about this, something was different, Cloud didn't think it was possible but Barrett was on edge, he was angrier that he had ever been. What could possibly be happening that cloud didn't know about… he always the first person to know. "Spill the beans already; we can inform Biggs afterwards, what's all the commotion about" Without hesitation Barrett picked up the coffee table and launched it at Cloud's general direction who managed to dodge the main bulk of the debris, clipping his wrist as it flew past him.
Aries ran over to look over his wrist as Tifa observed from afar. "Are you okay Cloud? Does it hurt? Let me check for splinters! Hold still!" "Ill be fine , it's just a scratch, I've had worse" Cloud replied with a feint smile, picking out the splinter. Biggs finally emerges at the archway of the door, panting from rushing to the meeting, apologies profusiously as he past each member of AVALANCHE.
"This is it, listen up. We have one shot at this we can't mess this up. There is no room for failure, everyone has a job and they need to be on there A game if we are to succeed. Shinra are unveiling the mako generator just a couple miles of here, the president should be attendance along with some of the high ranking members of SOLIDER. This is our chance to really hurt Shinra and there efforts to mine the planet if it's mako energy for their own gain. We need to take down the generator, and as many high ranking officers as possible. Jessie, Biggs and Wedge have already got access routes to the site and have gathered up the necessary explosives to take it down. It's up to the rest of us to take down any trouble along the way and unsure the explosives are planted in the right place. Anyone one got any questions?!"
There was silence in the room for a good minute or two before Cloud reached out for his sword "All I need is a time and a place and I'll be there" heading towards the doorway stopping as Aerith looks over to cloud as he leaves then back to Barret proudly announcing "I'll be there!" This caused Cloud to stop mid stride, becoming the most animated he had been throughout the entire meeting, he turned to he and protested, claiming that her presence would only endanger not only her but the rest of the crew, and that it would be safer for everyone if she had stayed at heaven 17 during the mission. Tifa couldn't help but agree with cloud, stating that Aerith wasn't a fighter and that Shinra would use that against AVALANCE to aide in their efforts to prevent any attacks.
It was in Barrett that sided with Aerith unexpectedly "she'll be in our site the entire time, we don't know what sneaky shit Shinra could do whilst we attack them, they could launch their own attack if we decided to split up. We can't afford those creeps taking any leverage against us, besides you're her bodyguard Cloud."
Aerith left in a rush to get ready and pack for the mission tomorrow excitedly, leaving only Barrett cloud and Tifa as the others left to do the final checks of the equipment. "You know they'll take her if they get the chance." Cloud began before he was cut off by Barrett. That's exactly why we need her with us Cloud, if we leave her here no one would be here to protect her" Cloud knew he was right, but not wanting to admit it, he took up his sword, placed it on his back and left before the conversation could continue. Barrett looked over towards Tifa, "I know you, I can see what's happening, but I need you to focus on tomorrow I need you to" before he could even finish his sentence Tifa announced that she'll be there and complete the mission herself if need be.
Each AVALANCHE member prepared themselves differently, Tifa took the opportunity to get some last minute training in, Aerith was making sure she had everything packed, and Barrett was going through the finer details of the operation with Biggs, Wedge and Jessie. Meanwhile cloud went on a walk just outside the city by himself and sat down overlooking the fields that surrounded the city. Staring at his sword as he thought to himself. This was the first time he was on the opposing Shinra, fighting against them, he may even encounter soldiers he used to worked alongside of. Pondering as the sun began to disappear. He knew he would have to kill innocent men that would get in the way of their mission, those that was just doing what they were paid to do. But this was for the greater good, to take on Shinra themselves.
He laid back and closed his eyes, time seemed to pass slowly, He stayed still until he heard footsteps approaching, quickly pulling his sword in front of him ready for battle. It's only me cloud, silly. No need to be so paranoid! Cloud instantly recognised the voice. It was Aerith. " How come you're still awake" he wasn't sure how long he had been laying there. "Never mind anyways, may I join you?: Before cloud could respond she lay next to him and stared at the stars in the sky.
"Do you think we'll be okay after tomorrow, is it a good plan..that Barrett has come up with? Cloud?"
"I used to be first class in SOLIDER, I can handle the mission tomorrow. I know how Shinra and SOLIDER both work. I know from first hand experience what we'll be getting into." Cloud said as he began to stand "You'd better get some rest, it's gonna be a tough day for you Aerith"