Day Five
Getting up before the crack of dawn after sleeping on a flimsy bed roll on the rock hard earth, with a root jabbing him in the back, did nothing to improve Cid's opinion that he was getting too old for this kinda thing. Cursing a blue streak, he set about making a pot of tea for the rag tag group. Between getting the young soldiers out, killing Hojo, grabbing that alien bitch, and destroying the lab, yesterday had been productive. It had been satisfying too; no one was going to be using that hellhole excuse for a lab again.
But all good things came with their fair share of problems. The chopper would soon be out of gas. Carrying Jenova's heavy tank had done a number on its fuel supply. Well, it wasn't like he'd have been able to fly it into Rocket Town again anyway. Between its original theft from there, and its indiscreet departure from Nibelheim, it was a little too recognizable. Nah, what he needed was an old, closed-top truck. He might be able to find one on a nearby farm. It'd have to be borrowed or stolen. He couldn't buy one, not with the little gil he had left, that was for sure. They needed to ditch the 'copter somewhere, too. Maybe in the sea. Make those damn Turks think they'd run out of fuel on the way to Wutai, or something.
Cid was brought out of his plotting by Zack sitting down across from him. "Morning. Thanks again for getting us out," the youth said with a bright smile.
It was amazing the guy could still grin like that after every thing he'd been through. Goddess knew, Cloud and Vincent could barely manage a twitch of the lips, let alone a decent smile.
"No way in Hel's frozen hall was I gonna leave you guys there." Cid poured the ex-SOLDIER a cup of tea. "Here."
Accepting the offered mug, Zack took a moment to relish the warm drink. When he looked up again, his expression had grown serious. "So, Cid, like I said, I really am grateful. But why'd you help us, and how'd you even know where we were, or what was happening to us?"
"And like I told ya last night, I don't feel like being a damn parrot, always repeating myself. You'll get your story when Spike wakes up."
"I too am waiting for answers," Vincent reminded him as he appeared and poured himself a cup of the morning's refreshment. "Some of which do not need an audience." Without actually changing his tone of voice, the ex-Turk still managed to slip plenty of menace into his statement.
"Well, I ain't getting inta story mode until I have to. So shut up, drink your damn tea, and be patient," Cid barked at his two companions. Neither answered. Zack frowned rather sullenly at his mug, and Cid thought that Vincent wore a much fainter version of the same expression.
Thankfully they didn't have to wait much longer, as it seemed that Cid's yelling had woken up their last companion. After a hasty explanation from Zack, Cloud was brought up to speed on the current situation. He peered curiously at Cid and Vincent. The gunman, reading the blond's expression, quickly realized that the kid didn't recognize Cid, spiting his earlier claims of friendship.
"Strife?" Vincent inquired. "I take it that you have never meet this man before, despite his claim otherwise."
Cloud's brows furrowed in concentration, then he shook his head. "No. Not that I remember anyway." His eyes were a little unsure during that last part.
Damn, looked like the kid might already have some memory issues. At least he didn't seem to be suffering too much physically from the mako poisoning. Cid didn't have long to worry about it though, because there were three sets of glowing eyes fixed on him with varying degrees of suspicion and hostility. Damn, this was going to be about as much fun as talking to a bunch of angry cactuars.
"Just because you don't know me, doesn't mean I don't know you," he muttered.
"You're not his dad, are you?" Zack's question made everyone shift their attention to him. Cloud looked scandalized. Zack held his hands up in defense. "What? It's a reasonable question! You told me yourself, you don't know who your dad was and that your mom didn't talk about him. So, why couldn't he be your dad? You guys look like you could be related."
"Why in hell does everybody keep fucking asking if I'm related to the damn kid? I don't have to be a relative to wanna help," Cid grumped.
"Then, why?" Vincent cut in before anyone could continue down the road of family questioning.
Cid fished in his pocket for his lighter and a cigarette. Lighting up, he took a long pull before slowly exhaling, collecting his thoughts.
"Simple. I'm a time traveler." Why beat around the bush when you could go right through it? Especially when it produced such amazing reactions. Cid wished he had a camera. That was as gobsmacked as he was ever likely to see Vincent looking. "Now, before you start thinking I've gone apeshit, sit back and let me tell you about the planet's past and the fucked up future it's headed for."
Surprisingly, he had very few interruptions, mostly questions to clarify or cross reference. When he finally came to the end of his tale, arriving in the past, the sun was well up and nearing its zenith.
"So there you are. It's your choice to believe me or not, but right now we really need a truck." Cid got up and dusted himself off. Now, where could he find a suitable vehicle?
First day of freedom
Zack and Cloud trailed after the supposed time traveler in his search for transport, leaving Vincent behind to guard Jenova. Zack didn't fully believe Cid's story, but despite its craziness, there were too many truths in the tale for him to dismiss it. Could everything in Cid's tale have actually happened... er, happen? Zack got briefly derailed trying to straighten out the tenses, before deciding it was impossible, and giving up.
He glanced over. Cloud, walking next to him, looked pale and shaken. As far as Zack could tell, Cid hadn't sugarcoated anything when talking about what would happen. Or had happened- damn it. Anyway, the future apparently wasn't going to be kind or easy for the kid. But, if Cid was telling the truth, then things had already changed. Because here they were, both alive, both relatively sane, and Zack had no plans on dying any time soon. Or, he thought with a snarl, on letting Aerith get killed.
He nudged Cloud's shoulder. "Hey, how you holding up?" he asked softly.
Cloud's gaze slid to the ground. "I… I don't know. Do you believe what he said?"
Zack had to consider it. He didn't want to believe it, but…. "Yeah, I think I do," he finally answered. "Firstly, Cid believes what he's saying. For sure. That might just mean that he's crazy, though. I guess, it's just no matter how crazy it sounds, it makes sense... in a horrible sort of way."
"Really? Do you really believe Sephiroth can come back?" There was so much raw stress in Cloud's voice, Zack couldn't help sling an arm around the younger man's shoulders reassuringly. Zack wasn't really sure about what Sephiroth could or couldn't do, but while he was thinking of a suitable response, Cid cut in. It startled Zack, who hadn't realized the man could hear their conversation. A further reminder of how rusty he'd gotten while in that tank.
"Once we blast that bitch into space, I doubt it. It was her cells that enabled that fucker to come back, after all," the man groused.
"Into space?" Zack stared at Cid, gobsmacked. "How, exactly, do you plan to do that?" Zack was pretty sure space travel hadn't been achieved yet. Shinra had been working on launching a rocket, but that was still a few years off, wasn't it? Zack hadn't ever paid a lot of attention to the Air & Space Department, but he could remember some of the guys in the barracks being pretty excited about it. On the other hand, Cid had said in that crazy tale of his that he'd been an astronaut. And he hadn't just been broken out of a mad scientist's laboratory, so he was probably a little more up-to-date on the space program's progress than Zack was.
Cid grinned at him. "No. 26 rocket goes up in a few days for a manned mission. We'll put the tank on board, and send the bitch back to wherever the fuck she came from."
Zack was quiet for a minute, digesting the news. Pretty soon, though, he spotted the flaw in the plan. "The launch is a Shinra thing, though, right? There'll be guards all over, not to mention the press... How are you planning to get the tank on the rocket without getting caught?" Zack questioned.
"AVALANCHE," Cid growled.
"Huh?" Zack boggled, and even Cloud frowned. "Look, I get that you worked for an AVALANCHE in the future, but this isn't the same group. I've dealt with these guys before. They are insane." AVALANCHE was dangerous, and Zack had no intention of getting help from them.
"I know that, damn it! I know it better'n you do. It's their fucking fault the damn launch failed last time." Cid devolved into a string of muttered curses. Even used to the company of hardened soldiers, Zack had to admire some of the more creative phrases. Eventually, Cid ran out of steam and resumed filling them in on the plan. "Nah, we'll use those asswipes as a distraction to get into the launch area, then beat the fucking shit out of them. After that, we'll talk to my younger self and get him to over look the extra cargo. Probably should talk to Sheara as well, or she'll do some damn stupid thing again and make the whole damn thing flop." Cid spat out his cigarette butt, crushed it under his heel, and lit up a new one.
"The launch failed last time? I thought you said you made it up into space." Now Zack was just confused.
"I did. With my AVALANCHE. This current bunch of bastards tried to sabotage the first time, and the motherfuckers managed it too."
"Wait, you just said that Sheara made it flop." Now he was even more lost. This conversation seemed to go in circles.
"She helped. Not out of spite or any stupid thing mind you, but out of stupid fucking good will and professionalism."
"Oookay. Run that all past me one more time."
Cid glared at him. "Again? Fine, numbskull, the original AVALANCHE tried to sabotage the rocket launch and got their asses kicked, but did manage to mess some shit up. Looked like the launch might get canceled. The repair team worked their asses off to try and get it ready, and come next morning things looked good. But then that broad gets it in her head to check the damn oxygen tanks. Turns out fucking terrorists had messed with 'em. Now, launch time's comin' up fast, and Sheara's still down there going over things. Damn it, I could have made it without that fucking extra tank, but shit no, she won't budge. I told the damn broad to leave it and get the hell out of there. Does she? Hell no!" He cut the air with his hand. "Says to take off and burn her to a fucking crisp. Of course I couldn't do that though, so in the end the whole thing fell flat. Now ya know."
From listening to Cid's stories and from what he'd seen the man do, Zack decided that despite his roughness and constant swearing, Cid was actually a really nice guy. It was comforting to know, after being trapped in that lab for over a year and a half, that there were still some decent people in the world.
"Finally!" Cid said, pointing ahead. A small, trim house and large barn were visible in the distance. Zack sighed happily. His feet really were killing him. First thing he was going to do when they finally reached the farm was ask whether they could spare a pair of boots.
Day Five continued
They walked down the rutted dirt road to the little house, passing large vegetable plots and an orchard on the way. Cid waved at the man standing on the porch, watching them approach.
"Hey, nice day, ain't it?" Cid called out.
"Yep. Something I can do for you boys?" the rancher replied, eying them warily.
While Cid was back in his own clothes now, Cloud and Zack were still in the cannibalized trooper uniforms. Spike looked regulation enough, but Zack was wearing the biggest set they had available and they were still small on him. Between his strange appearance, the weapons they all carried, and the fact that Shinra troops rarely traveled by foot, he wasn't surprised that the rancher was suspicious of them.
Before Cid could reply, though, Zack shouted out, "Shoes! I need new shoes. You would not believe how much my feet hurt from walking all over the place in these things; they are way too small." He paused for a heartbeat before continuing, "And if I'm not pushing my luck, a shower would be heaven. And a meal. A warm, home cooked meal. Gaia, I can't even remember the last time I had one."
Cid, Cloud, and the rancher all just stared at the man for several moments, until the rancher let out a bark of laughter. "I'ah can't turn you away after a performance like that without a guilty conscience and a burnin' curiosity. Come on in, and we'll talk."
While the boys showered, Cid asked a few discreet questions to get a feel for the farmer's opinion of Shinra so he'd know what sort of lie to tell. The man was pretty indifferent towards the Company, so Cid began to spin a tale about being attacked by a dragon while crossing the Nibel Mountains. A Cure materia had taken care of the physical wounds, but the boy's clothes had been thoroughly scorched. After wandering around in burnt rags for a day or so, they'd found a downed Shinra helicopter. Scavenging around in it had produced some clothes and rations. But after a few days of MREs and shoes that didn't fit, the rag tag group had been pretty desperate for some home comforts. When they'd seen the farm in the distance they'd made a bee line for it.
Once the boys were out of the shower, dressed in ranch hand-me-downs, and sitting around the kitchen table eating the skillet fried eggs, potatoes and peppers, they quickly caught on to the story and elaborated where they could. Zack in particular had the gift of gab, and described their travails with a tragicomic air. Toward the end of the meal Cid talked to the farmer about letting them borrow the rusty truck parked beside the house. He told the man the truth about wanting to see the rocket going up and that they'd bring it back after the event. The farmer hemmed and hawed, saying that he might need to go into town himself in a few days. Again, it was thanks to Zack's talent of cheerful chatter that they managed to get an OK to borrow the truck. Cid was feeling very pleased with their luck… until they were hit with the bill.
"I don't mind doing it," Zack called up from the pit he and Cloud were currently digging, the basis for a new well. Already the rim of the hole was five feet above their heads. "Jordan's a nice guy. And, honestly, the exercise feels good."
"Bucket's full," Cloud said, tugging on the rope.
Cid grumbled something uncomplimentary about stupid soft-hearted idiots getting in the fucking way of saving the damn world as he hauled on the pulley, bringing the bucket up and dumping the dirt before sending it back down to the diggers.
"Besides, it's a lot faster and easier for Cloud and I to dig the well than it would be for Jordan to do it himself," Zack added.
Four and a half hours later, Cid was finally behind the wheel of the borrowed truck on his way back to where they'd left Vincent. Pulling to a stop next to Jenova's tank, Cid slid out of the driver's seat only to be greeted by the gunman's glaring red eyes, eerier even than usual in the evening gloom.
"That took you longer than expected." The hidden question of whether there had been any trouble went unspoken.
"Yeah well, we had to dig a fucking well in trade for this." Cid banged on the rusting hood before going over to inspect the tank. Behind him, Zack grinned cheerfully as he and Cloud clambered out of the truck's narrow back seat. "Got plenty a' straw laid down in the truck's bed," Cid continued, "so we shouldn't be too worried about this bitch's tank busting open. Still gonna need to be careful loading the damn thing in."
The curved glass surface was tricky to grip, but between the four of them, they got the tank secured in the truck bed and covered with a canvas tarp. After a quick discussion with Vincent about ditching the chopper at sea, they were ready to go.
"Well if ya don't drown out there, we'll meet ya in Rocket Town. Boys, let's load up."
Day Six
They pulled into Rocket Town late the next day. It had taken them a while to find a secure place to park where it wasn't likely that anyone would find Jenova. With the number of burnt bodies to identify, it wasn't likely that anyone in Shinra would know yet that Cloud and Zack had escaped the mansion, but Cid preferred to err on the side of caution. With that in mind, he headed for the inn while the other two kept to the shadows. The inn's common room, congenially crowded during Cid's last visit, was now jam-packed and noisy enough to split eardrums. Cid fought his way to the counter and flagged down the owner. The rates had jumped dramatically, but Cid grit his teeth and dumped nearly all their remaining gil into the innkeeper's hands, and got the last of the private rooms.
He purchased some bread and cheese, cheap but filling food, and headed up to the room. Once inside, he dumped the food on the table,before going over to the window and opening it. A cool evening breeze blew through the checkered curtains. He hadn't even made it back to the table to sit down when a cheerful voice came from the just opened window.
"You got us food already?! You, man, are the best."
"Shut up, and get your ass in the room." Stupid kid was just dangling around out there where anybody could see him.
Zack laughed and jumped off the windowsill. He'd grabbed a plate and flopped onto one of the beds by time Cloud managed to come through the window. The kid, either still suffering the lingering effects of mako exposure or unused yet to his newly-enhanced strength, fumbled the landing on the sill and spilled into the room in a heap. Zack laughed aloud. Cloud sent him a dark, disgruntled glare.
"Sorry, Spike," Zack amended. "You're just not used to it yet, that's all. Grace will come with practice."
"Like you know the meaning of the word," the blonde muttered.
"Hey!" Zack squawked indignantly.
"Porcupine's got a point," Cid mused.
"Porcupine?!" Zack and Cloud asked in unison, each looking dismayed. Both started in on an immediate defense of their hairstyles; Cloud protested that his just stuck up like that no matter what he did to it, and Zack yammered on about looking cool and attracting girls.
Cid ignored them and continued. "We'll be fighting AVALANCHE in a few days, and ya'll need your damn feet under ya. Tomorrow I'll go see if any shop has a decent blade for ya. Zack, you can take him somewhere way the fuck out on the godforsaken prairie tomorrow and see if you can get some of that damn grace you were talking about knocked into both your thick skulls."
Day Seven
Cid pulled the canvas flap back down, securing it with a solid knot to the truck's rim. It looked like no fucker had bothered the bitch last night. Once he was away from the straw-covered truck bed, he pulled out the cigarette that had been resting behind his ear. Where the hell could he get some damn weapon for Cloud bigger than a kitchen knife? After what felt like forever wandering from fucking shop to shop, Cid figured he was gonna have to face the truth that there wasn't a damn fucking sword in Rocket Town. Sitting down on one of the cheap plastic benches that had been placed to watch the launch, Cid chewed on the butt of his latest cigarette. What the hell now? Kid needed to be armed.
"Cid, right? Good to see you back in one piece."
"Huh?" Cid turned looking over his shoulder. "Damn Rory, ya old rascal, what the fuck ya been up to?" he greeted, standing to shake the man's hand.
"Not much. Watching them work on the rocket, wonderin' what you've been up to." Rory came and sat next to him before muttering in conspiratorial tones, "Get the kid out?"
"Yeah, along with another guy. Both of em' are out getting into shape after being trapped so long." He gave Rory a contemplative look. "Know where I could get a sword?"
"What, my baby not good enough for ya, after all?" Rory asked with pretend outrage.
"Hell no! She's a beauty, best partner a guy could have. Sword's for the kid. He's gonna need something to defend himself with. Got some talent with a blade, but fucking good talent will do him without a decent weapon. I already checked the shops and all they got are damn pocket knives."
"That so? Well, you bring him by for dinner. Mariè's makin' a big pot of chili. If he's a decent lad, and if'n it's okay with Marie, I'll give him Yoshiyuki. It's a blade my son brought back from the war. He was a trooper for Shinra, got killed in action four years ago." Rory was quiet for a minute, before sighing deeply. "I miss him still. I was proud of him, still am, but.… Well, he wouldn't mind his souvenir goin' fer a good cause."
Cid nodded solemnly, and handed Rory a cigarette. "You're a good man, Rory, a damn good man."
It was well past lunch and heading on for dinner time when the two men went their ways, with a promise to meet up at Rory's place in an hour or so. He headed for the rented room and hoped the others were back. He didn't feel like traipsing all over the damn place looking for the numbskulls. Fumbling with the key, he could just barely make out the sound of voices on the other side. Shoving the door open, ignoring its efforts to stick, he was soon greeted by three familiar faces.
"Back already, huh? Any problems we should know about?" he asked the new arrival.
Vincent was standing by the window, watching the street below. "No," was his monosyllabic response.
"Good." He turned his attention to the other occupants of the room. "You boys look like you had a good work out, and fucking smell like it too. Get your damn asses in the shower, we got invited over for chili," he ordered.
"Dinner? Is that smart? I mean, we're fugitives and all, so wouldn't it be better if we just lie low?" Zack asked, concerned.
"Rory's a damn good friend. He gave me Venus Gospel and chances are he'll give Spiky here a damn decent blade. 'Sides, I promised him I'd introduce you two."
"Introduce us?" Cloud looked alarmed. "Why?"
"Your damned story's how I got him to give me Venus Gospel this time round, and more'n that, he's a fucking good person who's worried about'cha. Now quit lollygagging and get in the damn shower."
He concluded by turning to Vincent. "Ya don't have to come, cause they ain't expecting ya. But if ya could keep an eye on Jenova, I think we could all rest a bit easier."
Vincent didn't even bother to nod before turning and leaving through the open window. I damn well hope no one's paying much attention to this window, Cid thought. It wasn't long 'til Zack and Cloud were ready to go, both dressed in the jeans and t-shirts they had gotten from Jordan at the ranch.
"Here, I picked these up for ya guys in town. Pull the brims low and ya should be able to hide your eyes." Cid told them, handing over a pair of wide-brimmed hats.
"Stetsons, really?" Zack tried to hold back laughter while Cloud gave his hat a dubious look. Cid flipped them off.
"Fine, don't wear them. If you get caught, it's not my fucking fault." Ungrateful idiots. He was just trying to help.
Cid stomped his way out of the room and down the stairs, only comin' to a stop once he was in the alley outside. While waiting for the others to show he lit up, looking at the night sky and musing. He wondered how his future was doing, or if it even existed at all anymore. He was joined shortly by what looked like a pair of young men come into town from one of the surrounding ranches. Zack stopped beside him, tipping up the brim of his hat cheekily. "Where we headed, chief?"
"This way," Cid answered, heading down the alley. "Rory's house ain't far. And keep yer head down!"
The streets of Rocket Town were crowded. Visitors milled around, buzzing with excitement. It looked like a lot of them were renting rooms from the locals. Their hosts sat on their porches, holding court. The talk was all about the space project, the launch, history in the making. Above it all towered the rocket, glowing like a dream in the golden evening light. It made Cid's chest hurt to look at it. He put his eyes firmly on the ground, and shouldered anyone foolish enough to be in his way roughly aside. Zack and Cloud stuck close behind him. He heard a gasp from one of them, and Cloud grabbed his shoulder, hurrying him into a cross street.
Cid let himself be pushed for a moment, but then shrugged out of the younger man's grip. To no fuckin' point, because Zack simply grabbed the other shoulder and shoved him into the gap between two houses, before following himself. Cloud darted in after them.
"What in the hell?" Cid ground out. Cloud and Zack both made violent shushing noises, and Zack squeezed his shoulder painfully. Patience had never been Cid's strongest suit, but he managed to bite his tongue and keep still. His hand crept to the shaft of Venus Gospel, just in case. After a minute, Cloud stepped back into the street, and Zack let Cid go. He rubbed his shoulder and looked balefully at the SOLDIER, but both the escapees were looking up the street. Cid followed their gaze. A trio of Shinra troopers, their helmets slung carelessly over their shoulders or tucked into their elbows, were walking away, backs turned. Cid recognized the pair walking in front of the troopers - scientists from the rocket project. He couldn't remember their names, but they'd been part of the propulsion lab. With a last flash of white from the left scientist's lab coat, the crowd closed around them and hid them from view.
Cid looked at the tense stillness of his two companions, and decided that it wouldn't be much reassurance to tell them that the worst those two lab-coats had ever done was mislabel a few canisters of fuel. Muscles were jumping nervously in Zack's jaw, and that ghastly green pallor had returned to Cloud's face. Cid led the rest of the way to Rory's house without comment. Once there, he stopped on the porch. He turned and gave the boys a once-over. Cloud still looked sorta sick, shrunk in on himself. Zack looked pretty much okay, with maybe a few lingering shadows 'round the eyes. Cid wasn't much for considering the feelings of others, but he knew the lingering effects of trauma. "You boys gonna be okay? We can just beg off if ya need."
They both looked at him, slightly startled, before exchanging glances. Cloud's mouth twitched, a sort of miniaturized shrug. Zack looked back at Cid and smiled sunnily. "We were told there would be chili." Cid nodded and gave the front door a solid knock, stepping back as Mariè opened it with a cheery smile, beckoning them inside.
"Evening, Mariè. Thanks for havin' the boys and me over," Cid greeted as the trio entered the small house.
"It's our pleasure, Cid. From what Rory's told me, I'm just glad you and these fine young men here are all right," she answered.
"Thank you, ma'am, though I'm sure we'll feel even better after we eat some of your cooking." Zack set his hat on the coat rack and smiled flirtatiously. "The place smells wonderful. Chili, right?"
"That's right, you scoundrel," she laughed delightedly. "Come sit down and dinner will be on the table shortly."
She guided them to their spots at the table. Cloud and Zack sat on one side, with Cid across from them, and there were chairs for Rory and Marié at the ends. The table had already been set and bowls of cheese, chives, onions, sour cream and honey butter were set out. Rory came out from the kitchen carrying a large, steaming pot of dark chili. Marié followed with a pan full of corn bread. Introductions were made as Rory dished out the supper. Cid inspected the food in his bowl admiringly before tasting it. There were three types of beans, loads of roasted peppers, and ground meat of some sort. He garnished his bowl with a little bit of every topping, and slathered honey butter on the pieces of corn bread Marié passed out.
"Man, this is great!" Zack exclaimed, digging into his food with gusto. Cloud, next to him, nodded in agreement, his mouth too full to talk.
"Wanna know what makes it so good?" Rory asked with pride and satisfaction. "Dark heavy beer. That's the real trick to good chili."
"What's the meat?" Zack questioned. "My mom always made hers with catfish."
"Catfish?" Cloud gave Zack a dubious look.
"Don't dis it till you try it."
"Well, I don't know what to say about fish chili, but this batch was made with elk. You must be from the southeast, aintcha?" Rory asked.
"Yeah, Gongaga. Home, swampy home." Zack laughed.
"How about you, dear?" Marie smiled gently at Cloud. "Where are you from?"
Cloud ducked his head, not meeting her eyes. His shoulders hunched, and he muttered, "Nibelheim".
Marie blinked at the unhappy reaction, her smile melting into distressed concern. She made a small movement, her hand reaching out to her guest in apology. Before she could say anything, Zack grabbed Cloud's shoulder and shook it gently. "Hey, remember what I said when we first meet? We country boys gotta stick together. I know not everything is fine now, but we'll make it through, you'll see."
"I heard from Cid that you lost your home and family. And, well, I have ta agree with Zack. It doesn't sound like much good, but time does sooth most hurts." Rory exchanged a sorrowful look with Marié. "Not completely, but enough. That's the reason I had you boys over." Rory got up and exited the room, but it wasn't long before he was back, holding a long-hafted katana.
"This is Yoshiyuki. My son brought her back from the war." He rubbed the blade affectionately. Marie stood abruptly and went to the fireplace, looking sadly at the photos on the mantlepiece. "We miss our boy… but we've accepted it. I got some other items of his that he'd collected over the years, so here." He handed the blade to Cloud, who stood to accept the gift. "You take this, and may it come in handy for you."
The serious mood lasted a while afterwards, but it couldn't hold out against such good food. The night wore on with good cheer before the group parted with a fairly light hearted good-bye.
