AN: I'm so, so, so sorry that I didn't update. I'm too busy with school and some social crap. But I promise that this won't look too rushed coz' I already learned my lesson from the first chapter. Anyone want materia? Wait, that was a joke, okay?
Disclaimer: I don't own Final Fantasy VII, just me, myself, and I.
To EmperorPalamecia: Yes, I already knew about the Sephiroth controlling Jenova thing, so don't worry about it. However, you are spot-on his strength theory! ^_^ The hint has something to do with Aeris and their 'relationship' so if you could already guess it now, then congratulations my friend you have solve the case!(joke) Anyway thank you for your review!
To Lethum: Oh so that is a joke… I see then XD. I can't really spoil it now, but there will be some scene with OCxgirl shipping here, since he already proclaimed himself as a 'chick magnet' but there will be one girl where he would really like and where he would end up with. I can understand that AVALANCHE feels off, since from the start I already knew there was something wrong with how I portrayed them. But I'll try to get it better, and thank you very much for your review~! :D
Please read and review~!
Enjoy Save File No. 3
~Rivai
Save File Three
"Yo, kid, wake up!" I grunted at the voice and swatted their hand away from my shoulder. I feel so sore I can barely move. The shaking grew even worse until I decided to wake up now. I was in the middle of a wonderful dream about me winning the game and having some random FF girl character by my side. Damn, and they just have to wake me up here. "Alright, alright! I'm up dammnit!" I opened my green eyes and caught sight of Barret annoyingly looking down on me.
"We're going now, so get your ass up and let's go!" Saying his piece, he went to the pinball machine and went up. Yawning, I stretched up my limbs and managed to crack all my joints in place. I realized that I slept right where they let me go; near the punching bag. I noticed my headphones, my mp3, my phone and my wallet still there on the table. As I moved to retrieve them, the pinball machine once again moved and came down, revealing Cloud holding a mug of coffee, a pair of fingerless gloves, some light armor, and what looked like to be a short sword. He's wearing his SOLDIER outfit with a shoulder pad off and his Buster Sword stuck on his back. "Morning." He greeted simply as I inclined my head at him. He strode towards me with the items and pushed them into my hands, well everything except the mug of coffee, which had a label of No. 1 with a big red heart. He doesn't seem to be fazed by this because he looked as passive as usual.
I examined all the items I have with me. The gloves will be good for hand-to-hand combat and the armor and bangles are great for the Materia, although I'm a little worried for the short sword, since the only weapons training I had when I was in high school was Arnis, and I really suck at that. No matter, I thought to myself as I wore everything in place, I'm inside a game, and I have all the time I need to practice.
Cloud eyed me and my belongings as he pointed towards my headphones, "What are those?" He asked bluntly as I scratched my head, trying to remember the words that I answered to Aeris's same question. Whew, sometimes I hate lying to other people.
"It helps me listen to my music." I grinned just as he shrugged and walked back to the elevator while I followed him. Strapping my short sword near me, I heard Cloud do some small talk to me, "The target's the Mako Reactor 7. We'll have a quick briefing before going to the train." I nodded at him solemnly as we rode the elevator in silence. I kept glancing at him, but his eyes were closed and he was kinda humming a tune of Cloud's Theme or the World Map theme. I just listened to him while thinking.
It may sound weird, but Cloud is pretty much like the Cloud that I knew inside and out. Hell, after playing the game, I researched each and every one of them, including Shinra and his cronies, including every monster and Materia, everyone and everything in this world. I even memorized it just in case something happens in the game that needs my aid; although the part about being sucked inside the game is very introverted.
When we reached Tifa's bar, the first thing I saw is the whole group gathering around while Tifa's at her bar counter, wiping glasses and listening to a radio. Marlene's at a corner, playing with her paper dolls. Instinctively, my hand felt into my pocket and produced the flower I got from Aeris. I remember one of the scenes here as I smiled cheerfully and walked over to the little girl. She stared at me with nervous eyes, but they softened when they saw the flower, "Oh, what a beautiful flower!" She exclaimed as I thrust it to her. She accepted it giddily while I ruffled her hair.
"Thank you very much, Mr. Noel!"
"Haha, well, you could just call me Noel now, Marlene." The child smiled at me when she suddenly hugged my leg. I looked at her affectionately while stroking her hair. Cute girl. "Alright then!" Barret turned around to look at what's happening and stiffened when he saw his little girl hugging my leg, her face is beaming while I, too, smiled awkwardly. "Noel, come over here now, the briefing's gonna start!" Barret shouted at me as Marlene let go and trotted off to play somewhere else. I went towards the group and sat on a chair. "Alright, everyone's here! Our mission is to blow up Mako Reactor 7!" The huge man declared; his gun arm held high as everyone cheered, all except me and Cloud of course. The ex-SOLDIER was leaning against the wall with an apparently bored expression while I was slumped on my chair looking ready to hit the hay again.
"We'll be splitting up in two teams. Biggs, Wedge and Jessie will go on ahead to the Reactor while me, Cloud, and Noel will go up by the train's roof. Once we're there at the station we head out and go with the plan!" As much as how Barret's analogies were, this sounded kinda awesome. The meeting was adjourned as I stood up and took the offered apple given to me from Tifa. "Be safe you lot. I'll make you dinner when you come back." That's what she said as we set off to the station. Cloud was indifferent as always while the other man's breathing down my neck. "Come on you two hurry up!" Really, its early morning and we have to do this?
The cold rush of the wind was unable to contain my excitement.
When we climbed up the top of the train, there were a lot of things we did over there. We're just to avoid the many overhead signs that are too low and we have to dodge, duck and roll. I laughed out loud when the blond got hit by a Midgar sign while I doubled up on the ground. Of course, he was embarrassed and glared at me, but he, in turn, sniggered when I got hit by a LOVELESS headboard. Well, at least we're equal now. Barret however, got lucky and didn't even break a sweat when we're avoiding the signs. Eventually, we were able to stay put and let the train take us to the Sector's Reactor.
I sat on my back, arms crossed under my head as I watched the black sky/ceiling. Midgar, a floating city, a plate above the sky, it was all lies as long as the people were able to get outside and take a good look about this place. Plus, Shinra's worse than ever, although the case about Rufus funding AVALANCHE at Before Crisis really moved me, in here Rufus will be a ruthless President hunting our necks. If we aren't careful in our journey to save Aeris and the Planet, we'll die early before defeating Sephiroth.
"We're here now foo's! Get ready!" Barret shouted at the din for me and Cloud to hear. I didn't notice that we're nearly there as Cloud stood up from his spot, his grip on his Buster Sword and gazed at the Shinra tower, his stare already menacing. Really cool pose there Cloud. I turned my attention back at Barret and rolled my eyes, "Yeah, yeah whatever you say, boss man." I said with a chuckle. The train was speeding away and we're nearing our destination, Mako Reactor Seven.
Screech!
The train screeched to a halt at the station. There were guards stationed at their flanks but as expected, Jessie leaped out of the door and expertly kicked the guards out of consciousness. Biggs and Wedge came out of the rear and quickly scaled the place, finding the route to the Reactor. The three disappeared behind an archway as Barret jumped off the train. "Come on, newcomers, I'll show you the way!" Having said that, he made way to the pathway without looking back. I straddled my legs as I bounded off the roof. I braced myself for impact as I rolled to the ground and got up, completely unharmed. Cloud was next. Being an ex-SOLDIER has its charms too. He was able to get down without any problems. Cloud stood up as we nodded at each other and began sprinting to the Reactor.
Suddenly, two Shinra infantrymen came up from behind the archway with their guns drawn. Cloud instinctively grabbed his sword from his back and began slashing the infantrymen. I'm still not used to my short sword so I just stuck onto my gloves. Bullets rained down on us as we dodged their ammo while we each took some consecutive hits, a deep slash on one guy, and a punch to the gut on the other. Both men slumped to the ground as we took off to the path. But before we left, I searched through the pockets of the guards and each took a Potion from them. The walkway was pretty straightforward as Cloud and I traversed in silence. It's kinda weird since from here there was this visible aura coming off of him. Somewhere in front of us I could see the silhouetted forms of Biggs, Wedge, and Jessie. Barret's nowhere to be seen but I'm not worried since he'll appear later on. Minutes later, we arrived at the Reactor's gates.
Jessie was trying to deactivate the security of the gates while Biggs and Wedge were on lookout duty. "Hey, we haven't really formally met huh? What's your name?" Wedge's just being friendly, but Cloud, being the emotic bastard that he is in the first game, only responded, "Cloud." Deciding to break the ice a little more, I waved cheerfully at the three. "You can call me Noel!" Wedge smiled at me while Biggs grinned thoughtfully.
"Cloud and Noel, huh..? Well, my name is-"
"I don't care about your names. When this mission's done, I'm outta here." Ouch, Cloud, totally ouch. Jessie looked over from her shoulder with an apparently confused look. "Aren't you from SOLDIER? What's he doing here with us in AVALANCHE..?" At this, Biggs shook his head.
"He WAS in SOLDIER, Jessie. He quit them and now is one of us." I gotta admire the spirit of these three. Shame that they have to die sometime in the game. I look down to my hands and clench a fist. Whatever may happen, I'm going to save them. I'm going to prevent the plate fall on Sector 7, prevent Shinra from getting their way. And most of all, prevent Aeris from dying in the hands of Sephiroth.
I was too caught up in my own mind, that I didn't notice Barret already lashing out orders, "The hell you all doin'?! I thought I told you never to move in a group!" The muscular man then pointed to the structure of the place we're gonna bomb. "Our target's the North Mako Reactor. We'll meet on the bridge in front of it!" The group saves for me and Cloud again, nodded at him then headed off to the building once the gate was open. But before we made a move, Barret stopped in his tracks and turned to Cloud with a sour look on his face.
"Ex-SOLDIER, huh? Don't trust ya!" He jeered at him before he went on his way. I followed him as I watched Cloud stare a bit at the Reactor prior to following Barret inside the depths of the place. We ran until we reached the bridge, Wedge split up from us at the intersection. As I watched the round man run off to the other side, I felt someone push me to the ground roughly, "Get down!" Cloud's face loomed into view as bullets ricocheted. Three Shinra MPs. Thinking fast, I ran for cover while the blond used his sword to block. Seriously, how can he block guns with a sword..? Well, in Cloud's case, his Buster Sword can do almost anything; except be used as a snowboard/skateboard.
"Noel! Catch!" I turned my head to see a small, green orb flying towards me. I grabbed it with a fist and stared at it shockingly. So this is materia… Further inspection of it, I say it's one of Cloud's materia, Ice. I was taken off guard at how small it is, like the size of a golf ball, yet light as marbles. I looked at it more closely and there seems to be a small, blue ice crystal residing inside it. Nodding at the blond swordsman, who took off and slashed at one MP, I flicked the ball of magic and watched it sink into my right glove. I suddenly felt a surge of power forcing itself inside me as I doubled over for a bit. Weird. Has materia always been like this for the first timers? As soon as the power washed over, I could feel a new one pulsing. It was something I could relish on, albeit with a taste of tang, and an instant coolness. I stood up from spot, raised my arm and pointed it at the guards, my mouth curving into a grin.
"Ice!"
The action soon followed after the words. I was awed at the sight of a giant snowflake that bursted from an MP as said MP collapsed on the ground, dead and unmoving. The feeling completely disappeared, being completely replaced by a feeling of dread as I shakily gulped nervously. I… I killed someone… "You did well." Cloud seemed to have finished off the other two as he said it. He placed a hand on my shoulder, looking pretty smug. For some odd reason, I wanted to punch him. I don't know why, but it may be because of the fact that I just killed someone for the first time in my life and he just got the guts to say that I did well. I wanted to crumple on the ground and cry, but all I did is gave him a small smile and a nod.
"Y-yeah, let's go." Brushing him off, I sprinted off inside the Reactor, leaving Cloud a little confused. The guy at the station? I didn't slaughter him, just knocked unconscious. But the guy I just beat the hell out earlier? That, I killed him horribly. I grit my teeth as I finally saw Barret in a distance. Am I considered a murderer now? …But Cloud and the others always kick everyone's ass. Maybe I should get used to this; anyway, it's just a game.
{Are you sure about that?}
Barret spotted me and waved with one meaty arm, "Yo! This your first time in a reactor?" I assume Cloud has already followed me so I didn't say anything. Lucky for me, said emotic bastard shrugged and turned away from Barret, "No. After all, I did work for Shinra, y'know." Fat chance, Cloud. Just because you have Zack's memories with you doesn't mean you should act arrogant as you are right now.
The big man continued on, "The planet's full of Mako energy. People here use it every day." Everyone except me and AVALANCHE of course. "It's the life blood of the planet. But Shinra keeps suckin the blood out with these machines." Cloud shrugged again with an indifferent face, "I'm not here for a lecture. Let's just hurry." With that, Barret's face got redder as he got angrier with his attitude. Hiding my snicker with a gloved hand, I smirked at the two, "Calm down, guys. It's only the beginning of the mission." The swordsman and the gunman shot a passive glare at me, which I ignored. In the end, Barret shook his head, looking pissed at us. "That's it! You two are coming with me!" I saw Cloud shift his eyes towards me, and I noted that small twist of smile coming up his mouth. Surprise, surprise…
Biggs was crouched down on the security system, a look of concentration etched upon his face. "All right~ Code deciphered!" The gates instantly opened much to their chagrin as we moved on. Jessie and Biggs would help decipher the codes while Barret was looking out for enemies. During the time we're at the second area, I scouted the place to look for something. Cloud was curious but he did not come along. Eventually, I came across some stray monsters and a few guard bots, and of course, a Phoenix Down. Just as I thought, it was very light and fluffy, but the blue color attracted me the most. Wordlessly, I dug it into my pockets and went back to the area, where Jessie already cracked the code. We got into the elevator while the girl pointed at the switch.
"Push that button over there."
"Right o'!"
As we rode the elevator down, Barret began to speak once again, "Little by little the reactors'll drain out all life. And that'll be that." I don't get it with Barret; is he trying to coax Cloud to give in more thought in joining AVALANCHE? Cloud shrugged again, "It's not my problem." Damn emotic bastard…
"The planet's dyin' Cloud!" The man became more pissed than ever. I stood by Jessie trying to ignore the conversation, but it's to o late since it is already giving me a headache.
"The only thing I care about is finishin' this job before security and the Roboguards come." Cloud gave off a heated gaze at him while crossing his arms. Barret turns away, shaking with anger, but looks back at him with an unreadable look. Wow, how these two made up I will know later on. I ran a gloved hand through my mousse hair and stared at the two, waiting for the lift to come down to our designated place.
Professor Hojo once again looked up from his paperwork, obviously looking irritated and quite annoyed. He just had a small talk with the President regarding about the Promise Land, which he still does not believe in, and of the Ancients. No, that is not what is irritating him.
What is irritating him is that his prized specimen just disappeared and hit by a dead end.
It is so far a lucky chance that he started up one of his oldest machines to trace down some more Ancients, but what fascinated him the most is that a strange anomaly has just joined the race of human civilization. He dispatched most of his men to retrieve the specimen, yet by the time they arrived at the scene, said specimen was already gone. It infuriated him at how this, this thing, just started moving on its own, where it should not be. Hojo piled some research paper unto the linoleum floor and began making calculations; mostly about how it got in and what it is. Well, whatever it is, he will find it.
He smiled sickeningly. Oh, how much fun he will have with this thing, no matter what it is, he will discover its secret for not being human, most especially that this just appeared out of nowhere. Like a magic trick from a foolish magician. An incredible source of information. Maybe it will be the key to all problems. Hojo laughed at the thought. Even though the Ancient girl is as important to his research, this one is much more important to the point that he will do almost anything just to get this thing.
His phone vibrated as a call tried to make itself in. Hojo lazily pressed the button and listened to what said caller has to say, "When are we taking her?" The voice belonged to a very skilled marksman, an excellent Turk who served him well, Tseng. The man giggled inceptively, already thinking of the many things he will do to the Ancient.
"As soon as you can, Tseng." The caller seemed to pause for a bit, then recovered his thoughts, "Understood. I will dispatch Reno to the case." The call ended and Hojo slicked back his greasy hair, looking more mad than usual.
"What an interesting anomaly…"
"Weird boxed things at twelve o' clock!" I grit my teeth just as said boxed things used a freaking missile on me! I rolled on my back as Barret jumped into the fray, shouting curses left and right. Cloud was too busy with a Roboguard while I stayed with the other to back him up. "Die foo'!" Barret then reeled back to smash the box as I focused on one of them.
"Ice!" I raised my arm and focused all the energy into it. A huge snowflake exploded from the guard as it detonated and disintegrated on the spot. Grinning, I made a leap and performed a resounding kick at another one, knocking off its circuits and shutting it down. Cloud and Barret were able to finish off their own share as I stood up straighter and stretched my joints, yawning, "Ah… Now that's a good fight!" I grinned cheerfully as Cloud and Barret walked up to me, looking safe from the fight. We then continued our way deeper into the reactor. The place stunk like a mixture of gasoline and the sewers. Jumping down from the ladder as Jessie instructed us, I caught a glimpse of the sea of mako underneath us. I'm only being honest if I said it actually looked dauntingly beautiful. Something about it is giving me the chills though. The three of us walked in silence and kept a watchful eye for enemies when we finally reached our target. I spied the Restore materia just inches in front of us but I didn't move to get it.
"When we blow this place, this ain't gonna be nothin' more than hunka of junk." Barret turned to Cloud and handed him a ridiculously unreformed looking bomb with a clock facing up, meant for the countdown. Seriously, it looked like it was just two sticks of dynamite tied together with duct tape and corded to a clock. Probably shouldn't say this upfront with Jessie though… "Cloud you set the bomb." The blond furrowed his eyebrows at him with a glare and said, "Shouldn't you do it?"
"Jus' do it! I gotta watch to make sure you don't pull nothin'."
"Fine, be my guest." Cloud strode towards the core of the reactor but suddenly stopped, a look of pain suddenly appeared. When I rushed forward to help him, I, too, stopped in my tracks.
{Watch out!}
What…the hell..? I gripped my head as I grimaced. A sheer edge of pain grasped my temples as I tried to block it as well as that mysterious voice. I began to panic. I wasn't supposed to hear Cloud's thoughts! These were his and his alone!
{This isn't just a reactor!}
"Make it…stop…" I muttered subconsciously, feeling my knees weakening. But as soon as it came it just passed over, gone. I vigorously shook my head to keep unwanted thoughts away. Damn, that voice… It definitely wasn't Aeris… So, who..?
"What's wrong?" Barret asked. I turned to him then at Cloud, shrugging. "Dunno, whatever it is, better hurry it up then, Cloud!" I raised my voice at his name, so that I can shake him from his thoughts. Cloud rubbed his head, mumbling an apology as he began to set up the bomb. He tucked it near the gears and widgets of the core and set the timer.
Just then, an earsplitting noise erupted as soon as he pressed it. A low rumbling was heard, followed by a loud crash coming from behind us. I readied my fists as Barret twisted around to point his gun arm at our guest. "Heads up, here they come!"
The smoke cleared and a gigantic, spider-like robot appeared in front of us, its guns were already drawn and pointed at us. Cloud yelled for us to scatter, just as it used its machine guns on us. Bullets came down hard as I dodged, ducked and rolled around the place. The bigger man cursed the robot with his middle finger while spraying it with ammo coming from him. The ex-SOLDIER however, was able to even move while casting out Bolt magic at the motherfucker. He always has to place his sword back at its spot before casting his magic. Small traces of lightning bolts pierced the robot, making it screech uncomically, a few of its circuits were combusting, and it will only take some more Bolt magic to finally kick this thing's ass.
I side stepped one of its rifles which were poised at me and emitted another Ice spell. I directed it towards the guns so that they will be tranquilized. I have to figure out how to kill this thing before the ten minute counting spree kick in. Barret and Cloud were mildly injured thanks to my efforts of throwing random Potions at them. I don't do much damage with just my punches and kicks; only my Ice materia can reach standards like that. I looked around myself to find something, anything that might defeat it once and for all. As I turned and twisted, my eyes finally caught sight of my short sword, hanging dumbly by my waist.
All of a sudden, a wild idea started to form inside my already twisted mind.
Grand Scorpion twitched and vibrated, its tail began to rise up in an alarming rate. Barret stopped gattling his gun while Cloud stopped casting, their eyes widening at the thing that it's going to do. I quickly ran up to them, shouting, "Guys don't hit it! It will counterattack with its laser!" I stopped between them, my short sword already out of it's sheathe. "What do you mean we can't hit it? Counterattack? How the hell did you know that?!" Barret roared, a vein already popping from a temple. Cloud also looked like he was in need of an explanation, but I pay no heed to him.
"Listen," I placed my hands unto the blond's shoulders and inched him near me. "On the count of three, Barret will boost me up to the Scorpion's head and I'll stab the head with my sword." I ignored said man's face, who produced a 'wtf' look. "Then Cloud, you cast your strongest Bolt magic yet, and direct it towards the sword. The sword will act as an electric rod, gathering all the energy, and zap straight into the head and to the heart!" Cloud gaped at me, but nodded as he placed his Buster Sword at his back and began to gather enormous amounts of energy, or rather mana from what I can tell since they're mana points, while Barret just stared at me frantically, "And what the hell am I gonna do again?" God, if we don't do this, Grand Scorpion will recover from epilepsy mode and get back on kicking our ass mode!
"You just throw me at that thing's head, stupid!"
"Why, you..!"
"Alright, on the count of three!" I positioned myself on Barret's hands, waiting for the countdown to catapult me to the thing's head. I nodded at them and gave them a grin and a thumbs up.
"One!" Grand Scorpion was twitching and rolling around, totally like in an epilepsy mode.
"Two!" Barret stared at me nervously, as if wanting to say something.
"Hey shouldn't we-?"
"THREE!"
The cold air blasted at me as the man heaved and threw me at the thing easily, as if I was like a softball. I probably shouted a rude word coz' I'm not hearing anything, except for the in battle clashing and fighting things. However, Barret must have had a pretty good aim as the top head of the robot came into view. I gripped onto my short sword very hard and brought it down to completely crash onto the monster's circuits. There was a low rumble as I heard Cloud at last scream the words, "BOLT!" as artificial lightning burst through his materia and towards the sword. I jumped out of the way as I watched it flail around the floor, the lightning coursing through its body thanks to my authentic electric rod. After a few more minutes of whizzes and bangs, the Grand Scorpion was no more as it collapsed on the ground, off duty forever.
I sighed and panted breath. Okay, that was typically a dangerous idea, since we could've been hit by its scorpion tail, which thankfully did not. My left shoulder had a small graze of a stray bullet but, meh, nothing to worry about. I moved towards the robot and scavenged through its remains. Ah! There's the new gun equipment for Barret, and something else. As I dug through, I came upon a big stash of Gil and some Potions that we could use. My short sword, apparently, is beyond repair, so the only thing I can obtain from it is the small hilt of the sword. It's for the good memories, okay?! Satisfied with my findings, I lay on my back to catch my breath, only until Cloud nudged me forcefully as if it's urgent. "Hey, get up! We need to get out of here! The bomb's gonna detonate in ten minutes!" Oh, shit! I completely forgot about the bomb! I jumped onto my feet just as Barret ran ahead to signal Jessie and Biggs to get out. Just as I was about to exit the place, Cloud stopped for a bit, bent down, and snatched up the Restore materia into his grasp.
Damn, even I forgot about the materia.
We raced back to the entrance of the Reactor. We climbed the ladder up after battling some persistent guardbots, when I noticed Jessie kneeling on one of the metallic beams, her face scrunched in pain. "Need any help?" I grin as I rushed to her side and wiggled her leg off the crisscrossing metal grates. The girl gave me a bright smile and sprinted off with me. Cloud, Jessie, and I got into the elevator and hastily pressed the button up. Many more guardbots tried to take advantage of us, but the ex-SOLDIER wouldn't have it and slew them with his Bolt magic from his leftover MP. Heh, I just love to call it MP/HP even if they don't understand it.
"Hurry! We got two minutes left!" We finally got off the elevator and at the bridge. Biggs and Wedge stood there waiting for us as a loud explosion sounded from the depths of the reactor. Huh, guess that bomb wasn't so itty bitty to me anymore. The ground shook but we forced ourselves to keep running and running. My legs are starting to ache but I pushed on. Jessie triped to her knees, but Cloud was quick enough to help her up. We sprinted away safely as the Reactor blasted into bursting inferno. I could hear the explosions through my headphones; they're something like they always do in movies, animes and games. Pretty cool, I say.
…
Noel..?
I opened my eyes slowly and sighed.
We are all standing in a dark tunnel which was blocked by the debris and broken metal from the explosion. We were here for about fifteen minutes because Jessie was trying to figure out her calculations and bombs on how to blow up the debris and open a way to the station. I'm no bomb expert so I didn't help. I stood a good distance away from them, my headphones were kept on as I listened quietly to my music, contemplating my life so far.
So far, it was… exhilarating. Nothing I've ever conceived in my life. I didn't know I could punch/kick people/monsters, I just casted a spell from a materia, I defeated a boss battle using my cunning skill (cough), I escaped with only my wits from an explosion, and yet I have no idea if this matters to going home or not. I can't help but feel a little homesick, even if it's for a little while. Oddly though, thinking about Aeris just reminds me of home too much. Maybe because she's really pretty and that somewhere in my imaginations I'll be taking her to see my family and proclaim her as wife? Nonononononono! I shook my head at the thought, my cheeks beginning to redden. I'm such a jerk to think about stuff like that! Me and Aeris are different. I'm real, she's from a video game. I'm reality, she's beauty. Wait, what?!
I tried to clear my head with my music when I felt a hand clamp onto my shoulder. My green eyes met Cloud's mako blue ones, "You okay?" He questioned softly, trying to cheer me up. I smiled wanly at him and said, "Yeah, still just shaken up, that's all." Encouragement, not what I really needed, but it will have to do.
"Okay! Now everyone get back!" Jessie seemed finished with her preparations as we all backed up into the cramped little space to hide from another explosion. A loud bang resounded from the direction we were from, followed up by an earsplitting crack that shrouded the silence. Fire and smoke appeared as we all nodded at each other and ran out of the place and towards outside.
"Gugh!" I grunted as I jumped from an opening flame and I quickly rolled on my back to prevent the flames from burning me. We're at the courtyard of some Sector, probably Sector Eight. Barret and the others came next. The last one to get out was Wedge, and it seems that his butt was on fire… "All right, now let's get out of here!" Barret moved further into the courtyard and pointed north. "Rendezvous at Sector 8 station! Split up and get on the train!" Afterwards, everyone headed off at different directions.
I saw Cloud stop Barret though, "H-hey!"
Barret stopped and shot a heated stare at him, "If it's about your money save it 'till we're back at the hideout!" And without another word, he ran off without looking back. I pity Cloud, for not getting his money straight out, but, oh well. We made eye contact and it was inaudible agreement that from now on, we stick as team. I know right! It sounds so awesome coming from a video game character, especially the main one!
We took the stairs that led us to a marketplace. Here, we found a lot of people scurrying around, obviously peeved at the sight of a smoked up reactor just moments away from this place. At a street corner, a few people were running around, until one of them knocked over a pretty lady clad in pink. Knowing who it was, I strode over to her confidently and struck out my hand, "Need any help, miss?" I smiled at her who took my hand as she made herself stand up. Wow, to see Aeris once again, it's making my stomach do back flips. I notice Cloud coming over at the corner of my eye but I inwardly ignored him and focused all my attention at Aeris. "Thank you very much sir…" Oh wow, she looks sooo cute…
"Ah, we meet again, my flower lady."
"Hm?"
Aeris peered closer at my face and almost gasped at the sight of me. "N-Noel?! Noel, it's you!" She exclaimed, her eyes wide with anticipation. I chuckle lightly at her reaction as I watched her dust the dirt from her dress. "Yup, the one and only~" We laughed at this just as Cloud finally came by. "Noel, we should get a move on." He budged but I simply smiled at him. Aeris must've noticed how dirty and battle worn we are right now, so she asked, "Excuse me, what happened?" The question's directed at Cloud so I didn't answer. The blond swordsman turned to gaze at the woman in front of us with his cool mako eyes. They shifted to her face, then to her form, back to the face, and then to the flower basket she was holding close to her chest. The flowers were looking a lot livelier than I last saw them from before.
"Nothing… hey Listen…" Cloud pegged for Aeris attention.
"Don't see many flowers round here…" At this, the flower girl held them up close, a proud smile at her face.
"Oh, these? Do you like them? They're only a gil..?" Figuring what he'd say, I flashed some Gil from my gloved hand and a triumphant smirk from my face.
"Two please!"
Aeris seemed delighted at this request. Browsing through her flowers, she picked out a green Gladiolus and a beautiful Forget-Me-Not one. She gave the forget-me-not to Cloud and the gladiolus to me as I pay up to her. I even left in some extra change in her basket when she's not looking. "Till we meet again then, my flower lady~!" I waved at her goodbye as Aeris walked away. She giggled feverishly at my antics while Cloud merely stared at the flower. "Why'd you buy me one?" He asked me bluntly as we moved along. I placed the gladiolus in my front pocket as I beamed at him.
"You'd probably give it to someone anyway, am I right?" We spoke no more as we traversed through the area. I spotted a Potion nearby, so when Cloud wasn't looking, I made a grab for it and pocketed it safely in my waist pack. Out of the marketplace, we reached an empty street. I already know what will happen, so I readied my fists just in case. Cloud also looked on high alert. Nothing came around when we turned to the next block when-
"Hey, you there!" Crap. The both of us had no choice but to look. A Shinra MP. Should we fight em? I wanted to make eye contact with the blond again, but he was looking impassive as usual. His fingers however, are already curled up into a fist. If we fight, it'll be a waste of time. But if we run, we might still be able to reach the station and get on the train on time.
"Noel…" Cloud whispered to me, his eyes cold and are glaring fiercely at the MP, who was walking nearer and nearer, "On my signal, we run at the edge of the bridge and wait for the train. Even if it's to fight them off." Wait, what?! I wanted to object, but another MP appeared. I sighed audibly before nodding in affirmation.
"What are you two do-"
"Run!"
As soon as Cloud gave the signal I was already running towards the vantage point. It wasn't that far, nothing my legs can't handle, but holy crap, another MP's coming our way! I had to think fast, so when my hand felt its way towards the hilt of my sword, I threw said hilt at the MP in front of me, distracting him as I pulled an all-around kick at him. Cloud was at my rear and backing me up from the back side. Darn it, more MPs appeared. At this rate we'll be-!
"That's as far as you go." The soldier calmly said, their batons flashed as they cornered us at the railings. Honestly, if they moved some more, me and Cloud would've fallen to our death now. "I don't have time to be messin' around with you guys." Cool words, Cloud. Real, cool, words.
"Enough babbling! Grab them!" I wasn't sure I heard their words right, because as soon as they groped on us, I heard the loud honk of a train coming near. I noticed Cloud gesturing at the train as the both of us jumped from the railing and unto the roof of the train, said train speeding down the tunnel and out of sight.
Somewhere inside the train, at the farthest car, a group of rough looking people are all sitting around, looking a bit glum and remorseful. Barret, Biggs, Wedge, and Jessie always knew that messing with Shinra will have to take lives, but…
"Cloud and Noel never came." Wedge stated the obvious, staring at his friends.
"Cloud…Noel…wonder if they were killed?" Biggs said as Barret looked up from his contemplation and let out a hoarse voice, "No way!" His burst up came out rather surprising as the three gazed back at him. But he had nothing to say anymore, he looked down to his feet. Jessie sighed, momentarily muttering their names, "Cloud…Noel…"
THUMP! THUMP!
Barret looked up from his spot at the ceiling and wondered what was going on outside.
THUNK! "OhMyGodWhatTheFuck!" I screamed a very loud curse when my head hit the archway's alcove. Cloud gave me a sign to shut up but hell, I can't help it. The intense pain was already swelling up in my temple. I raised my middle finger at the blond, who rolled his eyes at me and continued to trek down the train slowly and carefully.
The group was silent once again. Although Biggs spoke up once more to his leader, "Say, do you think Cloud and Noel's going to fight to the end for AVALANCHE?!" At this, Barret sent a glare at his way.
"The hell would I know? Do I look like a mind reader?" He hits a crate in response. It's quite obvious that the big guy's quite upset that Cloud and Noel weren't able to meet up with them, and it may probably be his fault for breaking his promise to Tifa for not protecting the two. "Hmph! If y'all weren't such screw-ups…" He turned away to hide his sad face.
"Hey Barret! What about our money..?" Barret hit the crate again, out of anger this time.
"Uhh, nothing…sorry. Ah…" Wedge relaxed on a sack of potatoes and tried to doze for a bit.
THUNK! THUNK! Everyone looked up at the same time at the ceiling to check what's going on.
THUNK! THUNK! The thunking seemed to be getting closer…
THUNK! THUNK! The train door suddenly opened and two figures flipped inside the car from above. The one revealed as Cloud because of his blond hair, and the other Noel, who was sputtering rude words mutely. Everyone jumped at the sight of them.
"Cloud! Noel!"
"Cloud…Noel…"
"Cloud! Noel!"
Cloud brushed the soot from his SOLDIER clothes and shrugged smugly, "Looks like we're a little late." I went along with it and gave off a silly grin, "Uh-huh, we were a bit lost and Cloud was too stubborn to ask for directions." Biggs, Wedge and Jessie laughed but Barret was seething with rage.
"You damn right, you're late! Come waltzin' in here makin a big scene!" Barret probably needs to get his heart rate checked. Cloud shrugged again, a hand on his hips while the other was acknowledging him, "It's no big deal. Just what I always do."
"Shi't! Havin' everyone worried like that you don't give a damn bout' no one but yourself!" Barret screamed at him again, however Cloud still didn't lose his cool.
"Hmm….You were worried about me!?" The gun man did a double take.
"Wha-?! I'm takin' it outta your money, hot stuff!" He steadily walked himself at the center of the car, waving his gun arm.
"Wake up! We're movin' out! Follow me!" And at that he disappeared into the next car. Biggs, Wedge, and Jessie were giving out their thanks and compliments to us, even the girl helped with our faces, which were covered with sooth and dirt apparently. Cloud and I followed the members into the next car, finding ourselves with a comfortable compartment where a hobo sat sleeping on his seat and most of the occupants were moving upwards to avoid the team. I heard a computer intercom saying something about the time, which is midnight, five minutes past it. Most of the members are near the intercom so I myself just plopped on a seat and watched the scenes drift by from the window. Cloud was being called by Jessie, probably to look at the map of Midgar. Biggs was sleeping while leaning on a pole. Wedge's eating a wafer or something. And Barret's lounging like nobody cares.
A red light came by but almost decapitated as soon as it came. It must be the ID checkpoint, something Shinra was very proud off. I placed on the headphones again and listened. Coincidentally, the track was Rain Tears by Hatsune Miku. I kinda missed being an otaku and attending cosplay conventions and meeting Alodia and banging her every single cosplay convention I went through. Sigh, the ol' days are usually the best.
"Look…you can see the surface now." Barret proclaimed, staring outside to the sky. "This city don't have no day or night. If that plate weren't there," He pointed his thumb at the plate above us right now. "We could see the sky." Cloud walked up to him and looked out of the window.
"A floating city… Pretty unsettling scenery." He said dryly, continuing to look outside. I tilted my head at them as Barret stood up and crossed his arms. "Huh? Never expect to hear that outta someone like you."
"…you jes' full of surprises." Barret smirked at Cloud who glared at him annoyingly. He lifted his gun arm and gazed at it thoughtfully. "The upper world… a city on a plate… It's cuz' of that &^#$# 'pizza', that people underneath are sufferin'!" Just like the Philippines, blinded by its own government…
I listened to the gun man more, "And the city below is full of polluted air. On topa' that, the Reactor keeps drainin' all up the energy."
"Then why doesn't everyone move onto the plate?"
"Dunno. Probably 'cuz they ain't got no money. Or maybe…" He then turns to me with calm eyes. "'Cuz they love their land, no matter how polluted it gets." I nodded at him, almost resolutely. Midgar was just a small town, until Shinra came. Like I said from before, if the people were able to get out of this hellhole and take a good look on this place, they'll probably have second thoughts in living Midgar now.
Cloud bobbed his head for verification yet he still watched the view outside, "I know…no one lives in the slums because they want to. It's like this train," A faint glimmer of sadness crossed his face before it disappeared entirely. "It can't run anywhere except where its rail take it."
Total stillness took place. I resumed to my headphones until I realized my mp3 was already dead. Sighing, I took it off and then I began whistling. I'm good at it, since my students said that it's really cool whenever I whistle them in class. Lying there with my hands to support my head, I whistled a soft tune of Brand New Years by Yume Kawimora. It's the credits song for the game, Personal 3: the Question. While I was tuning, everyone seemed to have relaxed at my choice of song. Barret closed his eyes and looked to have dozed off, while Cloud tapped his foot in an attempt to synchronize with the beat. They look like an odd pair, like a coach captain and a kid trying to prove himself. Chuckling, I continued to whistle as the train carried on upwards to Sector 7 station.
AN: Hi guys again I'm so sorry for the late update! –bows apologetically- Although, I hope you enjoyed the 8,000 worded chapter, so I must stop here and take a short break before going to the next one.
Please don't forget to review! If I'm going to be inspired, it will be coming from you, dear reader/reviewer. That will just be fifteen seconds of your life I promise!
Thanks for reading 'Through The Worlds To You'
~Rivai