Towards Junon

The trip through the mines had been quiet and uneventful, up to a point. We followed paths and signs heading out the Junon side of the mines, the entireity of which had basically been abandoned because of the Zoloms. I had thought maybe there would be some works going on from the miners at the Junon side but maybe they just weren't prepared to take the risk... or everything was just as bad on the other side.

Heading through one of the tunnels, dark since the lamps had either been put out or died after the last of the miners left, we could see some light in the distance. It was enough to give us pause. Cloud moved a little ahead to get a better vantage. We stayed put and waited until he shuffled back down and glanced at us.

"There's someone there," he said, falling silent. We could hear a few muffled voices, obvious that they hadn't heard us yet. We couldn't make out what they were saying, or how many were there. They, like us, were probably not meant to be there. Probably the paranoia setting in, I assumed it was the Shinra.

"What's the plan?" Tifa asked in a hushed whisper.

"I'll go up. If things get complicated get out. There might be another exit through the mines. If not, cross the mountains," Cloud said. I didn't want him to go alone and I doubted anyone else did either. He looked at us all with a quiet gaze. "What?"

"We've got numbers and space against them this time," Tifa noted. It was true, and I was kind of hoping they wouldn't have tear gas with them this time around. Cloud glanced at the group and gave a nod.

"I'll take a small group in case things get complicated," he looked at Tifa, myself, and Nanaki and took us up the path.

We moved slowly, hoping they wouldn't hear us so we could take them off guard. We were all thinking in the worst case scenario here, for all we know it could have been just some kids of something playing about, or some workers trying to maintain the mines. Even so, considering our status and relationship with the Shinra, we had to assume the worst. Just like it was with Yevon. This feels like a recurring theme in my life.

It wasn't surprising to us when we came face to face with a man in a Turk uniform. The man was bald and wore sunglasses which, considering we were in a cave, didn't make all that much sense to me. I remembered him being the one that I fought inside the lift. I'm certain his name was Rude. I thought I was right anyway. At first glance he appeared to be alone but, upon glancing around our surroundings, there was a younger blonde woman on a higher platform.

Everyone was quiet and tense. Rude never moved but I felt his eyes scanning us over. I looked at the woman behind him, who was searching us over as well.

"Get out our way," I broke the silence.

"I'm afraid that's not possible," Rude replied. "I'm assuming you know why we're here."

"Kidnapping?" Cloud asked from beside me, mouth downturned.

"True, if we're being negative about it... but that's not everything the Turks are," Rude paused, then cleared his throat. "Pardon. Elena, if you would."

"Sir," the woman clearly had the obedience required for a Turk. "With the crisis at hand, Shinra has a lot of enemies. Our orders are to stop you from interfering any further with Shinra's plans."

I glanced between the two of them. I knew I could take Rude on fairly easily. In fact even with the four of us we could get them out the way. If the rest arrived they'd be in for a shock. Unless they had tear gas and tranquillizers.

"That won't be necessary," from behind them arrived Tseng. He was calm and poised, and Elena seemed a little startled when he arrived. "I will deal with them. Both of you have received new orders." They both nodded curtly to him. "Now go. Don't forget to file your reports." Before Rude left, he looked at us again.

"... Reno said he wanted to see you again after his injuries had healed," he said, his head slightly turning to me specifically. "He wants to show his affection for you all... with a new weapon."

"Looking forward to it," I couldn't help myself. Rude and Elena left and we were alone with Tseng. He glanced around our group, his mouth going into an even deeper frown.

"I see Aerith isn't with you," he noted. "A shame."

"I'm here," Aerith arrived up the path to our group. I looked at her as she stood between myself and Cloud, completely undaunted by the Turk.

"Long time no see, Aerith," Tseng nodded. "Looks like you and your friend are safe from the Shinra for a while... at least now that Sephiroth's reappeared."

"So what? I should be grateful to Sephiroth?" Aerith retorted.

"No, that's not what I'm saying," Tseng shook his head. "It was good seeing you again. I won't be seeing much of you, so take care."

"Strange, hearing that from you," Aerith scoffed slightly, but her tone wasn't defensive.

"Well then, stay out of Shinra's way," Tseng replied. He turned and left the way he came, which seemed to be the way out to the Junon side of the mines. We waited a while before going down that path so we wouldn't cross them again. Even if we did we could have taken them. It was three against eight, it would have been an easy fight.

Coming out of the mines we were greeted with empty roads and open fields. Further along the roads were forests, some paths diverging into it. The main road that the miners would have used was open and clear, but we weren't sure how exposed we'd be to Shinra forces. The safer route, the route through the forest, was decided upon and we headed through.

It did seem that Tseng was right; now that Sephiroth had reappeared Shinra's focus was on him and we were just behind on their trail to Junon. I wondered what the place was like. Was it a large city? Small? Anything at all like Midgar or more leaning towards Kalm? How many people were there? Did they have a trade they were known for? How much of Shinra's influence would be there if Sephiroth was around? Would we even find Sephiroth there? It was like seeing Spira all over again; excited to see the next destination and trying to savour as much of it as I could in the fleeting visits and chaotic moments. Maybe once it was all over I'd get to see the world properly, take in everything it had to offer. Just like I did with Spira.

The rest of our travel was fairly uneventful and we found a clearing to set up camp. We started to set ourselves down and arrange the watches and rotations for them while Tifa got on with making something to eat. As I was setting up one of the tents I swore I heard something from the trees. Like a rustling or something moving. It was quick, but I could tell it wasn't an animal or fiend. I recognised the rustling as a person.

"Christie? Is something wrong?" Aerith asked when she noticed me stop pitching tents and staring intently at the area I heard the bushes move. Keeping my eyes on it, I signalled her to stay behind.

"Yeah... wait here," I said and made my way slowly to the plants. I knew the person wouldn't be there, probably attempting a trap or trying to stay out of sight, so I kept an eye out around my peripherals, trying to see if anything was going to come out from the side of me.

I heard the rustling again to the left of me and turned, trying to see who was there. They were fast, whoever they were. I remained still, eyes glancing around for any sign of movement. I could feel the rest of the group start to get on their guard now.

There was a yelp from someone and I spun around, seeing a large, four-pointed weapon land in the ground. A person with short hair darted from the trees and ran towards the weapon. As they were doing so Cloud ran for them, sword drawn, and intercepted them, blade coming down between them and their weapon. They quickly reacted, darting around Cloud and shooting him with a lightning bolt. Nanaki pounced on them, pinning them down. They struggled and kicked but Nanaki put all is weight onto them to ensure they couldn't get up. I noticed the magic materia in their hand and looked over at Cloud, seeing that he was missing one. That was... actually incredibly skilled on their part.

"Let me go! I'll take you all on!" The person's voice was young and female and she continued to struggle against Nanaki. We approached her, watching to make sure she didn't try anything. Not that she really could.

"You're... well, you're really outnumbered," Aerith noted, finger on her chin.

"We'll let you up so long as you don't try anything," Tifa said, looking over to Cloud for confirmation, as did Nanaki. Cloud gave a nod but kept his sword out. The girl jumped up, looking around the group and seeing that we were all pretty much prepared for any sudden movements.

"You want to explain why you tried to get the jump on us?" Barrett asked.

"Nope, I don't want to," the girl responded, crossing her arms indignantly. "It's none of your business anyway."

"Did the Turks send you to spy on us?" Cloud asked. Well that was the most logical conclusion. Either that or she was trying her luck. Regardless, the girl scoffed at the sheer suggestion of being a Turk.

"Spying for Shinra? As if!" She told him. "I'd die before teaming up with them. Anyways for all I know you guys could be the Shinra."

"No... quite the opposite," Nanaki said. "We're fighting against them."

"Uh-huh, uh-huh, sure," the girl said, not buying it.

"It's true. We're Avalanche," Tifa said.

"Avalanche, huh? So you guys are the eco-warriors taking out Reactors?" She still didn't seem convinced. "Then what's the deal with squatting in the woods?"

"Considering you don't believe anything we're saying, I don't think you'll take our reasons seriously," I added in. "Then again, we could ask you why you're squatting in the woods and following us."

"Well I wouldn't be dumb enough to tell a bunch of strangers what I'm doing," she responded. I laughed a little, getting some odd looks. Honestly, the girl reminded me of Rikku a little with her attitude.

"Well you've got a point there," I said. "Look, everyone here has issues with Shinra, I think most of the world does really. You've probably seen them head towards Junon, just ahead of us right?" She was silent, eyeing me up and down. She hummed a little.

"... Might've."

"Well, something that's there has got their interests," I continued. "We're trying to get to it before they do. I noticed you take my friend's materia. We could use your help."

"Hey, I know I'm good, but don't think flattery's going to work," she replied.

"Have you heard that the enemy of your enemy is your friend?" I asked. "We both want to stop Shinra and, if we work together, we could do that." The girl hummed again, looking around the group, then back to me.

"Well..." she trailed off for the suspense. "I mean, I know I'm good, so of course you guys would want my skills!" I smiled and nodded.

"Great, welcome to the team," I said. "Once we finish setting up camp, we'll get with introductions."

Reason for long break: Was in a writing slump, sorry for major delay between chapters.