Well, getting up in chapters, isn't this. Almost thirty. And my thoughts? Holycrap. Seriously. But…I'm actually kinda sad because, well, there's not all that much left on this, is there? This was the last "Materia quest" and then there's just not all that much left. I'm not going through the whole sub-quest with Yuffie, the Weapons or the chocobos just because they are all purely optional. And because they really don't have that much of an impact on the actual story. But I have a feeling it'll go quick. :cries: Is it all right that I don't want it to end? But anyway, something about this actual chapter…well, I definitely have a problem with hurting the boys, that's about it.
Chapter 28: Starry-eyed Dreams
"What!" Cid's grip on Tifa's arms tightened and he stared straight into her eyes. "Whaddid you say?"
"They're going to launch the rocket, huge materia and all." Tifa pulled away, pointing roughly in the direction of the platform. "I just heard it from some of the shopkeepers. I guess they were working on it last night to have it ready for today."
Cloud stood, his hand gripping the back of his chair. "Last night? I thought they wouldn't do anything until daytime, but…didn't you two hear anything?" He moved his gaze to Vincent, and behind him, Cid. "You were here all night; didn't you hear anything suspicious?"
The pilot glanced toward the silent gunner. "We…slept through it all," he said softly as he turned to face the door.
"You know what, never mind. I don't wanna know," Cloud grumbled as he shoved past the elder blonde, staring up at the rocket as he exited the house. "Either way, we've got to do something or it's going to be too late. Any ideas?"
Tifa stepped beside him and nodded back toward the inn. "First off we need to get everyone together. I don't think they're all at the inn anymore, but they shouldn't be too hard to find."
At this the forgotten scientist spoke up, tightening her ponytail. "All right. Here's an idea. You guys go do that and I'll go check up on things in the rocket, see what exactly's going on." She sighed, dropping her hands to her side. "If it's a way to make up for all…this, then I'll do it," she stated as she brought her eyes to Cid's. "I truly am sorry for earlier."
"Goddammit, Shera, we all make mistakes. So stop beatin' yerself up over it, 'kay?" He raised a hand and scratched his blonde hair. "Just get yer ass up there an' be careful dammit. I'm not gonna spring you this time if you get stuck somewhere." Growling, he turned until he was facing the others, leaving her at his back.
Shera nodded, a small smile settling onto her face. "Understood, Captain." Turning quickly, she took the white coat Tifa was holding out to her and started in the direction of the rocket, pulling the coat on as she ran.
The swordsman nodded and left for the inn, Tifa close behind. Vincent, who had remained somewhat quiet for the entire time, stepped up and glanced at the disappearing Shera. "You wouldn't really leave her. I don't think you have the heart to do something like that," he said, letting the pilot wrap an arm around his shoulders.
"Maybe so, but I've still gotta keep her on her feet somehow, right? Besides, I've always done things like that. Just 'cause this has changed doesn't mean I have t' stop treatin' her th' way I always have, does it? Just doesn't make sense." He smiled wryly, moving his cerulean gaze to the gunner. "But I'd say that you know me too well."
"And is that a bad thing?" Raising an ebony eyebrow, he covered a quick yawn. They had been completely asleep when Shera had burst into the house calling for Cid. He was willing to bet that they hadn't gotten nearly enough sleep last night, but that wasn't something to be thinking of at the moment. Yawning again, he shook his head and brushed a hand through his hair. "I think we should get going also."
"Yeah, yeah, whatever. But I think they'll have a better chance tryin' t' find them than us. They all know each other th' best. Kinda. Ah, fuck. Whatever, let's go," he mumbled as he steered the ebony-haired man away from the door, locking it as he passed. "Might as well help out, I suppose. Won't be able t' do anythin' 'til we find them anyway," he grumbled as they stepped away from the house.
"Cid!" The shout rang out through the morning air and both turned to see a middle-aged man waving to them. Shrugging, Cid started in his direction. He wasn't all that sure what the man wanted, but maybe it would be something they could use. Stepping over a small fence, the man met them and smiled. "Hey, haven't seen ya around lately."
The blonde nodded back toward the outskirts of town where the Highwind rested. "Been busy. Whaddya want?"
"Just wonderin' if you knew what was goin' on here. All I know is that there've been Shinra runnin' around like crazy and then last night they called all the mechanics back." The man crossed his arms and stared at the rocket.
"Called them back?"
"Yeah. They called all of the guys who worked with you on the first launch and got them all together last night. Haven't seen any of them since and my son was one of them." The smile had faded and he was now frowning at the leaning rocket. "You don't think they're tryin' something, do you?"
Blue eyes flicked to Vincent and then the rocket. "Nah, I don't think that," he said as he turned away, almost storming toward the inn. "I fuckin' know it! C'mon Vince." He whirled around and grabbed the gunman's hand, pulling the man along behind him. "We've gotta find that idiot an' get on that rocket before they do anythin'."
Keeping silent, the gunner followed him through the center of town. A few conversations floated into his range and he cringed knowing each one was being heard by Cid also and each one was tearing at the pilot, making him move faster.
"I heard that they're thinking about launching that thing."
"That piece of junk rocket? No way."
"Yeah, I heard that too. Something with Meteor and a way to destroy it."
"You mean that thing's gonna save the planet?"
"That's crazy talk. There's no way it could make it off the ground, let alone into space and to Meteor."
"Hey, look. Isn't that Cid? We could ask him."
"Yeah! Hey Cid!"
But the pilot ignored each call of his name, forcing his way through the gathering crowd toward the inn. A flash of blonde hair and purple cloth caught his attention and he forced forward again. "Cloud! Goddammit, Strife, don't you dare ignore me!" Reaching with his free hand, he snagged the blonde's shoulder. "Cloud, forget the rest of 'em. We can catch up later. But right now we've gotta get our asses up there before they leave without us!"
Cloud whirled around. "But—"
"But nothin'! Are you listenin' t' me? We've gotta get movin' an' now." Moving his hand to the swordsman's wrist, he started dragging both men back toward the rocket.
Cloud suddenly grasped the situation and tugged his arm free. "Cid, calm down. If we wait for the others then we can get going—"
"I'm tellin' you, now! Do you want that fuckin' materia or not?"
The younger blonde raised his hands in submission. "All right, all right! We'll go." Reaching behind him he assured himself that his sword was still in place. He might be going without the others, but he wasn't about to go unarmed. "You're leading."
"Whatever," Cid grumbled as he moved away from the two men and back toward the rocket. While his main concern wasn't truly the materia so much as the rocket, he needed it as a way to get Cloud going. And it had worked. He just hoped that it wouldn't be too late when they reached the rocket.
Vincent hurried behind the pilot, casting a small glance at Cloud. The swordsman looked slightly apprehensive. Whether it was from the impending fight, the issue of the huge materia, or the fact he was being dragged around by a fuming pilot, he wasn't sure. But he offered a small smile just as an attempt to calm the man anyway. A hesitant mirror of that smile appeared on the blonde's face before he looked away.
"All right. We ready?" Cid turned and looked at the other two, his previous anger replaced by anxiousness. A tiny glimmer of nervousness was hiding in his cerulean eyes, but Vincent still caught it. The blonde jumped slightly as a slim hand rested on his shoulder, rubbing it softly. Nodding, he squared his shoulders and stared at the first rung of the ladder. What if we do stop them? We get the materia and that's it? But…what if we don't? Are they really gonna launch it?
Shaking his head, he reached up and started climbing. He heard Vincent and Cloud following, the ladder trembling slightly under them. Only a few minutes and we'll be there. Only a few minutes and I'll have to make a choice. The thought was bothering him as he pulled himself onto the platform and let his gaze drift around. "It's quiet," he said slowly as the other two men joined him.
"Kind of. Where do you think they are?" Cloud reached behind him, resting his hand on the hilt of his sword. "It's not like Shinra to just abandon something."
"Guess that means they're still here somewhere." Cid narrowed his eyes as he stepped forward, the bridge creaking slightly under his weight. He hadn't been on the rocket since he'd left on Cloud's misadventure months ago. At first he'd thought himself crazy to leave his life, to throw everything to the wind for something he had no part in. Or didn't used to have a part in. But it seemed like the best parts of his life right now were connected with this little misadventure turned rescue mission.
Glancing back at Vincent, he smiled sourly at himself. Of all the things to be thinking about right now. Forcing his eyes forward, he halted at the sound of heavy footsteps landing on the bridge. A low growl slipped free as he stared at the man stepping out of the shadows. "Rude."
Dark sunglasses were lowered just barely before being pushed back on the broad nose. "You again." He raised a hand, brushing the heel of his hand against his forehead. Moving his other hand up, he glanced at his watch. "What do you want?"
"Whaddo we want? Whaddo we want? What th' hell do you think we want? I want you fuckin' people outta here! Gimme back my town an' rocket you assholes!" Cid rushed forward, whipping his lance out until the tip quivered right below the man's chin. "I'm not kiddin'."
A fist shot out, grabbing the lance below the blade and yanked forward. The blonde stumbled at the force pulling him and he yelled out as he tightened his grip on the lance, steadying himself. "Is that so?" the deep voice rumbled as he pushed back.
Hands closed over the pilot's shoulders and he stood upright with Vincent's help. "Listen. Just get your asses outta here an' we won't have t' have any problems, right?" Yanking the lance free, he tapped the end against the bridge. "D'you really wanna start causin' trouble by yourself?"
Cloud moved to the gunner's side. "Cid, I don't think you should be getting on his bad—" A gloved hand reached back, pushing him away. "Cid, don't be an idiot," he muttered to the pilot as he shoved in front. Turning his blue eyes on the Turk, he tipped his head toward the rocket. "But…no one needs to be starting a battle here so why not just give up? We all know that materia's not going to do anything to Meteor."
"Orders are orders, Strife." The man tugged at one of his gloves as the swordsman watched carefully. One hand rested on the hilt of Cloud's sword as he waited for the attack he didn't see coming. Grunting, he reeled backward as the pain spread across his face, another punch aimed for him.
Another blow landed before he could react, this time the force making him double over as his stomach twisted. Gasping for air, he stood and drew his blade, the metal gleaming in the sunlight. "All right," he growled, "you got in two hits. You made your point. Now let me make mine!" He swung forward, the tip skittering off of the metal bridge as Rude leapt back before rushing at the blonde again. But he halted, stumbling backward as a gunshot fired into the air.
Glancing down momentarily, Rude saw the dent in the bridge next to his feet. The shot had merely been a warning, but it sent the message loud and clear. A few options ran through his mind as he stared at the dent. However, none appealed to him. He wasn't one to run away, especially from a job. The sound of footsteps on metal brought his attention upwards, but it was too late. Cid's fist crashed into his face and he stumbled back as he felt his nose break.
The blonde, ready to deliver another hit, stared at the Turk as he slipped and fell, his head hitting the bridge with a sharp crack. Muttering, he waited, only lowering his fists when the man fell silent and lay still, completely unconscious. Not even sparing a glance back at his companions, Cid moved forward and stood above the Turk, his feet on either side of the fallen man. He reached down, grasping the dark blue suit jacket and lifting him slightly. "Let's see you try an' fuckin' mess with me or my town again!" he yelled as he let the man drop.
Twisting around, he glared at the other two who were staring at him silently. "What? You think I could only fight with that goddamned spear?" He raised one hand, curling it into a fist. "Had t' learn how t' fight by hand first," he muttered as he stepped over Rude and into the waiting entrance.
Cloud glanced over at Vincent who was as stunned as him. "You know he could do that?" he asked nervously before moving his hand to wipe away a streak of blood running down his cheek. Rude had punched him fairly hard and he suspected that the man had held something sharp in that fist also. But he still was figuring at that moment that he'd rather face Rude again than Cid. I must have gotten off lucky that night seeing as how I'm still alive
The ebony head shook slowly as he moved forward. He had known that Cid could fight barehanded, but he'd never known he was good enough to knock out an almost professional fighter in one shot. Now it made sense why no one ever pushed the pilot too far. They might not live to regret it.
Pushing the grim image out of his mind, he stepped carefully over the Turk and hurried into the rocket, Cloud close behind. The sound of machinery surrounded him along with a loss of light, but none of it startled him half as much as Cid suddenly appearing from behind a blind corner. Catching his breath, Vincent stumbled backward as he forced himself to calm down. Just because he did that, I'm suddenly scared of him? That doesn't make sense. How many times have I set him off before and he's done nothing? Sighing heavily, he closed his eyes. "Cid, don't do that."
"Do what?" he mumbled as he turned away and headed for the cockpit again. He didn't understand what Vincent was so worked up about and the fact that the gunner had moved away from him was just confusing. He couldn't see a single reason for the man to act so jumpy unless it was simply the prospect of Shinra still being onboard. But he doubted that. And besides, Vincent had never acted any differently to Shinra or the Turks than any other opponent.
Moving ahead, he ducked into the cockpit finally, hand steady on the shaft of his spear. He knew there was a possibility that Rude's partner was inside, but it was very slim. He didn't see Shinra as a company to order any of its departments to send men on a death mission. And that would be exactly what this mission would be if it was launched.
But instead of those dark blue suits he was shocked to see his own mechanics rushing around the small cockpit. "W—what th' hell're you guys doin'?" he shouted loud enough that it almost echoed. The three men stopped short, turning to all look in his direction.
The first, who looked to be the youngest of the group, stepped closer until he broke out in a wide smile. "Captain! It's really you!" He stepped closer still, grasping the pilot's hand and shaking it quickly. "We were wonderin' if you would ever show up again."
"That's fine an' all, but still. What th' hell's goin' on here?" He pulled his hand free and pushed into the center of the three as he looked around the cockpit.
Another mechanic pushed back the first. "We're gonna launch her, Captain. Shinra finally came through with the money they promised us to fix her up. They told us she would carry some materia bomb and save the planet from Meteor." He swept a hand back, pointing at the flight screen.
"Yeah. Our rocket's gonna save the planet!" The third mechanic crossed his arms proudly before Cid pushed past him to stare at the screen closer. "Isn't that great, Captain?"
"Wait!" Cloud maneuvered around the gunner until he was close enough to touch the pilot's shoulder. "Cid, we can't let this thing go into space. We need the mate—"
"Shut up, Cloud. I don't wanna hear it right now," he mumbled. But Cloud persisted, opening his mouth to speak again. "I said shut up!" He shrugged Cloud's hand away and moved to a control panel on the wall. "How's she doin'?"
The three mechanics looked at each other before the second looked toward the blonde pilot. "We're supposed to put her on auto-pilot, but the device is screwed up."
"And?"
Biting his lip, the man glanced away warily. "Shera's fixin' it. She just showed up and said she'd do it so we just—"
"She what? God, you boys are just the smartest three in th' world, aren't ya?" He pressed a hand against his forehead, groaning loudly. "She'll take for-fuckin'-ever an' this launch'll be stopped. I know it." Turning his back on the others, he started mumbling something to himself while the men looked on.
Cloud turned quickly, facing the gunner. "He wants to actually go through with this madness!" he hissed at the crimson-eyed man. "Can't you stop him? Do something to make him give up on the launch?"
The ebony head shook. "I can't make him give up on his dream," he said silently as he turned away from the cockpit. He had told Cloud the truth and hopefully he understood that once the pilot had his mind set on something, he wouldn't give it up easily. He didn't want to witness a fight between his lover and his leader. Besides, he was sure Cid wold come to his senses sooner or later and let Cloud retrieve the materia.
"All right. You guys get outta here. I'm takin' over."
The words shocked Vincent and he whirled around to see the three nod solemnly and say their good-lucks and goodbyes. They knew as well as he that Cid meant to take over the entire launch, not just the repairs. He meant to make it to space on this trip no matter what. The three slowly passed by him, sparing tiny glances at the strange crimson-eyed man watching their captain so intently.
Once they left, Cloud rushed forward and grabbed the elder's wrist. "Dammit, Cid, what do you think you're doing? You're going to take over? Do you know what you're saying? This thing's on a crash-course with Meteor and all you want to do is go with it?" He narrowed his eyes as the pilot yanked his hand away. "Cid, this isn't just a rocket they're sending up there. That materia has years, decades, generations of knowledge and we can't just throw it away like this! We need it to defeat Sephiroth! To save the planet! Do you hear me? We can't lose it!" He hissed the last few words, hoping they would get through Cid's head.
The pilot's shoulders drooped and Cloud took a breath. Maybe he was going to stop after all. But then he turned to the swordsman and sighed. "I understand what you're sayin', Cloud. But…I can't give up. I don't care whether it's magic or science, I don't give a shit. An' if I'd have t' choose between th' two…well, I'd rather put my money on science." He stared straight into Cloud's eyes, his hands grasping the boy's shoulders tightly enough to shake him a little before releasing him and turning toward the screen again.
"Cid, I hear what you're saying, but—"
"No you don't. Don't you get it?" He raised his hands as if to embrace something they couldn't see. "Men used t' be stuck on th' ground. Now 'cause of science we can fly. An' we're about t' be the first men int' space. Science might be something you don't stand for, but it's just as special as magic. It's magic made by humans an' it's what let me earn a livin'. I never was able t' eat ''cause of some spell. Now you tell me in there's anythin' greater than that." Reaching up, he flicked a few switches in the short-lived silence. Cloud hadn't said a single word, but he could almost hear the boy shout that he was crazy. Or maybe it was his own mind. "But quit worryin' over Shinra. They're nothin' now an' this is everythin' . I don't wanna regret not havin' done somethin' later," he said softly as he turned, his cerulean eyes landing on Vincent. Of the two, he understood what Cid was saying to the point.
He started to move toward the two men when static broke through the still air and Cid whirled around to grab the speaker. "Hello? What's goin' on out there?"
"Hey, hey! This is Palmer here!" More static filled the cockpit as Cid growled and pressed the button again.
"Palmer, goddammit, what th' hell do you want?"
"It's not what I want, it's what I did!" A strange laugh followed and Cid almost slammed the speaker down and would have if he hadn't been slightly interested in what Palmer was speaking of. "I heard the auto-pilot was fixed, so I launched the rocket!"
"What?" Cloud rushed forward and stared at the pilot. "What's he mean by that? He didn't really launch this thing, did he?" But Cid didn't answer. Instead, a rumbling filled their ears and he reeled backward as the entire cockpit started to shake violently.
"Dammit!" Cid slammed his fist against the closest wall before grasping the chair and sliding into it. "Palmer you asshole, you went all the way and locked the goddamned auto-pilot. There's no way outta this!"
Cloud's eyes grew wide as he stumbled again, this time falling into the gunner. Slim yet strong hands wrapped around his waist, holding him steady and he flushed slightly at the contact. He knew it was possibly the worst time ever to be thinking of things like that, but the feel of Vincent's tight grip was driving him crazy nonetheless. Forcing himself to be calm, he pulled away and made it to another seat, hands clenched on the armrests.
Vincent, his ears ringing from the roar of the engines, wrapped his arms around the nearest support as everything seemed to fall out from under him. Squeezing his eyes shut, he forced himself to hold on to the tiny bit of steady support he had as the rumbling grew louder still and he found it was the only thing he could hear. He didn't hear his heart beating wildly, didn't hear Cloud's shout, didn't hear Cid yelling to see if they were all right. Nothing except for that roaring filled his mind and he felt himself grow dizzy as he realized he was holding his breath. He tried to force himself to breathe again, but his body just wouldn't listen to him and he felt the dizziness growing fast until he felt he was drowning in the darkening space of his own mind.
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"Vincent! Vincent! Goddammit, Vincent, wake up! Shit. Cloud, get over here an' hold his head up. Can't have him chokin'." The voices bled through his hazy mind and he tried to move, but found himself held down. Or rather, just physically unable to move by himself. He wasn't sure why, but he heard a sound like someone rummaging through an assortment of objects. He was fairly confident that he was laying on something hard with his head leaning on something soft, but he still couldn't understand what was happening. Pain rushed through his head and he groaned, forcing himself to raise a hand to his head.
"Hey, he's moving. I think he's waking up. Vincent, you all right?" A cool hand slid along his forehead and he felt hair brushing his skin lightly. Then he realized it was his own hair. He felt another hand press against his cheek and he moved toward it, the cool touch soothing. But still he couldn't find his words.
"Damn. He got himself good, didn't he? You see what happened? All I know is that I looked back an' saw him layin' there. Heard the thump an' that's about it." The hand on his cheek moved away as a third hand, or maybe the one that had moved, threaded through his hair. His own hand was taken in a loose hold and placed back at his side, icy metal touching his skin. "Yeah, definitely got himself good. Least it looks t' be just mostly show. Not much of an injury, just lots of blood."
The hand on his forehead moved again, brushing his hair back once more. "I'm not really sure what happened either. I think something just got to him and he passed out and hit his head. I know he was hanging onto that, so maybe when he passed out he let go and just fell. Here."
A slight breeze passed over his face and then he felt something pressed against the back of his head. Groaning again, he tried to turn over but strong hand grasped his shoulders, keeping him still. "Sorry, but can't have you movin' around," the first voice said softly. "Now. You gonna come back t' us, Vince?"
He understood the voice was talking to him, but he still couldn't respond. Not to mention that he still couldn't place either voice even though he was positive he knew them both. No, wait. The first voice…how many times had he heard that through the haze of unconsciousness? Swallowing, he forced his dry lips apart, his voice barely a whisper. "C—Cid?" he asked softly.
Double sighs reached his ears and he fought to open his eyes, his vision blurred. Blinking, he tried to clear his eyes, two blue eyes coming into focus and beyond that the familiar face of the pilot. "God, Vince, you scared th' shit outta me. Thought you weren't gonna wake up there. What happened?" The hand returned to his face and he leaned into the cool palm.
"I—I don't know." He tried to sit up but failed and soon found a pair of hands gently pushing him forward. Glancing back, he caught sight of Cloud, his face marred by a streak of scarlet blood. "All I remember is…it just…the sound, the darkness, all of it…it was driving me crazy," he whispered as he pressed his hands against his face. The ringing was still echoing through his ears.
Cid's eyes flicked to where Cloud had said the gunner had stood before falling. "Damn. No wonder you passed out. Standin' by th' backup engines'd make anyone pass out, even me. Th' heat alone'd do that." He reached down to his side and brought up a small towel, gently wiping it along the gunner's forehead. "Makes sense why you're so hot too." He paused, then lowered his head, his lips brushing Vincent's ear so he was the only one to hear. "An' for once I don't mean it in that way."
Vincent shook his head and sighed at the man's light chuckle. "Only you could manage to make a joke out of something like this," he replied sourly. But he grasped the pilot's shoulder to help himself stand anyway. "Where are we?"
"Where are we." Cid shook his head, almost laughing at the question. "Where are we he asks. Look outside why don't you?" He took hold of the gunman's arms, pulling him up and keeping a steadying hold on him.
Crimson eyes flicked to the nearest window and he felt his breath catch in hi s throat. Shining pinpoints of light greeted him as he stepped closer and pressed his hands against the glass. Cid joined him, wrapping an arm around his shoulders. "We made it, Vince. That's really space."
Cloud forced himself to look away as he wiped his hands on the towel. Not only did he have the gunner's blood on his hands, not only did he just have the ebony head resting in his lap, not only did he still have the warmth on his legs that was now fading, but he had to sit there quietly and watch Cid pressing a kiss against the milky skin. Sighing, he stood and passed by them to flop down in his seat again. "So we're here. Big deal. Now we're, what, minutes away from crashing into Meteor and dying before even seeing Sephiroth?" He pressed his palm against his face and tipped his head back.
"Hey, hey, hey. I never said this was it, did I?" Cid smacked his hand against the swordsman's seat. "You're too damn young t' be givin' up. But," he moved his blue gaze to the screen, "we are headed on a course I can't change. Palmer made sure of that. There's no way t' steer this girl away from it either."
The swordsman threw up his hands. "See? So it's the end." Smacking a hand against his leg, he turned his head away from the other two and huffed. "Why're you trying to make it into something it's not?"
The pilot jolted, staring at the boy. Something wasn't right with the way he was acting and it wasn't the fact that he'd already seemed to have given up. "Goddammit, kid, don't start sayin' shit like that. You think I'd get us up here just t' die?" He shook his head and knocked the back of his hand against the screen. "I'm not stupid, Strife. There's an escape pod onboard for things like this. Now just stop huffin' around an' go get your damned materia."
"What?" Cloud glanced up at the man's words. He had gone through hearing Cid's speech on his dreams and the magic of science and now he was just telling him to take what he wanted? "But you just said—"
"I know what I said! But…we both know that this rocket, with or without that materia…it's not gonna do shit against Meteor. So you might as well go get it before we bail." He turned away, not wanting to deal with the swordsman anymore. Something wasn't right with the blonde and it was bothering him. He'd known Cloud to have his strange moments, but this was almost ridiculous. "Just go get the damned thing."
Cloud nodded and stood, squaring his shoulders as he started in the direction Cid was pointing. He wondered momentarily how the pilot knew where the materia was, but he shoved the inquiry into the back of his mind. As the captain of this rocket and the man who had worked on this thing for years and had even practically lived in it after the failed first launch, it made sense. At least that was what he remembered Shera mentioning the first time he'd ever met the disgruntled pilot. It wasn't a wonder that he knew every nook and hiding spot of the rocket and the best places to hide something that important.
The abrupt end of the hallway made him pause, thinking that maybe Cid had told him wrong. But then the faded light overhead glinted on metal and he looked up, seeing the ladder. Groaning, he started up until he pulled himself up into the next level of the rocket. Heated air surrounded him and he crouched at the restricting feel of it around him. He forced himself forward into the area, careful of the low-hanging ceiling. A soft green glow reached his sight and he reached out, his fingers brushing the clear case surrounding it.
"Dammit," he hissed as he pulled his hand back and stared at the encased materia. Cursing lightly, he took note of the blinking security device, the code prompt almost taunting him. He was staring at the device when a creaking and a muttered curse reached him. Glancing back, he watched as he was joined by the pilot. "Cid. What're you doing up here?"
He ignored the question, hunching down beside the covered materia and eyeing the security system. "Thought it might be like this. Tried any yet?"
"No. Don't know the code." Cid glanced at him as he reached out and touched the case. "Have absolutely no idea for what it might be. You?"
"Hell no," he muttered as he looked over the device. He'd occasionally seen the same type of security system. Shinra tended to use the same systems repeatedly so he was somewhat familiar with the basic layout. "Four buttons," he muttered.
"What?"
"Four buttons. The code'll have four digits an' you've got four buttons. Just try one." He nodded toward the number pad as Cloud's hand hovered above it. "I'll try an' think of some of th' codes Palmer liked t' use."
Shaking his head softly, Cloud pushed in each of the four buttons and sighed when nothing happened. "Now what? Noth—oh crap," he mumbled as the tiny screen flashed and a small buzzer sounded. Carefully, he read over the message flashing across the screen. "Three minutes until lockdown? Now what?" he cried.
"Don't ask me! Just keep puttin' in some." He watched as another four digit code was entered with the same flashing alerting them it was wrong. "No, that one's last an' you hit it twice. I remember that one."
Shaking his head at the elder blonde, he tried another. "Come on, Cid. We're running out of time here," he said as he tried another only to have that one rejected as well.
"Shit! You don't think I know?" The pilot pressed his fist against his forehead, thinking. Then just as Cloud reached over to enter a fifth code, he grabbed the boy's hand and pushed him back. "Hold on, I've got it," he grumbled as he pressed the buttons. A soft click and hiss followed and the flashing panel stopped running it's warning of lockdown. "There. Always knew that Palmer was an idiot but I didn't think he'd use his damn birthday. Who'd be that stupid?" he asked to no one in particular.
The swordsman shrugged and pulled the materia free, quickly stashing it in a pouch and tucking it away inside of his uniform. Sometimes he was glad to still have the old outfit just for the usefulness of it even if it didn't mean anything to him anymore.
The pilot was already descending the ladder when he turned around, the materia warm through the thin cloth. Making sure it was still in place, he followed Cid, his boots thumping on the floor after he jumped the last few rungs. Vincent was watching both of them silently from the entrance to the cockpit and turned away, disappearing back into the smaller room after Cid joined him. Again Cloud felt that streak of jealousy rising up yet he managed to quell it down as he followed them. "All right," he breathed out just to keep himself calm, "now what do we do? Head for this escape pod you keep talking about?"
Cid moved his gaze over to Cloud, shuddering at the tension he saw in the swordsman's eyes. "Might as well. We've got a good twenty minutes before we're anywhere near Meteor, but I'd rather be outta here before then." He inclined his head to the side, indicating another entrance that both he and Vincent had previously missed. "Down that way."
Without giving the pilot an answer, he started toward the indicated opening. He was willing to do anything just to get away from those two, even for a second. He wasn't even sure why he was feeling the way he was, but all he could keep in his mind was how much he wanted to be in Cid's place.
He was about to duck into the capsule and reign in his temper and emotions when a loud explosion filled the air and he was thrown forward, the force of the blast forcing him to his knees. Gasping for air, he took note of the cloud of dust swirling around him. A shout of the pilot's name sounded and he whirled around the best he could, eyes growing wide.
Vincent's eyes were closed tightly as he strained, pushing every bit of his strength into trying to free Cid from a…Cloud wasn't all that sure what he was trapped under, but he knew he was trapped. The feeling of jealousy made him pause for a moment and he felt unsure as to whether he should help them. But he was beaten by his better judgment and forced his jealousy to take a backseat as he stumbled for the tangled mess of metal that had fallen over the man's body.
"Shit!" Cid slammed his fist against the floor as Cloud took hold of one edge of the largest piece. "What th' fuck do you think you're doin'? Get your asses outta here already!" he yelled as the swordsman pulled his hand back, blood dripping from a small cut.
"Cid, would you shut up for once? We're trying to help you here!" he shouted back, swiping the scarlet liquid on his pants before grasping the twisted metal again. Glancing over the wreckage he caught Vincent's gaze as he pushed again, the metal hardly moving. "How do you figure we should do this?"
"I figure you two had better get your asses int' that capsule an' forget about me. You do realize, mister bigshot I'm-gonna-save-th'-world hero that if you don't get outta here before this rocket gets up-close an' personal with Meteor that you're not gonna be around t' be th' hero?" Cid grunted as the mess shifted, a sharp edge slicing into his leg. "Dammit! I said—"
"I heard what you said!" Cloud yelled. The other two stopped dead and stared at him. "Now if you'd stop your goddamned self-sacrifice rant and let us help you then you'll be going with us! I'm not about to leave your sorry ass up here while I run away because I don't leave my damn friends! Now shut up and push!" Breathing hard, he watched as Cid pushed his short bangs back and placed his hands on the hunk of metal laying over his abdomen.
"All right, fine. Have it your way," he muttered as he tipped his head back. He fell silent, his eyes tracing over the two men. "Thanks," he said quietly, receiving two nods as they pushed at the wreckage. A scrawling of black paint caught his attention and he looked up at the other structures lining the hallway and the one that had exploded and was now resting on top of him. "So it was number eight."
"What?" Cloud turned his eyes up to where the pilot was looking. "Number eight what?"
"Th' oxygen tanks. This was th' one Shera was so damn worried about durin' th' first attempt years ago. She kept sayin' it wasn't workin' right, that somethin' was wrong with it." He sighed and glanced back at the mangled wreck laying across him. "She was right. Too bad I can't ever say that t' her face. I know how much she'd love t' hear it."
A loud thump brought their attention to the far entrance and Cid's mouth almost dropped open. "Now what are you going on like that for?" Shera cried as she stepped up behind Vincent and stood with her hands propped on her hips. "Don't tell me that the greatest pilot ever is giving up this soon."
"Shera! What th' hell're you doin' here! Don't you know this goddamned thing's gonna crash?" Cid shouted as he twisted around to get a better look at the woman. But his anger quickly dissolved as she knelt next to the ebony-haired man and started shoving alongside him. "I…I'm sorry," he said softly as the wreckage finally moved the tiniest bit, freeing one leg.
"No time for that, Captain. We've got to get you out of here. At least the capsule's ready to go." She tilted her head toward the door as she shoved again, the screech of metal on metal making her wince. "I think one more will do it."
Cid nodded, thankful her stubborn habits of checking and rechecking the equipment had landed her onboard with them. If not…he didn't want to think about what the what if might have been. He'd had too many what ifs lately and he just didn't want to think of one that might have ended his life. Not to mention the lives of Vincent and Cloud also. Another piece of the wreck tore through his pants and he felt the sticky sensation of blood running down his leg as another cut opened in his skin. He bit his lip as the pain flared through hi leg and then he felt hands on his arms, pulling him to his feet. Forcing his eyes open, he saw Vincent placing his arm around the narrow shoulders as a black-clad arm wound around his waist. Whispering a quick thank you, he finally made it into the capsule, flopping down on the hard seat next to the gunner.
"All right. We ready to get out of here?" Shera waited for the pilot to give the notice and pressed the switch, sealing them inside. She could almost read the question running through the blue eyes and smiled, answering before he had a chance to speak. "It's safe, don't worry. I checked it."
Cid offered a small smile in return as the escape pod released from the rocket, falling into space. "Then I'm relieved," he whispered, laying his head on the gunner's shoulder as he looked out of the tiny window. Bright streaks of stars floated past and he smiled briefly as the last flash of the rocket's thrusters fell out of view. "So long, number twenty-six."
"Hey. Is that the planet?" Cloud leaned over and peered out of his own window, half out of sheer curiosity and half just to keep himself from staring at the two. He would rather be keeping his eye on the tiny orb below them than on the man he envied or the man he had feelings for. If that's even what they are. I'm still not too sure what I feel for him, I just know I wish I were Cid right now. He glanced over at the woman seated beside him and saw she was also looking out of her window. Wonder if she's wishing she was Vincent? he asked himself as he turned his attention back to the orb they were drawing nearer to.
Well, sorry this one's kind of short, but it just ended up that way. I would have gone further, but then that kinda started the next chapter. But…for those who liked that whole thing a few chapters ago with Cloud and wanted more…well, we'll see what happens. I can assure you though that I'm not one to make cheaters. Take that any way you want, but I mean that. Haha. But that's not saying that noting will happen. Eheh. I can hear someone yelling at me already. But I can't very well leave Cloud hanging in that little bit of jealousy that I accidentally stuck him in, can I? Oh well. I have plans for that. Lol But anyway, I hope no one disagrees with me about the color of the materia. Apparently it depends on how many you get. It's originally blue, but only if you got all the rest. Since they missed Corel's it's green. So yeah. There was no point to say that. But it got said anyway. So, till next chapter.
So…still lovin' all the reviews, really. I'm just really sorry I'm taking so long to reply. But since I've been allotted around an hour each time I get on, that doesn't leave much time to do anything. So, I'm trying the best I can to reply fast, okay? But I still hope you're stayin' with me here and reviewing. :)
