AN: Okay so there are a lot of reasons why this chapter was sooooo late and sooo hard to write. It seems like there was a lot of people who knew where the story was going and some, including me, who didn't. (You'll understand when you read this chapter) Once I did realize where it was going, I so didn't want to write it! I mean… just no! This chapter makes me sad. I also know it's not very long, but it is over 1K so be thankful! I have an idea of where the story is going. Mind you, it didn't stick to how I originally planned it to and has taken quite of bit of turns, but I hope that you like how the story ends.
In this chapter, I hope to answer quite a bit of questions for you. If you have anymore, don't hesitate to shot me a PM. Please review! For those who don't have a story up, reviews are like a fresh breeze of warm air in a frozen landscape. AKA it encourages us writes to keep going!
P.s.: Please don't mind the spelling and/or grammar errors. I just finished typing the chapter and I needed to make sure I uploaded it.
Cloud did not sleep well at all. One would think that finally being able to sleep in one's own bed would allow for a full night's rest. Ha! Yeah right. If the doubts and worries for the feature plans weren't bad enough but the nightmares didn't help anything. If they were dreams about the four years spent in the pit, it wouldn't have been too bad, but these dreams stemmed off who knows what.
Today is going to be a long day. Cloud groaned as he stood up and ran a hand down his face.
Walking over to his bag, Cloud could hear people downstairs already moving around. He pulled out a huge bottle, walked out of his room, and across the hall to the bathroom, pausing at his reflection in the mirror. He was still not used to the bright red hair. Reno was going to get some payback for his role in the color. Who asked Reno for the hair dye anyways? The plan was to dye Cloud's hair brown… not flaming red! Cloud may not be in love with how his hair stood on end, but he did like his blond.
Cloud squeezed a huge glob of super stick goo in his hand and worked it into his hair. With much practice, he managed to grab all of his hair into a high ponytail. Squeezing more goo out of the bottle, he quickly added that too to the top of his head, catching the strays and gluing his hair down to his head. Cloud avoided looking at his reflection as he washed to "Super Long Lasting and Tough" hair gel off his hands.
Once Cloud was finished in the bathroom, he walked back to his bedroom and put on the Turk uniform. He wasn't planning on joining the Turks, not that he truly did, but Cloud needed to be close enough to Zack to help him when Hollander's planned failed.
"Cloud," Zack whined from downstairs. "Are you done making yourself look beautiful yet?"
Cloud groaned again, he would never hear the end of this one.
"Your mom says we can't eat until you're down here, Cloooouuuud!" Zack seemed to wail.
"Even though you don't really like your nick-name Zack," Cloud stated as he walked down the stair. "Puppy seems to fit you perfectly."
"Clooouuuuudddy, don't say that!" Zack pleaded from the dining room table.
"Good morning Bright Star." His mother's voice sounded like a sweet melody in his ears.
"Morning, mom," Cloud replied, sitting down at one of the other chairs, all the more wishing that Ciss were here.
"So, Cloud," Zack drawled, then suspiciously snickered. "Or should I say Mamoru? Where did you get that name anyways?"
"Mamoru means protector, it was Aerith's idea," Cloud said.
"Oh, you mean like the plant's protector?" Zack asked as he started to eat.
"No," Cloud replied. "I'm didn't join the Turks for fun Zack."
"Why did you join the Turks and dye your hair Reno Red?" Zack inquired.
"For starters, Reno Red is not a color. Two, it's brighter than Reno's hair. Three, its Reno's fault. Four, if you hadn't been an idiot and acted on your own I wouldn't have been caught trying to rescue you. Five, Hollander may not have intervened and I would still have only my fragmented memories. Six, you wouldn't need protection from the hidden forces who knew you have returned if you still had all of your memories. Seven, I am glad you were shot back as well. It is nice to have you around." Cloud mumbled the last part to his food.
"Wow, sorry to put you through all of that Cloud," Zack said. "If I had known…"
"It doesn't matter now," Cloud related. "Now, we just need to make sure the plan works."
"What is the full plan?" Vincent's deep voice cut in.
"Good question," Zack added. "What do you have in mind?"
Cloud sighed as he got up to wash his dishes.
"We are going to send….it—" Cloud started.
"Lady Squid," Zack interrupted.
"Lady Squid?" Cloud inquired.
"Yup!" Zack sang as he popped the 'p.'
"Okay, we will send up Lady Squid into space, aiming for the sun," Cloud revealed while he dried his dishes
"Sweet, when do we start?" Zack asked.
The event up the mountain was uneventful. Cloud, Vincent and Zack tracked up the mountainside killing any monsters that they saw. It was Mamoru's and Zack's original mission from Shinra anyways; they would have had to complete it and write a report before they could go back…if they went back.
Cloud and Vincent where powerful fighters, Zack was sure that they most have retrained their skill from when they were sent back. Zack, who was a skilled warrior, had lost a lot form being dead and then being too sick.
Hmmm, I seem to have lost my headache… Zack thought on, and then shook his head. If I dwell on it, it may come back. Best leave no room for that thing to invade by giving it thought!
Zack was thankful that he not only made it all the way up to the reactor, but he didn't need a break once they got there either. The trio entered the mettle abomination and traversed it until they go to the depth of the reactor. Their target, now dubbed 'Lady Squid' was contained in the hearts of the reactor. Cloud went straight to the door, no need to look around the area.
I guess we all knew what hidden and horrible secrets resided in the metal contraption that sucked the life out of the plant. Zack monologue to himself. Okay, so maybe the Centerian has influenced my thoughts quite a bit.
Hmmm, let the planet die, the Squid scoffed. What has it done for you?
Go away!
Too late, Jenova snickered. You are already mine. You will watch as you take the lives of your friends and then the world itself.
No! Zack tried to yell, but it was already too late.
He watched in horror as he approached Cloud and Vincent. They both turned their attention on him. Vincent with his gun already drawn and Cloud with one of his smaller blades out.
"What, is there something behind me?" Zack's voice came from his mouth, though he didn't say it.
"Release him, Lady Squid," Cloud commanded softly.
"Oh?" Zack's voice seemed to purr. "Whenever did you figure it out?"
Vincent switched the safety off as a reply.
Zack inwardly flinched as a maniacal laugh pushed through his own lips.
"Are you sure you want to sacrifice your friend, again?" Lady Squid inquired.
Cloud's eyebrows furrowed; Jenova laughed again. In response, Cloud shifted into a fighting stance. Zack could feel himself shrug.
"If that is your wish," Jenova said.
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