~777~

That next day, AVALANCHE had configured a new and more forward plan of action.

"Targeting Mako reactors is one thing," Barret growled. "But Shinra would be able to fix 'em in due time. So now, we're doin' somethin' a little different."

He turned towards Tifa first, and then leveled his most profound and severe expression ever produced to the rest. His grizzled facade had always been intimidating to some; but his current excitement was made further exaggerated by the cruel twists of his scars cutting into the cheek perfectly framing his grinning mouth. His eyes lingered over Cloud particularly the longest.

"Hittin' mako reactors buys the planet invaluable time, don't get me wrong," He gesticulated. "-But we haven't exactly been able to do anythin' like dat since leavin' Midgar. That was just the beginning!" He pumped a fist next, "That bein' said, we need a new plan- Somethin' with a little more substance and a more permanent solution." He paced around, jerking his head in inclination. "Accordin' to Kitty Sith here-"

"That's Cait Sith, bucko!" The mechanical cat crowed, tail swishing forward.

Barret ignored him of course, "-From what puss-in-boots here said, izzat Shinra's comin' to Rocket town for some sorta thing about their non-existent space program- And the heads themselves will be there." His grin only widened at that, "Giving Shinra the ol' runaround the world while hitting them with mosquito bites and protecting the flower girl is good 'n all, but we need to shake things up. We need to strike 'em where it hurts the most-!""

"Get to the point already," Cloud half-heartedly interjected, tired of the other man's theatrical build-up. He even folded his arms for good measure, cocking a hip to emphasize his growing impatience.

"Now hold on there, Spiky! Don't be ruining the suspense 'ere!" Barret pointedly jabbed at him. "I'm gettin' there!"

Cloud harrumphed at him, but didn't say anything beyond that. Today, he was in a much better mood; so he proceeded to let Barret have his fun. As it is, he already knew what all his posturing was about anyways; and the idea didn't actually bother Cloud any. If anything, it'll certainly be more interesting, the shorter man figured as Barret droned on.

After recalling that memory of Zack successfully last night, he fiercely anchored the recollection as close to his heart as he could possibly manage; even informing Aerith of all the details in a breathy rush before it slipped free of his grasp. Its akin to holding water in cupped baby palms; something that continuously sluiced free of whatever little feeble grip he had. He had to tell her just in case he forgot again; as its bad enough he knew couldn't write it down as fast as he progressively lost the information. Talking was not only faster, but giving voice to what little he knew gave it a tangibility that made it just a little more solid.

Aerith had eagerly soaked up every bit of information he offered; her flashing expressions all betraying her girlish excitement at learning that Cloud and Zack had in fact been close; or at least, close enough. She said that in case Cloud ever forgot again, she'd be more than happy to remind him. And eventually, it just may all come back to him.

As it is, he didn't want to forget the feelings of camaraderie he shared with this Zack Fair. He didn't want to leave the man's face in perpetual shadow. Its bad enough he couldn't remember more than just a scar, the sword, and the fact he had the same eyes as Cloud. But to forget someone who so clearly only wanted to do as much good for Cloud as he could possibly do, it felt both cruel and wrong to keep burying the information.

He needed to know. He needed to see him again.

What I don't understand is that I wasn't in SOLDIER when I knew him, he'd later note. But that misty background... it was Nibelheim, wasn't it? So... was I not in SOLDIER five years ago? How come my damn brain is so fucked up? Cloud surveyed himself briefly, But I'm built like one, aren't I? Isn't this strength my own? Why would Sephiroth even bring up Zack anyways? Am I somehow responsible for his disappearance? Does this explain my guilt?

The questions were numerous; akin to debris swirling in a viciously powerful tornado that tore both land and foundation and every sense of security Cloud had ever known. And while he understood that each query had no clear or good answers, he wanted to brave each one in-turn. Albeit, as slowly as he felt he could manage.

In the meantime, Cloud had to put aside these throes; knowing that their relevance would matter only a little later on. Today, he had to focus on AVALANCHE's new goals; to conserve his strength for the challenges this day offered. He also knew that he can (and will) talk to Tifa about Nibelheim later on, when they had the privacy. For all he knew, she really could have known Zack five years ago; given this memory had been true in any way.

Back in the present, Barret harrumphed and proudly brandished his gun-arm; the gesture representative of some ancient desire to punch one flesh hand into the other while he had both a long time ago. "So now," he went on with the bunching and flexing of his immense physique. "-I've decided we're gonna take a bit of initiative 'round here: Cuz we'll be going after the big-heads themselves: Startin' with that uppity fat-ass Palmer!"

"Ohmygod YESSS!" Yuffie excitedly gesticulated, whooping all the way. She pumped both arms into the air and threw back her head, "Freaking FINALLY!"

"...Wha- No! Wait- why?" Tifa bluntly inquired, darting chastising glances at Yuffie and much more worrisome ones at Barret. "Wouldn't it make much more sense just going after Rufus since he'll actually be here?"

Barret kept up his pacing, circling around the lot of them while shrugging in a way that betrayed his helpless frustration at his next point. "I know, I know. I wanted to do that, but when ya consider it- its prob'bly not the best choice despite being the immediate one." He snorted contemptuously, "We both know if Rufus just up and kicked the bucket for gods know whatever reason, Miss man and the bearded jack-hole will take the company and do Gaia knows what with it. Rufus is a damn scumbag and all, but let's be real here-"

He jerked his enormous hills for shoulders again, "He's a little less violent than his goons. And he knows what he's doin' despite being a damn kid. Frankly, I'd rather stake my chances with a dude whose first choice in retaliation isn't major collateral damage on a grandiose scale. Scarlet and them wanted the Sector Seven plate to fall; and they'd do it again if they'd felt the need!"

Matching looks of shared disgust flared amidst every individual present; with Cait Sith in particular muttering "Ain't that the truth" as if to concrete their swirling aversion.

"Considerin' this," Barret grumped, "They'd cause a lot more damage to us and to the planet as a whole if we left 'em alive longer than necessary. They're destructive to a fault. But Rufus here- while I'd still feel more comfortable filling his guts with lead, I'd rather save him for last. If pressured, he shouldn't resort to their same extremes. Mebbe."

"But you're not entirely sure if that's the case..." Tifa shook her head.

Barret sighed, "Even so, what I said before still stands: Scarlet and Heidegger's too hot-headed to be saving for last. Rufus may or may not prove more dangerous-" He bumped his shoulders again, "But he's also a variable we're still tryin' to figure out. In this way, while we're huntin' Scarlet and Heidegger, we can gather some data on Rufus by watching how he retaliates to our probin'. Know what I mean? He's new to the gig anyhow; surely we can learn somethin' about 'em that'll prove useful?"

Red scratched behind his ear once, trying to shake off an irritating fly buzzing on by. After resuming his more stoic demeanor, he hummed, "...Well, while I say I can't disagree with the idea of waiting to get Rufus, I think its also fair to say I'm still on the fence about this. Wouldn't he just appoint a vice president once he felt its required?"

"Dunno about that," Cloud began to wonder aloud. "I mean, his options are pretty fairly limited... he's the only person with the name 'Shinra' left, right?"

"I think so, yeah," Tifa replied with some certainty.

"Right," Cloud continued. "He also struck me as the kinda guy who wouldn't really appoint another V.P unless its an actual member of the family he could 'trust'. He's a distrusting hard-ass with a superiority complex. Right?"

"Yeah, exactly!" Barret boomed.

"Hm. Well, even if we did start pickin' 'em off one by one," Cloud supplied, not trying to start a fight for once- merely question the reasoning for it. "-Wouldn't he start catching on to what we're doing? He'll just get that much harder to target once we off one or two of 'em..."

Barret shook his head, "Rufus is a proud mofo, ain't he? He won't hide behind layers of meat shields and guards like a coward like Scarlet and them. He's out here, openly going after Sephiroth in the flesh like the damn foo' he is, ain't he?" At Cloud's nod, he even added, "-Awright then. 'Sides Spiky, didn't he engage you atop the Shinra tower the night his dad died? He isn't afraid to fight an ex-SOLDIER on his own. Rufus is a prideful lil' shit. I say we use that against him and bide our time! We can bait him out when we finally get to him!"

Cloud blinked several times in mild surprise, realizing the small amount of sense in these words. However, his gut still told him this plan may still be folly in some way or another.

But let's be real here, he wondered. It doesn't matter what order we go in; the surviving heads will try to stop us with varying levels of violence anyways. No fucks be given, and no shits to be damned. We'll be met with risk of death, no matter what.

Suddenly, his electric blues arrested onto the antsy Aerith, watching the flower girl dip her head until her chin nearly touched her chest. Clearly, she was having trouble accepting this plan.

"You know, Aerith," Cloud told her. "You do have a say in this... And you also don't have to keep coming along with us into these progressively riskier situations either. I'm not asking you to leave or nuthin'-" He went on to fold his arms. "-But if it bothers you so much, you could just sit it out here and there. Yunno what I mean?"

In answer, her hands wove into its opposite; fingers intertwining intimately into something like a prayer that's usually reflective of her inner disquiet. She shook her head, ribbon bouncing playfully in the passing zephyr. "...I know," she sighed. "But I'm going to keep coming along anyway. I can't just turn around and 'wait it out' after everything that's been said and done."

"...You sure?" He pressed.

She hummed an affirmative, her eyes locking onto Cloud's with a diamond-tine hardness glinting like polished razor-heads. She said with creeping solidity, "-You're not going to convince to me leave either- Not after all this time. I'm going to help you fight Shinra in some way or another." She drew in a steadying breath, "-Don't get me wrong, I won't kill anyone- I refuse to do anything like that. But I'll remain here to be your support in whatever capacity I can. Besides-"

Her face flickered in its firmness before resetting, "-Shinra's done so much... they subjugated enough children to their science department... drafted enough younger souls to their SOLDIER and Turk training programs... threatened enough families into silence... Erased enough villages out of existence-" And taken away any sense of normality in my life, Cloud had half-expected her to say; but of course, she didn't put voice to. Instead, her viridian gaze soured briefly; betraying a hint of the helpless frustration she'd no doubt buried time and time again. The expression didn't last though; as the emotion wasn't something that's natural or innate to her.

"...I'm tired of it," she eventually finished, looking very much like she had more to say. "While I detest the idea of fighting, it seems to be the only option we have left. And after what they've personally done to the people I love-" She shook her head, passing every individual a hard look, "-Just don't ask me to go home or to stay out of this again. Please. You don't need to worry about how I feel about it; because we all already know where I stand in this exactly."

Cloud worked his jaw and clammed it shut in abject surprise; astounded at the fact that she's voluntarily announcing all of this. Aerith usually kept her silence when it came to her personal contempt towards Shinra; never outwardly denouncing it in such an open manner- Its not like her resentment towards the company was unusual in any way; because honestly, it wasn't. But this very proclamation- to actually hear her verbally speak aloud her hatred in the some way; a thing that just didn't meld with someone of her caliber, it concreted the brevity of their situation. It struck more chords within Cloud than an entire symphony of strings being plucked at all the best notes.

During this little speech, her beryl eyes filmed with unshed vexation that isn't natural to her blithe character- And its something that made Cloud feel like he insulted her in some way. With that being said, he couldn't help wondering if their conversation from last night may have rendered her usually reticent reasons so blunt. All this talk was certainly taking away any and all reasons for convincing Aerith to return to Elmyra; had that been Cloud's actual intention. Still, he couldn't help moving his own down-trodden gaze to the grass beneath him; feeling very much like the antagonist here. He didn't want to make Aerith feel like she didn't belong here.

Of course she belongs here. She's better here with us than anywhere else, he wanted to say but just couldn't muster the right words.

Just then, just before he could find the words to apologize, Cloud watched Tifa reach out to the flower merchant with velvety care in her every motion. One hand brushed lovingly down her scalp as she would for Marlene, standing close beside her. Tifa smiled that smirk that's usually meant for more familial connections; while somehow making it not a pity smile in the process. Aerith didn't want pity after all; she's just wasn't someone who accepted it.

"Then... we won't ask you to sit out," she said while swiftly passing Cloud the most subtle glance ever- one that he couldn't really decipher that well. "-And personally, after what we've all been through, I don't think any of us here would ever ask you to do that."

Cloud hummed an affirmative, doing his best to look as understanding as possible.

Aerith only smiled; but somehow, the motion looked strained. "...I know," she muttered rather lowly. "I still kinda felt like I needed to make that clear anyways. Saying all that helped me feel like I aired something out, if just a little bit." She bobbed her slight shoulders, her expression dipping into a diminutive frown, "...Ever since Gongaga, or even before we left Midgar, I felt constricted in a way that's too tight... that's too claustrophobic, despite being free to roam the world. Even though I didn't walk with shackles, I still bolted down."

Everyone's expressions darkened at that, fully understanding the weight of her words.

Her gaze had darkened marginally more before brightening back to its more familiar, demure glow. She looked off to the side, "I can't run from a fight- seeing how danger loves the company. Its the story of my life," she huffed. "If nothing else, I had to concrete the request of not having to hear anyone ask me to 'stay out of danger' again. Its just a waste a breath." She cocked her head a bit while intertwining both hands at the front, "-As for my input on Barret's plan, well... while don't I like it, I also don't see another course of action that seems feasible for us." Her eyes fell to the ground, "-Not that I'm some strategic expert."

Nanaki padded over and bumped his head against her thigh like a domestic house-cat affectionately trying to cheer its owner. "For what its worth," he said. "-Your words are sound. I think its fair to say I should be thanking you for being so abundantly clear and honest to us all. Its something we all needed to hear."

Aerith reached down and stroked along his mane briefly, her smile steadily more sincere. "And thank you for understanding," she graciously reciprocated.

"Awright then!" Barret eagerly pumped up his flesh arm and grinned. "So everyone here in agreement?"

No one raised their voice to be heard; all those present sharing the same grim mask as they silently answered Barret's query.

"-'Kay then," Barret said in a steadily lower voice, all of his boisterous energy suddenly siphoned from him as he took in their matching expressions. "I guess we'll be going after Palmer then."

"And before we do anything like that-" Cait Sith just then ejaculated. "How about we stock up on supplies before-hand? I'd like to make sure we all have what we need before running for our lives from the only viable town miles around."

"He's got a point," Yuffie shrugged.

Cloud nodded, folding his arms next, "Right. So how about we split into two teams to gather info and resources faster, as well as reduce the chances of gettin' detected?"

Barret grumped an affirmative, with no signs of protest to be seen. He'd usually bicker or quibble with Cloud just for shits-and-giggles sometimes; but it seemed today was the exception. Weirdly enough, it really did seem like its the day the two men saw eye-to-eye with one another.

Welp, Cloud thought with bitter humor. I guess Hell just froze over; cuz I never thought I'd see the day me and Barret can so passively agree on something after the last few days had been so shitty.

"Alright," Cloud shrugged while turning to face the town ahead. "Let's mosey."

He heard a small round of giggles behind him at these words, but he shrugged it off anyways. If the strange word selection long-since borrowed from his late mother made his only friends break their grimmest facade, that was a win within itself. If nothing else, Cloud couldn't help baring the smallest of smiles himself, keeping his shoulders squared and posture proud as he led the troupe to their next destination. For once, he felt like he was actually moving towards something; and that couldn't have cheered him more.

Still, he frowned. Its not like Sephiroth's been forgotten. If anything, leaving Rufus alive could help us find him quicker. Rufus is smarter than those pinheads he calls his cronies; and Barret knows this.

He tossed the larger man a subtle glance over his shoulder, and then relocated his gaze back to the path ahead before the other took notice. Cloud couldn't help the smallest chuckle at his next thought. If Barret's deliberately leaving Rufus alive for this reason, I guess I'll have to thank him, he harrumphed. Or punch him; depending on whether or not he's trying to keep me around just to help him fight Shinra. I told him I wasn't interested in helping AVALANCHE before, but... now I'm just a little too invested in this Zack biz just to turn back now.

He saw Tifa keeping pace beside him, the woman looking rather militantly focused on their next goal. From the corner of his peripherals, Cloud watched her with rapt attentions; taking in the details of her determined facade.

...That, and Tifa would never again be happy if Shinra continued to thrive. Even if we did find Sephiroth and take him down first, she wouldn't rest or give up after what we've been through in Midgar. He sighed, After all, its their fault that Sephiroth and Nibelheim and Zack's respective fates happened they way it did. All of them- all tied to Shinra.

And I'm willing to bet my memory's tied to it too.

Cloud's fists clenched reflexively, feeling his blood sing in his veins as he continued forward. Oh yeah, he knew Shinra's going to have to face their demons sometime; and he intended on that day being MUCH sooner, rather than later.

After all, his promise to be not just Tifa's shield, but theirs came first.


~777~

None of AVALANCHE had known it, but Cait Sith had been sure to turn in any new developments to Zack and the rest- including the new plan to target the Shinra heads themselves. He had a very tiny window in which he could've managed it; but manage it he did.

Last night, when Cissnei had gotten a message at two in the morning from Cait Sith regarding their status update, she'd been right in thinking Cloud was having another (albeit small) attack- Especially since she'd noticed Zack had reacted similarly. The pain had been barbed but brief; ending only when Zack had assured them with a straight face that he'd felt alright as soon as it passed. He'd been coated in sweat and shook like a leaf for a minute there-after; but managed to recover well.

"...Maybe-" Cissnei had said then; checking Zack's vitals just as Hendel would. This annoyed him to some extent, but he didn't say anything in protest as she went on with her ministrations, "-We just may prove you can actually feel some of Cloud's pain yet. It still makes me wonder though..." She huffed here, "I wonder if Hojo did more than what we saw on those papers-?"

Zack snorted, his eyes narrowed slits that could snap-freeze the blood in any other lesser being than the two in front of him. Through a clenched jaw he bitterly commented, "Yeah, well... What else could he have possibly done to make this any worse? Besides the four-year imprisonment and genetic experimentation..."

Cissnei darted Vincent a side-longs glance as an answer; the latter in question folding his arms as if to remind Zack of his current predicament.

This being said, the ex-SOLDIER clucked his tongue and said, "Yunno what? Don't answer that. Forget I even asked."

That being said, the trio had learned that Aerith was interested in getting a hold of the Turks; she and Cloud both. Apparently, Cloud seemed to have remembered something of his relationship with Zack; and the pair were very interested in finding the ex-SOLDIER on top of it. This news alarmed them initially; leaving Zack feeling just a little increasingly anxious about his role as Garm Sturges the Turk Trainee.

Inwardly though, he still couldn't help feeling intrusively happy that his friends showed signs of wanting to see him again. In a way, this development made Zack feel a little better about his predicament; even though its something he didn't dare say aloud. For him, it meant that Cloud, despite his self-inflicted amnesia, felt that his bond to Zack still means something to him. It transcended his current limitations; despite what little he could recall.

Sure, its a cheesy realization; but a satisfying milestone within itself. However, it also meant that Cloud had been hugely traumatized by his experience in the wastes; and its something Zack couldn't help feeling guilty for. Even though Hojo and a giant fucking army (courtesy of Scarlet) was off-handedly responsible for it, Zack still felt like he's the direct source of Cloud's current problems. How could he have known Cloud would've taken his words so seriously?

And to this severe extent, he couldn't help despairingly concluding. I should've told him somethin' different, but... What else could I tell him when I thought I'd buy the farm? What, 'be strong' and 'smile a lot'? UGH. Yeah right. I don't think I coulda chosen much better words, He couldn't help pondering.

Still, the fact that he'd elected this as a coping mechanism in response to Zack's demise couldn't be more disconcerting- It told Zack just how much Cloud had admired and looked up to him; just how much he wanted to be more like Zack. It showed in his daily mannerisms; and its something Zack hadn't really noticed until he'd truly scrutinized the baffling behavior more recently. To tangibly see the effect his image has casted onto Cloud filled Zack with with varying levels of intertwining concern and dread equally.

For all he knew, he could've looked a lot like how Cloud does now during his time mourning Angeal some years back. The picture Cloud painted was pretty clear there. To be really honest though, Zack hadn't exactly gracefully accepted Angeal's death for the first few weeks after his passing. It took Zack more than month or so finally stop sniveling over it- and almost a full year to finish letting it sink in. And even after that, he diligently adopted some of Angeal's own mannerisms in-turn.

So I guess the dumb-apple doesn't fall far from the tree, he couldn't help thinking as he realized Cloud had 'inherited' a lot of the same traits Zack did.

Still, this development made Zack wonder if he'd ever be allowed to show his face to Cloud again without freaking him out or breaking him more somehow. It seemed quite probable the more Zack thought about it. If nothing else, this knowledge merely solidified his reasons for retaining his disguise- not that it made him feel any better about it.

For now, the trio hung around the outer edges of Rocket town, reviewing their new mission specs for today: One was to keep a bead on all members of AVALANCHE at all times, and to not get caught-out alone by any of them. Two was to generally stay out of conflict; and to make sure Cloud and Aerith especially don't do anything reckless. Three: If this comes to pass, don't engage in combat; if possible. Merely incapacitate them and haul them back to the rest of of AVALANCHE without detection. If Cloud had a fit that proves life-endangering, take him directly to Hendel in Midgar. And lastly; when in doubt, have Vincent handle the rest.

With all this being laid out, Zack knew better than to try his luck; seeing as last night proved that he indeed wasn't getting any better. Hendel had concreted that the J-Cell presence in his body was inhibiting healing somehow. The mako vials and the rest of his meds helped thankfully, but it wasn't enough to assure Zack's safety should complications continue to crop up.

"You already know your fight with Cloud and your general stress levels had impacted healing," He'd said in a tone that's already filling Zack's gut with molten lead. "And, as you also know, what's really the source of your continued lapses is the raw J-cells still lingering in your body. And while SOLDIER has usually been given these 'enhancements' of a similar nature in the past, its never to this degree."

His face scrunched up, noodle arms wrapped around his thin build like spaghetti noodles on a fork. "SOLDIER was always given not only smaller amounts of what Hojo's given you and Cloud, but 'deadened' versions of it- kinda like a flu shot," he clarified. "What Hojo gave you and Cloud though was a metric SHIT-TON of raw, freshly cultivated cells that hadn't been dumbed down-"

"And that's what's doing this?" Zack queried. When Hendel nodded, he couldn't help asking, "So... what can I do to shake this off? Isn't there anything else you can do? That I could do-?"

Zack hadn't liked the following answer, to say the least. Even now, he still couldn't help glaring at the path ahead of him as he recalled the man's next troubling response.

"Honestly? I think we need to wait it out some more," Hendel heaved in a beleaguered, defeated way. "I've done everything I could to try to help; including mako showers and prescribed vials with stronger doses. At this point, your body hasn't finished acclimating to their presence; and its trying to reject and attack the cells in a destabilizing, somewhat cannibalistic way."

Zack blinked, resting an arm on a raised leg while the other dangled from his bed. "Explain," he clipped, feeling strangely disjointed and disconnected from his own body.

"Again, its like when you get a cold: You feel miserable not because of the bug itself, but because of your body's immune response to it," Hendel gesticulated. "It tries to over-compensate; but due to the resilient nature of the cells themselves, your body ends up in a long, heavily dragged-out war with itself in the process. You're stressed and tired a lot more often; you have no energy or interest, and whatever other side-effects you experience from even dead J-cells is now cranked to a full TEN. Whatever was treatable before with a simple training routine, apt bed-rest, and mako vials now requires a lot more extensive monitoring than ever before."

The doc's eyes went into a worried slant, his gaze softer, "-Which is why I can't emphasize enough just how much you need to take it easy. While I understand that Cloud's worse off in some ways, in others, he's still managing better than you. Its kind of strange, really." He lifted a contemplative hand to his chin and held it there, moving his other one behind his back as he leaned against the counter.

After a minute spent sitting there reflecting on what he just said, he then added, "Anyways, I suppose I understand why you can't just lie back and wait to recover- Because that within itself could take you another half a year or so to finish recovery; even in a sedentary lifestyle. You never had a proper chance to relax since you were first brought in from the wastes."

Zack winced at this; feeling truly weighted by what Hojo has wrought.

"It didn't help that you spent the better part of a year moving around the world," Hendel reminded him. "So even if you gave up on Tseng's ludicrous mission now, you'd need at least that, and the normal month and a half to finish healing off the Traumatic Pneuthorax itself. You'd be bed-ridden a whole lot longer than however long I had you in for originally."

With that being said, it seemed today was an especially annoying day for Zack; as it seemed to reflect and prove the doc's words:

This morning, other than waking up with the reminder of last night's mini-attack and subsequent news regarding Cloud's new choice in targets, Zack woke with an irritating headache that made seeing difficult. His vision swung around like he was drunker than a Nibelheim skunk after a few pints of fermented cactuar juice. And a few hours later, after the meds finally started to work and his sight righted itself, he felt that oppressive heaviness in his chest again; and it left his breathing ragged sometimes.

And the really annoying part to his whole ordeal? It seemed that Zack would generally feel okay most days; but the days he felt his worst was in the after-math of an attack- and it seems to happen most consistently whenever Cloud's flared up. It didn't matter if it only happened once or twice or even three times; because that's exactly the amount of times Zack had felt so bad- That, and after his fight with Cloud in Runen. It always happens when Cloud's involved; and he couldn't help wondering if Cissnei's earlier worries were founded in that.

Vincent and Cissnei meanwhile both threw him matched looks; with the latter eventually going on to ask if Zack was even up for today. "...Maybe you should just go back to the helicopter and get a little nap," Cissnei offered. "Me and Vincent can cover things here."

Zack furiously shook his head- something he immediately regretted when his forehead pulsed; the throbbing most profound behind the eyes. Migraine Hell today, was his following thought. "No," He firmly asserted, his voice taking a deeper tonal shift through his respirator. "I'm fine enough to watch 'em. That's all we're doing, right?"

Cissnei turned and folded her arms, having a rather odd resemblance to Zack's mother when he got into trouble as a kid. Her nose wrinkled, caramel-russet brows resting heavily on cool amber pools. If he had to best describe the expression on her face, it had a mild "You should know better" look to it.

At this, Zack straightened his posture and brushed off her stern expression with a callous shrug. "Look, Sis. AVALANCHE is in two separate groups, right? We need all three sets of our eyes on both parties." He folded his arms next, "For all we know, they could separate into marginally smaller groups of two or even single individuals to help continually minimize chances of detection. I wouldn't put it past 'em, frankly."

Cissnei's frown remained, "Even so, you can't work at your best if your attention is arrested on trying to keep yourself upright. Moreover-" She matched Zack's current sassy posture with one of her own, hissing through her teeth, "AVALANCHE came here looking for not just a fight, but the Turks as well; and that includes you on top of all that!" She huffed resignedly, "...Which is a huge problem. I'm going to have to ask Tseng how they ever came to that assumption..."

Vincent grunted in mild agreement, his gaze hooded.

"In the meantime," she went on. "We can't have you here if you can't focus on anything that isn't cloaking; as the spell within itself is exhaustive. If a fight were to go down, I can only imagine your current state would be more a hindrance than anything."

"You need to take it easy," rang Hendel's words around his head.

Zack huffed, feeling mildly insulted but also a little apprehensive of the fact that Cissnei was indeed correct. He promised both she and the doc (and Kunsel) that he'd do better; but somehow, he just knew today wasn't going to work out without his help. Its bad enough that Cloud's party had decided on some rather drastic measures; and he knew it'll reap some serious consequences that Zack just couldn't sit out of.

He proudly straightened his posture and sighed; firmly deciding that getting over-excited wasn't going to make the girl relent. Instead, he tried in a sterner, but steadily lower timbre betraying his innate worry and understanding, "I know you're worried but... We talked about this. You know damn well I have more than enough energy to manage today. I can tough it out!" He ebulliently raised a fist at roughly eye-level; the effects of his obscured grin making his eyes crinkle at the corners. He hoped the gesture came off as confident and natural as possible; even though its more a show than anything.

He lowered his fist and shrugged, "-'Sides, we both know none of us can afford to stay out of this. AVALANCHE picking this shitty way of dealing with their problems only complicated our position. I literally don't see any choice in me leaving you guys to it." He raised his hands in a submissive way, "Not that I'm saying you guys can't handle it or anything."

Cissnei's expression noticeably fell; and its something that told Zack that she was accepting the fact that he was correct in this instance- Although saying she didn't like this couldn't be more of an understatement.

He then said in a way to help alleviate her worry, "If its any consolation, I took my meds this morning, and I'm telling you that I'll be fine once all of them start kickin' in." He strode past her, moving just ahead of their party before stopping to give the girl another once-over. "-And its like I told you before, back in Midgar," he shook his head with a long breath following it. "-I just can't stand idly by knowing the people I call my friends are willingly throwing themselves to the dogs here. I'm gonna make sure they stay safe, no matter how I feel. Even you said that's more important than anything else right now."

For Cloud. For Aerith. For them.

Cissnei's jaw flapped once, and then clammed shut with an audible snap. Just as she was about to say something however, Vincent's hand shot out in front of her; the elder man's ancient eyes effectively ensnaring her own.

"There's no point in arguing against him," he began wisely. "You and I both know that he's right. Besides, even if he did supposedly take your advice to sit this out, he'd only throw himself back out there as soon as he felt it needed." He shook his head at her, "If you at least let him stay with me, I can keep an eye on him. You don't have to worry about Garm's condition neither: Keep in mind, I'd be able to remove him from a situation if it gets too dangerous."

Cissnei's lips thinned to a razor's point; but her pinched expression did relent somewhat. "You sure?" she went on to ask in a low murmur.

He nodded, "...Believe me. I'll be more than enough for our capricious friend here. As it is, I think I'd have to defer to Garm's judgement here too; seeing as he wasn't wrong in saying that the more eyes on our targets we have, the better. Our goal is to stay out of combat anyways. Right?"

"...Yeah," she finally bit. "I guess so."

"Alright then. Now," Vincent then straightened to his fullest height. He looked between the both of them, "While I understand that its probably not the most prudent decision, its the only one we can employ during this sensitive stage. All things considered, we should separate into two groups ourselves." He nodded to Cissnei, "You can follow Barret's resource team. Alone, you'd be able to mask your presence more easily from their more numerous eyes and their quadrupedal friend's nose. He'd be more likely to pick up on Garm's distressed, mako-charged sweat-scented presence than yours anyways."

Zack was about to contradict Vincent here, but found that the other man's words just might be correct. Although, he still couldn't help intrusively wondering how Vincent would know what he smelled like.

Wait. How strong IS his sense of smell? Or any of his abilities in general? He couldn't help wondering. And seriously, do I stink THAT much?

When he figured Vincent and Cissnei's attention were firmly stuck on the other, Zack lowered his mask and lifted the collar of his shirt underneath the hood. He did the briefest whiff; and found that indeed, the stupid humidity of the day had contributed to his literally feeling hot under the collar. He was already sweating his balls off; but he'd been so distracted with their current troubles that he'd failed to notice.

Yup, he thought with a grimace, pulling his mask back in place. I need to definitely stay away from that red cat thing. And get a shower after we're done here.

"As for me and Garm," Vincent coolly went on. "The two of us combined will be more than enough to handle a rough enough situation; should Cloud get into one. We can keep behind his team and watch him from afar. If they go to kill Palmer-" His carmine-colored eyes flashed, "-Which seems likely, you and Garm here would be subjugated to ultimatums: Said ultimatum being your two, conflicting jobs clashing with each other."

"...What do you mean?" She asked with some trace amounts of an dubious inflection.

He held up one hand with his middle and index fingers physically indicating his next words, "Should Cloud attack Palmer, you'd be forced to enact on your job as a Turk to protect the latter; but it also forces Zack in a difficult position in-turn: He'd be forced to either defend you from Cloud while he's attacking Palmer; or to pull you out of the situation entirely and ultimately forfeit Palmer's life in exchange- Either way, Palmer is meat."

Zack smirked, Wow Vince. What a nice way of wording it.

Vincent's eyes narrowed as he went on, "This only continues to expose Zack's true nature to AVALANCHE; and when they see he isn't defending an important Shinra employee as expected, they'll certainly know he isn't a trainee. Not only that- but once Palmer's death is reported and they know that the both of you were seen here, well... you don't need me to tell you what'll happen once you got back to Headquarters."

Cissnei's expression immediately paled at this, her eyes falling to the ground beneath her. Zack couldn't help looking away himself, feeling antsy about this whole hypothetical scenario.

"So, its either you go with Zack and be unable to not only physically restrain him and risk being a hindrance to him; as well as risking his exposure in the process-" Vincent shook his head like a parent tutting their child, lowering his middle finger to indicate his next point, "-Or you can simply allow me to go with him instead; someone who could restrain him and keep up with him; who has no strings or attachment to anything or anyone in this assignment- who has no bias in whatever hard decision has to be made. No one knows me, and even if AVALANCHE does see me alone, they'd probably think me as an interested party in Shinra's destruction. Its not that strange to come across a stranger who hates them, yes?"

Cissnei tapped her foot once, her gaze contemplative.

"That being said, its best you stay away from Palmer, little sister," the man went on to say, his last two words surprising his companions. "You can't do Septimus' work if you're being a proper Turk as well."

"I..." Cissnei began but couldn't finish as she identified the smallest hints of concern in his usually meticulously chosen words. She was speechless, to say the least.

Despite this humbled reaction, Vincent's eyes then flashed to Zack, "And while I understand that having Garm, exhausted as he is, so close to Cloud and Aerith while they're actively searching for him isn't a very wise idea, we all know Garm wouldn't willingly expose himself to them. If I'm not mistaken-" He folded his arms as his eyes roved Zack's slouched form. "You said you have just enough endurance to help carry you through today anyways, right-?"

Zack huffed in agreement, his gaze softening somewhat. "As long as we don't wind end up in any huge fights, sure," he tried to concrete to not only Vincent, but to their smaller companion as well. His brows fell heavily, "Didn't I tell ya I'd stay out of fights more? I promise I won't intervene if I think Cloud can handle it on his own. And its not like the guy's helpless anyways! When he's not having a mental break-down, he's pretty freakin' tough."

Zack grinned earnestly at these last words, knowing that he would have more confidence in the younger man if it wasn't for the J-cell's effects. Its not like his words were unfounded though; seeing as Cloud managed to get this far without any true help on Zack's part. All he did was take some blood and help deal the final blow to that monster on the ship. Truly, Zack didn't think Cloud needed him much anymore if it wasn't for the unusual circumstances they found themselves in.

Technically, I don't have to do any of the hard-work. I'm just watching, he figured.

Cissnei's expression still continued to retain its cynical mask however, but she said nothing to this. She eventually sighed, and then reluctantly nodded. "Yeah... Okay," she breathed; presumably seeing the sense before her. "I guess that's fine."

Zack went and bumped her lightly with his elbow, trying to get her wandering stare arrested onto his own. "You don't hafta worry so much. I'll have Vince with me," he tried to alleviate her lingering woes with his greatest weapon ever; easy-going charisma and puppy-dog eyes. His smile lifted his cheeks enough so that it can be seen regardless of his mask; and its a gesture he hoped sufficed.

At this, the girl chuckled uncertainly; and its a victory that Zack couldn't help inwardly fist-pumping over. He knew he'd gotten through somewhere at the sight of her microscopic smile. "I know... its just-" She shook her head, arms flopping to her sides. "It just feels like every time I take my eyes off of you two, you both get into trouble..."

"That only happened once," Zack snorted half-heartedly, knowing she was referring back to that battle in Runen. "And it worked out in the end."

Vincent dipped his head respectfully, "Please keep in mind that that resulting fight was my fault; not Garm's. He had to pick up my slack once my shots missed or glanced off."

"And you both knew you should've retreated if Cloud was alerted," Cissnei reminded him, although not unkindly.

Vincent sighed, the noise so weighty it made Zack himself feel even more fatigued just listening to it. "Be that as it may," he went on. "-It doesn't matter now. We need to get on with the job before Rufus shows up."

Cissnei closed her eyes; a sign that she was begrudgingly accepting the words laid out before her. "Alright," was her slow response, one hand darting to her brow before slipping slowly down her face. "Just promise me one thing..."

"Hm?" Vincent inclined his head.

"Don't let Cloud's team see Garm with you... at all-" She emphasized. "I don't think it'll matter if they caught sight of you alone, seeing as you're not dressed like Shinra. But if Cloud and Aerith caught you and Garm together, or saw you hauling Garm away for any reason, they'll suspect that Garm's not really a Turk. Its bad enough we can't dress him like one." Her expression darkened, "They may have already started to suspect that Garm isn't a real Turk, for all we know... But they don't need to see you two working together to help concrete it."

"It'll certainly raise questions..." Vincent nodded in affirmation.

"Not so many if you actually dressed like a Turk," She offered. "But I know the facade would ultimately be redundant in the grand scheme of things."

"Uh... redundant how?" Zack went on to inquire, somewhat seeing some benefits of giving Vincent a passable uniform... and a modest hair-cut. Because really, Zack couldn't help feeling like Vince really needed one.

"Its hard to explain," Cissnei waved it off. "Believe me; Tseng and I discussed the idea but found that Vincent's current freedom is his best weapon. If he had to dress like us, he'd need a fake alias and be given orders to go places that aren't relevant to Project Septimus."

"But.. that seems like a little much. Can't you just throw Vincent a uniform when its just us and call it a day?" Zack offered.

Cissnei shook her head, "Eye-witnesses could catch Vincent with me; should he be seen with us at all. Rufus would start asking questions. There's that, and the fact he wouldn't need the cover for long. Its much easier to maneuver when he isn't being given commands by someone like Rufus or Scarlet." She tilted her head to side, waving dismissively, "Its hard enough trying to keep you covered as it is."

"Ah. Right," shrugged the ex-SOLDIER. "I guess that makes sense."

"Anyways, back to AVALANCHE," she continued to elaborate, her eyes going to Zack this time. "-If they've already started to suspect our actions and you're in a situation you can't escape, you do have permission to tell them that Tseng's interested in Cloud's physical condition. You can say he poses a legitimate danger to them thanks to Hojo's experimentation- which isn't an out-right lie." She raised another perfunctory hand, "At least this way we don't have to resort to telling them about the Septimus Project- seeing as Hojo's mention should be enough of an answer."

"So... uh," Zack blinked and scratched his head quizzically. "-If all else fails... are you saying we could-?"

"-Tell them about the Septimus project at all? Maybe," she confirmed. "Although, this scenario isn't a feasible or safe option."

Zack shook his head and then cocked it to the side, folding his arms in mild confusion.

The girl shrugged at him, her gaze even more hooded, "-AVALANCHE has already started to suspect that the Turks aren't behaving according to regulations; as they seem aware of the fact that we're behind your 'disappearance'. They know you're not dead; and seeing as you're a former fugitive with some notable prestige in SOLDIER, any decent person would've expected us to successfully fulfill our orders to kill you-"

"But you didn't, and they know it," Vincent muttered next to her.

"Yes," she nodded. "And now, if they see you and Vince acting in their defense instead of the opposite; plus your combat expertise that they're already aware of, and with my poorly chosen words from the ship-" She winced at this; referring to her comment about the whole 'he isn't your enemy' thing back after their battle. "-They'll just put two and two together-" she finished lamely.

"-And they'll not only know that I'm alive..." Zack quickly concluded. "-But they'll guess that the Turks really aren't helping Shinra much anymore."

"Exactly," The girl shrugged helplessly. "And we can't have them giving that information to the wrong person by mistake; like to a Shinra mole. We've had enough moles in AVALANCHE before..."

"Like Cait Sith..." Zack added on. "Who'd let Reeve know that the Septimus Sect exists."

Cissnei hung her head, "...Yeah, but that's a given if Reeve chooses whether or not to give that information to Rufus; or blackmail us with it. Now we don't know if he would or wouldn't do this, and that's what Tseng's mission North is about-" She locked eyes with both of her companions here. "We're still trying to 'feel him out' before we expose any of the intentions of the Septimus Sect. After all, its inevitable that he'd eventually learned about us through Cait Sith and our interactions with AVALANCHE."

"...Huh," Zack felt his eyes fall to the ground in consideration of this.

"-Its the real reason why we can't tell them about you, yet," Cissnei continued. She then inclined her head, "We know AVALANCHE wouldn't willingly give away your existence otherwise. I think its fair to say we could've otherwise trusted Aerith or even Tifa with your survival... But, we also know that the less people know about you, the smaller the odds of getting discovered."

She then reminded him in grim ceremony, "...We also can't eliminate the possibility of Rufus capturing any one of them and potentially torturing them for the information. As it is, he'd no doubt target Aerith once he realizes its convenient enough for him." She also threw out there; much to Zack's discomfort, "Not only will it doom them, but all of us in-turn-"

Zack suddenly jerked forward with an iron-clad resolution already set in place, mako-charged fury flashing menacingly beneath his goggles. He no longer felt exhausted as he perfectly pronounciated, "Rufus ain't gonna touch a single one of 'em." The unseen hair on the back of his neck bristled,"-I'll make sure of that."

"As I," Vincent mutually and conclusively agreed, his own cochineal gaze suddenly several shades darker.

Cissnei blinked, and then seemed to shake off whatever unsettling feeling that's come over her. "Yeesh. Shouldn't have added that last part... Anyways," she went on to say, moving a hand to the inside of her tux. She drew out and passed both men an ear-piece; a tiny transmitter Zack remembered using back on the freighter when his mission first began. "-Like what Vincent said, we need to get to work," she continued. "Be sure to keep me updated every few minutes; even if there's nothing going on. Capiche?"

Zack jerkily nodded, his features stiff and unfeeling beneath his disguise.

"One more thing," Cissnei suddenly added, making sure to capture her taller friend's azure gaze. "Don't forget you still have Shape-Shift as a contingency; should something happen to your mask and goggles. I know you don't have it mastered yet, but you should be able to hold the spell long enough to get your mask back... Right?"

Zack finished putting the ear-piece in; pulling his hood back into place. "Eh... yeah. I do," he assuredly reciprocated to finish allaying any of her lingering concerns. He didn't need her to continuously worry about his exhaustion today as it is.

This wasn't untrue; as a lot of Zack's earlier bad mood had stemmed from his constant use of Shape-Shift. He'd been hurriedly practicing with the spell ever since Cait's message about Cloud's episode in Nibelheim yesterday morning. Zack knew he shouldn't be using the finicky spell so often (especially after his attack), but he'd made some truly great strides in terms of progress. He can hold Kunsel's likeness for at least half-a-minute now; which was immensely difficult but an astounding feat within itself to have managed in less than twenty-four hours. At this, he couldn't help puffing out his chest; somewhat confident of his current use of the alien materia.

Cissnei eyed Zack, but nodded as she caught the conviction flashing within her compatriot's level gaze. "Okay then," she eventually conceded. "I'm trusting you both. That being said, make sure your transmitter is in proper working order. I tested it before we left the bird, but I wanna be sure. Also, give me your phone for a sec."

Puzzled, Zack nonetheless complied and watched Cissnei fiddle with it for a brief moment; observing as his screen lit up with three separate red dots in one spot and another single one somewhere off to the side.

"I just synced your phone," she quickly informed him as she handed it back. "You'll be able to track Vincent, me, and Cait Sith all at once."

"Okay, but... isn't your own phone's location turned off?"

"Its linked to our transmitters and Cait Sith's normal GPS signal," She confirmed.

"Ah. Gotcha."

"Alright then," she huffed with some small amount of apprehension. "Make sure you two stay out of any fights- especially you, Garm."

"Yes mom," He rolled his eyes, but the act wasn't meant to be insulting so much as it was exasperated.

Cissnei then walked up, stopping just shy of what's established to be her personal bubble. She grabbed Zack's arm and turned him to face her fully; the motion gentle. "More importantly," she said with an intimate eye-lock that kept her partner entranced. "I want you to stay safe. I know you've heard this enough times, but... I just can't emphasize it enough."

"Yeah, yeah... I know," he relented with a mighty whoosh of air; even though the gesture was more of a pain to perform nowadays. He dipped his head towards her, trying to betray with his eyes what couldn't be seen on the rest of his face. "The same goes to you," He replied in a weary, tired tone. "Odds are that the rest of AVALANCHE ain't gonna pass up a chance to catch you alone, should they see ya."

"They'd have to actually find me first," she coyly smirked, cheekily throwing in a wink for good measure.

Zack harrumphed good-naturedly, but his smile remained bitter beneath his respirator. He couldn't help feeling a little weary of the possibility; and therefore didn't want to jinx it. I should be knockin' on some wood, he couldn't help wondering as he uncertainly watched Cissnei walk away; her cloak spell magically leeching her of all form and definition.

Once he was sure Cissnei had gone, he turned to Vincent and carefully recited, "Eh... 'Little sister'-?"

The other merely shrugged, "She grows on you."

"Ah. So... its not a Turk thing?"

Vincent harrumphed in reply, but didn't exactly lend Zack a straight-laced answer. Instead, he dramatically flared his cape and rapidly spun on the ball of his heel in order to face the opposite direction. "Take it as you want," he replied in his typical growling monotone. He then added with no ceremony, "Come on. We have work to do,"

"That's not really an ans- Hey, wait a sec!" Zack zipped off after him, feeling rather miffed at the crude dismissal of the topic. "You still haven't answered my question!"


~777~

After a lot of Vincent dodging queries and a little scavenger hunt with no real fun in the 'hunting' part, finding Cloud's tiny team hadn't been hard at all.

When AVALANCHE had split into teams earlier, Cait took the reins with a cunning suggestion to have a feline in each. He'd be able to act as an extension to Cloud and Aerith's senses while Red acted as Barret, Tifa and Yuffie's. The latter two helped Barret with stocking up (Tifa was best at it) as well as information gathering (Yuffie's department); with Red acting as their guard.

Aerith was teamed with Cloud and Cait Sith, the stuffed moogle acting as a fourth member to their party; leveling the numbers an even four in both teams. In the meantime; seeing as it was her turn to watch the blond for any mysterious outbursts, Aerith had willingly placed herself on Cloud's team. The two women usually rotated positions in this way; with Aerith coming along more often than not so she can heal Cloud, should it happen.

The plus side to this? Cait's carefully proposed suggestion and GPS position meant that Zack can easily follow wherever Cloud went from his own phone; so long as Cait Sith remained with him. On the side, with Cloud and Aerith in the same place, it made Zack and Vincent's job as their personal shadow all the more easier. They could both keep their primary targets in one place.

Gotta thank Reeve for making the Turks' job easier, Zack couldn't help thinking; although he still couldn't help feeling mixed-up about it in all honesty.

For now, Zack and Vincent had stalked their quarry until they came upon a homey residence in particular; a place that served as a focal point of interest for AVALANCHE. It's a fairly large single-story house that's settled neatly in front of the Shinra number twenty-six rocket; the closest building to its proximity. It even had the tidy, unassuming rows of neatly trimmed hedges, leaf-blown path-ways, and cut grass to help add to the layer of normal to the place. If it wasn't for the huge amount of scrap metal, miscellaneous junk, and an entire functioning bi-plane sitting in the unseen back-yard, you really wouldn't think the people living here were abnormal in any way.

With all that being said, Zack couldn't help wondering how Cloud hadn't thought to at least bring Tifa or Barret with him instead of Aerith. Aerith wasn't going to be much help in Barret's new plan to kill off the Shinra heads as it is; and she wasn't violent enough to take such actions neither. Its not to say she was weak or anything; because seriously, she wasn't when you consider her elevated spirituality and masterful use of materia. But to ask her to harm any living soul with powers like that is like asking Genesis to stop reciting Loveless-

It just. Doesn't. WORK.

There's that, and Cait Sith wouldn't be able to do much as it is; seeing as his stuffed body was easily breakable. He could be replaced, yes, but AVALANCHE would grow suspicious if a second Cait Sith showed up merely a day after the first's destruction. They'd start to suspect that the creature was crafted by Shinra hands; and that someone's making multiples of these as some sort of contingency alternative. To that end, Rufus would likely suspend the whole 'spying' idea and the Septimus Sect would lose a lot of their informational advantages.

...They're probably just investigating the area for now, Zack figured as he watched them from afar. They're not going to get into any fights if they can help it. Maybe.

To add substance to that assumption, the group even had the benign appearance of fascinated tourists coming to see the rocket. Cloud had hidden his Buster Sword in the back-yard before returning to Aerith and Cait Sith. He wasn't even dressed in his SOLDIER garb anymore; wearing instead what's presumed to be his secondary set of clothes. Mainly, its an unassuming stained white tee and dark and baggy cargo pants; with no sign of weaponry on him. You'd only know he had materia if he actually used it.

As for his companions, Cait didn't have his moogle with him; as the ginormous toy was likely with the Buster sword. Aerith was now carrying the feline in her arms, wearing a complacently satisfied smile on her face like she's living out one of her most treasured desires to simply hold a cat. That being said, Zack couldn't remember why Aerith never adopted any strays living around her house, but figured she could be allergic to them. He felt a little frustrated about being unable to recall if this was true in any way, but he forcibly set the intrusive memory aside.

For right now, she was still dressed in her usual pink clothes; albeit said clothes had some signs of wear and tear in them. Despite having obviously tried taking better care of them, she'd have to change them out soon. If it wasn't for her taking care in mending any holes or replacing smaller articles with cheaper solutions, she'd look a little hilarious in a dress with a half-dozen holes in it. Zack inwardly swore to buy her any new dress she'd ever want when this was all over.

She's still wearing that specific, pink dress, he'd noticed. And she's so dedicatedly keeping it on, no matter where she goes or what she does. Surely, its not just for me, is it...?

Zack didn't want to get his hopes up, but his heart still couldn't help its frantically excited leaping as he considered the possibility. Its already been presumed that Aerith knew that he was alive and well; and that she and Cloud were looking for him. So maybe, just maybe, she really was keeping this grody dress on just for Zack.

The suddenly intrusive desire to shove a fist in his mouth just to stop the need to cry overcame him, but his mask remained persistently in the way; a palpable reminder of his needing to keep his head screwed on. That being said, he forcibly returned his attention to Cloud; desperately needing to concentrate on something else. He pursed his lip as he eyed the smaller man, feeling his gut tighten with unease.

He's not looking for any fights, but... he quickly deduced. That doesn't mean he'll stay out of them. And if something did happen, I'd suspect Cait has the rest of AVALANCHE on speed dial- and the others would come running in just a beat. Right?

"Yo Cissnei," He went on to ask to finish confirming what he already suspected. "What's their position now?"

Her response was thankfully immediate, "-Barret and Red are within immediate visual range; purchasing some dried foods and goods. I don't think Red can smell me right now; whatever Barret's holding seems to be distracting him." A pause, and then, "Tifa and Yuffie are inside a general store across the street. I think they're buying some spare clothes or sleeping mats...?" He heard a grumbling noise that was either general interference or her accidentally bumping the ear-piece. She then said, "Nope, scratch that. Its a tent. How about you?"

"Cloud's dressed like a normal civie," Zack told her. "His sword's nowhere in sight. I don't think he's tying to get into any trouble yet."

"A good sign," He heard his partner mutter under her breath. "And Aerith is still with him?"

"Yup. She's holding the cat and- huh," Zack narrowed his eyes as he watched them knock on the door. A cute woman in glasses had answered, her mousy brown hair barely tamed by a sunshine-bright yellow scrunchie and over-sized clothes draping over her willowy body. She had a tired look to her, but with a slightly and cautiously excited face that could easily brighten in its entirety if she just smiled earnestly. Zack could easily put her on one of his 'hot book nerd' lists; something he used to jokingly skirt around before he met Aerith.

She's definitely Kunsel's type, Zack chuckled to himself, having remembered some of the silly and childish things the two used to banter about back in Zack's second and third class days. Gonna have to get some proper bro time with him when this job is done.

"What? What's going on?"

"Huh? Oh uh, looks like miss uh... Shera-? I think that's her that just answered the door," Zack went on to describe. "...She's inviting them in. I wonder what for?"

"Keep on them. Maneuver to where you can see into the home, and then relay current position to Vincent. Be careful of Cid especially," Cissnei went on to warn him. "He may or may not notice your presence."

"What, does he have some sorta combat sense or enhancements or something of the caliber?" Zack blinked quizzically, distinctly recalling that the man was supposed to be a mechanical genius that's never seen any kind of military training.

"No, but he's uh... He's just... He's pretty observant, and really hot-headed," she offered. She then added with some evident doubt, "-And I think he may have some fire-arms in his house lying around somewhere-?"

"I- Woah, what-? Wait- you're serious?"

"I think its just a hobby of his or something... besides his tinkering," he could imagine her shrugging at the other end. "-He likes taking things apart and putting them back together again. Figured you should know. Anyways, just stay on your toes. Rufus is supposed to be coming here to talk to Cid, so... Make sure you're ready to move at all times."

"Uh... Roger that," Zack muttered as he quietly slinked from one side of the house to the other. He circled its vicinity VERY carefully; trying to locate the position of Cait's mog toy in the back-yard. Once he found it sitting idle behind what's presumed to be Cid's work-shed, Zack angled himself to a corner of the yard fairly close to the kitchen window. He didn't see Cid immediately, but he didn't have to wait long to catch sight of him-

Or rather, hear him.

"SIT DOWN AND DRINK YOUR GOD-DAMN TEA!"

Not a moment after settling, Zack couldn't help flinching violently when he heard the raucous, stentorian bellow that thundered from the house; effectively scaring Zack shit-less. Not more than a few seconds later, the man himself marched out the house with an inglorious BAM and swaggered over to the plane; the door slamming shut behind him like a grand herald.

Holy fucking shit. Scream much? Zack huffed contemptuously, immediately knowing from just a single, cursory glance that he was looking at the reputable Cid Highwind himself.

This high-energy man was clearly older than Zack; maybe even Angeal's age if the few lines on his perpetually notched brow indicated anything about his age. He had dirty blond hair that wasn't nearly half as vibrant as Cloud's. He also had a stylish set of aviator goggles (that Zack admittedly liked) around his head, with a cigarette pack tucked neatly into it. His expression was currently reflective as he surveyed his plane, as if debating what more he could do to tune it. He had a leg tapping at a speed that displayed some inherent nervousness, despite the outward calm on his face.

Gloved hands wandered to his chin and hip, the articles worn but new enough to not have any holes in them. And while the gloves were dirty, the rest of Cid's rather strangely pristine appearance was nearly Turk-level immaculate: His face was clean-shaven, his heavy navy flight coat was likely fresh from the dryer, his pilot's scarf recently pressed with pride around his neck, his khaki-colored cargo pants casual and spotless. The only really dirty thing on this man's person was probably his work gloves and boots; with the latter looking to be recently polished and well-kempt as well.

He's expecting Rufus will reopen the program, Zack suddenly and intrusively realized as he eyed him. He couldn't help feeling bad though; having heard from Tseng just before departing from Midgar that the Space program will certainly be closed after today. His dreams are about to get violently shot down, he couldn't help thinking next.

Zack subtly put as much distance between himself and this man as possible; noticing that Cait Sith's mog was doing the same by hunkering down into a mess of tangled steel frames and pieces behind the work-shed. The toy held the Buster sword; but couldn't do much to lift it without making noise. The iron rods and metal sheets did enough to camouflage the sword though; so it really didn't need do anything so long as Cid didn't have to go behind his shed for any reason.

After he got some apt distance between Cid and himself, Zack informed Vincent in a hushed whisper of his new position. While keeping his eyes on Cid (who had decided on engine inspection), Zack pulled out his phone; deciding to use its tracker to help him estimate how long it would take for the rest of AVALANCHE to show up if things went south. He noted his partner's current position and extrapolated that Barret's estimated placement was just a pixel or two away from Cissnei's dot. That being said, he noted that the street this General store was on was only a block or so over. Zack could easily imagine that Barret's team could practically skip on over here if Cloud got into a scrap. If nothing else, they were almost within yelling distance to each other.

They're staying awfully close to him, he surmised. Maybe they're aware of Cloud's condition too- ? I guess that also means they can intervene at any moment, right? Me and Vince won't have to do much. I should find this relieving but... why can't I shake this dreadful feeling?

On the side, Cissnei's main GPS location had to be turned off on her phone; seeing as Shinra could track her down here and ultimately 'fire' her if they see Palmer died on her watch. Moreover, Shinra doesn't know Tseng sent her here, Zack frowned. If I'm remembering it correctly, they think she got deployed to Kalm to watch Elmyra, right?

So yeah, Cissnei being here in Rocket Town was a big no-no. She couldn't even be glimpsed here at all. Zack knew he wouldn't EVER forgive himself if Cissnei got caught because of some reckless, idiot thing he didn't think through. In hind-sight, he was pretty glad he had Vincent here to help him check his impulses.

...I can't believe I'm saying this, but I really do hope nothing happens, He couldn't help sighing. For the love of all things good... Please Minerva, if you're hearing me, DON'T let anything exciting happen for once.

Zack's eyes wandered back to Cid, checking to see if the man had noticed any changes to his environment. Thankfully, it seemed the promise of Rufus' arrival was keeping him distracted to the point of apprehensive pacing. Cid was doing whatever he could to tinker with an already properly well-oiled machine; the plane truly receptive to whatever detail-oriented care he put into it.

Well look at who knows how to pleasure his lady, Zack couldn't help comedically thinking as he noticed the affectionate love Cid put into his final touches.

Figuring himself safe for another few minutes, Zack once again arrested his flighty attention onto Cloud in particular; taking note of his slightly energetic body language. He seemed to be putting up a confident front; if Aerith and Shera's vaguely amused expressions were anything to go by. He ended up remembering Cissnei's alternative orders from Hendel suddenly, and then tapped the record button on his phone. He zoomed it onto Cloud, figuring this kind of observation would be useful for not just the doc, but for Zack himself.

They were probing Shera; this much he could safely ascertain. Its likely they may even follow up on the plan to ambush Rufus or Palmer or maybe even both after all; gods forbid. The whole idea certainly spiked Zack's innards with a thickly-coated, weighty layer of wriggling parasites stuck in mucus; his belly coiling and churning with every unpleasant scenario playing out in the most profoundly horrible way imaginable at the back of his mind.

God. I can't believe Aerith is actually involved in this, Zack couldn't help wondering. He flipped the camera to her on occasion, but most footage remained steadily on Cloud. She's a damn-near true terrorist now; actively working to help further AVALANCHE's goals... And while I don't support any of Shinra's shit... look at what it's doing to her. She's practically helping them plan a MURDER!

AERITH, for fuck's sake! HER, of all people!

Zack cursed when Cloud stepped out of his shot. He waited until the blond moved back in before resuming recording. Despite the camera being locked onto Cloud though, Zack's eyes remained stubbornly fixed onto the flower girl.

Man. This is so fucked up, He almost muttered aloud. Why can't she just stay with Elmyra anyway? Couldn't we figure out a way to make her and her mom disappear together instead of... this? How can we make this work anyhow?

...

How can Tseng's plan even work at all?

Zack blinked as he heard Cid mutter a colorful and creative slew of expletives; the roar of a pair of helicopters screaming over head. Just as he watched Cid bolt back inside the house, he heard Vincent's gravelly growl crackle through his transmitter; forcibly drawing his attention away from his spiraling thoughts.

"Rufus is here," He dead-panned in the most Tseng-like way possible.

"Yeah, no shit," the ex-SOLDIER hissed as he watched Aerith and Cloud step out into the back-yard. "They're coming out of the house. Looks like Cloud's calling in his buddies."

"I see him," said he.

"What's your position?" Zack murmured next, hunkering down in the junk as much as he could. "I can't see you anywhere."

"I'm cloaked and I'm on the roof. I can see and hear enough from here. Is that you in the garbage heap?"

"Yeah. Its the best place I coulda got some footage of Cloud when he was in the house. Hendel's orders."

"Ah."

Zack's eyes glued themselves to Aerith, who he watched gaped at the plane in open-mouthed appreciation. Cloud was seen muttering something to Cait Sith about it; not that he could hear them immediately over the trepidatious hammering of his heart.

They're too close. I need to move but... Zack kept himself cloaked, but did find that maneuverability is generally lacking in this tiny junk-yard. Fucking rookie move there, trapping myself like this, he inwardly snarled at himself.

"...Shit," He suddenly heard Vincent mutter.

"Aw don't say that," Zack grumbled. "What is it now?"

"Stay right where you are. There's a fairly sized contingent following Rufus," He added much to Zack's growing horror. "And while I'm no expert and can safely say I've never seen them before, I think he has some SOLDIER guards with him."

"Oh fuck me sideways," he groaned while slamming his head into his hand. "Do they have some big-ass swords almost their height and the body-size of a brick-house? Yunno, kinda like me but less sexy?"

"...Yes."

"...Dare I ask how many?"

"...Enough to pose a problem if they're anything as strong as you or Cloud."

"That depends on their rank," Zack offered. "What's the colors of their uniforms?"

"Three purple, and three black. I think the rest are normal Shinra Security. One of them I believe is Palmer's guard. Is that bad?"

"...Great googly-moogly, we're so totally fucking boned."

Zack threw back his head, his skull colliding (quietly) into the sheet of metal meant to be garbage. He wanted to bang his head several more times into a solid wooden beam for good measure, but that also meant making more noise. Yup, he figured. I think I can safely say that today, Minerva's decided that she'd much rather screw me than save me- and royally screw me, at that. Worse yet... I don't Rufus is here for good ol' chit-chat neither.

"Yo Vince," Zack suddenly thought. "Could you do me a favor?"

"...It depends. What do you have in mind?"

"I'm just asking ya if you think you can keep tabs on the SOLDIER dudes with Rufus. Just watch 'em in case they decide to come 'round back. Cloud's probably called in his buddies, but I dunno if they'll actually get here before those SOLDIER dudes pin us down. Can ya do that?"

Vincent's next reply was rather drawn out; like he'd very carefully considered his following response. He uttered an uncertain "I'll do what I can" that helped make Zack feel a little better.

"Thanks man. I appreciate it," the ex-SOLDIER smiled, finally releasing his connection with him.

Zack's eyes then shot back over to Cloud, whose own gaze lingered on the individuals inside the house. Cid was seen talking briefly to a rolly-polly dough-ball in a tacky brown suit; whom Zack vaguely recognized as Palmer. As soon as Cid was out that front door though, the large man was rapid-fire shooting off his mouth to an uncertain Shera; whose delicate and worried features continuously slipped free whenever Palmer wasn't looking. To say the least, she just didn't look very happy about whatever the subject was about.

Zack decided to watch Cloud again instead; albeit briefly. The blond was still on his PHS; a cheap flip-phone that was probably bought at some sort of back-water station in the slums market of Midgar or Kalm. It wasn't nearly as advanced as Zack's phone, let alone Cissnei's; but it also didn't require all of the fancy features to do what he needed it to do. Chances were he was still talking to Barret or Tifa about what he's learned from Cid's spouse; all the while Cait Sith watched and added on his own thoughts to the matter.

When he directed his attention back to Aerith merely in passing, he couldn't help his next reaction: Forcibly sucking down air like he was drowning; his heart stinting in mid-beat.

Aerith was looking RIGHT at him.

Not around his general location; not lingering passively over it like she's in deep thought and was simply staring out into space; but cognitively locking onto his position like she can physically see him standing there. Her hand still may be resting on the plane, but she'd long-since stopped circling it. Her gaze was definitely deer-like; alert and cautious, her ribbon lifting in the subtle breeze almost like perked ears. Her luminous gaze was firmly arrested onto his location behind the bins; despite him being cloaked.

Her pretty brows scrunched, coral-colored lips curling downwards. She looked like she was having trouble keeping something into focus, but she was doing that weird I-can-see-your-ass thing that made her seem omniscient. Zack was forced to remember the time Aerith had knowingly sensed he and Cissnei back in the Costa Del Sol, and suddenly realized that there's no true way he could ever successfully hide from her. Not fully and not for long, anyway. Her senses of awareness and whatever other insight she got from being a Cetra simply rendered hiding from her nearly impossible for any long periods of time. Cloak would never work on her for long.

Well... fuck. How come he was only figuring this out now?

Zack slowly pressed the button on his transmitter, fighting to keep his composure together at this point. "So yeah... Vince," he lowly breathed in the tiniest voice possible. "-I don't think Aerith's being fooled by cloaking anymore."

"Huh...?"

"Just look at her, man. See how she's just standing there?"

"...Oh."

"Yup. See my problem here?"

"Dammit. Did she hear you or something?"

"No man. I think she's just able to sense stuff really well," he whispered in a steadily lower voice. His breaths almost rattled against his respirator, "She did this back at the Costa Del Sol; Sis knows what I'm talking about."

"...Don't move. I think I can-" Vincent suddenly and abruptly trailed off; instilling leaden cold into Zack's nerves. "...Hold on a second."

"Dude... what is it now?" the ex-SOLDIER squeaked as he watched Aerith narrow her eyes at his location. When he was met with advent silence though, he had to force himself to stop shaking before he dropped his phone. He stuffed it away, and then tapped the button on his transmitter, "Yo Vincent? Do you read me? Vincent!"

Zack got some interference before his transmitter crackled a response; Vincent's following words noticeably lower than before. "Garm, how good is SOLDIER hearing?" he hoarsely pressed with the slightest smidgen of urgency.

"...Good enough," the younger man couldn't help the spiking of his nerves. "Their sense of awareness is usually much better though. Why-?"

"...I can't talk anymore. I think one or two can hear me," he muttered. "Or sense me in general. I need to relocate. I'll be silent until then, but it doesn't mean I won't hear you. Alright?"

"Okay but... but what about Aer- errrrrrrr..." Zack had to immediately stop talking himself just as he watched Aerith take a tiny step towards him.

Oh crap oh crap oh crap oh crap oh crap oh crap-

"Palmer's coming out!" Cloud suddenly hissed off to the side.

Aerith shook her head and flashed Cloud a concerned and vaguely frightened glance, and then she abruptly threw herself to the ground behind one of the plane's tail-fins. Seeing as its closest to the ground, she was able to conceal herself fairly well for that initial second; just as Palmer decided to step out with a falsely smiling Shera in tow.

The woman looked like a damn prisoner with two of Palmer's Security Sect guards on either side; with a single second-class SOLDIER staying fairly close to his boss's left. Shera stopped shy of the Tiny Bronco's propeller, watching as Palmer meandered towards the plane with a rapt fascination that made his mustache twitch excitedly.

The corpulent man gently grazed the plane as Aerith had done; murmuring "Amazing" just under his breath. "...Its simply astounding," he appreciatively added on. "Did Mr. Highwind really build this thing from scratch-? All from the comfort of his own home?"

"Eh... Yes?" She timidly replied.

The man kept shaking his head, his own SOLIDER cronie whistling lowly and reverently next to him as he apparently shared the same sentiment. "And to think," continued his boss. "This thing here is just home-made. Could you imagine if Mr. Highwind actually had a department to himself where he had access to the proper materials to build this? Maybe Rufus is onto something here: Perhaps our under-funded Aeronautics division IS the way to go."

"Sir-?" Shera carefully said.

Just as Palmer started to navigate his way towards the cock-pit, Aerith viciously clamped down on her lower lip and scuttled away in a vague crab-walk towards the work-shed. Her back hit the door with just the slightest and smallest dink ever; her bangles jangling minutely. The sound was, for all rights and purposes; just as quiet as it could be. It couldn't be heard by any normal person with perfectly normal hearing and perfectly normal senses.

Unless you're SOLDIER, that is.

The SOLDIER standing next to Palmer jerked; suddenly shooting a glance towards the vehicle's tail. His helmet concealed whatever surprise could've been etched across his face, although his jaw moving was indicative of his consternation.

Aerith sat rigidly still in reaction; doing her best impersonation of chameleon despite being unable to change her colors. Her petrified eyes went round; her hands suddenly snapping to her mouth to cover it. She did scooch off to the side in a meager attempt to relocate herself before the man went to investigate, but she didn't have the time to move more than a foot or so.

As it is, the SOLDIER had to of course make everyone's lives difficult when he began to tip-toe over; ducking under the plane's wing in the process. If he saw Aerith, more than just a shit-storm would hit the fan; he'd no doubt capture her and tell Rufus, and all of the efforts of everyone in the Septimus Project would be for naught if the president decided on taking the girl home with him TODAY. That, or Cloud would have to be forced from his hiding place in order to engage this enemy; and the slew of other SOLDIERs with Rufus.

Either way, Cloud's tiny team wasn't going to last long if Zack didn't do something.

And that was more than enough incentive for Zack; who didn't even bother considering his next move and the repercussions of it. Instead of waiting for Cloud to help drag her into his hiding place, Zack was there in an instant; soundlessly throwing his body over Aerith's while keeping cloak active. He pressed his gloved hands over Aerith's to keep her from making any other noise of protest or surprise; slowly pulling the girl as close to his body as possible. He hovered over her; pressing her up against the door and his own physique in a way to help flatten their intermingled shapes against the back-drop.

"You know, I was really skeptical when Rufus first proposed this," Palmer prattled on nearby; not noticing his guard had his attentions arrested elsewhere- Said guard now inspecting the very spot the two sat cloaked at. He worked his mandible a few times, pressing his tongue against his cheeks but eventually shrugging off his confusion. Not more than a few seconds after that, he huffed disinterestedly and ambiently wandered around the plane in a lazy saunter; throwing both his arms behind his head and whistling.

Zack retained his position for a wholesome minute before he gently tugged on Aerith; trying to subtly direct her to his own previous hiding spot. The girl couldn't see him, nor herself for that matter; all she could detect was his touch and smell as he tried pulling her with him. She didn't budge for that first frightened and flabbergasted second or two; but eventually she allowed herself to be lead to the little nook Zack had spent the better part of the last few minutes.

Their progress was slow going; but it eventually worked out when the pair managed to steal their way back to Zack's hidey-hole. He allowed a breath to escape him; letting cloak go briefly just so he could fucking breathe and not expend anymore god-damn strength already dammit. He was truly too tired to keep this up; but as he'd expected, he knew something would've went south had he not been nearby.

It still doesn't eliminate my 'bad feeling' vibe though...

Zack huffed and opened his eyes; being evenly met with a placid, gentle stare in-turn. Aerith's sudden calm despite having technically been snatched and dragged like willing live-stock was odd to say the least; but at least she didn't seem frightened of her current situation. If anything, she just kept eyeing the man in front of her; her attention wholly enamored with just the very concept of his appearance. Some years ago, Zack would've loved to bask in this kind of silent, glowing adulation from her. But now, it slightly unnerved him; more or less.

Just as she opened her mouth to say something, Shera's trepidatious "You can't be serious?" cut her off.

"But of course," Palmer genially reciprocated; seemingly ignorant of or simply neglecting the evident shock or disappointment within her tone. "There really isn't anymore profit to be made in the Space Program. And as much as it pains me to say it, I suppose I can't disagree with the president either."

Shera's lips trembled, her frazzled appearance suddenly more prostrate than ever. To save face, she then cautiously asked, "W-well then... I don't suppose I can ask if there's even a future in space-travel? You know, like in the nearest future, maybe-?"

Palmer moved his hands to the lapel of his suit, his expression seemingly sympathetic as he turned to face her, "I'm afraid not, my dear. As much as I loved the romantic idea of being able to discover what lies beyond this world, I also understand that its an exorbitant sum lost for little gain." He shook his head, "It doesn't support the needs of the masses; especially since we need vehicles like new and better-developed air-craft more than ever. After the incident with our Type-Optima Gelnika and the 'explosive' nature of our other planes we've had in now defunct hangars, we just can't fund both the rocket launch and mass produce these things at once."

Zack felt his brow slope dangerously, his innate frustration cautiously lifting its head from whatever rock its been buried under for the last while. He's lying, he immediately concluded. Shinra's always got money to spare; they're just being fucking tight-fisted.

He heard Aerith huff petulantly, the woman seemingly coming to the same realization.

Palmer then turned back towards the plane, not noticing Shera's crest-fallen expression. "Now this here," he merrily clapped. "This could be our future. This thing here can help pave the way for not just better vehicles that could be made accessible to the public for communal travel and ferrying goods; but it'll be an excellent addition to our military division. Now that I think about it-" He pressed a thumb to his chin as he muttered, "I wonder why we didn't just fund this during the Wutai war-? I could imagine we would've shortened that annoyingly long conflict to a about half its duration with this kind of technology..."

Shera's face flashed; and its something that could've been easily missed had Zack not been looking right at her. There had been just the faintest and most tracest amount of righteous fury there; and its something that took Zack and Aerith jointly by surprise.

"The Captain will never help you build war machines," Shera said quite levelly, with no sign of her earlier timid nature to be seen. "And while I understand that the rest of your logic is quite sound, we will have no part in creating flying weapons."

Palmer's earlier equanimous expression flickered; the inflection falling somewhat. He suddenly chuckled, although the sound didn't posses any of his earlier mirth. "War machines? Flying weapons?" he quaintly reciprocated. "Now now, miss. I didn't say any of that..."

Shera's brows slipped marginally lower, the afternoon sunlight briefly bouncing from her spherical spectacles. "You pretty much stated otherwise," she flatly returned.

Palmer casually shrugged at her like it didn't really bother him, "Well... its not like you can speak for Mr. Highwind anyways; as I'm sure Rufus is helping him to realize that turning down this proposition isn't really... recommended."

Shera worked her jaw, her complexion suddenly a little pastier than before.

The fat man went on, opening his arms like he was embracing the idea within itself, "I really can't see why Mr. Highwind would refuse... I mean, with no funding, you and the 'Captain' wouldn't be able to get the materials you've been scavenging for the last few years. He'll be grounded for however long he decides 'no' is a feasible answer."

He intertwined his thick fingers into a self-satisfied hold in front of him, his smile slimy enough to sicken Zack as well as the increasingly nervous Shera. "Admittedly," he genially went on like he wasn't totally hanging an invisible threat over her head. "Shinra's abilities to manufacture air-planes has been somewhat... abysmal. While we've had some success in the past, the planes don't last long, and have a tendency to disappear after their initial maiden flights. Having said that-" He waggled a fat finger at a following thought, "We realized we've hired on engineers that haven't an idea in how to build anything that isn't a helicopter. We can make plenty of those easily enough."

He shrugged, "But planes, as you and Mr. Highwind should know, are quite different. We need someone who knows how to make these things; to spear-head our newly revised Aeronautics division. You know what I mean? If Mr. Highwind accepts-" His oily smirk turned piggish, "You'll never be restricted to just scraps again. Your wonderful machines, all modeled from this beauty!" He gesticulated to the Tiny Bronco, "Everyone will know your names, and you'll never want for nothing ever again! Isn't that just swell?"

Shera's earlier expression returned; the uncharacteristically furious one that blipped on by like an illusion made briefly tangible. It was gone again all too soon, but it hadn't been as easily missed by her current company this time around. "You're going to use these new planes in future wars," she dead-panned, her every syllable matter-of-fact. "You're just going to mow down every single innocent town that doesn't agree with you building a mako reactor in the area..."

"Now I didn't-"

"You said it yourself!" Her composed demeanor was slipping somewhat; but not so much as of yet. "And I know that, while making these planes would be good for civilians in the future, you're more interested in making these things into weapons of war. Just a moment ago, you said the war with Wutai would've been so much easier!" She rapidly shook her head and stepped back, moving a step or two from the guards on either side of her. "I'm not participating in this," she hissed. "I'm not helping make these abominations. And I know the Captain wouldn't either!"

"You sure about that?" Palmer smirked quite greasily.

Shera's militant expression was SOLDIER-worthy; holding her chin as high as she possibly could. She said nothing more to him, her razored gaze sharper than Sephiroth's Masamune.

And as if to concrete her words, all members present could hear the distant screech of "ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR GOD-DAMN TREE? OH FUCKING HELL NO!" Cid's reaction had been voiced in the loudest, most obdurate way he could possibly manage- And the timing of it couldn't have been more perfect in all actuality; seeing as it perfectly epitomized Shera's earlier proclamation.

In fact, the woman shrewdly and casually folded her arms across her breast, gesticulating lazily as if to literally point out her Captain's words. Her expression echoed the smug See what I mean? response that likely bounced around within her throat; though the woman was plenty smart enough (or polite enough) to not say it aloud for fear of infuriating and besmirching the heavily armed guards and their boss just before her.

Palmer meanwhile flapped his toad-like trap, his double chin trembling for just the briefest of seconds before his face straightened into a more disappointed expression. He pulled his tie in an agitated tick that could be read as irritated or nervous; maybe both for all it demonstrated. He snorted, sticking his nose in the air like he just scented the strongest waft of dog excreta.

"That's... quite a shame really," he carefully pronounciated in a steadily lower voice; none of his earlier, blithe merriment to be seen. "You have no idea what you two are refusing-"

"I think we're fully aware of what we're dealing with," Shera returned in kind. "And we both know we don't want any hand in helping make something that'll irrefutably be used to harm others." She released her current position, her next inflection softer but somehow more stern at the same time, "When we took on this job for Shinra several years back, we wanted to help humanity better understand its place in the world by viewing it from a distance. We wanted to give man a proper chance to fly. But this-"

She waved her arms, "-This is not what we wanted. You're going to have to find someone else to help head your newly 'revised' Aeronautics division." She shook her head, "I'm sorry, Mr. Palmer; but we're not going to keep working for you like this. I'm going to resign from my position as one of your chief engineers. And I wouldn't doubt the Captain will too."

Aerith pumped a fist, muttering "You go girl!" under her breath. Zack smirked at the sight of it; feeling supportive of the notion himself.

Shera turned towards her door, but kept the majority of her gaze on the executive. With evidence of her earlier polite deference, she said, "Now, Mr. Palmer. I'm going to have to ask you to leave, if you don't mind. I'm sure you'll find someone just as talented as the Captain to help in your little endeavor."

The portly man twitched his grayed mustache, his already tiny eyes suddenly much smaller in his sockets. He suddenly jerked to full wakefulness; as if he'd been slapped into sobriety after a long and pleasant dream. He gesticulated rather wildly as he said, "What about your Captain? His dreams to fly? You two will never be able to get off the ground without us."

"We'll get by," Shera stoutly replied. "We've done well enough so far."

Palmer suddenly glanced at his guards, and then back at the infuriating woman in front of him. He was losing his composure, his patience; and its an insidious thing Zack could easily sense from miles away. Just then however, his earlier, oily expression returned with no warning; instilling that familiar dreg of fear inside of Zack's churning gut.

Palmer harrumphed, and then said rather calmly and casually, "Well then... I don't suppose you two wouldn't be interested in selling the Tiny Bronco instead? We can pay however much the Captain wishes for it."

"Nope," Shera immediately retaliated, apparently not stopping to even remotely consider the possibility. Without a beat, she said, "The Captain would much rather give up an arm or a leg before he even thinks about selling it. He put his whole heart and soul into it; and its going to take a lot more than a little pocket change to get him to even consider the idea."

She then jerked her head as a distant screech indicated that Rufus had tried the same tactic on Cid as Palmer did- And the affectionately named Captain had felt the very way as she'd anticipated. It was rather hilarious how easily Shera had been able to predict Cid's every reaction.

Shera shook her head and focused on Palmer again, "...Look. We're are not interested in negotiating anything relating to your Aeronautics Division if its connected to your military at all. As I've said; if its just for the betterment of people everywhere, we'd happily oblige. However, I'm afraid that seeing as we're at an impasse, there's no further discussion to be had over it."

She inclined her head, "I'm sorry, but we're not taking anything you have to offer. And I don't want to have to waste your time anymore than we already have, so I'm going to have to ask you to leave." She proudly jerked her chin, "If however, you decided you'd want to reopen the possibility for a launch in the future for any reason, our door will remain open."

Palmer blinked rapidly; having likely believed that encouraging the two to give them the plane for a no doubt large sum would've certainly worked. In hind-sight, if Shera and Cid had agreed to it, it wouldn't take Shinra long to dissemble the plane and use it as a prototype blue-print for future constructions. And having heard this reply, it certainly incensed Palmer; as Zack could visibly see the budding fury within the fat-man's fairly ruddy eyes.

Just then, a cell phone rang; an absurd noise piercing the lingering tension hanging around all those present. Palmer had to literally blink off his surprise before realizing that its his phone that's making the irritating racket. He fumbled around his pockets for it; and then he unlocked the device with slightly shaken hands.

With a steady build of sweat upon his heavy brow, he stuttered, "Y-yes sir?"

Uh-oh.

Zack didn't need to give this an educated guess; as he likely assumed the call was from Rufus. He passed Aerith an uncertain expression, and found that she was already throwing him a similar look of matched worry. Just then, Zack's transmitter crackled back to life; effectively reminding him that Vincent's existence was still a thing he shouldn't forget. He put a hand to his ear, ignoring Aerith's questionable glance.

"Had to move a little further than I like, but I'm able to watch Rufus a little more closely. What's going on at your end?"

Zack tried to shuffle away, but Aerith was still a little too close. He lowered his voice as much as he can manage; deliberately deepening it in the process. "Aerith's next to me. Can't talk now," he hissed urgently.

"...Noted. But I will be asking what happened after this. Stay safe."

Zack breathed out with relief; not liking the idea of having to speak more than required in Aerith's immediate proximity. Its bad enough she found Zack to be more interesting than the exchange going on between Palmer and the president.

"Uh, yes... I asked her that too..." Palmer went on, bringing Zack's attention back to the subject at present. "Ahhh... Yes, she said the same... Yes. Yes. Hm? Oh... That's... That's certainly interesting," he shot Shera a brief glance, but then focused on the details of the dirt beneath him. "Ah, hrrm. So uh, you just want to go ahead and-? Ahhh. Right. I understand. Yes sir. It shall be done. Yes, I'll meet you up front in a few."

He locked his phone and turned towards the lady of the house, his expression suddenly and rancidly vile to its very core. "Well my dear," he began with false cheer, snapping his arms behind his back. "Rufus told me something quite interesting just now... and boy oh boy, what a juicy story it was!"

And with a grin that could only spell trouble, he jerked his head at the Security guards in particular; a silent order that Zack was all too easily able to understand. Right then, Zack's fury surged throughout his body like a lethal fire-storm that viciously took hostage of most of his faculties; watching as the guards seized Shera in seething silence. The pair easily pulled her Hendel-like noodle arms behind her back and jabbed one of their assault rifles to her jaw.

Aerith jumped as well; as Zack expected. She was already half-way to her feet before Zack silently and strongly yanked her back down. He made her face him, trying to beseech to her with just eye-contact alone that they needed to wait just one second longer- no one could just jump out there and expect them to not out-right shoot her.

As expected, she was mutinous in her expression, but Aerith thankfully conceded and dipped her head in surrender. She shot Palmer a poisonous look though; and its something Zack didn't doubt Cloud was wearing himself not too far away. In fact, he could imagine Cait Sith was using his robotic toy to hold Cloud down.

"Rufus tells me that the botched launch from several years ago was your doing, my dear," Palmer began with some level of theatrical ceremony. He shrugged his sloping shoulders, "He says you were willing to risk your life for the Captain's dream; staying within the oxygen chamber right as the rocket was about to take off. It would've burned hotter than Ifrit's Hell-fire and nothing would've been left of you." His smile grew there, "Admirable, all things considered."

He meandered around the plane's propeller, trailing his pudgy fingers along its length in passing as he approached. "However, Cid was unable to sacrifice your life for that one chance at his dream; choosing you instead of the mission that would've carried him across the stars; in both the literal and metaphorical sense. That being said..." His malignant smirk grew like a cancerous tumor as he prattled on, "While your life means nothing to you, it certainly still means something to Cid. In fact, he's already agreed to giving up his precious plane just as an insurance policy that my men here won't hurt you-"

Shera's expression was... for lack of better words, certainly the very definition of raw, unbridled, primal fear at its most base. Her lower lip trembled; her already widened eyes made further insectile by her over-large spectacles.

"So I suppose," Palmer easily asserted upon taking note of her expression, "-We're now getting the plane for free. How quaint." He chortled contentedly, "I suppose we're not going to have to leave here empty-handed after all. I believe I'll have to personally thank you, my dear. Now, shall we head back up front-?"

Apparently, that was all Zack could stomach before he found himself upon his shaking feet; all traces of his earlier exhaustion all but gone. One hand snapped abruptly to his glaives in wicked finality, while the other extended outward with the intent to cast Chronos on Shera's guards-

-Aerith leapt up beside him, casting a spell of a similar nature-

-And a thunderous, inhuman bellow roared its quaking wrath into being, heralding Cloud's following assault; the man having waited plenty long enough for the ample moment to strike-

The enormous shadow of the Buster Sword cast its demonic silhouette across the space between its owner and his prey; the vastness of their conjoined presence an grandiose devourer of day itself. It eclipsed the afternoon light and sucked away whatever little mercy remained; an angry arbiter raining divine judgement upon the wicked souls beneath it. With the crushing, heavy finality of a hammer upon the gavel, the hungry steel stole its way into the unsuspecting, smiling sheep still bleating its nonsense below.

His wicked, steel-edged fang plunged into unresisting flesh; meat easily tearing and caving away with buttery gluttony. The oblivious quarry never managed to fully perceive the furious bite before an nuclear inferno of agony abruptly flared throughout his brain; the white-wash of sensation so powerful and so abrupt that Palmer barely had enough time to register it as surprise instead of pain. He was suddenly falling without knowing why; spurting an epic mist of darkened crimson with no understanding for its appearance. Confusion etched across his rent face; the emotion his very last.

Zack couldn't tear away his disbelieving eyes as he watched one of his closest friends become something truly and startlingly unearthly before him. His own shocked stare stayed firmly arrested upon Cloud's contorted, rage-fueled expression; the blond's mako-charged scowl a whirling typhoon of cyan-colored flame clashing with novic, star-born cerulean. For this one, cruel, wickedly dreamy moment, he watched as his once shy and relatively unskilled friend transform into something you could very well call Sephiroth's bane.

He couldn't help it; he couldn't help remembering that day back in Nibelheim when Cloud had performed the impossible: When he'd been the one and only person in all the world to have cast Sephiroth away after delivering a single, mighty blow. Sure, Sephiroth could've been whittled down by Zack moments before. Sure, he was off his guard when Cloud sneakily plunged the Buster sword into him; but it was the irrefutable truth nonetheless. Cloud had truly stood his ground against Sephiroth with no qualms about taking his life; with no regard to himself and with a strength he'd never artificially gained.

And it was, in that memory, Zack somehow felt the weight of this one, simple truth:

Cloud had changed; and he didn't need Hojo to have given him the strength that he has. He always had this potential within him; making Cloud the one person Zack couldn't help believing would really end not just Sephiroth; but Shinra itself as a whole. He really whole heartedly believed that it would be Cloud who could possibly save them all.

And maybe, just maybe, that's why Tseng wanted Cloud alive. Its not because of Zack's friendship with him so much as the fact that Cloud would truly be an invaluable asset. Cloud was someone who, even in his weakest moments, had always out-shined Zack; in one way or another. And Zack realized at that one second as he watched one of best friends became something truly Herculean in his might, that he learned this:

Tseng's plan wasn't to safely send Zack on a path to a happy ending by complacently helping his friends. No. He wanted to use them against whatever force stood in their way. Whatever defined 'their' eluded Zack, but he hoped its not just for the Turks themselves so much as it was for the many- for the many hundreds of thousands of innocent souls across the world.

We're the pawns, he helplessly wondered. And we're the weapons in his little game. Even if he did initially act out of kindness to save my life, he still has an ulterior motive for Cloud's survival- in our inclusion in the Septimus Project's goals... and he doesn't want Rufus knowing about it.

In a weirdly vacant daze, Zack watched as the second-class SOLDIER react far too slowly to Cloud's advent intervention. He'd barely any time to lift his arm in retaliation; his mouth flapping open in flummoxed shock as he tried to reach his blade. And just as he touched its hilt, Cloud's blood-caked, torso-sized blade was already greedily eating its way into his neck; the region the only area of truly exposed skin. Unprotected as it was, only the raised notches of his shoulder-pauldrons could've protected it; and even then it wasn't enough. The Buster Sword clipped the pauldrons; but it didn't slow its trajectory as it mercilessly severed head from neck.

Palmer's splayed halves hit the ground just as the SOLDIER's head did; the latter's body remaining standing in a ghostly parody of its former whole-ness. It took it another second or two for it to realize there's no brain ordering its legs to remain standing; and then it finally slumped to the ground with a jelly-boned whump.

Two moves; two silent, nearly soundless swings was all it took. Nobody would've known about what happened to Palmer and his guards unless you actually saw it. Unless one of Rufus' men inside the house looked out the kitchen window and seen it, no body would've known of the deaths that had taken place. Vincent certainly wouldn't know unless Zack reported it. However, Zack had to keep his mouth shut with Aerith so near; and he'll only get the chance to relay Cloud's success when he got some ample distance between himself and AVALANCHE.

With the two Security guards frozen as well, their captive finally had the chance to move. That being said, it still took Shera a good minute to realize that she could escape. She jumped to her feet in frantic surprise as soon as she had her arms back. She rotated rapid-fire glances between both men; and then settled on gaping at the blood-flecked Cloud before her. She fixed her glasses more securely to her face; her expression a mixture of frantic and brittle calm.

"I-I... You didn't have to-" she stuttered, trying to find the nerve to properly thank them.

Aerith had run over; throwing both hands on Shera's shoulders and making the other woman face her. "Are you alright?" she implored. "They didn't do anything else to hurt you, did they?"

"N-No... I'm fine," she steadily replied, starting to find her bearings. She peered curiously past Aerith's shoulder though, honestly surprised to see the stranger amidst them. "Whose he? Is he with you guys?" she went on to ask.

Cait Sith had long since stepped past her and used a sleep spell on the two guards, the frozen spell wearing off to be replaced with another ailment. More death wasn't necessary; and inwardly Zack couldn't help being gracious for the consideration of these two hapless guards being spared.

The Cat chortled as he turned around, "Nup! We really don't know the lad," he replied with a jovial twitch of the tail. "He just comes and goes as he pleases, it seems."

Cloud's icy glare remained fixed on the supposed Turk, having taken a rag from Cait's moogle so to clean the blood off his blade. "He's supposed to be a Turk, but he doesn't really act like one," he lowly offered as an answer. He then added in a muttering undertone, "Nor does he dress like one."

The subject of their conversation merely stood there, still lost amidst his own reverie. Zack shuffled in place here and there, his blank gaze unfeeling and distant. His fists were balled at his sides, head lowered enough so that the sun continued to cast a perpetual gloom over whatever little could be seen of his face.

Tseng... what is he trying to do? Zack couldn't help asking himself; the man now ignorant to the stares he was attracting. He isn't really going to use us against Shinra, is he? He tried so hard to hide me from them as it is... But then again, is that why he wants me to stick around? To help Cloud get better so he can use him? Or is that assuming too much? Maybe I'm jumpin' the gun or something, but... my gut's tellin' me otherwise.

Dammit... What the hell is he even trying to do-?

"Um... hello? Mr. Turk?"

Zack blinked, noticing Aerith's beseeching stare boring into him. He retreated from her somewhat, suddenly remembering that he had a whole other slew of problems within his immediate vicinity right now- one of which was just standing less than a mere meter from him. Aerith however came forward with every single step he took back; one hand balled at her breast. She blinked at him, her gaze politely curious.

Oh my god oh my god oh my god oh my god I need to run oh my god oh my god oh my god why is she so close oh my god oh my god oh my god-

She smiled slightly, her initial words slow but earnest. "...Um. Hey uh... thanks for the help," she went on with a little hesitation. She nibbled on her lower lips, her eyes briefly darting to the ground before focusing back onto Zack. In a timid voice, she said, "I uh... I really do appreciate it."

Zack tried looking off to the side, not wanting to give Aerith anymore of a chance to scrutinize his mako-charged eyes than she already had- she'd probably recognize them all the easily if she did. He kept his hands pinned to his sides, unable to speak up. He merely shook his head, trying to act like it was no big deal.

Even though it was.

I think I'm fucking up. I'm fucking up simply by lingering here. I need to leave. I need to run-

"If I may ask," she went on, quite meticulously chewing on her words. "I've never seen anyone like you in the Turks before- or at least, not anyone with your specialization. I usually know the names of the majority, but you're the only Turk I haven't actually properly met." Her smile increased in warmth, "If its not too much trouble, can I know your name?"

Zack flapped his gums, unable to give the courtesy of an answer. His eyes briefly flipped to Cloud, whose expression was sternly distant but curious. Next to him, Cait bobbed his tail to and fro; with Zack truly feeling the weight of his position as he eyed the feline back.

Reeve's in on Tseng's little 'side projects', isn't he? So surely my being here isn't something detrimental to the mission-? Reeve isn't going to say anything about Cissnei's partner, whose supposed to be in Kalm right now, is actually here, right-?

Zack glanced back at Aerith, who was clearly expecting an answer. And again, just like in the Costa Del Sol some weeks back, Zack was stuck juggling whether or not to oblige Aerith with the appropriate response. He didn't want to push her away, but he also knew he needed to do so; for THEIR sake. But then again, there really wasn't any harm in giving Aerith Garm's name, right?

Just as he opened his mouth to actually say something, he stiffened as he heard Vincent's voice over the ear-piece; the man's natural growl containing no thinly veiled sense of urgency. "Zack," he began in a rush. "One of Rufus's guards said he reported a death! What the Hell is happening over there?"

Zack was about to reply, despite Aerith's immediate proximity, but then Vincent suddenly cut him off, "They're coming inside! At least three SOLDIER and the rest his guards-"

Zack immediately darted his eyes at the kitchen window, not quite catching the rest of the elder man's words. He watched as the heavily armed band of grunt went to the back-door; the Security Sect cocking their rifles while they barged their way through the home. The noise within itself alerted Cloud and the rest; but with the exception of the former, Aerith, Shera, and the cat were too slow to react to the breaking of Cid's back door. It was thrown off its hinges; one first class SOLDIER breaking his way through and stepping aside just enough to let his lesser fellows level their weapons at the entire group; no one person to be spared or differentiated.

"Kill them all!" The SOLDIER bellowed.

Cloud immediately threw Shera and Cait Sith behind his back at the same time Zack pulled Aerith; all the while the former SOLDIER immediately summoned Aegis Shield into being. He put it between Cloud and their enemies; the bullet spray an insidious deluge that energized the shield's charge. Zack could almost tangibly feel the bombastic blows as they empowered the shield's next phase; the spell increasing in size as it absorbed every concussive shot. Zack fought to keep the spell tame; forcibly trying to contain its explosive nature. He didn't want to blow Cid and Shera's house by mistake, or throw Cloud backward from the resulting force.

Seriously this fucking spell! He inwardly snarled, feeling his teeth grind against each other.

He felt Aerith fist a handful of his clothes from behind him; the girl leaning against him as if she was helping brace him against the strength of the shield itself. He didn't know if she was or wasn't helping, but Zack figured she was; considering her mage-level mastery over materia. For all he knew, keeping a lid on this explosive can of worms was only manageable with her beside him at this second.

Just then, another roar bellowed and screamed over the iron hail of bullets; a great vortex of violent wind kicking up dust and dirt and the scent of the fallen bodies. A whirlwind churned up the loose soils from the yard; the junk piles screeching their protest as all was unsettled by the tempest.

Zack pulled Aerith to the ground on instinct, still fighting to hold the shield. He saw something cut overhead; the shape wider than the Buster Sword's own body. It took the ex-SOLDIER a few seconds to realize that the Tiny Bronco had been turned on, and he'd nearly been cuffed by the wing as the plane stirred in place.

The wing nearly caught Cloud unawares too; but he noticed the danger and ducked down just as it wildly swung at where his head was just a nano-second ago. He took Shera by the wrist and turned towards the plane, wondering why in all the Hell it was on- That is, until he noticed Cait Sith wasn't with him.

"Fucking- CAIT!" Cloud bellowed, glacial gaze firmly locked upon the plane's primary cock-pit. "GET OUT OF THERE!"

The mechanical feline was riding the stirring wheel like he was very much riding the saddle of a very real bucking bronco; his every extremity hilariously thrown around him as he struggled to retain his hold. He yowled and screamed bloody murder; trying to keep his crown stuck to his head.

"WA- WA- HEEEEEEEELLLLLLLLLLLLLP-!"

The SOLDIER and guards narrowly avoided the plane's wild rotation; both sets of wings and tail narrowly missing them as well. However, despite this ample distraction, it wasn't enough for the first class SOLDIER; whose sharp-edged gaze could still be felt through his helmet. It lingered over Cloud especially; with the man taking tentative steps in the blond's direction in an attempt to fiercely adhere to his orders.

No you don't!

Zack knew he was going to hate himself in the morning for what he's about to do, but his orders were to protect Cloud and Aerith, no matter what. So, he decided to finally let the shield go; knowing that its folly not to take the tactical advantage during their moment of momentum. He closed his fist; keeping one arm around Aerith's waist and keeping her braced against his more solid form. Thankfully, Cloud knew from experience just what the Aegis shield can do, and did the same with Shera as he watched Zack snap his hand shut.

The resulting explosion was akin to a tiny, nuclear bomb going off; the chaotic maelstrom a raging storm whipping its wrath across the yard. The house's windows blew out; light weighted metal junk whirled into the air; Security Sect guards were blasted into the air or blown into the house itself; and the Tiny Bronco got a boost from the after-shock. It jumped into the air like a frightened bird taking off in mindless fright; the mechanical engine screaming its violent protest as it went.

Zack caught a gnarly idea as he watched it; suddenly deciding that the only safe way to get Aerith out of here was to follow suit. He activated his High Jump materia and leaped; crossing the distance in just nano-seconds- with the very speed he used to dodge bullets back in the wastes. He closed the gap between himself and Cloud in a single bound; snagging both blond, Buster Sword and Shera and tucking them under his arm haphazardly. He knew it would hurt not only them, but himself in the process, but its a single-shot that'll only last split-seconds.

He then leaped; the move more or less akin to taking flight. He empowered his jump with every adrenaline fueled fiber within his steeled quads; using High Jump to amplify his following move ten-fold. He flew onto the plane itself, throwing Cloud and Aerith into the secondary cock-pit and tossing Shera into the Primary.

"DRIVE!" He sharply ordered, fighting to be heard over the shrieking gale swiftly sweeping his one, clipped word away.

Shera fumbled with her spectacles; Zack realizing that the glasses had only stayed on due to the string being attached to its ends. After fixing them, she fumbled with the controls for a few nerve-wracking seconds; and then she righted the plane's flight path just as it violently swerved. With some level of practice and expertise, she veered the tiny air-craft around Rocket Town's perimeter; her expression hardening as the inkling of an idea came to her convoluted mind.

Just as Zack caught the wild flash of expression, he barely had enough time to hold onto the seat as Shera turned the plane on a dime. The vehicle whined as it forcibly banked back towards the direction of her house; the woman viciously pulling one lever after the other. Once she felt her flight path was fully corrected and under her control, she lowered altitude; albeit not by much. The plane was now so low it almost clipped the house; and it was certainly low enough to force Rufus and his remaining stragglers of SOLDIER and Security Sect to duck down. Shera even had the balls to slow down; although for whatever reason eluded Zack-

-That is, until he saw Cid punch out his captors when they were distracted by the fly-by; and then take off after them like some sort of mutant speed-demon on some kind of high-end steroids. The man was so damn fast it didn't seem human; his legs a damn blur under his fairly built body. He pumped his arms, and then as Zack had, flew into the air like he was being carried on angel's wings- Except that he wasn't being aided by any materia that Zack could see.

...Holy fuck! This man just isn't meant for the ground, is he? He couldn't help thinking.

Cloud had finally recovered from the rough handling, and watched Cid take that death-defying leap. He swung out his hand and caught the other man just as he grazed the plane; Cid's legs scratching paint as he struggled to find purchase. The blond managed to pull him onto the plane itself, but there wasn't any room in the seats for Cid.

And the weight within itself was a sheer tell; let alone the grinding cry of the engine.

The plane began to dip; although it didn't quite nose-dive. Shera fought to keep the thing elevated and straight, gritting her teeth as she pulled the controls down towards herself. Cid shouted something at her, but Zack couldn't quite catch it. He squeezed her seat with a vice he was sure was warping steel; feeling his teeth clench and clack together with every undulation.

BANG.

The Bronco bucked again; but not in any protest this time. A tiny explosion had blown out behind them; but the wild winds nearly swept all the sound away in its entirety. However, Zack managed to catch it; as did Cloud and Cait Sith. All three spied the damage to rear end; one of the Bronco's tail flaps having been grazed by a volley of bullet-fire- Courtesy of Rufus, no doubt.

"FUCKING SHIT!" Cid screeched over all the chaos. "WE'RE GOING DOWN! HOLD ON TO YOUR BRITCHES AND DON'T PISS IN 'EM!"

Shera tried to keep the plane aloft; but the weight and flapping bits of tail proved all her efforts in vain. The Tiny Bronco kept on losing altitude; swinging and banking without any way of properly controlling its trajectory. Shera kept the stick in place as best as she could; only relenting just enough for the plane to carry itself towards the direction of the ocean.

"BRACE!" She shouted at the passengers.

The descent felt far too long and excruciating to experience; a terror unlike any other. However, the cracking rupture of water with the hardness of concrete made the inevitable end to their ride all the more unbearable. The wall of brine and blue splattered iron droplets across them all; Zack's sight blinking and blackening out. He felt his neck, back and tightly clenched teeth crack with the force; his grip on Shera's seat loosening.

The plane kept on going; its momentum carrying it a little ways across the surface of the ocean. With each wave it met, it slowed it down just a touch more; and eventually, the water won out against the tired engine. The Tiny Bronco came to a grinding, whining, pivoting halt; the vehicle spinning in place as the currents faced it in the near opposite direction. Just as it finally came to that jerking stop, there was a putter and groan; a grumbling cry that whimpered and moaned as sea-water infiltrated the plane's shell through various, tiny holes or imperfections along its length. The propeller spun for that one, final moment after the crash; and then gradually slowed to a complete and deadened stop.

Silence. Absolute, dreadful quietude befell the group; the winds whipping over the sea the only break in said hush. Waves lapped at the sides, smoke billowed from the tail, and the annoyingly bright afternoon sun bared its brightest blessing upon them; heat and humidity closely hugging their bodies.

The plane was thankfully buoyant to an extent; so they didn't have to worry about sinking this time around. That being said, Cid was the first to recover; fumbling over his footing as he carefully snaked his way past the secondary cock-pit and towards the tail. He eyed it for a few, solid minutes; all the while the rest of the group struggled to find their bearings.

Zack released his death-grip on Shera's seat and fell back, feeling his migraine return with a vengeance that nearly blind-sighted him. Cait Sith was still a wadded ball of raised fur in front of them with the additional appearance of looking like a decorative hood ornament; his claws still stuck to the cock-pit's lip. Shera fixed her glasses and slouched into Zack himself, unable to support her own weight. Aerith sighed somewhere behind him and ulped; struggling with surprise nausea. Cloud grunted an indecipherable slew of curses with no bite to them, groaning as he unstuck himself and the Buster Sword from Cid's freshly punctured seating.

Finally, Zack blinked off his advent headache and turned enough to face Cid, watching as the man planted his hands on his hips and whip around to face them all. He chewed on his lip in ponderous consternation, his expression rather calmly reflective. He said nothing initially, instead choosing that moment to drag out his pack of cigarettes from his aviator goggles and inspect them for any dry sticks. He found one, dug out a lighter from Minerva-knows-where, and took his sweet time in lighting it. He puffed rather contentedly; as if totally unconcerned for the circumstances they now all found themselves in.

And when he did find the moment to speak, it was in this one, dry, dead-pan, decisive sentence; well-worded and quite descriptive of their current situation:

"Well fucking shit-dipped pricks and dicks... its not even two in the god-damn afternoon and yet every single one of us here have ALL been royally, totally, completely, and anal-ly ass-fucked by Shinra every which way. This is just not our day now, is it?"

Aerith twitched; limpidly dragging herself part-way out of the cock-pit and off of Cloud's lap with all the dramatic, slow-mo grace of sea-sick slug- Just to throw her head over the side of the plane to vomit up every ounce of whatever she ate this morning.

Oh lookie. Trail mix, Zack jokingly thought to himself, unable to process what the Hell just happened. He slumped backwards until his head hit metal; his eyes slamming shut in fatigued ceremony as his adrenaline high wore off. He scrambled to pick up the pieces of his brain, finding breathing more difficult to perform unconsciously.

Man. He knew he's going to have to do a lot of explaining when he saw Cissnei again...

And he also knew, she wasn't going to ever let him out of her sight again.