In Which We Find Our Immortality
Chapter 11: Escaping
Collin entered his room and sat down heavily on the bed. The mattress bounced beneath his weight. Why did you do that? he asked himself, displeased with the scene that had taken place. Don't you want to help him? Sometimes being harsh is beset, but that was way too much. What were you thinking?
"Collin?" Samantha poked her head inside, then stepped through the door. She was still in her pajamas, her blond hair tied up in a pony tail. "Are you okay?"
He sighed in frustration. "I don't know," he admitted, drawing a hand over his face. "That was so stupid of me. I don't know want to piss him off. I just…I just wanted to…."
"A nicer tone would have helped," his sister conceded. She took a seat beside him on the bed's edge. "What you said about his wife—your mom—wasn't a good idea, either."
His heart trembled a bit. "You heard all that?"
"Yup. Elly and I were in the living room, watching TV with Cloud when they came."
Collin shook his head slowly; he knew it was a mistake. "I don't know what came over me. Whenever I'm with him I just…I don't know, freak out."
Samantha touched his head. "Look at your hair," she advised.
"Huh?" He crossed to his mirror and examined his hair; it had lightened several shades, and was now snow white. "What? How…."
"The SOLDIER had silver hair," she reminded, as if trying to lead him toward a conclusion.
Collin looked himself over. The lighter hair, the intense, almost glowing tint of his eyes—he did resemble Sephiroth. "Mom said that Jenova responds to me," he said, turning back. "Am…I really acting like…like Sephiroth?"
"I'm not sure. But, yeah, kind of. As far as I know." Samantha smiled grimly. "And remember, Cloud thinks you are, and you're connected."
"The more he thinks I'm Sephiroth, the more I think I'm Sephiroth." He sighed, finally comprehending. "And the more I think I'm Sephiroth, the more I become like him. Which makes him suspect me even more. We're going in circles."
"Yeah."
Collin glanced at the mirror once more and shivered. He wasn't Sephiroth—how could he be? He was simply reacting to Cloud, and his own foolish fears. Spending more time in his father's presence would only make matters worse. He needed to figure out Jenova on his own, and quickly.
"Tess. Where's Tess?" If anyone would be able to help him figure this out, Tess would. Not only was she a friend, but the closest thing to a Sephiroth expert.
"Dunno. She left the theater after you…stopped freaking." Her expression became thoughtful. "You think she can help?"
I hope she can. "Cloud can't," he replied. "Mom, Dad, and Marlene are too serious to be open-minded. I can't reject Jenova—if Cloud's right and it can't be removed, I'll have to find a way to live with it."
"And Vincent's been acting moody lately," his sister mused. "I don't think he's even learned to live with it, really. That claw of his…."
Collin nodded. "I never asked, but he must have a lot of things in his past. No offence, but I don't know if you guys will be any help, either."
Samantha smiled with understanding. "Yeah, no kidding." The expression faded quickly, however. "What about the Dragons?"
"Maybe I can prove that I'm not a threat, somehow." After all, they never bothered with me or Vincent before."
"Yeah, maybe."
"Hey, don't look so down." Collin offered her a grin. "Tess will be able to help. But just in case, I'll get away from the city for a while. And don't say a thing," he went on as she opened her mouth. "If I bring anyone, I'll just get them in trouble."
The girl sighed, but then smiled. "I guess it can't be helped," she said. He knew she'd understand his reasoning—if there was one thing they had in common, it was logic. "But you'd better go quick, before Mom and Dad decide for themselves what to do."
"Thanks." Collin gave her a quick hug, hoping he would not regret his decision. Quickly he prepared himself, then followed Samantha into the room she shared with her sisters. A tree had grown too close to the house, and it was just enough for someone to climb down from. He would be able to sneak out without anyone seeing.
"Be careful," Samantha advised once he'd reached the ground. "Good luck."
He nodded, waving one last time before setting out. The trip didn't take him very long—Tess's house was within ten minutes of his on foot. He did his best to avoid the houses of people he knew, and stay out of sight, just in case. As an extra precaution he went to Tess's back door and knocked.
For a while there was no answer. Only then did Collin remember how early it was: not even eight in the morning. He was about to circle to the front when the door was opened. But it wasn't Tess; it was Alex Tennyson, the junior who'd been helping Tess with her piece. Collin stared, startled and distraught. What is he doing here?
"Collin?" Alex gaped, then managed to pull himself together. "Shit, man, are you all right?" He turned inside. "Hey! Tess! It's him!"
An exhausted, half asleep Tess came to the door. Her eyes were red, accented by dark circles—she hadn't even shed her costume from the day before. When she saw Collin, her eyes flooded with tears and she flung her arms around him. "Oh my god! Are you okay? I was so worried." She hugged him tightly, nearly stopping the boy's heart in his chest with the contact. "I'm sorry—so, so sorry. I didn't…I mean, I never…."
Collin stood rigid as she cried into his shoulder, at a loss for words or response. After a moment he collected his senses enough to hug her back. He couldn't help but smile, enjoying the feel of her small body next to his. He knew already that he'd made the right decision.
Rajiel and Amber entered his line of vision then, their expressions relieved and joyful. He frowned; Alex wore a similar look. Why had they all been so concerned? They weren't his friends; he thought that by now they'd be terrified of him.
"Tess, it's okay." Though Collin would have liked to keep the girl with him longer, he didn't want her to cry. Gently he eased her back. "Don't cry—it's not your fault, and I'm fine. See?"
Tess untangled herself from him. She wiped her eyes and looked to make sure for herself. When she saw that he appeared to be all right, she sighed with relief. "Thank God. When I saw you…I thought…I didn't know what to think. What happened?"
"I'll explain," he promised, "but not now, and not here. I need to get away from the city."
"The city's in lockdown," Alex said, reminding Collin of his presence. "Ever since Vandalee, remember?":
"There's a park near East Boundary," offered Tess.
Collin frowned thoughtfully. "But you don't think I can get out of the city?"
The junior shook his head. "No, they really guard it well. The park's the closest you'll get."
"Just let me get cleaned up, and I'll show you." Tess turned and started back inside. "You can wait in here. I'll be quick."
Collin hesitated before entering. He'd never been in Tess's house, or any girl's house since the birthday parties when he was seven. He felt as if he should take off his shoes, and treat everything with the utmost respect. He noted with some resentment that Alex seemed perfectly comfortable. Doubtlessly he'd been here several times before.
As Tess headed down a back hall, her friends began to tidy up the living room. Collin was puzzled by the empty candy wrappers, books, magazines, and encyclopedias that covered every table and some floor space. There were also some blankets out. "Were you here all night?"
"You bet'cha," Amber replied. Now that he was paying attention, she looked very tired herself. And Rajiel was casting him strange glances, as if not sure what to make of him. They had seen a part of him before he even knew of its existence, and they knew what he was.
Alex put his hand on the boy's shoulder. His hazel eyes were serious and grim. "Collin," he said in a husky voice, "you don't know what she's gone through. For you. She's a great girl."
Collin nodded, wondering what his intentions were. "Yeah."
"That's why I don't wanna see her get hurt. You're in some kind of real trouble, aren't you?"
"…Yeah. A lot."
Alex's frown deepened. "Thought so. Hell, it's obvious. But like I said, Tess is a good girl and has a lot ahead of her. Don't ask her to do anything dangerous, you hear me?"
He nodded. Though even being near Tess was dangerous, she was the only one who could help him now. And if he didn't get help, the entire city would be in danger. There was no other way. Alex wouldn't understand that.
"Good." Alex clapped him on the back. "Help us pick this stuff up. When Tess's ready, we'll head for the park."
Cid was still pacing. Vincent was at the table, still staring at his left arm as if expecting it to move of its own accord. Shera and Marlene sat with him, exchanging worried glances and fidgeting. The girls were in the living room watching TV. Half an hour had passed since Collin's retreat to the upstairs, and only Cloud realized that the boy was now gone. He stood at the window, arms crossed and gaze distant, planning what he would do.
"He was right about one thing, damn him," Cid muttered as he paced. "We should get him away from the city. No need taking chances."
"But the Dragons…" his wife murmured. "How can we stop them without the city to protect us?"
"I don't think the damn city can protect us."
Cloud snorted barely at their ignorance. They couldn't stop Dragons. There was only one way to end this once and for all, and that was to eliminate the threat.
To kill the boy.
"Mom! Dad!" Elly called from the next room. "The President is on TV!"
Everyone herded into the living room—even Cloud took up a position by the entrance, just close enough to hear what was being said. Sure enough, Cassandra Matthews was on the screen, dressed in her formal navy dress-suit with her hair braided down her back.
"Good morning, people of Rocket City," the president began. "Today I come before you with tidings of the gravest of circumstances. Our great city is in peril. Those of you that heard the report last night already know; Collin Strife, also knows as high school freshman Collin Highwind, has been identified as a carrier of the alien Jenova."
"F—k," Cid spat, jabbing his cigarette into the nearest ashtray. "That damn betraying bitch."
"Already soldiers have been mobilized to apprehend the boy and his father, Cloud Strife, so that the alien can be removed and destroyed. Our scientists speculate that it is the presence of these two that draws the Clan Griffins toward Rocket City. Furthermore, several Nibelheim Dragons have been reported as being active. Though they are not currently a threat, unless we can obtain Cloud and Collin Strife, all of us may be in danger.
"I as that all residences stay in their homes until this emergency has passed. I assure you that the matter is well in hand, and urge you not to panic. This will all be settled before the day is out."
A follow-up report came after the president's image had vanished from the screen. So, they're taking it into their own hands, Cloud thought to himself, beginning to exit the room. I don't have much time.
"Where the f—k do you think you're going?"
Cloud stopped in mid-stride. Slowly he turned to meet Cid's heavy glare. "To find him before they do," he replied stiffly.
Shera's head snapped up. "What do you mean?" she asked fearfully. "He's…in his room. Isn't he…?"
"Not likely." Before she could demand an explanation, someone was pounding on the front door. It was forced open without waiting for an answer. Broddick Matthews stood in the opening, a long hunting rifle leaning against his shoulder. Behind him were several Phoenix Lattice Soldiers, each dressed in trim navy uniforms with similar weapons. They marched inside, and began searching the rooms.
"Hey—what the hell's the meaning of this?" Cid fairly shouted. "Who do you—"
"We gave you a chance, Mr. Highwind," Broddick sneered, leveling his rifle at the man. "Kindly step aside now as we do things our way."
The older man bristled. "Like hell. Get out of my house!"
Cloud held up his hand for silence; the gesture earned him three rifle barrels aimed at his head. He gave them no notice. "Matthews," he stated quietly. "Leave these people alone. They'd don't have Jenova. The boy is gone, so you have no business here."
"Gone?" Cid repeated. "What the f—k do you mean, 'gone'?"
"He left earlier. I could tell." The blond man remained still despite several pairs of glaring eyes. "He's gone toward the edge of the city, I think. Why, I don't know. But you might as well let me handle it. I'm the only one who can."
Broddick eyed him suspiciously. "And why is that?"
Cloud blinked slowly, and calmly replied, "Because he is my son."
"I was asked to bring you in as well." His sharp gaze flickered to the living room. Vincent shifted nervously under the man's focus. "And I'd love for Valentine to make a move. I've had my eye on him for a long time."
"Now listen here," Cid began, putting himself in Broddick's face. Their heights were equal, and though the latter was the bulkier of the pair, the captain overpowered him with sheer presence and volume. "You're not going to lay one goddamned finger on anyone in this house, you hear me?"
"I'll do whatever is necessary."
Someone tugged on Vincent's sleeve as the two began to argue. "I know where he went," she whispered. "Can you help him, Vincent?"
Vincent frowned, noting their situation. If there were more soldiers patrolling the city—or even townspeople—then Collin would be in considerable danger. Even if it meant taking the boy away from Rocket City, they had to get him away from Cassandra's men.
"Tell me," he whispered, kneeling beside her. "We'll find him."
Cloud glanced at Vincent and Samantha out the corner of his eyes. She's telling him something. She knows. He scowled, feeling the need to escape this place and begin his search. There wasn't enough time for them to be wasting it arguing. Soon there would be no city, let alone scientists to study the boy with. It was up to him to take care of things.
Vincent caught his eye. The gaze was a signal—he remembered that look from the days when they were a team. The nostalgia momentarily threatened to loosen his concentration, but he held firm. Vincent was going to try something.
"Cloud." The whispered voice was Marlene's, just behind him. Her tone was pleading, and it caused him to realize their plan. They were splitting up. From the looks of it, Vincent intended to take the three children, and Marlene was to go with him. Cloud frowned, not pleased with the thought of being slowed down. But in the same he remembered her as a young girl; she trusted him, and was quick and intelligent. More than that, he felt a bit responsible toward her.
Cid doesn't realize. But he will soon enough. Cloud reached into his pocket, his hand closing around a palm-sized sphere that he always kept with him: a barrier materia. He hoped its waning power would be enough to keep the soldiers' bullets from them.
A rifle barrel tapped his arm. Cloud looked, his expression bored, at the soldier who was threatening him. "Take your hand out of your pocket," he instructed. "Slowly."
"If you say so." Cloud removed his hand, still holding the materia, and cast the spell. Cid, Shera, and himself were immediately surrounded by a dull silver barrier. At the same time Cloud warpped his arm around Marlene's waist, knocking the soldier down with his other hand. As he bolted for the window of the living room, he caught a glance of Vincent, a child in each arm and another clinging to his neck, racing for the back exit. For a moment Cid only stared, dumbfounded; when the gunfire started he snatched his wife by the arm and bolted for the front door. With the force of the barrier as his aid he was able to knock several officers out of his way, escaping into the street.
The old man still has some left, Cloud thought to himself. He spun, leaping backwards into the large living-room window. Marlene yelped as the glass shattered about them, and they landed outside with a thud. She was still regaining her breath when Cloud hauled her to her feet and kept running. He whistled high and long.
From around the front of the house came the violet chocobo Nu, the concealed weapon Collin had noted earlier strapped to her back. Cloud quickly untied the item, and pushed Marlene onto the bird's back in its place. Just as more soldiers began to advance he climbed on behind her and spurred the mount on. Nu obeyed without qualms despite the extra weight, taking them swiftly away from the house at a speed no man could hope to match.
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