Epilogue: A Change of Plan
The sudden shrill ringing of a phone snapped Commander Dolan out of his reverie, a daydream of sorts. Quickly grabbing the receiver and fumbling with it in the process, he managed to get a grip on it, and put the earpiece near him.
"Commander Coren Dolan, Fort Condor ASA, who is this?" He asked in calm manner.
"Coren," a familiar voice said, a little gruff, accompanied by smoker's cough.
"Cid! As I live and breathe, how are you?" Coren's face lit up in surprise.
"So far, I'm fine. But I call you on a matter of importance," he said grimly.
A look of intrigue crossed Coren's features. "I'm all ears."
"I picked up two of yours while flying today, out on the ocean some distance away. They looked like they'd taken some shit from Shinra."
Coren suddenly stopped in his tracks, locked.
His blood froze, and fear began to creep in. Forgetting the passing of time, he was brought back by Cid.
"Coren? Um…Coren, you there?"
Snapping back to reality, firmly, he said, "Did you manage to identify them?"
"Yeah, they were still conscious when I found them, a Nelo Dalen, and an Ifalna Atrius. Both looked like they were beaten up bad, both having gunshot wounds. I picked them up and flew them to my place in Rocket Town, where Shera's taking care of 'em. She's real good with stuff like that." Cid pulled himself away from the phone, but Coren could still hear Cid's yelling in the background, "Shera, get some more tea!"
Damn…of all possible times…
After a few seconds of yelling commands to his wife, he returned.
"I tell you, those two kids put up quite a fight. They beat that fuckin' chopper right out of the sky."
"Cid, I don't think I can thank you enough. Are they on the mend?" Coren asked, sounding fatherly.
"It looks like they'll be okay." Cid coughed again.
A wave of relief calmed Coren down. "Cid…how can I thank you?"
"Don't need to. Just happened to be in the neighborhood. Damn Shinra assholes, always causing trouble."
"I hear you. Well, thank you much. I'll send someone there immediately."
"Sorry I had to be the bearer of bad news, Coren."
"That's okay. You and Shera take care of those two in the meantime. Those are two of my best." Coren said, a note of command in his voice.
"Will do, friend." At that, Cid hung up. Slowly, Coren replaced the receiver and sat there for a second, thinking.
Damn Shinra! He pounded his fist to his desk. Realizing what he had to do, he picked up the phone once again and dialed some numbers. After a few rings, he heard a voice.
"Nibelhelm ASA, who is this?" a female voice said.
"Commander Coren Dalen of the Fort Condor ASA. May I speak with your C.O.?"
* * *
Raina stood by the chocobo stable adjacent to the inn proper, waiting for Jeini to arrive. The late afternoon sun was almost glaring down upon the tropical village, giving the village an "Isle Delfino" look. Even in the mid-afternoon, the streets were teeming with life, the same spectacle since the late morning. Even in the shade, her green uniform served as a space blanket, making her body feel like an oven. She stood next to the large bird, stroking its golden feathers soothingly. The chocobo seemed to let out a noise of comfort, a slight chirping sound. Next to the chocobo stood a small satchel containing some Gyshal Greens. She took a small handful of the green plant and fed the golden bird, and it seemed pleased.
She looked at her timepiece, sighing. She was still a few minutes early yet, but no sooner than she look back up did she see the figure of Jeini walking at a fast clip. Before Raina could speak, she began.
"Change of plans, Raina," she said quickly, untying her chocobo.
Raina began to do the same. "What do you mean?"
"We're not going to Nibelhelm. We're heading straight for Rocket Town."
"Why? What's--?"
Jeini raised a hand and cut in, mounting her chocobo. "Your two friends that were coming were attacked by a Shinra helicopter about 50 miles away from here. Both received bullet wounds."
Raina froze, and her facial expression changed from inquisitive to worry.
What?!
She mounted her chocobo, almost speechless for a quick sec until she remembered what she said next. "Is it…serious?"
"Not too serious. They're both resting under Cid Highwind's care in Rocket Town. They will definitely pull through. I was amazed that this Nelo took down a helicopter all by himself."
Nelo…Ifalna…what did Shinra do to you this time?! Don't worry, Nelo. I'm coming.
"No time to waste. Let's go," Jeini commanded, an Auron-like quality in her voice. She dug her heels into the sides of the chocobo, yelling a cry.
"Let's go, sweet bird," Raina whispered softly next to the animal's head.
As you wish.
Being careful as to not run over the inhabitants filling the streets, they both rode out of the city boundary, heading for some mountains looming in the distance. Taking one last quick look back, she saw once again the thriving city, the commotion of daily life. Somewhere in the sea of people, she recognized a figure dressed in a black coat, his long silver hair flowing behind him, his emerald eyes shining like beacons at sea, clearly looking at her.
We shall meet again soon…my dear Raina.
Indeed, we shall.
Author's note: STORY COMPLETED, YAY! Now that this story is finished, I will begin working on a Part 3 of this story, the title of which I have not come up with yet. I hope you have enjoyed this second episode of this. Once again, give me a review and let me know what you think!
--L. Loire