"…it's important errands I need to take care of. I know if this came up out of the blue, but it needs attention." Cloud explains to the Head Master of the Swordsmanship class. "Yabiel, you have worked everyday since you came here. You could have left for months without saying a word. That's how much credibility and sick days you have. You can go, I'll take your class." reassures the Head Master. "Thanks."
After Cloud finishes his business, including reserving an airship ticket for Corel, he goes to the Inn to tell of his departure Elmyra. Locating the room specified by the Desk Clerk , he knocks at the door. She open and sees him attired battle gear.
"So your leaving." she assumes
"Yes, I have to. I can't sit and do nothing."
"I know dear. Your heart wouldn't let you."
"So do you need anything?"
"No, I leave tomorrow for Kalm."
"Well, people know me here. So if you need anything like food or potions, just mention my name. And that's Yabiel, By the way."
Both have a nice chuckle.
"Well, I'll hope to see you again?" Cloud asks
"Definitely." assures Elmyra. They both hug each other tenderly. Cloud whispers in her ear, "I Love You, too." "I know," she responds.
They let go and look into each others eye's once more and then they depart to their separate ways.
Exiting the Inn, Cloud walks to the parking lot. Various townspeople wave to him. " "Hey Yabiel" yells Masuna, the Potion Shop Manager.
"Where you going dressed like that?"
"Taking care of business back home" Cloud says.
"What, like family business?"
"You could say that."
"Wait a minute." says Masuna halting Cloud in his spot. He runs into the shop and retrieves a potion bag. "Here," throwing the bag to Cloud, "It can be a rough road, take that, free of charge." "Appreciate it, Masuna," thanks Cloud, as he stuffs the bag in one of his many pants pockets. Cloud proceeds then to go to his ride, The "Midgar Rose," a custom made motorcycle. Pure materia crystals fuels the vehicle. It's body frame looked as if it's chrome finish hadn't been properly done, still with a rough and unpolished surface. But it had a lone rose in the front which seemed to beautify the entire bike.
Cloud hops on the bike and puts the key in the ignition, revving the engine. Even though the situation was serious, he couldn't but feel the feeling of refreshment and liberation from the prison of seclusion. He now understood why willfully being alone is hazardous to a person's well-being. With the thought of alleviation on his mind, he slides on his sleek black sunglasses and blasts out of the parking lot like lightning bolt out of the sky. In an instant, he finds himself out of Nibelheim and into the vast regions of the area. Cloud can't help feeling inner peace as the crisp air crosses his face like silk. He knew for sure that he was doing what was right. After a brisk journey along the country, he made it to the Nibel Airship Station.
He checks his motorcycle with the baggage clerks but he is able to keep his Buster Sword because of being a licensed swordsman and with that, a standby keeper of the peace. Going up the stairs to the bridge, he finds an empty seat near the corner. Tired and weary from not sleeping the night before, Cloud takes off his sunglasses and rubs his eyes. He unhooks his sheath from his back and lays it by the seat next to him. In the middle of this, Cloud glances to the far end of the ship to notice a slender bearded man staring at him.
From what Cloud could see, the man wore a black suit. The only color besides that was his red tie, and his hair and beard were of medium length. Cloud reasoned from his outer appearance that he was a shady individual. To ensure the safety of the people boarding, Cloud decided to forfeit his chance to sleep and keep a close eye on the man. Once people filled the ship and all the cargo was stored, the ship took flight.
It raised to the proper altitude and sailed above the Lucrecia Cave. The holographic shields were put in place on the sides for the passengers seated on the bridge's safety. The captain made his announcement that it was now safe to unfasten their seatbelts and peer over the sides and enjoy the view. As people walks, and the sounds of awe and laughter were heard, Cloud remain alert to the man's presence. But after a while, Cloud's eyes got heavy. He found himself fighting the natural urge to sleep, doing occasional sleep nods. But during one of these nods, a loud boom was heard. That was followed by sudden jerk of the ship. Cloud's attention was immediately grabbed. People started to panicked.
"This is your captain speaking, We are experiencing interference of some sort, so we asked that you go to your seat, fasten your seatbelts , and wait till further instruction."
Cloud looked towards the direction of the black suited man to discover that he was absent from his seat. Another boom is heard, much louder than the first. Screams are heard, Mother's clutching their children, people frantically looking down below to locate the source of the boom. Cloud starts to have a bad feeling about the situation, he stands up out of his seat only to experience another violent jerk. It sends Cloud and his Buster Sword airborne . As Cloud's in midair, he sees the Buster Sword fly over the railing. Cloud's body is pummeled to the floor.
"We are dropping altitude to perform an emergency landing, Please stay in your seats!" The Captain says over the crackling speakers. Cloud slowly tries to get up, pushing his body up with his weak arms. As this is happening, the next and last jerk sends the airship pivoting to the right, with flames and smoke issuing from the left side. Cloud's body speedily rolls down the other end of the airship where it then hits the railing and falls off the side. Since the airship was trying to land quickly, the fall was short and painless. But Cloud, managing to get back on his feet, sees the airship aiming towards the ground. Faint screams are heard as its path with the land becomes closer. The inevitable happens, the ship crashes. Dirt rockets out of every direction as the ship pierces the earth . A face of horror forms on Cloud's face. He realizes now the torment that comes with the name of Cloud Strife.