Chapter 9
The sunlight glinted off the Highwind as it glided above a mountain range. From the cockpit Elena could make out the shadow of the airship far below. She turned to regard Reno, who was lounging in a chair smoking leisurely. Behind him Rude stood glumly with his arms folded across his chest. She sighed inwardly and wondered if her partners thought she was still a greenhorn. Elena gestured for them to come closer.
"'sup?" inquired Reno as he flicked cigarette ash on the floor. Rude ambled over and hovered silently next to him.
"You guys remember the first rule of the Turks, right?" she asked.
"Never get personal about business," they chimed in unison.
"Good," she added, "But can you do that?"
"I'll do what I'm told," said Rude firmly.
"Yeah but," prompted Reno with a lopsided smirk.
"But my thoughts are my own," he replied grimly. Reno chuckled hollowly.
"He's a regular philosopher," he commented to Elena. She put her hands on her hips.
"He has a point," she said, "I think we're taking a big risk."
"It's for the future of humanity or some crap like that," said Reno as he leaned his chin on his hand.
"We're endangering the Planet all over again," she retorted, "Am I the only one who has a problem with this?" Reno blew a smoke ring.
"Better us than them," he stated.
"No, better them than us," corrected Rude. Reno frowned at the big man. They regarded each other in the awkward silence that was mercifully broken by the crackle of the radio.
"Come in Highwind," said Reeve's voice.
"Highwind here Mister President," said Elena as she flicked a switch on the console in front of her.
"Are you in position?" he asked.
"Nearly," said Reno.
"Be ready to commence operations," instructed Reeve.
"Yes Sir," said Rude.
"Deal with Valentine as you see fit," said the President, "But the girl must not be harmed."
"Understood Mister President," said Elena. She turned off the switch and looked at Reno who unsheathed his electroshock rod.
"Paybacks are a bitch," he muttered cheerfully.
Pandora's first conscious thought was how strong the breeze was in her face. She opened her eyes slowly and saw the ground far below her through a curtain of clouds. She looked over her shoulder to see Vincent carrying her aloft.
"Your wings," she murmured softly. He stared down at her with a look of eerie calm.
"They were a gift," he said plainly.
"What happened back there?" she asked breathlessly.
"You summoned her," he explained, "She rests inside a box only you can open." Pandora frowned in confusion then noticed the glowing white orb inset into the Angel Guard. She ran a fingertip lightly over the surface and smiled happily.
"Yes, it's her," she said warmly. They came closer to a ring of mountains surrounding a circular lake. It took Pandora a moment to recognize it from the air.
"The Waterfall Cave," she said.
"And the Highwind," added Vincent quietly. Pandora blinked and he nodded to a large cloud formation near the edge of the lake.
"They're waiting to ambush us," he added. Pandora clutched his arm fearfully.
"What should we do?" she asked.
"It does not matter," he replied. Vincent banked and dove toward the lake. He swooped down low over the surface of lake and coasted onto the rocky beach. After landing gently on the ground he released Pandora. She wobbled a little on her feet so he steadied her.
"Only the Ancients can call the Lifestream," he explained, "I can only sense the voice of Jenova." He reached out with his claws and lightly touched the surface of Holy. The tips of his claws glowed red hot and disintegrated. Small wisps of smoke drifted from his fingertips. Pandora's eyes widened in horror as Vincent leisurely inspected the damage.
"You were born to make this choice child," he said to her, "You hold our fate in your hands." She looked over at the waterfall for a while then back at him.
"I know what you want me to do," she said, "But what happens after that?"
"Whatever you wish," he responded quietly.
"I wish Aeris to live again in me," she said firmly. Vincent paled and took a step closer.
"But what about yourself?" he asked. She smiled up at him as a tear traced down her cheek.
"Everyone wants her to have back," she said trying to shrug it off, "No one would mourn me." Vincent leaned over and kissed her forehead gently. She reddened furiously.
"I would," he said earnestly. Pandora tried to speak but couldn't. He ran his claw through her hair.
"Forgive me my poor child," he whispered, "I am the one who brought you all this pain." She smiled bravely and shook her head.
"Don't say that," she said.
"I think I'm gonna puke!"
Pandora and Vincent turned to see Reno squatting by the shoreline. He stood up and skipped a rock across the water. Rude and Elena stood a few feet behind him.
"Nice wings," commented Rude appreciatively.
"You know why we're here," said Elena. Vincent nodded and slowly released Pandora.
"Open the box," ordered Vincent. Pandora glanced down at the Angel Guard.
"Don't do it!" protested Rude holding out his hand. She smiled and bowed to him.
"Thank you Mister Rude," she said politely, "You were always kind to me." She held up the Angel Guard above her head and light exploded out of it, blinding everyone. As their eyes adjusted to the glare they could see her hovering a few feet above the center of the lake, her hair streaming upwards. Rude ran into the surf but Vincent flapped over between them.
"Don't do this to her!" shouted Rude. Vincent smiled indulgently.
"She chose this path," he said reasonably, "I cannot let you interfere."
"What happened to you Boss?" demanded Elena. As if to answer, Vincent silently loaded materia into the slots on the Death Penalty. Apocalypse was held in the grips of his claws. He then closed his eyes and hovered expectantly. Sweat trickled down Reno's temple as he glanced at Elena and Rude uncertainly. Elena gestured for them to split up. Reno walked along the edge of the shore to Vincent's right and Rude went to his left. Reno waved the electroshock rod and a giant pyramid made of electricity rotated around Vincent's body. Rude punched into the ground and sent a spark of energy rocketing toward Vincent that hit him in the chest. He reeled in the air but did not fight back.
"Careful, he might be trying to berserk again boys!" warned Elena. Vincent opened his eyes and fired the Death Penalty at Elena, the force knocking her off her feet. He spun the gun and fired a second shot that sent Rude flying.
"Crap, he's got Double Cut!" yelled Reno. Vincent reloaded and pulled off two more shots in a row, both of which pummeled Reno.
"Well at least he didn't fully master it," commented Rude as he got up wearily. Elena cast an ice spell that caused spike of ice to shoot up and impale Vincent. He spat out black blood and began to laugh quietly.
"What the hell's so funny?" demanded Reno. They began to feel a rumbling of the earth under their feet. The white light in the center of the lake became more intense and the water began to rise, flooding the surrounding beaches. As the Turks beat a hasty retreat up the side of the mountain, a column of earth burst up from the lake and sped skyward. The light from the massive pillar illuminated Cloud and Tifa as they stood on a mountain peak overlooking the lake. The black and gold chocobos stood behind them.
"Damn!" exclaimed Cloud, "We're too late!" Tifa shook her head.
"There's still time!" she said. They ran down the mountain to shoreline. The earthquake nearly knocked them down. Cloud could barely make out Pandora's form in the center of the sphere of light on top of the column. The light began sending out shock waves that caused the surrounding mountains to crack and crumble. Enormous boulders broke free and tumbled down into the valley. The waterfall simply disintegrated under the force of the impact. Vincent's face betrayed relief as the Waterfall Cave was forever destroyed.
"At last," he said throwing the Death Penalty away. It plunged through the surface of the lake hardly making a ripple as it sank.
"Vincent!" shouted Cloud, his voice echoing across the lake. Vincent spun around and flew over, smiling strangely. Cloud watched him incredulously as he landed lightly on his feet.
"What have you done?" asked Tifa.
"Lucrecia is now one with the Lifestream," he said gesturing around him, "I am finally free." They followed his gaze to the remains of the mountains. Cloud drew the Ultima Weapon and leveled it at Vincent.
"Fine, you got you wish," he growled, "Now release Aeris!"
"Take my life and she's yours," said Vincent evenly.
"You want to die?" asked Cloud, "Why?"
"It would be doing me a favor," he said quietly.
"He wants to be with Lucrecia," said Tifa sadly. Cloud looked from her to Vincent.
"Forget it!" said Cloud defiantly. Vincent shook his head slowly.
"We may have missed the first reunion," he said quietly, "But we're the only ones in attendance this time." Vincent landed on the ground, his wings folding up on his back. He grimaced and put a hand over his face. Cloud's face contorted in pain as he put his hands on the sides of his head. Tifa looked between them.
"What's wrong?" she asked with concern. Vincent slumped onto his side as Cloud fell on one knee.
"Reunion," whispered Vincent and Cloud together. Vincent gritted his teeth as he raked his claws down his right arm drawing blood. Black bruises appeared on Cloud's face and arms. When Tifa touched one, she found it hot to the touch.
"Cloud!" she shouted, "Fight it!" He looked up at her with tears in the corners of his eyes.
"The cells are burning!" he gasped as he clutched his head.
"Even if we disown her, Jenova is still our mother," said Vincent painfully. They turned to see him standing again, the same bruises marring his skin. He opened his eyes and as he saw Tifa his claws began to tremble and rasp together.
"Lucrecia!" he barked, "Get away from him!" Tifa blinked incredulously.
"Where do you see her?" she asked in puzzlement. Cloud stood and gripped the hilt of his sword tightly as he gaped at Vincent.
"How many times do I have to kill you!" he screamed in disbelief.
"I freed her Professor!" retorted Vincent as he wielded Apocalypse, "I will not surrender her this time!"
"Wait!" protested Tifa grabbing Cloud's shoulder. He pushed her away.
"Sephiroth!" he shouted as he pointed his blade at Vincent, "I should have known you were behind this!"
"Your mindless babble will not save you Professor Hojo!" replied Vincent angrily.
"It's just an illusion!" yelled Tifa fearfully. Cloud lunged at Vincent and swung his sword, who barely dodged by flying upwards. He plunged on top of Cloud, driving him to the ground. Cloud rolled over and kicked Vincent off. He flew warily around Cloud then dove for a low attack. Cloud managed to parry the Apocalypse with the Ultima Weapon. He then slashed Vincent across the chest. Black blood flowed freely from the wound and hissed as it hit the ground.
"What happened to your blood?" demanded Cloud.
"I've been corrupted by your experiments Professor!" snapped Vincent, "But I can still save her from you!" Vincent drove the tip of his sword into Cloud's sword arm, making him gasp in pain. Cloud passed his sword to his good arm and slashed upward, severing Vincent's left wing with a single deft stroke. He spiraled to the ground and landed hard. Cloud ran over to him and drove his sword straight down. Vincent rolled to one side and cut into Cloud's knee. Cloud howled in pain and began tremble violently. Vincent's eyes lit up with understanding and he nodded sadly to Tifa.
"Farewell my Love," he said.
Cloud glowed with a red light and slashed Vincent dozens of times in quick succession. Vincent's body was pummeled each blow like a toy boat in a hurricane. Cloud jumped high in the air and raised the Ultima Weapon over his head. He brought the sword down and drove it home.
"No!" screamed Tifa. Cloud looked up as if waking out of a dream and saw Vincent impaled through the chest by the Ultima Weapon. Ebon blood seeped out of dozens of cuts across his arms and face. Vincent's claws loosened their grip on the hilt of Apocalypse, which was plunged into Cloud's shoulder.
"Vincent?" said Cloud in numb shock. Vincent opened his eyes and peered back at him quizzically.
"Cloud," he rasped, "Forgive me." Cloud began to notice the stinging wounds decorating his own body. His crimson blood flowed down his shoulder to freely mingle with Vincent's. Steam rose from the slowly growing puddle beneath their feet.
"Jenova!" said Cloud in frustration. Vincent let go of Apocalypse and put his arms around Cloud's shoulders. Cloud tried to pull his sword free but Vincent held him in a vice-like grip.
"Let go!" protested Cloud, "You'll die!"
"I enjoy seeing the life flow out of me," said Vincent weakly.
"Oh Vincent," said Tifa in tears. A red spike rose from the puddle beneath Cloud and Vincent. A second black spike rose next to it. Cloud though he was levitating for a moment then he looked down to see he was standing on the shoulder of a creature that was pulling itself free of the pool. It was twenty feet tall with splayed spikes decorating its shoulders under which tentacles dangled, serving as arms. It stood on three long prongs that resembled a skirt. The left side was black with red veins and the right side was red with black veins. An unnatural howl reverberated from a maw inset it its face as it reached up with its tentacles and pulled Vincent and Cloud apart. It carelessly dropped them on the ground like broken toys. Tifa raced over to Cloud. She cast a spell and white wind coursed through Cloud's body. He weakly peered up at the monster looming overhead.
"Jenova…but how?" he croaked. Nearby, Vincent feebly tried to sit up but slumped back to the ground.
"She was reborn out of our cells," he said, "We must destroy her."
"You're in no shape to fight," protested Tifa.
"There is a way," said Vincent, "But I'll regret it later." He gripped the hilt of the Ultima Weapon and buried it further into his chest, up to the hilt. He gasped in pain as he began to glow red. As the glow faded a tall muscular violet horned demon stood and unfolded crimson wings. It snarled as it pulled the sword free and contemptuously flung it aside.
"Chaos," whispered Cloud as Tifa pulled him to his feet. Chaos glanced arrogantly to the monster looming over him.
"You may be my mother, but I serve no one!" it spat. Jenova roared and pummeled him into the side of the pillar in the lake, cracking the stone behind it. Chaos started to fall but unfolded its wings and flew around and landed next to Cloud and Tifa. They watched it lick the blood off its fingertips.
"Chaos, will you help us?" asked Tifa uncertainly.
"I will destroy everything," said the ruby eyed demon, "But I'll begin with this bitch."
"Works for me," grunted Cloud as he pulled Apocalypse out of his shoulder and wielded it.
A small black cat perched on top of an oversized white moogle grinned fiercely as it watched the spectacle in the valley below. It whipped out a golden megaphone and threw the switch on the back.
"Time to fulfill your purpose!" it bellowed across the lake in a magnified voice, "Execute command Zero Prime!" Pandora opened her eyes and pointed the Angel Guard eastward and a column of energy began streaming out of the sphere toward the horizon. Cloud gaped up at Cait Sith.
"What are you doing?" he demanded. Cait Sith laughed as Cloud had to sidestep one of Jenova's tentacles.
"You've got bigger things to worry about!" replied the cat cheerfully, "Just leave the girl to me."
"I'll deal with the kitty litter later," growled Chaos. It waved a claw in the air and a red skull erupted underneath Jenova and spewed out small flaming skulls. Cait Sith smirked as it watched the Lifestream slowly flow eastward.
From his office window in Midgar, Reeve could look down the barrel of the Sister Ray. It seemed to be aiming for the sunset. Behind him technicians were finishing attaching the cables to a control panel on top of his desk.
"Oswald, it's begun," said Reeve quietly. The head technician looked at the President quizzically.
"How do you know Mister Prersident?" he inquired.
"I have my sources," he replied grimly.
"We're getting a power spike!" yelled a technician.
"Double check the connections!" ordered Oswald. A bright glow appeared on the horizon.
"All mako reactors online!" said a technician.
"Connections are secure!" shouted another. The column of energy streaked over the outer suburbs of Midgar and hit the Sister Ray square on the barrel. Green smoke vented out the sides of barrel as the Lifestream flowed down the giant tubes into the six mako reactors. They began burning furiously with ethereal mist rising from their smokestacks.
"C'mon!" coaxed Reeve, "Bring us your light!"
"Reactor 2 is overloading!" yelled a technician. Oswald reached for the override switch but a withering glance from Reeve stopped him. A brilliant flash of light illuminated the dusky sky as Reactor 2 exploded into a fireball, scattering debris all across Sector 2.
"Reactor 7 is overloading!" said another technician, "Wait, so it Reactor 4!"
"Hell, they're all critical!" shouted another.
"Let them burn!" ordered Reeve. The night air reverberated with screams of the panicked population as one reactor after another erupted in flames. Reeve slumped to his knees.
"Damn it!" he cried, "Why do all my dreams die like this?" As if to answer him the earth began to rumble far beneath them, making the Shinra building groan as it swayed back and forth.
"We're getting positive output from Zero Prime!" said Oswald elatedly, "We did it!" Reeve's head slumped down against his chest as he closed his eyes. He brought his hands together as the technicians looked on incredulously.
"Thank you, Planet, for hearing my plea," he prayed.
From the cockpit of the Tiny Bronco Cid stared in horror at the hellacious landscape of Midgar below, now illuminated by six skyscraper-sized bonfires along the outer edge.
"What the hell were those assholes thinking?" he stammered.
"Hell if I know!" grumbled Barret from the right wing.
"What should we do Jichan?" asked Yuffie from the left wing.
Before he could answer the entire city shook and vibrated. An enormous earthquake ripped around the outer perimeter, burying the city in an expanding wave of dust. Cid banked the plane and flew away from the city, trying to outrun the dust storm. Barret glanced back and grimaced.
"Can't you fly this bucket any faster?" he demanded.
"Not with you weighing it down!" countered Cid.
"What you trying to say?" demanded the big man shaking a fist.
"Guys, later!" pleaded Yuffie as the dust cloud overtook them. The plane veered wildly and tumbled.
"Hold onto to your britches!" shouted Cid. The Tiny Bronco managed to right itself and flew clear of the debris. As soon as they were back in the light of the sunset Yuffie gasped and pointed back toward the cloud.
"Guys!" she yelled. Barret and Cid saw the Shinra building slowly rise out of the center of the storm, like a volcanic upheaval. In front of it emerged the Sister Ray, still was drawing in the energy of the Lifestream.
"Are we sinking?" asked Barret.
"No, the whole goddamned city is rising!" shouted Cid. The villages on top of the plates slowly resolved into view. Beneath them the round outer edge of the city emerged. Below that appeared a series of flat stacked stone cylinders resembling an inverted pyramid. Huge pieces of metallic debris and soil feel loose from the newly exposed underside of Midgar, crashing onto the ground far below. An eerie white light poured in between slits on the ziggurat. They gaped in stunned awe at the spectacle.
Neo-Midgar had been born.