A/N: Here be Chapter 5! This chapter is when things start to take off from the ground… FULL THROTTLE! In other words, things tend to happen in the most… unexpected times ever. Heh… ignore the rocket crack. I thought I had something. In fact, ignore everything. :cough:
Summary: After their final good-byes, everyone heads out to the Gold Saucer… via the Highwind. However, Cloud decides to stay behind, as an "evil force" has finally made contact to Cloud. (dinky summary… sorry.)
Disclaimer: All FF7 characters belong to SquareSoft people. However, the spooky statue ghost woman and her two dragons belong to me. :points:
Silent Wind
Chapter 5
Contact
"All set for the journey of your lives, men?"
"Yes, Captain!"
"You are in great risk, yet you're still willing to do what I say?"
"Yes, Captain!"
"TO THE GOLD SAUCER!"
Cid pointed upwards in a victory pose while his pilot members gave him a confused look. He looked at his crew as he shook his pointer finger in the air rapidly. Everyone blinked. Cid grunted and pouted at his useless crew.
"What?"
"The… Gold Saucer, Captain?"
"Damn right!"
"What about the rest of your friends? You're not bringing them along?"
"… they can walk! They got legs!"
"Captain!" the crew whined.
"Our duty is to bring you guys to the destination of your choosing. We won't feel good about ourselves if we only… bring you," the crew member ducked, realizing what he just said.
Cid sighed and bopped him lightly on the head. "Ah, damn you. Alright, alright… fine. Let's find those morons."
The crew saluted. "Yes, Captain!"
As they made their way inside the Highwind, Cid glanced back to Shera's house and spotted her image from one of the windows. He grinned and waved at her as she did the same also.
"Shera! Be sure the Tiny Bronco's finished by the time I return!"
Shera opened the window and stuck her head out. "Yes, Captain!"
With one finally glance to each other, Cid ran inside the Highwind as it took off towards the sky. Shera watched until the Highwind disappeared into the clouds.
"Good luck, my Captain."
A golden claw struck against an old tree as it fell hard on the ground. Quickly taking out his pistol, Vincent randomly shot things around him, shooting innocent animals as he did. He grunted as he fell to his knees, grabbing his head.
"Heh, still the same ol' Vincent, huh?" a deep voice said, causing Vincent to widen his eyes.
"I thought I was through with you, Chaos."
"For that time. But now, things have been going on without me knowing."
"Nothing has been happening," he growled. "Go to hell."
Chaos laughed. "I'll be taking you as well."
Silence filled the air for what seemed like an eternity. Only the sounds of Vincent's constant panting was heard as he slowly stood up, ignoring the burning sensation flowing throughout his body. Chaos continued.
"You knew what Cloud said was true. What brought to you such denial?"
"…"
"The fact that you're actually… afraid? Like… before?"
Vincent turned his head away, like Chaos was right next to him breathing in his face. "... I'm never afraid."
"Yeah, sure," Chaos snickered. "So, what are you gonna do? Hide in your little coffin for another thirty years, hoping that all this will pass so you won't have to deal with it anymore?"
"Be QUIET," the gunman hissed as he collided his right hand against another tree. "That's NOT it!"
"Then what? I know something's bothering you."
Vincent remained silent as he stared at the rising sun making its way through the tall trees of the forest. He didn't want to admit it, but something really was bothering him. Not just the fact that the whole world might be in danger, but he didn't want anything to remind him of what happened in the past again. Not only had Vincent been living in solitude and studying the planet for those six months, he was trying to forget about the past and wanted to concentrate on reality. However, Lucrecia's image still haunts Vincent's mind. As much as he wanted to forget, he couldn't find the heart to do so.
"Hah, you are afraid!" Chaos grinned, causing Vincent to turn away with a slight blush planted on his cheek. "Glad you have me to read your mind and admit things out loud, huh? And to think that you were such a mysterious person."
"…"
"Hey, I had to come back. You know that… 'cause I can r-"
Chaos stopped as the trees swayed in all directions, creating an ear-splitting noise that roared loudly in Vincent's ear. An airship suddenly appeared, blocking out the sun that had been glowing brightly. Vincent looked up and widened his eyes.
"… the Highwind?"
"Ooooiiiiiii!" Cid yelled as a rope ladder rolled down next to Vincent. "Damn! Took me forever to find you! Get on!"
The gunman backed up and hesitated for a moment.
"The crap! Grab the fricken rope already! Or do I have to lecture you again?" Chaos scolded him.
"Then what?"
"… well, you won't know 'til you get on!"
Finally coming to his senses, Vincent grinned and grabbed onto the rope as Cid gave the signal to start lifting off. Despite Vincent and his countless thoughts running throughout his head, he felt that his friends could need his help. After all, there wasn't anyone in the group who could easily hit its target dead on with a gun. Now was the time to leave the past behind… and concentrate on reality.
The door to the Seventh Heaven slammed shut as a sign that read, 'On Vacation' in big bold letters, swung around on the doorknob. Countless people who visit the bar frequently arrived and were already wondering why it was closed to suddenly. Tifa, who wanted to avoid any conflicts that should arise, snuck out in the back of the bar and quickly made her way out of the Sector Seven slums. Since she rarely ever went out of Sector Seven, she could barely recognize Midgar now, as it had been under construction for a while now.
Earlier, Tifa received a call from Cid, telling her that the Highwind was coming to pick her up. She rested on the steps of the train station and awaited her ride. With thoughts of Cloud and what he said earlier to her, made her really concerned. 'Is the planet in trouble again? Or… is there something bothering you?' Tifa sighed, regretting not asking Cloud what was bothering him. But just by Cloud's serious toned voice, she had a feeling something was definitely bothering him… but did he have to resort to bringing his friends along? Tifa folded her hands neatly on her lap.
"… is it that bad?"
Before she could finish her thought, the Highwind suddenly appeared as a rope ladder rolled down next to her. Leaving her thoughts behind, she quickly grabbed the ladder and climbed up as the airship flew away.
"Hey pops! I'm leavin' ya so… bye!"
"HOLD IT, MISSY!"
Yuffie stopped and peeked her head inside her father's room. "What?" she whined.
Her father got up from his futon and slowly made his way to his daughter. "One final battle, hm?"
The ninja lifted an eyebrow and pouted. "Oh.. NOW you wanna battle me."
"… yes."
"Ugh," Yuffie sighed. "As much as I want to, I can't waste my precious time fighting you. My friends need me. That's more important than beating up my old man."
Her father snickered at that and patted his daughter's head. "Still the cocky little girl I raised, huh?"
Yuffie swiped his hand away and jumped out of the room. "Gah! I may be cocky, but I'm not little anymore!"
"Of course," he smiled.
Before Yuffie walked away, she tilted her head and pouted. "BUT, when I come back, I'll be glad to kick your ass anytime!"
The Highwind had already arrived for Barret, however, it was hard for him to leave Marlene again. As much as he wanted to stay with her, Marlene always found a way to comfort him and tell him that it was all right. She had confidence in her papa that he would safely make it back.
After one final hug, Barret headed towards the Highwind, glancing back at his daughter. With no tears shed, Marlene smiled and waved back with hope and confidence expressed in her eyes. Her papa nodded as he did the same. They both kept an eye on each other until they couldn't see each other anymore.
A woman, who was held responsible to take care of Marlene, appeared behind her.
"He'll be okay."
"… I know," Marlene said before bowing her head to hide her tears. "Before I know it, he'll be back."
"… that dream… it wasn't…" Cloud hesitated, not quite sure what to say.
Red XIII sat by his side and leaned forward. "Just tell me, Cloud."
He sighed and looked at Red with an unsure look upon his face. "It's strange but, this has nothing to do with us. But… somehow… it does."
"… okay… you lost me."
"I don't quite understand it myself, but, it has something to do with Sephiroth's memories, I think. It's some sort of message and… someone's out there looking for him."
Red leaned back. "Who is?"
"… that 'evil force.'"
"OHO! Cloud's up already?"
Both Cloud and Red jumped back by the sudden voice from Bugenhagen. He snickers as Cloud gave him a 'do that again and I'll kill you,' look.
"What's up, grandpa?" Red asked, walking towards him.
"It appears an airship has stumbled upon our little canyon."
"… Cid?"
"Righty-o! They're a waitin' for you guys."
Just when Red was about to go, he stopped to look back at Cloud who was now sitting up. "Cloud, you're coming?"
"Oh," he looked back. "Not yet. I'll meet you guys at the Gold Saucer when I'm ready."
"You sure? It's a pretty long way from here."
"I'll be fine."
With that said, Red said his final good-bye's to Bugenhagen and headed straight for the airship. Cloud watched until the ship flew high above the clouds. Bugenhagen appeared behind Cloud and sighed.
"Anything?"
Cloud's eyes dilated for a second as he whispered out the words, "… where is she?"
A/N: End of Chapter 5! … this chapter felt long. Was it long? It had to be. Nya, almost had a little writers block going on. I rushed through some parts. :sighs: I'm so slow. We're not getting anywhere with this story are we? They didn't even reach Gold Saucer yet. :grunts: Slowpoke me… But never fear! Chapter 6, everyone'll be at the Gold Saucer. I guarantee it. :prays: Pwease? Anyways, hope you enjoyed this ridiculously long chapter and please leave ze review!