CHAPTER FIVE

"Flowers are like people, they grow up, and die, and they return to the planet

Aeris Gainsborough

(6 Months to the Nibelhiem Reactor Incident, and 1 ½ years till Final Fantasy)

It was a dark night in Midgar, with the emergence of Avalanche, the Terrorist group that is lead by Barret Wallace. Shinra has upped its security around all Shinra Installations, causing a great deal of paranoia, with it now causes people to look over their shoulders, due to the mass paranoia several people were exiled to the Slums below also, with the added security it caused housing prices soared to live on the plates, which it caused several low to mid range income families to relocate to the slums below. At fort Junon, Ian is once again that the Condor does not make a nest on top of the Fort.

"Alright ladies, this time is the last time this thing will try to make Fort Junon, home" said 1st Lt. McDiarmid.

"So, I guess we can finally kill this dam bird, sir?" asked Sgt. Kelly.

"You got that Right Sergeant" said 1st Lt. McDiarmid.

His squad starts to smile, and grab there rifles, and start getting them ready.

"We also have to keep out an eye for AVALANCE, Shinra Intel thinks that they will be making an attempt to get in our way if they do, we are allowed to stop them any means necessary" said 1st Lt. McDiarmid.

"So basically we can kill them, right one" said Sgt. Kelly.

A van approaches the Fort, and two members of the squad approach the jeep, one of them stands back, and has his rifle risen to cover the other one cautiously approach the driver side. The window rolls down to reveal a pretty girl with sunglasses in the driver position.

"Can I help you miss" asked the Solider.

"Yes you can, I was wondering how do you get to the Gold Saucer" asked the Woman.

"Uhmm, you have to go to Junon, and take a boat over to Costa Del Sol, then Drive to Corel Village, or at least what is left of it" said the Soldier.

"Oh I guess I must be going in the wrong direction then, sorry, by the way thanks" said the Girl.

The Van turns around, and starts to head off towards Junon, The soldiers turn around and start heading back to their posts, when Barret Grabs the both of them by the head, and knocks them both together, and which it causes them to fall to the ground knocked out.

"Simple as pie , c'mon Hicks we have to hurry Wedge will, have those charges placed, and I want to make sure those Shinra Bastards fail in there mission, if we pull this off then we get some 30,000 Gil each that way I can pay for Marlene's Education" said Barret.

"Right on Boss" said Hicks.

A few minutes later Ian sees the Condor, approaching the Fort, and a huge explosion happens, he looks over to the scene of the disturbance, and sees nothing but as the smoke, and dust clear he sees Barret pointing his new cybernetic assault rifle attachment, at him, and shoots several rounds. Ian ducks out of the way, and then returns fire. Barret starts to run, away then throws a grenade at the fort which explodes, and then sticks the middle finger at Ian.

"Come, and get me you Bitch" scream Barret.

"Sgt. Kelly take three men, and go after them, we will hold off the Condor" said 1st Lt McDiarmid.

"Yes, Sir" said Sgt Kelly.

Three men, start out of the Fort to pursue Barret, an explosion happens, causing them to be flung into the air, and badly wounded.

"Shit," Screamed 1st Lt. McDiarmid.

He scans the air, and notices the condor is getting closer; he picks up his rifle, and starts shooting at it. He turns on his headset, and starts ordering people to fire, but most of the squad is pinned down, with the explosions, and gun fire, that the condor lands on top of the Fort.

"FUCKING DAMMIT" Screamed 1st Lt. McDiarmid.

"Okay, Retreat, we have done our job" said Barret.

Just as the soldiers finally start to gain on Barret, a Van hits them, knocking them to the ground. Barret opens the rear cargo doors, and jumps in. He looks at the Driver, and then to the floor.

"Jessie, we need to pick up Wedge and Hicks" said Barret.

"Not, a Problem Barret" said Jessie

Jessie turns the Van around, and starts heading towards the Fort, which Wedge, and Hicks are trying to escape the massive shower of bullets, Jessie maneuvers the Van in between the soldiers, Wedge, and Hicks. The Bullets start to puncture the side of the van, but they jump quickly into the van, and Barret closes the Door, and Jessie hits the gas, and speeds away from the fort.

Ian takes of his helmet, and throws it to the ground

"Dam, those Fucking Bitches!" screamed 1st Lt. McDiarmid.

Six months later, after losing Fort Junon, which is now been renamed Fort Condor, by a group of individuals, that have sworn to protect the now nesting condor, and which AVALANCE has also decided to aid there cause. In the slums far below, AVALANCE is currently thinking about plans to hurt Shinra even more.

"Now that the heat is off, it is time for new offensive against Shinra" said Barret.

"Well, we could always try to disrupt the train, or even start to victimizing President Shinra," said Wedge.

Barret grabs Wedge, and throws Wedge against the wall, and a few minutes later Wedge picks himself off the ground.

"What did you do that for?" asked Wedge.

"Because we need the train, and it is hard to get near President Shinra" said Barret.

Jessie turns around from her computer, and looks at Wedge, Hicks, and Barret.

"Well, why don't we crash a wedding that is taking place for one Marlene Stannic; which according to this her family is an important player in the Shinra company also, Heidigger the all in important Head of the Peacekeeping Division, and Rufus President Shinra's son is attending." said Jessie.

"Yeah, I am sure that all the media outlets should be watching on that," said Hicks.

Barret strokes his face, and go tee, and has an unconvinced look on his face. Then he walks over to a seat, and sits down.

"I don't know if we should be crashing this party, I think it would work against us," said Barret.

"Put it this way, if we crash it, in front of Heidigger, and the Presidents Son, the world think that Shinra, is losing control" said Hicks.

"But it could back fire, on us, and then it could bring Shinra into the Slums, looking for us" said Barret.

"Well I have a friend at Cosmo Canyon, we could always hide out, there" said Wedge.

"True, we could do that," said Barret.

Meanwhile in the Sector 6 slums, a man dressed in a suit, accompanied by 1st Lt. McDiarmid Security Squad. They walk up to the house that is owned by the Late Major Alfred Gainsborough.

"What are we doing here?" asked 1st Lt. McDiarmid.

"We have to retrieve a person, are sources say that she is here" said Tseng.

"With all due respects sir, this is Major Gains borough's house," said 1st Lt. McDiarmid.

"We have our orders from Professor Hojo himself." said Tseng.

Tseng knocks on the door, a few minutes a 48-year-old woman, answers the door.

"Yes, Tseng" said the woman.

"We have to speak with Aeris, and you know what it is about" said Tseng.

"Well Tseng , we have been over these, over, and over again; she doesn't want to go with you" said Elmyra.

"Well, you know you can't protect her Elmyra, and when we finally capture her…." Said Tseng as 1st Lt. McDiarmid interprets him.

"With all due respects Tseng we should leave her alone, because of two reasons, One I served under her husband, and Two I served under her husband" said 1st Lt. McDiarmid.

Tseng, the squad, and Elmyra are completely stunned, and taken off guard to what 1st Lt. McDiarmid just said.

"What did you just say" said Tseng.

"You heard me Tseng, so let's just leave, this Aeris Girl has not done anything wrong so we should just leave her alone, until she does" said 1st Lt. McDiarmid.

"Let's get this straight, you think you can upstage me in front of your men, and get away with this I will have your commission for this" said Tseng with a annoyed tone in his voice.

"I put this way sir, that you have no jurisdiction, and you really have no authority, and Hojo, asking us to get this girl for what, an experiment" asked 1st Lt. McDiarmid.

"That is classified, Lieutenant McDiarmid" said Tseng.

"Well that is to bad, we should leave this poor woman alone" said 1st Lt. McDiarmid..

Three days later at a church that is in the Sector 3 upper plate, the day has finally come for Ian, and Marlene, they have just finished the ceremony, and now are celebrating their first day as man, and wife with a close personal Friends, relatives, and of course some Shinra big names. In a reception hall, they are sitting at the head table, with of course of Ian's Best man 1st Lt Knoxville, and Marlene's maid of honor, Jessica Larval. Ian gets up to the podium, dressed in his dress uniform, he begins to speak.

"I like to thank everyone to join Me, and my new loving wife Marlene, on this special day, I can not believe that I am standing here in front of all you on this special day" said Ian as he pauses.

"First of all I am glad that Vice President Shinra, and General Heidigger was able to attend, along with my Parents, and Marlene's Parents, and I do not begin to wonder if this person; I would say this person played the most important part; I don't want to even think about if this person didn't come along, and help us meet for the first time" said Ian as he smirked.

1st Lt. Knoxville begins to put his arms out in a show off way, and he takes a bow.

"Sorry, Jack I know you insisted that I go to Costa del Sol, but you can't take the credit on this one" said Ian as he starts to reach down, and it makes everyone curious to what he is doing.

A few minutes later, Ian produces a Beach ball, which looked like the one that landed on Ian on that faithful day. Everyone begins to laugh, and Heidigger belts out one his famous "horse laughs". "Gwahahahaha" which is interrupted by Rufus, which he slams his elbow into Heidigger's rib, which causes him to stop, and hold his side.

While this is happening AVALANCE gets into position Wedge Hicks, and Jessie, look at Barret, which he is readying his Gun arm.

"Okay after the Bride, and Groom have their first dance, Wedge will drop a couple of gas bombs; Hicks, and Jessie, I want you two spray paint Rufus, and Heidigger AVALANCE, and I will provide cover to anyone who tries anything" said Barret.

The Three nod in agreement, as they look down at the reception. The Spotlight beams onto Ian's Dad, which he is the MC of the Wedding. "I think it is time for Bride, and Groom to share their first dance, together"

Ian stands, then turns, and face Marlene, which he offers his, and which she takes it, and stands up, the couple start walking towards the dance floor, as they approach the band starts to get ready, as the world Renown Sunny Hilden begins to sing

"Get ready, we strike after this song," said Barret.

Wedge, Hicks, and Jessie nod in agreement.

Sunny Hilden begins to sing

There's magic in the air tonight, the moonlit stars are burning bright. Your face glows by the candlelight. It's all because tonight's the night. Now hold my hand and take this ring, as we unite in harmony.

We can begin to live the dream, the, dream that's meant for you and me.

To be together... For the first time in our lives, it's us together.

As married man and wife, we'll be together from now on, until death do us part, and even then I hope our heaven lasts forever.

Marlene, and Ian look into each other's eyes, and then Marlene Rests her head on Ian's Shoulder.

I promise to be always true. Until the very end with you, in good times and in bad times too, I know that we can make it through. As one united we'll be strong, because together we belong.

If I could sing to you a song, I'd sing of love that won't go wrong.

If we're together, we'll make a brand new life for us, together. As married man and wife, we'll be together from now on, until deaths do us part, and even then I hope our heaven lasts forever...

We'll stay together from now on, until deaths do us part, and even then I hope our heaven lasts forever. I know forever we will always be together

After, Sunny Hilden stops singing Ian, and Marlene, kiss for a bit, it is short one as that. Smashed windows, glass is thrown into the air, Ian covers Marlene on the Floor, as four people enter the reception hall, everyone scatters for cover. Unfortunately for AVALANCE, Shinra was prepared. Three Shinra Soldiers pull out there assault rifles, and start shooting at Wedge, and Hicks.

"Barret, There are prepared for us" shouted Wedge.

"I don't give a fuck, just throw the gas grenades" Screamed Barret.

Hicks, pulls the pin, and is about to throw the grenade, but Jack Knoxville tackles him, and the grenade goes behind Hicks, and explodes outside.

"Jessie, provide cover we are getting outta here" scream Barret.

Jack gets up, and sees Barret about to shoot at Ian, and Marlene.

"No you don't" said Jack as he pulls out his pistol, and fires at Barret.

The bullet hits Barret's shoulder, which he turns, and returns fire at Jack. Jack is hit with several rounds from Barret's Assault gun, causing him to fall to the ground. Ian gets up off of Marlene, and helps her to safety Ian turns, around and yells "PROTECT THE VICE PRESIDENT, AND GENERAL HEIDIGGER"

More Guards surround the two, but Rufus, pulls out a shotgun, and shoots, at Wedge. Wedge jumps out of the way, as the slug barely misses him.

"Holy Crap Barret, we got to get out of here, or we just might be killed," screamed Wedge.

"AVALANCE RETREAT WE HAVE TO GET OUT OF HERE!" Screamed Barret.

Barret, Wedge, and Hicks run back out of the window, that they smashed, and start to run down the street. Several Shinra Soldiers start to chase after them firing their assault weapons a van get in between them, the trio open the side, down, and jump in, but Wedge gets hit in the leg.

"Dammit, they got me," screamed Wedge.

"GO, GO, GO, Jessie," screamed Barret.

The Van burns out, before the Shinra Soldiers get to them, and they disappear into the night.

"Control, put all Sectors on High Alert, A white Van is heading north, unable to get the license plate" said a Soldier into his radio

"Roger, that" said Control.

Ian runs up to Jack, which several medics are tending his wounds. Ian grabs his hand.

"Hang in there buddy" said Jack.

"Do not worry about me Ian, it is funny, I never thought I would go out this way, saving your sorry butt" Jack laughs, which causes him pain.

"Well, when you get out of the hospital, Jack you owe me one" said Ian.

"Sorry, buddy I do not think I will be able to collect, on that one" said Jack.

Several minutes later, Jack dies, and Ian grabs his body, and looks up at the ceiling.

"I will avenge your death" Screamed Ian, as he starts to cry.

Marlene walks over to Ian, and kneels down; Ian lets go of Jack, and hugs his wife. Rufus walks over to him. Looks at Ian, and Marlene.

"He was credit to Shinra, 1st Lt. McDiarmid, I offer my condolences on your lost of your friend, I am sure we will find the people responsible for this terrible incident especially on your wedding night." Said Rufus.

Ian looks up at Rufus, with a face full of rage.

"Then put me in charge of the Security Forces then I will personally hunt them down" said Ian.

"That would be a good Idea, but you should spend at least some time with your wife, Captain McDiarmid, then when you get back you can hunt them down like dogs all you want" said Rufus.

"Yes, sir, and thanks for my promotion sir, I will track every member of Avalanche, and kill them myself, and bring their head to you sir" said Ian.

Rufus smirks, nods in agreement.

"Captain McDiarmid, make sure you have fun, and Marlene make sure, he enjoys the honeymoon, the two of you can use the Shinra Mansion in Nibelheim, it is a quiet town, and the view from Mt. Nibelheim is breath taking, but right now Sephiroth, and a squad of soldiers are taking care of a Nasty problem, that has arose around the reactor" said Rufus.

"So, basically we should just wait until the all clear is given," said Ian.

"In the mean time you should stay at the Gold Saucer, I am sure it will be cleared up" said Rufus.

"Thank you Rufus, and now hard feelings" said Marlene.

"I am glad you found somebody Marlene" said Rufus.

Few days Later At the Gold Saucer, Marlene, and Ian are enjoying there time together, a soldier runs up to Ian.

"Excuse me Capt. McDiarmid," said the Soldier.

"Yes what is it?" asked Ian.

"A group of Shinra Squad is chasing the two deserters that have fled from Nibelheim, possibly the ones responsible of burning the town to the ground, and killing the inhabitants, and we need a hand" said the soldier.

"Go, Ian it could be Avalanche" said Marlene.

"Thanks, Marlene" said Ian as he kissed her good-bye.

Within thirty minutes, a buggy speeds off towards the last location of the traitor's position, and meets up with the main squad. The squad disembarks the Buggy, and Capt. McDiarmid approaches the makeshift command post. He enters the Command Post. He sees a somewhat familiar face.

"Capt. Franklin?" said Ian, as he Salutes him.

"You are fifty percent correct, I am a Lt. Col., now" said Lt. Col Franklin.

"Captain Ian McDiarmid, with a small squad to help you out, Sir" reported Ian,

"Very good, I see you have done rather well for yourself son," said Lt. Col. Franklin.

"Sir, thank you sir, we should try to head into the canyon" said Ian.

"You are right they probably have hidden in the cliffs, good thinking Capt." Said Lt. Col. Franklin.

A few hours a huge squad of Shinra Soldiers start making there way through the cliffs, of Mt. Corel. Two people Zack, and Cloud strife are hiding from the semi large force that is sent to find, and bring them in.

"Cloud, get out of here, while you have the chance" said Zack.

"No way I am not leaving you behind, Zack" said Cloud.

As Cloud starts to pick up Zack, several rocks crumble underneath his foot, and fall off the cliff, and which hits a soldier on his head

"Hey, what the hell?" said the confused solider, as he looks up.

He looks at a soldier that is three people ahead of him

"Hey, Bronson could see, anything up there from you vantage point," asked the soldier.

"Let me see," responded Bronson.

Bronson looks up, and sees something, and then he sees Cloud moving Zack.

"HALT, TRAITORS" screamed Bronson.

Cloud drops Zack, and picks up the Assault Rifle, and shoots at the Soldiers. Only a couple manage to get to cover, but three people are killed as the bullets ripped through their bodies.

Lt. Col Franklin, and Capt. McDiarmid, hears the gunshots, and start to run back. Just as Ian turns the Corner, Cloud turns around, and sets up Ian in his sight, Lt. Col Franklin pushes him out of the way, taking the burst in the chest. Ian turns around, and sees Lt. Col. Franklin, drop to the ground dead.

"No, not again, all troops fire at will!" screamed Ian.

The huge amounts of bullets hitting the cliffs, kicks up dust, and provide Cloud with an excellent cover to escape.

Days later Ian, and Marlene return to Midgar, he sits in his new home, with his wife. Trying to figure out what happened in a matter of days his best friend killed, and his First Commanding Officer died. He thinks about his future with Marlene, he puts his grieving behind him, and thinks of the future with the woman he loves.