Crescendos of screams filled the air as the Highwind pulled closer to Midgar. Mako blue eyes instantly grew concerned as tendrils of black smoke congregated over the city, forming an endless vast of acrid fumes. The clouds were so dark that Cloud could barely see beyond a few feet. All he could hear were rapid fires of machine guns and the sound of destruction merged with cries of help. He slammed a single fist on the railing of the airship, causing the whole front panel to rattle dangerously.
Careful Cloud. I am trying to steer clear of the smokes, said Vincent. The gunman was indeed being extra keen to avoid any crash landings. Most of the outskirt of Midgar was encircled with mountains that were now shrouded by ashes. Those were the routes that he was trying to avoid. I can't seem to find a clear entrance or a safe area to land.Damn, what the HELL happened to this place. Cloud quickly pulled out his PHS as his clumsy fingers dialed Tifa's number. Please be all right Tifa. The only response he received from his PHS were unanswered rings. His whole body became drenched in cold sweat as he dialed the number again. As Vincent steered the ship to the rear of the city, the PHS in Cloud's hand quivered before it was dropped in shock.
Most of Sector Six had been destroyed and half of Sector Seven laid in ruins. The people below him looked like tiny specs, running from side to side to dodge the explosives that seemed to be landing in sporadic intervals.
Vincent, can you pull the Highwind a bit out for a moment. I need to see what is causing this.
Vincent nodded and within minutes, Cloud felt the entire airship being withdrawn from the city. This gave him the chance to observe Midgar from a panoramic view. Cloud's eyes darted from side to side, trying to penetrate his gaze into the smoke screen that ensnared the city.
Cloud! What's happening?
Cloud turned around and saw Marlene leading the group of children. He cursed under his breath. They were suppose to be sleeping inside the cabin!
Before any of them got a chance to response, the entire airship racked back and forth. Instantly, Cloud dived his body forward on to the children and shielded them as shattered boulder fragments rained upon the cockpit. His ears were concurrently surrounded by screams and explosions that he felt himself drowning in a pool endless chaos. His vision failed him; all he saw were blurs of the children beneath him. His own head started to rack with pain. His whole head suddenly felt warm again as the familiar headache crawled back from its abyss. It strangled his mind and destroyed all his senses, leaving him in an immobile state to perceive anything around him.
Not now... he groaned.
Vincent's voice called from behind. He was so close but the voice sounded so far. What was happening?
His comrade repeated again before gently taking a knee on the ground. He placed a supportive hand on the leader's shoulder and shook it firmly. Are you all right? Vincent motioned his hand, signaling the children to back away as he studied his leader once more. Can you hear me?
he...a.r...me...can...you...hear...me...Can you hear me?
The man's voice suddenly became audible in his ears. Cloud managed to speak out before blinking a couple of times to adjust his eyes. The blurs faded as his vision rebalanced. Sitting up, he kicked away the loose pieces of rocks around the cockpit before making his way towards the children.
You guys okay?
Marlene nodded. She spoke for herself and everyone else in the group seeing that the rest of the children were all too frightened to even respond.
The blonde walked to the front of the railings and silently gazed out. In an instant, a giant creature swiftly flashed before his eyes. The momentum that the creature expended to flee at such speed caused the suspended Highwind to convulse back once more.
Grab on to something! Vincent yelled while fumbling with the levers to balance the Highwind from tipping into the crevices of the mountains.
The creature immediately caught Vincent's attention as well. It was not just any creature but rather, it bared a striking resemblance towards their summon monster ally.
The gargantuan monster let out a piercing shrill, sending waves of its needing call in all directions. It fanned out its wing, allowing the aerial muscles to span out to the promontory of Midgar. The entire body of this Bahamut' was encased with formidable dragon scales that seemed to emit a pale aura. Unlike Avalanche's summon, this creature's eyes lacked any signs of emotions. Only two black voids adorned the sockets while the lips of the creature curved tortuously into a ravenous smirk.
It gazed at the Highwind before ramming itself pass the ship. Its long deadly claws dug into the metal of the airship as each finger firmly wrapped itself around the machinery inside. With a hateful thrust, it ripped out the wires and engines, letting the pieces fall down to the city below. A sickeningly screech refracted from the claws coming in contact with the lateral panels of the airship as the beastly hand cleanly destroyed half of the Highwind.
Grab on to me, we're going down! Cloud screamed as he made a reach for the railing. The other arm quickly wrapped around three children and forced their heads to tuck against his chest.
The entire ship spiraled down the frenzy vortex as the engines broke away from the Highwind. Large pieces of iron and metal detached itself from the gantries and flew in all directions. Cloud was relieved that he missed a few close hits. He tried to open his eyes to locate Vincent and the rest of the children, but even performing that simple action was arduous in the rough ride. Everything flashed before his eyes in an instant. He felt his body chilling not only from the intense wind ramming through his body as the airship descended, but also from the fear that the single crash landing would end all their lives. The children couldn't die. They were all so young. He and Vincent couldn't die either. Midgar needs them and he needed Tifa.
Before Cloud could finish his thought, his head clashed with the metal panels with a loud thud as the entire Highwind came to a halt. His vision slowly returned after blinking a few times.
Did we make it?
His primary concern was the children. Freeing his tight arm from them, he noticed that they were all petrified from the journey down. He gently rubbed a little girl's back who had her arms firmly around his neck. Her eyes were squeezed shut despite Cloud cajoling her. With a sigh, he allowed her to hug on to him for as long as she needed.
Is anyone hurt at all?There seems to be some who are bruised. Nothing major though. Vincent responded on the other side. He gave his leader a simple rare grin as he brought his group of children over. There were indeed a few cuts and bruises but it was nothing too bad.
What happened? Cloud groaned softly. He rubbed the back of his head and felt a slightly viscous substance oozing out. Already knowing that it was blood, he wiped his hand on his pants and stared out into the vast horizons.
It seems that part of the Highwind got caught on to this ledge over here while the rest of the ship was not so lucky.
Frowning, Cloud looked down the railings while holding the little girl in his arms. Save for the part of the cockpit that got caught on to the ledge of the mountain, the rest of Cid's ship was now gathered in a large heap of metal and engines. A small fire was already spreading around the nether regions of the heap. Cloud feared that if the fire did not extinguish soon, it would lead to a pernicious disaster.
I got this. Vincent pulled out a small green orb in his pouch and gently rubbed it, waiting for the energy from the orb to be absorbed into him. Huge icicles erupted from the grounds below and created a stasis field around the flames, neutralizing its dual element.
Let's get out of here. Be careful not to trip over the metals. Cloud took the lead and keenly kicked away the harmful components that might cause trouble for the kids. After creating a safe path, he wandered the area for a few minutes before finally realizing where they were.
A small stream of water gently cascaded over a low waterfall as it entered into a larger basin. The water here was normally refreshing but it looked polluted now. Right beside the tiny creek was a small cabin with a sign that read Healing Lodge that proudly stood a few feet away from the building.
This is the perfect place... Vincent commented. Cloud, I think it would be wise if we leave the children in there. I think Bahamut's primary target is Midgar.
Cloud nodded. If they were to find a safe place for now, the Healing Lodge would definitely be a sanctuary. Follow me.
After a few urgent knocks, the owner quickly opened the door. The sight of the injured children immediately caught the eyes of the young woman clad in a simple purple ensemble. Oh my, did you suffer from Bahamut?Um...yeah, something like that... Cloud replied sheepishly, sparing her the details o what really occurred. Can you please take them into your care for now. They need medical attention and no where else is safe.
The woman nodded. I know. I was thinking about making a run for it but I realized that would be very risky. I think it is best if I just stay put here and hope that the chaos will end soon.It will! Cloud stated firmly. Because we're going to stop that creature right now. The woman uttered in shock.
Cloud gave her a small grin. Yeah, looks like we're back in business. She quickly welcomed the children inside but frowned when she saw that two were missing. Say...where did the other two younger go? Cloud and Vincent responded at once. Turning back, they saw two small figures identical to Marlene and Denzel making a run into the city.
The leader cursed out loud. Vincent, we have to get them back.I'm afraid it is too late. All we can do is go into the city and make sure they are okay. Although, I have a hunch that they are trying to make their way to Tifa.
He was right. Marlene and Denzel were most likely going to try to find Tifa amidst the ruins. He returned his attention back to the owner and nudge his chin against the little girl that he was still carrying in his arms.
The woman smiled as she gently pried the girl off of Cloud. She opened her eyes for the first time since the Highwind incident and shyly looked at her savior. Cloud was a bit taken back by her looks. She was beautiful. The child had long, brown flowing hair which was pulled back into a messy pony tail. Her chubby rosy cheeks bulged as she emitted a faint smile but it was her eyes that caught his attention. They were dark but glistened with twinkles of energy and hope. This little girl looked exactly like Tifa Lockheart when she was around the age of six or so.
The mercenary shook his head, breaking free from his reminiscing. He stared into the dark orbs one last time and knew he had to get to Midgar fast. Mentally, he thanked the child. Her eyes alone had given him a surge of fiery vigor to save Tifa
---------------
Tifa squeezed her eyes shut as her body was thrown across the street. She let out a painful yelp as her back slammed against a metal pillar. Moaning, the brunette rolled on her side to prevent her injured back from taking pressure. Forcing all the muscles in her body to move, she grabbed on to the pillar to hold herself up as she watched Sector Seven slowly being destroyed. Her eyes roamed to the heavens where Bahamut reigned supreme. She grimaced as she watched the summoned creature form another ball of energy between its claws. She opened her mouth in horror as she watched the ball accumulate with powerful shifts of aura that was going to materialize any minute.
She yelled as Bahamut released the blast of energy from its claws. The multi-colored sphere was shot down and fused with a network of iron gratings. In a blink of an eye, the entire structure exploded. The main foundation was destroyed instantly followed by each consecutive layers.
Tifa covered her head with both her arms as tears streaked down her eyes. She wished that Bahamut would just go away and leave the city alone. She let out a soft cry and shuddered as she heard the metal plates soaring in all directions, randomly hitting its unfortunate targets. Following the explosion was a slur of agonizing screams with people searching for their friends and loved ones.
She instantly thought of her own comrades. After Bahamut attacked, she got separated from the Turks, Cid, and Red XIII. She prayed to herself that they were all okay. Cid and Red XIII were part of AVALANCHE. She had high hopes that they evaded the attack. Reno and Rude were Turks: trained assassins. If anyone knew how to avoid danger, it would be them. However, she also realized that one of their primary goals was to help the denizens of the city.
What if they got caught in the explosion by trying to help the other people?
That idea sent cold chills down her spine because she knew that was exactly what they were doing. Instead of finding a way to destroy Bahamut, she and the others decided to rescue the residents of Sector Seven. During the whole time, the only person that she could think of was Cloud. The idea of not knowing his location was driving her insane. She and the city needed him more than ever. Also, where are the children? Are they safe?
a young voice called from the distance.
The brunette immediately turned around to see the person who called her name. To her shock, Denzel was waving across the street. She let out a sigh of relief. The little boy was fine despite his illness of Geostigma. Wincing, she tried not to think about the pain that was coursing through her head and back. Using every ounce of strength she had left, she ran to the boy.
Denzel! You're safe! Where is Marlene? She anxiously asked while laying both hands on his shoulders to get a better study of him. It was truly amazing that he did not have a single scratch on him.
Marlene found her daddy and she's with him right now.
Barret! Barret is here too?
Tifa let out another sigh of relief as her nervous eyes finally relaxed for the first moment that day despite the perpetual danger around them. She pulled the boy into a tight embrace. She truly missed holding him in her arms. Denzel, does that mean Cloud is OK too? And Vincent?Yes, Cloud is OK and so is Vincent. Cloud was the one who took really good care of me and Marlene.
Tifa grinned. She knew she could count on Cloud and he really did keep his promise this time. Her train of thought was broken by a loud screech that seemed to be edging closer to them. Spinning around, she saw Bahamut soaring right towards them. The creature extended one of its long claws, ready to grab a hold of its target.
Tifa, Denzel! Look out! Cid yelled. The pilot quickly shoved his spear into the creature's claw just in time. Bahamut snarled in pain as blood oozed from its deep wound. Angered, it changed directions and decided to head-butt the other citizens.
Tifa, get out of here and get the boy to safety. I'll handle this $&&$ punk. Cid pulled out a lighter and lit another cigarette. He needed the drive and nicotine more than ever now. How else was he going to stay calm and driven at the same time in the middle of this chaos?
Quickly, Tifa grabbed Denzel's hand and rushed into the more deserted region of the sector. Her eyes darted from side to side, looking for some safe place he could stay but she couldn't find any. What am I going to do...? she whispered to herself as she continued to search for the proper place.
Hazardous metals laid everywhere on the streets; they were dangerous enough to cut a person open if they happened to fall on them. The buildings were also another option but the more Tifa thought about it, they seemed like houses built on decked cards that would collapse any minute, especially from another explosion.
She was surprised to find a golden claw upon her shoulder. I'll take Denzel to safety. Don't worry. I already brought Marlene there.The Healing Lodge at the outskirts.Hi all! Did ya miss me? A young female voice chirped from the sky. She twirled her pinwheel in her hand, a trademark weapon of the young ninja. There was definitely no mistake that the woman was Yuffie.
The female waved while remaining aloft in the sky. She pressed a button on her parachute, bringing her to land on the earth. Vincent and Tifa cleared the way as they welcomed their former ally. The young ninja hadn't change a bit aside from her clothes. Her black shorts and tank top was a perfect fit for her demeanor She looked more sophisticated and anyone could surmise that she was a highly trained warrior.
Hiya! I got a call from Godo and he said that Midgar was in trouble. Heh, glad I made it here in time. I'll catch up with all ya later! Right now, Yuffie is back in action! She readied her weapon and flashed a pearly white smile before dashing off into Bahamut's direction.
The gunman picked up the little boy in his arms and looked him sternly in the eyes. Denzel ducked his head, feeling a bit intimidated by the older man. He knew he deserved the scold for running away but he just needed to see Tifa so badly.
Tifa, don't worry about a thing. I'll be back as soon as I can.
Tifa waved good-bye to the little boy as Vincent carried him off into the distance, heading for the outskirts of the sector. Now, she had one less thing to worry about. As long as Bahamut was in the city, her friends and the people of Midgar were in trouble. She started to speed back into the main square of the sector but immediately came to a halt when her vision started to spin out of control.
Oh God...it must be from the hit I took from the pillar.
She placed a hand on her forehead to soothe the pounding sensation drumming her senses. Her back started to prick with aches, which slowly turned into waves of burning anguish.
Aw, what is the matter Lockheart? Cannot fight anymore? Kadaj sneered as he emerged from the shadowed ruins. He roughly grabbed her shoulders and turned her around, forcing her to look into the depths of his cynical teal eyes. Hehe...looks like you are going to be the first AVALANCHE member to go down.
A mysterious wheel-chaired man draped in a white cloth released a small chuckle. He pulled the wheel chair closer to the silver hair man who now started to draw out his weapon.
Kadaj lightly lifted the female's chin as he relentlessly teased her neck by sliding the smooth surface of his katana against it from side to side. Tifa groaned. Her vision was failing her by the minute and she barely had enough energy to even throw a simple punch. Sadistically, Kadaj ran a hand down her back, applying force on to the areas that were injured the most.
Tifa let out an excruciating cry but instantly ceased when the tip of the katana was brought against her throat. Her pulse raced as she realized that this mysterious stranger was capable of impaling her with the blade and thus, ending her life.
Are you ready to be the first to die Lockheart? Kadaj grinned wickedly.
You'll have to go through me first, Kadaj!
Stunned, the silver hair man turned around, momentarily forgetting about the AVALANCHE member in his clutch. He felt anger boiling through him when he saw Cloud Strife standing across from him with his buster sword poised in the classical battle stance. The young blonde's hardened Mako eyes instantly softened when he saw the condition Tifa was in. Black inky lashes fluttered over her eyes as she weakly tried to remain steady against Kadaj's arms. He spotted a few cuts and bruises around her arms and legs but he knew that she definitely had more serious injuries somewhere else around her body to leave her in this much pain.
You bastard! Let her go! Deciding to make the first advance, Cloud expertly knocked Kadaj's katana out of his grasp with a single fluid stroke of his buster sword. As Kadaj tried to make a grab for his loss weapon, Cloud kicked the enemy from behind, delivering a roundhouse to his back. Falling on one knee, Kadaj cursed silently as he lost his grasp on the female.
Cloud cried as he quickly caught her falling form. He knelt down on the rigid ground, holding the brunette close to his chest. His heart wrenched as he watched her speak with extreme difficulty.
Cloud...you're back... she weakly replied with a small smile. And you're just in time.Yes, just in time to see you die! screamed Kadaj as he retrieved his katana from the ground, preparing for his retaliation.
KADAJ. Stop. Let them go. We have bigger issues to worry about... The mysterious man in the wheel chair pulled up to the SOLDIER and tapped his hand. We should focus our attention more on...summoning rather than these two. Come, let us make haste.This isn't over Strife. It won't be until the whole Planet is destroyed! Kadaj warned as he followed the cloaked man.
Cloud watched them walk off until they were out of the eye's range before turning back to Tifa. He knew they were caught in the middle of a deadly crisis but for some reason, he could not hear the ambient screams around him. He did not see the explosions racking the entire Sector Seven nor did he even acknowledge Bahamut's presence in the background. He knew that literally everything around him was frail and that if caution was not taken, his life could be over instantly.
Cloud bowed his head until his forehead rested on the female's own. He gingerly stroked her soft pale cheeks while whispering, No...I was not on time. I should have been here sooner. You wouldn't have to be suffering right now if I had gotten here sooner.No Cloud. You left because you went to find Marlene and Denzel. If anything happened to them, I would've... she trailed off. The idea of losing those two dear children was devastating and she did want to think about that at all. "Anyway, like I said, you were just in time. I would have been dead...if it weren't for you...I know...I can't believe you were so close to dying again for the second time since I came back. I'm sorry. Cloud shamefully turned away from her face. He was so disgust with the fact that Tifa was on the verge of death for the second time. When will he start doing something decent for a change?
Aeris is dead because of me. Why am I so incompetent of being there for the people I care about? Why am I cursed to walk this dreadful path in life? I need...
Do you need forgiveness Cloud? Tifa finished his train of thought.
How...did you know?
The female only smiled as she weakly brushed her hand against the side of his face. Gently, she turned his face so that he was looking straight into her dark pools. For awhile, neither of them said a thing. For Tifa, she felt as if she had transcended to another plane that was voided of space and time. The only two existences were her and Cloud. Without a single word, she only stared into the pair of fascinating blue enigma. She was mesmerized by the simple presence of his Mako blue eyes; it was the eyes of hidden sorrow. She wanted to be the one to end the torture inside of him. She wanted to extinguish the demon he had created inside of him with her love. The only problem was: Did he want her to?
Her listless eyes suddenly sparked to life as she felt her emotions undulating through her body. She wanted to act on her own torrid impulse and dive forward to eliminate the toxin that was mentally poisoning his mind but would he allow her to do so?
she whimpered softly as she embraced his neck with a free arm. She leaned her head at the base of his throat, her eyes never leaving his. She was no longer in control of herself. Instead, emotions took over the usual timorous woman.
Cloud watched as her lush cherry lips quivered. He felt as if an invisible force was trying to tether them together. Was he too weak to resist that force? Or, perhaps he didn't want to resist it? He held the woman closer as his eyes started to undergo a soporific state. His arms slowly pulled her against him until his nose touched her delicate porcelain cheek. His face started to heat up from the intense emotion channeling through him as his lips inched towards the female's own.
CLOUD, TIFA! Look out! A voice suddenly echoed through the duo's ears. Their realm of peace and illusion was instantly shattered and replaced by the cruel reality.
Author's Notes: I apologized for posting this late. This chapter took awhile to write and I needed more info about AC before I actually got some ideas moving. I understand that the movie will be out within a few weeks so that does not give me much time to create the next chapter. I will see how things turn out but I will most definitely finish this fic. In fact, I already got the ending in mind but it would seem out of place if I went straight to the ending and leave out the huge chunk in between. Also, I read that the new airship Sierra was going to appear in the movie. I assumed that the scene where everyone is watching Cloud and Kadaj fight from inside the airship is the Sierra, and not the Highwind. Maybe I am wrong, but I did put the old airship to some use.
Whew, thank you all for sticking with me on this fanfic! If I don't release chapters in time, I hope you will still like to see my version of how I want AC to turn out regarding the Cloud/Tifa relationship even if you had already seen Square's version (which will probably be totally different!). Once again, thank you all for reading!