Cloud had relented and ended up staying at the place in the bar. He didn't really want to waste time but I could tell he let himself drink a little too much. I didn't need proof, I knew him well enough and if he hadn't started drinking more since he was with us last, he drank right on his buzzed level. Strange the things you pick up from owning a bar for so long. No one enjoys watching drunks but you sure can learn from them.
I pulled out an extra bed, a futon of sorts, and found a good spot in one of the rooms. Cloud was hanging about outside the door, propped up against the wall. He drummed his fingers across the wall once and then shifts. The heavy sword at his side and the armor on him made his movements very noisy in this quiet place.
"It's ready Cloud. I hope you'll be comfortable," I smiled softly as I lead him in. It was pretty late and normally customers would be pouring in but I'd closed up just for Cloud's visit. I could afford a couple days off.
"Thanks Tifa. Good night," he said a slightly tired look in his bright eyes. It was easy to see he'd been working hard all this time. Perhaps he just needed an easy job and a little company. I hoped I could give him both as I walked back to my room and got myself ready for sleep. I lay down and stretched.
"Oy! Cloud, and Tifa too! Good to see you both," Reno said, grinning and waving as we met up with him at the new Shinra building.
"Good to see you too Reno," I returned the saying. Cloud simply nodded to show he'd heard it.
"Well yeah, the higher ups ask me to deal with this one but I don't have the time, right? I'm gonna blow some vacation days on a big concert up in Coasta de Sol ya see and my favorite---"
"Get to the point please Reno," Cloud interrupted.
"Ah right, sorry man," he scratched the back of his head, not looking sorry at all. "Anyway I need you guys to help me get through this mission, ASAP, alright?" Reno crossed his arms.
"Seems like a silly reason to call in for help," I grinned a little.
"Don't question the music Tifa girl! It's worth it, trust me!" His eyes lit up. Obviously this meant a lot to him.
"A job's a job," Cloud shrugged.
"Right. Let's set off then," I pumped my fist into the air. I'd equipped my fighter's gloves and materia again. I hadn't been carrying the stuff before so I needed a chance to break it back in.
Reno lead the way, picking up a big military jeep for us, loading a few things in. We hopped in and out of Midgar we practically flew. Of course Reno was a crazed speeder, or he thought it would get us there faster. I sat in the back while Cloud sat calmly in the front seat. I was carefully packed in with the boxes which confused me to no end why Reno didn't just put them in the trunk-back. I shrugged it off and watched the speed blur.
As soon as we were out into the field and driving at an even more insane speed I heard a cry overhead. I gazed up to see a creature in flight starting to bare down on us.
"Cloud!Reno!Above!"I warned, standing in the seat and balancing myself. The boys had already seen and Reno took wild measures to shake it off. It was of no use, if closed in. It's face was horrid and ugly and it's wings grey and torn. I'd faced worse of course but the first time out in awhile kind of shocked you. Still my fighting spirit reacted.
As it came within my reach a shot a right-straight punch at it. It stalled to dodge then came right back in. Cloud had also stood up in his seat at this point and drew his blade, holding it behind. Obviously, this was up to me.
"Kill it already Tifa!" Reno shouted hurriedly.
"Shut up!" I shouted back as I dodged one of its hurled needles. I jumped up onto the back railing of the jeep and grabbed the bottom of it with my gloved hands. "Here we go!" I said as I balanced, kicked up and spun back. The attack hit directly and the creature burst into dust. I landed back on the railing, catching myself before falling down.
"Right on! That was pretty sweet there Tifa!" Reno cheered who had been watching through the rear-view mirror.
I sat back down, ignoring his low-class complement. Deep down I appreciated it but no one had to know that. Surprisingly Cloud flashed me a smile as he too returned to his seat. I guessed he was glad to see me in action again. Maybe the boring bar life wasn't really suited for me? I shook my head and returned my thought to the task at hand.
Reno drove a little slower and we passed by the chocobo farm and did a little work crossing the river. The car took it on easily and we continued...