Start Date: May 14, 2022
Windwillow
Final Fantasy VII
Midgar's Sector One reactor burned. The bombing was perpetrated by the terrorist (they called it "anti-Shinra") organization named AVALANCHE. It was a small group, five members in all. But there were SIX people there. The final participant was Cloud Strife, ex-SOLDIER and presently a mercenary under AVALANCHE's employ. Shinra Inc. uses its Mako Reactors - like the one destroyed - to siphon Mako energy from the earth.
The problem here is, it also sucks the life of the Planet itself. Continued use of Mako guarantees that world will shrivel and wilt to nothingness. But for the people of Gaia, the convenience of Mako energy outweighs these... side-effects. But how many know what Mako is?
Chapter Two: After the Bombing
Scene One
In the aftermath of the Sector One bombing, five people stood amongst the rubble. Four were anti-Shinra activists, the fifth a mercenary named Cloud that had been hired to complete the mission. While it was successful, one member has doubts of its morality: Jessie Rasberry. Now, she stood looking at the chaos with doubt in her mind.
Did we do the right thing...? How many people died because we wanted to...
"Jessie!"
Jessie's senses startled, her nerves firing on active again. Her eyes went dark, focused, and narrowed down to the men standing before her. Two normal men, a hulking man with a machine gun for an arm, and a spiky-haired man carrying a sword almost as big as him.
We... did it! This ought to help the Planet, just a bit... For just a bit longer...
Her comrades were less shaken, and two - Wedge and Biggs - had already begun to celebrate with a fist bump. Their red bandanas, matched by hers, fluttered in the fiery gust that now engulfed the reactor. Their leader Barret, however, stood in stony silence.
"Good job, guys!" he said after a short while. He turned to each member in turn and raised a fist in victory. "We helped the Planet! I dunno how long it'll last, but it'll last longer 'cause of US! Because that's what AVALANCHE does!"
"As I said," muttered Cloud with his arms folded, "I don't give a damn. Give me my pay or I might have to turn this..." He detached the Buster Sword and swung it down. "... on you. And I know a certain someone wouldn't be very happy if I did."
"Shut it!" Barret shouted, giving Cloud the finger. "You'll get your damn money when we get back to base! Right! Everyone!" He lifted his fist and pumped it. "Split up and meet back at Seventh Heaven!"
The team gave a roar and scattered, leaving only Cloud to stand idle at Ground Zero. He frowned, and reattached the Buster Sword to his back with a sharp click. Looking around, he sighed and bowed his head.
I hate being mean... But isn't that what a professional does, be serious? I was just kidding, I wasn't gonna hurt anyone. It's not like I go around throwing bombs for my own kicks.
He turned to leave, each footstep stained in soot and blood. As he did, above the plate, frantic rescue crews rushed into the inferno. Firemen frantically put their hoses in place and extinguished the fire, as the citizens of Sector One fled their homes in the fire and madness. In all, one hundred and twenty three died that day, either from the explosion, the fire, or the chaos of the aftermath.
For a few minutes of life for Gaia, those hundred people lost the lives of their families and friends. Of the group, only Jessie was bothered by this, though if only for a moment. The thrill of victory kicked in, the success of the mission, and doubt became joy. And that was where it came to rest... for now.
Scene Two
That day, LOVELESS - the most popular play around - played at the Midgar theater. The panic didn't set in until the final act, when people fled the theater in droves with shock and terror beating in their hearts. Cloud stepped through the chaos and shuffled through the crowds of people running about, brushing aside those who pushed their way past him.
Geez... Things really went to hell, huh?
Cloud's senses piqued and he turned, finding the smiling face of Aerith Gainsborough looking back at him. She was the woman in our first chapter, gazing at the Mako light at the very beginning against her own green eyes.
"Would you like to buy a flower?" she asked. "It's only a Gil." Cloud tilted his head.
The hell? A flower?
Somehow, looking into Aerith's face loosened his face into a soft smile. He rummaged through his pocket and tossed her a coin, which she caught and exchanged for a flower. She turned to leave, but Cloud didn't feel quite right.
"Are you sure you should be out her peddling flowers? I mean, you do know what just happened, right?"
"I haven't heard the news, but something horrible seems to have happened. But, I'm here peddling flowers because it's what I do." She smiled. "Life in these slums isn't easy, after all!"
Cloud cocked his head, confused.
Is she in her right mind or what...?
"Be careful..." said Cloud as he shook himself back to sense. His hand twitched unconsciously as he turned away from the havoc. He slowly turned and walked away, still unsure of what had just happened. He tucked the flower safely away in his pouch.
It was only a few blocks away that he heard the cocking of a rifle. He swiveled around, finding several Shinra infantrymen aiming guns at his head. A quick look around showed two more groups of soldiers approaching.
"Stop! Are you responsible for this?!"
For a moment Cloud's hand hovered at his sword's handle, but as the MPs converged he thought better of it. They rushed forward and lifted their weapons at his head.
"You look suspicious! You're under arrest!"
"For what?" Cloud deadpanned. "I just got here. What's your problem?"
One of the soldiers fired a shot, which Cloud dodged as he leapt back.
"Why else would you be carrying that gigantic sword?!"
Uh... Point taken.
He detached his weapon and swung, severing the rifle of the soldier who had shot. As the remainder aimed and fired he swept the Buster Sword in a wide arc, leaving deep gashes in their chests. Thinking quickly he turned and ran, dodging a hail of bullets as he did. He looked to one side and saw soldiers. Then he looked to the other and saw more. The ones behind him were already firing at him.
Aw, crap!
As he ran and evaded the gunfire Cloud snuck in a few odd slashes, but he could tell he was outnumbered. Cloud heard the sound of a train's horn and saw a smokestack pass right beneath him. He grinned, and ran forward towards the edge of the street. While under fire he crouched and jumped high in the air, landing gracefully on top of the train.
Cloud reattached the Buster Sword with a grin. They could fire all they wanted; soon their bullets just wouldn't reach.
Scene Three
Smuggled inside the rear car, AVALANCHE rested against the crates stored inside. Wedge lowered his head and sighed.
"He never got here..." Wedge said, referring to Cloud. "Think he's okay?"
"Maybe the soldiers got him," Biggs shrugged. "Enough firepower can hold anyone down. If they came at him all at once..."
Jessie sighed. Losing him so quick would be a shame. She turned her eyes towards Barret, but as he returned her gaze she quickly lowered her eyes.
I hope he's okay...
"Dumbass''ll figure somethin' out..." Barret muttered. "If he's so tough..."
A sharp sound startled the team. Biggs and Jessie drew their guns at the source of noise and Wedge fumbled for his rifle. The doorway of the traincar shuddered and flew open to reveal Cloud. He slipped inside and put his hands up with a grin.
"Don't shoot!"
"Oh HELL no!" croaked Barret. He lowered his weapon, as his group did the same. "You're so damn COCKY...! Punk! I shoulda shot you!"
Cloud's grin turned to a frown as he reclined back against the door.
"But I'm glad you didn't! I don't have my money yet."
Barret's face twisted in anger.
"Shut up! You'll get your damn Gil, so stuff it! Let's move out!" he yelled, as he slammed open the railcar's door. Biggs and Wedge hurried to join him as Cloud lowered his hands. Before he could stand Jessie raised her own.
"You're covered in soot!" she said, blushing. She reached into her pocket, withdrew a rag, and wiped Cloud's face clean of dirt. "There we go!" As she turned to go Cloud caught sight of a grin. With no reason not to, he followed the rest of AVALANCHE into the next car.
The doorway slid open as Barret climbed through it. Most of the passengers took notice and quickly fled the car, save for one salaryman in a red suit. He buried his face in his hands and groaned. "This is why I hate the last train... All sorts of freaks show up!"
Static came from the loudspeaker. "Last train out of Sector Eight..." it droned. "Last stop, Sector Seven... E.T.A. is 12:23 A.M., Midgar Standard Time..." And at that it cut out.
From the back of the car a homeless man sat up straight. As he looked around, he shrugged. "Welcome to my house. Stay as long as you like."
"Thanks!" said Wedge. Barret whacked him on the head, and he sighed. "Just ignore me..."
Cloud watched as the last man left the car and shrugged. Barret leaned back in his seat and breathed a sigh.
"We got the whole place to ourselves!"
"Yeah," muttered Biggs as he sat down alongside him. "Only 'cause you chased everyone off." He looked around at the empty car and leaned back, comfortable. "Better enjoy it 'til the ID system pings us..."
"I told you we're good!" protested Jessie. "My IDs work just fine, thank you!"
Biggs sighed and shook his head. This wasn't the first time he'd said that, but they still made it out every time so she had a good point. Wedge slid his chunky body into a seat that squished him, being too tight. He fumbled and found another chair, something that had also happened quite often. Cloud shrugged and turned to leave.
What a crew... Hey, what's she doing...?
The mercenary stepped next to Jessie, who was looking at a computer terminal. When she knew he was there she turned back with a smile.
"Hey... Wanna look at this with me?" she asked. Cloud cocked his head. Jessie gestured towards the terminal. "I've always been interested in techy stuff, like trains and bombs. Look at this..." She moved her finger on the touchscreen and a new image popped up: a massive city, surrounded by rails.
"It's Midgar! Well..." She smirked. "A one-in-ten-thousand scale anyway... Look at this plate." Her finger trailed up towards the top portion of the structure. "About fifty meters above here is the top plate where the richer people live. It's supported by this support structure that holds it all up!"
Cloud smiled nervously. Even if he wasn't too interested, she clearly wanted to talk about it.
"See these? There are eight reactors that power the city, numbered Sectors one through eight. Well, now there are seven reactors. Anyway, the people above the plate have it good, but the people in the slums get the shaft. Y'know, all the sectors used to have names! But no one remembers the names anymore..."
"And here's where we are!" she said as she pointed to a small dot circling the image. "Each route spirals around the support structures, and at certain checkpoints an ID scan..."
The car was filled with red light as a warm sensation tingled Cloud's fingers and toes. Mechanical beeps and whirs sounded before slowly fading out. Jessie sighed, disappointed that the scan beat her to it.
"Like I was saying, the ID scan checks the identities of everyone onboard, trying to weed out the problem children..." She paused and whispered "like us. But don't worry, I've made flawless fakes."
She's awfully proud of this...
"Maybe, y'know..." Jessie's eyes trailed away from Cloud's. "Maybe I'll make yours special..."
"Special how?" Cloud asked.
Jessie frantically shook her head, the red fading from her cheeks.
"N-no, not like that... I mean, maybe I'll just..." she sputtered, raising her hands. "I'm gonna make you a great one!"
O-oh-my-god... I said too much... So embarrassing!"
Cloud's head turned in confusion. He didn't know what she was talking about, but he decided to leave it be. As he leaned back in his seat he turned his eyes upwards at the ceiling.
"Can y'see it?" asked Barret as he gestured upwards. "That's the plate that just passed by. All you see is that, no day or night... Can't even see the sky 'cause of it..."
As soon as he turned his eyes to Barret, Cloud lifted them and stared at the empty steel above him.
"Like we're floating..." he mumbled. "Just right below the surface..."
"Yeah!" shouted Barret. "We're inside a damn pizza box! Reactors're drainin' everything and the only ones that see light are on top of that frickin' plate! They control the light, the air... God, what a place. Not like the air's breathable anyway. Sons of..."
Cloud shifted his eyes to Barret again.
"Then why not move on top of the plate?"
"Maybe they can't! No money... Maybe they love the place they were born... nah. Nobody lives here 'cause they wanna!"
With a laugh, Cloud leaned back in his seat and lifted his eyes to the trembling steel above him.
He has a point... because...
"A train can only go where its rails take it..."
Scene Four
They called it a graveyard because of the broken trains that littered its landscape. Long since forgotten railways had been busted and left to rot with only one working train left in service. The train carrying AVALANCHE pulled into the rotten terminal and slowly opened its doors.
First were the "legitimate" riders, people who lived and worked in the Sector Seven slums. They consisted of businessmen, citizens, and everyone who was chased away by Barret when he entered the train - in short, everyone who was supposed to be in the sector in the first place.
Next came AVALANCHE, with all four members (and Cloud) disembarking at the dusty terminal one by one, passing the soldiers guarding the train. Barret glanced at his men, hoisted his arm, and pumped it.
"Alright, guys!" he yelled. "Meet back at HQ!" Barret turned to see Cloud, and scowled. "And you'll get your frickin' money, so stop glaring at me!" AVALANCHE gave a cheer and rushed off towards the west. Its leader moseyed on slowly, lumbering back and forth. Cloud looked at him with a vague mix of amusement and dismay.
Well, HE'S gonna take forever...
Cloud's jog broke into a sprint, leaving Barret in the dust. And he was less than pleased at being outpaced. Regardless, the ex-SOLDIER rushed forward through the heaps of junk and chunks of rubble, skidding to a stop just short of his destination. He looked up to see a massive tower, with a giant plate atop it that was webbed with steel.
"What... in hell...?" he muttered. It soon struck him, what Jessie had told him: it was the support structure holding up Sector Seven's plate, what seperated the slums from the world above. With a shrug he continued on, ignoring the soldier nodding off at the gate.
The Sector Seven slums looked just as you'd expect: a collection of junkyard shanties and cobbled-together rubble that they called a town. Whether it was actually a town? It depends on whether you consider a pile of rubbish a city. If you do, the name it used to carry may mean something.
Cloud entered the slums to see AVALANCHE run into a surprisingly well-built structure with a huge sign proudly bearing the words "Seventh Heaven." Biggs, Wedge, and Jessie entered the building and Cloud followed, crossing under a smaller sign that read "Have a great day."
Its proprietor was a young barmaid called Tifa Lockhart, who mixed drinks and dealt with the daily rabble. She was a vision of beauty, wearing a white tank top, pleated skirt, and a black sports bra. Her muscles showed that trouble was... discouraged. She was also Cloud's childhood friend, and the one who had brought him into AVALANCHE.
As she washed dirty glasses behind the bar, her eyes lit up as AVALANCHE entered. Tifa rushed out past the barstools and her eyes darted back and forth between the anarchists.
"The news said you did it!" she chirped. "Mission accomplished!" She whirled around and snapped up a bottle of wine, uncorked it, and slammed it on the table. "Who wants a cocktail?"
"Me! Me!" Wedge said as he bounced back and forth. "And some steak!"
"I'd do that if we could afford it," said Tifa. "How about some pork skewers?" Wedge nodded eagerly and plopped down at the bar, soon joined by Biggs and Jessie. Tifa turned back to the bar and began to mix a drink for the team, her specialty. She tossed the bottle high in the air, snapped up a glass, and caught it again. With a deft hand she slid a bottle of lemonade from the bar and snatched it up.
She tossed both bottles high above her, twirling them with the skill of a pro (which she was) and poured daiquiris into three glasses that she slid neatly into her friends' hands. With a grin and a round of applause, she bowed gracefully to her customers. She turned back to the grill to grab the skewers, but Cloud caught her eye and she ran from behind the bar to meet him; Wedge, expecting the pork, was left hanging.
"Cloud! Thank you so much for agreeing to do the mission!"
"It's what I do," shrugged Cloud with a uncharacteristic (and genuine) smile. He folded his arms and tilted his head. "Besides, I told you I would, right? Can't break a promise to a friend."
A small girl dashed out from behind the bar, a four-year-old brunette wearing a pink dress and a hair bob. She was actually Barret's daughter, Marlene Wallace. Marlene ran and continued to run past Cloud towards the door, where Barret entered and lifted her up into his arms.
"Daddy! Daddy! I'm so glad you're back!" Marlene cheered. She hugged her father tightly, and was hoisted up onto his shoulder. Barret was clearly a different man: instead of a gruff leader, he had become a warm-hearted family man in half a moment.
The television in the corner of the room fizzled on, and the image of a mustachioed man in a burgundy suit appeared onscreen. AVALANCHE turned to the TV, with clear contempt. The man was none other than their archenemy and the leader of Shinra Inc.: President Shinra, himself.
"As you've heard, Reactor #1 was just bombed," said the President from the screen. "Casualties number one hundred and twenty three..." At that Jessie's eyes snapped open, her mouth wide in horror. "A small band calling themselves AVALANCHE has claimed responsibility," he continued. "But rest assured, citizens of Midgar: Shinra Inc. will find, prosecute, and punish these inhuman monsters to the fullest extent of the law."
Barret scowled at that.
Like they do anything legal!
"I've already begun to mobilize SOLDIER, so it should be taken care of shortly. Thank you," concluded President Shinra, "and good night." The image fizzled out, leaving a blank screen behind. As Biggs raised a bitter toast, Jessie had lost her appetite.
A... hundred and twenty three...? DEAD?! Dear God...
Jessie slid her glass away from her, to the side of the bar.
I thought we were just gonna blow it up! My bomb... did that? Killed all those people...?
Biggs caught sight of her with the corner of his eye, and immediately his face (and his glass) dropped.
She's having second thoughts?
He lowered his eyes.
All those people dead... maybe she's right...
Wedge was silent. He, too, had forgotten about Tifa's spicy pork skewers.
I mean... it was for a good cause, right? Right...?
He sighed.
For the Planet, right?
Barret had no such compunctions, angrily aiming his Gun-arm at the TV and faking a shot. He put Marlene down and promptly gave it the finger as well. "Hey, Cloud!" he grunted, turning to the ex-SOLDIER. "Anyone in SOLDIER fight us today?"
"No," said Cloud resolutely. "If there was, you'd all be six feet under."
"Yeah, yeah!" shouted Barret. "Y'all are big and tough, we get it! But you're workin' for US now! Or do you still miss those bastards?!"
Putting his fist through his table, Cloud narrowed his eyes at Barret. "Only if you pay me," he said softly. "Do it, and I'm yours. Otherwise..." As he rose his hand brushed the Buster Sword. "Stuff it. I don't give a damn about Shinra OR you."
As Barret burned in fury, the rest of AVALANCHE had their resolve tightened. Biggs, Wedge, Jessie... If he didn't care, they DID. Someone had to do SOMETHING. So...
We'll do it! thought Jessie
We're gonna give 'em hell! fumed Biggs.
I wish he cared about us... Wedge sighed.
Tifa's feeling were more mixed. Disappointment, shock... And the resolve to change Cloud's mind.
Author's Notes
And here we have the aftermath. I wanted to explore the moral implications of the raid, hence Jessie and the others' doubt. Also, please forgive the daiquri thing; I know nothing of mixology and had to research a bit, add my own experience watching it on TV, etc. I'll be making a lot of apologies like that during this fic.
Other than that, not as much action as the previous chapter. I wanted to expand on Jessie's feelings for Cloud, as well as the reaction of AVALANCHE to the bombing's casualties. This isn't pretty, and thinking they all laugh it off seems improbable. Also, I'm basing this off of a work called "Hoshi o Meguru Otome," a side novel roughly translated to "The Girl who Travels the Planet," detailing Aerith's experience in the Lifestream.
While she's there, she encounters the members of AVALANCHE. Weighed down by the guilt of their actions, they are unable (and perhaps unwilling) to join the Lifestream and find absolution. I figured that should be addressed here. Consider it being thorough.