Chapter Eight: Showdown at the General Store
Midgar was now a city of lights and music.
The snows had come in with winter, but people were out and about in heavy winter clothing. They drank and spoke to one another, cheering. Others were playing music, while streamers covered the streets. Sephiroth paused to toss a gil into the hat of a musician, then, on an impulse, put a thousand bill down.
It wasn't like he didn't have an effectively infinite amount of it.
"Um, where are we going?" asked Cloud.
Sephiroth considered the question. "I have no idea. I don't usually attend celebrations."
"Well, what do you normally do on the holidays?" asked Cloud.
"I don't normally take holidays," admitted Sephiroth. "I have, at times, attended celebrations in the Shinra building."
"What," Cloud paused. "If you don't mind me asking, what do you do for fun?"
"I don't, and usually I go out on missions," said Sephiroth. "I have only recently refused a mission for the first time in my life. Usually, I seek more dangerous missions whenever possible. One becomes a SOLDIER first class by always seeking excellence. You have to do it in everything you do, not just a few things.
"How many members of SOLDIER First Class are there now, anyway?" asked Cloud.
"Myself," said Sephiroth. "And possibly Zack Fair. He may be promoted to replace me. What do you do during the celebrations?"
"Watch other people celebrate," said Cloud. "Back when I lived in Nibelheim, we'd sometimes celebrate the Solstice. But, well, it really only started happening after President Shinra came there. Before that, we didn't do anything like that, just did our jobs and maybe explored."
"So your hatred of other people having fun is a product of your upbringing," noted Sephiroth.
"Pretty much," said Cloud. "When President Shinra came, he made a big show of putting up lights and stuff. I think he was trying to endear himself to the townfolk, and he did. But I remember Hojo spent the entire time taking notes."
"Hojo was taking notes on Nibelheim?" asked Sephiroth. "What could possibly interest him there?"
"I don't know," said Cloud. "Maybe he wanted to analyze human behavior."
"Nothing interested Hojo less than people," said Sephiroth. "Though mankind could be of some interest. Provided mankind could be infected or bred with other forms of life to a certain effect.
"It was probably some unique genetic aspect of the people of Nibelheim. He may have theorized your behavior was different due to it.
"Are you sure you had no holidays?"
"Is that weird?" asked Cloud.
"Most places have something," said Sephiroth. "I've been across the entire world multiple times. I've seen many holidays, although... I've never been to Nibelheim. In fact, I hadn't heard of it till I read your file."
"We're a small town in the middle of nowhere," said Cloud. "The only notable thing there is the Mako Reactor."
"Why is there a Mako Reactor assigned to a small town in the middle of nowhere?" asked Sephiroth.
"...I have no idea," admitted Cloud. "Mount Nibel had a bunch of Mako Springs. But I don't think Nibelheim's power grid is connected to anyone else. Can we get some coffee? It's freezing."
"Fair enough," said Sephiroth.
They didn't stay to get coffee. Sephiroth preferred the cold air, and the place was packed anyway. As they walked through the fridged streets, Cloud frowned. "Sephiroth, we're passing a general store. I'd like to see if it's open and buy a letter kit."
"Fair enough, but I doubt they'll be open," said Sephiroth.
Cloud led Sephiroth to a nearby, wood-paneled building and entered it. It turned out it was open, and Sephiroth watched Cloud approach the owner. The man was an old man with a white beard and looked at him. "Cloud, is that you?"
"Mr. Macor, it's been a while," said Cloud. "You're still open?"
"Well, I plan to close early and visit with relatives," said Macor. "How did the campaign go?"
Cloud flinched. "Oh, well...
"Not very well."
"I read about you in the papers. It seemed you did pretty well," said Macor. "You're a war hero now. And you helped Lightning stop that conspiracy of Hollanders."
"Well, yes, but I lost my entire battalion," said Cloud. "And a good friend. I'd say the glory wasn't worth the trade."
"Well, I find we all lose friends now and then. If they don't die, they go away. So, here for an envelope?" asked Macor.
"Yeah, that's about it," said Cloud. "I'd like to write to them, even if they don't write back."
"Well, I suppose it can't hurt to try," said Macor. Then he looked up to Sephiroth. "Who's your...
"Sephiroth?" He froze.
"Sorry to interrupt, I'm enjoying the festivities," said Sephiroth, realizing it was true.
"Right, well, I was just about to close up," said Macor. "Is there anything I can get for you? Letters to write? Or decoration?"
"Nothing at the moment," said Sephiroth, entering. "I have no one to write to."
Macor looked between Cloud and Sephiroth warily, and he seemed like a man backed into a corner. "Sorry to hear it.
"...You're not here on orders from Shinra. are you?"
"Why would I be here on behalf of Shinra?" asked Cloud.
"Oh, no good reason," said Macor. "I thought they might have sent you to... talk me out of things. I'm part of a group of smaller businesses that have been organizing. We're trying to stick together against larger, outside forces. We've been working on setting up alternative sources for materials and such.
"Needless to say, that leaves us a bit tense with Shinra. A couple of our places have, well, the Turks-"
The door opened, and Rufus walked in, holding a shock stick. With him was Elena, and... was it Rude? He was bald with sunglasses. "Yeah, old man.
"What have the Turks been up to?"
Macor went pale and shuddered. "Reno."
"Sorry to interrupt, Mr. White Knight," said Reno. "But Mr. Macor here has some business to discuss with us."
"You..." said Cloud.
But Reno moved forward as the man backed away. Rude, however, leaped over the desk and caught him from behind. The redhead channeled his shock stick. "Don't blame me, Macor. You got your one warning, and you ignored it.
"I'm not responsible for what happens next. Take him."
"Don't you dare lay a finger on him!" snapped Cloud, drawing his sword.
Reno halted as a blade went to his throat. He looked up and snarled. "Oh, cute, the Knight White's damsel isn't giving him the time of day, so he's protecting an old man. Back off, kid. Save yourself a world of hurt and give up on playing the hero.
"Honor, justice, oaths, they have no meaning in a world like this."
"If they have no meaning, then it's only because of people like you," said Cloud.
"That doesn't sound like my problem," said Reno. "Get out of here before I make an example of you."
"Um, Reno," said Elena. "You said we were going to do something fun for a holiday. This uh... work stuff."
"Elena, it's important to enjoy what you do," said Reno. "What, do you have a problem with beating up a largely innocent old man? He has a contract on him."
"Oh no, of course not," said Elena nervously. "It's just well... Cloud's here now. And I'd rather not spend the day off beating friends senseless."
"Fine, whatever," said Reno. "Why don't you head down a few blocks and get us some coffee. By the time we're finished here, I'll have put a bullet in the old man, and that'll be the end of it."
"Yes, sir!" said Elena. "Um, I'll get you the usual. Cloud, Mr. Sephiroth, do you have a preference?"
"Elena, stop asking our future marks for their coffee preferences-" began Reno. "Wait, Sephiroth?"
Reno looked behind him.
And immediately fell back against the counter. "Oh, Sephiroth uh... we didn't um... know you were here."
"Elena, I would like pumpkin spice," said Sephiroth. Get Cloud a mocha. Extra creme in both."
"Yes, sir!" said Elena before rushing out.
"...Well, we have a problem, don't we?" asked Sephiroth.
"Actually, we don't," said Reno. "How about you, Sephiroth, yank the leash on your pet here and tell it to know it's place. I'm on the clock."
"Even if I didn't have a problem with what you were doing, I still couldn't let you do it," said Sephiroth with a shrug. "My status as a renowned hero would be destroyed if I were seen being associated with this."
"Yeah, well, it'll be way worse if you pick a fight with Shinra officials on a mission," said Reno. "Not all of us can take leave whenever we want. And I can't back down here; I'm under contract."
"Well, if neither of us will back down, then we are at an impasse," said Sephiroth.
"Looks like it," said Reno, tensing. "I can't compete with you in terms of combat prowess. And if you were gonna sacrifice your career for honor, you'd have done it years ago."
"May I suggest an alternative, then?" asked Sephiroth, looking to Cloud. An idea, based on the commentary about knights, came to him.
"I'm listening," said Reno.
"You and Cloud already have a vendetta as things stand," said Sephiroth. "Perhaps, in the spirit of Camelot, we may make use of trial by combat.
"We go outside, and you fight in single combat. If you win, Cloud and I will leave you in peace."
"And what do you want?" asked Reno.
"If I win, you take Mr. Macor off the hit list," said Sephiroth. "I think we both know your organization can refuse a target for contractual reasons."
"So I get to complete my mission home free," said Reno. "And beat Mr. White Knight over here's face into the dirt. What's the downside?"
"You won't win," said Cloud.
"Keep telling yourself that," said Reno. Then he looked back to several other guards. "Alright, boys, our and clear us an arena."
Out went the troops, and Mr. Macor was dragged out by Rude. The crowds gathered in surprise to see what was happening. Cloud stood across from Reno, sword in hand, and they faced one another.
"So, Cloud, before I beat you to a bloody pulp, you should don't want to go crying back to Mommy?" asked Reno. "I won't think any less of you than I do already."
"Shut up and fight," said Cloud.
"Your funeral," said Reno.
Cloud surged forward, swinging his sword. Even as he did, Reno stepped aside, and the blade passed him. Up came the electric stick and struck Cloud in the chest. He screamed as he fell backward to land hard. Reno scoffed.
"Oh yeah, that's gonna do you real good," said Reno. "Maybe next time you decide to play champion, you make sure you can fight."
Cloud stood up again, taking another stance. "It's not over yet."
"Oh great, your one of those determinators," said Reno nonchalantly. "Whatever."
Then Reno attacked.
Cloud parried two strokes before Reno's knee came up to hit him in the ground. As he doubled over, Reno slammed him with the electric stick. Cloud hit the ground hard, lip bleeding. However, he rolled away and began to climb up again.
"I should note that this thing is set on low," said Reno. "I wouldn't want Sephiroth's latest pet to get fried too early."
"Shut up!" snapped Cloud.
Their weapons clashed, and Reno drove Cloud back. Suddenly lightning shot from the stick to strike at Cloud, who screamed and fell back. He was spasming now. This was a worse result than Sephiroth had anticipated.
"You're putting yourself in a whole lot of pain for a lost cause," said Reno. "Even if you save the old man today, a non-Turk hitman will rub him out tomorrow. You think we're the only enforcer's President Shinra has?
"He just loves having options. Something you should have figured from a meeting with Rufus." Murmurs began to break out in the crowd.
Cloud stood and attacked again, only for Reno to catch him in the leg. As he well to one knee, Reno slammed him across the face. "...You don't quit, do you?
"Oh well, no skin off my nose if you want a heavy beating." Then he struck Cloud as he tried to stand up. He held the stick there, and Cloud screamed in agony under it. "That was one of the heavier settings.
"Remember the fact."
Reno walked away, whistling.
However, he stopped whistling when murmurs came from the crowd. Looking back, he saw Cloud trying to stand on shaking hands. His face was covered in blood, and he was in obvious agony. "Seriously, are you a glutton for punishment or something? Cause now I'm just feeling bad. If you weren't under Sephiroth's protection, I'd just put a bullet in ya.
"That doesn't take much skill.
"Anyone can beat a man to death. Me? I've spent a long career learning to beat people within a half an inch of their life. Very few people appreciate how difficult my career."
Reno turned and hit Cloud. Then he hit him again and again, with Cloud desperately trying to ward him off. On and on it went, and finally Cloud fell back. Reno was breathing heavily now. However, Cloud was standing up again.
"...This is just getting pathetic," said Reno. "What, do I have to break your legs? It's nothing a cure spell can't fix. Give up before I get serious."
"No..." said Cloud, picking up his sword.
"All this so you can play the hero?" asked Reno.
"It has nothing to do with playing hero!" said Cloud. "You're a murderer, you're... you're all murderers, and you're trying to kill an innocent man! I'm... I'm not going to let you kill him as long... as long as I can stand..."
Reno laughed. "Even if you beat me, the only thing you'll do is give him a stay of execution. Shinra wants him dead, so he's already dead. I'm just the messenger."
"I..." Cloud was struggling to get to his feet. "If a delay... is all... I can do, I'll do it..."
"God above," said Reno. "I figured you were posing, but you actually buy into your own hype, don't you? Chivalry is dead. So is honor. So is basic decency.
"Look around you. Look at these people." He motioned to the crowd. "If they all rose up at once, they could stop us no problem. But they aren't going to do that because it would put them on Shinra's bad side. Nobody wants to be the one who hurts the economy. Even if what's keeping the economy up is horrifying.
"They're cheering about all the things we did, I'm sorry, you did in Tamblin. Because that's all fantasy. It never comes home. The worst they get is a letter describing how someone they know died. So all the horrific things that happen here are a fantasy too.
"'There's nothing I can do.' 'The system is rigged.' 'He'll die later anyway.'
"These sheep tell themselves they're helpless because they like being helpless. They don't want the responsibility of being an active citizen. And Mr. Macor over there, he's a rebel. A loner who's encouraging people to be active. And that threatens to pop their little bubble.
"That's why they'll let him die."
"SHUT UP!" said Cloud.
And he charged at him. However, even as he did, Reno ducked and smashed Cloud in the gut, reducing him to his knees. Cloud spat out blood as Reno turned to walk toward Macor, drawing out a pistol.
"I've had enough of this," said Reno.
"The fight is done. Now, if you'll just watch, I'm going to blow this old man's brains out all over his window, and no one is going to stop me. Because they're all getting checks and know better than to rock the-"
"Sir, I'm here with the coffee!" said Elena, coming out of the crowd. She raced over to Cloud. "Oh, Cloud, you look like he did a number on you. I got you a mocha like you wanted. I actually got there just as they were finished making it.
"So this coffee is blazing hot."
"...Thank you," said Cloud.
Then he took his coffee, pulled the top off, and splashed it all over Reno's face. Reno screamed as a hot liquid went all over him and fell to the ground in agony. Before he could get up, Cloud was on him and grabbed him by the hair. He then bashed Reno's forehead against the street, hard. Then he did it again.
Finally, Reno fell silent, unconscious.
"Reno is unable to continue," said Cloud. "I win.
Dead silence followed.
Then the crowd cheered. Well, everyone in the crowd except Elena, of course, who stared in horror. Then she calmly put down the cups and raced forward to pull Cloud up by the collar. "You just threw away a perfectly good cup of coffee to gain victory! Is there nothing you won't stoop to in order to achieve your mad dream, Cloud!"
"He was going to murder a man in broad daylight," said Cloud, sounding somewhat guilty.
"IT WAS COFFEE!" cried Elena before punching him.
Sephiroth considered how much he valued Mr. Macor's life. Then he compared it to how much he valued a hot cup of coffee on a cold day. "She may have a point."
"How could you do such a thing," said Elena. "Take a cup of coffee; someone had run through the snow to get you. And then splash it all over my boss's face! Now, who will drink the coffee meant for Reno?"
"...You could drink it yourself," said Cloud.
Elena paused. Then she put him down. "You win this round. Alright, I guess we don't kill Mr. Macor. Today."
"Um... Reno looks like he needs to go to the emergency room," said Rude.
"Right, fine," said Elena. "Put him in the car, and we'll take him to the medics."
"We could just use a Cure Materia on him," said Rude.
"We are ecologically friendly hired killers," said Elena. "I don't use materia. Tseng's rules, remember."
"I think he has third-degree burns and broken bones in his face," said Rude.
"Reno would understand," said Elena. "Now throw him into the back of the truck where we normally keep the bodies!"
And off they went.
Cloud stared as Reno was thrown into the back of the car, and it drove off at top speed. Only to skid to a halt at a red light. When it turned green, it drove off at high speed again.
"...There is something seriously wrong with those people," said Cloud.
Sephiroth moved forward, having found today's events quite entertaining. Having a bit of context while watching a fight was everything. "Are you alright, Cloud?"
"I've... I've had worse," said Cloud.
Sephiroth raised a cure materia, and Cloud's injuries instantly vanished. "Not anymore."
"Cloud," said Macor. "You've saved my life, and I can't thank you enough. I'll always remember this."
"You may not have very much time to remember it," noted Sephiroth. "Mr. Macor, I recommend you move. Immediately. The Turks have been thwarted, but they'll soon be back. And in less affable form." He paused. "Cloud, do you have anywhere we can go until this dies down."
"Yeah," said Cloud. "There's a church in the slums, might be worth looking at."