Encounters of the Strange Kind
The duo left Seventh Heaven in the early morning hours the following day, and arrived at Junon a little after sunrise. Tifa hadn't been to Junon since their adventures a year prior, and the view now that the deck covering Lower Junon was removed was spectacular. Both girls made their way to the beach to take in some of the aesthetics before getting down to work. The electric fence that was present before had also been removed, to allow sea creatures to come and go as they please, so there were no obstacles to the magnificent view.
The sun was just on the horizon, and the sea winds gusted through their hair, creating the perfect temperature. The aroma of sea salt calmed their nerves and in the distance, the sound of seagulls and fish splashing could be heard without strain. It was definitely a more relaxing setting than the stress she'd become accustomed to. Yuffie closed her eyes with a grin, and took in a deep breath. Tifa took in the surroundings visually, offering only a slight smile. Though she appreciated the company of her friend, there was still someone else Tifa would rather be here with, and honestly felt a pang of guilt over feeling that way. When would she ever be able to truly enjoy life again?
Around them, people began to stir, running their daily errands. Now that fishing had once again become a staple in the economy, the boats were loaded early in the morning. However, it wasn't a bustling stir as in Midgar, where everything was push and shove. Most of the people in lower Junon were either at or above middle age and were very courteous and quiet, taking care of their business without disturbing others.
"Allllllright. Ready to get started?" the ninja extraordinaire cheered, breaking the silence and pounding her first into the air.
"You got it!" As the two turned around to make their way back into the main town, a small girl in a bikini ran up to them, an elderly man following more slowly in tow.
"Heeeeey! It's you guys!" the girl exclaimed. Nostalgia rushed over Tifa, as she vividly recalled the day they had first met the girl. It had been on their first visit to Junon, while trailing Sephiroth. There, they met this strange little girl who had an obsession with a dolphin, when once again, duty called for the group to save someone. A Bottomswell had attacked, and if they hadn't been there to stop it, there's no doubt that this little girl would not be running right now.
"Priscilla! How've you been?" Tifa responded, embracing the girl in a hug. Yuffie did the same.
"I've been gooooood! Mr. Dolphin left, though, now that the fence keeping him in is gone," she replied, sporting a pouty face. Her grandfather, minding his manners, was sure to repeat the question.
"It's good to see you all! How have YOU been?" He looked around momentarily, then added, "And where's Cloud? You never came here without him, before."
Tifa looked downwards, unable to respond. Yuffie took the opportunity to answer. "Actually, that's kinda why we're here. See, we don't know where Cloud is. He left a year ago, and we've been looking for him ever since."
"WHAT? HE LEFT?" Priscilla showed no refrain from expressing her emotions. After the Junon incident where Cloud performed CPR on her, she always regarded him as her hero, and made sure everyone knew about it.
"That's really quite unfortunate," the elderly man responded, his initial smile giving way to a caring frown.
"Yeah. So I take it you guys haven't seen him?"
"No," the man shook his head, "we haven't. What makes you think he'd come here?"
"Honestly, no reason in particular, other than the fact that it's the second largest city in the world."
"Makes sense," he replied pondering. "You know, I believe I may know someone who can help." This caught Tifa's attention, as she looked back up.
"Really? Who?"
"Reeve Tuesti, the leader of the WRO. He's actually in Junon for the week on official business, so you may be able to catch him. He's a very nice man, and since Cloud helped in that meteor event, I'm sure he'd be more than obliged to help."
"THAT'S GENIUS!" Yuffie jumped. "We actually know Reeve! Why didn't we think of that?"
"To be honest, I have no idea," she wondered. "Where is he, do you know?"
"Sure. He's most likely at the WRO Headquarters in Upper Junon. Take the elevator, and proceed across the main route until you come to another elevator. Take it up, and that'll be the WRO Headquarters. If you know where the Shinra HQ was before, it's the same place." Tifa definitely remembered; she had been there for nearly a week after Sephiroth used the black materia. It was where she was almost executed, so that wasn't her fondest of places to go. Nonetheless, if it could aid in their search for Cloud, it was worth it.
"Thank you! Well, see you later!" The man waved in return, and the duo headed towards the elevator.
"What a brilliant idea! The WRO is the world's largest organization, with members in practically every town. If anyone would be able to find Cloud, Reeve should!" Tifa nodded in concurrence.
As they made their way up the stairs to the WRO Junon Headquarters, they found the entrance guarded by a familiar face. The man's red hair, untidy suit, and electromagnetic rod were unmistakable. Upon noticing them, he dawned his ever cocky smirk.
"Well, well, well. Look who it is!"
"Do we know you?" Yuffie teased, winking.
"Ouch, that one hurt!" He played, holding his hand to his stomach. "So how've you guys…or girls rather, been?"
"Been good! Just playing hide-and-seek!" Reno raised an eyebrow to the response. What a strange, random girl.
"So they have you on guard duty, huh?" Tifa inquired, looking around.
"Hey!" He got comically defensive. "The WRO is now the largest organization in the world. You can't let just anyone guard the headquarters!"
"So basically, they have you playing guard duty," the ninja confirmed. Reno sighed in response.
"Unfortunately. Rude gets the more exciting jobs. APPARENTLY he's more serious about work than I am. DO YOU BELIEVE THAT?" he whined.
Both girls grinned. "Can't even imagine that one," Yuffie's sarcasm was ever present. "So anyways," she got to the point, "is Reeve in?"
"That's affirmative. But…"
Yuffie scowled. "But what?"
"Well, I can't just let you go in."
"Um, and why not? We did save the world and all!" she replied, matter-of-factly, placing her hands on her hips.
"Because, you have to give me a kiss, babe!" he flirted. Yuffie stuck out her tongue in whimsical disgust.
"Yuck! I don't know where that mouth has been! Oh wait, yeah I do…on guard duty!" Tifa giggled in response.
"Alright, alright. Enough with the heckling! You can go in!" he moved to the side, permitting them admittance.
"Thanks!" Tifa said.
They spotted Reeve supervising and giving instructions to some computer operators. Upon their entrance, he noticed them immediately, and walked over to them, smiling. "Long time, no see!" He greeted.
The group exchanged hugs, before the obvious question was asked. "So what are you two doing here?"
"Well," Tifa began, "we were actually wondering if you could possibly help us." Reeve's face looked puzzled. What did these two need help with?
"Of course. With what?"
Yuffie, knowing full-well how emotional Tifa became when trying to explain, took it upon herself to pose the favor. "We're trying to find Cloud."
"Oh, I see. Is he missing?" His expression shifted to one of concern. Through Cait Sith, he'd gotten to know Cloud well, and knew that he was a man of good character. It'd be sad, indeed, if anything happened to the man that saved the world.
"Yeah. A couple days after Sephiroth was defeated, he left without saying a word. So, we're trying to find him."
"Interesting," the WRO leader remarked, pondering over the situation. What would make Cloud leave the only people who had stuck by him? It made no sense. This inquiry gave way to another, possibly more important one. "You say he left?" He looked back up.
"Yep," the ninja replied.
"So you SAW him leave?"
"Well…no, but, why?" Tifa answered this time, not sure what Reeve was getting at.
"You say he disappeared. But him leaving willingly makes no sense whatsoever to me, since you guys are all his friends. So if nobody saw him leave, we cannot exclude the possibility that he didn't leave willingly." As always, Reeve was the voice of reason. His thought processes were always logical, which was why, despite his defiance of Shinra policies, he was always kept around.
"What are you saying?" Yuffie asked, annoyed at what she thought might be the insinuation.
"I'm saying it's possible he was taken forcefully."
Tifa's mouth fell agape, and felt a knot in her stomach. She hadn't considered the possibility he had been kidnapped. She had just been cynical and jumped to the conclusion he had left, unhappy with something in life. And not just her; nobody among the group thought of this. Now, worry fused with guilt as a tear rolled down her cheek. Reeve, seeing the response, attempted to change the mood a bit.
"Tifa, Yuffie," they looked up, "you have my word that my best people will be out looking for him. RENO!" He yelled loudly. Through the door walked the redheaded Turk.
"Yeah, boss?" he asked casually.
"New assignment. You're to meet up with Rude, Tseng, and Elena, and look for Cloud."
"Oh, sweet! I don't have to be a Guard Hound anymore. Looks like I've become a German Shepherd," he replied sarcastically. Yuffie and Reeve both rolled their eyes.
"Uh, sir!" One of the computer operators called over to Reeve, a sense of desperation and urgency in his voice.
"Yes?" The president called over his shoulder.
"You better come take a look at this! It's him again!" A stern expression formed on the man's face as he rushed over to the computer monitor the man had been looking at. Tifa, Yuffie, and Reno followed. What they saw was live footage from security cameras around Junon. On the particular screen that Reeve was watching, a man in a navy blue cloak, face hidden, was roaming quietly near the outside of the headquarters.
"Who…is that?" Tifa asked, her fascination piqued.
"We don't know. He's been showing up, suspiciously wandering around the city for the past four days. This is actually why I'm here. Reno!" The Turk nodded, unsheathed his rod, and bolted out the door.
"Will he be okay?" Yuffie was clearly concerned. "Is it safe to confront that guy?" Reeve confidently smirked and crossed his arms.
"Of course. He's a Turk, after all. Those guys are not easily dealt with!" Tifa nodded in compliance, remembering the many fights they'd had. They were definitely a skilled group of fighters. They intently watched the security footage as Reno raced down the stairs and exited the headquarters.
The Turk approached the man without hesitation, despite the large stature of the man; he was easily over six feet tall. Whatever this freak show was up to, he was going to find out. As he walked up to the man, he noticed that the man's face was still hidden. The outfit the man wore, the navy blue cloak, looked like something worn in a religious cult. Definitely a cult he'd never seen before, which was strange indeed.
"Hey buddy," Reno announced, his EMR resting on his shoulder, "anything I can help you with?" The man stood as still as a statue, looking in the general direction of Reno, his face still hidden. After several moments there was no response. The impatient Turk became quite frustrated. The nerve of someone to not answer, especially when he'd been polite about it, was not something to which he took comfortably. He growled under his breath for a moment before asking again. "Yo. Are you deaf? I'm trying to help…" he was cut off as he noticed the man's eyes light up under the shadow of his cloak. A bright teal color was all that he could notice.
This was not looking good; the redhead began to feel a sense of paranoia overcoming him. He found himself regretting approaching the man. After all that'd happened with SOLDIER, the last thing he wanted was to get into a fight with someone who resembled one. "Um, are you…" before he could finish the question, the cloaked man mysteriously replied, in a deep, monotonous drawl.
"Eden." The Turk raised an eyebrow and became a little more optimistic. Perhaps there was nothing to fear after all. Seems like the guy is just a little lost.
"Nah, sorry bro. This is Junon. Never heard of a place…" for the third time, he was unable to finish his sentence. This time, it was because the man, without warning, disappeared, and instantaneously reappeared directly in front of him. Not giving Reno time to process what was going on, he landed a solid punch directly to the ribs, sending the Turk flying a good ten feet backwards, unconscious. Glancing over to make sure that his opponent was defeated, he disappeared once more.
Tifa, Yuffie, and Reeve stood before the computer monitor, eyes wide with fear, near shaking. Reno was one of the best fighters that the previous Shinra corporation had, and this man just beat him like it was nothing. The only person they'd ever seen with the ability to just disappear was Sephiroth, and that thought did not sit well. All the computer operator could mutter was, "What…the hell?" Reeve immediately took charge.
"Alright, listen up!" The entirety of the staff present in the control room looked up intently. "I want a medical staff down there right away! Have soldiers accompany them, to avoid danger. I want Junon on full lockdown, and soldiers on every corner, in groups of three. Nobody is to approach this man unless he is threatening the general populace. Once he is located, report back to me. Have a retrieval squad ready to be deployed. Got it?"
"Yes, sir!" The many-membered staff saluted. Suddenly, the room became frantic with people running around, dispatching workers via the computer systems, and performing other duties. Tifa approached Reeve once more.
"Is there anything we can do? Will he be alright?" Reeve noticed that she was slightly shaking, and Yuffie had still been unable to take her eyes off the computer monitor.
"I hope so. I'm going to attend to Reno immediately, and am calling in the remaining Turks. I hope you understand, but this is, well, more pertinent than finding Cloud at the moment. You two are without a doubt more powerful and skilled than any soldier at my disposal, so if you wish, you can help search Junon, at your discretion."
Tifa nodded. "I understand. We'll do it."
"Be careful. I advise not to engage in combat with him, since he made short work out of Reno. If you find him, please call me so that I can send some of my more advanced machinery to deal with him."
"Of course, but, to be honest, I don't think robots will do much good if he has the ability to disappear."
"No." Reeve and Tifa looked back at Yuffie, who was still had her eyes glued on the computer screen. They were taken aback by her response.
"Uh, no what?"
"He didn't disappear," she answered, ominously. She was a ninja, and she knew disappearing when she saw it, and this was not disappearing. Nothing escapes her eyes.
"What do you mean, Yuffie? We just witnessed it!" Reeve was confused. He didn't want to hear anything pessimistic at the moment.
"He…didn't disappear. He just…moves very quickly," she replied, awestruck. Reeve walked back to the computer monitor.
"Are you sure?" He glanced down at the computer operator. "Jack, could you please rewind and slow down the video footage by say, twenty times?" Jack nodded, and did as instructed. The three looked on as the video confirmed Yuffie's suspicions. Even at twenty times slowed down, it was difficult to see, but more clear than previously. The cloaked man had sprinted up to Reno, not disappeared.
"Wow," was all Tifa could say. She was exceptionally trained in martial arts, and had no idea how to deal with someone who could move that swiftly, or pack that much of a punch. Reeve was once again the voice of reason.
"If he's running instead of disappearing, then we should be able to see in which direction he ran. Jack, slow down the end of the footage by fifty times." Jack once again performed his duty, and they saw the man running in the general direction of the airport.
At the same time, on another continent, a pilot and a man with a gun grafted into his arm were talking over a cup of tea in the pilot's back yard. Cid had been working on some new project, which to everyone's surprise, he refused to reveal the details of. Cid was always boastful about his work, never letting anyone forget that it was he who designed the Highwind. When asked about his new project, he always grinned, and replied "You'll see soon." Barret had just finished survey of an oil field near Rocket Town, and decided to spend his last day before going home visiting his old friend.
"Oil, eh? %$^ I coulda told ya that! How else ya think I power my aircraft? Mako?" Cid sneered as he took another sip of tea.
"Well regardless, the drilling will begin next week. Anyways, how's the Town doin'?"
"%#^ I don't know. I just work on my project all day. Don't got time to worry about these boring ass people." Barret chuckled. Cid never changed. "How's yer little girl doin'?"
Barret beamed. "Marlene's doin' well. She's started back ta school an' everything. Tifa's lookin' after her while I'm gone."
"That's nice. Always can count on her," he mentioned, while taking a puff of his cigarette.
"Damn, Cid, ain't you ever gonna quit? You releasin' more fumes than the Highwind!"
"Hey dammit, get off my back! %# I ain't doin' more damage than Shinra, so I don't wanna hear it!" This time, he took an extra long drag to irritate his friend. About this time, the old man who always adored his rocket came running up to his fence.
"Captain! Captain!"
Cid shot the man an annoyed glare, before replying. "What the %$# you want? Can't you see I'm trying to enjoy my GODDAMN TEA?" The elderly man widened his eyes, startled.
"Sorry to bother you, captain. But there's a strange looking fellow walking around near the Inn. Never seen him before."
"A strange looking fellow?" He sat down his tea cup and took another drag. "Well what's he look like?" Inwardly, both he and Barret were hoping the response would be "spiky yellow hair", but the answer disappointed them.
"He's wearing a red cloak lookin' thing, he is! Can't even see his face!" Cid and Barret exchanged worried glances. Sephiroth clones had worn cloaks; this was news that they did not want to hear.
"Alright, we'll check it out. But be warned, next time you interrupt my damn tea, I'll send you flying higher than I ever did!" The two stood up, Cid grabbing his Venus Gospel, and made their way to the Inn.
A/N: Happy Holidays everyone! Hope everything is going well. Recently started a blog, mostly with self-help topics. Check it out, if you want/have time.
salimhyder. wordpress. com
