From Tifa's point of view things look different. The perspective change is something noted and she's still adjusting to it.
"I can barely see them." Tifa thinks to herself. "They're so small…" She looks around carefully and slowly sits down. "This is crazy but then again what in the last few days has made any sense?" She glances north. "The barrier around the cave is gone. That's a piece of good news."
Everyone else is piling onto the Highwind. With a good gawking spell had by them all they board the vessel. Feeling a bit on the spot she just smiles shyly at their scrutiny.
"Wonder where they're going?" Tifa notices Cloud still standing nearby trying to signal her. "What does he want?" She lowers a hand for him to hop onto and then slowly lifts him to her face. "So tiny…" She places him next to her ear. "Can I help you?" She asks.
"Yeah." Cloud replies. "You could quiet down a bit to start."
"Sorry." She giggles then covers her mouth guiltily. Cloud rolls his eyes good-naturedly.
"How do you feel? You were able to defeat WEAPON. The whole thing is unbelievable."
"I feel… strange." Tifa replies. "Really strange."
"You might, there isn't anything else to expect after what just happened."
"I mean light-headed. When that cannon was fired I could feel the Planet's pain. I became weaker along with it."
"Are you serious?"
"Yes. Even now I can feel the Planet's energy flow shift. It's heading toward North Cave. I feel weaker…" Tifa begins to shrink. "The Planet can't support both me and Sephiroth. It's like a tug of war but someone else is pulling with Sephiroth." Her shrinking leaves her at around sixty feet tall. "I don't know how much more the Planet can take."
"Something is giving Sephiroth more energy?" Cloud dials the PHS "Cait Sith, now that WEAPON is gone what is Midgar's status? Reactors all set to overdraw on Planet energy? Won't that cause meltdowns or worse? The energy is heading toward North Cave? Massive blackout? We'll try to help."
"What is happening? I feel so woozy."
"Someone is using the Mako Cannon to overload the reactors and is redirecting the energy at North Cave. The reactors could explode and Midgar would be in bad shape."
"So, what do we do?"
"I am going to go get everyone and we are going to stop whoever is behind this. You are staying here; there is no way you can fit in Midgar now. There would be too much destruction."
"You may need my help!"
"You have to sit this one out. I'm sorry."
"You can't make me!" Tifa exclaims. Cloud clutches his ears ineffectually and she immediately regrets yelling but looks determined. "I'm going." She says levely.
"You know I really can't make you stay but you don't want to harm innocent people by accident do you?"
"No…"
"Then I need you to put me down so I can go."
In the Sector 8 military district Cloud and his posse are gathering for one last huddle. Most of the city is darkened by major power outages and the entire atmosphere seems charged with the missing energy. Trepidation and Mako are in the air as they make last minute preparations.
"Alright everyone we've got a madman to stop!" Cloud says loudly. "We'll split up to not attract too much attention!"
"Well if you want to get to the Mako Cannon as fast as possible you'll need me." Cait Sith states. "Unless you know Sector 8 better than I do."
"Good point. Who else is with me?"
"I'll go." Barret says guiltily. "I blew No. 1 and a lot of people suffered because of it. I want to try and make it up to them."
"Okay, the rest of you stay out of trouble."
Outside Midgar Tifa sits patiently waiting. She just watched them parachute into Sector 8.
"There has to be something I can do." Tifa thinks to herself. "What if they run into trouble? Shinra knows they're coming; they have to have something planned. There has to be a way…" The Highwind lands next to Tifa. She looks at it oddly then resumes thinking. "This is going to take some getting used to."
In a Sector 8 train tunnel Cloud and friends creep through the darkness. Along the dead railroad ties they find a path that leads to the reactor's central panel. Now it is just a matter of getting down it and stopping the disaster.
"If you aren't right on time…" A voice snickers.
"Reno!" Cloud snarls drawing the Crystal Sword.
"This will be our last meeting." Reno says flicking out his electrified baton.
"Luck's run out." Rude grunts cracking his knuckles.
"Our orders are to seek…" Elena begins falling into fighting stance. "…and kill."
"Whatever ya'll want!" Barret replies cocking the A.M. Cannon.
"No." Cloud says putting away the crystalline armament.
"Why? Might as well settle this now." Reno says. "You scared?"
"No, just tired." Cloud replies. "We're here to stop the reactors from going up like firecrackers and here you are in the way."
"So?" Rude snorts.
"Look, I could settle up with you or save Midgar. It would be a shame if we were blown to kingdom come while we were fighting though."
"It would not be enjoyable…" Elena agrees. "But it's our job."
"We fought a WEAPON to get here. If you got to fight let's go and get it over with." The ground rumbles under them. "Or just get out of the way."
"You think that was a reactor?" Reno asks.
"…"
"Better safe than sorry." Elena replies.
"Hmm, pipsqueak's right." Reno says telescoping the Mag Rod. "We're done for the day."
"Let's just get out of here." Elena agrees and Rude nods. The Turks leave without fanfare.
"That was easy." Barret says.
"Don't think we got to the hard part yet." Cloud sighs.
"The controls are just ahead!" Cait Sith informs them. They emerge from the train tunnel. "Just up those stairs!"
"Not so fast!" Comes an amplified voice.
"Heideggar!" Cait Sith hisses.
"You don't give up do you Reeve?"
"Scarlet! Oh no, I know what this means!"
"What, you've got to tell us!" Cloud exclaims.
"What's the big- #$&!" Barret swears.
Scarlet laughs. "You're in for a treat!"
"The latest in Anti-WEAPON artillery!" Heideggar joins in the merriment. "All for you!"
"Anti-WEAPON?" Cloud asks, sword drawn.
"Built to destroy WEAPONs." Cait Sith says. "Tougher than an actual WEAPON if the specs hold true."
"&$!" Barret swears again.
The large red machine comes into full view. "Meet the Proud Clod!"
"Now you're finished!"
En route to Sector 8 Tifa is moving quickly. Though sixty-four feet in height she has found a way into the military district of Midgar and has a mission of her own to do.
"Good thing I thought to enter through Sector 7. This place is already flattened. Plus it's right next to Sector 8." Tifa stops at the border to Sector 8 and looks from afar. "I'll just wait here and take a look around."
Cloud, Cait Sith and Barret emerge from the train tunnel. Tifa breathes a sigh of relief since they are in plain view and look fine. They draw their weapons. Now she is worried.
"What's wrong?" Tifa wonders form her position. "What the heck is that?" She catches sight of the Proud Clod and is able to hear the gloating of the military commanders of Shinra as well. "They can't handle that!" She dashes forward to their aid.
"Tifa!" Cloud exclaims. "I thought I told you to stay behind!"
"I'll take care of this!" Tifa replies as though she hadn't heard. "You go stop the reactors!"
"Okay! Show this bucket whose boss!" Barret yells.
"Be careful!" Cloud calls up to Tifa. It looks as though she hadn't heard but he can see her smile just a bit. He runs after his comrades.
"Look, it's the wench I had to give a good slapping. You come back for more?" Scarlet asks. "Heideggar, let's get her! Stop drooling! Just because you weigh the same doesn't mean she's interested!"
"This thing doesn't look so tough." Tifa thinks. "It's not even that big." To be truthful the Proud Clod only stood about forty-five feet tall. She moves to grab it. It slashes at her outstretched hands so she jumps back. "But still dangerous!"
"You don't scare me!" Scarlet declares. "Get a grip on yourself; you're driving this thing too!" The Clod advances forward. Tifa gives ground until they are well into Sector 7. "Afraid you'll hurt someone? Fear not, you'll be the only victim here!" The Clod fires a volley of bullets at Tifa. She shields herself and the Clod slides forward for a tackle. It takes her down hard into the wreckage of her own bar. "Give her some Materia Beam!" The cannon on the back of the Proud Clod begins to glow.
Tifa kicks up suddenly and the beam goes astray into Sector 8. She regains her feet quickly and lands a punch and a kick on the red robot. It doesn't budge and slashes across her arm in return. She does stumble and the robot tries to tackle her again. This time they clasp hands to claws and Tifa braces with one foot smack dab in the middle of Sector 6. She feels something snap under her boot.
"What did I just do?" Tifa wails in her mind. She shoves back and leaning forward punches hard twice knocking the machine away. She looks at back at what she stepped on and relief cascades through her. "It was just the place with the gun that shoots at people. No one could've been in there."
This glance would be costly as the Proud Clod lunged forward and delivered a gut punch of its own. Doubled over, as only living things can be Tifa is lifted from her feet and tossed bodily into Wall Market.
Words do not describe the pain Tifa feels as she skids into Sector 6 face first. She closes her eyes as she impacts the star attraction of Midgar, doing it in more than two simultaneous demolition crews.
"…no…" Tifa moans as she feels building after building crumble under her. "This can't be happening…" She lies there appalled at the gravity of what she had just done by meaning well. Afraid to move for fear of crushing others she lies still. Despite that, she begins to spread out compressing even more of Midgar. "I don't want to be any bigger!" Tifa cries, vibrating the neo city. "Please no!"
"What's wrong, you give up?" Scarlet teases. "It's amazing something so big can be so weak." The Proud Clod charges the Materia Beam. It fires.
Tifa is not moved. She doesn't feel it at all. She grows bigger and bigger taking up more of Sector 6 until she reaches Sector 7. By now she's taking up a lot of area and the entertainment center of the hypermetropolis is a leveled memory.
"No more!" Tifa shouts pushing herself off the inn she was resting on and standing. She surveys the devastation. "Why?" She whispers. "Why did this happen?"
"Don't just sit there, fire again!" Scarlet commands.
"You…" Tifa says with a quiet rage evident in her voice. She picks up the Proud Clod in one hand and begins to dismantle it. Since it is nowhere near knee high she is finished rather quickly with the destruction machine. She holds Scarlet and Heideggar in her palm; they are barely an inch tall by comparison. "Any last words?" She asks with her face in their immediate area.
"You're just going to ogle her up until you die?" Scarlet yells at Heideggar whose eyes are the sizes of saucers. She turns to her colossal captor. "I hate you and your friends! You may be big but you're just a failure! You squashed everyone you wanted to save by trying to help them! How does that feel? With you in his corner how can Sephiroth lose?" The female commander laughs.
"You will pay for that." Tifa says monotone. Her hand begins to close around them. Scarlet stands triumphant while Heideggar is still peering through Tifa's fingers for one last look.
"NO, YOU CAN'T!" A voice says from the ruins of Sector 7. "THEN YOU'LL BE JUST AS EVIL AS THEY ARE!"
"Who's to say she isn't?" Scarlet laughs again. "Look at what she has done!"
"Cloud…" Tifa whispers, setting down the Shinra executives. "I…" She stops and stalks off through Sector 7 over him and out of Midgar.
"WAIT TIFA PLEASE!" Cloud begs plaintively.
Outside of Midgar on the Highwind the group convenes. The incident in Midgar and the destruction of Sector 6 being the least of their worries the party has some other things to sort out.
"Cid, how long will it be before the Highwind is flying again?" Cloud asks.
"Two or three days. Could be longer could be shorter." Cid replies. "I don't see why she had to break the propellers; what did Highwind do to her?"
"I can't tell you." Cloud shrugs. "I don't know what's with her right now."
"She has a lot on her mind." Red says reflectively. "It has been very trying for her these past few days."
"She is not alone." Vincent agrees. "I too have much to consider."
"It looks like we all have something to think about." Cloud deduces. "It may have become unclear what we are fighting for or how we are doing it. We should all take a break and realize exactly what it is again. Come back when you are ready to continue."
"Good idea." Barret affirms. "Let's go get our heads on straight."
"What if none of us come back?" Cid says morbidly. "If the whole Planet's riding on that premenstrual bundle of nerves we're good as done."
"You may be right." Cloud says somberly. "At this point it is hard to tell. I'm sure of why I'm here; I'll be back. That much I know."
"This thing is getting too scary for me!" Yuffie squeals. "WEAPONs, Meteor, Tifa, the whole situation is beginning to freak me out!"
"Then leave!" Barret says harshly. "Ain't nobody makin' you stay!"
"Calm down. You aren't being fair." Cloud turns to Yuffie. "I can understand if you don't come back. It's scary for me too but I'm going to face my fear no matter what. I made a promise I'm going to keep."
"I'm sticking with you." Cait Sith says. "Shinra is finished, the hierarchy is falling apart. We have done so much to harm the Planet I'm throwing my lot in with you until the end. Not in the name of Shinra but because I feel responsible for some of this. I may be a toy but I'll give you 100."
"Good to hear." Cloud turns to Cid. "I'll need your chocobo."
"Are ya crazy?" Cid demands. "I'm not letting Goldie within ten miles of that girl!"
"Honestly I don't feel like arguing." Cloud says slowly. "I want your permission but it doesn't matter."
"You ain't takin' anything of mine anywhere near that crazy broad!" The pilot declares with his teeth set.
"That is not called for. I really would rather not fight about it."
"Well that's what's gonna happen!"
"I'll see you later Cid." Cloud goes to walk past him.
"Not so fast, shorty!" Cid strikes Cloud in the eye. Everyone gasps.
The smaller man is rocked by the blow and takes a step back. He looks at his assailant and meets his eyes with his one non-swollen optic sphere. "Are you done?" Cid just stares open-mouthed. Cloud goes to walk past him again.
"I'm not letting you take Goldie to her doom!" Cid cocks his fist back to swing again. Everyone on deck targets him now.
"It ain't funny no more." Barret states A.M. Cannon leveled at Cid.
"Just let Goldie go. Cloud won't just let something happen to her." Cait Sith says ready to clobber the aviator.
"Pick on someone your own size!" Yuffie squeaks.
"Do not attack your allies." Vincent says Outsider trained on him.
"You may not like what he is doing but that is not just cause." Red says ready to pounce.
"Thanks everyone." Cloud says. "I look forward to seeing all of you later." He leaves.
Roaming the Planet at three hundred feet tall Tifa is trying to collect her thoughts. More than a little confused and hurt she has a lot on her mind.
"I can't believe what happened back there." Tifa thinks. "I didn't mean for that to happen. I thought I would save the day; instead I just made everything worse. Cloud was right. He warned there would be too much destruction. He asked if I wanted to harm innocent people by mistake. I said no but it occurred anyway."
She flashes back to when it happened; the sensation of bubbles bursting all over her. "Each one couldn't have been a life, there were so many…" But she remembers that Sector 6 was the most visited and heavily populated place in Midgar. "I just wanted to help!" Tifa begins to cry softly.
"I don't even understand why I became larger. I didn't want to, why would it need to happen? It's almost like the Planet wanted me to destroy all those people…" Now she's thinking.
"When I fell I began to expand. The more I expanded the more people died until I reached the edge of Sector 7. Then I stopped growing." Tifa comes to a sick realization.
"Aeris said people who died could no longer continue the cycle. The Planet uses their spirit energy for life force. Sephiroth and I draw on the Planet's life force to gain power. The Planet does want me to destroy for its own sake, so it can live a little longer!" Tifa begins to feel very ill.
"I killed all those people to satisfy the whim of the ground I stand on? Hundreds died just to sate its need? The biggest thing in the world and I'm only a pawn? Everything I've ever done to lead up to this, being a puppet for the Planet?" The distraught girl sits down.
"What about all those who died? My friends? I knew people in Sector 6! Doesn't the Planet care how I feel?" She covers her face. "I guess the emotions of a servant don't matter; all I am is a tool!" She cries herself to sleep.
Barret sits outside the Highwind looking back. A lot of memories are running through his mind.
"I don't care what nobody say!" Barret yells into the evening sky. "I'm standing behind you all the way Tifa! I know ain't a bad bone in yo body so I know you ain't mean for that stuff to happen. It don't matter no way. Even if it's just me you and Spikehead, cause I know he's comin' back we'll do this!"
In a bar in Kalm Vincent is sitting down. The worn gunslinger is taking a well-deserved drink and appears to still be disquieted.
"Hojo is dead." Vincent says to himself. "What else is left? I can never have redemption and I have already taken my revenge; what else can I do? The love of my life is gone; I don't see a point in going on." He takes a sip of his drink.
"I have no one to guide me. I have to decide this one for myself. What else is there to life but the pursuit of death? All those who are born, die. I have nothing left I want to kill but do not want to die. What can I do? It all feels so meaningless…" He sips from his glass.
"Cloud has something to fight for. He wants to kill Sephiroth and he is willing to die trying. He is willing to risk it all for his love. I respect that. For that I shall help him. If not for him I would not have been able to take my vengeance. I owe him something. I shall follow him in his quest to its end."
Red XIII is halfway to Cosmo Canyon. Galloping at a decent clip he's going to be home in the cliffs in no time.
"Why am I running?" Red wonders. "What am I afraid of? Sephiroth? Tifa?" He stops. "I said I would help save the Planet. I will do that. Regardless of what happens that is what I will do. It is what father would want."
In Midgar somewhere Reeve sits contemplating. The Shinra top brass is perplexed. Thoughts of the events are at the forefront of his mind and he's trying to figure them out.
"Not for the money. Not for prestige. Not for good nor service." Reeve thinks to himself. "They have no incentive aside from the off chance they have of saving the Planet. They put their lives on the line n the slim possibility that what they do now can change tomorrow. That is all they consider. No matter how crazy or far-fetched the plan they jump in headlong with all their hearts. Completely focused and unafraid of failure even though they have only one life to live." Reeve comes to a conclusion.
"The very least I can do is aid them to the extent of my ability. If only to respect the severity of the choices that they have made."
On the airship Cid sits alone on the bridge. The scene of his disgrace is deserted and he is somewhat regretful of what happened earlier.
"I admit earlier I went a bit far." Cid says to the air. "I shouldn't have socked the little guy, it wasn't right. But he doesn't understand! This crazed lady stomps up to my baby, scares my crew half to death, and busts it up pretty bad! Why would I want my best friend to go through that? I'm just worried about her; I wouldn't wish being snapped in two on anybody. 'Cept that bastard in North Cave." The aviator considers his options.
"Maybe I can explain it to them."
In the hold of the grounded vessel Yuffie is hiding out. With the ship on the ground she's able to stand for once without stumbling and feeling queasy. She's still on board though and not taking advantage of the mobility
"Why haven't I left yet?" Yuffie wonders. "This stuff is too much for me. I just wanted some quick materia, not all this! I'm scared silly of Sephiroth and Tifa too! I should be on the first boat to Wutai!" She doubles over at the thought.
"Why would I keep putting myself through this? When this thing is in the air again my lunch is too! I'm going to be sitting here retching my guts out! That isn't fun! Cloud knows how I feel he gets motion sickness too. He bears with it though. Poor guy." Yuffie considers her options.'
"Dad would probably scream the heck outta me for not doing the best I could and not bringing any materia back. 'Sides I wouldn't get a chance at the Huge Materia if I left now."
Galloping on the back of a Golden chocobo Cloud is scouring the world for Tifa. The world's fastest steed has made many tracks and is on the way to making many more.
"I have to find her." Cloud thinks. "I can't do this without her. There wouldn't be a purpose. I can't go on with her like that, she needs help! I saw her eyes, the pain, and the sadness! She needs someone to talk to. She did for me what I could not do for myself. She made me remember who I really was. If I can help her remember it'll be okay." He stops and checks his directions.
"I made the promise and this has to be the most trouble she's ever been in because her enemy now is not Sephiroth it's herself. She needs to know it's not her fault and that I am here for her no matter what. I've got to find her."
Cid wakes up bright and early as is his habit. After taking time to put on a kettle on for some coffee he starts his day.
"All right, let's get it together!" He calls over the PA. "I know it's early but we got to get started sometime." He goes to get a toolbox. "What's left of you guys can come on and work." To his surprise the entire crew shows up. "I swear I told ya to go home!"
"We did. We still are home." The head engineer replies. "If that's fine with you sir."
"Yeah, whatever. Get to fixing our propulsion system!"
"Good Morning, Cid."
"Well if it ain't whatever your name is…Cait Sith! That's it!" Cid says cheerily.
"You remembered." Cait Sith sounds astonished.
"Welcome aboard!"
"Hello." Comes another voice.
"Vinnie! My favorite stiff! How are you buddy?"
"I am alive."
"Yuffie, don't try to sneak past me! I see you!" The jovial tone disappears. "Drop the materia! All of it!"
"Still watchin' her with one eye all times eh?"
"You bet, Barret! Don't you?"
"Rather cruel to say in the presence of one who possesses a singular eye." Red XIII pipes in.
"Sorry, didn't see you there!"
"Very funny."
The bridge becomes very quiet. The air becomes pregnant with tension as everyone begins to quiver in anticipation. They all look at Cid and each other uneasily. It's an awkward moment.
"I admit yesterday I acted like an idiot." Cid begins breaking the silence. "But you have to understand she stormed over here and scared the &$ out of my crew then broke my baby up! I'm lucky they're still here! For all I know she may feel like eatin' chocobo or I dunno!"
"Yesterday was difficult for us all." Vincent says.
"Loads of tension." Cait Sith continues.
"Tons of pressure." Barret mentions.
"Taking leaps of faith." Red adds.
"Enough to push anybody over the edge." Yuffie concludes.
"Ya'll forgive me?"
"Yeah, sure!" Barret says lightly. "After all I thought I would be the one to snap!" Everyone laughs at that.
Outside of Costa del Sol Tifa waits. The skyscraper sized lady seems to be wrestling with indecision.
"I don't know what to do. I don't want to do this but I feel like I'm supposed to. The Planet wants me to. It wants their energy. Aeris said when faced with the most difficult choice follow what? I can't remember!" Tifa thinks hard.
"I suppose if it's what the Planet wants it can't be all bad. Maybe Scarlet was right, who's not to say I'm as evil as they are?" Tifa begins to walk toward the coastal resort town. Her size increases each step she takes toward the beach. "It anticipates me destroying Costa del Sol…" She stops. Though the gore has washed off the slick sensation remains, a macabre reminder of what happened before.
"I can't. There are even more people here than Sector 6. But I have to…" She prepares to annihilate the town.
"Stop!" A tiny voice implores from Tifa's feet.
"Huh?" The vast vixen looks down, way down. She spies a golden speck with a splash of purple. "Cloud?"
"No, this is not right! You aren't evil!" Cloud yells into the Crystal M-Phone
"Of course I am, didn't you see what I did? I leveled Sector 6." Tifa replies.
"No, that isn't you! That wasn't your fault! Would someone evil watch over us? The only reason you even went was because you were worried about us!"
"I went because the Planet wanted me to go. The Planet wanted all of those people to die."
"Why?"
"Because Sephiroth and I drain so much energy that the Planet has to get it back somehow. That's why when they died I got bigger. The Planet shared some of the energy with me."
"Please don't do this! There has to be a better way!"
"It's the only way." Tifa says grimly.
"No, this is not you!"
"It is now. Can't you see I'm beyond help?"
"Never! I'll always be here for you! I promised!"
"You mean that?"
"You are never alone! I've searched the Planet looking for you; I'm not going anywhere!"
"I didn't want you to see me do this."
"Then don't do it!"
"I have to. I won't be strong enough if I don't." Tifa whines.
"You have to do it?"
"Yes. Otherwise I'll be too weak."
Cloud hops off Goldie. "Go on home." The chocobo runs off. "Then do me first."
"What?"
"You heard me. Kill me first. My energy is worth something isn't it?"
"…I can't."
"You have to. If you go to that place I'm running under your feet."
"But why?" Tifa asks on the verge of tears.
"Because my life belongs to you. You can take it whenever you want. But theirs do not. They are not ready to die for you. While I still live I cannot simply allow you to hurt them."
"Even if it is to save the Planet?"
"That's right." The grainy amplified voice of Cloud says gravely.
"But so many have died…I-"
"No, you can't ever make it right but you can try to do better next time!"
"You'll forgive me?"
"I never blamed you! Come with me, we'll change the future together!"
"You're right!" Tifa realizes shrinking. "There has to be another way!" She shrinks further. "If everyone dies then there is no purpose to the Planet!" Tifa returns to her sixty-four foot height. "I guess the Planet doesn't like that conclusion."
"That's my girl!"
"I'm sorry I caused so much trouble."
"I'd rather it be trouble than something you would regret forever. The people in Sector 6 couldn't be avoided. If you had not come we could've been finished by that thing and all of Midgar would be history. If you had intentionally rubbed out the lives of those people over there you wouldn't be able to live with yourself. That would be the greatest tragedy."
"Well I still want to go down there."
"Why?"
"I feel like taking a break."
On the Highwind Cid has everybody working. It's time for team work and making it so that the airship is ready for flight again so everybody has something to do.
"Where is that meathead?" Cid demands. "We been here all day!"
"He may be still searching for Tifa." Vincent says. "At her size she could cover a lot of ground quickly."
"He could be resting; the odds are he has searched all night." Red adds.
"He could be on his way now." Cait Sith says.
"He could be anywhere, we don't know." Barret says crankily. "Why ask?"
"Have you tried calling him?" Yuffie asks.
"Of course! He ain't picking up!"
"Want us to cover reasons for that too?" Barret asks grumpily.
"Monsters may have got him." Cait Sith suggests.
"He dropped the phone in the water." Vincent adds.
"He is resting." Red says again.
"Thanks, real informative."
"Wasn't it though?" Barret asks sarcastically.
"Hey, how often do chocobos roam this area?" Yuffie asks.
"Pretty rare, why?" Barret replies. "What color you talking about?"
"Gold."
"Gold? Where?" Cid darts to the rail. "He let Goldie go?" He goes to tend to his mount.
"Well we can assume he found Tifa." Vincent says.
"Unless he just wants the exercise."
After a brief visit to the beach Cloud and Tifa are off heading back to the Highwind. Currently floating in the middle of the ocean in the middle of the day.
"Isn't it a beautiful day?" Tifa asks, floating on her back kicking lazily.
"Yes it is." Cloud replies lying on her chest staring up at the sky. "Couldn't be better."
"Shouldn't we hurry?" Tifa asks worriedly. "Aren't the others waiting?"
"Nah. Why should we? Highwind's probably still down for repairs."
"Oh yeah…" Tifa remembers what she did back outside Midgar. "Sorry."
"Give it a rest. I don't care. I'm enjoying this."
"Comfy?" Tifa teases. "Hope I'm an easy ride."
"Very."
"You're supposed to turn red and stammer." She chides.
"Why? I've got the best seat in the house. What shame is that?"
"Spoiled sport." Tifa says somewhat sullenly. "You know what though?"
"What?"
"I lost all my materia including your Lightning."
"So? I imagine microscopic glowing rocks weren't high up on your list of priorities."
"You aren't mad? You've had that Lightning forever."
"I'm resting most tranquilly with my girlfriend atop her breasts in the middle of the ocean on a picturesque day. Try to bring me down."
"I ate Goldie." Tifa says giggling.
"Cid'll flip." Cloud shrugs.
"I'm going to eat you when we reach land."
"Cross that bridge when we get to it."
"I am actually a WEAPON in disguise."
"Best WEAPON ever." Cloud turns over to meet her eyes.
"Just think of where you are."
"Nowhere else I'd rather be."
"Seriously?" Tifa makes a funny face.
"Only time in the world all I can do is lie around. Should happen more often."
"You'll never ride the big roller coasters again!"
"Am I too small for this attraction?"
"No matter what shoes I wear I'll tower over you!"
"That's a bad thing?"
"Everywhere we go we'll get odd looks!"
"I'll permit jealousy."
"You'll need tailored clothes!"
"I like feeling special."
"You like this whole thing don't you?"
"It grows on you."
"There isn't a thing I can say is there?"
"You can keep trying."
"That would make your day wouldn't it?"
"Already made my day."
"So you're happy and that's it?"
"Now you've got it."
"Even though Meteor is coming?"
"We'll take care of it."
"I give up!" Tifa says exasperated. "You win!"
Cloud chuckles. "I know." She joins in.
On the Highwind everyone is debating about what to do. An argument has been brewing all day and it's come to a head right about now. Some people don't feel like working and that's not appreciated.
"I say we look for 'em!" Barret declares. "S'posed to been back by now!"
"We said we'd wait!" Cait Sith counters. "That's what we'll do!"
"I agree with Barret." Yuffie seconds. "Don'tcha think it's weird they aren't back yet?"
"But we have not waited a full day yet." Red XIII pipes in. "We should stay until tomorrow at the very least."
"All o ya shut up!" Cid interrupts. "We ain't going nowhere 'till this thing's back in the air so get back to work!"
"Man, you ain't listenin'!"
"Come on!"
"Cid is right; we should fix this bird then go."
"We should wait."
"I think I see the problem." Vincent says, putting down a wrench. "The people working want to quit and look for Cloud and Tifa while those who are not working want to stay and wait for them doing nothing."
"You're right, Vinnie." Cid realizes. "How did you know?"
"Simple, they're complaining about work. They just want to stop. While Red XIII and Cait Sith don't want to do anything; unable to work they just want to sit around."
"So what do I do?"
"Let them stop working. Otherwise they'll quit on their own anyway. Yuffie will just disappear and Barret will most likely sit down and swear about it then dare you to make him do it."
"Right again. So will you continue to help?"
Vincent nods. "You've got mechanics on staff as well. We'll be finished before long. With or without their help."
"Thanks. As for you sacks of &$#, ya'll can stop working."
"Fine by me!" Barret walks off.
"Cool!" Yuffie is close behind.
Floating in the middle of the sea Tifa and Cloud are relaxing as the sunsets. It's been another eventful day and seeing it end is a good thing since it makes it easier to put it behind them.
Tifa looks at her passenger. "He's sleeping with a grin on his face. He is so happy but I don't understand." She ponders the quandary. "He didn't explain it to me. So much has happened yet he can still smile? Even after…"
Cloud wakes up. "Where are we?" He mumbles.
"Just outside Junon."
"Don't go there. Make land near Midgar; Junon gives me the creeps." Cloud says remembering a dream long ago.
"Okay…" Tifa replies. "Whatever you say."
"Thanks." Cloud's eyes close.
"Wait, I have a question."
"Huh? Ask away."
"Why are you so happy?"
"I thought I explained that…"
"Why does it make you happy?"
"Because the promise gives my life direction. I was just wandering about caring about nothing then a purpose comes along. Something I can work toward. It gives me a reason to keep going." Cloud pauses.
"But to say I came here after searching the Planet for you because of the promise is a lie."
"The promise is a lie?" Tifa is puzzled. "But…"
"Yes, it's just an excuse at this point. Frankly there isn't anything in the world you could run into and get in trouble. I love you. That is the bottom line."
"Oh."
"What I said before I meant. I would die before seeing you hurt. I can't stand the thought of it. You mean more to me than my own life. So seeing you happy and well makes my day. Not having to worry and being able to relax in comfort with you after all we've been through for even a little while is enough to leave me content."
"I'm flattered."
"You're the one that was there for me all those times before. You were there when I needed help every time. Being able to help you like you've helped me gives me the impression I've given something back. I love that feeling."
"You like feeling like the big hero?"
"On occasion."
"Well you're my hero." Tifa laughs.
"I enjoy that too."
"Me laughing?"
"Mm hm. You jiggle when you laugh."
"What?" Tifa notices Cloud bobbing up and down not quite with the waves. She turns red out of embarrassment.
"Don't be shy! Laugh, it's good for your soul!" Cloud says laughing.
Tifa is trying not to do exactly that. The whole scenario seemed so absurd and silly though that she can feel her resolve giving. Cloud laughing at her wasn't helping; she felt so awkward she could pass for Ruby WEAPON.
"I…" Then something inside her breaks up and she begins to laugh. Slowly at first then with increasing fervor. "That's why he's happy, he doesn't take himself seriously!" Tifa realizes. "He just takes it easy. That isn't a bad idea! I should loosen up too!"
They laugh a good long time coasting along the shoreline in the moonlight. Tifa releasing loads of pent up tension and guilt while Cloud sits watching as her eyes brighten and become less murky as the dark shroud of pain that he's grown accustomed to seeing lifts. She laughs until tears of joy flow down her cheeks into the water. The oblong wackiness of what's been happening finally hitting her and sending her into a fit of hilarity unlike any other. She is oblivious to having floated to shore and continues in her gaiety until she can see Cloud standing next to her face looking stern.
"We have to go." Cloud states. "The others are waiting."
Tifa regains composure and stands. She feels as though a mighty burden has been lifted. "And where do you think you're going?" She asks matter of factly.
"To meet the others." Cloud replies. "Coming with?"
"I will. But you have a prior engagement." She plucks him from his feet suddenly with one hand around his waist.
"Like what?"
"Surely you remember what I said." Tifa says teasingly, licking her lips.
"No…" Cloud says unsteadily. "What did you say?"
"I was going to eat you when we reach land silly morsel." The titaness laughs.
"Umm, I thought you were kidding…" Cloud says weakly.
"Nope, you are just too tempting. I couldn't help myself." Tifa raises him to her mouth.
"I taste terrible!" Cloud declares as a last defense.
"I'll be the judge of that!" Tifa puts Cloud in her mouth. She wraps Cloud in her lips and gives him a little lick then releases him.
For Cloud the event was most like being caught between two mattresses and having them twisted to fit him the long way. He can't move covered in softness then he jerks as he's goosed by something wet. He convulses into the cushions enfolding him. They vibrate as she hums relishing his taste. When she releases him he looks up at her with a stubborn look while she is smiling shyly down at him.
"About time!" Cloud says. "Thought I'd have to take another round of Mako Poisoning to get some attention!"
"Silly." Tifa remarks playfully bouncing him about in her hands gently. Then they set off for the Highwind.
At the Highwind everyone is preparing to shut down for the night. With the vessel set to rights there isn't much left to do.
"They didn't show up…" Cid says.
"Well, there's tomorrow." Barret replies.
"We may as well wait." Cait Sith agrees.
"Why is the ground trembling?" Red interrupts.
"I believe they are approaching." Vincent says looking off into the distance.
From the bridge they can see Tifa. She appears happy. The crew of the Highwind notes her approach and is more than a little jittery. Since the last time they saw the AWOL party member they haven't gotten any braver.
"T-that's her…" Yuffie stutters.
"Yep." Cid says resolutely.
"Shoulda' been here earlier!" Barret complains. "Better late than never though."
"It is good that she has returned." Red states. No one else says anything after that.
Tifa stands before the Highwind. They can see Cloud on her shoulder. Her eyes are level with the bridge and she gazes at each of them in turn. Silence reigns for a time.
"I'm sorry." Cid, Cloud and Tifa all say at once. It turns into a bunch of noise and everyone clams up again. Another discomfited hush falls over everyone.
"I'll go first." Tifa decides. "Since I have the loudest voice." She takes a deep breath.
"I'm sorry about what happened yesterday. I shouldn't have damaged the Highwind and didn't mean to scare you guys in the back. Yes, I see you. I'm sorry." Then she places Cloud on the deck. "You next."
"Cid, I'm sorry I pissed you off yesterday." Cloud says apologetically. "I should not have done what I did."
"I'm pretty sorry too. Shouldn't have been hittin' ya." Cid replies. "Wasn't right."
"Hit? Cloud?" Tifa asks cluelessly. "Explain."
"He's kidding around." Cloud says lightly. "Don't mind him."
"No, I got to face up to it." Cid says. "Nice thought though." He steps up to the rail and addresses the insanely tall female. "Yesterday I wasn't too happy with knucklehead over there. He told me he was taking' Goldie an going' to see you. I was not having that." He looks down. "I called you a couple of names and when he tried to push past I hit him."
"You hit him?" Tifa repeats.
"I hit him in the eye and would have again but everybody stopped me."
"Oh…"
"So are you gonna get me or something?" Cid looks prepared for the worst.
"No! We're friends right?" Tifa smiles. "Maybe you knocked some sense into him."
"Hey, I got plenty of sense!" Cloud objects.
"I beg to differ. Cid knows as well as I do that I could've eaten his chocobo!" Everybody laughs.
"It's good to have you back." Barret says.
"I'm glad to be back."
"You know, speaking of return, all of you are here." Cloud mentions. "You all found why you're fighting?" They nod. "I won't ask; it is a personal decision for you all to have made. Just satisfied you all came back."
Tifa yawns loudly. Everyone looks at her. "What?" She asks innocently. "I'm kind of tired."
"Maybe we should all turn in." Vincent suggests. "It is a bit late."
In the morning Cloud wakes up in his usual place. Unable to move because Tifa's hands hold him immobile he gripes about it. Being firmly secured to her chest isn't his idea of ready to go though.
"Can't move." Cloud mutters trying to extricate himself. "Got things to do and I can't get started. I was going to sleep on the Highwind but she just snatched me up and here I am. I guess that is one of her privileges. I've got nothing against this sleeping arrangement if she would let me go when I woke up." He looks toward the Highwind. "I think they can see me from the ship! This is embarrassing!" He tries harder to get free. "Arrggh!"
On the Highwind Cloud's friends are indeed remarking on his predicament. Barret, Cid, and Vincent are having a ball at his expense.
"He's stuck." Barret says. "That's funny."
"He ain't going nowhere till she wakes up." Cid agrees. "Wonder if he's got to ask permission?"
"She's got him under her little finger." Vincent replies. "He just might have to." They laugh at that.
"She gripped him and decided that's where he was gonna go. I don't know how well I could deal with that." Barret says.
"He didn't look too surprised to me." Cid replies. "I bet he knew what it was."
"I would hope he's okay with it, doesn't look like much he can do from where I'm standing." Vincent states. They nod.
Suddenly there is movement from where Tifa is. Her eyes open slowly. She looks at Cloud who appears to be speaking.
"Looks like he's letting her have it."
"He sure don't look too happy about the whole thing."
"Hmm…"
As they watch it would seem Cloud is giving quite the lecture. Tifa listens eyes half-closed with a bemused expression. She smiles accommodatingly in the face of his apparent tirade.
"What if I say no?" Tifa asks sleepily. Cloud protests some more. "No." Her eyes close and Cloud is still held captive. He pitches a fit but it does not matter.
"She sure told him!" Barret laughs. "Tantrum won't do nuthin'!"
"She ain't have to tell him!" Cid agrees. "She just let him know who calls the shots!"
"A lover's quarrel…" Vincent chuckles. "How quaint."
They watch some more. Cloud appears to have given up. Instead of struggling further he adjusts his position and goes back to sleep. Though they are making fun of him it doesn't seem like such a bad thing looking down now.
"That does look comfortable…"
"It sure does…"
"A man could get used to that."
Later on closer to noon everyone is gathered on the bridge of the Highwind. Tifa and Cloud are in the vicinity standing in earshot.
"First order of business!" Cid bellows. "Itinerary for the day! Any suggestions?"
"Well, the barrier around North Cave is gone." Cloud mentions. "Now is the time to confront Sephiroth." Tifa nods.
"Not a bad idea! So how are you getting there?" Cid asks Tifa.
"I don't know…"
"At her current height it would take several days to reach the cavern on foot." Vincent states.
"We need to think of sumthin'!" Barret says. "Meteor'll be done hit by the time she walk there!"
"Why don't we just carry her in this thing?" Yuffie asks. "There's plenty of room in the cargo area with me."
"She can't fit in Highwind no kind of way!" Cid screeches. "You crazy?"
"You think this can pull her weight?" Cait Sith asks. "There may be another way."
"Yeah it could probably carry her. I got a trick for that but what are you talking about?"
"I think he means a sort of harness. She could hang underneath the airship." Vincent elaborates.
"While not the most cozy means of transportation at the very least it's functional." Red XIII agrees.
"You want to try it?" Cloud asks. "It could be dangerous."
"Why not? How dangerous could it possibly be?" Tifa asks jokingly. "I fall, scrape my knees and be on my merry way."
"Well if you're serious about it I'll have my crew see what they can do about rigging something up." Cid concludes. "Now the next order of business!" He turns to Cloud. "Did you sleep well?" He snickers.
"Fine." Cloud replies not understanding.
"Tucked in tight?" Barret asks laughing outright. Tifa smirks at the question.
"What are you talking about?"
"Trouble getting out of bed perhaps?" Vincent chuckles.
Cloud doesn't say anything. It occurs to him what they are getting at and he begins to feel a familiar burn on his cheeks. Cid, Barret, and Vincent are having more guffaws at his expense. He turns to Tifa for some support but she is giggling too. The healthy rosy color of his face made apparent his chagrin and he wished he could just sink into the ground out of sight. So he begins to drop from view.
"What?" Tifa sounds surprised as her dimensions change. "It's stealing away my energy again?" She is now only thirty-two feet tall. "Fickle Planet…"
"Are you all right?" Cid asks noting Tifa's disappearance from sight.
"Cid!" Cloud calls up from Tifa's shoulder. "I don't think we'll be needing that setup."