Simply the Thing I Am, Shall Make Me Live
Disclaimer: Refer to Chapter 1.
Author' s Note: Thanks to ShatterTheHeavens, and xxOMGgalxx for your signed-in reviews! To our Anon and lidiaxspears thank you very much for your anonymous reviews. Kudos for mentioning that you loved the story and saying this self-insert amazing. I hope to do better as it progresses. xD And thanks to jka039 for the alerts! I always say my thanks!
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To the fic!
Enjoy~!
~ Chapter 7: The Technological Pizza City ~
Sector 2, Midgar, Late October 0007
The best thing about being in Midgar was that I was in my element.
The urban city, streets, lights, concrete wall, metal, and with it the abundance of technology.
Tech geek land, oh yeah.
Now, you might be wondering why on Gaia we weren't in Sector 7 of all places to meet up with the AVALANCHE crew. Well, do you remember the part where Tifa finds Cloud wandering around in the Sector 7 slums, and that happened in late October? In his case that was in the game, the Jenova cells were already messing with his head and memories altogether. He got into the Sector going by train, which was at one time, part of Zack's memories during his training days.
Our reason was actually much simpler than that.
When we got to Midgar during the night and everything, we got in, and asked around what sector we were in.
The answer was Sector 2, and to my dismay... I had no idea on where or how to navigate the place.
Apparently, both Sector 2 and Sector 3 were never explained at all in FFVII game compilation. Another bad thing that made our journey harder, was the fact that since the ShinRa communication outpost exploded... the train security went on high alert. There was no way of going to the Sector 1 station without the chances of being seen at all by ShinRa personnel... which meant we'd had to take off in the opposite direction to Sector 3, Sector 4 and then finally reaching to Sector 5.
Easier said than done.
Midgar's a lot larger than it looks in the game. I mean, there's a reason why they made the game environment simple enough to navigate.
Now, imagine that environment is expanded to a large world you would expect from an online game, where the chances of places developed were endless. If you don't get what I meant beforehand, then in simpler terms, it's like walking into a city as large as London. Only that you have a huge chunk of metal blocking any source of light from above, making it sort of an endless subway. Also, imagine the city is split into 8 slices of a pizza and there you go: Midgar the technological pizza city.
As if the size wasn't enough - it was difficult getting out of the industrial and manufacturing Sectors which were Sector 2 and Sector 3. There were screening processes done at the access points to the other sectors. That meant we'd have to find a transport (preferably not by train), by using the outer perimeter roads which by no means have any pedestrian sidewalks.
So not ergonomically friendly.
For us fugitives that is.
After much debate, the three of us decided to rest up, do some monster hunting jobs that some ShinRa troops or stupid robots would miss on. At the same time we searched for a person to negotiate with to let us hitch a ride to the other Sectors.
I don't know whether it was Cosmos' will, but I had a feeling she was stalling time so the events happened the way they were intended to, at the right time. I was thankful for it, as I needed to get my psyche back into place after the whole event that nearly repeated the ending of Crisis Core. I couldn't really imagine facing that sort of thing over and over, but even so, I was sure that our current party was stressed out after the previous events. Not to mention that Zack was just recovering from being shot, and I had a feeling I need more time to get closer to Cloud.
So during the course time that nearly lasted as long as a month, we took it as an opportunity to develop and do what we could. I was lucky to find a job in an item store that was in need of a regular item quality management check, which had machinery problems too. In reward for doing the job, they were willing to keep the three of us a room to stay in.
Zack of course had managed to read all 88 letters during the first week of our stay in Sector 2, which both Cloud and I didn't pry in. Yet, as promised he did tell us of the things that were mentioned in the letters - how much he wanted to make up for all the time he missed with Aerith.
As way to help him out of his depression, Cloud was considerate to let Zack talk all about his plans to how he'd make it up for it, with his mostly bizarre ideas. The blond suggested things at a few points in their conversations. I usually joined in with cups of coffee or let them stay in the inventory room with me, while I worked sorting out items but didn't miss out on what Zack had wanted to talk about.
Cloud eventually got bits and pieces of his memories back which in some nights he'd be screaming for his mother, Tifa, and the other villagers that were killed by Sephiroth. Those were nights both Zack and I were mostly awake to keep Cloud company so he could sleep better after the nightmares.
At first Zack was hesitant to tell about what had happened those four years ago, but with a little time he came believe that Cloud deserved the truth, and I was trustworthy after saving his life. The blond was thankful for Zack's honesty, and he seemed to be at ease that I was to remind him that I was able to keep going without so much of a memory of my past. He also enjoyed the quiet company I'd let him have, when I was busy doing checklists at the store if he was in the mood to avoid Zack's bouncy nature.
As their item creator, Zack and Cloud were insistent on dragging me on their missions when I wasn't busy. It was their way of making up as a thanks for getting them a place to stay, but also it was something they agreed on in building our friendship.
The Puppy was more than exhilarated to give me extra lessons on handling swords, as well pointing out holes in my fighting stances, and pushing me to the limit in trying to keep up with SOLDIER speed and strength. I never had a chance against him, but I was starting to learn how it was better to evade attacks. Those days would leave me sleeping like corpse when it was time to turn in for the day. However, I did appreciate he was helpful in wanting to get my stamina up.
Cloud on the other hand, had taken interest in weapon making. I only taught him some of the main pointers for now and I hoped perhaps one day with what I taught (and eventually will) him, he'd be able to make the fusion swords he was using in AC. It was his way of also taking his mind off the nightmares he was suffering during the turbulent nights.
After waiting for so long, we finally got a mission that used transport on the outer roads that would somehow get us to Sector 5 from our Sector.
Zack was already getting restless in wanting to meet Aerith, so we'll just have to move to Sector 7 for the inn and later to join in AVALANCHE getting the main events in motion. For now, we were patiently waiting for some promised transport to head over to Sector 4, passing by Sector 3. Going from Sector 4 to 5 wouldn't be a problem as there were no particular inspections after towards the Slums, contrary if it were the other way around.
"Got everything ready and rearing to go?" Zack asked as he did squats like he usually did, when he was restless from that extra energy he always had.
"Yeah. All items set and Flux is ready to go." I said pointing my thumb behind me, as my droid was zooming with excitement as I studied the ex-SOLDIER.
Fully healthy, and his black hair was spiky as ever. He had cut his hair at the back so it just reached over his neck. Nothing else changed with his hair. How he keeps it that way is a mystery I have no intention of solving.
The Puppy now wore a modified 1st Class SOLDIER uniform, since most of his original one was destroyed when he got shot. Best description, that the black sleeveless cotton weaved turtle neck he now wore was something similar like Cloud did in Advent Children with a zip going through the middle. He had kept the shoulder guards and all the belts plus his holster were now all black forming an 'X' on his chest, including his light pack fastened behind him on his waist belt.
The difference was that his his black pants and boots was uncannily like how Angeal wore in Crisis Core. Perhaps a tribute to his mentor? Most likely. It's not odd how when one usually takes a mentor, usually the apprentice would take some of their mentor's traits as a reminder or out of respect. To top it off, he now wore short black gloves that each had a single belt to fasten them.
I was more than happy to see that the moment we arrived here he was the one who decided on the change of clothes. Zack was upset to leave his SOLDIER uniform as he had tried so hard to achieve being 1st Class. However, with ShinRa on the chase with bounty on our heads, he let it go. In the end though, he got new clothes that resembled his SOLDIER uniform, but the modifications were less likely to label him as a SOLDIER for ShinRa, now that he had no emblems at all on his clothes.
"Cloud! You ready for our next destination?"
The blond gave a simple, "Hmm." Cloud was gripping his sword HardEdge that was in his holster that was strapped to his lower back in a very similar weapon holster to which he had in Advent Children which could house two swords, along it his light pack fastened to his waist belt.
His clothes though were surprising for me that in no time he'd somehow in the future would look like his Advent Children self. Like Zack he had worn the same sort of sleeveless zipped turtle neck, except his was purple much like one from a 2nd Class SOLDIER only his shade was much darker.
He had some black shoulder guards strapped on, but unlike Zack's they resembled the ones from the Infantrymen wore, smaller in size with belts also in black. Baggy black jean pants were belted up in the same fashion like his sequel counter part, so were the same boots. His black gloves were for this moment covered half-way both of his arms.
The missing things were just the wolf accessories and the black sash like accessory he wore around his waist that covered the lower part of his left leg and the left arm (mainly due to Geostigma). Either than that, he didn't really look that different with his AC self. His hair was shorter, and I have no idea how it just stays shaped the way even if he did get his hair cut.
As for me, my light hazel hair was cut straight medium layered with long bangs covering my forehead. The back was short as it had been in a total mess when I've chased Zack all over Gaia.
My clothes were mostly similar. I wore a blue navy jacket now with black stitched shoulder and elbow pads, inside wearing a black shirt, and dark camouflage navy blue cargo pants with numerous pockets. My boots were brown to knee-high belted up and my hands were covered with short brown fingerless gloves. A standard small brown item creator bag was slung diagonally over my shoulder with straps tied to my back, and my twin sabers were now sheathed to a holster horizontally to my belt on my lower back.
All in all, the three of us looked like a mercenary group just like Zack had wanted to, especially now that both Zack and Cloud were very careful when to take off their contact lens so people would never suspect they were ex-ShinRa.
"Alright!" Zack cheered. "Mr. Samson should be with his truck and cargo soon. He said that the delivery is to Sector 5. All we need to do is to protect his cargo until the destination, from there we'll be able to head over to the church area."
Cloud seemed to give him a questioning look. "You know where Aerith's church is?"
"Like the back of my hand!" was his chipper reply.
No sooner he said that, a large round man with a goatee beard walked over to us. Our current client.
"Hey you three! You all set?" We all gave our own agreed gestures to him and stood up simultaneously. "Great! Hop over on the truck!"
Zack didn't need to be told twice as he jumped over to the back, a bounce in his steps. Flux followed his example to my amusement, as Cloud and I followed calmly and joined in. The engines started, finally ending our 3 week to nearly a month delay to Sector 5. As we were driving on the outer rim of Midgar, it was going to take a couple of hours. We all ended up sitting on the floor in the back of the truck in a circle, near enough to defend the cargo.
As we rode on, I looked up gloomily at the plates. Sure, I liked the urban setting – but that didn't mean I like being covered completely from above. Even on Earth I wasn't sky-deprived and I had a feeling the other 'me' was more suited to space... and that was more like endless sky.
"Why the sad face, Issac?" Zack asked as he saw me sigh. "I thought you liked the city."
I pointed up, "Love the gadgets, but no sky at all makes it all dull."
He chuckled, "I suppose that's natural since you've spent most of your time in Costa del Sol. Have you heard anything from your friends?"
I shook my head. He looked a bit saddened by it, but I wanted to reassure him.
"No. I'm sure they're okay though. It's not like they would want to be or stop by in Sector 2 or 3 where the factories or heavy industries are. I doubt they would be on the upper plates either, only exclusive item creators who work for ShinRa are allowed up there. So, I'm sure they'd be around Sector 5 to Sector 8 most likely." I gave him a small smile. "This way we can meet up with your girlfriend, and at the same time there's a chance we'll bump into Rika and Ryan."
"Great!" Zack chirped more happy that our trip was convenient for all of us. "I'll introduce you and Cloud to Aerith when we get there!"
:: Is she nice? :: Flux asking the ex-SOLDIER in curiosity. :: Will you introduce me too? :: With it, the black droid gave Zack a pleading pout feeling left out.
Don't ask me why or how, but my droid Flux has a total affinity for Zack since we got to Midgar. Vice versa.
Zack the gullible guy he was for cute things as he was the Puppy himself, fell for it.
I held a snicker and turned my head, choosing to ignore it and resist rolling my eyes.
While Zack was busy apologizing to my scout about not including him in and persuading Flux that Aerith was the nicest girl in all Gaia, Cloud tugged my arm. "After we meet Aerith, you think there might be jobs in the Slums?"
The blond was probably having second thoughts whether it was a good idea or not. As mercenaries in Sector 2 and 3, we got a decent pay since many who hired us while we stayed there wanted the factories protected from monsters. The droids made by ShinRa didn't exactly get a decent upgrade since four years ago. I remembered at one point the robots couldn't differentiate between a monster and SOLDIER, back when Zack worked with Tseng in Crisis Core.
Same case, but good for us.
"We'll manage somehow. There's bound to be a job some sort. Especially taking care of monsters. It's not like those robots that have replaced SOLDIERs are that efficient." I pointed out while I scratched my head as I wondered. Noticing that slight sad face he let show I knew what his problem was. "You still have dreams about your hometown?"
"I never knew what happened to Tifa. She was hurt terribly..." At that hanging note, Cloud looked at me. "You think she might be alive?"
"Can't say." I said truthfully, as it was best he'd meet Tifa on his own. "But if she's as strong willed as you said, then maybe she's alive somewhere and you might get to meet her one day. Don't hope too much, but don't give your hopes up. We'll see when we get there."
A sudden jolt, the truck was surrounded by some street thugs from all sides. Hardly a challenge to a 1st Class ex-SOLDIER, plus another Mako enhanced person, and an item creator with mini droid supporting them.
Zack was already standing up with the Buster Sword out of his holster, grinning at us. "Least targets taken down is a rotten eeegg!"
Trust the Puppy to take this sort of situation like it was a fun game.
Flux took his blaster out, I swung both my Gemini sabers in a whirl out of their sheaths, Cloud had taken out HardEdge easily in defense mode. We all chuckled at our group leader and gave our own grins to take on the fight.
A little fun won't hurt, right?
Outside of Kalm, Late October 0007
Explosions of multiple Fire spells missed him by a split second as Ryan fell flat on his face, no thanks to a certain One Winged ex-SOLDIER.
"You had to go all out?" The item creator dryly asked. He rubbed his sore face, but quickly noted to keep an extra eye on his opponent.
"You did ask for a good demonstration on what level Sephiroth is on." Genesis said smugly enjoying seeing his current partner in a pinch. He walked towards Ryan in a rather predatory manner.
Sweat came down Ryan's face, "You know I'm not pumped with Mako at all, right?"
"That's no reason to give up." Genesis with no mercy this time, blasted a wide arc of ice on Ryan, which the brunette avoided but had his left hand frozen.
"Damn," Ryan winced to the cold. He couldn't move it at all. However, he was more than glad he still had his trident in his right hand.
"It's Over!"
A mastered Bolt on Thundaga level from Genesis' lightning Materia zapped his way, Ryan didn't have a choice but to retaliate it with his own Symbology spell. The arrays formed in an instant and he let his own attack that was channeled through his weapon at the ex-SOLDIER.
"Lightning Blast!" He shouted.
The clearing was covered in light, as an explosion blinded both combatants. In the end there was only one victor was the one who laid his red Rapier on his target's neck, no other than Genesis Rhapsodos.
Completely drained, Ryan gave up. "Your win. Looks like you're back to your prime again."
His opponent shrugged, taking away his sword from Ryan's neck. Quickly, the brunette took a potion to heal off his freezing hand from his pack.
"You're no slouch yourself with those Symbology spells of yours. Yet you lack the right sort of training and stamina you'd need to face someone on Sephiroth's caliber." The auburn noted. "The way you are now you would end up dead, but if we're fighting in a group there are chances you'd better be off as support - if you wish to live longer."
With a sharp gaze, Genesis also realized that Symbology was versatile. One could channel attacks from their weapons without embedding them with runes as a red mage would. Ryan's effect for Materia was probably at a level of a normal person, but that Symbology... the magic itself was at least on par with a 3rd Class. The powers Ryan displayed in the cave seemed to be more of a instinctual effect in order to survive, not controlled.
A chuckle. "I'm not gonna deny I'm hardly a front-liner, but if I could at least avoid your attacks then I have a chance to survive his attacks." Ryan reasoned with the ex-Commander.
"Hmph." Genesis snorted as he sheathed away his sword. "At least you know your place. Unlike a certain puppy. 'My friend, the fates are cruel …' "
Ryan gave his best confused face. "Puppy?" It was best to give no ideas that he didn't knew what the auburn was hinting at.
"Zachary Fair. It was what Angeal called his student who had zero attention span with a case of too much energy." His tone loathed the boy but there was some underlying grudging respect behind it. Genesis let his attention back to the brunette ignoring him as he spoke of his deceased friend and the puppy. "I hope you're going to pay me a sufficient price like you said you would... for requesting me to volunteer to teach you about combating an ex-SOLDIER."
At the notion, Ryan shrugged. "I'm an item creator, I'd know what would be best for a Materia user."
A regal red brow was raised. "You do realize in ShinRa I had access to the more higher level Materia. You'll have to do better to impress me." Genesis sneered.
"A promise is a promise, give me more physical and Materia training until we get to Midgar and I'll give you this." The other took to the auburn's challenge and took out a larger than average Materia. "Quadra Magic Materia. Enables to the caster to cast four different spells, and even combine one of those spells along with summon Materia simultaneously."
Genesis was speechless, his eyes were glued to the ultra rare Materia that was in the item creator's hand. That wasn't until he shook his head furiously snapping himself out of his stupor he quickly asked, "Where on Gaia did you get that?" He was more than sure that the Materia was a natural formed Materia - that thing had to be priceless!
Ryan chuckled. "Item creators are item hunters too. Where I got it is my business, but it's for you to have as payment."
Genesis sighed with a dramatic flair, "Ripples form on the water's surface..."
He hated playing guessing games with Ryan, the brunette had a habit of hiding things very well for good reasons he did not say. All the same, he did give advantageous compensations back - which made him trustworthy. Unwillingly, he had to admit his companion was more than useful... more so than Hollander had ever been.
"Acceptable price. Nonetheless, are you sure you wish to give it to me later?"
"You're the best Materia user there is." the brunette crossed his arms stating the facts.
Genesis scoffed. "You know flattery will lead you nowhere."
"I know what I mean, Genesis. You are the best there is. Don't think I'm going to give it to you without considering our roles would be for later on." Ryan said seriously. "We'll need as much firepower as we can get."
"You're hinting as if there are other dangerous things than Sephiroth and Meteor." the auburn supplied. When Ryan kept a serious face at Genesis, the ex-Commander knew that he wasn't kidding at all.
"So it'll be a true apocalypse?"
"If we don't stop it."
Cryptic as always.
Genesis was very, very tempted to force the meanings behind what the item creator knew of this coming apocalypse.
Bash him on the head with Rapier would be more like it.
He never was good at anger management, due to his infamous short fuse temper. The only reason why he was able to be patient was because when he fought with Ryan, it was because the brunet was his anger outlet. It did not settle with him if he forced Ryan on information he shouldn't know yet. Not if the Goddess wished for it.
Combing his hair in thought, Genesis crossed his arms on his current resolution. He'd help the item creator who knew what the future would bring, in hopes he would somehow take down Sephiroth. In addition, helping save the Planet from its destruction was his way paying the cure for his degradation. Even then, there was always that lingering feeling what he would do afterward. What was left for him?
All his friends and family were dead. Not that he would count his parents as his family anymore. There wasn't really a future he was hoping for.
He hoped that he would find that answer too, while he went on this 'save the world' trip.
Standing up, Ryan called over to the thoughtful ex-Commander. "Hey, Genesis." When he got the former SOLDIER's attention he suggested, "We're going to stay in Kalm for a while, we could use the clothes and supplies from the town. What do you say?"
"Let's get a move on, item creator." Genesis ushered filing away things he had in his mind before.
He was looking forward to some change of clothes, especially combat clothing. He dearly missed his former red leather duster, yet it was so irreparable to the point he was forced to part with it. Perhaps it was time to let his old red leather duster with the past, burned to ash, and be left where it was.
The future can't be all that bleak, right?
The two went over to where the Chocobos were waiting for them, and Eve showed their way to the blue town of Kalm.
Seventh Heaven Bar, Sector 7, Midgar, Late October 0007
For the umpteenth time that day, Rika checked the calender again as there were two days left before November.
Where were they?
They meaning Zack, Cloud, and her best friend Issac. After hearing that a ShinRa communication outpost just north of the Mythril Mines was destroyed - thanks to some 'unknown Anti-ShinRa people', she was certain it was because of those three.
She constantly worried how they were doing. With no connections with Issac and Ryan also, she was starting to despair if they both made it out. Ryan she was sure that he was alive somewhere, as she would know if he died. That part of being twins was something she was glad to have. Issac was another matter, he didn't have that same connection that her brother and she shared.
If Issac didn't get to Sector 7 by the last day of the month, I'll send another message to him.
So far, things were already set. The trapdoor to Don Corneo's place was sealed from the bottom of the sewer and all the items that were found there had been retrieved. So were all the related item hunting around the accessible Sectors in the game she already hunted down, minus the ones in the Reactors. She had to thank her droid Eugene in helping collecting them.
In the corner of the room she shared with Shelke, there was a Striking Staff she stole from the monster Eligor (with her Steal Materia) in the Train Graveyard. That weapon was the best for Aerith till Cosmo Canyon, which to her was an exceptional bonus. Rika promised herself she'd give it to the Cetra once they were out of Midgar.
Now, all there was left was to think about stopping the plate of Sector 7 from falling... or reduce the lives that are going to be killed if there was no changing the events of the timeline. The Alteration Symbolobist was aware that if that was fate's will, she was sure that Cosmos would not want her to interfere.
Her eyes followed to the teen that was doing a Synetic Net Dive through her small laptop by wearing VR goggles.
"I can't do it from here."
Rika was afraid of that. "Does that mean you have to have access to an internal terminal, Shelke?"
The auburn young girl took off her VR goggles and sighed. "Yes. I thought that the city systems would be connected to the main ShinRa Network. It looks like the Head of the Urban Development Department was smart enough to have it on another system of sorts." Her Mako eyes looked somehow confused. "It's really weird, Rika. The control panel isn't even in the UD area, but positioned in a separated building – at least that's what the main computer said."
"More the reason they have control on ignoring the plate of if it falls." The brunette mumbled.
She didn't blame Reeve he had no prior reaction time to reduce damage to a fallen plate if the control panel was in a different building. "It's a wonder why the plate can fall with just a bomb. No immediate reinforcements to the plates when the problem/accident occurs."
Shelke leaned her head to the side. "You really believe that vision you had will come true?"
It wasn't by pure luck all the things Rika had told her had facts behind them. But even to her, for the President to actually order a decimation of an entire Sector just to kill terrorists, was just too extreme. Taking down a plate didn't just kill the people below it, but also who lived on top of the plate.
There was a serious expression on the older girl's face. "We've done what we know of, but that doesn't mean ShinRa won't do anything drastic. It's not like ShinRa is in its golden age anymore."
She listed off, "The elite SOLDIERs are gone, replacing humans with robots isn't as efficient, and there hasn't been much progress in the Science department, Weapons department or even Turks. Not to mention Sector 6 was partially destroyed by an outside source. With all of those to account for, I suppose if we bomb some reactors... I'd bet you anything the President will order our base to be destroyed without batting an eye at us. Doesn't matter where we are, as long as we're dead."
The former Tsviet didn't comment on that. Innocent people or not, as long as he got what he wanted, Shelke was sure that the people of Sector 7 were doomed. Shelke could relate to it, she was kidnapped and made into lab rat when she was nine years old. If that wasn't enough proof how much he really didn't care, then the fact he let Hojo on a experimenting spree on any body/human he got his hands on was more than proof.
"Does this mean we'll have to sneak into Sector 0?" Shelke asked, bothered by it.
It wasn't too long ago that she escaped Deepground. If they found her again, she was sure she'd be back with a restrictor chip in a heartbeat. She liked her new found freedom, thank you very much.
Noticing Shelke's uneasiness, Rika gave a gesture of peace. "Not now, Shelke. It's too risky for the both of us." At that she saw the younger girl relaxed.
"We'll get some help later, I hope. But you can't reject the fact it's the place where they control safety of the plate reinforcements. I have a feeling if we change things there, then we'd have a fighting chance to have the residents below and above the plate to be evacuated before it falls completely."
The teen blinked as she noted that faraway look Rika had. "You're waiting for Ryan to show up?"
Rika inclined. "Yes. In the mean time, we still have a few of Don's lackeys to watch over and make sure they don't come near the bar."
I'll take care of that." Shelke volunteered. "You've got enough to worry about, and I blend in a little better than you do." She joked referring to he invisibility ability. "I'll see you at dinner then!" In a heartbeat, she took her weapons and supplies and disappeared through the window.
"She always wants to get out of the bar," the brunette girl shook her head in amusement. At least Marlene was busy with Tifa downstairs cleaning the glasses in the bar.
Looking at the clock, she decided to head towards the kitchen as it was her turn to cook. Perhaps she should make an extra batch of pancake mix in fridge, in case Issac would come with Zack and Cloud.
If the information Shelke had gotten about the plates were true, then when Ryan came along... she could ask about the safety controls to the Sector areas of ShinRa to Genesis who might have some sort of knowledge to it.
The cogs of time were already turning, Rika could only hope and do her best that all her efforts in Midgar would help Ryan and Issac on the most crucial events. Most of all, it would help all those who would be part of AVALANCHE in the near future.
Slums towards the Church, Sector 5, Midgar, Late October 0007
Cloud's face was blank - he wasn't expecting much on the visit.
Zack on the contrary was vibrant with energy. Like a true Puppy wagging its tail, thrilled to no end.
And me? Totally nervous I ended up twitching too often. I started to wonder if Zack's endless supply of energy was rubbing off of him to me.
I have no plans of turning into another puppy.
Thanks, Cosmos - but - One is more than enough.
While I really like Aerith, I had no doubts in my thoughts she would sense that I wasn't exactly from Gaia. How sensitive she was about it was what truly worried me.
Should I tell her I come in peace? Should I tell her about Cosmos? There were so many things that I could or not tell her at all, made me think of the consequences in the future. For now, I was certain Zack trusted me. That was more than enough.
Cosmos was already interfering with the fates by sending us in. She was adamant from the beginning that we weren't supposed to tell anyone the real truth behind it all, unless it was the right time. Oh, well. I'll just have to get to know Aertih and make her trust me the old fashion way.
The trip between Sectors went smoothly for us. After the attack with the thugs, there were no other troubles during the two hour drive. Flux ended up being the rotten egg only taking two thugs down. Cloud and I were at a draw with three thugs. Zack not surprisingly took five down without a sweat.
We were paid for our services for 1000 gil and here we are... in Sector 5.
Many of the buildings are much like in the games, although you'd see more cramped housing around the place. The slum area had a variety of buildings, but it didn't really count towards the poor. They looked habitable at least, although not cozy.
As we traveled around, I let Flux travel around by himself to retrieve any items that maybe lying around the sector in his camouflage mode. I've only very recently let him use the feature, as he was good at hiding himself when it counted.
Now that we were in ShinRa territory, I was on high alert I didn't want anything happening to my droid. More or so, it was a plan to let Flux pick out Turks in the area. The black droid would give me reports through my PHS from time to time. So far, no items in sight which made me believe that Rika had been busy during her stay here. The lack of Turks here worried me though.
And I wasn't wrong.
Before we got to the church, Flux gave me a warning of two Turks in the area. Zack and Cloud were not aware of them, and I gave a silent signal to Flux to screw up their PHS frequency as if they were called back to base. Luckily, it worked. For now, we could only hope by the time we got out of the church was the time they would decide to head back.
Looming towards abandoned destroyed buildings, the three of us finally arrived at the infamous church that played a large role in the compilation of the games. The church was the AC version, than the one in the game, which looked a little too cartoon like. I shrugged inwardly not caring about it. I preferred the movie version.
It seemed like it was a rather smaller version of a cathedral, lacking bells on the top of the spires. The stained glass were decorated with images of what it depicted were tendrils of the Lifestream. In one of the broken planes of stained glass was an image of a Goddess, very identical to the statue of Minerva I saw back in Banora, looking very incomplete as half of her body was missing.
'Hmm, I never noticed that before.' I thought.
I suppose that could be because we never really have any closeups on the main stained glass paintings in the movie or games. Perhaps there was a time where she was worshiped like back on Earth similarly to Virgin Mary. They sort of resembled each other, but I was sure here it was because she was the mother of the Planet and was part of the Lifestream. It seemed kind of sad though; she was as if forgotten along with the rise of technology.
Back to our small group, I gave silent signals to let Flux guard the outside area of the church.
Zack seemed a bit hesitant when he wanted to push the door open. He was trying his best to calm down of wanting to meet her for so long, now he looked like he was in a nervous panic.
A bit of encouragement was needed. "Zack, I don't think she ever stopped loving you. Don't you think 89 letters in four years is more than proof she cares?" I said in a light tone.
He clenched and unclenched his fists, while he looked at me and Cloud in a frown. "You think she'll accept me back?"
"You can apologize to her." Cloud supported me, giving a reassuring look to his friend. "We'll be right behind you."
The raven haired warrior seemed to have a boost of confidence and had a resolute gaze in his eyes. "Thanks guys. Let's go in."
Zack opened the door. There, in the most deepest part of the church was a small meadow of laden flowers that grew, thanks to the hole in the roof - where somewhere miraculously a hole in the Sector 5 plate shed sunlight through.
A girl with long brown ponytail tied up high with a pink bow, wearing a pink dress and a short denim red jacket over her, stood up from her kneeling position tending to flowers. She was startled at the sound of our entrance and was on guard, at least that was before she noted that she was facing a long awaited face.
"Z-Zack?" Her green eyes were wide, but all the same they were close to happy tears.
Zack had our back to us, but from the tone of his voice he was sweating bullets. "Aerith... I-I... I'm back. Sorry for-"
He could have said more, yet Aerith tackle-hugged him close that it shocked him into place. She was hugging him, making sure it wasn't a dream. The Puppy zoned out for a second before he hugged her lovingly back.
I smiled widely at the scene, the very scene that never happened because Zack never made it in the original game. It would make any person teary at seeing a long waited reunion like that. I had to admit I was tearing up myself with happiness, but held it back.
"You think we should-"
"Yeah." I agreed with Cloud giving him a pat on the back.
Inwardly, I'd rather not break into happy tears there and now. Way too embarrassing, and once is enough and that was a life and death situation. I still have my ego as a guy.
Our spiky chocobo was smiling at the Puppy's happiness as well. Yet, he knew as I did we should give Zack some privacy. Both of us gave a two finger salute at the corner of Zack's eyes, that we would be waiting outside the church. Knowing how chatty Zack was and I predicted that Aerith wanted to know what had happened during his 4 year absence, I sat on the stairs and Cloud joined me.
"Got any ideas of a place we could stay?" Cloud asked to pass the time.
I took out a map of Midgar from my pack, and pointed out to him of my destination goal. "Sector 7 slums would be our best bet."
The blond looked at me confused. "Isn't that a bit too far?" He pointed to the nearest inn that was in the same Sector. "We could stay here."
I shook my head. "Flux alerted me there were Turks around."
Cloud's face paled at that and wanted confirmation from my scout. "How many did you spot, Flux?"
:: One when we passed the market eating, two nearby this church but left quickly. :: the black scout looked thoughtful. :: I can make them go away for a while but won't last for too long. ::
When Cloud was getting more confused by the minute I explained. "Flux's installed with a frequency disruptor. He diverted the Turk in this area to their source or their boss. We'll just hope we would be gone from this place before they get back."
Blond spikes shook with amusement. "You know, Issac. I don't know what we'll do without you. But I sure don't want to have any ShinRa people get to you. Especially with the stuff you can make."
"You two can do a lot without me." It was true they did in the games, even if things went on with a few tragic turns.
"We can only do so much, Issac. Zack and I are still grateful on what you did." Cloud protested quietly. "We survived together, so stop denying you don't deserve some credit."
I felt rather touched Cloud scolded at me like that. Sure, he wasn't the cocky Cloud you would expect in the FFVII game, but he wasn't exactly timid made it a plus. Even though he was quiet most of the times. "All right, I give up. For now, let's stick to places with less Turks lurking about."
"Hmm. Why can't we stay in Sector 6?" Cloud pointed on the map again, which was the neighboring Sector.
I disagreed on that. "Too dangerous too. I got rumors from the item store people we stayed at Sector 2 - the Sector was partially destroyed. Something to do with the Turks but ShinRa is keeping it quiet. The place where it's not destroyed is crawling with thugs and gangs, largest one around is paid off by the company."
"Sounds like suicidal to stay there." Cloud agreed upon hearing my info. "Sector 7 then, we might as well throw comfort out the window. I still prefer that than getting back into a Mako tank."
"Same here. The Turks would probably want to reap all the information in my head after what we did at the communication outpost."
For a good long two to three hours we talked amongst each other of plans for the days ahead. Where to stay, jobs we needed to do or wanted to do. November was right around the corner, but it made me think what were we going to do during that 1 month before the main events start in December.
One month provided a more than welcoming time to get into AVALANCHE, and I still hoped that Ryan was on his way to Midgar somehow.
I did have some thoughts that I may have caused him some trouble. When the communication outpost went boom, I was certain that the patrols of ShinRa helicopters around the Midgar wastes increased. Ryan being the tactful impulsive guy, would want to come and drop in at the right moment. If that wasn't during the end of November, I was sure he'd drop in during our first bombing mission.
Our conversation on supplies was halted as Cloud's attention was immediately to the church door. The ex-SOLDIER was with his flower girl and he waved us over to meet her.
"Are these two the ones you told me about?" Aerith asked.
Zack grinned cheekily gesturing at us. "Spiky here is Cloud, the one who escaped with me from the lab. He's got potential to be a SOLDIER. Guy in blue, is Issac. He's an item creator. Real life saver when we were in serious trouble."
Cloud heavily blushed at Zack's praise. "Zack you know I never made it into-"
Zack held his hand. "They were wrong about you, Spiky. Their loss of not noticing you had something that they missed. You recovered from Mako poisoning and now you're kicking butt. They could rot for all I care."
"I'm Aerith Gainsborough." She introduced herself smiling sweetly. There was a cheerful tone in her voice. The way she said it, gave the impression she looked cute and playful. She held her hand to Cloud boldly, which made the blond slightly shy.
"Cloud Strife." He said, faint pink was still on his cheeks that made her giggle.
Her eyes then looked at me, in the same tone she gave her hand. "And you?" I couldn't help she looked at me if as though I was some sort of odd puzzle to her.
I took her hand warmly. "Issac Anders, pleased to meet you." I decided to break the ice. "Those flowers inside the church are amazing by the way. Did you grow them?"
There was that look again, like she couldn't figure me out.
I must have stuck out like a sore thumb here out of all the people in Midgar. Was she really that in tune with the Lifestream? If so, I really needed to watch myself in the future on what I did. I was thankful for once, Zack decided to interrupt that analyzing look she had on me.
"Of course they're amazing!" Zack exclaimed. "With the Mako reactors here it should be near impossible to grow them. Aerith has this charm that makes them grow."
At those words, she poked Zack in the stomach sweetly. "You're sweet, Zack."
She then turned to me. "I found the flowers growing here on their own. After a while I wanted to help them grow more. They're happy here bathing in the little sunlight they can get. I love it here."
"I can relate." I nodded. "I'm a city person, but I prefer to see the sky and stars."
"Oh!" Aerith gasped. "I'm sorry I almost forgot. Thank you so much for saving Zack!"
She took one hand from both I and Cloud. While Cloud inclined quietly, I felt a rush of power that felt like water through me. I blinked for a moment before giving her a nod of my own. She seemed to realize this too, but did not say anything on it.
"We did what we could." My voice came out casual, glad even, she didn't press for any other sort of information.
Cluttering clicks was heard from behind me, which was a sign I knew someone was cranky. "Actually there's another little hero Zack hasn't told you about."
The flower girl gave me a curious look. "Hmm?"
I chuckled. "Aerith, this is Flux." A side step, and my black droid scout was in view. "He's my little buddy droid scout."
The scout flew over to her examining her with great interest.
:: Wow! You're very pretty! :: Flux waved his arms in the air in awe. As swiftly as he could he took a small arm to shake. :: I'm Flux! Really pleased to meet you, Aerith! ::
"Thank you!" She replied back but couldn't help swoon over him shaking the small oval hand offered to her. "You're a very cute scout yourself." Aerith was petting his head and at the same time the small black guy purred like a cat.
Her gaze was on me, "He's a very cute droid."
"Three of the kind," I shrugged. The other two being Eve and Eugene belonging to my best friends.
When she stopped petting Flux, the black droid was on to Zack with a pout. :: You didn't introduce me! ::
Zack crossed his arms in a frown. "I would if you didn't hide."
:: Zack's eeeeeevil! ::
Aerith pouted and tsk-ed at her boyfriend, as if she took Flux's side.
"WHAT? I-I really was going to!" the Puppy flustered that he just upset his girlfriend. "You're not mad are you?" His eyes twinkled with puppy eyes.
Laughter escaped her lips. "I was kidding, Zack."
Zack relaxed at her words, but he couldn't stop blushing. That was because Cloud and I miserably failed to conceal our laughter that he got it handed to him by his girl.
The puppy sighed, "All right you two, you can stop laughing now..."
When we both stopped laughing, the green eyed girl asked, "You have a place to stay while you're here?"
"We've decided that we'll stay in Sector 7." Cloud answered.
Zack was shocked and seemed disappointed. "When did you decide on that?"
"When we waited for you." I supplied lightly.
"Why don't you stay at my place? I'm sure my mother won't mind." Aerith offered kindly.
Zack looked happy at the notion, but I had to break it to him it wasn't exactly a wise thing to do.
I decided to tell the flower girl the truth. "We're on the wanted list for ShinRa at the moment and we'd only put you into danger. There's some people around here we really would want avoid getting their attention."
:: Turks prowling around! :: Flux nodded eagerly in supporting me waving his arms in warning. I was sure he fell for Aerith. It was already in his protocol control in wanting to protect her.
Now Zack looked worried. "You mean we've passed some Turks while we're here?"
"Flux managed to direct their location back to base by manipulating the frequencies. But – yeah – there's a couple milling about since we entered the Sector." I said uncomfortably.
Cloud gave a encouraging pat on the back when Zack's demeanor was that of a kicked puppy. "We'll stay in Sector 7, but we can visit Aerith sometime once we have a place to stay that's away from many Turks or anyone ShinRa related doing patrols."
The raven haired brightened up that. "Sounds good to me." He turned to Aerith. "For now, me and the guys will try to find a place to stay. I'll meet up with you again when we're settled."
Aerith smiled in understanding and chuckled. "Hmm. You owe me more dates."
"Great! I'm looking forward to it!" the Puppy exclaimed giving her a bear hug and lifted her off the ground. She gasped and slapped her boyfriend on the arms lightly to let her down.
No sooner later, we said our goodbyes and headed towards Sector 7.
Now, to find the inn... more importantly, Seventh Heaven...
Aerith smiled as she waved farewell to the three young men. Her long lost boyfriend Zack eagerly waving back before he jogged joining the other two, Cloud who politely and shyly waved back, and Issac gave her a thumbs up followed by a brief wave at her.
She was very grateful to the Planet that against all odds that Zack was back with her. There was at one point last month she felt she was going to lose her boyfriend, and Aerith was not sure he lived. The time at SOLDIER, Zack was lonely after the death of his mentor. Seeing him with friends after going through so much, made her heart feel at ease. At least he wasn't alone.
Even so, Aerith couldn't help but feel worried about his friends.
Cloud's flow of Lifestream in his body was somewhat turbulent. Aerith had guessed it was perhaps due to the effects of Mako poisoning and why his mind along with his memory wasn't all intact. There was also another odd energy that was flowing in him similar to Zack, although it was stronger. The Planet reminded her that he would eventually heal on his own, and so Aerith did not press on the issue.
The more peculiar case was Issac.
Aerith had met a lot of people in her life in the slums with each of their unique flows of the Lifestream. Yet when she came into contact with Issac it was very... different.
All the people who she had known she could feel the flow of green Lifestream in them. The item creator's energy wasn't a flow of green, more of encircling cycles of blue glowing energy that just existed and faded. In a way it was like the way she heard in books how stars would come out and disappear in the night sky, but they were always there. To her it was as if he didn't need the Lifestream to exist, which should be impossible on Gaia.
That's when the Planet warned her to be cautious.
The Cetra did not understand why the Planet was warning her of Issac. Aerith prided herself in judging a person for who they were. From her point of view and what she heard from Zack, Issac was open, caring, and also a casual person. She did not believe that Issac would want to hurt her boyfriend in any way, not when it was he who saved Zack from certain death.
Yet, what was the reason the Planet told her he might be a threat?
Aerith had no idea where the conclusion came from, but till there was any real proof; she did not want to judge whether he considered was a threat or not.
Even sometimes the Planet made mistakes. Angeal, Zack's mentor was one example. He may have been an experiment, but he lost his humanity because he lost all hope. Even in the end, he was accepted back into the Lifestream.
But what would the Planet do to hold against one who did not have the flow of the Lifestream in their bodies?
Aerith made it her goal to find out.
TBC...
Looks like all the pieces are coming into Midgar.
This chapter is a little step to our next one. Next up, AVALANCHE~!
Also, if I can get it in.. the bombing of Sector 1 Reactor. *prays it gets done.*
I know there are more than a few people who are reading this fic, so please don't be shy what you think of it!
Comments, opinions, questions, advice are welcomed! :)