Simply the Thing I Am, Shall Make Me Live
Disclaimer: Refer to Chapter 1.
Author' s Note: Thanks to ShatterTheHeavens, findthetiger129, Nightblade1021, xxOMGgalxx, Chaosknight, tsukiyomi83, and nekuromansa000 for reviewing! Thanks to AkaiTennyo, Nightblade1021, and tsukiyomi83 for the fav! And thanks to Lucaila and That's Professor Hawke for the alerts! I always say my thanks!
This may have/not have as many mistakes than the last chapter. I have no Beta as of now... so I will fix up the this chapter if I spot mistakes like my previous ones (edited for mistakes and eye friendly for reading). English may not be my first language, but I strive to make the best writing possible.
Looks like I missed the update by a day. Sorry for that, it's been a busy week. But no worries, 10.000+ words chapter is here for this weekend~! xD
Chunky chapter!
To the fic!
Enjoy~!
~ Chapter 8: Welcome to Eco-terrorism ~
Sector 6, Midgar, Late October 0007
"Damn, that was awful. Even for a sword like HardEdge."
"No kidding, Spiky. I don't even remember we had this many monsters in one Sector before four years ago."
"That's major tech let down. Four freaking years! Geez, those ShinRa bots seriously need a software update."
In the middle of rubble, with combined remains of body bits and robot parts, we stood pretty much having disturbed expressions on our faces. If getting attacked by monsters isn't bad enough, being mistaken for monsters by ShinRa robots upped the ante. All three of us and Flux had somehow escaped unscathed, but that didn't decrease the amount of tensity I saw on Zack's face.
"Hey Zack, are you okay?" I questioned being careful to keep my voice low. I knew he heard it just fine with his Mako enhanced hearing.
The ex-SOLDIER breathed out shaking his head. "Yeah. I was just – thinking – you know, after all these years... things got worse."
Cloud gave me a raised brow at me sending me a silent message. When Zack started 'thinking' like this was not good. It meant he was getting depressed.
I knew it was diversion time. "How are your weapons doing? Cloud? Zack?"
After going through all of that, there was bound to be some sort of wear a weapon would go through. Especially when it came to cutting down robots. Whether the blade was less sharp or there would be more strain on some parts of it because of frequent use. I didn't have to worry about my Gemini Sabers. Thanks to Rika, it was coated with a Diamond Stone; it stopped most of the wear, halting it for another six months or so before it needed to be coated again. Bad thing is, the stone wasn't the easiest thing to make in Alchemy Item Creation (In the SO3 game it adds 50 DEF). The least I could do was watch the weapons of my friends until there was a better solution or upgrade. Our stay in Midgar could last a while longer.
Zack inspected his sword fondly. "The Buster Sword is fine. I'll probably need to sharpen it some time soon. Nothing with a bit of whet stone/oil stone can't fix."
"HardEdge was tested to its limit." Cloud mumbled, "It feels a bit more vibrant than usual."
"Where?" I came over to see his sword.
Cloud pointed at somewhere along the middle of the blade. I wasn't surprised though, Cloud's favorite attacks were usually overhead attacks. It seemed to be focused at one spot was proof it needed refinement, before the metal inside the blade would start to collapse.
"Seems like HardEdge isn't the right sword for you, Spiky." The raven haired came over looking over me as I did my inspection of the blade. That made Cloud a little dishearten. "Hey! Don't worry about it! Even most SOLDIERs never really find their destined personal weapons until they get to 2nd Class. Not all Standard Issued items are good." His hand was on my shoulder. "So, how is it?"
"It's fine for now." I gave Cloud an encouraging smile giving him back his sword. "The only reason it was vibrating is because you used it against those robots. Harder material, more impact, more wear."
The chocobo head still wasn't satisfied. "Will it be all right against monsters? We don't really have good options of buying a weapon here under the Plates."
"Good point. I'm glad you told us to get better items before we got to Midgar." Zack admitted to me. "Until we can somehow get Cloud a better weapon – anything you can do to HardEdge?"
I scratched my head in thought. "We can find some sort of workshop, and I can refine it to make last a bit more longer. If the workshop has a place for Synthesis, then I could coat a Ruby Stone to it – further making it more durable."
A sound of rubble, Flux immediately alerted me through my PHS. Zack and Cloud immediately went on guard as they both knew the signal came from my scout. I wasn't sure where Flux was hiding in his camouflage mode, but all the same he kept an eye over us. A blond blur zoomed off – Cloud no doubt – to some stacked empty oil barrels. He cleanly cut through the stack revealing two shocked people falling on their butts. With no hesitation, he had HardEdge on one of their necks.
Cloud didn't say anything, but it was clear he wasn't playing games with them. Zack gripped his sword tighter and walked over. He gave me a finger signal to keep my guard up, and use my status Materia I had on my Carbon bangle if things went bad. I had Seal Materia to cast Sleep equipped on me, so followed behind him but at a slower pace. As long as I stood behind Zack, there was no way those two would get to me before I cast the spell on them – or Zack would make sure they went down first.
"Who are you? What do you want?" Zack demanded, keeping a sharp eye on them.
The walrus guy with muscles had his hands up. "We were just looking around, and your battle alerted us. We wanted to help, but you guys were already finished by the time we got here."
"And you were eavesdropping on us." I huffed, not all impressed.
Normal thugs would rather not want to attack or try listening on us, thanks to the sizes of the swords Zack and Cloud carried. Not unless they were numbered unevenly – or both were looking for something. The fact that they were, gave me signals they were desperate to stay long enough, and it could get them killed. I shrugged and gave the baton decision to Zack, as he was our leader for our small mercenary group.
The ex-1st Class lowered his sword somewhat from his defensive stance. "You give us your names and what you want, and we might consider letting you go."
The smaller dude who still was at sword point stuttered. "U-Uh, can you get your friend to lower his sword a l-little?"
"Cloud." Zack called.
At first Cloud was reluctant to, but since he trusted the raven he was willing to slightly turn his weapon down. I kept myself silent as Zack was leading this interrogation. He waved his hand to our spies to let them know to start talking and explaining.
Slight relief filled the lungs of the less muscled guy. It didn't lower his panicked face. "I'm Wedge, and this big guy here is Biggs."
My eyes bulged. No shit. Man, this was one epic surprise of the day. I was glad I was looking the other way on keeping a look out, meaning – I had a reason to hide my surprised face. Come to think of it – it was miracle I wasn't gaping at them. It gave me time to get my emotions in check and make my face blank before I faced them again.
Hold it.
Wasn't the big one was supposed to be Wedge and Biggs was the little guy? Well, I was sure they introduced themselves correctly... but was this something Cosmos warned us of? That some people or abilities were different than the ones on Earth? If yes, then damn... it would probably cause more confusion later on. Let's just hope my brain doesn't overload on that information.
Those two guys never really had a clear image on what they looked like in real proportions. FFVII was a game where blocky looking graphics was frequent. The game developers only saved the better renders for the main characters or specific FMVs.
On a side note, their artwork weren't exactly proportionate either. More chibi like, and their clothes were nowhere near the same. Far darker in color, but both Wedge and Biggs wore their red bandannas respectively like their artwork. Wedge was doing a dark gray impersonation of a not-so-muscled Rambo. As for Biggs, he reminded me of Smee like Captain Hook's right hand man in Peter Pan, with darker blue hues for his clothes.
No wonder I didn't recognize them at all.
Besides, their roles and names were switched around. I don't think I would have noticed at all if they didn't say so. Note to self: don't get their names mixed up.
If this meeting was what I thought it was, then I was going to be ready to get Zack and Cloud where they were supposed to be.
Wedge continued his panicky explanation. "W-We're looking around for some extra hands to help us with a job. W-when we passed by, we saw you guys finishing off all those monsters and bots. You can't really blame us we got curious..."
I raised a skeptical brow at that. "Do you two know a saying 'curiosity killed the cat'?"
Biggs gave me glare. "We're just doing what the boss ordered and-" Cloud's sword was now on his tubby neck.
Cloud shifted toward the large guy but his eyes were serious. "I think your friend was doing the explaining. My friend was pointing out a fact. Spying on other people can get you killed." Biggs didn't say anything else. The blond ushered Wedge to go on.
"Fine!" Wedge threw his hands into the air. "The boss wanted us to recruit some muscle. He said he wanted some mercenaries to join us because we're a little low on power. You guys taking all those monsters and robots down took our attention."
The ex-Infantryman didn't move but had his eyes on Zack. So did I. His face wasn't tense as before though, he was thinking over it.
"Where are you from?" Zack asked now lowering his sword completely.
"Sector 7."
At the answer, the ex-SOLDIER smiled a little. "Cloud, lower your sword. We'll try talking this out." When the blond didn't, Zack waved him off casually. "Oh don't worry, if they try anything – our support already has status alignment Materia on him. Plus, I don't doubt you can take both of them down."
Blue uncertain Mako eyes underneath brown contacts were now on my pale blue ones.
"We'll take our chances, Cloud. It doesn't mean we have to take easy on them if they try anything." I suggested, making sure I had supported the decision of both Mako enhanced warriors. Zack gave me a quick grin he was grateful for my support as the blond lowered his sword.
"Well – start talking, Wedge." Zack advised. His Buster sword was sheathed into his holster. His hands were on his hips, giving the two a rather false image he was harmless. I mean – Puppy or not, he was Angeal's protégé.
"Are you three a group of mercenaries?" Biggs now asked, feeling more secure that Zack stored away his weapon.
"Yeah." the ex-SOLDIER replied easily. "We were on our way to Sector 7 ourselves."
This time Wedge was feeling braver than before. "Would you be interested in getting a job?"
"Depends on what you're asking and what you're paying us."
Wedge and Biggs looked at each other, and quietly talked amongst themselves.
I didn't really hear anything of what they were saying. My position was too far from the two at the back. However, I was pretty sure both Cloud and Zack shamelessly eavesdropped on them. How do I know? Zack's smile twitched a little higher the longer he listened to them. Cloud's eyes were slightly relaxing into a more of a blank expression than his previous glare.
Finally giving up, Biggs ushered his partner-in-crime of their decision.
Wedge coughed getting our attention back, "You'll have to meet with boss if you're going to talk about payment with the details of the job."
Zack shifted to the side as he stood crossing his arms, doing a innocent poker face. "Sounds reasonable."
"What are your names and skills?" the Eco-terrorist continued asking. "We can't let you in without reporting to the Boss without any additional info."
Zack, Cloud and I shared a moment of silent communication. Cloud was definitely letting this one to Zack as he shrugged to the ex-SOLDIER. I gave my own silent nod that I trusted my decision on Zack's shoulders. Without wasting time, Zack made up his mind.
"As you guys heard already, Spiky here is Cloud." He pointed out to the blond. "I'm Zack, and my buddy at the back is Issac." Zack paused as the two were quiet. "Me and Cloud are the heavy hitters with swords, plus we're good in using Materia. Issac over there isn't a heavy hitter – but he's decent with his double blades, Materia, and is an item creator."
Smart. Information to the bear minimum. It was fun to take the back seat once in a while. He deliberately didn't introduce Flux at all. I made note that I will at some point hide Flux in a bean bag when we get into Seventh Heaven. My plan and Rika's was that we'd meet up there 'coincidentally'. Ryan... I dunno. I'll figure it out when the time comes.
"Any more info we can get?" Wedge inquired.
Zack shook his head with grin. "No more until we meet your Boss. We'll give more details, if he considers we're right for the job, and if there's a good pay for it. Take it or leave it."
Both Cloud and I smirked – Wedge and Biggs had faces that they were out of options.
"All right. You guys got yourself a deal." Wedge sighed. "Follow me."
Sector 7, Midgar, Late October 0007
Sector 7 Slums.
The place was like the Shanty towns you would meet on Earth.
I just wasn't expecting it to be really bad.
Forget Earth, this must have been the worst civilian area for the poor I've seen in my life.
Hygiene is minimal, trash all over the roads, the buildings were mostly worn down due to being under the plate for too long. People in rags or inhospitable clothes, milling about smelt they haven't showered for a week. Wary, tired, hungry faces were on the faces of those not too fortunate.
Poverty at its worst in a city so advanced.
Like Cloud said, comfort was pretty much out the window. I don't want to get to the details on what sort of trash they throw from the upper plate, but yeah – not a place one would want to go for sight-seeing. Especially, when you'd want to avoid stepping on human feces on the road.
Gross.
Not that I blamed Reeve Tuesti.
The old man Shinra has without a doubt, won the award as the most conceited man in all Gaia.
I was glad I prepared myself mentally, before we stepped into the Sector. If not, I was sure I was going to throw up there and then. In fact – I was already turning green at some points of things I saw, that was better off not described. It was human urban development turning for the worst. The only motivation that kept me from puking, was the fact Rika was here, and I was going to meet her soon.
The first buildings when they came into view, weren't all that familiar to me at first. I guessed the Sector was larger than I thought it would be. Only after a thirty minute walk, the buildings were starting to get familiar. As we passed by, I felt nostalgic. Even as we passed the item store, general store, and weapon store, the theme of the slums played in my head – my mind back to the memory when I was kid playing on the PS. I was so distracted I bumped into Cloud, we were standing in front of the infamous bar.
Seventh Heaven.
Wedge and Biggs already had went in without us. Yet, it didn't really bother the three of us.
Cloud raised a brow at me. "Is there something wrong, Issac?"
I shook my head. "Sorry – wasn't looking. I was... distracted."
Zack chuckled, which took our focus to him. "I can't believe it."
"Can't believe what?" the blond asked.
"Seventh Heaven, the slice of heaven in Sector 7!" the ex-SOLDIER smiled. He looked at us with a grin. "I named the place back then, when the carpenter just started building the place!"
I blinked remembering the detail I forgot from Crisis Core. "So, that means the place is now up and running, huh?" Then I shrugged as I crossed my arms. "Seems kind of ironic we're here now here, trying to get a job."
"Maybe, but it's nice to see some things are somewhat here. Even if we've been away for some time." the raven head noted. He waved both Cloud and I over. "Let's head in before they think we ran away from their offer."
Much Later... Seventh Heaven Bar, Sector 7, Midgar, Late October 0007
A loud growing growl. "I'm only goin' ta giv' ya 1500 gil. TOTAL."
"No way – 3000 gil total, with 1000 gil for us each. We're not normal grunts!" the former SOLDIER 1st Class said flatly.
The competition between Barret and Zack was on, both negotiating and arguing with our 'destined' job.
I have to say both Cloud and I had our eyes following their arguments as if we were actually watching a worldwide tennis match – a ball of words (and a good number of cursing plus swearing) going back and forth. Nowhere near to what the pilot Cid could/would achieve, however, I did not appreciate the volume. I had an urge to close my ears, but I was afraid to miss on something. Regret for excess volume? Yup.
At our current standing, it was a draw and going nowhere.
To me, it was starting to get tedious.
Barret was like in the AC movie, muscular, huge guy, dark complexion – height wise just a bit over Zack, considering he was nearly 2 meters tall. That gun arm of his was very much the same as the barreled version in the original game. Honestly, I preferred his AC one which looked a lot less intimidating as he could turn it into an arm. Plus, it didn't attract attention, but with it the way it is now... I was certain it would create problems in stealth in the near future. Same clothes as in the game, combat boots, green army pants, even to the sleeveless flak jacket.
I wasn't exactly complaining about how Zack was defending our pride as people who worked professionally. As money wise, 1500 gil is actually a rip off for three people. I didn't know what Barret was thinking, I didn't technically believe the big gun guy didn't have any money on him. Sure, this AVALANCHE didn't get funding from Rufus like the previous one. However, for a job that was about bombing a Reactor that would get normal people killed... even 3000 gil didn't compensate that.
To my discouragement, the bar was empty save for Biggs, Wedge, Barret, and our trio merc group. I was wondering where the hell Rika was at a time like this. Heck, I think all the girls were out including Tifa and Jesse who are really part of the original team. Even Marlene and Shelke (who Rika saved) were also not around. I shifted in my stance against the wall to one side thinking where they could have gone.
Our negotiations weren't going well – as Barret would pay no more than 2000 gil.
Zack was on the verge of getting out of his seat and leaving the place, annoyance on his features.
That didn't look good – if things went the other way around, I was going to have to interfere.
That's when the back door gave a jingling bell. "Barret, we're back!" A feminine voice that I did not recognize.
All of our eyes shifted to the girl who appeared from the room behind the counter. At a 5'4'', she had black long waist hair tied to a tight end scrunchie. Wearing a white top, a short skirt, black short boots, with red fist fighter gloves stood Tifa. She definitely came in at the right time.
Thank the Goddess!
"Oh, Sorry. I didn't know we had guests, Barret. Is it about-" She never got to her continue as her eyes were in shock as they laid on Zack... but lingered on Cloud. Her hands cover her mouth as she hushed out their names. "Zack? … C-Cloud?"
"Tifa!" the two gasped in unison.
Barret gaped pointing at the two. "You know these two oafs?"
The fist fighter wasn't paying attention. She walked around the counter and stood in front out us, making sure it wasn't a dream. "You two are alive..."
Wedge didn't seem too happy he was missing out on something. "How do you know these two?"
That was enough to snap Tifa out of her surprise, she knew best not to say anything of the past in detail. "Cloud's a childhood friend. He's from Nibelheim like I was, and Zack – I met him there when he – visited one day."
Pretty smooth for Tifa to avoid the Sephiroth incident. I didn't blame her though if she had a grudge against Zack. Even if it was a misunderstanding.
There was an uncomfortable silence in the bar. The time I noticed another girl coming in with Marlene and Shelke (which I noticed by luck, before she shied away behind who I think was Jesse), Biggs waved his arms to shoo them away to the back. I knew then Rika would be in the room soon, she was probably planning to come in if she was called in. It looked like the guys were protective of the girls.
Barret had his eyes on us, then to Tifa. "Teef, how are these guys in fightin'?"
"They're good fighters." She answered. "They managed to help me when I was in a pinch four years ago."
At those words, Zack and I had the same relief on our faces as Cloud relaxed – he even glanced at Tifa he was touched. His eyes, though covered by dark brown contact lenses showed how grateful he was seeing that the girl he thought he failed to protect... was alive in front of him.
"How are you Tifa?" Zack finally spoke with a smile.
Tifa smiled back. "Things have been hard, but I'm here now, and all right."
Biggs now had his eyes on me. "That's those two, what about that guy over there?"
"He's our friend." Cloud said defiantly which surprised me, Zack, and Tifa.
The fist fighter had her eyes on me in curiosity, probably trying to figure out how close I was able to get to Cloud. Even in Cloud's past, the blond had difficulty in making friends. The puppy pretty much could easily make friends with everyone, so he didn't count. I was the new guy – so I was mysterious to her.
Zack now had a proud face on Cloud, but pointed to me. "He can be trusted. He saved Cloud and I both in a life and death situation before." The way he said it caused me to blush, especially that Tifa now had a small smile at me.
"Well – I did what I could." I shuffled uncomfortably. It was time to diverted their attention back to our main objective. "No offense, but – weren't we talking about payment?"
At that, Barret's face was stern all over again. "I'm sticking to 2000 gil – No more."
Zack crossed his hands. "Between the three of us, that's a small amount. Especially when we need to wait for like a month on whatever you're planning – 3000 gil, Barret. We need supplies and lodgings."
The gunner was about to protest, but Tifa beat him to it. "Let them in, Barret. They should be able to take on any opponent in our way. You can trust Zack and Cloud. I'm sure their friend is also trustworthy."
Barret huffed. "Awrigh', you guys are in – 3000 gil as you want it. I warnin' you three better do a good job at it! I'm agreein' only cuz Teef recommended you!"
The moment that Barret dismissed the tense atmosphere, Tifa stood near to Cloud softly in a private conversation with him.
Zack had gladly came over to me grinning like a dork, shifting his eyes between the couple and me. I shook my head in amusement at his antics, chuckling. That face he was giving me, had given the message he was somehow was going to play matchmaker in the future. Bad vibes went through me. Said Puppy had a gleeful look I was going to help him whether I liked it or not. I moved my lips silently saying 'you're going to owe me' – Cloud didn't need to know I was going to take part in it.
"Hey, blue guy!" Wedge called me mentioning me by my clothes. "I know you all requested access to a workshop, but we already have a person like you. You're going to have to share with our own item creator."
Raising a brow at me, Zack questioned, "You're okay with that?"
"Can't be helped." I answered knowing who it was. "I'll manage."
This time Jesse made an appearance. She had brown chestnut hair tied up to a pony tail, wore a red bandanna like Wedge did, dark blue t-shirt under her gray armor, brown cargo shorts, hiking boots, and fingerless gloves. "You guys done?"
Biggs gave her a thumbs up. "They're with us now. Can you get our item creator from the back?"
Their hacker nodded. "Right away."
The puppy perked at the notion. "So, Barret. How is your item creator? Is he good?"
"It's she, Zack." Tifa frowned at him. Although at Cloud's current glance at her, Tifa's face softened. "She has helped us a lot. Hopefully your friend can work with her."
Zack Fair was thoughtful on who was their item creator. By Cloud's blank but questioning face he was curious also. The former SOLDIER was hoping that if Issac was willing to work with her, then Cloud's problem with maintaining his sword while in Midgar should be no problem.
As their leader of their small mercenary group, he had to make sure they followed Barret's rules to get their pay. Cloud was known for his stubbornness despite his quiet nature. Issac though, was another story. Sure, he wasn't fussy about the missions he received as a merc (no matter silly sometimes they could turn out like finding a lost pet)... However, Issac could be just as stubborn when it came to knowing the details of any item that was sold or bought by their group. Now it was a matter if he could work with someone else on his same forte.
The way Issac still leaned on the wall looking indifferent (more interested at the marked calender), made the ex-1st Class slightly worried. He hoped that this teamwork would go smoothly.
With his enhanced hearing, he heard light boots that was different from Jesse's sneakers. Zack's gaze was now on a brunette girl with a medium bob cut at 5'5'', a bit taller than Tifa. She had knee high brown boots and clothes that were fully covering her. A long cream colored sleeved duster jacket over her inner brown shirt, dark brown fingerless gloves and a laser gun holster at the back – a gun (?) attached in it.
Jesse gestured her into the room, "Well, this is our item creator. Her name-"
"Rika!"
"Issac?"
Zack blinked as Issac was already off the wall, his face in recognition of the other item creator. For the first time, the former SOLDIER saw his face lit up brightly than he had ever seen him. The former 1st Class ended up smiling when Issac ended up in a sudden hug, but all the same, he returned it, and let her go.
"How – When did you get to Midgar?" She asked swiftly. "I thought you wouldn't make it!"
Issac awkwardly scratched behind his neck. "About a month ago. We... had problems getting out of Sector 2 to reach here."
"Problems that would last month?" Rika was confused.
"Trust me, it's complicated."
Zack ignored the gaping fishes of Wedge, Biggs, and Barret on the two. He rolled his eyes at them. It was a surprise for them, but that didn't meant they should keep on staring and left their mouths hanging.
The ex-SOLDIER smirked at the reunion, and thanked the Planet that today of all days was a real blessing. After all they went through to get alive in Midgar of all places was worth fighting for. Letting Issac go through the harsh experience that he nearly died, was something Zack felt guilty for. At least for now – things were mended as he finally got back to Aerith, Cloud with Tifa, and Issac had found his 'adopted' sister Rika.
Turning his head to Cloud, his chocobo head friend was smiling at the reunion too. Zack waved him over, that it was time to introduce themselves.
"Don't blame Issac if he's a bit behind schedule. He sort of got tangled and dragged in with us." Zack approached the girl and gave his hand out. "I'm Zack Fair. This is Cloud Strife, or you now know he's Tifa's childhood friend."
She smiled at him. "It's OK, at least he's here. Pleasure to meet you Zack. And this is Cloud?" Her head leaned in looking at at the blond, and gave Cloud her hand to shake which Cloud took it. "Also great to meet you, Cloud."
Shyly Cloud blushed. "We've... heard a lot about you from Issac."
"Really?" Rika didn't believe it.
Issac gave her a nod. "Yeah, they're like brothers to me."
"Heeey! So you're Issac!" Jesse exclaimed as she now felt braver. "I'm Jesse! Rika told me that you're really good at security encryption and anything related to network hacking! Is it true? If it is, can you teach me on the advanced ones?"
Tifa now even came over with her own question, "Do you also have a Item Creation specialty in Machinery?"
"Hold it!" Barret shouted to get everyone's attention. "You and Jesse know about Issac?"
Tifa shrugged. "Us girls talked about it. You never mentioned Issac's name since we met him and we didn't know what he looked like."
The leader's eyes of the rag tag group was now on Rika. "Rika, since you know 'im – how is he goin' to fare workin' for us?"
Before Rika opened her mouth, a silver bullet large as a football zoomed into the room and tackled her fellow item creator to the ground. She sighed and face palmed, "Eugene!"
:: Issaaac~! I missed youuuu~! :: the silver droid snuggled into Issac.
Separating the bot from hugging on his chest, Issac was still smiling. The item creator didn't appeared to be mad even though he was knocked over. "Hey there Eugene, I missed you as well. Looks like you took good care of Rika."
:: Of course I did! :: the small bot boasted, puffed up in pride. The silver ball then glanced around. :: Where's Flux? ::
"Wow! You have one too?" Zack asked Rika, as he pointed at Eugene. To think the other item creator had a scout droid!
Cloud inspected the small bot from a distance. "He's silver though."
Jesse was one who caught up with the main info. "Hey, does that mean Issac has a scout droid?"
Zack who had Issac's bean bag by his feet, uncovered it and tapped at the black looking egg. Responding to the tap, a scout droid identical to Eugene floated up. "Yup, this is Flux. He belongs to Issac." No sooner Flux saw Eugene, they were already at flying around each other communicating in happy clutters and clicks.
Tifa was enthralled by them. "They look cute together."
"Well, Wedge – I think that's proof Issac and Rika are friends." Biggs commented pointing out the identical droids that were hovering in the air.
Wedge still wanted confirmation. "Rika, you were saying?"
Rika sheepishly smiled. "Sorry, about that. When they get together it's like this." This time the girl was reporting to Barret. "Issac covers Item Creation specialties that I don't major in. He's best at Machinery. More specifically, he's actually the one who made Eugene and Flux."
All surprise and awe made the said item creator look nervous. "I-It was a joint project. You're the one with the idea of scout droids, and most of the components I got help from your brother."
The female item creator scolded him. "Oh, Planet – Get a grip, Issac! Don't sell yourself short. You're responsible for the blueprints and programming of the AI." She ignored her best friend's protests. "You won't regret recruiting him in, Barret."
There was a thoughtful expression on Barret's face. "Sounds good if Jesse can learn more. That means our mission should run smoothly for us." He was just about to announce about an official meeting, the sound of grumbling stomachs echoed throughout the room. All the males in room save for Issac slightly blushed.
Issac decided to fill in for his friends. "Sorry about that – Cloud, Zack, and I haven't ate since this afternoon."
"Boys will be boys." Tifa eyed playfully at Zack and Cloud, giggling at their predicament. "Don't worry, our boys haven't ate either."
Jesse was up with an idea. "Actually, we did buy a good amount of food back. Rika, you think it's enough?"
"More than enough." Rika gave a nod. She looked up to Issac's new friends. "Zack, Cloud. Can you stay over for dinner with us? I do have an extra batch of pancake mix and there's more than enough bagels for garlic bread."
Cloud couldn't help but laugh with Zack when the other male occupants who wanted to protest, were faced with five devastating glares of girls. Two of them were small girls who had sneaked up to the counter, before introducing themselves as Shelke (9 years old) and Marlene (4 years old and bizarrely Barret's daughter).
Tifa was the resident head mother chocobo, and when she decided on the welfare of everyone... no male would have a 'No' for an answer. Forget about Barret being the leader. Apparently that did not mean he could avoid being a gentleman to Tifa and Marlene's puppy eyes pout that rivaled Zack's. From the way Tifa behaved around Rika, she seemed at ease if not considered the other girl like sister. The girl was also helping her convincing Barret for the three new mercs to stay.
The blond was happy when the girl he had little memory of his past was happy and wanted for them to stay over. Cloud was nervous to tell her what had happened in the last four years, but with Zack and Issac along he guessed it would be fine.
An arm snaked over his shoulder. "How are you doing, Spiky?" The raven asked.
"...Glad." Cloud said quietly with a small smile. "Things... somehow worked out in the end... for all of us."
"Sure did!" Zack brightly chirped. "Me and Aerith. Issac with his adopted sister. You and Tifa." Then with a mischievous grin, he asked the jackpot question. "So, are you finally going to ask Tifa out? She's your girlfriend, right?"
"What?! – She's – Just a friend! I – "
Zack laughed with mirth as his poor blond friend stuttered and heated beat red. "Aww! My chocobo's all grown up!"
"Zaaaaaack!"
Eventually, even after dinner and our meeting for the job details... I was thankful how Rika and all the girls were all able to persuade (threatened/blackmailed would be more like it) Barret to let the three of us stay here in Seventh Heaven. I was surprised that the place had a underground workshop just beside the meeting room. You can get down by the secret elevator via the pinball machine, only through a different door afterward.
Sleeping arrangements ended up with Cloud, Zack, and I in the workshop with blankets and spare pillows. For now, Zack and Cloud requested they wanted to talk alone with Tifa about what happened to them. Cloud looked a little nervous I wasn't going to be there, but I made sure he could talk to me about what would happen anytime tomorrow. In turn, I gave them a heads up I was going to speak to Rika what had happened to us and why I was late getting to Midgar.
So here I was in the room occupied by Shelke and Rika. Flux hovered guarding the door for eavesdroppers.
I knew I won't be back for a good long while at the workshop until Tifa was finished with Zack and Cloud. This was the best opportunity to catch up on what I missed. More importantly, I needed to get to know Shelke. She was for most of the time in dinner acted like a 9 year old like she was supposed to, although more on the quiet side.
She appeared to be stiffly nervous as her sitting position was rigid. Dressed in a sleeveless collar shirt and a skirt just above her knees, Shelke wore normal clothes like in the ending of DoC. How could she stay like that for a long time with such a uncomfortable position, was something I didn't want her to do.
"You don't need to be so nervous Shelke," I tried to calm the girl down. "Rika's told me about you when she contacted me before in a message."
To my disappointment, she didn't let her guard down. Shelke had a blank look that scared me. It was that expression I saw her with in Dirge of Cerberus. It was as though she shut off all emotions off, as if she were a machine. "How much did she tell you?"
"That you've suffered enough and you're looking for your sister." I said quietly. Shelke seemed to raise a questioning look to Rika, which she gave a nod back. Eugene was on the small girl's lap giving her comfort. "I see you like Eugene."
Shelke now was coming out of her shell hesitantly. Her face now seemed like she was in thought. "Eugene's unique. … Back when I was... not free, I never came into contact with a sentient droid before. All of those robots were... just empty metal."
I think she was still wary of showing her true self in front of me. Not that I would expect her to be friendly right away. Rika had been longer with her than I have. Maybe I could connect to her in my own way – through technology.
"Eugene's a fun little scout isn't he?" I suggested.
A small smile. "Yes... He's a friend to me." Shelke may still look warily at me, but she was giving Rika a nod that she wanted to get along.
My friend immediately cut to the chase, "So, Issac. How did you take down a communication outpost?"
"That's what you get when a Turk contacts you to one place... and you happen to drag Zack with you." I replied with a chuckle.
Shelke now was clearly getting confident, "The main computer said you were able to rearrange the registry, hack the network without leaving any virtual evidence in exception of looping the geo-location system. The Turks or ShinRa till now have no idea how to undo it. How did you do that?"
I blinked surprised at the news.
It was reassuring that my hacker methods on Earth was something worth doing here of all places. Back home, since the Internet was accessible to so many people – every type server had its unique codification but had a pattern to it. You figure out the pattern, you get a weakness. However, since there's so many it makes it longer for the basic hacker to figure out – unless you were let in with inside information. Contrary to ShinRa, it was only one base server – its base coding would get modifications, but no real new code would make an actual difference to the whole system. It was nothing like on Earth where the World Wide Network or the Internet was so diverse, so it wasn't that hard to apply a 'layering' technique.
"Trade secret, but if you can trust me... I'll be willing to teach you the 'layering' method, Shelke." I answered here back with a wink.
Rika chuckled. "Issac means that, Shelke. I think you should teach him about what you can do as well. I don't doubt when it come to computers the two of you will click."
"That seems to be a fair trade." the auburn haired girl agreed. "So... does that mean you know what happens in the near future like Rika?"
I gave the brunette a confirming look. "You told her?"
"I have to." Rika said as her hands folded on her lap. "If we're going to save people from a falling plate, I needed more information from inside ShinRa. You don't need to be uptight with Shelke about our missing memories and Symbology."
Her eyes on me, I think she told Shelke just enough – about us having a Goddess of the Universe as a patron would always remain our secret. Until Cosmos said otherwise. Less explaining meant more doing. I had to give it to my adopted sister she did a far better job than I would have. Rika was really a step ahead. I'm sure Ryan would appreciate it too if he was here.
I praised her. "That's great! Saves time too. Now, where was I?"
The Alteration Symbologist tapped her cheek with a finger. "Your crazy insane trip to destroy a communication outpost?"
"Right."
The night was long. I told her everything that happened during my group's daring attempt to contact Tseng and as well how it lead to the destruction of the outpost. Both girls were livid as I re-accounted our escape, and even to our worst moment in nearly losing Zack in the process. Finally, I told them about arriving in Midgar, staying in Sector 2, till I met them today.
"So Zack and Cloud were tested on by Hojo?" Shelke asked nervously.
I nod. "For four years. No freedom at all. Cloud was like a lifeless puppet when I first met them."
The auburn's voice was soft. "That explains why they're hiding their eyes with contact lenses like I am."
"They're good people, dragged in at the wrong time by bad people." I commented. I then told her the truth. "They know I can do Symbology, but they won't push me for details. They're... not aware I know a bit of the future, so I'd like to keep it quiet for now."
"Hmm." She agreed. However the next question threw me off guard. "Why are you not treating me like a child?"
"Well, aren't you supposed to be a teenager?" I asked dumbfounded. Did she just make a jump to another conversation?
At my stupid baffled expression, she laughed. "I am, but only Rika treats me not as a kid. Sorry, but you just looked funny."
"No harm done!" I waved off, chuckling – although I was blushing myself. "Try getting along with Zack, and you'll find that I'm nowhere as funny as he is. He's the big kid in a former SOLDIER body."
Rika gave both of us approving looks. "I'm glad that you two are in better terms now."
It was cute to see the auburn haired girl blushing. "I try to... You said he's your brother, Rika..."
I crossed my arms but smiled all the same. "And looks like I have another sister I'm adopting." At her shocked face, I grinned at her. "Rika has taken you in as her sister, so that makes you my sister. Let's get along, okay?"
Poor Shelke looked speechless. "You... both... want to me in your family?"
Rika had immediately hugged her. "Family love knows no bounds. I'm sure Ryan would accept you too."
"We're not much, but we're all weird in our own way. How about it?" I offered Shelke.
"... I'd like that."
Moments later, I was at the door to the workshop when Tifa finally returned to her room and Shelke was asleep.
"...So, Issac." Rika started. "Have you heard from Ryan?"
"No." I sighed, and I wasn't all too happy to see her looking forlornly at the floor.
"I miss him."
"Me too." With a pat on the back I told her, "He'll be OK. We'll find him or keep waiting. Ryan just needs time. Let's believe him and Eve. You're doing great here, I'm sure he's proud of you."
Rika breathed out tiredly. "Thanks Issac, I'm glad you came. See you tomorrow morning then. Good night."
"Night, Rika."
At her retreating form to the elevator, I sighed a long breath myself.
Today was one crazy reunion day, but I was proud that all of our efforts turned out to be good. Rika had done everyone a huge favor, keeping tabs on ShinRa on the inside, Don Corneo's lackeys, and even researched about the Plates. Damn, she did an amazing job just being in Midgar! I was sure we would have more plans to cover as we reached the eventual date to bombing Reactor 1 soon.
As I entered the workshop that had been cleared to make room for three sleeping bags, two people were wide awake both sitting up in their sleeping bags.
"I thought you guys were asleep."
Cloud was trying to read me. "You're having problems?"
I scowled. "You guys heard that from the door, did you?" I should have known... they were pumped with Mako for a reason.
"We didn't mean to, but you can tell us if you need the help." Zack tried to ease the situation.
What to do? I decided that it was best to keep telling the truth as much as I'm allowed. But first things, first. "How did it went with you guys and Tifa?"
Zack answered it not in the way I expected to. "We'll be willing to trade stories for what happened to you at the door."
"There's no going around it, huh?" I said sarcastically.
To my damnation, Cloud totally had Zack's back. "You've helped us all this time, we want to help you too, Issac."
Well, I might as well call the whole thing on while the night lasted. Saves time, and a good night's sleep would settle down any stress this night. Walking to my sleeping bag, I slipped myself in, but kept sitting up.
"Well..." I began. "Rika seems to approve of you guys, it's just we kind of reminded her of Ryan." An uncomfortable pause. "She hasn't heard from him, and neither have I."
At my hanging conversation the two with Mako eyes ushered me to go on.
"She's a sister to me." I admitted. "I promised Ryan if I got to her first, I'd watch over her. Rika's taken in Shelke, so now she's my sister too. Is... is it alright with you two if we happen to finish this job they'd be with us?"
Zack looked conflicted, but Cloud beat him to it. "We're all going to bomb a reactor soon. Rika's already working with AVALANCHE. It won't make a difference that ShinRa will come after us if they know."
"But – is Rika... does she know we're..." Zack left the end part hanging, but I was sure he wanted to say lab experiments.
"Yeah." I said. I gave him time to let it sink in. "She knows. She said she won't push you if you don't want to. I trust her, and she's in the same boat with me."
The blond looked confused. "In the same boat?"
"She's like me, and also Ryan... we... have no past." I kept my eyes on wall opposite me.
Zack gasped. "So you're not the only one?"
I shook my head. "No. It's how we're close."
'…'
'…'
'…'
There was an awful long silence before Cloud decide to talk. "We can let them stay with us, Zack."
Zack crossed his arms as his thinking face was on the ceiling. "I don't know..." I sulked at that. However, he then gave me a stern gaze. "Is it all right with you, can Me and Cloud talk to her tomorrow morning?"
"By all means." I welcomed the raven head's offer. "I think she'd want to talk to you two."
"I'm not trying to be difficult, Issac." Zack said giving me peaceful gestures like he didn't mean to hurt me with his words. "I want to know what I'm going to deal with, if I agree."
I shook my head again. "No prob. Take your time on it. I trust you, Zack. We're now Eco-terrorists, plenty of consequences ahead..."
"Right, tomorrow then." Zack gave a nod. "Cloud, you're with me tomorrow. About Tifa... she accepted it better than I thought she would."
"And?" I asked for further details.
This time Cloud spoke up, "She's going to be in AVALANCHE as long as she can fight ShinRa."
I sighed. "Revenge then." The two warriors didn't seem comfortable with that, although they understood her need for paying back what she had lost. "We all have someone who's part of AVALANCHE... Are we going to keep with them as long as they pay us or we're sticking into it permanently?" I then snorted. "Man, I'm totally confused."
Zack laid down with his arms crossed behind his head. "Same here, Issac. Things are crazy. Back then I joined in the company because I wanted to be in SOLDIER. After all the betrayal and deaths... even now it's getting worse by the day. We escaped the labs so we didn't we have to deal with ShinRa anymore..."
"Now we're joining in an operation that's bound to attract their attention to us." I finished. I knew I had to stay in order for the events to play out. Even so, I wasn't particularly happy about Zack and Cloud being in danger of getting back to the labs if ShinRa got news of them.
The drawbacks of changing the future...
Making sure that you had to maintain it, so the end doesn't turn out the same.
"...We could wait."
Black spikes turned to the blond. "You mean – after we blow the reactor?"
"We've... just arrived." Cloud said softly. "We found people we thought we'd never meet again... Can't we – have some peace?"
I blinked at Cloud's pleading words. I had to admit I was blown away by it. All of us weren't really in a condition to actually think about parting or choosing of what we were going to do after the job. We were all too bushed for fighting for our freedom, and actually missed out on what we fought for.
I laid down on my sleeping bag. "Cloud's right, Zack. Maybe we should give it some time. We got a month's worth of things to do. Besides, you have all those dates you owe to Aerith." I teased.
The raven hero chuckled. "Damn right, I do! There's a lot of things I want to talk about to her!" However, he told both of us seriously, "Do what you need to do, but we should keep our guard up. We're still here in ShinRa territory."
Cloud clearly was happier. "Thanks, Zack."
"Don't worry, Spiky!" Zack grinned with new-found vigor. "You're going to have a double date with me. I'm going out with Aerith, you take Tifa with you."
Cloud zipped himself up in his sleeping back so quickly, it immediately hid his embarrassed face from the world. A very Cloud-y reaction.
"Go to sleep, Zack." the blond deadpanned.
"I was kidding, Cloud!"
I didn't believe the Puppy for a second.
Kidding? Yeah, Riiight.
Says the person who dragged me into his matchmaker plans.
While he was busy trying to get Cloud's sleeping bag zip open, I decided to get some shut eye for myself.
Sector 7, Midgar, 9th December 0007
The fated day for Gaia...
Started off with my insomnia acting up.
Again.
I was expecting it, as it was norm for my body to do so. It just knew that this was one of those days that raised my stress levels up – I'd have less sleep whether I was dead tired or not.
Then something unexpected happened...
What I did not expect in the morning hours at 2:30 AM, was to be face to face with Tifa. If Rika was the mother chocobo, in my opinion – Tifa, was the grandmother chocobo. No sooner she found me wide awake in the workshop, Cloud soundly asleep and Zack snoring loudly, she took action.
My eyes never saw her what she did - until it hit me, and I saw my Seal Materia in her hand.
I couldn't believe it, but she cast Sleep on me!
My body drowsily felt like lead, I dropped to the floor, and effectively knocking me out.
At breakfast later, Cloud, Zack, Rika, and Shelke were on about it for hours – poor 'insomniac Issac' had to be 'cast' off to sleep. I don't think I ever had a morning where my face was burning with embarrassment. I felt if someone put a kettle on my head, I was sure it would whistle loudly.
At least everyone was kind enough to knock it off, once they all decided to do last preparations.
Zack with caffeine and sugar high induced spirit, quickly gave us all a hug before he left to visit Aerith. He messed my hair and Cloud's, then bear-hugged Tifa with Rika at the same time, before lifting Marlene and Shelke up into a high hug, causing the young girls to squeal. In a few seconds flat, he bolted out the door, off to Sector 5. I sent Flux after him, just in case the Turks did anything suspicious.
Not that I needed Flux at that moment. I decided to stay at Seventh Heaven until the mission started, to recap things over with Rika and Shelke. It was settled that Rika and I would head over with the main team, while Shelke would stay behind, but she'd connect to the ShinRa Network disabling most of the cameras and security feeds that lead to Sector 1. This would and should make Jesse's hacking in a lot easier. As for me, I was in charge this time in making sure we got better fake IDs. It was a way to avoid getting caught by ShinRa. In the game when AVALANCHE tried to blow the Sector 5 Reactor, Jesse's IDs failed because of a system upgrade. That was my job to prevent that.
In the one month things passed on so quickly, but we managed to settle down and get close with the crew.
Most of the days in the month, Barret, Biggs, and Wedge were out doing usual recon. We didn't see much of them, except when they came back and kicked people out of the bar when it closed. Cloud, Zack, and I weren't all that close with them, as they seemed to treat us more as co-workers. The feeling was mutual, but I suppose sometimes true friendship starts in the life and death situations. I wasn't going to force it, until I'd see some results when we blow the reactor.
On the contrary, the girls were more than thrilled to have us along.
Jesse, along with Shelke, were happily dragging me along to learn about Machinery item creation and any other related tech knowledge. Shelke was subtle about it, but Jesse was very vibrant and excited to learn from me. However, at times I did wish I could get some peace and quiet. No luck. Rika knew places where I'd try to isolate myself and dragged me out with no mercy.
Tifa and Marlene loved having Cloud and Zack around. Both of the guys would help her tend the bar, whether they did the more physical jobs or just be there to amuse her and Marlene. For now, their rocky relationship of the past was mending.
Between me and Tifa, she became the more fussy sister I never had. With Rika, she was more understanding when I had a drive for item making. With Tifa, I don't have a chance of arguing against her. She means well, but the fact she can kick my ass was terrifying. Whenever she was around, I was careful stop at the right time to rest and sleep. Sadly, today of all days wasn't the case. Hence, how I ended up being cast Sleep by her. However, I did like her being a straight forward person. That was one of the reasons what made her one of my favorite female characters in FFVII.
As for how Zack and Cloud were taking my Gaia family (Rika and Shelke)... I was surprised they somehow were close in their own ways. I was told by Rika, that she somehow managed to persuade Zack to help on his matchmaker plans. Perhaps it was because my best friend was close to Tifa? I think so, I wasn't sure. Nonetheless, I was more certain the two ex-ShinRa warriors got closer then when we managed to get into the workshop together at some point.
Zack being the more cheerful and loud person, had instantly gone into a game of 20 questions with Rika. Although it was more of 100 questions by the end of it. One of the said 100 questions also included – was I her boyfriend or not. She smoothly denied it without a hint of anything, ending Zack's tirade and making him believe that we had a usual sibling relationship. I was glad for it. Since he couldn't do much about me and Rika, he set his eyes on getting Cloud and Tifa together.
With our resident ex-Tsviet, the Puppy was doing all he could to get her smile. Zack mentioned that Shelke was too much like Cloud. His bouncy nature worked wonders though. The auburn headed teen was more cheerful but still a bit timid around Zack. Rika and I haven't told Zack that she was part of an experiment, so Shelke was still nervous around the ex-SOLDIER. It can't be helped; but I believed the more she was exposed to Zack the better chances she'll be able to connect with her emotions.
Cloud on the other hand, had found Rika as another sibling who would teach him on weapon making – only that it focused on Alchemy and Synthesis. After Rika helped me in the Synthesizing his sword while I did the refinements, his sword was good as new. The blond was happier he wouldn't have to worry about getting a sword in Midgar. During their times outside the workshop, it was usually Rika who hid Cloud away from Tifa, when the fist fighter was in a bad mood. It seemed my best friend got some points for giving him a sanctuary, so he can dwell what was on his mind without being bothered.
Shelke and Cloud, was a weird combination. Those two were already quiet in their respective ways. However, Cloud seemed to like her silent companionship. When Cloud would do sword practice, Shelke was around to give him water bottles or any sort of refreshment. The former Tsviet would also be around to ask a few things on how he fought, but not enough to make Cloud to feel too uncomfortable. Plus, they both had mutual feelings that Zack at times would be too bouncy for them to handle – sometimes working together to get away from the Puppy, when he was too hyper at odd moments.
Now... back to macro...
With a few more hours to spare until tonight, we were all doing last preparation check.
All items for emergencies were set, we had a couple of backup plans if things turned bad.
However, even till this day... Ryan was nowhere in sight.
No news.
Nothing.
With heavy hearts, Rika and I chose we would keep on going.
On the Train towards Sector 1, Midgar, 9th December 0007
So far nothing out of control.
Well... I hoped it stayed that way.
For some odd reason, I ended up being inside the train than on top like the other guys. Other guys being Wedge, Barret, Cloud and Zack. Okay, the other three had real reasons that it was impossible to hide their weapons from plain sight. Yet, Wedge ending up on the roof of the carriage was just too weird. It happens to be that Wedge is actually a sniper of all things.
Maybe because there were mistakes in our world?
Like how Ryan's Symbol Creation, was Connection back on Earth?
I'd expected much change, but I didn't ever thought it would be this different.
Heck, my Gemini sabers weren't all that subtle in either... but Cloud insisted he would carry and return them to me once we reached our destination. I wasn't complaining about it, but Barret was counting on me to do my tech abilities if the situation arose and hijack the train through electronic means. Even Jesse wanted me to be inside to hack the train if security got hold on us. I didn't really feel the reason to be inside the carriage as no matter what, I was sure we'll get to the reactor.
Another reason why I agreed to be inside was because Rika needed me. Her green eyes were full of worry and longing for her twin. She was holding onto hope that somehow Ryan would show up. I felt the need to be with her, so she wouldn't feel alone. Eugene was up on the roof with the others, while Flux was inside with us hidden, so there was little comfort we could get from our scout droids.
Biggs, Jesse, Rika, and I all sat in silence as we waited for our last stop. There wasn't much to talk about or say. Just the tense silence that we were dead set on planning to blow up a reactor.
Our IDs were scanned, and we had managed to pass the security check point with no problems. At this, I was more than certain that we'd get by and do what we intended to do, things shouldn't be far too different.
"BOOM~!"
What the FUCK?
The train felt the impact of an explosion, rocking us slightly, and bright light was clearly seen on the windows of the train at a good long distance. The explosion was coming from somewhere else. Our transport didn't stop though, but at least we did get some news.
"This is your Train Master speaking. We wish for our passengers to be at ease due to recent events. For now we do not know what was the cause of the explosion, however it will have no affect to our systems. Please remain seated and calm. We will reach our destination in time according to schedule. Thank you."
By the time the announcement was over, Wedge who slid in the door with no weapons walked over to us. "Big guy says we're still going to visit his 'green buddy'. No explosion isn't going to make him change his mind."
'Green buddy' was the Mako Reactor.
Jesse and Biggs weren't all too worried on what had happened, following orders to the letter.
Rika and I oppositely held nervous looks at each another.
That explosion wasn't supposed to happen!
Well - No backing out now...
In my mind, I wondered who was behind it...
Sector 1 Security Outpost, Midgar, 9th December 0007
The sky was raining literally with fireballs, virtually destroying, and burning everything in its path. ShinRa troops running around like headless chickens, but they soon shrunk, and cast off to Sleep. Even some Turks didn't stand a chance to seek the caster, as they too were not aware they were hit - until it was too late.
Two figures stood on a high pedestal concealed from view.
"When the war of the beasts brings about the world's end... The Goddess descends from the sky. Wings of light and dark spread afar... She guides us to bliss, her gift everlasting."
A clipped monotonous reply. "LOVELESS, Prologue."
Auburn hair waved in the winds hidden under a brown long hooded cloak. "You didn't have to ruin the moment, Ryan."
"You think I'd be happy hearing that from you of all people everyday?" Ryan said dryly covering his ears, as if that would save him from hearing another Act of LOVELESS. He was also cloaked in the same gear – hiding all his clothes, and pack from view.
"Until it stays in your head." Genesis smirked triumphantly, knowing it was the only thing that pissed the Symbologist off.
He waved his hand as another four Firaga level fireballs came out in four simultaneous attacks in succession, hitting a small flying helicopter to a few land vehicles that were park on the ground.
Ryan shook his head in amusement. "You're having your fun with your new toy."
A casual shrug from the Materia caster, as he held the Quadra Magic Materia like he would examine a Dumbapple in a drama play. "Indeed. However, this will somehow help those who are going to the Reactor. And... I'm in a good mood to take down some ShinRa facilities."
"You know the main security from HQ will be on us soon, right?"
"That was part of your plan." the ex-1st Class Commander noted. "But they will have problems in moving unless they manage to pass the red tape. Takes a good 1 hour for infantry to arrive. We'll encounter Roboguards – but nothing we can't handle."
The item creator flexed his fingers on his weapon in Rifle mode. "Lead the way, Genesis. You know the alternative ways into the Sector 1 reactor."
With flair and grace that only Genesis could achieve, another flick of a wrist – he sent barrages of fire leaving the whole place (what was left standing) crisped without effort. His exit was like one of those epic action movies where the hero escapes unscathed from the flames of the explosion.
The auburn former SOLDIER happily lead the way in a jogging pace that wasn't hard for Ryan to catch up. A white scout droid followed behind them, quickly masking itself into camouflage mode.
"I've been wanting to do such a thing for years," Genesis chuckled in high spirits, as they ran. "Don't mind if I claim all those Roboguards."
The brunette shrugged. "Be my guest. They're all yours. We still have a train to catch up with."
A welcoming grin. "Quite."
Ryan gleefully imagined what expressions his twin and best friend would make when they found out he was behind this. To the item creator, this was probably the best idea on whim that he ever made. Especially when the target was the security outpost of the sector.
What better way to get into Midgar, by setting a Fire Materia Trigger happy Genesis – equipped with Quadra Magic Materia - on ShinRa.
Ryan smiled wider as a familiar reactor came into view.
'Don't worry, Rika, Issac. I'm coming.'
TBC...
Next up~ When Reactors go boom~!
The meeting of Zack and Genesis... And when Time twists will start to come into play...
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! :)