Simply the Thing I Am, Shall Make Me Live
Disclaimer: Refer to Chapter 1.
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A bit late update with 11.000+ words for this weekend~! xD
Another Action and interaction chapter!
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~ Chapter 10: We're Team Mitigation Plate Hazard ~
Early in the morning, Sector 7 Inn, Midgar, 10th December 0007
Ten gil per night at the Sector 7 Inn, was probably the cheapest place to stay in the whole game. I wasn't sure how they did the currency exchange in-game and the real world. All I knew that, you wouldn't expect any kind of comfortable service.
The way the building looked, explained it all.
Metal, rickety, rust gnawing all over, yet still standing all these years.
When I got inside, dust settled through most of the place. I gave a small tip to the inn keeper that we didn't want to be bothered. The old man was more than happy for the incentive, as he mentioned that business had been low since the security of the train went up for the last previous month. With the attack yesterday, he wasn't expecting any newcomers to his inn. On the guilt side, his business was going on the down low thanks to us (Zack, Cloud, and me)... so at least it felt like the right thing to do.
I carried a tray of glasses in my hands with three plastic 1 liter water bottles, courtesy of Rika's insistence that Ryan and Genesis would/should get a better breakfast as we go on to our plans. I was actually looking forward to this meeting, which meant this was the first time we got some real time to ourselves, and a breakfast get together of us Earthlings since... last year.
Man, time flies by so fast I didn't even notice it's been four years we've been in Gaia.
Flux was behind me in camouflage mode. While I couldn't see him, the air around where he hovered was creating a gentle breeze on my neck.
I headed over to the largest room available that was on the inner part of the inn, and knocked on the door with my elbow.
"It's me, Issac." I said in a low voice, but enough to be heard from the inside.
"Come on in, Issac."
At Ryan's permission, the door handle was pushed down by Flux since I had my hands full carrying a tray. I stepped in to find that the three beds in the room had been shifted around for our mini meeting. Two beds were shifted to the wall, while one remained in place, leaving a good spaced area in the room. Flux flew over excitedly to Eve, as last night we parted ways so we wouldn't catch too much attention.
On the side note, Genesis was the one who suggested it. While he seemed in better terms with Zack after we met up at the front cart of the train, he wasn't all that happy he'd be pounced on by the Puppy if he stayed in Seventh Heaven. I'd do the same if I was him. If one could avoid it, then the better it was.
In the room, the red head Commander was sitting on the bed furthermost from the door, one leg crossed, and opened in his hand unsurprisingly was a pocket book of LOVELESS. What did shock me though, was what he was wearing.
Talk about déjà vu, his outfit was the same one he wore from the secret ending in the game Dirge of Cerberus – minus the fact his shoulder pads were brown and encircled on top his shoulders (not to the sides) with a couple of brown belts that were around the elbows and wrists.
Genesis Rhapsodos hasn't lost his obsession for leather, but the ShinRa SOLDIER symbol was long gone. He replaced his black leather pants, but this one still consisted of two belts at his waist. His upper clothing still consisted of a black turtle neck and belts crossing in a 'X' formation across his chest.
I was expecting Genesis to be wearing something different, but boy – it kind of makes you think that somehow Cosmos was behind all that familiarity. That she had deliberately made it so close to the original games. Then again, I suppose it's alright – considering Genesis' original red leather duster last time had looked like it went through a shredding machine.
Genesis' attention from his book shifted to me when I placed the tray on the floor. "What seems to be the occasion?"
"Breakfast." I shrugged. "And the part where we haven't eaten together in nearly a year or so."
"Is the food good?" He asked.
I snorted. "If you count that it's homemade, it's probably better than the stuff you can get in Sector 7."
Genesis didn't seem to bother replying. He gave a simple curt nod, before he sat on the floor with both Ryan and I, legs crossed. In no time, his eyes were back on the pocket book of LOVELESS.
"Why are there five glasses?" Ryan nudged my arm. He took it upon himself to distribute them around. My friend had the last one in his hand.
"What? It's for our 'newly adopted sister.'" I took the one he held, and placed it with Rika's.
Ryan's green eyes were wide and he gaped. "S-sister?"
"Sister. Rika welcomed her to our family of the weird – Oh, yeah. I forgot I didn't tell you in my email." I scratched my neck. Maybe it was better that way, as Genesis was looking at both Ryan and me now.
"Is she the same person that Rika was sent to save?" the brunet questioned.
Does Genesis know? I looked at the auburn haired mage who had his full attention on me, face neutral, but his eyes burned with curiosity. Maybe Ryan told him – I was only half guessing.
"Yeah."
Ryan was silent but still appeared rather shocked. I kinda felt guilty I left him in the dark about it, but the fact he was with Genesis made me wary. There was still no knowing how he would react to Shelke. The way Rika had gotten pretty protective of the former Tsviet in the emotional department, I had a feeling it could either be good... or cause some trouble for us.
My brunet buddy raked his medium spiky haircut back. Unlike the last time I saw him, he now wore a mixture of black and green clothing. His army green leather jacket with numerous pockets on the sides of his arm, was courtesy of Genesis' insistence to wear something more - 'suitable'. Ryan mentioned it last night he'd rather wear it, than hear the auburn headed poet yap quotes twenty four seven of LOVELESS. Same with the black boots, belts, and pants he was wearing. All leather.
I couldn't really imagine it how Ryan's trip of clothes shopping went with Genesis. Maybe a nightmare for Ryan who was a simple guy when it came to choosing clothes. The former Commander's tastes were exquisite compared to Angeal or Sephiroth by a hundred years.
Thank the Planet I didn't have to go through that.
Ryan's clothing was similar to Genesis. It would make you think they're brothers or something. The only difference was that Ryan's jacket was short, reaching to his waist and more suitable for an item creator with more pockets. At least my buddy didn't have a thing for belts, so he wore just a plain black t-shirt underneath. He also wore a black holster for his rifle mode Riptide.
Patting Ryan on the back, I gave him an encouraging smile. "No worries, Ryan. You're still the big brother to her."
"Really?" By the still confused face he was making, I figured he didn't quite catch who was this other person.
"Positive." I shifted to get my pack, getting out my laptop. "Don't worry too much about it, you'll see."
My brunet friend didn't seem to be satisfied with my answer, but he let it go. Genesis on the other hand, had closed his book and laid it on his thigh carefully. The way his Mako eyes were on me, I had a feeling I was up for interrogation.
"So how is it with Zack the Puppy?"
Eh?
I wasn't really expecting the question, but I might as well answer it. Genesis wasn't exactly a patient guy.
"Kindest guy you could ever meet, and I've never seen a guy with so much energy. Now you mention it – he is like a puppy, I got pounced by him a couple of times already. Not counting the bone crushing hugs." I grimaced remembering the first time he hugged me.
The swordsmage snorted. "Hmph, he hasn't changed at all." His mood changed as he shifted leaning on the bed behind him. "On another matter, I've made a deal with Ryan that concerns you and his sister, Rika."
My mind drifted to the memory of last night where Genesis wanted more of the 'instant cleaning dust' Ryan created. "What's this about?"
"Materia training." Genesis stated simply. "I usually don't take anyone lightly to teaching Materia lessons. This time however, I'm rather curious as how your - alternate abilities will affect Materia."
When I looked at Ryan for answers he replied, "Genesis knows and has seen how Symbology works."
So Genesis knows as much as Shelke does. Good enough, but again... there was always the reaction factor. I made the quickest decision that I'd handle this problem subtly and as neutral as possible.
"I suppose it's alright. I'll be willing to share and you can have front row seat to see how it works." I agreed attentively. "Only, when we do so for practical, I'd want at least Rika or Ryan with me."
Genesis' eyes narrowed by a fraction. "Does there seem to be a problem?"
"Better safe than sorry when it comes to my Symbol." Switching the laptop on, I sighed. "If anything, I'd like it if Rika's here. We'll get into the details afterward."
I was glad that Genesis took the hint it wasn't up for discussion. Yet, I knew that the former Commander had known it would be a matter of time things would spill out.
A knock on the door, and Rika's voice was heard.
When Ryan came in to open it, the smell of freshly toasted cut bagels and soup was heavenly. It was so worth it to wake up in the morning and have this mini meeting of ours. Eugene had came in and place some plastic bags of dessert to one side of the room before joining the other scouts. Rika promptly placed her load on the floor, before going back to Shelke who stood by the door holding the plastic plates taking them away from her hands.
When she took notice of Ryan, she was shy like always. Ryan seemed to be surprised by her appearance, as I knew he was thinking how someone in Dirge of Cerberus should be in the FFVII time-line at all. Thanks to Rika's nudging to his ribs, he snapped out of his shock and smiled to her.
"I'm Ryan Spencer, Rika's twin brother." He then gestured his hand to the auburn haired ex-Commander. "My friend behind me is Genesis Rhapsodos."
Auburn-haired former Tsviet, met auburn-haired ex-SOLDIER.
Her eyes were in a snap filled with fear. Faster than the eye can see, Shelke latched onto Rika tightly, hiding behind the Alteration Symbologist.
Genesis was glaring at the ex-Tsviet, but that anger I saw on his face was caused more by shock of not knowing who she was... and perhaps... what she was?
Could - Could Genesis somehow know she had his blood in her?
My heart skipped a beat.
Jenova Reunion Theory.
Was it possible that it worked in the same way, even if the cells were dead?
Planet, what was Cosmos thinking of getting the two to meet each other?
The three of us Earthlings were in a stalemate, not really knowing what was going on.
Confusion was literally felt to the bones that none of us could act, speak, or move.
Ryan was stiffly in a ready position to grab Genesis down if he tried anything. Panic was on his face, fearing for the safety of his sister because she was in the immediate way of the ex-Commander. Even his hand reached into his pocket, which I noticed was one of his favorite places to store a spare piyo-piyo bomb.
His sister Rika, tried to calm Shelke down and was doing a good job ignoring Genesis. She didn't move from her spot. I suspected she wanted to face this situation head on. If she retreated, there was a chance that Shelke would not want to know Genesis at all. If she took a step forward, it might coax the auburn haired Materia caster for a chance to assault.
I cursed my bad luck. I was in the middle of it all. Zack wasn't here to help me out of this. Between Shelke's awesome speed and even a faster red mage like Genesis, there was no way I was going to stop them if a fight occurred. It didn't seem that words would diffuse the situation.
A quick glance to my friends, I begged them through my eyes to trust me. The twins gave their silent agreement, which I replied with an equal silent nod.
There was only one thing to do.
To wait it out.
The silence in the room was deafening.
It was to the point a hum of silence echoed in the room.
Genesis seethed as he felt it.
The girl in front of him had the same feeling emitting from her the way his clones did. It was ludicrous!
During the end of his degradation, he was to the point that any clone he made withered completely. Barely lasting less than a week. This 'Shelke' girl couldn't have been new. But – even when he did succumbed to the madness, he was sure none of his clones were civilians.
Let alone a child.
That was the only tiny pride left he managed to save during his degradation. No matter how much he followed its twisted drive of insanity he'd never lay a hand on what wasn't ShinRa.
'Dreams of the morrow hath the shattered soul... Pride is lost.'
The fact that he felt her now... Genesis was having immediate doubts whether he was healed from his degradation.
No! I won't doubt the after she cured me! The Goddess wouldn't just give second chances to just anyone.
Then why did he felt this connection to this girl? Did that mean even though he was healed... that he was still a monster? Was that the reason why he still had his wing?
The fact that this girl was with Rika meant she had a role to play in the Goddess' plans.
Just who is she?
On the other side of the hollow room, Shelke shivered reluctantly.
Her insides felt like they were tingling in fright. Every cell in her body was acknowledging this man in front of her was far stronger. The superior one. She hadn't felt like this since back in Deepground being near to Weiss. All the other Tsviets would listen to him with no question, for it was in his blood he was the purest out of the rest.
However, Weiss didn't compare on the level Genesis was. For he was the very same person where the Tsviets came from.
The Originator.
Holding her new-found sister like she was her lifeline, Shelke didn't understand why Genesis was with her twin brother. Soothing circular rubs on her back was the only indication that Rika cared about her. The auburn haired girl noticed that Ryan was ready to pounce on the angry ex-SOLDIER, more concerned with Rika's safety. Issac inched only slightly towards the middle, as if he was going to get in between if anything happened.
Slowly, Shelke loosened her grip on the elder girl. She was thinking more rationally, now discerning the fact that she was safer that all three Symbologists were not looking forward to them fighting. They were here to change the future, and if Genesis was a part of it... then perhaps... she would try to do her part too.
She gulped down her intense anxiety, and pulled forth her courage.
"C-Can we sit down and... explain?"
For all the excitement that early morning, I was totally bushed.
After Shelke's claim that we should sit down, and talk about the whole thing calmly – you could say things went like roller coaster ride from there. Being a mediator to two super enhanced humans in front of us, was more taxing than I thought it was. Especially when it came to Genesis' fiery temper with Shelke's empty hollow ability to lock off emotions, had thrown the three of us into a loop.
The first few minutes wasn't pretty though. Genesis was freaking furious that there was a girl in front of him who had his genes. He was angry, but more or so... he was afraid and confused. And the only way he truly knew how to mask it was through rage.
Our scout droids made a shield for the girls. It was also at that point where Ryan and I dive bombed on the ex-Commander holding him as much strength we could muster against an ex-1st Class.
Both of us were no where near enough to hold him down.
If Genesis was eager to, he would have flicked both of us away like flies.
He only stopped struggling when in return Shelke turned invisible out of instinct, sending him into a silent shock. However, she did not run away. Actually, it looked pretty creepy that physically we could still see her hugging Rika – we all could see the creased fabric of Rika's clothes where her arms were supposed to be.
Eventually, the two calmed down when Ryan took the lead. The Creation Symbologist made it thorough that getting upset over it, was not going to solve anything. There was finally an exchange of stories between us.
Just say... Genesis by the end of it, was not a happy camper.
Learning about Deepground and what had been happening beneath ShinRa all these years from Shelke, had managed to turn his face going from red, to blue, to purple. I was sure he was sick on all the things he heard of. It was a miracle at all he didn't even throw up. He looked beyond disgusted knowing the worst parts of ShinRa.
The red mage wasn't all too happy either when he heard from me that Zack of all people, nearly died. Sure, he knew that ShinRa would want him dead. However, the fact that Zack was Angeal's successor in spirit, fueled his anger. He did thank me in a 'Genesis way'. He claimed that the Puppy needed 'nurturing' and if he had to, would go to lengths that Zack needed 'extensive training'.
I think I may have signed Zack up for a hellish brutal workout.
An image of Genesis playing Firaga Dodge Ball with Zack, came into my mind.
Yikes!
Make note to self – Warn Zack of it, and get Cloud out of the way.
Cloud's better off not knowing.
Maybe in the process when Zack's gets beaten up by the auburn haired ex-Commander, I'd pay him back by doing some matchmaking with Cloud and Tifa. That way, I was doing both of them a favor. Two birds with one stone - right.
As for Shelke, she was in relief that Genesis was not angry at her. By the end of the long explanation she had Mako pumped in her veins, and that she was not technically a Genesis Clone, the former Tsviet was now comfortable in letting Rika go. Although, she was still nervous about Genesis' unpredictable explosive nature. That was something she would have to get used to.
In all the emotional chaos, we all forgot to eat breakfast. The only sign that we did get, was the loud grumbling stomachs from all of us.
Food was quickly distributed, and we all wolfed down our food. Genesis, Rika, and Shelke in a more delicate manner. Ryan and I ate like we haven't eaten in days. Not that I care about it, all the emotional stuff in the morning made me hungry.
Sipping the last of his soup Ryan asked me, "So, is Barret going to target another reactor tonight?"
"The Sector 5 Reactor. Nothing's going to make him back down." I said, while I wiped bread crumbs off my mouth. "It means we have until tomorrow afternoon or so when the worst happens."
Genesis had tensed when I mentioned the reactor. He raised a brow. "What happens? And why is it the worst?"
"Because the President will issue an order that sends the Sector 7 plate down upon the Slums." Rika said in a morbid tone. "That's one of the worst visions we have."
The former 1st Class gasped in shock and he dropped his spoon. "A whole Sector PLATE?"
"It's crazy, but then again... ShinRa's not in the best of conditions right now." I supplied, but shuddered. The fact he was willing to sacrifice an eighth of the population disturbed me. "Old man Shinra's gone off his rocker – which means he'll use any way to get rid of terrorists, the way he sees fit."
"There are no dreams, no honor remains... The older he gets, the more lunacy he has. Perfect." Genesis scorned. His gaze was on Ryan. "So, what are your plans?"
"Save the plate from falling." Ryan confidently said. "Or at least save as many people before it falls. I haven't been around Midgar as much, but you guys have." He pointed out to the three of us.
Rika looked at me for confirmation. "Where should we start?"
"Don Corneo," I replied as I rubbed my chin in thought. "Then we could get to the plate reinforcements that acts as a safety system."
"I'll help." Shelke volunteered.
During dessert, both Rika and Shelke had explained nearly everything they knew about Don Corneo who had people snooping around the place, and that Midgar did have a safety system installed for a eight hovering plates.
According to the main blueprint plans Shelke dug up in the network, the reinforcements would trigger automatically should one plate fall from the nearby plates (in Sector 7's case, Sector 8 and Sector 6). The surrounding plates would create a interlocking grip by lowering their own Mako supply to keep the damaged plate afloat. Thus, it would make more than enough time for civilian evacuations, before the plate would slowly be lowered to the ground.
Our main problem, was the location of the switch to turn the darn thing on Auto.
"It happens that Heidegger's office is the place to be." I jeered. "Pftt, Head of 'Public Safety' – NOT."
Genesis' face was in a scowl. He didn't appeared to be impressed by it either. "Shelke, why couldn't you hack into his database terminal? Is there a problem by using your Synetic Net Dive to his computer?"
"He... his computer..." Shelke hesitated. She swallowed. "Heidegger knows about Deepground. There's... another person who has my ability. Stronger person too. If I get into contact with him, he might drive me insane through the normal server connection. It's why I can get into the Midgar City Safety System from a few specific locations, but none of them are advantageous or far too risky."
Opening up a hologram scale model of ShinRa headquarters via the laptop, Rika pointed out the locations.
"One is in Scarlet's office in the Weapons department. Lots of infantry around, not to mention droids and techno-SOLDIERs being stationed there." She nudged the hologram to the lower section. "Here's the Turks area. We'll be killed as they won't hesitate to get dirty on their own home turf. Lots of traps to avoid in the area, and we have too little time to turn the reinforcements on."
Ryan sulked looking at the two locations. Neither were good options. "Do we have any other alternatives?"
"One alternative." I spoke up, but I turned my head to Genesis. "It's on Floor 49, the SOLDIER Floor."
"Well, I'll be!" Genesis smirked wickedly. "Who would have thought that that particular floor would have less security than the others. My friend, your desire... Is the bringer of life, the gift of the goddess."
"On a technical note, there are more SOLDIERs. However, the standards are not as high as they were years ago in SOLDIER's golden age. So they're more of enhanced shock troops." Shelke explained. "Normal civilians wouldn't think about infiltrating it, but someone who might know how the inside works and who's familiar with it... we have a chance of getting inside."
"So when are we planning to get in?" Ryan asked crossing his arms. "The time we have left is between tonight and tomorrow noon."
Rika on her own laptop opened up a window hologram for all of us to see. "These are the schedules on who are on patrol. Best bet is tonight. The majority who are guarding the place are 3rd Class SOLDIERs."
"So after we bomb the Reactor, you'll head over to the SOLDIER floor?" I asked.
"That's the plan – " Rika then stopped herself. "Issac, you're not coming with us?"
Ryan was also surprised. "You're the best at hacking, why are you – "
I held up my hand. "Someone's got to stay back and watch the main cavalry. Zack and Cloud are bound to drag themselves into trouble... and I'm the closest to them. If I can prevent a few more deaths, then I plan to stay behind."
Genesis held my friend back from protesting. "I have to agree with Issac, we will need to have some eyes on the Puppy and his friends. You and I, Ryan, aren't the best of situations of trust in AVALANCHE. Rika and Shelke on the other hand, will have to get into ShinRa their own way. Mixing up partners at this crucial time won't give us the best results."
Ryan was utterly defeated at Genesis' argument. "Alright, but before we all go... I think an item inventory check is needed. First and foremost, I want all Materia out. Genesis agreed to help us get us into better gear."
When we took all of our Materia out, it was clear who were the real magic users.
The ex-Commander was probably the ultimate Materia hoarder.
Unlike normal healing items, Materia can be stored in a electronic storage that acts like a hammerspace because of its properties being tied to the planet.
Him being the Commander of the Materia Unit in his SOLDIER days, had the ultimate collection of mastered Materia. Just about every color Materia he owned, in exception of red and golden yellow. It meant he lacked any Summon Materia and Command Materia focusing on items. The summons were explainable, as he lost them in fights during Crisis Core. As for items, he never did really rely too much on items and he wasn't nearly on par with Sephiroth for nothing.
Rika came in second place.
The yellow ones I noticed were Sense and Steal Materia. The rest of hers were dark green to yellow green in color, but Genesis was genuinely surprised that she had Fusion Materia (such as Dark Thundaga). Fusion Materia were usually stronger than normal, as they could inflict Poison and Silence or other status alignments at the same time. The other notable ones I noticed was the Independent Materia of a Chocobo Lure and her Summon Materia Choco Mog. To her, the auburn haired Materia expert advised her to keep leveling up all her Materia through fusions.
Next up, I came in.
I had a preference for Fusion Materia, only that I didn't like mixing them with status alignments. Genesis didn't seem to have a problem with that. He knew that the elemental properties would be weaker than a pure elemental fusion one. Same thing applies to status alignment Materia. My magic Materia were Restore, Gravity, Ice, Fire, Lightning, Seal, and Transform. The rest were Support Materia, HP Plus, Long Range, and MP Plus.
"You have mastered all your Support Materia fully than the average person." Genesis frowned as he observed my collection.
I shrugged. "My Symbol isn't magic or health capacity friendly. Between the three of us, I have the lowest capacity for mental power or stamina."
"And why is that?"
"My Symbol has a thing for - amplifying destruction, it compensates it by drawing in more energy - sometimes including most of my stamina."
From his inventory, Genesis tossed me two Materia. "These are new and I have my own mastered ones which are their parent counterparts. Osmose (MP Absorb) and Drain (HP Absorb) should benefit you. If you don't want to waste items, take some from your enemy."
"Uh – Thanks, Genesis." I blinked, surprised that he gave me natural formed ones.
He chuckled with an evil grin. "Don't thank me just yet. If we do get out of the mess tonight and tomorrow, I will evaluate you how you're doing with the Materia I've just given you. The wind sails over the water's surface...Quietly, but surely."
I threw a glare at Ryan, which he innocently ignored me.
Great, looks like I signed up for some brutal training myself.
Shelke's Materia was uniquely suited for her stealth abilities consisting of Sense, Reflect, Osmora, Draina, Cover, Exit, Restore, Heal, and Mystify. Genesis gave her Lightning, Fire, and a Time Materia to even up the odds. Robots were weak to lightning and fire in particular. Plus, Time Materia would benefit anyone who were Mako enhanced.
Last but not least, Ryan came at the end.
Chocobo Lure was the only Materia that didn't have to do with fighting. His short list of Materia was still a wow factor to marvel at. They were Restore, Long Range, MP Plus, Quake, Aeroga, Contain, Lightning, and Time. This time, the former 1st didn't gave him any Materia at all because he'd be with Genesis on the mission anyhow.
"Right. Now, I think we'll go over in the healing and attack item inventory." Ryan said. "If we're short on a few things, we can trade items or we'll buy extra."
All of that planning took all morning.
It was noon when we got back to Seventh Heaven.
Noon, Seventh Heaven, Sector 7, Midgar, 10th December 0007
Going down the elevator, Cloud and Zack looked around the hideout to find Genesis sitting on one of the chairs in the meeting room opening a book. To Zack's amusement, it was a pocket edition of LOVELESS.
"Anything you wish to ask, Fair?" Genesis said without looking from his reading.
Zack stood uncomfortably next to the ex-Commander. "Sorry about all those questions from Barret. He doesn't mind me and Cloud, but you did kind of dropped in on us."
Closing the book, Genesis sighed. "Ripples form on the water's surface... The wandering soul knows no rest. If I didn't answer the brute, he'd be asking me vivaciously by now. More general answers are better than none at all."
The blond's eyes darted around the room. "Would you happen to know where all of our item creators are?"
"Ryan's off shopping, Goddess knows where. Rika and Issac are in the workshop with Jesse. Most likely they don't want to be bothered and locked themselves up." The auburn haired red mage replied. His face then turned to Zack. "Issac's making an effort to make sure the bomb you're targeting tonight blows in the right way. He mentioned that he didn't want to hurt your dear girlfriend."
Feeling as he didn't really had anything to do, Cloud sat in the chair to the right of Genesis. Zack while surprised, chose to sit opposite of the red head.
The black spiky haired hero then crossed his arms as he smiled. "I'll give my thanks if he leaves the room. Issac's a real deal when it comes to details." However, his face was distant at the thought of the reactor. "You know we're bombing the very same Reactor 5, right?"
The blond silently kept his eyes on the two ex-SOLDIERs. He felt like he was intruding on them. However, he wanted to know why Zack was upset ever since he heard from Barret they were bombing the Sector 5 Reactor. Cloud had figured out it wasn't just because of Aerith.
"Some things are better off left in the past. Of sacrifice at world's end." A snort. "I don't see why you're worked up about the place where you and Angeal fought."
Zack was uncharacteristically silent, before he sighed heavily as he shook his head. "It's just a reminder when things went haywire in ShinRa. "You left, Angeal left, Seph wasn't really getting along with anyone. Everything was messed up."
"You left ShinRa?" Cloud blurted out, finding the idea awkward for a 1st Class SOLDIER. "And attacked it?"
Genesis reminded himself that Cloud wasn't doing well in the memory department. He needed to rein his temper in for now. "After knowing SOLDIERs were just a huge human experiment, yes. I wasn't in the best of conditions back then." The part he went absolutely mad and dying slowly was left out.
A sound of steps alerted them to stop talking.
Rika with a tray of drinks came in. "I hope I didn't bother anything important."
"Naw! Come on in, Rika!" Zack waved off going into his usual jolly nature, although it had sounded a bit forced. "We could use the drinks."
She strode in quickly and laid the cups on the table. "Wutain tea for Cloud, hot chocolate for you, Zack. Last but not least, a heavy blend of Kalm Coffee for Genesis."
The three lightened up at the drinks. Genesis was curious. "Did Ryan tell you it's one of my favorites?"
"I asked him." She shrugged. She then had a look of concern to Zack. "Are you alright, Zack? Is something bothering you?"
"I – uh... Umm..." Zack was tongue tied.
Genesis answered for him, "He's upset remembering a friend of ours who died in the past."
Rika was aware that they were talking about Angeal. It made sense that Zack wouldn't feel well when they were going to bomb the Sector 5 Reactor. Even though it did lead Zack to meet Aerith, it wasn't a nice memory. Genesis' hidden sad tone at the very end seemed that he didn't like to be reminded about it too.
"Praising what is lost, make the remembrance dear. All's Well Ends Well. Act V, Scene III." Rika recited as she gave them a small smile.
"Remember them by their best memories." Cloud agreed in his own words.
Oddly enough, Zack found himself smiling at the phrase and at the same time remembering happier moments of his mentor. His eyes were on the his Buster Sword that leaned on the wall.
"Once more a loan of my strength. Looks like you got something in your eyes." Angeal said calmly after finishing off the Wutaian monster.
"Is-Is that so? Besides that, wasn't it important that you didn't use that sword?" a still 2nd Class SOLDIER Zack asked.
"Your life is more important than the sword." A small pause. Angeal cracked a smile and said as if it were a joke, "Well, just a little."
Zack smiled at the jest, before he took the man's outstretched hand.
"Thank you."
He shook his head in amusement. "This is the first time I actually felt good about hearing literature."
"Just imagine you didn't hear that from Fair, Rika. He's absolutely useless about understanding the exquisiteness of proses." Genesis rolled his eyes with a dramatic sigh. He smiled appreciatively back. "Thank you for the lovely quote, my dear."
Zack butted in with a grimace. "Hey! I do appreciate literature once in a while. The fact the only one that sticks in my head is LOVELESS – because someone preaches it non-stop isn't helping with first impressions."
"Not appreciative enough. Hush, Puppy." The auburn mage silenced the black spiky man. "Before I forget, I believe this pocket edition is yours." Genesis handed the LOVELESS book he held onto all this time.
Rika blinked for a moment before she shook her head. "Ryan gave it to you. So it's a gift." She then turned to Zack. "Chin up, Zack. I think Aerith would want her boyfriend to keep smiling no matter what." Lastly, she gave the blond a encouraging look. "You should smile a bit more Cloud. Just because we don't have memories of the past, doesn't mean we can't make happier memories. Cheer up, I'm sure Tifa would want your support tonight."
The poor blond sputtered. "T-T-Tifa's coming along?"
Cloud's reaction caused Zack to choke on his hot chocolate. He miserably failed to hide a grin that was creeping up to his lips.
"Yes, and don't think you can convince her to not come along. It's her turn after I took her ID at yesterday's bombing." Rika sighed. 'Honestly, Cloud could at least give Tifa more credit.'
Pleading eyes were sent Zack's way. However, the Puppy waved him off, "Now, now, Cloud. Tifa can fight too, you know? If you're worried about her, you can keep a 'close' eye on her." He did a wink for added effect.
Cloud's cheeks were pink. He chose to stay silent, than get the worst of Zack's teasing.
To save Cloud from more Zack's merciless teasing, Rika spoke up. "Actually, I have a favor to ask of you and Cloud."
That got Zack's attention away from Cloud in a snap. "What can I do for our dear Tifa's 'claimed' adopted sister?"
"Could – Could you keep an eye out for Issac, for me and Ryan?"
Cloud was confused. "Isn't Ryan coming with us tonight?"
Rika looked to Genesis for support. Genesis complied, "A small change of plans Zack, after we take the Reactor out or somewhere in the middle of the mission - Ryan and I are planning to infiltrate ShinRa. A stealth mission of sorts. Guards will be more sparse if they're alerted to a explosion created by terrorists."
"What are you two planning to do?" Zack asked if Genesis was nuts.
"We're going in for internal information." Genesis said not giving any clues but a general idea. "Issac's hacked into the main server and we were notified that there's some Intel the President is privy to - which we can get our hands on."
Zack protested, "Why didn't you tell me about this before?"
"Simply you're hardly the type for stealth missions. You're not subtle in that area." The auburn haired former SOLDIER argued. He then added, "This was Ryan's plan in the first place."
Trying not to act on impulse, Zack stopped himself and realized that the information they were trying to get had something to do with their forgotten pasts. Since Genesis was going with Ryan, that left Issac who was going on the mission with the rest of AVALANCHE. Rika probably only wanted some security for Issac.
"Alright, Rika. Leave Issac to me and Cloud. It's a favor, so you'll have to pay us back somehow!" Zack piped up pointing to himself and the blond.
There was relief on the brunette's face. "That puts my heart at ease. Thanks, Zack. And your reward... how about I'll help Aerith market her flowers? Sound good?"
"Deal!" Zack eyes brightly shined. "She'll definitely would love that!"
Rika turned to the silent one of the group. "What would you like, Cloud?"
"I..." Cloud was thinking over it. "Is it alright for... Synthesis lessons?"
"Done." Rika nodded. She then took out a small pocket book from her pouch, handing over to Genesis.
"What's this?" Genesis eyed it curiously.
"Payment to keep an eye on my brother. Ryan's been a bit fickle lately. He's complaining you're asking repeatedly about that quote he shared to you – Ryan says it's hurting his ears." the brunette explained. "Saves the hassle, and Hamlet is one of my favorites. If you liked the quote, I'm sure you'll enjoy the whole play."
"This book... Is the bringer of life, the gift of the Goddess. Thank you, Rika. It's a worthy gift, and I'll enjoy reading this." Genesis with a wide smile as he held up the book as though he found another priceless Materia.
Rika chuckled at his antics. "Glad that it's worth it. I better get back to work with Issac and Jesse. If you three need anything, just knock on the workshop door." With that she left the trio amongst themselves.
When the girl was out of eyesight, Zack chuckled.
Feeling annoyed by Zack's chuckle, just as he was just starting to enjoy the contents of his new book, Genesis scowled at the younger man. "What seems to be so funny, Fair?"
"The way Rika had an eye on you then, you're being adopted by her as a brother. She'll claim you part of the 'family'." Zack laughed. "Issac said the same thing when he introduced me and Cloud."
Genesis didn't seem to like the idea. She would claim a monster to be part of her family?
"Don't give me that look, Genesis," Zack protested with a grin. "It's not like you get to say yes or no. Right, Cloud?"
"Hmm." The blond blankly nodded.
When Genesis bluntly ignored Zack, the Puppy went back to teasing the blond about tonight's mission. The former commander then tuned out Zack's crazy plans of scenarios so Cloud would be Tifa's 'hero' and when back to the thought of the girl accepting him as a family member.
A feeling of family.
Now there was a feeling Genesis was so alien with. The last time he felt such a thing was before he deserted ShinRa. Say... over five years ago? Six perhaps? Nonetheless, that morning when he ate together with the items creators and with Shelke tagging along... it … felt warm.
It wasn't like they were all normal in the first place. Perhaps they were all somehow related to each other of getting stuck into a lab one way or the other.
A family of monsters.
It made him wonder where the 'gift of the Goddess' came in. Genesis shrugged opening his new book, finding that this one had also something written on the back of the front cover. Only shorter.
"Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why we call it the present." – Bil Keane
A gift indeed.
Genesis made a promise to himself at that point that he wasn't going to complain anymore about the Goddess' gift of life. Monster or not, he'd find his own answers what his purpose of life was.
Perhaps one of its clues started from this 'family of monsters'.
Night, On the Train towards Sector 5 Reactor, Midgar, 10th December 0007
Another change in the Timeline was right around the corner.
Rika and I had persuaded Barret that things were better off blown at night, than during the day. I wasn't sure how this was going to effect the main time completely or things will change. We still needed to get into the ShinRa building, and blow the reactor at the same time.
I only hoped that this time, things would at least be better than last time.
At least for this first part of the mission, Lady Fortuna was with us today.
Have you ever heard of major propaganda? The ones in TV either they totally exaggerate the situation? That it's a major terror trouble or things are 'business as usual'?
ShinRa chose to do a 'business as usual'.
There were far more people coming home, even though many were scared to go to work. It didn't really hamper the real workers who worked their butts off. So the train was only slightly empty. Again, in the train was me, Biggs, and Jesse. Our new additions were Tifa and Wedge. Ryan and Genesis favored to stay on the roof with their new green colored cloaks. Zack, Cloud and Barret were with them.
For the first time, I was glad that Barret was on the roof. In the game, the way you'd had to keep running because the carts were on a lock-down thanks to a case of the messed up IDs. Not only that, Barret's behavior was pretty much loud enough he was shouting to everyone on top of his lungs we're AVALANCHE.
That did not happen here.
So will the ID incident.
Shelke and I had double checked that with the system upgrade, and the upgrades we also made on the IDs would let us pass. We're in full circle now on what was to happen. Rika and Shelke would take any of Don's lackey's out before the even could think of coming closer to Seventh Heaven. Later, they'd join up with Ryan and Genesis somehow. I wasn't sure how, but they probably use the secret routes Genesis would know about.
Still, there's always other factor that we'd be caught by the Turks.
And there's the part where the fat ass President was around.
Meh.
I'm definitely not looking forward to that.
Five minutes past the ID scanning, and we were very much on the way to Sector 4 station.
This time, there were guards around. However, Genesis took them easily with Sleep spells. All the guards fell like dominoes.
Barret stared at him wide agape. "I didn't even see ya cast! I thought you were like Zack."
"Hardly." Genesis said not all too pleased getting compared with the Puppy and clearly looking offended. "I was part of a separate unit. Not all of us relied on physical strength. SOLDIER did have a Materia Division in the past. Lucky for us, they've been dissolved."
"So how really good are ya?" Barret curiously questioned the red head in a grunt.
"Infinite in mystery is the gift of the Goddess. Good enough for ShinRa to give a run for their money." the auburn-haired ex-SOLDIER responded cryptically with a smirk.
I had to hold a snicker myself. Yeah, make that the actual dude who lead the Materia Unit of SOLDIER.
Ryan this time spoke up, "Barret, we'll lead you to a secret pathway through the pipe-ways that should lead to the Sector 5 Reactor. From there, we're splitting up."
"Huh? You didn't tell me about this!"
"Calm down, Barret." Ryan said in a peaceful gesture. "We're on a recon mission ourselves. On the way, we'll try to divert the communications away from you. So you can blow the Reactor without too much trouble. Including the escape route. We'll probably be absent until tomorrow. We're going for stealth."
Barret crossed his arms for a moment but agreed to in anyway. "Fine wit' me! As long as you're helpin' us one way or another, I ain't gonna chew you out. Just make sure you two don't get yourselves killed."
"Don't worry, we're harder to kill than you can ever imagine." Genesis said with dramatic flair. "Even if the morrow is barren of promises...Nothing shall forestall my return."
"Righ', anyone else got something to tell before we get goin'?" Barret asked. With no answer he gave a nod. "Move it people! Jesse, Biggs, Wedge, you guys are up first to scout things ahead. Lead the way red 'ead."
In a battle formation, we ran through the ways Genesis knew to the 5th Reactor. All three Mako enhanced personnel at front, Tifa and I were right behind them with Flux, while Ryan and Barret took the back with their artillery with Eve.
No time flat, we were at the place where red laser security beams were blocking our way.
"Yo, Issac. Can you hack that?" Barret asked me.
"Yeah, but Ryan and Genesis are going that way. It leads to a ShinRa security outpost for Sector 4, which we're avoiding. The way we're going is through there." I pointed out to the hole next to us.
"That's one damn tiny hole. You tellin' me to squeeze into that to get under the Plate? No, way! Yo, Zack, what're we gonna do?" Barret asked turning to the ex-SOLDIER in hopes he'd get through a way that was more suited to his body mass.
Seeing a flustered gunner, Zack grinned. "The only thing we can do – Go down."
At his hopeless attempts of arguing to avoid the small shaft, I was already busy getting the security beams down. Coded security lock always had problems when it came to decoders. Just make the right sort of tech, a few tries, give it a few seconds and...
"Click."
"Security System Deactivated."
The light beams were off.
Ryan whistled at me. "That's your best record yet!"
"Well, I did make a few upgrades when I got to Midgar." I smiled at my handy work.
Tifa had her arms on her hips but she beamed at me. "Rika was right about you. You do have a real knack for Machinery."
"Item creation only. If you want to see real physical fighting, Cloud and Zack are the best that." I mentioned.
Tifa sent a proud look at Cloud. The blond turned away to hide his blush, and Zack smirked widely, giving me a thumbs up.
"We should move quickly, if we wish to get in without any problems heading our way." Genesis suggested.
Ryan gave a nod to Genesis, before he gave his fist out it me. "See you, when I see you?"
I gave a trustful gaze at him I'd promise we'd make it back alive like back in Banora. I gave my own fist out, and completed the fist bump.
"See you when I see you, Ryan."
Zack gave a two finger salute to Genesis. He was replied with the usual LOVELESS line 'Nothing shall forestall my return'.
And they were both off, green cloaks disappearing through the exit on the other side of the room.
Back at our situation, Barret finally agreed to get in, than face multitudes of ShinRa security.
"But, damn man, that thing gives me the chills." The gunner shuddered.
"Don't worry, Barret. We'll take it easy." Zack cheerfully said. Then he looked to all of us. "For safety, Cloud goes first to check out the situation. Issac with Flux, you're next so when Cloud's attention is on us from the other side, you're our lookout with Flux. Tifa next, then we get to Barret. I'll be at the back. If things go wrong, I'll push you out, Barret."
The way to the other side wasn't so bad. Well, I didn't have claustrophobia so I had no problem doing my job.
Tifa made it out OK, and then there was Barret who was extremely nervous throughout the crawl to the other side. Thanks to Zack's encouragements, he got out.
Jesse was waiting for us near the exit hole.
We only met a small band of six troopers as our adversaries. Both Zack and Cloud took two each. While I took one with a grenade, Tifa did an awesome round kick that lead the trooper to his doom – off the railings.
Glad I wasn't him.
We all ran through the rest of the corridors. Flux collected most of the items that lied around the place. We were saving good time, and soon we were at the Core Reactor.
At this moment, I stood near Cloud enough as I knew what should happen next. On cue, his hands start to trail through his hair and he clutched his head tightly.
"Cloud!" I exclaimed when he went into convulsions.
"Aaargh!"
A whimper escaped his lips before he dropped. I held on to him so his head didn't crash on the floor.
When he was in my arms, all the others surrounded me. Zack in particular had quickly came over me, to help with the weight of Cloud's body on me. "What happened to him?" The raven turned Cloud over checking for injuries.
"I'm not sure. But, maybe the place is reminds him about a past event." I guessed.
When I mentioned the 'event' part, Zack and Tifa gave worried looks to each other. I bet they were both on the same page.
The Nibelheim Incident.
They weren't wrong though. At this point, Cloud was dreaming the time where Tifa was crying over her father's body. A flashback shouldn't take too long. He soon twitched, but didn't wake up.
From my pack, I took out a liquid mint extract. With his SOLDIER sense of smell, it should get him up.
Cloud breathed out at the fresh smell and he opened his eyes. "Wha-?"
"Cloud!" Zack said in relief seeing the blond open his eyes. "You OK, buddy?"
"My head... hurts..."
"Damn man, get a hold of yourself!" Barret said behind me.
Tifa though, was already beside me. "You all right?"
"Tifa?" Cloud mumble, but on impulse he sat up. "Come on, let's hurry!"
"Easy, spiky!" Zack tried to calm down the panicked chocobo head. "You just had a seizure, you shouldn't really force yourself too much!"
Barret shook his head. "As much as I agree with ya, we're still in ShinRa territory."
Cloud stood up, although he wavered a bit before Zack helped him to keep on his feet. "I'll... be fine."
Tifa at this moment looked confused which side to take on. She was worried for Cloud just like Zack was, but she knew Barret was right too.
That was my cue to get an energizer from my pack. I handed it over to Cloud. "Here, it'll help. This way you can keep going. It's a temporary solution. If you don't feel well, tell me, okay?"
Cloud gulped down the energizer. "Thanks, Issac."
Zack stood near Cloud, as I scooted away from him and Tifa. "Where do you want the bomb Barret?"
He pointed to the core's center, but he still had his eyes on Cloud.
I smiled as I activated the bomb.
Looks like he has a teddy bear heart after all.
"We better get going." I shouted. "Time's ticking!"
Just as I was starting to feel happy that everything went without a hitch, things turned 180 degrees...
"HANDS UP!"
A couple of soldiers surrounded us.
Lady Fortuna decided to ditch our luck.
"ShinRa soldiers! SHIT! What the hell's goin' on?" Barret exclaimed as he pointed his gun at any target that he thought was the closest.
I growled at my fucking luck. "All the planning for nothing." I was glad Jesse took another route, besides the one we were using. At least she can escape. Flux hid behind my back in camouflage mode. Shinra was better off not seeing him around.
"Why is the President here?" Tifa gasped.
He looked at us as if we were cockroaches. "Hmm? So you all must be that... ...what was it?"
"AVALANCHE! And don't ya forget it! And you're President Shinra, huh?" Barret snapped angrily at the CEO.
"I'm not surprised if he doesn't remember us. He's getting too old for his age – obese walruses tend to forget easily," I added my own two cents.
He sharply turned to me. "Hmph, an Item Creator. No matter how much we purge of your kind, the normal people still need you."
I didn't give a damn what he said, but I wasn't going to show I was afraid. On the inside I was terrified that all my plans to make it different, didn't change much of anything.
Crap.
Old man Shinra then eyed Cloud and Zack. "You may try to hide your eyes, but those swords you wield are larger that most for civilians. You're the ones who quit SOLDIER and joined AVALANCHE." He paused for a moment looking at Zack. "You seem familiar... you're that failure's student were you? You made it to First Class if I recall."
Zack for the first time I saw in my life, was absolutely enraged. "Angeal's NOT whatever you think he is!"
"Hmph, I can't be expected to remember each person's name. The other failure, who was it? Genesis? Hardly worth remembering. Unless you become another Sephiroth. Yes, Sephiroth? He was brilliant. Perhaps too brilliant?" The old Man mumbled more to himself than looked at us.
Cloud growled at the mention of Sephiroth.
Tifa looked just as murderous as the blond.
"Don't give a damn 'bout none of that! This place's goin' up with a big BANG soon! Serves y'all right!"
I rolled my eyes. Let the big guy with the gun do most of the talking.
"And such a waste of good fireworks, just to get rid of vermin like you?"
"VERMIN! That's all you can say? VERMIN! Y'all Shinra're the VERMIN, killing the planet! And that makes you King VERMIN! So shu'up jackass!"
The old guy faked a yawn. "You are beginning to bore me. I'm a very busy man, so if you'll excuse me? I have a dinner I must attend."
"Dinner! Don't gimme that! I ain't even start wit' you yet!" The gunner barked.
"Leave the walrus to eat his dinner, big guy." I put my hand on his shoulder. "Just pray he'll get more fat, end up with a bad case of cholesterol, and get a heart attack after."
With those words, I got his full attention. "I've made arrangements for a playmate for you all. And I dearly you'll be the first to die, Item Creator."
I snorted. "Like I'll die easily."
"What's that noise?" Tifa's eyes darted around to find the source.
Barret pointed to the low hovering large bot that glided towards us. "The hell is this!"
"Meet 'Airbuster', a techno-soldier. Our Weapon Development Department created him. I'm sure the data he'll extract from your dead bodies will be of great use to us in future experiments."
"A Techno-SOLDIER?" Zack gasped, wide eyed.
"Now then, if you'll excuse me." The president said in a 'holier than thou' tone as he left the scene with his helicopter.
"Is that thing part of SOLDIER?" Tifa asked.
Cloud shook his head. "No way! It's just a machine!"
"Yeah, and who ever created it has serious obsession issues with machine slots - giving it a head and some arms," I said sheathing out both my Gemini Sabers.
"I don't care what it is! I'm gonna bust him up!" Barret declared going guns a blazing on Airbuster.
Bad move though, I think Barret just ticked it off. When it made a grab for Barret, I threw a piyo-piyo bomb to get it into a daze. I rushed toward Barret and grabbed him away from the danger area, with Flux helping me.
"Geez, Barret. You need to move more!" I shouted.
"Are you sayin' I'm FAT?"
"The HELL that came from?!" I snapped at his outburst. "You're a gunner, you should move more, and avoid being an enemy's target lock!"
Tifa took the opportunity to give the thing a few punches and kicks, leaving dents on it. She thankfully somersaulted back when the bot came online again, and tried to smash her. Its hand was stuck on the metal floor.
At this, Cloud ran up with HardEdge. He swung his sword downward slicing its hand off. His actions didn't have any consequences though. He brutally got knocked away by the other hand, sending him crashing into a wall.
I winced at the loud impact.
"Cloud!" Tifa yelled. She had ran over to him, Restore Materia in hand.
That left Zack fending Barret and Flux away from Airbuster.
This time when Zack was in trouble, I threw another bomb to make it dizzy.
"Thanks, Issac!" Zack shouted back for my help. "We need to get rid of this thing!"
Cloud who was back on his feet was beside me, slightly limping. "That thing packs a punch." He turned to the fist fighter. "Thanks for healing me, Tifa."
It's neon line optic glowed red again. Barret swore. "That shitty thing ain't goin' down. I'm so goin' to blow it up! I'm goin' for my Limit break soon!"
Tifa's eyes were on me. "Issac! You know about Machinery, right?"
"Get to its back! That's its weakness!" I ushered them hurriedly. "I'll try to handle things from the front with Flux to distract it! Just make sure you hit Limit Breaks on its back!"
Cloud joined me in distracting it, as he didn't have any Limit Breaks to pull. He did a good job of making himself a difficult target, while I used the two Materia Genesis gave me. I switched from Osmose and Drain. How the hell it works on the effin' machine is a mystery.
Barret was the first one to deliver his Limit Break, Big Shot. Like the name implies, he fired a huge fireball from his arm gun. Airbuster reeled to the front. The next person was Tifa with Beat Rush. Seeing the move in real life, and not the AC movie was beyond cool. More dents appeared on its back, creating cracks.
"BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!"
I didn't like the sound of that. When a machine shouts like that, it was going for a merciless assault. "Everyone! GET OUT OF THE WAY!"
Too late.
Airbuster spun its arms around in a tornado motion effectively knocking out everyone out to the sides. I was fortunate enough to get hit on the outer range of its attack and Flux had flown off before the huge bot spun.
Fuck, just getting nicked on the side hurt like hell!
Tifa and Barret were out of it, both unconscious.
Not good.
Cloud getting hit for the second time that day was heaving heavily in pain. He was struggling to breathe properly. The only reason why he was still awake and all because of the Mako enhancements. If not, I'd be certain he'd be like Tifa and Barret.
"Flux, get Tifa and Barret away from the thing!" I ordered. I heaved out a painful groan. I think I broke a rib or something.
When I looked at Zack he wasn't doing well too. The raven hero was using the Buster Sword to heave himself up desperately to stand.
"C-Cloud? I-Issac?"
The only good thing about the situation, was that the bot was in a 'charge mode' after that attack - making it immobile for sometime. When it comes online, I did NOT want it to come and kill us when we were like this. Here I thought this boss was considered 'Easy' in the game. This wasn't the case.
I staggered over to Cloud like a drunk. Shifting most of my weight to the left side of my body to avoid the pain. When I came to inspect him, he somehow punctured a lung with his rib bones from the inside.
I gave him a Mixed Syrup which was one of the best HP healing items Item Creation can make. The refinement process is tedious, but the cost base is low. Thus making it cheap to produce, but acts an equivalent to an X-Potion. He drank all of it down and his breathing was stabilizing. No wheezes like before. Nonetheless, it didn't seem he'd be standing anytime soon (unless he forced it) - even if I did throw another potion on him.
"Cloud's gonna be OK," I said to Zack. I swallowed a pang on my side as I threw a Mixed Syrup on Zack.
"Issac!" He called out to me as I fell to my knees. Zack came over and threw his hi-potion at me.
"Thanks... But – if that thing wakes up, we're done for." I heaved out a sigh as the Hi-potion worked on my side.
Cloud was sitting up, but he was more than bushed. "H-How's...T-Tifa?"
I pointed to the side where Flux dragged the two, and gave him two Phoenix Downs. He nodded quickly, and sauntered to them despite protests from me and Zack.
"What do you think? How many hits to take the thing down permanently?" Zack asked eyes still on Cloud.
"Two Limit Breaks estimate." I said, noting the spreading cracks on its body.
"Cloud's in no condition to do any. I'm nearing my Limit Break." Zack huffed. He gave a serious gaze to me. "You think you could use Symbology?"
Since Tifa and Barret were still out of it, I nodded. "I think I know a strong spell. I'm going to have to cast it first, and you can only attack when it's clear."
At the shifting sound of rebooting systems, Flux yelped and squealed in fear that Cloud was still making his way to Tifa and Barret. Flux saved him as he dragged the blond to us. Cloud was forced to throw the Phoenix Downs at the two.
No time now.
I focused all my power on this spell. It was MP consuming, but it did compensate it with its area range and damage. Blue Symbols hummed at my fingertips, in my mind an image of the lightning element.
"THUNDER FLARE!"
A circular lightning glyph surrounded the bot on its base, paralyzing it into place. A huge sphere of crackling lightning then zapped it repeatedly. The effects of it were clear. It started to make malfunctioning sounds. Thunder Flare was more than enough to make the darn robo-SOLDIER to stop moving freely.
Zack this time was pumped up.
He made his attack.
Five consecutive sword slahes to the Airbuster, and I realize it was his original Limit Break - Chain Slash.
This time, the bot powered down permanently.
I slightly winced. My right hand cramped up in pain and needles. What the hell was going on? Casting Symbology spells usually didn't cause these types of reactions...
That's when suddenly my heart beat sped up... I was seeing black and white through my eyes.
Oh, shit.
It's starting.
The Destruction Symbol was awakening.
My body was getting nauseous. I wanted to vomit, but I closed my mouth. I trembled. Sweat was pouring down my forehead.
"Issac?" Zack was extremely troubled at my condition. "You look like you're really sick."
I couldn't say anything, I was trying too hard to focus on enduring my Symbol's reaction in my body.
Tifa and Barret both woke up. They were confused when all three of us weren't looking too well.
"What happened?" Tifa asked.
Barret looked guiltily at us. "How long I was out?"
The Cloud and Zack never got to answer anything.
I was stupid to think it was over, but I wasn't in the best condition.
Airbuster chose that time to go boom on us.
A wide shock-wave shook the area and pushed us off our feet. Cloud in the worst condition in physical health, flew dangerously first to the edge. I made a grab for him, to only grasp the truth I got pulled along. Zack tried to stop us, but he too got dragged down.
Like in the game, we were dangling perilously to the Sector below us.
Cloud was at the bottom as I hugged him upside down. Flux unsuccessfully tried to lift him up as I was starting to comprehend his energy was on low power. I bit back the pain as Zack held me by the leg. His other hand was on the ledge of a broken off twisted metal building foundation sticking out of the concrete.
Being yanked like this, made me wonder if my bone would fall out of its socket.
Goddammit! It HURT! I just wanted the pull to END!
But I wasn't looking forward to the fall.
"It's gonna blow! Let's go, Tifa!" Barret held her tightly.
She kept struggling. "Barret! Can't you do something?"
"Not a damn thing." That was the first time I heard his voice sounding broken.
"Barret! Get Tifa out of there!" I yelled.
"You can't all die! There's still so much I want to tell you, Cloud! I haven't even really forgiven you, Zack! How will Rika react if you're gone, Issac!" Tifa exclaimed.
"Go Tifa! We'll come back to you!" Cloud shouted in his already hoarse voice.
"You heard Cloud, Tifa?" Zack making the last ditching effort to speak, while still supporting both me and Cloud. "It'll take a lot to kill us. You... two... take care... dammit... I'm... slipping..."
Barret winced as he pulled a desperate screaming Tifa away.
:: Heave~! :: Flux pulled, but his energy was dropping dangerously low.
Zack let go, and a huge explosion of the Reactor knocked Flux into Cloud's arms. He was in his egg shape, offline. I sighed in relief the pain on my leg was gone. Yet, my adrenaline went crazy – the three of us plummeted below.
Using what energy he had left, Zack grabbed me and Cloud into a hug using his body to shield our fall.
I didn't remember anything as I blacked out.
One thing slipped my mind though.
I hoped Aerith wouldn't mind we'd crush more of her flowers.
TBC...
Next up~ A race against the falling plate...
When Turks Come Out to Play...
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