Simply the Thing I Am, Shall Make Me Live
Disclaimer: Refer to Chapter 1.
Author' s Note: Thanks to ShatterTheHeavens, pinpon02, and xxOMGgalxx for reviewing! Thanks to tiberium34, W-striker, and RENEE1189 for the favs! And thanks to RENEE1189 and for the alert! I always say my thanks!
As usual, there may be mistakes in this chapter as this author does not have a beta. As promised, I'll always check back on my work depending when I'm not too busy.
Special thanks to findthetiger129 and ShatterTheHeavens. The first for noticing things and pointing out what I need to improve on my fanfic writing. And the latter for reviewing this fic since the beginning with the awesome encouragements. Thanks for your support! :)
And we're on 2600+ hits on this chapter! Sorry, I've been ill, got a fever (winter is freaking cold where I am), and I wasn't too satisfied with what I wrote up with last time. By the end of last Friday, I wasn't up to posting it. With the new image feature up, my title cover is up as well. Looks kinda too small to see from the main page, but it's a start for FFn.
To compensate the missed week update, this is a monster chapter for this weekend, 2 chapters (totaling to 20k words of goodness) will be up. One for this day, the next on Friday or Saturday latest. I had to split it up for some breathing space. Hope you all will enjoy this installment!
MONSTER chapter Part I!
To the fic!
Enjoy~!
~ Chapter 11: The Falling Plate Race (PART I) ~
Turk Area, ShinRa Headquarters, Midgar, December 0007
Tseng pinched the bridge of his nose.
Today, or this week for that matter... was not his week.
The President was not in a good mood.
And when the President wasn't in a good mood, that meant more work, and in worst case scenarios ... ruthless orders.
His relatively neat office was for once in a state of mayhem. Well – at least to a very organized person it would be. There were plenty of papers and reports concerning the bombing of the Sector 1 reactor and the ShinRa Security outpost scattered into untidy piles. Most of his stationary was pushed away to one side. Tseng would say that his desk resembled Reno's on a neat day.
Then a few hours recently... he was informed of the bombing of the Sector 5 Mako Reactor. What was worse... President ShinRa was there.
The Wutaian prided himself as a Turk who would get the job done to the tiniest detail of satisfaction. Professionalism to the highest degree. He did not however, regard highly of orders that would force him to do things he didn't like.
One of those orders, just happened to be killing innocents...
Like the entire 7 Sector.
Tseng for that first time in his line of work, was starting to question the President's sanity. Kalm was one particular case where the people were wiped out, but that happened in a place outside Midgar. In this case, it was where ShinRa was home to. The Slums was always a place that ShinRa considered of wiping out, but with the people who lived on top of it? There were a couple of ShinRa's employees that lived on the said plate.
Orders were orders, whether he liked it or not... he would do as ordered.
Yet, there were a few complications going on. Reno was injured from his last escapade from a terrorist attack on the Sector 1 security outpost. Due to that, Tseng was not opposed to let the red headed Turk take the back seat for a while, by placing him near Aerith's church.
He would let Rude take the job. Rude may not like placing the bomb in a place where civilians were bound to become casualties, but if that meant protecting Reno... Tseng was sure he would do so. Reno had plenty of past relations and ties to Sector 7 and it would prove as an emotional attachment to him. Tseng didn't doubt Reno's sense of loyalty as a Turk, but at the current moment... Reno had emotional problems thanks to his current injury.
Perhaps he'd send Elena along with Rude.
AVALANCHE seemed a larger group than expected.
It was only by sheer luck that one of the demoted Turks (wearing civilian clothes) they kept tabs on, was able to report of a rumor that AVALANCHE's base was in Sector 7. So far, it seemed the terrorists were careful from taking any attention from any of Don's lackeys who frequently patrolled the Sector of the slums.
However, after knowing that Zack had joined up with AVALANCHE did not calm Tseng at all. Subsequently the damage the trio caused back at the communications' outpost outside Midgar, one would think the former 1st Class SOLDIER would keep his head low. Quite the contrary, his former co-worker had to get involved with the terrorist group at the worst point of time.
Sincerely, Tseng hoped it wouldn't get worse.
A ringing buzz from his pocket, and the Wutaian cursed inwardly as he knew it was.
What would Hojo want from me now?
Sector 5 Church, Midgar, December 0007
It was cold.
The bench was rather hard to sleep on.
Wait... bench?
Green eyes snapped open, and the flower girl woke up slightly panicking it was night time. Her mother was probably going to panic that she wasn't home yet at this hour! Standing up and quickly dusting off her dress, Aerith was about to head out of the church when she stood still.
How did she get here?
Leaning her head to the side, Aerith tapped a finger on her lips.
~ Flashback ~
It was a normal day for her to visit the church.
At least – if she didn't count that her boyfriend and a few of their friends bombed a reactor the last night.
Aerith, whom had completely finished tending to her flowers that day, was ready to head back home. She prayed to the Planet that Zack would be safe. After seeing him with all his friends last night, even if they were in trouble of getting chased by ShinRa personnel... he looked happier.
It was another odd meeting of Issac. However, this time Issac was with his two item creator friends Ryan and Rika. Since she wasn't in the church, it was difficult to hear what the Planet was actually saying. However, the muffled feelings that were projected to her were the same feelings like when he first met him.
Cautiousness.
Then there was something more surprising.
Genesis.
While Zack never talked over the details of his missions, Aerith was aware that Genesis was considered dead many years ago. She was aware that the Commander back then was Angeal's best friend. Yet, she didn't understand, or perhaps it wasn't true because ShinRa somehow fabricated the truth about his death. The way the auburn haired man teased Zack seemed he was willing to move on despite the past. His Lifestream flow seemed more cleaner than Zack's, as if the Planet healed him.
How odd.
Just a block away from the abandoned church, an old lady she knew of was sending a worried look towards the church. Aerith knew her as one of the locals who would watch over the church, in case of young children got lost in the empty buildings that were frequent in the area.
"Mrs. Brooks, is there something wrong?" the flower girl asked kindly.
Slightly surprised, the old age woman had her hand on her heart. "Oh, Aerith! You surprised me!"
"I hope it wasn't too shocking."
"No! Not at all!" Mrs. Brooks denied softly. "I'm just worried. You see, just over a month ago there was this young girl who would always visit the church. Perhaps 14 to 15 years old. However, she always visits at night. I've told her a few times it's dangerous... but she always visits. And even avoided me many times!"
Looking at the worried face that Mrs. Brooks made, Aerith made her decision to set the elder's heart at ease. "I'll head over back to church and see if she's okay."
"You would do that?"
"Don't worry Mrs. Brooks, I have my staff with me," Aerith smiled.
She didn't mention that Turks were watching over her, but she would be fine as long as they were around. All the same, she was proud of herself when Zack found out that she had a weapon on her these days. His gaping expression was completely priceless, that it would always make her laugh when she remembered it.
"Alright then, you be careful now, dear."
Aerith waved back at Mrs. Brooks. "See you!"
When the flower girl got to the door, she was surprised to see someone in front of the flowers. However, they didn't seem to be close to the flowers enough to pick them. Instead the young teenager girl looked like she was fiddling with something.
Not wanting to surprise the girl, Aerith made her steps on the wooden floor naturally. "Hello there. What are you doing?"
The girl turned towards her, a questioning look on her face. "A mini planetarium." She had long light golden-brown hair tied into a simple ponytail and her eyes were blue to gray in color.
Aerith blinked in confusion.
"I'll show you then." the girl smiled, not at all minding she was interrupted. Instead, she waved Aerith over to get a good look.
The flower girl walked over and sat down in fascination what the younger girl was doing. In one hand, there was a dome shaped paper with pin holes on them. The other had a flash light. Poking in the last hole, the girl quickly switched on the flashlight and the once dark room was filled with small particles of light.
Aerith couldn't help but smile as she gazed at the ceiling. It looked like how the night sky was when she read many books with photos. "It's very amazing. Is that why you always come here at night?"
The younger girl nodded. "It reminds me of home, a place where I can always see the stars."
"Where do you come from?" Aerith asked.
A mischievous grin. "S-e-c-r-e-t. But now I'm here in Midgar for some time."
Thinking of another question, Aerith then tried, "Then can I at least know your name?"
"Emily."
"It's a nice name."
"So is Aerith!" Emily replied with a chipper tone. When Aerith had a wondering look about her name, the girl replied, "Mrs. Brooks mentioned that you take care of the flowers here."
"I do," and it was peculiar that the flowers were enjoying the presence of the girl.
"Neat! By the way, do you wanna know about the story behind the Chocobo and Mog Constellation? That one over there?" the excited teen pointed.
Aerith didn't remember ever trying to stop the teen from talking. All she knew was that there were so many facts that the girl said she found herself getting sleepy and tired for that day. Somehow the wooden bench seemed comfortable at that moment. Soon her eyes were closed.
A sound of footsteps came to her. "Aerith, are you okay?"
Eyes still closed but there was a reply with a nod. "Mmmhmm."
"Rest easy then," Emily said softly.
Before Aerith went into the world of dreams, Emily said a last few words.
"I'm glad you'll be with them soon. At least he'll watch over you, because he did with me too."
~ End of Flashback ~
By the time Aerith woke up, she disappeared.
Just what did the girl mean by 'him'?
Did she know about the Turks who were patrolling the area?
Aerith dismissed the fact that the girl was an illusion. Emily's piece of paper or her 'mini planetarium' was still on the floor. She walked to it and picked it up. Carefully, she stored it in her jacket pocket. Hopefully, she'll be able to return it to the girl she met hours ago, tomorrow night.
A sudden rush of the Lifestream warned her to take cover.
The Cetra ran over quickly behind a pillar.
"BAMM!"
The flower girl screamed with an 'EEK!' at the impact on the ground. It was then when everything settled into silence. At her desire to know, she peeked behind her hiding place.
Three bodies were on her flower bed.
One of them, a familiar black spiky ex-SOLDIER.
"Zack!" She gasped. Before she could reach the flowers, her ears twitched at the protest and anger they were giving her. They didn't like the fact they were being crushed – again.
Seeing the way her boyfriend covered Cloud and Issac during the fall (he was at the bottom), Aerith gave her reason. "Zack probably didn't mean to do it again. He must have been trying to save Cloud and Issac."
The voices of the flowers changed into guilty tones because they made their beloved Cetra upset.
"Oh, don't worry so much! I'd be angry if he fell on me a second time," Aerith waved their guilt trip off. "But Zack means well. Can you forgive him and his friends?"
A sound of approval sung amongst the blossoms.
"That's good," the Cetra nodded with amusement. "It might take a while till they wake up though."
Minor sounds of discomfort and what seemed to be grumbling was heard (if flowers could do such a thing).
"I know any gardener would be angry, but you're stronger than normal flowers, right?" Aerith chuckled. At the very prideful support of her words, the Cetra sighed in relief.
She really ought to tell Zack crashing into the church on her flowers wasn't a good way to ask for a date.
ShinRa Headquarters, Storage Room, December 0007
He finally heaved in the marvelous scent of oxygen.
"Geez, Genesis. The box wasn't so bad." Ryan supplied. "You'd probably can survive in that thing longer than I could."
"No matter," grumbled the auburn haired poet. "I still DON'T like you cooped me up into a crate! It's like I'm going into Hojo's lab!"
Genesis threw the item creator's pack, green cloak, and also weapon to the owner. He then hopped out of the crate to regain his freedom to stretch his limbs. Promptly, he then took out Rapier from the crate along with his pouches that contained items and Materia. He was more than happy to ditch his hiding place, even if it was the only way to get in without proper disguises. Getting into the HQ was easier than he expected by using fake to nearly genuine IDs through the back door. That Shelke girl who was probably a semi-clone of him and Issac did a good job of making their IDs on short notice.
The brunet sighed as he crossed his arms and leaned on one leg. He was wearing a handyman outfit that would easily make people mistaken him as a local ShinRa technician.
"That would be counter productive. Besides, you're not going to look subtle around here unless you're in SOLDIER uniform. The 1st Class these days all wear the same uniform. They don't wear red and black from nearly head to toe or what they want. We came here to get that uniform or better disguises if possible."
"I don't know why I agreed to get into a crate in the first place," Genesis huffed, giving the crate a disdainful glare at it.
Ryan shrugged. "Because we don't have a choice and there aren't any second chances of getting into the building – at least we can avoid getting spotted. You are a high ranked SOLDIER deserter."
"K.I.A. more precisely, but deserter all the same." The ex-Commander never liked it when the item creator was right. Genesis rolled his eyes. "So, what now?"
"Eve, you here?" Ryan looked around.
:: Here! :: Eve shimmered into view. :: Directive? ::
"Is there a terminal in here?"
:: One public terminal. :: the white droid answered automatically from its data scanners. :: North-East of this storage room. This way~! ::
Ryan went to work rapidly when he hooked up his own laptop to the terminal. Genesis searched the area of crates for better disguises or perhaps some items that were worth stealing. Eve was with him scanning the crates, before Genesis would open them if the items were worth the effort.
The ex-SOLDIER ignored most of the stored Materia in the boxes. Too many of them were what was on the market, a mixture of Ice, Fire, Lightning and Restore Materia. None of them really took his notice to steal on. Genesis did take a couple of Ethers lying around the place. Those things were more of use to him as a red mage than X-Potions. Then the next crate provided him with what he was looking for.
"Our search seems fruitful." Genesis took out a uniform for his body size. "I loathe purple, but a 2nd Class is less conspicuous than a 1st Class. Choosing 3rd Class might be fickle. We'll be questioned about authority going through the more exclusive floors. I think it's better you stay technician."
Ryan stopped typing and gave a befuddled face. "Why?"
"You don't have that stance or 'air' that military people carry." Genesis deadpanned. "No acting skills on that level."
"Well – it's not like I have a high talent in that area." Ryan murmured. Genesis didn't have to rub it in his face.
He desperately tried to ignore the auburn poet and hit the keys to download Shelke's and Issac's server overtaking program to the terminal. Give it five minutes and he'd get the security to act them as Shelke wanted to when she got into the HQ building.
"My friend, do you fly away now? To a world that abhors you and I? All that awaits you is a somber morrow... No matter where the winds may blow. My friend, your desire... Is the bringer of life, the gift of the goddess. Even if the morrow is barren of promises... Nothing shall forestall my return."
"Alright, already!" Ryan snapped. A scowl was on his face. "No need to go and quote the full Act III on me. I'm trying to work here."
Genesis wasn't helping him getting his raised temper down. "But you see, you now know all the Acts of LOVELESS. That means I'm successful in ingraining your mind with literature."
"Now I'm starting to regret I took this mission in the first place." Ryan mumbled as he face palmed.
Checking his digital watch, he'd send a message to his sister soon to say they were already inside. It will be a good long while he would be in the room with Genesis before the girls come in. The ex-Commander no doubt, was going to have a field day on his revenge... no thanks to his idea of Genesis getting into ShinRa HQ in a crate. Ryan swore inwardly, why now of all times. He can't help but feel added stress about how many things would change with the timeline alterations. The brunette was seriously wanting to clear his mind off things.
Would everything play out as it was supposed to?
Or things would take a 180 turn?
At this point, all he could do was wait for everything to happen. He hated waiting, which went against his nature that preferred to handle things with his own hands. Even if he was blessed with the Creation Symbol, his weakness was that he had difficultly in changing things and to finish them when it was the right time. What Rika and Ryan was, he was not. Thinking of the two, he wondered if the Sector was going to fall in the first place, and if it did fall... would their efforts be worth all their planning? Or would it be all in vain? Rika wasn't a problem, she did so many things that there was bound to be a slight change. Ryan was more worried about Issac.
More importantly, his Symbol.
Destruction was not an ordinary Symbol to be trifled with, not when its power was to completely wipe something out from its universal existence.
Planet, I hope Issac doesn't get the worst lash out of the three of us.
Opposite of Ryan, Genesis observed his younger partner as he was deep in thought. For the auburn who had stayed with Ryan for the last two months, it wasn't quite the usual spontaneous item creator he got to know of. Not that a person would actually get to know someone even if they lived with the said person everyday for two months... but Genesis only had recognized the worrisome look from Ryan since yesterday. Clearly, it was reserved only for the other two Symbologists – although since his twin proclaimed Shelke as her 'new adoptive sister', the brunet had the same look but with less attachment to her.
The red head let his mind wonder on his new companions he had formed a team with yesterday.
Shelke Rui, no doubt had driven Genesis off his feet completely. She was part of a secret project of ShinRa's core, Deepground. Her stories would probably haunt him till he died.
The ex-Commander couldn't help but think at times what his blood samples had done to those people who were stuck forever in Deepground. Shelke was nine years old when she was taken in. No thanks to the experiments conducted on her she couldn't grow, completely stunted in the body she was taken into the lab as. The color of her hair was a dead giveaway on how his blood was able to infuse his traits onto another person. It wouldn't be surprising if a person would think they were siblings if they were walking on the street.
There were a few mentions that there were a few more people who had his blood. Genesis was only glad that they needed Mako everyday to survive. If there was a chance this 'Deepground' was uncovered, then if they made themselves as enemies there was a known weakness. Her abilities were clearly to shape her into a SOLDIER that would be main scouts for reconnaissance missions.
On the 'get to know' meter, Shelke was highly cautious of him. Genesis was inwardly intimidated how she could just 'switch off' her emotions. It reminded him too much of Sephiroth. However, there seemed to be a steady progress of her emotional state thanks to Ryan's twin, Rika.
This time, Genesis' thoughts then were on the only female Symbologist.
Rika had without a doubt taken his respect for having some love of literature. The small pocket book he had in his pocket was something he'd read when he got bored. Despite the large memory hole she had like her brother, she was just as intelligent. If not more so than the two item creators.
The girl was a self proclaimed mother chocobo and peace keeper of the Symbologists. The way how Ryan and Issac teased each other or having some ridiculous joke of who was better than the other, was like a reminder of his past.
Genesis couldn't help but blink a few times this morning when he suddenly saw himself back with Angeal and Sephiroth. Him and Sephiroth naturally at each other's necks, while Angeal would come in to separate them when things got out of hand. Rika was like Angeal, minus the fact that she's a girl and didn't preach on and on about pride and honor. Genesis preferred her more creative approach with quotes that blended in with the situation accordingly.
Last but not least, Issac. The very person who saved the Puppy from dying.
He was a computer geek and engineer through and through. A casual person, but didn't like to stand out, that it was distinct enough the twins were trying to get him out of his 'too modest' shell. Issac joked and teased to the people around him, but it wasn't enough to really set anyone's temper on fire. He also had a chipper attitude, but more controlled than Zack. Not surprising at all perhaps, especially when his fields of specialty were more to do with technicalities. Genesis would bet that he would need a lot of focus on tasks he'd do.
Even if Zack the Puppy didn't 'adopt' Issac in the manner as Cloud, Genesis had seen the younger former First proclaiming him as a friend. The way the Puppy said it, he was more than happy to fight with fangs on whoever would want to take his friend away. Issac didn't seem to be the type of person to demand loyalty so freely. Instead, the light hazel haired Symbologist would offer what he could do for others. It did startle Genesis that Issac was comfortable around him of all people to the point Issac wasn't scared to ignore him. The reason why it was up for debate, he would ask Issac later.
Nonetheless, Genesis was extremely curious on the extent of Issac's abilities. Unlike Ryan and Rika who would use Symbology more extensively, Issac seemed to avoid it. The auburn haired ex-1st Class wasn't sure of his true reasons, but clues here and there was enough to make him think that Issac did not accept his powers. Just how destructive were they?
Combing his red bangs, Genesis shifted back to see that Ryan's mind was still drifting off elsewhere.
'It seems, I may not have taken Issac's powers into consideration so seriously than I thought.'
Well – there was no knowing what might happen next. He'd wait on what was to come. It was just a matter on how to pass the time. When Genesis was bored only LOVELESS came to mind... or any literature he could get his hands on.
"Is there a reason why you don't like LOVELESS?" he raised a regal brow. It worked well in getting Ryan's attention back to present.
The brunette gave a shrug. "It's just the fact that I hear the same thing over and over. It's getting boring."
"Acceptable reason," Genesis said poetically.
Ryan took that in shock. That was not Genesis. He had to ask. "Since when did you get so apologetic? What did you do to the real Genesis?"
"Not ever...And I never said anything about apologizing or changing..." Genesis said, all too innocently. "Give every man thy ear, but few thy voice; Take each man's censure, but reserve thy judgment."
The Earthling blinked at the sudden change of normal quotes.
'Huh?'
For some reason, it sounded dreadfully familiar...
His eyes were on a new brown book in Genesis' hand.
'Oh, NO...'
"To be, or not to be, — that is the question: —
Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer
The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,
Or to take arms against a sea of troubles,
And by opposing end them? — To die, to sleep, —
No more; and by a sleep to say we end
The heart-ache, and the thousand natural shocks
That flesh is heir to, — 'tis a consummation
Devoutly to be wish'd. To die, to sleep; — "
And... Ryan made a run of his life to the other side of the room to hear as little to Genesis as possible.
He sent an instant message to his sister on his PHS. The elder twin tapped a little too hard on the send button, clearly all too pissed.
'Issac was right, I was nuts to give Shakespeare quotes to Genesis.'
Worse, Rika had to give the flaming guy the whole freaking play!
In no time, Genesis was smirking wickedly beside him, book open.
Oh, Planet. Just KILL me right now...
This is gonna be an awful LONG night...
Seventh Heaven, Sector 7, Midgar, December 0007
A heavy air of loss was felt in Seventh Heaven.
Rika sighed walking away as she let Jesse took over in comforting Tifa, who was utterly devastated of losing both Zack and Cloud. Not to mention she was asking for forgiveness to her that Issac wasn't with them.
What the hell, Issac? Why did you have to fall into Aerith's Church?
She seriously hoped that the boys were okay, even though she knew what was to happen next.
Combing the locks of her dark brown hair, Rika's eyes shifted to the pinball machine. Barret, Biggs, and Wedge were down there with a spy. The Symbologist was frustrated that she and Shelke missed on the guy who bought them out. Apparently, the guy just had to be a 'former/suspended' Turk in civilian clothes. It was a good thing he was a rookie Turk too. He broke down in the interrogation of the three under an hour... but the fact they were screwed and the plate was going to fall anyway didn't help any.
All those months of making sure it wouldn't happen was for nothing!
Tears dropped down her eyes, and she wiped them away hastily with her sleeves. She never felt so defeated.
Heaving out a breath and sigh to choke back all that sadness and blow of disappointment, Rika focused herself that she needed to get everything back on track. There was still time to fix it. She was stronger than this, and came here to make a difference. More importantly, she would take this opportunity to get Biggs, Jesse, and Wedge to evacuate everyone from Sector 7. In the chaos... she and Shelke would head over to ShinRa Headquarters and get to her twin who was with Genesis.
I can't let Ryan and Issac down.
With new found vigor, Rika jogged up the stairs to her room. When she opened the door, Shelke was looking at her for confirmation along with Eugene.
"What's wrong?" Shelke asked with concern seeing the older girl's eyes were red.
"We've... been found out." Rika shook her head. Her voice sounded remorseful.
The former Tsviet gasped. "What?! But – How?! I've been keeping an eye out for any unusual activities on the Turks and Don's lackeys!"
"Turk under suspension and he was under Don's orders." Rika said striding quickly to her things and grabbing the Striking Staff to lay near her pack. "A wolf in sheep's clothing. He was acting as a civilian. Get ready, Shelke. We're leaving this place for good."
Shelke nodded and with the fastest speed she could go, retrieved everything important in the room. Although she did stop to ask something, "Where's Issac?"
"He fell down from top of the plate in the bombing mission." Rika said brief. "He'll be okay."
The auburn haired girl was hesitating on it, but shrugged. Shelke then took all her items and shoved them into her own pack minus her equipped Materia and her weapons. She then slipped the pack on her.
"All set, Rika."
Rika nodded. "Okay, wait here. I'll try to talk with the others about evacuating the place. When I get back, we'll head out and help evacuate everyone on our way to Ryan and Genesis."
When she got downstairs, there was a big argument with the group.
"Rika! We're in trouble!" Barret waved his arm and even his gun arm in the air.
"What did you get from the spy?" Rika questioned.
"ShinRa are gonna blow the platform of Sector 7! We're goin' to have to defend the support pillar!" the gunner said, resolute on the idea they need to hurry.
Looking around, Tifa was absent. Rika knew she was headed off to Don's place, but she needed to ask or she'll sound suspicious. "Where did Tifa go?"
"She volunteered getting information from Don Corneo's place." Wedge answered her question. "We better hurry."
Rika shook her head. "Hold on, why are we rushing over to the support pillar?"
"To defend it!" Barret growled. "What else are we supposed ta do like this? Twiddle our thumbs?"
"We need to evacuate everyone from the Sector." The item creator said with determination.
"WHAT? That'll take ages!" Barret shot back at her.
Rika wasn't going to let the three that she knew to die if they were at the support pillar. "And what happens if we don't save it in time? You're going to sacrifice all those innocent people in this Sector? Including those who have helped us all this time? Shelke and Marlene are in danger too! Are you going to run off and let them die?"
Baret froze at the mention at of Marlene. He understandably was having second thoughts. The gunner sighed, "I'm no good at keepin' a level head in this. I don't do evacuation plans."
Jesse put her hand up, "Well – What do you propose we do? Not all of us here are heavy fighters."
"Barret and Wedge can hold off the support pillar as long as possible." Rika spoke seriously, although she hated to leave them behind on the inside. She only hoped Issac would get back in time as she had her own role to do. "Biggs, Jesse, and I are going to evacuate and inform as many people as we can. Also, I think there's a hacking program that can set off the Sector alarms from Issac that Eugene has... I'll head over to the main electric and communication outpost in the area."
"By yourself?" Biggs asked skeptically.
Rika frowned. "It's not that we have a lot of people here. It's the best we can do. If we can't save people and not care about them... how can we trust ourselves to save the Planet? Does Tifa have a PHS on her?"
Wedge shook his head. "Not that I know of, but I'm sure if she gets back she'll want to help us defend the pillar."
"That's good enough for now." Rika nodded. She at least was glad enough the trapdoor was completely sealed from under. That would mean Tifa would get to Sector 7 with the others much sooner.
"Well, Barret? Biggs asked their leader.
Barret nodded with a sigh. "If dat's da best we can do for now... Let's do it! Just make sure you all keep yer asses alive! I ain't wanting you lyin' on the floor dying' or anythin' and sayin' it's the end of AVALANCHE! Got it?"
"Humph, like we're going down easily." Wedge snorted.
Jesse gave a look to Wedge, "You have to come back alright? There's something I have to tell you."
The other blinked, but didn't get to say anything before Jesse had exited through the door on her job.
Biggs then chased after her. "Hey! Wait for me!"
To Barret, Rika gave him a supply bag of healing items and other attack consumables. Barret gaped at it. "This is for us?"
"Yeah, it's to save Sector 7," Rika supplied with a small smile. "No charge whatsoever."
"Alrigh'" the gunner grunted with respect in his eyes at the item creator. "Don't worry, we'll use it to save lives. That's why you fellas make items, righ'?"
Rika nodded in gratitude before looking at a confounded Wedge. "Jesse has feelings for you, at least... when Issac made it clear he didn't have any feelings for her last night."
Wedge looked totally speechless, but soon blushed when Barret was roaring in laughter at him. "Well, Wedge. Don't you die on us. We're goin' to see it through so you're goin' to date her, huh?"
"Um – uh, yeah." The poor guy looked bashfully away.
Barret rolled his eyes. "OK you hotshot, we got a pillar to defend!" The large bulky man grabbed at Wedge's collar with the pack slung on his shoulders, and then made their way out. "I'll be back for Marlene in the morning!"
When the two left, Rika had easily made her way back to Shelke to tell here they had to leave. Marlene was asleep, but Rika still had managed to keep the bar looking like it was closed and secure. With Shelke, they knocked on the doors of every person they knew so they would get out and leave the Sector. There was a miscalculation though... because they were all asleep in their beds. Not many people would actually believe them about a bomb threatening to get the Sector down.
Damn it.
"Don't worry, we can still save them all," Shelke said beside her encouragingly. "Just get me to the main alarm system. I'll do what I can from there. I don't want those people to die as you do."
For the first time in her life, she was glad to have another person helping her in the worst situations besides Issac and Ryan. "Thanks, Shelke. I don't think I could do this without you."
Shelke shook her head. "I wouldn't be here in the first place if you didn't save me. And... I don't want to loose my new family, but I still want to search for Shalua too."
"We'll do both when we get out of this." Rika agreed. At a beeping of her PHS, there was a new message from her brother.
~ Inbox: New Message (1) ~
Subject: We're in HQ
From: Ryan S.
Hey Rika,
We're already in ShinRa HQ. More precisely we're in the storage room. I've connected Shelke's and Issac's program so you can get in without too much of trouble.
Have you heard from Issac? What news from Sector 7?
Reply ASAP.
Your bro,
Ryan
P.S. Thanks for giving Genesis the whole freakin' play of Hamlet, SIS. You sure know how to make my life miserable. That's the last time I'm gonna inspire the LOVELESS obsessed red head with Shakespeare.
~ End of Message ~
The Alteration Symbologist had to close her mouth so she didn't laugh too loud.
"What happened?" Shelke asked.
"It's nothing really. Ryan's complaining about the compensation gift I gave Genesis." Rika said as she made a hasty reply to her twin as she suppressed a laugh.
Shelke shrugged as she read the book before with Rika. "Hamlet isn't so bad. Why is Ryan so worked up about it?"
"He never liked reading it – but is okay hearing it." Rika responded. "But since Genesis is an eccentric in poetry... you can say my twin might be hearing the whole play if we don't get there soon."
"I don't envy him." Shelke sardonically said. "I've only heard rumors of how obsessive Genesis was with LOVELESS... but after meeting him, I didn't think they were actually true."
Rika reread the content one last time before she sent the email.
~ Outbox: Message Sent (1) ~
Subject: We're on Deadline
From: Rika S.
Ryan,
We got found out. Suspended Turk in civilian clothing. The Plate is going to fall. Shelke & I are going to raid the communication post in Sector 7 before we head over to HQ. We can only hope it would get people to move out. If not, back to the original plan. We stop the worst of it through the terminal on the SOLDIER floor.
Issac's fallen into Sector 5 with Zack and Cloud. Tifa told me that Airbuster was far tougher than they expected. I'll message him about the plate falling. Don't worry, I asked Zack and Cloud to watch Issac over for us.
You and Genesis just focus on making sure we can get in when we arrive.
Stay safe,
Rika
P.S. I gave Hamlet as a payment for a deal with Genesis. I didn't think he would react that much to it. I'll make it up to you later, promise.
~ End of Message ~
"Are you done?" Shelke eyed her adopted sister.
Rika shook her head typing madly with two thumbs on her touch screen PHS. "Give me a minute to send a quick message to Issac... and... there!" She pushed the send button.
:: Can I come out now? :: Eugene protested in Rika's bean bag.
"Quiet, Eugene." Rika shushed her droid. "You'll come out in the communication post. For now, just stay quiet."
Eugene snorted out through his vents. :: OK, Can I blast ShinRa people when I get there? ::
Shelke laughed when Rika scowled at her bean bag. Eugene was just as Ryan said, compared to Eve... him and Flux took fighting to the next level.
"You can, if you behave," the elder girl answered his question.
In a split second his processors were in sleep-standby mode.
A ten minute jog led them to the outpost. The place was a large battered gray building with many metallic pipes intertwined with it. It wasn't heavily guarded, but it wasn't exactly easy to get in.
"How are we going to get in?" Rika mumbled to herself.
Shelke grabbed Rika's hand and focused her powers.
"The same way we're going in HQ. Blend in."
The two girls disappeared from human sight.
Sector 5 Church, Midgar, December 0007
I groaned, feeling stiff at what I thought I was lying on a wooden floor. Opening my eyes, I was greeted with green colored ones.
"You're awake!" Aerith said as if she had been holding her breath.
I sat up and in front of me, Zack squatting down at me and Cloud had preferred to sit with his legs laid out on one of the church benches. The puppy must have lift me away from the flowers. Flux was in Cloud's arms, being charged with a spare battery pack I always had in my pack if he ever needed the extra juice. Next to me, Aerith looked up concerned at me. She then put a hand on my forehead as to see my temperature.
"Hmm, you're a bit warm." She said knowingly.
I blushed being rather close to her, which made Zack laugh. "Uh... I think I'm warm for a different reason."
"Oh," Aerith realized I was shy at her closeness. Come on, any guy would be mad not to have a crush on a beautiful girl like her. She still giggled. "That's good then, at least you're okay."
I blinked at where we are.
The church in the Sector 5 Slums... I didn't realize we made it alive at the fall. "How long was I out?"
Aerith letting her hand drop to her side, soothingly replied, "Just two hours. Zack had taken most of the fall and also crushed a couple of flowers like last time. Well – at least most of them are okay." Her gaze was at the spot where the flowers looked like they were trodden on.
"Like last time?" Cloud asked as his head leaned to one side.
"Yeah! That's how Aerith and I first met!" Zack said enthusiastically.
Cloud didn't believe it. "Seriously, Zack. You either really have a thick skull or you were really lucky. You even took the impact for both of us this time."
The raven head ex-SOLDIER shrugged. "I think lucky would be it."
I scratch my head. "Not the best scene to have a love at first sight, but with Zack I suppose it works." I then realized that the three of us did in fact crush more of her flowers. With a quick apologetic face I turned to Aerith, "Hey, sorry for crushing your flowers. I don't think they would be happy getting crushed a second time with more people on them."
Aerith shook her head. "It's alright, they're a lot stronger than normal ones. They're happy you apologized and know they have feelings." The flower girl had that 'trying to figure a puzzle look' on me again. "I didn't expect you to know that flowers had feelings, Issac."
Crap.
I slipped.
Need to fix this. Simple truth. Divert her attention.
"It's just something I know from a fellow item creator back at Costa del Sol." I said under Zack's and Cloud's curious gazes on me. "She planted a Rosemary for cooking. She'd praise it everyday to grow well. The plant ended up growing larger than those who weren't praised in her garden."
Zack blinked at my story. "That's the first time I heard about it." He then really looked at Aerith. "So the flowers feel and everything like we do?"
"Mm-hmm, they weren't happy you fell on them for a second time." The flower girl sweetly said, "We should stop meeting up like this, Zack. It's not healthy for you and the flowers."
Cloud nodded at that as he gave Flux to me, "I second that. We're lucky enough our weapons dropped near the church too, as well as our items all intact."
"How's Flux?" the raven head asked at the black bundle in my arms.
:: On... recharge... :: Flux said with what power he was on putting up a small hand frailly. :: Big... boom... not good... on processors... ::
I shook my head to Zack. "I'm going to have to do check on him, but not here. On another note, that shock-wave blast did a number on us too."
Cloud blinked as he now recognized the bruises and scars on him. Zack had plenty more than the rest of us, but I was a bit banged up as well. The blond was about to propose something when his ears twitched. "Zack, someone's here."
Zack on immediate alert, his eyes darted everywhere. Hand on the Buster Sword that was strapped to his back, he stood in front of us. That's when in the shadows he found their suspecting stalker, a familiar red headed Turk wearing goggles like they were sunglasses.
"A Turk – Reno." Zack said slightly tense. The spiky raven didn't like the fact he had some infantry with him. "What do you want?"
"Fair? Didn't think you were alive, yo." the red head Turk said with with wide eyes. Reno was just like in the AC movie, only his pony tail at the back was shorter. His favorite electrical Mag-Rod was out, and his arrival meant we were in for a fight.
"He's injured." Cloud commented pointing out something I wasn't aware of.
What? How?
I did a second take, looking at Reno's sling on his right arm. He's lucky he's left handed. Still not so lucky for us.
"Whatever, yo! Your buddies who blew up the security outpost got me. BUT – It's not going to stop me from doing my job!" Reno thrust his Mag-Rod out at us. "No hard feelings, a Turk's gotta do what a Turk's gotta do, yo!"
Aerith had immediately hid behind Cloud in fear as Zack was far up front. "I'm sorry, they're after me. Can you all three help get me out of here?"
"Sure," I answered. "Wouldn't want to disappoint a lady in front of her flowers."
Cloud chose a more direct approach. "Not like I like ShinRa these days."
Zack took out the Buster Sword from the holster. "You know I'd defend you, Aerith. With or without promises for dates."
When Reno's Mag-Rod was starting to flicker electricity, Aerith cried out to us. "No! Not here! You'll wreck the flowers!" She then led us to the back door of the Church. "This way!"
We all ran as fast as our legs can carry us, while not trying to trip on the various debris in our way. Light never reaches under the plate, but that didn't mean we could see well where lighting was rare in piles of junk we were going through. Cloud and Zack were making it out okay with the extra sensitive senses, Aerith knew the place like the back of her hand... only I ended up nearly having my face kiss the concrete floor. Thankfully Cloud saved me from impact as my hands were full with Flux in recharging mode. He helped me up on my feet.
At one point, Zack stopped us all. "Issac, you think you can put Flux in your bean bag?"
I nodded and complied as I slipped my droid now in sleep mode in into the folded bean bag I had ready in my pack. That way, Flux wouldn't be too much of a hassle to carry and be safer. We needed to escape the area.
"Where to now?" Cloud asked. "I don't like the equipment those infantrymen have."
Zack raised any eyebrow at Cloud's statement. "Why? Was there something different about them?"
Cloud paled realizing something. "Those aren't normal infantrymen. The guns they have are more suited to filling it with cartridges to house tranquilizers."
"I say we run from them," I suggested. "They don't want Aerith hurt, but that doesn't mean they might not take you guys into a lab if you two got shot. I might join with you guys if they know about me too."
I sort of regretted about mentioning the labs, because both of my favorite heroes shuddered at the thought of returning into the labs as experiments.
"We run." Cloud said bluntly going with my idea.
"Right," Zack said taking over as group leader. "Any ideas to stall them, so we can mosey out of here?"
I raised my hand. "I got smoke bombs, just need a long distance thrower. Any place we're going to? I'm blind here without Flux on Sector 5."
"I'll show you the way." Aerith volunteered.
"Get the Ancient!" The sound of pattering heavy infantrymen feet was heard.
"That's our cue to run!" Cloud said in a rush. "Issac, give us the smoke bombs! You and Aerith go on forward, we'll catch up!"
From my pack I tossed two to Cloud and three to Zack. "You two take care!"
Zack nodded back at me, "Hey Issac! Keep an eye on Aerith for me, OK?"
"Got it!" I shouted back as they both ran to the voices of the Infantrymen. "Aerith, let's go!"
I didn't look behind me, but I did hear loud boom sounds and coughing that followed with it. It was clear they both got the smoke bombs on the infantrymen. I only hoped that they got Reno confused too. The both of us ran a good distance before we stopped to catch our breaths. Aerith appeared to be wheezing out as she didn't exactly had the right stamina like a fighter did.
"You alright, Aerith?" I asked the Cetra.
She gave a nod but didn't reply, trying to retrieve as much lost oxygen as possible. I let her get her needed oxygen as I kept a lookout for anything that might want to attack us. To my relief, soon, Zack and Cloud were jogging our way. It seemed they did good to be running at a certain pace. They didn't seem to be in a hurry.
"We lost them." Zack smiled at Aerith and me.
Cloud seem to hesitate. "We did, but staying out here isn't safe either. Especially at night."
Aerith pipped up, "Would you three mind taking me home? My mother would be extremely worried."
"I guess it's what we can do," Zack said. However, he did a double take. "What were you doing in the church at night?"
"Hmm, there was a girl that the old lady in Sector 5 was worried about. I checked over because she went into the church. I sort of fell asleep on the bench." The flower girl replied innocently.
"You fell asleep?" Zack panicked, waving his hand in the air. "You weren't cold?"
While the Puppy was fussing over his girlfriend, Cloud was trying to get Zack to settle down. I was trying to digest on what I heard. At this new information, I was curious how things would just suddenly play out as it should in the game. If that girl wasn't around, well – we wouldn't meet up with Aerith at the church in the first place. It was probably 2 AM in the morning. Must be pretty random, but really convenient that the girl acted like a NPC would in a game.
I didn't pay any mind to it. There was a reason why she showed up. We needed to get back on track.
"Umm – guys? Aren't we going to escort Aerith back to her house?" I said out loud.
The three stopped at that moment and turned to me. I swear if it were an anime movie or cartoon, I would have sweat dropped on their 'oh, we forgot about that' expression on their faces.
"Lead the way, Aerith!" Zack smiled widely. When Aerith bounced in her steps leading the way, and turned... the Puppy's face was turned to a shade of blue.
Cloud laughed at Zack's predicament of meeting Aerith's mom for the first time, but he followed Aerith soon after.
The poor Puppy was sweating bullets. I put a hand on his shoulder. "Zack, why are you so afraid about meeting your maybe mother-in-law?"
"If you haven't noticed Issac, it's 2 AM in the morning! Wonder what type of impression that will make on her mother?!" Zack exclaimed like it was the end of the world.
"You got gunned by snipers, was a former First Class SOLDIER, and even fought against Sephiroth... but now you're chickening out on meeting Aerith's mom?!" I asked incredulously.
Zack twiddled his fingers. "What if she doesn't like me?"
"You can't assume that!" I scolded him scratching my head in bewilderment. "Look, you're taking her back to her home safe and away from those ShinRa people. Besides, Cloud and I are here with you, so chances are three of us can take equal blame."
He seemed a little calmer after that, but he still twitched nervously as we walked quickly catching up to Cloud and Aerith who were a few feet in front us. I kept walking by his side so he could at least feel he wasn't alone in this. I sort of understand him how he doesn't have a good record for being missing for 4 long years and all those letters that were left not replied. That probably left red marks in Elmyra's report card on Zack.
"Hey, Issac?"
"Hmm?"
"Have you ever had a girlfriend before?"
I chose to answer on the safe side. Back on my Earth, yeah. Here? Who knows?
"Dunno. Even if I did, I probably don't remember." A pause. "Are you trying to ask me something related to this?"
Zack sheepishly scratched at the back of his neck. "I have no idea how you're supposed to face... well... you know..."
"Hmm," I murmured. This sort of match making thing was probably Rika's expertise, but since I was stuck with it – I might as well keep it simple. "Well, it's probably just the same way of meeting a superior officer. Just tone it down to a civilian, and be yourself. If anything, I think all mothers will appreciate honesty."
Zack's eyes twinkled in stars and in no time, I was already locked into his infamous bone crushing De-oxygenating hugs.
"Issac! You're genius! I love you, man!"
"Za-ack! A... a-air!"
When he realized I was just a normal guy, he let me down. "Sorry, forgot."
"Genesis wasn't kidding when you're like a Puppy." I said heaving in air into my lungs. "Not that I believed him at first when he's pretty much so obsessed with LOVELESS like it's a drug or something."
"He mentioned that to you?" Zack asked surprised.
"Was that what your mentor Angeal nicknamed you?" I asked back, when he seemed to be confused how I'd know. I quickly added the facts. "Put two and two together. Old man ShinRa mentioned it and you said his name..."
I knew Angeal was a touchy subject with Zack. However, I was willing to give it time if he didn't want to tell me. So far, all this time... he never once mentioned Angeal by name to me. The last mission was an exception because he was too angry.
"It was a nickname he gave me... I just... haven't heard it in a while... at least until Genesis joined us last night."
Judging by the tone of Zack's voice, I knew he wasn't up to speaking about Angeal freely with me yet. "Don't need to bring it up if you don't need to. The best way to remember a person who's gone; is by their happiest moments, right?"
Zack stopped his brooding mood and chuckled sadly. "You know, that's what Rika said when I found out we were bombing the Sector 5 reactor. Although – she did it by quote."
"Those words got a meaning behind them, right?"
"They do." Zack smiled now. "I don't get how you're not willing to give up when you have a bad case of amnesia."
I shrugged. "I suppose when you look around and you have a blank slate memory does that to you. The past makes you into who you are right now. There's no past for me, so – I'm just going to make happier memories and make that my past," I shook my head with a chuckle. "Man, I must sound like a weirdo."
"Nah, actually that sounds like a good idea." Zack disagreed.
"We're here!" Aerith proclaimed our arrival. Cloud snickered beside her when Zack choked down a whimper. "Let's go in!"
Cloud was definitely ushering Zack to go with Aerith. Besides, he was her boyfriend. "We'll be right behind you."
When Zack looked at me, I whispered softly. "Pride and honor of man." Aerith didn't hear it, but with Zack's hearing I was sure he'd hear it. There was a thankful smile on his face. The two lovebirds went inside.
Before the rest of us went in, Cloud asked me, "Is that how you deal with missing memories?"
"Best way I think I can handle it," I said knowing Cloud eavesdropped on us. It wasn't like Zack was all that quiet either. "At least I'll be prepared if I don't get them back, and move forward."
"That sounds nice. I think I might give it a go." Cloud said as he gave a thought on it, but he didn't linger there too long. "Let's head in before Zack panics, and he thinks we left him to fend for himself."
"Yeah," I chuckled.
Cloud was correct when we got inside though. In spite that Zack was casually greeting Elmyra and getting to know her, Aerith's mom had a inexplicable eye on the spiky black haired hero. I think I saw Zack very quickly wince at us before he faced Elmyra again. He now seemed calmer when me and Cloud were in the room.
"Mrs. Gainsborough, I'm Issac and this is Cloud. Sorry to bother you at this time on short notice." I apologetically said. It was best to stick to manners at this point. "Aerith wanted us to escort her home."
She eyed at me and Cloud for a moment before she smiled. "Well! I suppose it's quite alright." She held her hand out. "It's nice to meet you and Cloud. Aerith has told me of Zack's friends." She shook both our hands. "So is it true you all saved Aerith from ShinRa's hands?"
I nodded. "Yeah, but we managed to lose them on the way. I can't say what will come for the future though."
Elmyra nodded. "I can imagine. I've heard from Aerith, Cloud and Zack were once in ShinRa, but resigned once bad things were happening in the company. Issac's an item creator, which on a general note are disliked by ShinRa."
"That's right. If it's alright with you, we can let Aerith stay with us for a while. I'm sure the other girls won't mind the company." Zack advised.
The flower girl agreed with her boyfriend. "They're staying in Sector 7 right now. We can head over there."
The elder woman looked worried at all of us. "It is rather late, and it would ease a mother's heart if you could all stay and at least go in the morning. Sector 6 is rather dangerous at night. Can I at least ask you to rest here? You all could use some real rest and perhaps freshen up."
Cloud and Zack were about to protest, but at Aerith's pout... they changed their minds. I was expecting we would stay here (no matter how short it was). Not that I wanted to be a free loader, but I needed to see to Flux. If I was correct, there was a Cover Materia around Aerith's backyard or road near here.
We were all then eventually lead to Aerith's room, there was a debate on who would sleep on the bed... between Cloud and Zack. Cloud was insistent he didn't feel comfortable sleeping in a girl's bed... and Zack wasn't looking forward to sleeping on its small size. I was busy on the floor making some recovery system check ups on Flux so they both couldn't argue with me. He was mostly okay, although the explosions did knock out some of his sensor programs. My scout only needed a good dose of a recharge for 3 hours or so after I was done with him.
Zack now sitting on the bed asked me, "How's the check up?"
"Flux is low on power," I said as I made adjustments. "The explosion knocked his sensors, but not too much damage. He needs a 3-4 hours recharge." I laid Flux to one side of the room so he wouldn't be in the way of anyone walking.
Cloud seemed to feel relief. "That's good for Flux. I thought he was dead when I caught him. That techno-SOLDIER machine did a number on us."
"Don't feel so bad, Cloud." Zack said. "The fact we even met with the President was kind of a shocker. We're going to have to watch ourselves when we face those robots in the future."
"I hope Tifa and Barret made it out okay." the blond said in a hopeful tone.
"They should be fine." Zack said as he leaned down on Aerith's bed, his legs were hanging on the edge. "We'll catch up with them in the morning back at Seventh Heaven." He turned to the side but had his eyes on me. "Issac, how is our items stock coming along?"
I thought of the recent potions and items we used. "Not too bad. Nowhere near critical and – "
The room turned black and white for a second.
What?
"Issac?" Cloud asked as I suddenly stopped talking.
I scratched my head back in panic as colors returned. Was that my imagination?
Black and white, again. This time I felt and heard a huge thumping pulse through me. I couldn't move.
Zack now obviously knowing something was wrong, had sat up on the bed again. "Issac, you feeling okay?"
I didn't know what was happening next. All I know I was lying on the floor hissing in pain. It felt like someone made me an acupuncture lab rat as if a hundred needles or so was on me. My whole body felt pain and needles. The moment it came, it was soon gone. When I snapped back into reality, I was in Cloud's arms. He was slightly shaking me if I was alright. Zack was hovering over me distressed like a mother chocobo in a raving panic.
"Issac! You okay? Want me to get anything?" He asked quickly. "Potion? Ether? Restore Materia?"
I heaved out a breath that I didn't realize I was so tired. Even breathing became a chore. No energy left.
Dammit.
"No. Just... a bit of pain. Nothing much... no need for... items." I blinked a couple of times to focus my blurry vision.
Cloud wasn't so satisfied by my answer. "Your eyes glowed blue for a moment there."
"My... Symbology hasn't been so stable... after we fought that robot..." I left the part out where there were signs the Destruction Symbol was only partially awakening. Fear was already creeping up on me. I couldn't tell them.
Zack faced guiltily at me, "I shouldn't have requested you to do that Symbology spell back then."
I shook my head weakly, but at least my voice and breath was back. "It was that or we'd lose Tifa and Barret in the battle."
Suddenly, Cloud lifted me up and I was lying on Aerith's bed. "Whoa, Whoa! Hey!"
Zack silence me with a hand. "You'll be needing it more than I am. Rest up, Issac. Me and Cloud might need you in the morning."
Looking at two Mako enhanced people go against me, I chose to follow their wishes. I wasn't in a condition to disagree, my body felt so heavy like it was made out of lead. Was this the same thing Fayt in SO3 felt when his Symbol was fluctuating through most of the beginning of the game? If yes, then it sucked being in this prone dizzy and pain state. Rather than whine about it, I chose to lie down instead and thank the guys anyway. Once my head hit the pillow, the lights were out and the three of us were asleep.
I had a weird dream that night – I think I was suited into a space fighter plane resembling a F-22 fighter jet.
What I didn't like about it, was that I was chasing a huge winged metallic alien with metallic plates all over its female body shape. The scene was the very same scene that was introduced in the movie Advent Children. Eerily it was like a copy of what I knew as the iconic scene of her black insides were spilling out of the holes where her eyes and mouth are. Only in this case the metal body was as large as my fighter jet.
A chill ran through my spine.
It was Jenova.
All the flashes only gave me fuzzy images and feelings.
"… Sorry... this is as far as I can go...'"
Rika's dying words.
"No! D-Don't give up! We made it this far!"
Ryan weakly denying the hopeless last effort to save that planet.
"WARNING! FIGHTER ENTERING ATMOSPHERE!"
I ignored the blaring alarms of my own flight vehicle. My voice sounded like I was nearly dead and in desperation.
'We can't let that monster take over like the others did! It'll make the inhabitants into Phantoms!"
Sounds of lost connection through the internal communications.
'RIKA!' Both Ryan and I screaming on top of our lungs.
The last attack both Ryan and I made with Symbology - we channeled our remaining strength through our fighter planes.
Bright light.
The monster we tried so hard to stop, was heading to the Planet.
Failure.
Dying slowly and watching helplessly... just out of reach.
Pain.
The empty lonely darkness of space took my sight.
Hurt.
Regret.
An unfulfilled promise to a friend who was connected to the Planet.
"NO!"
I woke up with a gasp still lying on my bed, breathing in huge gulps of air like I was deprived of oxygen.
Damn – was that my past? I gulped down trying to steady my heart that was beating like no tomorrow. Sweat was pouring down my face. I trembled and shuddered silently in the room that was filled with Zack's snores and Cloud's more quieter but steady breathing of peaceful sleep. I held my head with frustration, all those emotions of the other 'me' shook my psyche at that moment. I couldn't believe it at all.
The reason why Gaia was going to be doomed, why the Cetra were wiped out, and the events that took place in this reality was because the other 'Issac and his friends' failed to stop Jenova. I've always known that from Cosmos, but to actually feel their emotions was a different thing.
Those memories didn't give me any answers, only more questions.
Phantoms?
An unfulfilled promise?
A friend who was from Gaia?
The past of the 'other' me was a lot more complicated than I thought.
TBC...
This chapter part ends where Genesis finally recites Shakespeare, Turks are in a mess (Reno is hurt?), the plate falling commences with people trying to stop it, Zack and Cloud go to Aerith's house... and Issac gets the first parts of the 'other' Issac's memories.
And that's for part I! Yes, Part two will be up on Saturday or Friday the nearest (it's nearly finish typed up on my laptop). Stay tuned~!
Comments, opinions, questions, advice in reviews are welcomed! :)