Ragnar nervously held his chin again. He looked down to the watch once more. It was only a few minutes until zero hour. After seeing this, he looked up and out from the city, toward the fields surrounding Midgar. From here, this late at night, he could see nothing. He would need special LED glasses to be able to spot the multitude that was gathered out there. New Shinra had imported more troops and equipment since they had been halted. They had a rather thick band surrounding the town. They had quite a few fortifications as well. However…they couldn't protect both sides equally. Most of their defenses had been focused against Midgar. The rear was relatively weak. Hopefully…that would lead to the darkness out there tonight being lit up by the fires of explosions.
The officers around Ragnar began to show their sweat and nervousness. They would not attack immediately following the Chocobo Cavalry's strike. It would be a while yet before that. This first measure was designed to disorientate the enemy and buy more time. Hopefully, it would lead to a redeployment closer to the missile sites. After that, they would make their strike. In reality, they needed more time anyway.
The sound of footsteps on metal sounded behind Ragnar. He looked up and behind him. He was just in time to see Cloud stepping up from the stairs and toward him. Soon, the general fell in next to the youth.
"Have you heard anything from Tifa?" Ragnar asked.
"Yeah." Cloud answered. "Reeve has this bomb shelter below his company. That's where he stayed during the destruction of Midgar by Meteor. He's housing some hospital patients down there and employees of his company. He's going to bring Tifa, Aerith, and the kids in as well. Tifa's upset though."
"Why?"
"Now that she knows the kids will be safe, she wants to go out to war with the rest of us. I told her to stay put. She wasn't going to, but then I threatened to come there, tie her up, and throw her into Reeve's shelter myself. I don't like being that mean, but I'm not going to see her kill herself doing this. There's still a chance I'll come through this alive even if we fail." He turned to Ragnar soon after. "You know me. I have a nasty habit of surviving."
Despite the direness of the situation, Ragnar cracked a smile.
One of the communcations officers suddenly spoke up. "Sir…latest reports are in. We are up to 80 percent of our full force gathered at the east entrance."
"Chocobo Cavalry commander announces that his team is armed and on stand by." Another answered.
Ragnar inhaled deeply after hearing this. Nervousness rippled through him. He turned and looked out to the horizon once more. He cast a glance at his watch, and saw that the time was nearly there. He slowly exhaled again, feeling cold and unsteady as he did so. It was time. They couldn't afford anymore delays. They had to give as much time as possible for the rest of the operation to succeed. He turned to the officer and gave a nod.
"Give the commander the full go ahead."
The officer nodded back, and then turned and relayed the message. Ragnar licked his lips and exhaled again. He waited for a few moments for the order to be relayed and acknowledged. After that, he turned to another officer. "Put me in touch with the Sierra."
"Yes sir." The officer answered. A few buttons and controls later, and the person turned back and gave a nod. "You're on."
"This is General Ragnar Vice. Captain Cid, are you running dark?"
"Of course I'm running dark, you idiot…sir. You think I want us to get blown out of the sky?" A small bit of coughing followed.
"Good. Are you monitoring the cavalry?"
"Yes sir. They're closing in on the front line of the New Shinra right now."
"Report anything significant. Ragnar out."
"Cavalry commander reports in, General. Enemy line is dark, but they have visual."
"Good."
Ragnar folded his hands in front of him after this. He inhaled deeply and exhaled. Cloud crossed his arms nearby. Both men anxiously waited, listening for what the first results would be.
"General." The radio announced after a moment. It was Cid's voice. "The New Shinra must see 'em… I see something coming from out of the ranks."
"Acknowledged. Inform the cavalry commander to use the pyramidal shaped formation, and prepare for fire."
"Yes sir."
Cid's voice came in again…this time, more bewildered. "…Something's wrong… This line…it's really uniform. It's like they had no trouble forming it…almost like the line was already in the ranks…"
When Ragnar heard this…an ominous feeling suddenly went through him. The way Cid was saying this showed that something was unconventional here. And Ragnar's own senses told him that something was wrong. A greater anxiety began to fill him, and suddenly he felt as if this attack was a bad idea… He held a second longer, but then turned to one of the officers.
"…Send a message to cavalry commander. Tell them to abort mission."
"What the hell…it's a solid line down the entire enemy perimeter… They…holy #$&! Get them the hell out of there, General! They ain't troops! They're-"
Abruptly, the silent night was broken. The sounds of a thunderous eruption suddenly went out. Ragnar snapped his head up, and looked out to the horizon. Very faintly in the darkness, miles away…he saw lights going out. But what he heard was far more potent. It was the sound of heavy machine gun fire…coming from hundreds of sources. Ragnar had heard this type of fire before. It was from sweepers. With a horrific realization…Ragnar figured out what those things were. They hadn't been troops…they had been sweepers.
The communications consoles suddenly lit up. The officers immediately went to work. However, as they received messages…they only received bad news.
"The entire line is lighting up with fire, General!"
"The first two lines of cavalry are hit…nearly eliminated!"
"Shots are moving inward! The line is advancing and moving to surround the cavalry!"
"I've lost contact with cavalry commander!"
The surrounding officers began to show their fear. They turned and looked to each other anxiously, as the communications personnel continued to rattle off one message of destruction after another. As for Ragnar…he swore out loud. His teeth gnashed, and swung his fist angrily in the air.
It had been a set up. They had set up no artillery or trenches on purpose. They had moved every sweeper they had and made them form this impenetrable line. Sweepers could collapse. They'd never be seen by basic recon when they weren't moving. The moment they caught sight of the Chocobo Cavalry, they activated them. They had created a line of gunfire. They turned themselves into a lawnmower, and the cavalry had been the grass. Ragnar cursed his own stupidity. Why would he suspect that just because they were cut off from them that the New Shinra would think they couldn't utilize them? They were planning on Ragnar utilizing them for weeks…setting this up to make sure that it wouldn't work. And he had walked right into it. He had sent his cavalry right into a trap…
The gunfire died after less than a minute. It seemed like an eternity. The lights on the horizon faded again, and the echoes slowly died. The gathered officers stared at the horizon with fearful looks, wondering how bad it had been. The communications officers continued to work, however.
"Captain Cid, what is the status?" One of them asked. "Has the cavalry withdrawn?"
There was a pause on the other end.
"…What's left of them, ensign. The sweeper line chased them a little…but broke off once they made some headway on them. I can't really tell from here how many are left…but I'd say anywhere from 60 to 70 percent are dead."
Cloud closed his eyes and sighed, bowing his head. The other officers did likewise, showing their sorrow and disappointment. It had been useless. The maneuver had been a disaster. The enemy had planned every contingency, including this one. Their last bluff had been called. Now, there was no advantage left to press against the New Shinra. Cloud himself sighed for a few moments, and then turned and looked over to Ragnar, to see how this had affected him.
The man did not look up. He stared out blankly at the ground again…seeing his maneuver once again thwarted. This time, it had cost more lives. In the end, there was nothing left. They could still charge out there…but the enemy would likely be ready for them, just as they had been ready until now. They might still be able to break through, and hold the lines for the length of time it would take to get the people out… But then…what would happen? It was like Cloud had said earlier. There was nowhere for them to go. They could try to run or move out…but in the end it wouldn't matter. There was no escape. The New Shinra would have no problem moving, shoving them up to the mountains, and killing them.
…I've sentenced us to death.
There was no way out now. The New Shinra were going to level this city, and there was nowhere to go or move that they wouldn't follow them. Despite all he had done and as far as he had gotten…this was it. His army was on the chopping block, waiting the executioner's stroke. All of these people who trusted him, who joined him…they were going to die. He was a failure. He had come so far…but in the end, he realized he couldn't triumph. His attempt to save the Planet had failed. He had failed. Some chosen one of the Planet he had turned out to be… He couldn't even save his own forces from destruction. All he had done was take them to an early grave…
Ragnar finally realized that he had only one choice left. This would kill him…but the least he could do was try and save the others. There was no way out here. Even if there was…he was never going back to the New Shinra. He would never live as a slave again.
The youth looked up. All eyes were on him now. With this latest maneuver having collapsed, they looked to him for direction and for the next plan of action. His own face had turned cold. His eyes were somber and dark.
"Ensign."
The communications officer who Ragnar was pointed looked up at this. "Yes sir?"
"Relay this message on general alert to everyone in the Planet Protector Army. As of now…I am disbanding the Planet Protector Army. All units are to disarm and surrender to the New Shinra Army."
The officers gaped in mutual shock. Cloud took a step forward, dumbfounded at what he had just said. "Kid…"
But Ragnar would hear nothing else. Without a word, he pushed right past Cloud and the officers and went to the metal stairway. He immediately began to rush down them as fast as he could.
He had a last stand to make.
"Heh heh…I wish I could have seen the look on that snot-nosed punk's face."
No one said anything in reply to Ashiah's statement, not even to agree with her. They stayed focused on their consoles. The Admiral herself was resting somewhat in her chair, leaning back and propping up her head with one arm. Although the view ahead of her on the bridge was nothing but the rolling ocean, she had just gotten the news. As expected, General Ragnar had tried to send the Chocobo Cavalry out. Also as expected, their flimsy recon hadn't realized they had every collapsed sweeper in their deployed army waiting there for them. Now the thing that had spared their army the last time was gone. There was now nothing between her forces and victory. She could turn the Juggernaut around… After all, most of the fun was going to take place north of Midgar. But in the end, she decided against it. Better to see if anyone ran and tried to escape. She wanted them to know the penalty of playing games with the New Shinra for so long…
"Well, well, you little brat…" Ashiah addressed aloud. "Checkmate. What are you going to do now?"
Ragnar realized he must have ran all night. It was the only explanation as he stood on the hill outside of town the next morning, as the sun slowly began to rise.
The young general's failure tortured him the entire time. As he ran and ran down the streets of Midgar, he felt more terrible anguish and disappointment with himself in each passing minute. He kept seeing all of the people of town burning and dying…saw children being blown up by rockets and missiles…all because of him. He had led them all to think this place was safe…and he had been wrong. They had all come with him because they thought he could lead them to victory. They came without compensation or salary or obligation, believing in his dream and his power. And in the end…he had let them all down. In the end, he had to make that statement of surrender.
Ragnar didn't hear it relayed. As he ran through the streets, he heard no general alarm or signal being blared out, like it should have been. He heard only the silence of the night or the drifters of the late hours of the morning. This made him angry. He hoped that the officer did relay it soon. He could understand how they were confused…perhaps even unwilling to do this. But they had to. It was the only way now…the only way to spare them the coming destruction. This was Ragnar's fight at the start…let it be his fight in the end. This was the only thing left he could do for his army and his people. They had trusted him to save them…and he did so the only way he knew how.
A few guards called out to him when he finally reached the northern gate of the city. But he didn't listen to them, or pay them any mind when they asked where he was going. Without a care for the danger, he ran right out through the giant metal entrance and onto the field beyond. Screams and shouts followed him, but he didn't care. By that time, the sky was turning from black to dark gray. Yet Ragnar ran on, going another three miles alone in the vast wilderness. The winds whipped around him from the plains. The morning birds began to cry. Other than that, he heard only his panting and his heart beating. That…and the sound of dying in his brain…the thought of the slaughter that was to come. It hurt him more and more as he ran. It made him feel wretched…terrible…hopeless.
Someday…I hope a true champion arises and leads them to victory.
At last, he came to a halt on the hill where he stood now. He panted and sweat when he arrived, but he slowly began to catch his breath. The wind continued to blow around him, some of it coming from off the sea. The sky turned lighter gray as the sun slowly reached for the horizon. As it began to shine its glow on the surrounding world, Ragnar began to make out the vast plain in front of him. At first, he saw only rolling hills and grass. But as the light continued to grow…he made out the rough horizon. He began to see the ripples and inconsistancies. He knew what it was…the enemy encampment. And beyond that, the fleet of the NSN waited for anyone foolish enough to attack. Somewhere in there he knew were the missile silos, poised to turn his army and city to rubble. However…he did nothing yet. He simply calmed down and let the wind blow, whipping his cape up and around him. Nothing on the horizon reacted to him, and so he waited.
As dawn continued to near…Ragnar did finally hear something. When he did, he closed his eyes…and sighed. It was coming from far behind him, but it was getting closer. It was the unmistakable sound of a certain large motorcycle.
Ragnar didn't turn or react as he heard it draw closer and closer. He didn't reach up to cover his normally sensitive ears when he heard it fall in behind him, and he didn't shift weight when he heard the engine slowly power down. He kept his gaze focused only on the horizon when he heard a set of boots come off the side and touch down on the ground. The ground crunched as a person came forward and stood at his side. Ragnar didn't look to him…and he didn't have to. Even though his peripheral vision only saw a man stand next to him, he knew who it was.
At last…he heard Cloud speak.
"…Alright kid. What do you think you're doing?"
"Don't try to talk me out of it, Cloud." Ragnar answered, his voice resolute and firm.
"What was up with that order back there?"
"I was telling them to save themselves. This is my war, not theirs."
"They made it theirs when they signed on with you. You know it doesn't matter if they surrender. In all those speeches you told them not to give in because of what the New Shinra would reduce them to. Now they may get enslaved or executed."
"They still have a chance…a much better one than they have now." Ragnar answered. "They might be able to escape…stage another revolt…something. And the people of Midgar can say anything…say I forced them to house us. They can save themselves at any rate. But the New Shinra are ready to turn Midgar into a parking lot. They cut off all other ways to escape. The only way to keep the citizens from getting massacred is giving the New Shinra what they want. They want the end of the PPA. They want me. If they get that…there's no reason for them to destroy Midgar."
"So after all this talk of bravery…all these acts of heroism…all your big ideals of saving Gaia…you're just going to hand yourself over to them?"
Ragnar narrowed his gaze on the horizon.
"…I told myself once that I'd die before I returned to being a slave in the New Shinra. If I'm going to die on this plain, then I'm going to do it taking as many of them with me as I can."
"Kid…"
"Either I die now or I die in two days." Ragnar cut off. "It doesn't matter much to me. The only thing that matters is that I ensure that those missiles never launch."
"If we're screwed any way you look at it, then all of us should be going in to fight these guys."
"Why?" Ragnar retorted. "Why should they all die for my goal? And how could I stand in front of them and order them all out here? How can I go before them and say, 'Our army is doomed, but you are all to fight to the death in one last charge'? There's no other way."
"Ragnar…"
"I have nothing else, Cloud. No family, no home…"
"You have friends."
"That's why I have to do this. For you, for Tifa…for Aerith…for everyone else. You think I want to watch Denzel, Marlene, and even Azure die? You think I could stand to watch Aerith die?"
Cloud went silent after this. Ragnar assumed he was finished. He kept his gaze on the horizon. Nothing was going to talk him out of this. He wasn't the hero that his master had wanted to raise…but he would still emulate his master in one final act. Lord Bahamut never feared death when he went against impossible odds. And neither would he. His mind was made up.
Cloud finally sighed.
"…In that case…I wish I had stretched before coming out here."
At long last, Ragnar's face broke. Puzzled, he turned and looked to his side. Cloud was standing there, still in full battle armor and with Event Horizon strapped to his back. He didn't look like he had any plans to move. He focused on the horizon just as Ragnar did.
"…What are you doing?"
"I'm refusing to let you die alone." Cloud immediately answered.
Ragnar instantly turned the rest of his body around. His own face grew firm, and he pointed back behind him. "Get on Fenrir and get back to Midgar."
Cloud turned to Ragnar at that, his face firm and dark.
"…Are you actually trying to order me around, kid? In case you forgot, you disbanded the army. You're nothing but a civilian now, just like me."
"I'm serious, Cloud." Ragnar coldly retorted. "Get out of here and get back to Tifa and the others."
"And go where?" Cloud immediately answered. "I told you before that the New Shinra are going to hunt me down until the day I die, especially once they retake Midgar and start their company back up again. And although some people back in that army might think like you want them to, and think that going into the slavery you experienced is preferable to death, I don't. And personally…I will die before I see Denzel, Marlene, or Azure become some whipping boy to a drunken sack of crap like my old sergeant was."
"Tifa needs you."
Cloud hesitated here. His mouth shut a moment, and he stiffened. But then, he bowed his head, slowly inhaled, and slowly exhaled.
"…Not as much as I need her." The ex-mercenary darkly answered, almost muttering. But he looked up a bit more and spoke more clearly as he continued. "Besides…I was never there for her before. I was too much of a loner. I had the most valuable thing in the world living under the same roof with me, and all I did was selfishly focus on my own pain. I thought I had it so bad… I had a wonderful life. I had a family. I had one of the greatest women in the world. And yet I could never see it…never see it until it was too late."
Ragnar's own coldness melted a bit at this. Cloud's own voice grew darker, and he tiredly sighed again as he shook his head.
"…I can't go back. I can't turn back the clock and go to a time where I can be the man I should have been for her from day one. I may have a family…but I'm no father. But I can make sure that I spend my last dying breath making a future for her and for the kids."
The youth's face turned anxious. "Cloud…please…"
The man looked up here. When he did…his own gaze was firm and hard, and he stared at Ragnar with a new firm resolution.
"Ragnar…when I was seventeen years old…not far from this spot…I lay on the ground as I watched a friend of mine…a friend who had dragged me off of death's doorstep and carried me halfway around the Planet because he refused to abandon me…get shot to death by the Shinra right in front of me. He was like a brother to me…and all I could do was watch him die. I hated myself for that…hated that I couldn't save him, that I couldn't do anything for him…after all he had done for me. I hated that memory so much I made it disappear. But when I finally remembered it…I told myself…swore to myself…I'm never going to let a friend throw his life away for me again. And I don't mean to. If you're going to get blown apart by a cannon today…then the last thing I'm going to do is shove my sword into it."
Ragnar was stricken silent again. Cloud's look stayed firm. He was deathly serious about this, as much as Ragnar was serious about staying here and fighting. He intended to stay…and there was nothing Ragnar could do to make him leave. The youth's exterior had turned weaker now. He bowed his head a moment and swallowed. Then he looked up again.
"…A true friend wouldn't let his friend die for him."
Cloud stared on a moment more. Then…he suddenly stepped forward to the youth. He reached out his hands, and planted them on his shoulders.
"…Only a true friend would be willing to die for him in the first place."
The two men looked at each other a moment longer. They saw each other's eyes, and the determination in both of them. However…they also saw the measure of love that the two had for each other. Both of them were willing to lay down their lives for the other one. And despite the direness of such a thing…despite the death that surrounded them both, and threatened to crush them…that was a great feeling.
In the end, both of them pulled together and embraced. Neither of them said anything, and they didn't have to. Ragnar, however, felt some of his despair fade. He didn't want Cloud to die…but at the same time he felt wonderful that he had him for a friend. No matter what happened…in the end, he had a reason to be glad he started this journey and founded this army.
He had met him.
The two began to break away after a few moments. But as they did…they heard another sound coming. This time, both of them turned their heads to the source. Slowly rolling across the grassy, uneven plains was a truck of some sort. It was a bit old and dented, but it managed to make its way across the ground and roll up to the two. Both men turned and faced it fully. The truck closed for a few more moments, but then finally pulled up next to Fenrir. At that, it slowly came to a stop, and then lost the ignition. The engine shut down.
The two waited a moment longer, but then saw the doors on the sides of the front seats open.
Coming out with firm looks of their own was Tifa…and Aerith.
Cloud and Ragnar alike were both stunned. Cloud was surprised enough, but Ragnar was amazed to see Aerith out here. She wasn't an official member of the army. She didn't wear a uniform like Tifa was doing. And yet, she wielded her staff as she walked out on the field.
"…I figured I might as well use this truck for something useful." Tifa stated.
Both men paused a moment more, but then opened their mouths.
"Get back in that car and go back." Both of them said at once. Afterward, they turned to each other in surprise, but then looked back to the women.
"No." Tifa flatly responded, drawing to a halt and crossing her arms. Aerith soon came in at the side and stood there as well.
"Where are the kids?" Ragnar asked.
"They're fine. We dropped them off with Reeve to get in the shelter before we came." Aerith answered.
Cloud was silent, and glared on at Tifa. The woman glared plainly back. His jaw tightened…and suddenly he began to step forward. "…Alright. If I have to knock you out to take you back, then so be it."
"Why, Cloud?" Tifa immediately shot back, losing her firmness and becoming more emotional. This caused the ex-mercenary to pause. "Why do I have to stay back and watch you go out here, killing yourself over this? Why do I have to live with the pain of knowing you're dead, and you can't? Why should you be the only one who risks his life?"
"Because I'd be a failure of a man to you if I let you get yourself killed over my behavior." Cloud immediately answered. However…his face was breaking a bit. He softened slightly. He swallowed for a moment, and then added more. "…Because I can't say I love you and let you die out here."
"Well, I can't do that either." Tifa responded, beginning to walk forward. "And who said that I wanted that kind of man? A man who would go out and get himself torn up while I sit back and watch? I don't want you to be a heroic knight in shining armor…invincibly standing up for his lady. I want to be with you. I don't care if it's in a perfect world or walking into the gates of Hell itself. Why should you be the only one who can show love and devotion? Why can't I show you that I can be devoted as well? That part of being together is being together in the worst times?"
Cloud was silent in response. He had been struck dumb by Tifa's words. His fists slowly closed and relaxed. Tifa stared at him more softly now, but her eyes were still asking those questions. Cloud bowed his head and swallowed again. Then, he turned and looked up. He took a step forward, until he was standing right across from Tifa. He reached down and took her hands. She brought them up and to his lips, and he kissed them. As he looked back at Tifa…Ragnar had never seen his face grow so soft before. He had never seen Cloud look so vulnerable. Tears began to well up in eyes.
"…I love you." Cloud stated. "I love you more than anything. But I've never shown it. You've given me so much…and all I ever did was let you down. I let you get hurt in the reactor…in the Crater…in Mideel…in the Church… I failed you time and time again… I haven't been a man that was any good for you. I…"
Tifa cut him off…by pulling one of her hands free and extending it up to touch the side of Cloud's face. She slowly ran her fingers along it. Cloud closed his eyes as two tears fell from them. He felt her soft touch and drank it in.
"…I don't want a perfect man." She answered. "I want you. All I ever wanted was you. You're already everything I want…everything I need. If you want to make me happy…then you'll let me stay here with you. I'm only happy when I'm with you."
Cloud stiffly inhaled, and let out another tear. Tifa smiled, as her own eyes began to well up. Then…suddenly, Cloud reached around and wrapped her in his arms. He pulled her tightly to him, as if she had suddenly become his own heart. Fiercely, he kissed her. Tifa immediately kissed him back just as strongly. She wrapped her own arms around him and held him strong. Tears spilled from both of their eyes. They kissed for the longest time, before Cloud was able to move his head away and rest it on her shoulder. She, in turn, rested it on his.
A murmur, half-slurred from tears, came from Cloud.
"…What?" Tifa asked through a sniffle.
"…Will you marry me?"
Despite the death that stared them both in the face, Tifa broke into a smile and hugged Cloud even tighter. "…I thought you'd never ask."
Cloud's own face broke into a smile as he hugged her tighter. Both of them continued to cry, but now it was tears of joy and not of despair. They did not even look far enough into their own futures to see their eminent deaths. They thought only of right now…and the promise of what this vow meant. No matter what was about to happen…they had not been so happy in a very long time.
Ragnar watched them as they continued to sniff and hold. He felt like smiling himself. He was scared for both of them…and yet he couldn't help but feel their happiness come onto him. But then, he turned and looked to Aerith. She too was staring at them with a smile. However, when Ragnar looked to her, she turned to him as well.
"…I can fight, Ragnar." Aerith said after a pause. "I have a grasp on my new power. I can use it."
The youth sighed, and shook his head. "That doesn't matter. I don't want you out here. There's no way we're going to survive this. We're going to die."
"But…you're going to die fighting for the Planet." Aerith answered somewhat hesitantly. "And I want to fight for the Planet too."
"They'll be another time. They'll be another day and another battle."
Aerith paused for a moment at that.
"…There won't be another day when I get to fight alongside you."
Ragnar was caught off guard by this. His face turned to some surprise.
"Alongside…me?"
Aerith bowed her head at this, and Ragnar saw her blush. He was turning a bit red himself. "…Alongside you…and alongside Cloud…Tifa…all my best friends." Aerith went on, seeming to almost correct herself. She cringed a moment, but then leaned up and looked back at him. She began to step forward. "This is for the future of our world, Ragnar. I want to stand alongside those I love when I fight for it."
Ragnar paused at that. He had to admit…a distant part of him, despite knowing how wrong and dangerous it was, was glad that Aerith was here. It made him feel warmer…stronger within. But he chased that off, and shook his head as she approached.
"I want to fight for those I love too…but to save their lives, not to watch them give them away."
"My life is my own to choose to give up when I wish." Aerith answered, actually smiling a bit at this as she neared Ragnar. "And I want to give it up for this cause. All of us will die one day…but we can't always choose for what purpose. I can…and this is a worthy one."
The youth swallowed. He was growing nervous now, and not just afraid. Aerith kept closing until she stood right in front of him. Once there…just as if this was nothing more than another one of their dates, she folded her arms and staff behind her and put them together. She smiled so fairly…beaming happiness and love into Ragnar's own face. Even now, in the approaching dawn…she seemed to glow more than all other things with an inner light. Seeing it tied Ragnar's stomach in knots. He swallowed again, and shook his head.
"Ragnar…what do you think of me?" Aerith asked, as if it was any other normal question.
Ragnar, however, was surprised again. He hesitated, and fumbled over his words for a moment. However, she continued to smile and wait. In the end, he shook his head, and then looked into her face…her pleasant, perfect face. Seeing it calmed some of his anxiety down, and made him feel peaceful and relaxed within.
"…I think you're a wonderful person." Ragnar finally answered. He was hesitant and stiff in speech…but he was genuine as he forced himself to keep talking. "I think you bring joy to every life you touch. I think that the world needs a person as caring and loving as you. You only think of others, and never yourself, and you see beauty in people that no one else can. To me…" Ragnar stiffened again, and trembled. He felt embarrassed to say this…but then he spat it out.
"…You're as radiant as an angel."
Ragnar continued to tremble nervously, now that he was finished. Aerith continued to smile and stare back. Her look was still simple and kind. After a moment, she stepped in a bit closer, making Ragnar truly turn red.
"…You know what I think of you, Ragnar?"
The youth swallowed, but shook his head.
Aerith slowly raised her hand, and placed her soft, warm touch under his chin, lifting it up to look in his eyes.
"…I look at you…and I see a man who is always trying to better himself. I see a person who recognizes his own vices and faults, and tries to make them perfect. I see a person who always wants to be everything to everyone. I also see a person who focuses only on his own imperfections…and fails to see what a difference he is making in this world, warts and all. Look at what you've accomplished, Ragnar. Look at all you've done. Look how far you've taken these people. Out of all the people in the world…you were the only one who took a stand for what you thought was the right thing. You have such love for this world and for the people below you. You do everything you can for them. You work yourself so hard trying to help them both.
"I don't see you as an angel, Ragnar…but I do see you as radiant. And to me, that is far greater. You're a part of this world, but you're trying to polish the darkness and dirt that fills it to make it something clean and beautiful. You are a wonderful person. And you're truly great not because you stand aside and let people put you on a pedestal or in a gilded cage and admire you…but because you go out and put it to use.
"I respect you, Ragnar. I respect your decision to go out and fight today because I think so much of you. If you truly think I'm as great or wonderful as you say, then you'll respect my decision too."
Ragnar didn't answer. He stared back at her, and her large, soft eyes. She was so beautiful…so wonderful to him. More than ever, it seemed like such a crime that such a perfect creature had to die once. Now, she would die again, when she could still fill so much of the world with her light. However…she was right. He did respect her and her capacity for good. And if he did…then he would have to let her make her own choice. Otherwise, she was just some pretty creature to keep locked away and safe, but also to never let live or spread its joy. She had to be in the world.
Because of this, Ragnar knew again that there was only one thing left to do.
As Aerith pulled her hand away, Ragnar inhaled deeply. He became more strong and resolute, and looked down on the woman. He stiffened a moment, but then slowly nodded.
"Alright, Aerith. I'm still your guardian. Even if it kills me…even if I have to destroy this whole army with my bare hands…I swear I'll keep you safe."
Aerith looked back at Ragnar, still smiling and pleasant. However, she smiled a bit wider now. Not because of Ragnar's boast, but because he would allow her to be here. Ragnar didn't know it…but there was something else at stake. Aerith feared death ever since she had died once. She felt as if she was so vulnerable and fragile. But with Ragnar nearby…she realized she didn't feel scared anymore. She didn't fear anything, even dying again…so long as she was with him. She felt stronger and more powerful than she had ever been.
With that in mind, the Cetra came forward and put her arms around Ragnar, and placed her head against his chest. The general was stunned for the briefest moment. But then…he felt his anxiety melt away, and felt warm inside instead. He found himself spreading his arms around Aerith as well, as if he could shelter her or protect her with their wide embrace. He held her strongly, and lowered his own head to rest on top of hers. He felt the warmth spread to the rest of him…and his heart began to feel even lighter than before. Where death and fate had looked so monstrous and empty a moment ago, now the world seemed so much brighter and hopeful. As he held onto the Cetra…his fears and doubts faded. He believed in himself, and in faith and hope, so much more now that he had her.
At last, the two broke from each other. Aerith stepped back, but as she did so she let her hands slide down over his arms and to his own hands. Once there, she held for a moment, and looked back into Ragnar's eyes. She smiled once more, and then gave a reassuring squeeze. After that, she let go and stepped back. Ragnar inhaled deeply, getting himself together for a moment, and then turned to Cloud and Tifa. They had broken up as well now, although they were still smiling. Cloud snorted a moment, and then shook his head.
"A fine group we're going to make. There's four of us now…so that means each of us only have to kill 10,000."
Tifa looked to Cloud at this. After a moment, she cracked a grin.
"…I wouldn't be too sure about that."
Ragnar looked to Tifa when she said that. But as he did…he caught something on the wind. Until now, he had focused so much on Aerith that he hadn't noticed some other noise that was on the breeze. But it was growing louder now, and it was becoming more distinctive. It was some sort of rumbling…and it shook the ground. As it grew closer and louder, Ragnar realized it was coming from behind them. He turned his head along with Cloud to the source. When he did…he didn't notice that both Tifa and Aerith smiled at what the men were about to see.
The young general looked behind him just in time to see the first of them coming over the hill. But on seeing it…his mouth loosened as he gaped in surprise. Tifa and Aerith hadn't come out here alone… A tremendous multitude was behind them, streaming forward in a huge mass. Soldiers…mobile artillery units…materia wielders…Cloud's special sword bearers…they were all coming forward. Some were being carried in vehicles, but most of them marched forward with their arms hanging around them. Each one was as they had been when Ragnar had left, fully decked for battle. Until now, Ragnar had never seen the full size of his army gathered into one point. But after the retreat into Midgar, recruitment had risen sharply due to citizens wanting to defend their city. And now, they merged with the previous troops to create a huge fighting force that filled the plains as far back to Midgar as the eye could see. They began to fan out as they reached Ragnar's location, growing into a single mass.
Ragnar couldn't believe his eyes. What were they all doing here? Had Cloud told them to come? Had Tifa or Aerith? Cloud was likewise amazed as the thunder of thousands of footsteps came forward. Standing at the lead of it, one looking mean and the other looking eager, were none other than Commander Barret and (newly) Commander Yuffie. She typically was accenting her improved uniform with pride. Barret was just mean looking, but also with a large grin on his face as he came forward.
"Tryin' ta' take on the Shinra without us, scrawny?" Barret asked as he came to a halt in front of them.
"Hey…I didn't wait almost a year for you to finally promote me just to surrender right afterward!" Yuffie threw in.
"Cid will be here soon too." Tifa threw in, turning back to the generals. "As soon as he finishes fully arming both airships."
Ragnar was speechless, seeing this crowd come up to him. Despite his order, they were still coming. It looked as if there wasn't a single deserter…or at least Ragnar's force had grown so mighty that deserters were negligible. And all of them looked enthusiastic and ready to fight. Ragnar looked over them all for a moment longer, still aghast.
"Wh…why…?"
"All your bullsh't rubbed off on us, I guess." Barret answered.
"We kind of decided as a collective that we didn't like the idea of being Shinra slaves either." Yuffie added.
"Under them, most of the people of Midgar lived in poverty and pollution." Aerith also contributed. "Myself included. I don't think any of us want to go back."
"You did more than just win people over to your idea, Ragnar." Tifa put in. "All of us had feelings like yours for what we were forced to endure in the past. All of us wanted to strike against it. But it wasn't until you came that we found a banner to rally under. You were the one who took the desires of these people to live in a better world, and you made us believe it was possible. You made the average citizens of this world who just let things happen to them realize that they were strong."
"And we all realize that some things are worth fighting for…even dying for." Aerith put in. "We all have those we love in this city and in the world. For the sake of those who can't defend themselves…we're willing to make our stand with you."
"That is…if you're willing to revoke your little edict disbanding the Planet Protector Army." Yuffie added in.
Ragnar couldn't believe it. Until now, he had thought that he had never had much of an impact. But he had underestimated himself. It wasn't just his speech that made people join him. It was that air he took upon himself…the same demeanor he assumed when he rallied the miners to revolt last year. It was in that moment, those brief moments that he experienced, that people saw him as more than just a young idealist. They saw the true makings of greatness inside him. Bahamut, with his ability to see through flesh and bone, had known that they were within Ragnar from the first time he met him. That was why he never needed it to be confirmed. But as time had gone on, these others had seen it too. And it had made them forget their own fears and doubts long enough to realize that surrendering today would not save them. It would only condemn them to a slower demise. Perhaps many of them were naïve or foolish…but just as group panic can take a crowd and drive them to madness…a sort of group hope had spread itself over these people. Somehow…inside themselves…they believed that if they tried…if they gave their all…that somehow, a victory would still be possible.
Ragnar's amazement slowly faded. He knew this was hopeless…that they were all going to die. And yet somehow…with all of them smiling at him…all of them looking ready…all of them behind him without him asking them…he didn't think it was that hopeless after all. Though the odds weren't even worth considering…he somehow felt like there was a ray of hope somewhere in here. As they filled him with their community hope…something within the world around him…the blowing wind…the trembling earth…and now in the first rays of the sun as they began to clear the horizon…told him to go into battle. Told him that, in spite of everything…he could win today.
And at that thought…Ragnar smiled as well. His own darkness and despair broke. And in its wake…the powerful, commanding persona that he had wielded before began to shine through. As the sun began to shine, Ragnar seemed to shine greater than it. He seemed to grow bigger and more powerful in their eyes, and suddenly seemed wiser and mightier than the greatest of conquerers. Only this time…he was smiling. Never before had they seen a smile on this face. But on seeing it now…defeat and death suddenly seemed a thousand miles away.
"Commanders…" He finally said. "Ready your divisions to engage the New Shinra."
Oh…this is too much.
Ashiah felt herself snicker as she heard the report from her communication's officer. The little twerp must believe in divine intervention…because that was the only reason she could think of as to why he was resorting to something so utterly stupid.
"I can't believe that little idiot…" Ashiah laughed as she thought it over.
"Orders, Admiral?" The communication officer requested.
"No orders, ensign." Ashiah calmly answered. "Just prepare to obliterate them as soon as they approach. Maintain defensive perimeter and wipe them out."
The first officer, standing nearby to the captain's chair, looked a bit worried at this. He turned to Ashiah with a troubled appearance. "Madam…the fleet is not at full capacity. Shouldn't we turn back?"
Ashiah merely snorted and eased back. "And what for, Captain?"
"We're still en route to the road bombardment point. We aren't there to protect the fleet back at Midgar Bay. The enemy no doubt has some artillery units, and if we're docked at shore we will sustain-"
"Sustain what, Captain?" Ashiah snorted in reply. "A few hits? We don't need the Juggernaut there to preside over their execution. The fleet there has more than enough power to destroy their pitiful little infantry. Our own soldiers and sweepers can mop up what's left of them."
The first officer was silent after hearing this. Although Ashiah really didn't care what he thought at the moment, he was tense. Something about this wasn't right to him. Why was the PPA, if they were cornered and hopeless, launching such a desperate maneuver, one doomed to failure? There was something going on… At any rate, he let out a slow exhale, and then stood at attention and turned to the main viewing area.
"…I suppose we'll be calling off the Albatross strike, then?"
Ashiah, so wrapped up in her thoughts of slaughtering the PPA, was somewhat distracted by this, and turned to the officer. "Excuse me?"
The officer looked back to her a moment, and then forward. He hesitated, but then shrugged. "I mean, Admiral…we have no need to strike Midgar now. The PPA is coming out to meet us."
Ashiah paused at this, and thought it over. After a moment, she cracked a grin. So…that was his little game. He knew that there was no way he could beat them, so he was trying to save the city by coming out and getting himself killed at a safe distance. That way they wouldn't bomb it. What a little martyr this boy was turning out to be… Unfortunately for him, he had tried Ashiah's patience enough by forcing her to engage in this stupid two month siege. Both him and that city that had sheltered them. She demanded satisfaction… And it would be icing on the cake for her to let the boy know that his maneuver wouldn't save the city...and that he had only advanced his own demise...
"…The strike goes on as scheduled, tomorrow at noon on time." Ashiah answered with a smile.
The first officer turned to Ashiah in disbelief. "Madam? But…there's no need. They'll be gone. The city will be ours…"
"It needs to be punished." Ashiah simply responded. "And I want to make sure that they know what happens when you cause the New Shinra so much trouble…"
"But madam…General Leers ordered us to take the city intact as possible, so that the industries and people could be put to use for-"
Ashiah's smile suddenly vanished. She snapped her head around to the captain. Her eyes were cold, and they burned into his so sharply that he immediately was struck dumb.
"Are you challenging my authority, Captain?"
The officer immediately lost some color. He shrank back and swallowed. He shook his head immediately. "N…No madam."
"Out here, on the sea, I am the head of the New Shinra. And I say the city and the maggot populace within dies. Understood?"
The officer nodded quickly. "Yes madam, understood completely."
"Good." Ashiah nearly snapped back. Despite his assertion…Ashiah now began to wonder if her new first was actually another pawn of Maritza's. Why else would he be so bold as to challenge her? She would do something about him on their return… However, for now, she would only keep her eye on him. She turned back to the front after saying this, and eased back in her chair.
All she cared about right now was hearing word that General Ragnar was blown into a thousand bloody fragments.
To be continued...