A/N well now I'm actually happy how this is helping even though I've been writing this on whims more than planning really. Now what I have been debating lately is whether I should switch this into a 3rd person POV story or keep it 1st with the ATE system, if I can find a compromise I might add stuff that is important as ATE's and then have 3rd person POV's to add more detail, I'm not to sure how I should go with this.
Ch 3
"Hey Nathan, you need to get up." Tifa was shaking my shoulder. I tried to open my eyes, I didn't have any screams or voices this time...maybe it was all in my head at first. it would make sense.
"juss figh more minuss." I sank deeper into my throne of boxes.
"I can't believe you can enjoy sleeping like that, isn't it uncomfortable?" Even with my eyes closed I could tell she was shaking her head.I sat up and stretched before I answered.
"No, I can adjust well to this kind of stuff."
"Did you grow up that way?"She asked. I shook my head.
"No, I had a decent bed back home. I can just get used to this kind of stuff I guess."
"Where do you come from? If you don't mind me asking." Man everyone wants to know everyone's business around here.
"I come from Medeel. Its a small town on an island south of this continent."
"And you came all the way to Midgar for employment?"
"Yeah, I heard story's about how big it was and how a lot of people would go there to start anew"
She looked down. "Sorry but often those story's are a little embellished. Often people who come here to get rich quick wind up poor, and those who want decent employment often work lower jobs for little pay."
"Guess I came here for nothin huh?" I faked being depressed when she pat my back.
"Hey at least you have a job now that gets you a few nights of sleep in a room...even if it was forced." Now she seems down now.
"Its alright, I was always an unlucky kid. Speaking of today, are you coming with us?" She shook her head.
"I won't be able to help, The bar is closed since its so late, but I have to keep an eye on Marlene. but I'm sure all of you can handle it." We both walked over and rose on the pinball/elevator machine. Up top we found Barret, Cloud, and the rest of the gang hanging at the door while Tifa was cleaning some glass cups.
"We need to get to the train station in an hour, so you need to pick up some supplies before we go so you." Cloud said. We both exited the bar and went into the shops while Barret and the rest of the crew went off to the station. The only place we really needed to go though was the materia shop.
"And how are we going to pay for them?" I asked. He raised his hand and held up a few bills.
"I have a bit of gil to get around three, I'll take two and you take one."
"Why the fuck am I drawing short stick here?" I groaned.
"Because I have experience with materia while you probably barely used one" He said in all his smugness. Seriously I liked Cloud I really did, but this version is total bull dude. He has all the courage and power of Zack, with all the coldness and douchebagery of seph.
"Fine" We eventually ended up at the run down shack
."What kind do you want?" I looked around the run down shelves before pointing at a sign.
"Get me a fire." I knew he was going to get ice and bolt so we should have a better magic balance if we add fire to the mix. A few minutes later Cloud came out and tossed me my materia, I fumbled with it a little before I had a good grip. I was surprised when I found it was about the sized of a large gumball. When I looked at it I found it had a warm aura as well as an image of a flame on the inside. I was a little peeved though. I nor Cloud had the gil to purchase any bangles and I found out as amazing as my sword was, it didn't have any materia slots so I couldn't use any elemental based attacks with it.
Well at least it makes my life easier if I can tell what spells the cast. We got back with just enough time to catch the train. Barret's plan was that he, Cloud, and I would be on top of the train to avoid suspicion with their weapons while everyone else stays in-between the cabs. I mention the security system that plays later in the game, but Jessie came over and handed us some key stayed on the train for about five stops before we finally stopped at the reactor. Jessie and Biggs got rid of the guards on the outside before the three of us jumping off the train, Cloud being the more stylish of me and Barret. He waved to us both.
"Come on noobs, this way." Barret ordered. I held in a laugh. Me and Cloud were following behind him with me picking the guards pockets for a couple of potions. When we were close to the door though a couple Shinra troops burst out.
"There are the intruders! Take them out!" They were about to pull out their sub machine guns and fire before Cloud with a sudden burst of speed took the two out with a single swipe of his buster sword. He looked back and smile at his. Yeah big deal you could take them down with one slash in the game too. We ran through a few corridors before we ended up at the gate that Jessie was trying to unlock the door.
"Wow! You used to be in SOLDIER alright...Not everyday you find one in AVALANCHE." Biggs stiffened at the mans words. "SOLDIER? Aren't they the enemy? Whats he doing in AVALANCHE?"
"Hold it Jessie he WAS in SOLDIER. He quit them and is now one of us." Biggs reassured.
"Actually, I didn't even catch your name."
"...Cloud."
"Cloud eh?. I'm..." He cut off Biggs.
"I don't care what your names are, once this job is over I'm outta here" He said sternly. Biggs seemed down after being told that, I might as well brighten him up.
"Hey Biggs at least I remember your name right? And by the way I'm Nathan." He had a bit of a smile.
"By the way...sorry for getting you in this, I know it must be weird to be forced to help a terrorist organization." Yeah no kidding dude.
"I was just at the wrong place at the wrong time, its not your fault. Its the story of my life." Barret decided to show up right then
."The hell are you all doin! I thought I told you never to move in a group!" Honestly I didn't even listen to the plan he told us earlier, I knew what was going to happen so why bother ya know?
"Our targets the North Mako Reactor. We'll meet on the bridge in front of it." At that moment Jessie unlocked the door and the trio ran through. Before we could though Barret stopped in the middle of the door
."Ex-SOLDIER huh, huh? Don't trust ya!" He took a look at me next
"And don't go thinkin your off scot-free either!" Barret ran off afterwords. I caught out the corner of my eye Cloud looking at the reactor. When he was done he gave me a nod and we rant to the reactor. Much like the FF7 map though it was really short. We got to the bridge and Wedge went to the door opposite of us. We took a left and ended up in a room with the other three freedom fighters standing around for us.
"Yo! This your first time in a reactor?" Cloud thought for a moment
"No, after all, I did work for Shinra, y'know" Barret waved him off.
"The Planets full of Mako energy, People here use it every day." Cloud did his usual "I don't care about this" shrug, apparently Barret was well acquainted with it.
"Its the life blood of this planet. But Shinra keeps suckin' the blood out with these weird machines."
"I'm not here for a lecture, lets just hurry." Cloud crossed his arms and seemed annoyed. I groaned. Honestly this is what everyone had to put up with?
"That's it! Your coming with me from now on."
"Cloud dude you need to lighten up, like seriously." He waved me off while we ran through the code locked doors. However, going down. The hallways we ran into one of the security bots, those little tentacle squid fire casters.
"Hey guys let me handle this." I moved ahead, I really wanted to test out my new materia.
"Just hurry, we don't need more security on our ass." Barret things started towards us and I pulled the fire materia out of my pocket, I held it out and focused on the warmth that enveloped my hand. In a flash I saw a lone fireball hovering in front of my hand.
"Fire!" the small ball shot straight at the bot and got its circuits good, it didn't go down though. Guess I still have a long way from casting powerful shit. I pulled out my sword and ran to slash the machine into bits. I sheathed it and saw Cloud and Barret nodding their heads
."s'alright"
"Decent for a traveler." Both Barret and Cloud commented. I frowned.
"Come on, we gunna blow a reactor up or what?" Jessie then ran up and deciphered some coded door again, inside was a decently roomed elevator.
"Could you press that button over there?" she pointed to the down arrow."I got it." I pressed it "Goin down."
We started descending. After a few seconds Barret spoke up. "Little by little the reactors'll drain out all the life. And that'll be that."
"Not my problem." Cloud leaned against the wall.
"The planets dyin', Cloud!" Oh dear Barret is angry again, what ever shall we do?
"The only thing I care about is finishin' this job before security and the Roboguards come." Barret turned around and tensed up real bad, I could see why. Dick Cloud kinda sucked a little more than Brooder Cloud.
"And what about you?" Barret looked at me with cold eyes.
"Like I said they provide energy and we need it." I waved it off, i didn't want to get in the middle of this. Barret persisted.
"Even at the cost of the planet?" I sighed.
"Do you even know how energy dependance works? If we suddenly stop it would take alternative energy at least a few years for them to reach the same output as Mako." I remembered In AC they had to drill for oil and even after two years Edge was a pretty pitiful place when it came to tensed again but not out of anger, he seemed to see the underlying truth to what I said.
"I guess you have a point."
"Hey big guy, if it were up to me I'd ween off the Mako and onto the reserves so it would take less time."
"At least he has a good head on his shoulders" Cloud chimed in. Barret regained his rage face right when we got to our floor, we sprinted off and rundown the stairs to get to the pipe room. Jessie was standing in her normal spot. While the three of us started to go lower. When I got down the first ladder though I felt a wretch in my stomach. I finally realized I was a few hundred feet from a Mako bath.
Don't look down...just keep your eyes and your balance straight. Walking instead of running, I made it in twice the time to get down to the long walkway to the reactor core. When we got close Cloud bent over and picked up the restore materia left there. For what reason It was there it will forever remain a mystery to me. He tossed it to me.
"Shouldn't you keep it?" I held it out.
"You seem adapt enough with materia than your sword. It will help you more than me." I pocketed it and we got to the big...furnace...thing to place the bomb
."When we blow this place, this ain't gunna be more than a hunka junk." Barret pulled from under his vest a packaged shaped bomb.
"Cloud, you set the bomb."He raised an eyebrow.
"Shouldn't you do it?"
"Jus' do it! I gotta make sure the both of ya don't pull nuthin."
"Oh come on, I've already been here fighting machines, I think no matter what I do I couldn't get back on Shinra's good side." I whined. He just huffed and put the bomb in Clouds hands.
"Fine." When he bent to place the bomb he seemed to bug out for a few seconds until her focused back up and looked at the two of us.
"Whats wrong?" Barret asked.
"Huh?" Was Cloud's intelligent reply. Barret just got angrier.
"Whats wrong Cloud? Hurry up!"
"Yeah...sorry." He bent back down and pressed a few buttons. When he connected a wire I heard a small ticking noise. Right then a large alarm sounded. Cloud looked up and narrowed his eyes.
"Heads up, here they come." He pulled out his buster sword and jumped back. When I looked I saw the guard scorpion clutching onto the side of the wall when it let go and started falling to the platform. It smashed down and picked itself back up. Barret readied his gun while I pulled out the fire materia. I can't cut it, but I can a least I can melt its metal. The scorpion pulled its scan maneuver on Cloud. He jumped out of the way when It started to shoot its rifles at him. Barret raised his arm and started firing off at the thing from the side. The machine paid him little attention since his bullets only dented it.
"Damn, tougher than it looks.""Let me try!" I help out the fire again and repeated my earlier process. I was successful in launching another small fireball, but it only seemed to heat up the metal than damage it. Well shit...wait
"Barret!, shoot at the area I heat up okay?" He looked over and nodded. I focused even harder and pulsed out fireball after fireball. Eventually the metal on the things back was really warped and I could feel the effects of casting so much. My head was dizzy and my vision was getting spotty.
"Now!" Barret roared as his bullets hit the warped machine's back and actually cause a hole to be formed. The thing finally took us for a threat and started to stab at the ground at us with its tail.
"Keep movin." Barret started strafing while I barely rolled out the way. Cloud would slash at its front legs every now and again but its steel was tougher than he expected. He started to cast lighting with hitting the machine made it stumble for a time before it resumed its attacks. Damn it how the hell do we do enough damage? I looked and saw the sensor thing in its head move back and forth. Suddenly an Idea formed in my head.
"Cloud, keep casting lighting, Barret start shooting its sensors out!" They both only grunted in reply. Barret started spraying bullets towards its head while Cloud would alternate hitting it with Lighting and slashing at a specific leg to trip it up. The plan went well for all of two seconds before the thing started shuttering and lifted up its tail. My eyes grew in fear.
"GUYS STOP NOW!" Both ignored me and Barret got his one good shot in while cloud got that last cut in the leg. Immediately the things Tail charged a beam and started spraying it all over the field. All three of us felt only the heat from the thing and it burned like hell. When it was done we had all rolled towards each other.
"We can't take a hit like that again." Cloud looked tucked out as did Barret. And I could feel the fatigue getting to me.
"Don't worry, I got this." Barret suddenly stood up and held his gun out. Only this time I saw he held a different trigger that before. I could see The barrel start radiating heat and glow in its chamber as he kept his aim.
"I can't let you do all the work." Cloud readied his buster sword at a down angle at his side. MY eyes widened at the realization of the situation. Both were about to do their limit smirked before he went charging towards the scorpion, dodging its rifle fire until he got close, he then jumped FUCKING 10 FEET IN THE AIR and brought his sword down with all the force he could muster from his Braver limit break. He ended up cutting off one rifle arm and another leg. Barret smirked before he launched His hyper heated Big Shot at the head of the machine and cause a huge burning dent in its optics. To say I was in awe was an understatement."Shit its still trying to get up" Barret noticed.
"Dammit we didn't finish it off." Cloud growled from his kneeling position.I saw that the large mech was raising its tail again and I stood up. I was getting fearful that we were going to get killed before anything good in the story happened. Just then I felt a powerful pulsing from my side and saw my sword was now completely glowing purple. I reach to pull it out but when I touched it my mind flashed to when I was at home. I was playing another old school game, Star Ocean 2. I was in the middle of fighting the first boss when the main character used a powerful slash attack that sent shock-waves at its opponent. In an instant I was back in the fight and I looked at the guard scorpion charging its laser, with Barret and Cloud both having the same fearful expression I had held.
"Not this time you fucking piece of junk! Have a taste of this!" I held onto the sword in its sheath and got into a ready position. I drew the sword and yelled out.
"AIR-SLASH!" I pulled my sword out and when I made a slash using the same motion as the character in the game, then appeared a huge distortion in the air head towards the large machine. When it reached the thing the shock-wave cause a clean cut straight through the middle of the thing. It split when it exploded right in front of us. Cloud was bewildered while Barret had his mouth open. I was a combination of the both. We all hobbled together to inspect our combined attacks effects."Damn that was good" Barret finally broke the silence.
"That was a decent technique." Cloud smiled a little.I was still freaking out on the inside that I had done a limit break. I mean I'm just a regular guy. Shit like that ain't supposed to happen. I looked at my sword again and saw it was pulsating lightly purple. I had another flash in my head and saw a different game. A little ninja was wielding two swords. One was a huge broad sword while the other was my katana. I flashed back again and realized what I was was fusion. The sword from Brave Fencer Musashi that allowed you to copy enemy techniques or skills to benefit yourself. I had a huge grin at that thought. I had something to contend with now.
"Uh guys" Barret and me looked over to see a worried Cloud. "We only have ten minutes before this thing detonates.
…...
…
"FUCK THIS I'M OUTTA HERE!" I started booking it with both men behind me trying to catch up. We climbed the latter and stumbled over the pipes. I didn't care for the height anymore I just didn't want to get blown up. We made it to the other ladder and started to the door when I noticed Jessie with a worried expression and kneeling.
"Shit you okay?" I ran over and helped her." Yeah leg got stuck is all.
"I helped her maneuver it it out of the hole, when she muttered a thanks I snatched the potion that was left behind and ran to catch up with Cloud and Barret. Going up the steps I found a lot of fighter bot parts and security personnel laying dead around the place. When I got to the top I saw they both just got to the elevator with Jessie in back
."Room for one more?" I rolled in while we started to ascend the shaft. We reached the top and Jessie bolted to decipher the door, right after that we had Biggs decipher his when everyone started to book it out to the walkway with Wedge in the distance waving to us. Jessie tried to run fast but tripped halfway through. Me and Cloud helped here up and started to the door when we could here the electric cackles behind us. We entered Wedges door just when the whole place went to hell. You could feel the shock-waves go through the whole building as the explosion shook a few minuets everything calmed down. With Cloud and Barret standing around while I was sitting down catching my breath on a piece of debris.
"That should keep the planet going...at least a little longer."
"Yeah" Wedge pitched in.
"And you guys act like its just a regular fucking Tuesday... you guys are dicks." I huffed, still out of breath. Which made everyone chuckle a little bit. Jessie stood from he debris pile.
"Okay, now everyone get back." Everyone crowded around me as the next explosive got rid of a huge chunk of wall for us all to jump out of. Everyone did pretty well except Wedge who ran with a small fire on his pants. It was a little funny."Alright, lets get out of here. Rendezvous at sector eight station." everyone split off except for Cloud and Barret.
"H-Hey." Cloud yelled but Barret interrupted.
"If its about your money, save it till weir back at the hideout." Barret runs off leaving Cloud a little dejected.
"Hey dude. You need to calm down. Enjoy the finer things in life, like not getting blown up twice." He shook his head and motioned for me to follow him. As we ran through the streets I noticed everything was in general chaos. I noticed Cloud look to his right and see a girl brushing dust off her dress. It was Aeris, in all her sunshine in the darkness of the world attitude. At least we had something to brighten up our day.
"Excuse me, what happened?" She asked. Cloud walked was in thought for a second before he responded.
"Nothing...hey listen...you don't see many flowers around here." She smiled.
"Oh these? Do you like them? There only a gil." Cloud looked down at the basket of flowers.
"...I guess I'll take one." Cloud handed over the one gil coin and got a very nice sunflower.
"Thank you." Cloud said.
"Excuse me, but could I get a few of those flowers too?" I pulled out five gil coins and held out my hand.
"of cours..." Aeris breath caught in her throat when she got a good look at me. I felt a little self conscious since she was staring at me so intently.
"I'm sorry, is something wrong?" I asked. She shook her head.
"Its nothing important you just seemed a little...never mind, just take the flowers." She then took the five gil and and handed me my flowers before she walked off at a hurried pace
."Okay now that was a little weird." I said. Cloud snorted.
"Maybe its all the soot on your face, you seem pretty suspicious with it covering most of you, at least I only have a little." I rubbed my cheek and found my fingers were covered in total black.
"Come on we're going to miss the train" We start running again until we get to a clearing.
"HOLD IT" I turned to see to men in uniforms yelling at muttered something about Shinra soldiers.
"Cloud we have to leave now or we are screwed." He nodded and we ran with them trying to shoot from the ally way. I looked to our right and saw three more turn in our direction.
"Just keep running." Cloud and me took a sharp left only to find another group of Mps. When we tried to double back we found all of our fronts covered.
"That's as far as you go." One stepped up.
"I don't have time to be messing with you guys." Cloud started backing up to the wall I was on. In the distance I could hear the train...but it seemed really far off. I needed to by us more time. An idea popped up in my head. It was something I thought was odd in the game. Materia was an extremely powerful force of magic, so why couldn't people try creative uses for them?
"Enough babbling. Get them!" I pulled out the fire materia and clasped it near my mouth. God I hope this works...well if it doesn't I'll at least sound cool.
"Dragon Breath!" I concentrated on the materia and took a deep breath, when the guards we close I blew as hard as I could into it. The small ball appearing in my hand suddenly became a small stream of flame which I quickly started waving around. All the guards were taken back and were either burned or pulling out their guns.
"Nathan! Jump for it!" I turned and hoped the wall with Cloud, and managed to stay on the train as it went down the tunnel.
(Meanwhile)
The rest of the gang were in the cargo section of the train. A depressing air among them since their two newest recruits weren't around.
"Cloud and Nathan never made It to the train." Wedge broke the silence.
"...Do you think they were killed?" Biggs had a worrying expression
"Hell no!" Barret shut him right up.
"Cloud...Nathan..."Everyone looked up as they heard a bump
"FUCK MY HEAD!" I tried to rub it but Cloud kept pulling me.
"I told you to duck."
"Say, do you think their both...Going to fight to the end for AVALANCHE?" Biggs was trying to lighten up the mood.
"The hell I know? Do I look Like a mind reader?" He slammed his fist.
"If y'all weren't such screw ups." Barret was feeling a twinge of guilt himself. He let two guys new to Midgar without any decent directions and now having blown up a reactor to find the station on their own.
"Hey Barret! What about our money." A single slam shut Wedge up.
"uh nothin...sorry."
Cloud and me were just a few steps away from the door. When another sign tried to speed by and knocked Cloud back.
"Ahhh...!"
"I thought you said to duck?" I slammed down on the roof to dodge another.
"Keep laughing it up kid, at least you have those goggles to see." He fell once more before we got onto the side of the door. Cloud upend it from the top and did his flippy trick thing from the game. I opted to get in by sliding down. Only to lose my footing and trip in on my face.
"Fuck my life." My words were unheard though.
"CLOUD! NATHAN!" Everyone except Barret brushed a little dust of his sleeve.
"Looks like I'm a little late."
"I told you to ask for directions Clouds." I smiled while I moved my goggles to down my neck. Thank god I kept them I would have been blinded by those lights if it weren't in my pocket.
"You damn right your late! Come waltzing in here, making a big scene!"
"Its no big deal, just what I always do." You know this is Clouds first mission as a mercenary. How can he think he's that awesome?
"SHIT!, Having everyone worried like that, you two don't give a damn bout no one but yourselves." Barret yelled.
"Awwww come on Barret will a hug make everything better?" I smiled.
"hmmm, you were worried about us?" Barret was thrown back.
"WHA, that's it I'm takin it outta your money, hot stuff!" He looked over.
"AND YOU!"
"Come on Barret, you know I care I just like to ruffle your feathers." He walked up to the front.
"WAKE UP! We're moving out. Follow me." He jumped over some cargo and went into the next cab. Wedge went next, telling Cloud how good he was, along with Biggs who said we would do better.
"Be careful, I'll shut this." I turned and saw Jessie close the door. When she turned she took a good look at both of us.
"Oh guys, your faces are pitch black!" She wiped both of out faces a little with her gloves.
"That's better...and hey, thanks for helping me at the reactor guys." She jumped over as well.
Cloud and myself nodded before we went into the next heard the announcement saying it was like 12:30 or something. Inside I saw the trio hanging up front with Cloud being called over by Jessie. I took this as down time so I sat in the seat across from Barret. At one point small alarms and lights started flashing, making me jump in my seat. Barret was laughing away
."Don't worry kid, the ID ya got is gunna make sure your alright." Sure enough the lights went out and everyone calmed down. Cloud was walking over when Barret started talking again.
"Look you can see the surface now...this city don't have no night or day...if the plate weren't there we could see the sky.." Cloud leaned over and looked out the window.
"A floating city, what unsettling scenery."
"Huh didn't expect to here that outta someone like you, your jus full of surprises." He got up and walked over to the front.
"The upper world...a city on a plate. Its cuz of that fucking 'pizza' that the people underneath are suffering." He had this remorseful look on his face
"And the city below is full of polluted air...and to top that off the reactor keeps draining up all the energy."
"The castle in the sky isn't as amazing as everyone hoped it would be." I chimed men glanced at me before continuing their conversation.
"Why doesn't everyone move onto the plate?" Cloud asked. Barret shrugged.
"Dunno, maybe cuz they ain't got no money or maybe...cuz they love there land, no matter how polluted it gets." Cloud looked out the window again.
"I know, no one lives in the slums because they don't want to. Its like this train, It can't go anywhere except where the tracks take it."
"Not true, with enough determination anything can get off its forced path." I chimed in, I know for a fact if you speed a train off a turn it will keep moving...I better not say that's why I said that since it was idiot logic.
"You really believe that?' Barret asked. I remembered one of the things that was supposed to happen was Aeris death, but even that could be changed. My arms tightened up at the thought.
"Every person tells a story, not just their own either. And every narrator changes the story just a little, which can mean the difference between being stuck or moving on your own." Everyone nodded their head at my comment. I guess a bunch of freedom fighters would get what I say.
"By the way." Cloud turned and sat
"What kind of sword do you have?" I was confused.
"What do you mean?"
"Well, The technique you used to kill the machine was something I've never heard of, also you don't have any materia slots for the blade."
"Yeah, that was a little odd" Barret noted. I started sweating, The sword wasn't from this game so it had powers that didn't match with how people fought here. At least I am a good liar.
"Its made from materia." I unsheathed it.
"Fusion here is embedded with an enemy skill materia." Biggs made a low whistle.
"Don't here much about materia based weapons and armor anymore, well besides ribbons." I quickly thought of an excuse.
"My dad used to work in Midgar, he helped manufacture the broadswords that the SOLDIERS used, this was one of his side projects."
"Damn, and you didn't get into the business with him?" Barret asked .I shook my head.
"He quit around twenty years ago, he still knew the tricks of the trade so he made weapons and sold them to get around, he eventually moved and met my mother in Medeel."
"And he just gave it to you?" Cloud asked.
"...Not really, he and ma died around two years ago, I kept it on me since it was the last thing he made."
"Sorry..I didn't mean to press." Cloud recoiled.
"Its fine, They were good parents." There was a minute of silence
."Hey, you said it was enemy skill materia right?" Biggs asked.
"Yeah."
"Why does it glow purple?" Fuck didn't think that through.
"It was only the base, a few speed materia as well as some magic were thrown in since it is hard sometimes to learn from enemy's.
""So the Air-slash was something you saw once?" Cloud asked.
"Yep, pretty neat ability when the time arises, I had average strength, so fusions compensation for speed and magic really fit into my style."
"But what about that fire breathing you did earlier?" Cloud noted. Barret looked at me.
"Fire breathing?" I waved my hand.
"I always apply materia differently than how they are normally used, versatility was also one of my specialties, when you try to get to Midgar sometimes its not if you DO a technique more as HOW you do it." Everyone nodded and went about their business. Damn everyone was sharper than you could take them for, no one wanted a hole in a story. They wanted to make sure you could be train ride was a little boring. I wanted to listen to my IPod but I decided against it. If these guys only had PHS' then my cell was already a good ten years ahead since it had WI-FI and a built in keypad. I didn't need to make it harder to lie to them. Instead I opted on whistlin. It was kinda funny to see Barret tapping his foot to the beat of it, and Cloud bob his head a little. After a few more minutes we got to the sector seven station. We all ran out and huddled together near the lam post.
"Everyone get to the hideout." Barret said before we all started jogging to the bar. Cloud and me were in the back of the group so when we got to the slums we saw a huge group of people get kicked out by Barret with Tifa coming bowing and apologizing.
"Heh heh, You wanna meet your little baby?" Barret smirked. I almost busted a gut at the joke
."Just get out of my way." Cloud was not about to play any jokes apparently
."Just calm down, we don't need people suspecting us...go on in." Cloud went up when I stopped in front of Barret.
"Here man." I pulled out the flowers I had and handed them to Barret.
"And what the hell am I gunna do with these?"
"Oh I dunno, maybe give them to your daughter as a present? After all, her father is in a very dangerous business. It would be nice to receive a gift every now and again from her dad." He looked down at the flowers and back up at me.
"You know Nate, your a decent guy."
"Its nothing, I just like to do nice things."
"We need more people like you in these slums Nate. I really mean that."
"AWWWW you look like a big ol teddy bear when you say that,." He chuckled and walked into the bar, I came in a few seconds later and saw Cloud sitting awkwardly on the table. I looked and saw Marlene and Tifa both with some flowers. Marlene ran up and hugged my legs though.
"Thank you mister River sir." I smiled and looked at Barret who smirked.
"You thought I was gunna take all the credit?" I shook my head and patted Marlene's. She ran of and Barret picked her up and went down the elevator along with the trio and Cloud going down. I waved to Tifa and jumped down too.
"Yo Cloud, there something I wanna ask. Was their anyone from SOLDIER fighting us today." She asked. He shook his head.
"None, I'm positive." He dead panned.
"You sound pretty sure." Barret said.
"If there were any you wouldn't be standing here." Cloud stated coldly.
"Don't go thinkin you bad cuz you was in SOLDIER." Biggs kept Barret back from getting to Cloud, only to be knocked into my pile of boxes.
"Biggs if you want a nap you have to ask to use my bed." I joked.
"Whatever Nathan." He groaned.
"Yeah your strong, probably all those SOLDIER guys are. But don't forget your skinny ass works for AVALANCHE now. Don't get any ideas about hanging with Shinra." Barret yelled. Cloud turned and he looked PISSED
"Staying with Shinra? You asked me a question and I answered it, that's all." Cloud walked and got right in Barret's face.
"I'm going upstairs. I want to talk about my money." He walked only to bump into Tifa.
"Wait Cloud.
""Tifa let him go...looks like he still misses Shinra." Barret hissed. Cloud only scrunched his face.
"SHUT UP, I don't care about Shinra or SOLDIER!" He walked to the machine.
"Don't get me wrong, I don't care about AVALANCHE or the planet neither." He then went back up top. Everyone was silent until Tifa decided to go up as well.
"Bad move dude." I broke the silence.
"That was a little harsh Barret" Wedged put in.
"Doesn't matter to me, he can deal with whatever he wants, since he's SOLDIER and all." He went back to beating the punching bag."Barret you don't get the severity of Clouds situation." He looked at me.
"What do you mean?" He asked.
"How often do you see a retired SOLDIER First Class?" I asked him. He pondered when I spoke again.
"Damn near zero, Shinra is very protective of their security and there assets and a First Class would be deemed an important asset."
"Nathan...what are you getting at..." Jessie spoke up.I paused before I spoke again. If I'm going to be on this team then everyone will have to get along. Otherwise people like Cloud and Barret would tear each others throats before we Could stop Sephiroth.
"He's a fugitive to them...Shinra probably has a warrant for his head. At least that's how I think it is." Barret looked down after hearing what I said. He then went and started climbing the pipes up to give Cloud his money.
"You really think he's on the run?" Jessie looked worried
."Almost positive...but I have been wrong before even when I was 100% sure about something." Even though I knew I was right since the game had events orchestrated before I came here. The elevator went up and came down with Cloud. He waled to his side of the wall and sat down. I guess he needs his rest for tomorrow mornings attack. You know blowing up a gigantic power-station really tires you out. I felt my eyelids get heavy as sleep overtook me.
(Next day)
I woke up early even though I only had about five hours of sleep. Everyone had breakfast and the trio left while Cloud,Barret, and Tifa were standing around. I was on the bar-stool enjoying another glass of lemonade.
"Our targets the sector five reactor. Head for the station first. I'll fill you in on the train...and Cloud, before the next mission I wanna ask you something" Barret asked. Cloud raised an eyebrow.
" I don't really know how to use materia! I want you to teach me how." Cloud looked down.
"You wouldn't understand."
"So that's what makes them guys in SOLDIER so great huh!" I spun around.
"Barret don't worry about it, I'll give you a crash course." In less than ten minutes I gave him a basic rundown like the games tutorial, but I added in how you have to concentrate as well as be calm.
"I think I get it...but you should hold onto the materia." I shrugged.
"I'm coming too, and Cloud, the weapon shop owner said he wants to give something to you. Don't forget." She walked back to the counter.
"Marlene take care of the shop while we're gone." Wait wait wait back the fuck up? I didn't question this when it was a game but seriously? You leave a four year old in charge of a bar?
"How is this in anyway a good idea?" They looked at me.
"You guys are letting a little girl keep tabs on a bar? Is anyone thinking right now?" They all looked down at the point I was making.
"Then I guess your gunna have to protect her while we're gone then Nathan." Tifa smiled.
"WAIT WHAT?"
"You take care of my daughter while we are gone. Good bye Nate!" They all left before I could get a word in edge wise. Marlene came up and took my face for one as depression rather than shock.
"Its okay, I'm used to it." Marlene said while cleaning a glass.
"No no Its my fault...just not used to Midgar yet." I got up and decided to help Marlene with the shop. I cleaned the dishes first when it was open while we were gone as well as get some liquors out the cellar to restock what wasn't in the counter. Eventually it got to the point where I was just messing around with my fire and restore materias, but even then I started messing with random objects in the bar.
"Please don't play with fire fire extinguisher." God Damn it Marlene was on my ass today.
"I'm only looking." Actually trying to figure out how to shoot it when the instructions are rusted off.
"Its too old, the only thing that could work is the fire blanket." She wandered off to do whatever four year old's do in a bar.I took a look and found the fire blanket in a metal case. I pulled out my materia and cast a small fire spell, sure enough it help up against the flames. Something clicked in my head at that moment. I folded the blanket up and put it under my shirt.
"Marlene I'm going to get a few things for when everyone comes back!" I yelled and went out the door. Following what knowledge soon I got to the weapons shop. Right next to me being the counter to my left and the deafening firing rang to my right.
"Hey what do ya need?" The owner behind the counter asked
."I want a bangle, and I want to ask if you make custom accessory's." From the fights yesterday I pocketed around 200 gil so I was at 400.
"That will be 160 gil, and yes I do make some custom weapons."
"I want one fighting glove, however could you use this as a secondary layer?" I pulled out the blanket and the weapons store owner looked it over.
"It can be done, in fact its easy enough I can get it to you in a few minutes." He said feeling the blanket.
"Good now how much do I owe you?"
"For just patching it 100, but if you want some good quality to it, it'll will be 150."
"I'll give you 240 gil if you put a lot of effort into it." His eyes brightened up at the extra incentive.
"One flame resistant glove coming right up." He took the blanket and a pair of gloves from the back and went into a side room. It took the guy a good twenty minutes before he came back out.
"Here you are, I even made the other glove the same since your paying a decent amount." I took both and slipped them on. They went past my wrists but were easy to move in.
"What are you going to use them for anyway? I've heard of using these blankets to get flame dampening armor, but not the way you seem to want them for."
"They are for an experiment, and if everything goes right then these baby's are going to be one of the most powerful thins in my arsenal." I paid the man the rest of my gil, clasped the bangle on with fire inside of it, and got back to the bar. I was scolded by Marlene for taking something that could help in case of a fire. She backed down when I said I would buy another one later. After that the day seem to go by with the same routine as before.
"Could you clean the floor, its hard for me to do."
"No problem." I got a mop and bucket and started. However it got boring my better judgment I pulled out my IPod and set it on the table. I turned the speakers to as loud as they could be and chose a song to mop to. The violins and the opening beat got me to cleaning when I started sing the song as well.
"I used to rule the world, seas would rise when I gave the word. Now in the morning I sleep alone, sweep the streets I used to own"
I was swaying back and forth and stomping my foot to get almost the exact sound out of the floor to the beat.
"I used to roll the dice, feel the fear in my enemy's eyes. Listen as the crowd would sing, now the old king is dead, long live the king" I heard a shuffle behind me but I ignored it.
"One minute I held the key, next the walls were closed on me. And I discovered that my castles stand, upon pillars of salt and pillars of sand" I really started to get into it. I was swaying completely to the beat while cleaning the floor. Pretty silly, but I was enjoying myself.
"I hear Jerusalem bells a-ringing, Roman cavalry choirs are singing. Be my mirror, my sword and shield, my missionaries in a foreign field. For some reason I can't explain, once you'd gone there was never...Never an honest word. And that was when I ruled the world" I really started vocalizing after this. I could feel every note course through my veins. And much like the song almost half the floor was done.
"It was a wicked and wild wind, blew down the doors to let me in. Shattered windows and the sound of drums, people couldn't believe what I'd become. Revolutionaries wait, for my head on a silver plate, Just a puppet on a lonely string. Oh, who would ever want to be king?" I was just dancing around now. The floor was good enough.
"I hear Jerusalem bells a-ringing, Roman cavalry choirs are singing. Be my mirror, my sword and shield, my missionaries in a foreign field, for some reason I can't explain I know St. Peter won't call my name. Never an honest word, but that was when I ruled the world. I Hear Jerusalem bells a-ringing, Roman cavalry choirs are singing. Be my mirror, my sword and shield, my missionaries in a foreign field. For some reason I can't explain, I know St. Peter won't call my name. Never an honest word, but that was when I ruled the world" I looked at my handy work and found the floor nearly spotless. And over by the table next to my IPod was a very shocked Marlene.
"You have a nice voice." I looked away.
"Thanks."
"Hey what is this?" She pointed to my tech.
"Something I made." I quickly lied. " Its a portable music device.
She seemed in shock an awe st the small piece of machinery. "You made it?"
"Yeah...I dabble in tech." I quickly turned the device off and tucked it in my pants.
"I'll let you listen to it again if your a good girl." Her eyes brightened up at my promise.
"Okay mister River!" She went to do what ever she was doing before. It made me smile, I always got along with kids and people older than me, it just was my personality I guess. I put away my mop and bucket and chilled on one of the benches for a time. I was relaxed until I saw Barret and Tifa walked in looking exhausted.
"Shit guys! You alright...wait...where is Cloud?" I ask knowing full well where he really was.
"Nathan...Cloud might be gone..."