The Stranger from the Sky

by acebrainbuster

An odd gamer is enjoying a classic when due to his anger and a strange storm cause him to fall in his favorite game! Will he be able to make his favorite story a happier one or will he cause a calamity for his mistakes? rated T for language- Self Insert

51. Chapter 51

Pre-note check the bottom, there is a poll notification.

ch 51

"Meteor will fall in two weeks time." There is a certain kind of finality that appears when one hears a line like that from an old man. Something media can't quite encapsulate with how the weight shifts in a room, being told you are guaranteed death in such a short time. It puts life in perspective and makes one wonder what they did with it, something that a man who was fifty something and a sixteen year old in the same group shouldn't have to contemplate but then again...here we are.

"...Do you two want to see Cosmo canyon again?" Cloud asked Nanaki and Bugenhagen. Both nodded their heads. Cloud then turned to Barret.

"Do you want to see Marlene, right?"

"Don't ask me that." Barret bit back but calmed down right after with an apologetic look. I would have to agree with him, it was in somewhat bad taste to give that choice to everyone.

"We'll beat Sephiroth, then if we don't release the power of Holy in fourteen days there won't be a planet to protect. If we don't beat Sephiroth then we're as good as dead.

"Honestly we are far better off than what was originally scheduled. I remember the time limit being one week, not two." I added. I mostly interrupted because Cloud's speech was a little depressing from what I remember. It was better to keep spirits as high as possible for the work we had cut out for us.

"Only one? What changed then?" Bugenhagen asked. I shrugged.

"What I can think of is that with me along I was able to cut out times you guys wasted searching around the world for things. Flying around looking for Cloud, getting a key in the ocean to figure out the Holy materia in the ancient city. All that added up to extra time that we need because we have a lot of clean up before Sephiroth." It was odd to me, considering how events played out fairly the same. Was this all event driven or just a coincidence that time didn't play a factor until now?

"In any case we should all get our affairs together. We all have to know what we're fighting for." I looked at Cloud to continue.

"For me...its a personal feud. I want to beat Sephiroth and settle my past. Saving the planet just happens to be apart of that. Nathans right, we're all fighting for ourselves...for ourselves and that someone...something...whatever is important to us. That's what we fight for, that's why we keep up the battle for the planet." Everyone nodded.

"You're right...it sounded cool to say it was for the planet. But I was the one who blew up that Mako reactor. Looking back now I know it wasn't the right way to do things. I made a lot of friends and innocent bystanders suffer. At first it was revenge against Shinra for attacking my town. But now...I'm fighting for Marlene, for her and her future. I want to save the planet for her sake."

"Go and see her. Make sure you're right, then come back. All of you, get off the ship and find out your reason for yourselves. I want everyone to make sure, then I want you back."

"Maybe ain't none of us'll come back. Meteors gonna fall anyway so how bout we forget all this useless struggling."

"I know why I'm fighting." Cloud told Cid. "I'm fighting to save the planet and my own personal vendetta. What about you all? That's why I want everyone to find that something in yourselves. If you can't then that's okay too. I won't hold it against you if you don't come back, so wherever you need to be do it now while we have time." Everyone wondered after that, thinking on Clouds words as they went to think. The only ones left were Cloud, Tifa, and myself staring out the window.

"Everyone will be back. I don't need future knowledge to tell you that. But everyone needs this, it will make them fight harder."

"And what about you Nate? Do you have a reason to fight?" Tifa asked as she messed with her newly acquired ultimate weapons, I shrugged.

"Plenty of them. To see you all live, an obligation to reach the ending I haven't personally seen, survival, its all there. But I need this time too, maybe then I can find what will drive me to stand with you all."

"You already are with us Nathan. I can't imagine this group without you." Cloud's words make me chuckle.

"You guys used to be titans to me when I was younger. Hell by technicality I'm older than your entire universe because I was born four years before the game you guys are based off of came out. But after being with you all for these past months, and hearing those words...thank you. Truly thank you. You two do what you're going to do. I have my own things to get to." Leaving them alone I made my way to my room. Once my door was closed I sat down on my bed. I sigh escaped me as I looked out into the rapidly flying by landscape.

It had been a long time since I thought about my purpose in the world, mine or otherwise. Everything started as adventure. See the world with my own eyes, fight for the sake of fighting, experience the world how no one else could as an outsider. In a very short time it became about being a hero. Fight the good fight, help those in need, do right and make a difference...no THE difference in the world. Now...now it was about me and honestly out of all the reasons I listed now and before none of it seemed right.

With what time we had everyone would go out and find what they needed before we had to get to work. Before Sephiroth we needed to see if the WEAPONS got their shit together and considering everything I highly doubted that so that was another series of strategies I would have to come up with for everyone. Then came briefing on the travel through the Crater before a whole other thing on Jenova and Sephiroth being near godly in power.

"Fuck." I held my head in my hands as I tried to remember every little bit of it all. I loved Final Fantasy and I had memorized near everything about the world before I was sucked in. But even these few months going through the motions the fact was I had been spotty at times when it would have been crucial for us to have that knowledge. Granted I worked best under pressure but all it would take would be one missed detail that would be the difference in life or death.

I got up and searched the desk opposite the door. It was fairly plain with two drawers but I found a pen and notebook as I sat down. I started to plan out what I did know and actually take time to work it all through. Putting it out physically helped a lot as I continued. Perhaps an hour went by before a small stack of notes was next to me as I took a breather. It was everything I had on all of the battles we would face in bullet points but they were there mostly to remind me of the bigger facts after all. Idly I tapped the pen before my hand stopped and a thought crossed me.

It seemed silly at first but what bothered me was the fact that I hadn't actually written anything in months. I liked to type out little scenarios and stories in my off time and even during class if I could get away with it. I knew I wanted to be a storyteller and had even toyed with the idea of posting my first little fanfiction to see how the internet would take me before I had been sucked into Gaia. Now would be an odd time to do so, but instead of what I had planned...a memoir instead? No more like a chronicle of what happened. The more I thought about it the more I felt compelled to try. They only problem I had was how to start it.

"A tale that came to life, one I thought fiction but now a reality." I spoke out loud. I shook my head at that. I couldn't write this as if I was an outsider. I was with everyone since the beginning and showing how I had knowledge that didn't make sense wouldn't be how I would want this read. I needed to capture a moment that grips a reader.

"Listen to their story..." I cut myself off again. I didn't want to rip off anything from any of the other fantasy's. If I was going to do this right I needed to do justice to them and myself. I was as much a part of this as everyone else. I had to make sure that every past of each person I had come to know was going to be expanded upon. It wouldn't be until later in my writing but the start had to set the tone I was going for. This wasn't just an explanation of motives or a log of what we had done. This was going to be a story, a tale that showed the hardships and trials we all went through to get where we were.

This was a series of lifetimes, all captured into moments that changed the fate of the world. I had to write ten different lives and tell people about us. Show everyone that we weren't just terrorists, eco-maniacs, or an eclectic band of misfits. Everyone had their own origin, their own story that would be told here to explain what we had to do. It all needed a focal point, one moment that got the ball rolling into the legend I was going to take up the duty of writing. So I thought about the origins of characters and what crystallized their legacy. Like how a would be king was found in a barrel, an orphan child wanting to lead a village, a teenager becoming a god of death, a boy with a tail being found by an old man.

I wasn't thinking when the first sentence was written. I stared at it as I tried to think of anything better that gave the same feel as those I remembered. What little of a perfectionist in me kept thinking it wasn't the perfect start but as I read it over and over I decided to settle on it for the moment. I had plenty of time to revise it in the future, after we got done with the adventure. I had to believe I had time, and that this could be one small reason to keep going. After all I hated to have a story that had never been finished.

"There was a man at the train station." A man with a false past, a man with five years stolen from him, a man with vengeance in his heart. The man who was found by a childhood friend, who knew a father with a bloody past. All who met a flower girl and a beast that weren't human. People that traveled and brought along a warrior princess across the sea to find a fortune telling doll, a veteran reaching for the stars and a crestfallen guard turned monster...

And of course along for the ride they had the kid who just wanted to be something, a hero maybe, like the others... yeah... yeah that would do for a start...

Time flew as I continued writing. The landscape went by as pages were added to the pile, starting with my experiences in Midgar much like a traveler would write about a new city. I quickly found out that shortening the experiences to get to the good parts detracted a whole lot from what I wanted so time continued to pass as I tried to get all the important details in without a loss on what was going on in the background. Maybe I could just have sections dedicated to that stuff so everyone knew how certain events happened...in fact didn't nine do something like that?

"Nate." I was pulled away literally as a hand gripped my shoulder a little tight. I looked over my shoulder to see Yuffie staring at the pile of pages I had on the desk.

"I was knocking for a minute before coming in. Have you just been writing?"

"Yeah I got caught up. I wanted to chronicle our adventure so far. It seemed right to me."

"Its been five hours since you went here." Blinking I looked outside to see that the sun had indeed gone down some. I had forgotten how easy it was for me to get absorbed into writing since it had been so long.

"So it has. Sorry if I kept you waiting but I guess you have something important you wanted?"

"I'm heading back to Wutai." I nodded. I figured as much since it seemed like everyone wanted one last visit to their homes for what could be the last time.

"You should. We didn't spend much time there before, what with chasing you across everything. How much time is everyone being given?"

"Cid made the announcement two hours ago but I guess you missed it. We all have two days before we start to get picked back up and start this whole thing up again but that's not what I was here for." I rose an eyebrow. I turned to see her looking away before she looked back up at me.

"I want you to come with me. You don't have a place to go back too and it sounds depressing to have you sitting here while we all leave. Plus , like you said, you didn't get to enjoy it before. I want some more happy memories between us...just in case." In that moment I was grounded. Sure I didn't have anywhere to go but I hadn't really thought all that much about it. She sounded like she really wanted this too, how could I say no?

"...I would like that." There wasn't much else I could say to that but she beamed before she pulled my arm.

"Lets go tell Cid. He said he could be last to go since most of his crew has family in Rocket Town. I think we'll the last of the group to be dropped off." Being hoisted I followed along with a smile as we made our way through the Highwind.

"Excuse me." Right when we were going to to meet Cid we both stopped as Vincent appeared from a corner behind us.

"Yeah dude?" I tried to pull my arm away but Yuffie kept her grip tight so I just turned with her latched onto me.

"Nate...you said you knew where Lucrecia was." Ah that was it.

"Yeah, I'm guessing that's where you want to be then." He nodded. I turned and swung my head for him to follow. A door opened and we were in the front of the ship with the crew working away and Cid just standing in front of the large window, staring down the landscape as it flew by before he turned.

"Ya'll got places to be too." He was gruffer than usual. For the first time I could actually see age on Cid's face as he stood. The wrinkles on his face were much more pronounced than usual. I guess the guy had been thinking hard on his choices.

"Yeah, Wutai for me and Yuffie and I need a map to point out where Vincent's going. Has everybody else decided on where their going?"

"Cloud and Tifa ain't decided yet. Barret and Aeris are both going to Midgar and Red and the old man are going to Cosmo. Cait doesn't have to leave since he's a robot and I'm gonna park in Rocket town so most my crew can rest." We all walked over to the map spread out on the lower floor. I took a moment before I pointed on a large water landmark.

"Now what the hell is at Gaia's Mirror that you want to head there darkness?" I was confused at the name before I realized as big as it was the lake probably had a name I never knew about.

"Answers...and redemption. With Hojo now dead I can finally atone for the sins I have let gone by."

"Well there isn't much for landing if you want to go inside the basin. Its big but it still has risks for collision."

"We can do the same thing we did when we got the Knight's of the Round. Get as close as you can and we'll just use the rope ladders you have if there isn't anywhere that you can safely touch down close too. You going to be alright for two days Vince?" At his confirmation Cloud and Tifa came in with the latter noticing where I was pointing.

"Are you leaving as well Nate?"

"Yuffie wants me at Wutai. I have no reason not too, and maybe something will help me there." Yuffie hugged my arm a little tighter at that.

"Vince is heading here, you two got any place in mind?" Both shuffled at Cid's words.

"Not...particularly." Cloud said uncomfortably.

"Then you two can be the last stop with me. If you need alone time no one there will bother you."

"Cid...if you stay we can use the Highwind right? It'll be the only way to get to the Northern Crater and everything else..." The man shrugged.

"Fat lot of good it will do me if the worlds ending. I've had one plane stolen already, it don't matter to me." That made me frown. Cid wasn't really a nihilist by any means. I had to wonder what would make him change his mind in the end.

"In any case its time to start flying everyone. Get your shit together and enjoy it while you can." I excused myself at that. I packed up everything I thought necessary before going back to writing. I was more aware of my surroundings as time went by. A couple times the ship would stop for a few minutes before moving again. It was when I had a somewhat thick stack of papers that covered up to the rescue at Shinra HQ in detail that I heard a knock. I grabbed my travel pack and found Yuffie again as we made our way down to the lower deck this time. It was late afternoon outside as a couple of crew members unfurled the ladders to the ground. Climbing down I could see the tall pagoda's of the capital in the distance.

"Were a couple miles out. I asked Cid to drop us off here since everyone may not know the Highwind is ours now. Can't be attack coming home after all." Yuffie hopped off first as I followed. Despite the futility of the gesture I waved at the airship as it flew off.

"Lets go, it'll take an hour or two before we reach it." I nodded, even with the looming doom above us I would endeavor to enjoy what time I could with Yuffie. Hopefully everyone else would do the same, it was only two days but time was a precious commodity now, we deserved a moment to ourselves.

XXX

"It hasn't been long but I could swear Cosmo Canyon looks more beautiful than it did before. I haven't left in so long even a few days absence has made everything seem new again." Nanaki made an equivalent of a smile at his grandfathers words but he couldn't dispute him. Every time he came back on his journey he felt calm wash over him coming home every time.

"Home does have that effect on us. Will you be at the observatory then grandfather?"

"After I have taken the time to walk around the town. I was able to feel how low everyone's spirits were before we landed. I will take time to spread word of what you all are going to do so no one starts what they can not finish or burn to many bridges. How about yourself Nanaki, will you be participating in the final battle?"

"Yes, I can't run away from this. Being a coward now when I am needed most by the Planet and my friends would go against everything I have fought for." Bugenhagen nodded.

"As I suspected...Nanaki... I believe you should do something while you are here. Despite my positive beliefs you should still take this time now to resolve what has happened in your past." His ears peaked at that.

"I believe you should visit Deneh." That caused him to stop. He had only thought about her a few weeks before when Nate mentioned her. He didn't have much time to dwell on it though since they were running after Aeris.

"She's at the alter right? The Planet didn't reject her?" Bugenhagen continued walking as he followed just past the gate into Cosmo. The conversation was interrupted by a few people greeting them but his grandfather was able to answer questions quickly and get them some privacy at the town center.

"Despite only one guardian being available it seems the Planet was appeased. Even as long as I had known your parents this is unprecedented. If I had more time I would study it but in any case it will be good for both of you to meet again. You do still remember the way yes?" He did, it was deeper in the tall rising cliffs of Cosmo, the route was hazardous for humans since it had been made by his ancestors long ago with no inclination towards human travel. The only reason his grandfather had been there was because of his relationship with his mother and father who took the time to clear a path for him well before he had even been born.

"I do, it will take me a day however to get there and back."

"That is fine, I will be hear when you return. You can talk to everyone when you get back." Nanaki nodded before he left. It felt odd to leave just when he had gotten back but he had before and he would again in just a couple days.

"Needs must as the saying goes." He looked back at Cosmo before turning and sprinting to his destination. It felt good to run as he found out. Traveling was nice but the only ones who could have kept up with him would have been Cloud and perhaps Yuffie if he decided to go like he was now. It also was something that he took great enjoyment in. The inner most parts of him, the beast that he was, enjoyed something simple like this. Running, hunting, on the prowl as he arrived at some jagged cliffs that had no real footholds as he was able to effortlessly jump through as he followed the ancient path.

It felt good to be primal and feral again. Growling at monsters that would stray to close and hunting along the way to keep his energy up. In the company of humans he couldn't do so as much less he be mistaken for a monster as well. Time with his friends allowed him to enjoy communication and intelligent conversation, but it was restricting when they were in towns and he would have to be with someone to stave off fear by looking like a tamed animal.

The cliffs slowly shifted to caves that he was able to trod through with ease as he admired ancient ruins of his kind. Scratches made into images of his kind traversing lands with few painted colors, dug out holes with vegetation grown in them from disuse, ancient and now redundant pins of feather and fur scattered about as he passed. Hundreds of years worth of history for his tribe and others forever preserved without worry of being disturbed. He felt embraced as he felt the spirits of his ancestors welcome him back to his birth home. Children of earth, wind, and fire was the rough translation for his kind that his grandfather was able to make, as their native tongue was old and based of their more primal growls, barks, and hisses that had fallen some when his kind found they could communicate with humans.

Another time he would have felt unworthy of the feeling. Not believing himself a warrior and the cowardice he felt when it came his time to go through the ancient rite to be a guardian. Now he basked in it, the feeling flowing through him as he remember the year he had been trapped and the months he spent fighting for the Planet, understanding now he was a guardian in everything but name as he reached the deep recesses of his kinds holy chambers.

He didn't know when it had been made, but his forefathers had found that by choosing two to become guardians, protectors of their land and the planet that some magic would be evoked to protect them from evil intent as well as make their warriors strong and hunts plentiful. The inner chambers held depictions of bowing beasts surrounding a circle with waving scratches that showed the lifestream flowing freely on the world.

He hesitated to enter one cave entrance for a moment before he continued. This was where he had been kidnapped. This was where everything had changed for him, where Nanaki the coward became someone else. Where he would be taken across the sea to be tortured and rescued before he started to fight for what was his...

The cave opened up into a huge chamber with old stones creating a circle. Pins of his kinds greatest warriors placed and cemented where they had been accepted by the Planet and acknowledged as those who were its vanguard, and in the center he saw her.

The flame on her tail flickered larger than his. He remembered her being slightly bigger than he was but now he matched her in size after his journey. Her fur had changed from the red she held a year before to an orange that matched the flame she flicked back and forth. She sat there expectant but he could tell she was surprised by his visit, no doubt alerted by the same spirits that had greeted him.

"Nanaki." Her tone was soft, it didn't hold the bite he associated it with when he had seen her last.

"Deneh...it is good to see you."

"You've changed."

"For the better I hope. I have grown much in the time I was gone, I'm not who I used to be."

"Your scent gives off as much." She breathed deeply at that. "You have many scents that linger on you. It used to be Bugenhagen's that was the only one that stuck. You have been with humans for some time now."

"I...have found a pack I suppose. Those that I fight for and that fight for me."

"They are strong scents, as is yours. You have been up to much while you have been gone." He turned his head at that. She chuckled as she shifted her paws.

"The ritual allows me to feel the Planet more than I have before. I have felt you through your torture, your journey and battles. You have grown stronger from your old whimpering self." He looked away. She still found that ability to make him feel like a cub even after being away for so long.

"Thank you." He was surprised at those words as well. Deneh never thanked him for anything, she always berated him and made him feel small before he was taken and hearing those words come from her was almost alien.

"For protecting me and going on to protect others. You really have grown from the frightened pup I knew. The world is near an end and you choose to fight against a power that is immense. The Planet is scared, but it has much hope for you and yours. You have become a fine warrior and guardian Nanaki so know you have earned my respect." He was quiet for a moment as she got up and repositioned herself. Her tail flicking back and forth near her old spot.

"Come, stay with me, if only temporarily."

"But the rite-"

"Allows guardians to leave if they feel unworthy, by their decision or the Planets. You have to leave to fight, to be a protector. Take this time to feel the Planets warmth, let it embrace you. Perhaps it will be a boon for you." Nodding he went next to her and sat down. Already he felt energy pass through him as the stones around them glowed. With two guardians now the magic in the circle increased as his senses expanded.

They continued talking through the last vestiges of the day and well into the night. The need for sleep eluded him as the Planet sustained him. He explained his adventures with is friends as he felt the souls of his ancestors pass through him. They would judge and each found him worthy. He could feel the Planets core, primal power tinged with intelligence gathered from thousands of years worth of lives, as it took him in and whispered to him clearer than ever before. He felt the hope Deneh mentioned, he heard distant cheers of those that knew his cause. The feelings only intensified as night turned to day and he saw rays of light shine into the chamber.

He felt regret as he bid his farewell. As he step out of the circle the whispers died down and he could no longer feel his ancestors as he was given a parting gift, knowledge on the technique Nate had mentioned so long ago back in Nibelheim. He thanked them as he left, knowing he would need it in time.

He could still feel the Planets approval of him though as he left and made his way back to Cosmo Canyon. He arrived back to his home late into the afternoon as he re-greeted its citizens. Slowly he made his way up the hills back to his grandfathers home.

"Grandfather? I'm back."

"Second floor Nanaki." Jumping up from the kitchen area he saw Bugenhagen sitting on his couch as the old man sipped some tea he had smelled coming in.

"I trust everything went well." Bugen smiled. Nanaki sat opposite of him from the table.

"It did. Seeing Deneh again and feeling the Planet help immensely."

"Good...that is good. I trust all affairs are in order then, except one." The sage set his tea down as he walked over to his bed. He bent to retrieve something before he sat in front of Nanaki with a small box in his hands.

"Nanaki, I had planned to give this to you on your birthday but after you were taken I missed the opportunity. Now though I feel it is right and necessary." He opened the box and pulled out a hair pin. He beckoned Nanaki over before he took his old one and placed it behind his ear.

"The Limited Moon. This was left to me by your parents to give to you when you became strong. It is a relic from your kinds history. Passed down from warrior to warrior, usually the alpha of a clan. Despite its age it houses great power. You will need this for the rest of your journey."

"You aren't coming back grandfather?" The old man shook his head.

"I can handle only so much Nanaki. I'm not as spry as I used to be, but your group has given me so much in so little time. I will spend the rest of my time here, at home." Nanaki nodded.

"Thank you grandfather. I will treasure this. When this is all over I'll return and we can watch the stars like we used too."

"That would be...nice." Bugenhagen said awkwardly before shaking his head. "For now though get your rest. You'll need your energy, good night Nanaki."

"Good night grandfather." Nanaki made his way down and out of the building. When he heard his door close Bugenhagen sighed as he got up from his bed. He took his tea and gently floated down to clean everything.

"It...would have been nice Nanaki." He finished up as he looked up the ladder to the second floor. Bugenhagen levitated halfway up before a coughing fit hit him. He grabbed onto the ladder as he steadied himself. Calming down he shook his head as he looked up and climbed past his room to the third floor. He sat himself down as he adjusted the telescope. It took him a few tries to finally focused it right so he could stare at the stars right.

"I wish you all the best of luck Nanaki. Goddess bless you all because you'll need it for whats to come."

XXX

The walk through sector five was thankfully short for Aeris and Barret as they continued through ruins of sector six as they reached Wallmarket. Aeris stayed close to Barret as they walked through crowds of people that had started to frequent the location. Fights would break out frequently before they were just as swiftly stopped by the Shinra mp's that had now been stationed there. Ever since Shinra instigated martial law Midgar's citizens had been getting restless. The lack of anything being done about Meteor and the death of almost all of Shinra's CEO's had kicked off chaos and crime far faster than Shinra could handle. Looting, murder, riots, it took everything the police forces and Shinra could spare to even keep some semblance of order as people panicked.

There first run through to get Tifa's gloves was short so the full impact didn't hit Aeris as hard as it did now that they had to walk through the majority of the crowds. Stores were shut down or over run, Bars were filled past the brim with drunks, gangs were running around. Since she had lived here she'd never seen or felt so much disparity.

"This way, we'll avoid the crowd and guards." Barret pulled her aside into an ally nway. A gunshot rang out from the street they were on as people began to shout and run. A squad of guards ran by the ally entrance as Aeris looked back.

"Everyone is going mad."

"Everything seems hopeless to them, if they knew about the deadline it would be much worse than it is now." They continued through, passing crumbled buildings and a few secluded shops that were boarded up. They even passed by two woman who were borderline indecent how they were dressed. The both of them walked by briskly with cat calls made to the both of them. Slowly the sounds of Wallmarket faded as they entered the privately owned parts of sector six. Most of the buildings around them were warehouses owned by Shinra or other corporations for storage. Still she saw windows broken and items scattered around that had been stolen and then abandoned or the occasional barrel fire inside those buildings with a large amount of homeless people in them.

"Where did Cait say that the place was located again?" Barret asked her.

"Its a building that will have a sign saying its owned by Bradburton construction company. The map Cait drew is a little crude but it looks like we're heading in the right direction. He said all of the surrounding buildings would be newer looking buildings compared to the rest." That brought her thoughts to Reeve. From the bits and pieces of conversation she had picked up he had his hands full. He had been released from incarceration and made president before everyone dumped their problems onto him. He had put every person on Shinra's payroll to work to keep the peace as best they could while he tried to come up with a plan to evacuate everyone in the short time frame they had.

"Think anybody's guarding the place?"

"Kunsel at least, Cait did say he had a few people that wanted to help though." Barret shook his head at that.

"Everyone better be okay. I'm tired of dealing with everything." She placed a hand on his shoulder. He stopped and looked back at her. Not for the first time she saw how tired he looked.

"They're in good hands. You can trust Reeves judgment." Time went by as they navigated the maze like roads that kept the warehouses. They had almost passed by the building they were looking for before she glanced up and found the ownership sign on the top corner of the building.

"Its here." Barret stopped and looked up as well before he turned. Walking up to the front entrance he banged on the metal door with his gun arm. The clangs echoed down the deserted streets as they waited. She heard a shuffle above her as she glanced to see three red dots looking back in the darkness.

"Back door." Was the only thing the familiar males voice spoke before the dots disappeared. Barret lead ahead with his gun ready as they circled around the building. They found a truck dock as one of the large garage doors opened with a SOLDIER stepping out.

"Quick, never know who's watching." Kunsel waved them in. The inside of the building was filled pallets and crates with jacks scattered around. Kunsel closed the door and locked it before turning back to them.

"Can't be to careful. The safe house is already pushing it as is and having to many find out is going to make all the work I've done kind of a waste."

"There are more people here?" She asked, surprise and relief seeped out.

"Couple friends, a few family members, and a good handful of injured that I grabbed from mobs." He started too walk and talk as they followed.

"Place was built with thirty people in mind. We're at forty five right now, I've already had to dissuade people three times from getting more."

"Thirty people is a lot for a safe house." Barret commented as they entered an office. It was pretty innocuous until Kunsel used the keypad next to the door. After entering a code the door behind them locked and a wall opened up to a set of stairs.

"Turks are paranoid like that. Reeve showed me the locations of several others scattered around Midgar. Kitted out with everything, food, water, generators, communications, weapons you name it. We had to lock down the armory though, people are jumpy enough as is. Almost all of them are on the outskirts of the plates though so even if a collapse happened occupants would be safe, even has a tunnel with a powered trolley to take a full house to outside the sector gates. They were all made for the executives and whoever else they would want to bring along so they aren't BIG big but we make due" They descended until they came upon a blast door. Kunsel keyed in another code, opened the door and waved them in.

Walking inside two guards nodded at them. Most the space inside would have been empty except for the multitude of people scattered around. Some were sitting on couches or blankets, some were wandering around while others were huddled with family members. The place looked like a large home bar the steel walls. Continuing through they passed by a room with radio equipment, a generator room with a civilian looking at the machines wiring and a metal door with two more guards following their movement as they passed by. The room Kunsel led them to opened up into a large square room filled with people. This one had makeshift beds with injured individuals scattered about.

"Past here are the bedrooms. A couple were pretty nice looking but we've just been filling them in with family's so the kids don't have to sleep on the ground. Your moms in one of them along with your kid and friends. Fourth door on the right. I have a few hings I have to take care of so I'll leave you two." With a nod Kunsel wandered off. Barret walked ahead of Aeris as they proceeded down the empty hall and found their door. Barret was about to knock when it opened up to the Jesse who ran into his chest.

"Oop sorry bout that. What you...need..." She looked up and stopped talking when she recognized him.

"Hey guys...I'm back."

"Dad!" Barret was tackled as Marlene hugged his leg. He finally cracked a smile as he kneeled down and picked her and swung her around in the hall.

"Daddy's back honey." He hugged her tightly. "Have you been okay? Did any of them hurt you?"

"It was really bad. We were kept at miss Gainsborough's house with bad guys everywhere. Then when the meteor appeared they started running around scared. One of them came and got us and brought us here. Is what they're saying true? Is the world going to end?"

"No Marlene. Me and my friends are getting ready to stop it. Everything's crazy right now but daddy's going to take care of it." She looked away.

"So you're leaving again."

"Not as long as before, it's just going to be for two weeks then I'll be back and we can go home after that. But right now I can spend a couple days with you." That did little to reassure the girl but she was placated at least.

"Boss! Its great to have you back." Biggs walked up with Wedge in tow.

"Good to be back guys. How did the rest of you hold up?"

"It was rough. I don't know who they found us but the Turks showed up not a day after we went to Elmyra's home and had us under guard. We could do anything for the last few months until martial law was made. Most of the guys left with us were sent out and we planned on making a break for it when that SOLDIER came and said he had official orders to hold us at Shinra tower. We were all surprised when we found out you were working with an executive and got us out. How in the hell did that happen by the way?"

"That is a long story I'll tell you all soon. A lot has happened since I left but the guy we got has been decent enough to own up to his mistakes. Right now we're all preparing to take care of one last loose end before we all come back and I show you the new AVALANCHE...then again when this is all over we may be done."

"Why can't you stay boss? What do you need to do now that Shinra's toast." Wedge spoke up. Barret looked around before he pulled Aeris inside the room and closed the door.

"We might be able to stop the problem with that meteor. Eggheads at Shinra have a guess when it hits but we know where the source is. In a couple days me and eight others are going to take care of those WEAPON's and deal with the problem itself." The three freedom fighters looked shocked hearing that. Thankfully he kept it vague enough so not to worry his daughter.

"geez that...that is a lot Barret. You've seen those things haven't you? I don't know how many there are but it took the cannon to kill one of them...wait... I heard around that it was some people that stole the Highwind that took down that big silver looking one that was coming for Midgar. Was that you guys?" Barret nodded.

"We got guys with enough magic to summon for long periods of time. We beat it out with three of them."

"Fuck dude." Wedge sat back down. "I can't imagine who you have that can do that."

"Nate was the one that summoned Alexander in that battle actually, I was the one who hosted Phoenix." The caused the group to look at Aeris oddly.

"Nate? The new guy? He's got that kind of magic in him? Man we lucked out running into him. In fact if it wasn't for him we would be in some trouble actually."

"What do you mean?"

"If he didn't send us away when the plate fell not nearly as many people would have gotten out without our help. Since we've been here we've gone on a couple supply runs and what we did got spread around and a couple people have helped us. Its different not being considered a terrorist." Jesse answered. A knock on the door interrupted them as Jesse opened it up.

"You' really are here." Aeris barely had time to look before she was engulfed in a hug. She felt her shoulder get wet as she realized it was her mother holding her while crying.

"We'll let you guys have a moment." Everyone left the room as she hugged her mother back. They both stood there. Aeris even felt tears well up after realizing how scared her mother must have been for her. It felt like ages but Elmyra pulled herself together and looked at her daughter.

"You've worried me sick you know that right? They never said anything about you and now you show up...how have you been Aeris." She giggled at that.

"Its been an adventure mom. I have so much to tell you." She sat her mother down and talked. Elmyra was enraptured for the most of it as she described the sights and encounters she had during her journey. At others her mother would look scared at the fights she described and the events that lead to Meteor being summoned. Aeris spared her mother the events in the Ancient City, Aeris could already see the worry on her mothers face with how her journey was so far, there was no need to mention how she nearly sacrificed herself.

"So right now we have to deal with the WEAPON's that are left before we can go to the Northern Crater." Her mother sighed before pulling her into another hug.

"I won't be able to convince you not to go will I?"

"We all need to be there. Its going to take every last bit of strength we have to be able to stop this. I can't abandon them now, I want to protect them as much as I need to protect you."

"Then..." Aeris let go of her mother as she wiped tears away. "Then promise me you'll come back, I can't lose you like I lost my husband. I know you keep your promises so tell me you'll come back."

"I promise." Her mother smiled as a knock came at the door. Elmyra got up and opened the door to Kunsel.

"Just letting you know foods being given out. I also have a bit of news for you two from Reeve." Both of them followed Kunsel to the larger room where most of the families had gathered as cans of food were being handed out along with fresh vegetables. After getting their food Kunsel lead them over to one of the walls where Barret sat with his daughter while Biggs, jesse, and Wedge milled about.

"So whats the news?" Barret asked.

"Reeve called me. He said he had a place in Kalm he wants to move you guys."

"Whys that?" Biggs spoke up. "You said this place was as safe as it can be."

"It is, Reeve just wants to make sure you all are away from the chaos when this is all over."

"Looked pretty bad out there before we got here." Barret added. Kunsel gave that a nod.

"So imagine what its going to be like when everyone has to deal with shops closed down, no money, little to no power, houses destroyed and whats left of Shinra picking up the pieces after the freak outs we've had now. Kalm won't have as bad a backlash since its a pretty self sustained community, had to be since it was so close to Midgar, you guys will have space and security. I know being cooped up here hasn't been the best."

"It feels cramped." Marlene spoke up. Barret chuckled.

"So whens the move?"

"Few days from now. I need to make a few more runs before I can get you five away while you two get business taken care of."

"How's it sound?" Barret looked to everyone. Marlene looked happy to just be outside again while the three freedom fighters looked to each other before giving their consent. Elmyra hesitated for a second before agreeing as well.

"Good. In the mean time lets eat. I also want to hear whats been going on with everyone else. I really want to hear about that battle with Diamond though, its one of the few good things that people talk about around here." So their meal continued in peace as Barret and Aeris recounted events.

XXX

It took a thirty minute trek for him to come up on the caves opening. He had expected some special features or something that would key him in to its importance but Vincent found none besides the fact it was behind a waterfall. Standing outside he had to wonder why she would choose here of all places to seclude herself. He had vague memories where once or twice Lucrecia spoke about the lake with fondness but he didn't know its significance. The location was secluded with very few monsters around and he couldn't remember any files that pertained to its importance. Perhaps she chose this place much like he chose to stay in that coffin for so long.

He shook his head. He was stalling, even after killing Hojo he couldn't just get rid of the guilt he held for so long. It made him second guess his actions even now. Steeling himself he wondered into the cavern. Slowly the features of it changed until he came upon a circular platform that looked over a series of spires that lifted from the ground. He felt something in him stir as he felt a wash of something flow through him. He felt a headache develop as he took a breath, he continued to walk forward towards the large crystal at the end of the platform.

"Vincent..." That voice, it had been so long since he had heard her yet after so many years it hadn't changed.

"Lucrecia..."

"Stay back!" He didn't even notice how he started to run towards the crystal that housed her but her words halted him halfway to her.

"Please Lucrecia..."

"How did you find this place? Did you remember after all these years. Why would you come back now?" It hurt him how she accused him. Memories rushed through him as he stared at her. His assignment as her guard in Nibelheim, the shock that she had known his father when he died, his protest at using her child for an experiment, finding her depressed and weakened afterwords, his confrontation with Hojo, a gunshot perceiving his heart, needles, injections, pain, loathing...guilt.

"You're alive." Even remembering everything he could only focus on her. He forgave her for never telling him about his fathers death, he never blamed her for the experiments that kept him alive. He could only see the frail woman trapped in crystal that he failed so many years ago.

"...I wanted to disappear. I couldn't be with anyone...I wanted to die. But the Jenova cells inside me wouldn't let me die." That damned parasite. Everything it touched was cursed. He was thankful that what he had inside himself wouldn't let it near him.

"I...am glad I can see you again. I came because I needed solace...we needed solace." He finally stood in her crystal prison. Despite its looks she seemed to have free movement inside as she pressed her hands to it.

"After everything I've done...I don't think I deserve it."

"We all deserve a chance at redemption Lucrecia." Her gaze became curious.

"You're...different Vincent. What has changed?"

"I was freed from my prison. I found people who accept me as I am now. We've fought and bleed together. We are all fighting against Jenova now to save the Planet, that is one of the reasons I came. In this process we had to confront Hojo...He is dead now." She jumped at the mans name before slouching at the mention of his death.

"He went to far then." He was of a mind that the man had gone to far well before but that was neither here nor there

"He wasn't the man you knew anymore. The cells had completely taken over and he lost what little humanity he had left. By the time we came he was as much a monster as the ones he made."

"A mercy at least, no one should live with that thing inside of themselves." He agreed.

"Vincent...lately I dream of Sephiroth. My dear, dear child. Ever since he was born I never got to hold him, not even once You can't call me his mother...that is my sin..." It tore at him to hear that. Maybe if he wasn't under Hojo's care but hers then Sephiroth would have turned differently. But Lucrecia was still a scientist and that had beaten her maternal instincts when the time came of the child's birth. He reached out with his covered hand, she looked up and twirled away.

"Back! Stay back!"

"Lucrecia...I know sin. I have punished myself for my inaction and I still regret every moment. I know I can't convince you otherwise but know that you couldn't have known what would happen to your son." As he suspected she didn't react to his words. She was still the same stubborn woman from before.

"Vincent please tell me. Is Sephiroth still alive? I heard he had died five years ago. But I see him in my dreams so often. I know that physically, like myself, he can't die easily...please Vincent...tell me" He mulled it over. He couldn't tell her that even her son became a monster, let alone the one that put the world in jeopardy. He would never lie to her though, she deserved the truth more than most, so he would tell her the truth he knew.

"Lucrecia...Sephiroth is dead." The man that he found out was a great warrior, the one who may have had pears, a personal life, a personality had died years ago. The Sephiroth they were fighting was nothing more than a shade, a pawn of a greater monster that had none of those things. The one that would have had any right being her son was gone.

"I see." She was sad, he expected that. But she had already known he was dead. This was just confirmation.

"How could you have known he died?" He wondered, she was here for almost as long as he was.

"I'm as dead as I am allowed to be. I get...glimpses into the Lifestream and those small moments give me news of the rest of the world as I stay here. Some time ago one of them involved a ceremony honoring him from someone in a crowd." So she was connected, if barely.

"I've also been feeling so much from it. Its fear mostly...is it because of Jenova?" He nodded.

"She is trying to destroy the Planet from the inside. I'm going to fight it when the time comes...that is another reason I am here. All of my friends are finding the strength to contest Jenova. I have to do the same."

"What could I do for you. If you can't tell I'm locked here, and I assume you have enough knowledge without me."

"The creatures inside me are strong but not strong enough. There is one more thing inside me that I can use that may be enough...I ask you..." He had moved closer as he talked and finally able to lay a hand on the crystal. He felt the familiar tingle of energy go through him as she realized how close he had come.

"How do I control Chaos." Her mouth hung open at the request.

"Control...you cant control Chaos energy. I studied with Grimoire extensively on its capabilities. This is where we found the materia that hosted Chaos and even then we wouldn't dare use it for the Planets safety."

"I was told it was possible. Where is the materia, I seem to have an affinity for this energy as it keeps reacting to me here." Her eyes became wide before she started to mummer to herself.

"I couldn't have predicted results...perhaps with a host the energy can be channeled and an aspect can be formed instead of the full summons...demi-summons? No such records exist but with you alive..." She looked hard at him before she sighed.

"Vincent when you died I was devastated."

"But Hojo's experiment seemed to have succeeded since I am here."

"Hojo wasn't the one who allowed you to revive." He wasn't? Then what caused him to wake up after the experiments. Noticing his confused look she continued.

"Hojo used you to experiment more with chaos energy. He called you a failure and left you for dead. I couldn't handle the pain and tried to revive you with something untested. The materia that could summon Chaos, the Protomateria, I placed it inside of you in hopes it would siphon it. It worked, but you were still dead for weeks before I had finally given up." He had the materia inside of him? He gripped where his heart was with his gauntlet covered hand, a useless endeavor to feel for it.

"By the time I woke up the lab was abandoned. It must have been months or even a year that I was dead."

"But with it inside of you perhaps you can use yourself as a catalyst to use that energy. I don't know how you would go about it though..." The both of them thought about it. Nate mentioned he would transform into Chaos. If it followed any process he knew then the only idea he could come to would be similar to a grand summons. But that required talking to the summons...

"I may have a way." He spoke up.

"I was present to a grand summons not long ago. The process includes channeling magic through the materia without activating it. It should be possible for me to converse with Chaos where I can use its power."

"That...could work. If your sure then I will be silent while you do this. This is something I'm unfamiliar with. Be careful though, anything could be a trigger for the chaotic energy here to overflow into you." He nodded before he sat a few feet away from her. Remembering the process he tried to feel out the magic inside of himself.

It was hard, considering his unique physiology. His magic writhed more than flowed as he felt his skin crawl. There wasn't any clear way for him to channel it as he tried to clear his mind. However he did notice the energy of the cave seeping into him better than before. He tried a different approach and felt through the energy coming into him instead. Slowly he analyzed where it was going as the energy directed itself. The most concentrated point was deep in his rib-cage, very near to his spin. He focused there and felt everything around him mute as a sense of drifting came about.

It didn't take long for the presence in his mind to pronounce itself. The entity oozed in like a thick miasma as darker thoughts came to the forefront of his mind.

"Unexpected." Deep, rumbling and loud even in his own mind the voice spoke out. At least he knew how the thing was put inside him now.

"Chaos." Dark chuckles answered him as a floating sensation took over. There wasn't any sound, scent, touch, or even anything for him to look at as he blinked only to be greeted by darkness whether they were closed or not.

"You've been ignoring me. Now you call me into being after so long. In one of my alters no less. Speak mortal vessel. What is it you came for?"

"You know why I am here. I have been pushing you out of my mind but you are not unaware of whats been happening."

"Yes...the parasite. Such a feeble thing that try's to become powerful. It is much like you humans, an ant that attempts to become more than what it is. So amusing, what would you expect of me? Perhaps you hope to summon me and eliminate the nuisance?"

"I won't trade one threat for another. I need your power so that I can eliminate Jenova."

"Ah yes the ability to become Chaos. The knowledge from your mortal from another world yes? Curious being that one is, perhaps you could acquaint us? My curiosity will be sated right before I destroy your world." He growled at that.

"There won't even be a world for you to manifest if you don't give me what I need. You may know me but I've gazed in the abyss enough to know you Chaos. You won't achieve anything if the world is already dead. It must aggravate you to know the ant you talk about is so much closer to achieving that then you." He felt a crushing force, suddenly breathing became heavier and his body tightened as if being squeezed.

"Don't presume to know my will mortal. As close as you are now I could crush your life force and leave a husk in the physical world." The pressure increased for a moment before he found his breath.

"You do prove a point, albeit a minor one. It is I who shall be the end, so I will allow you to use my fragments power to prove which is the superior being."

"A fragment?" He breathed out. Once again a chuckle answered him before he started drifting again. Slowly the darkness around him gained texture.

"I am Chaos, its will, its mind, and its power. I am still but a fragment of the greater whole that transcends beyond your world. Your outworlder may know more, but needless to say my whole being is far to much to contain even in a vessel like yourself. But a fragment is more than enough of a boon, appreciate my generosity." Slowly a figure started to appear before him as the dark landscape grew larger. A red winged demon appeared in coal black skin as it drifted closer to him. It reached out and touched his forehead as he finally realized the darkness around him was a massive creature with eyes the color of the void that he had been drifting in.

"For it will be the only mercy I give." He felt a small pull before he suddenly felt a shift that dragged him away from the scene. Everything faded around him until his eyes snapped open to the cave around him.

"Vincent calm down!" He waited until his breathing was back to normal.

"Its alright, I'm fine." He slowly stood up and centered himself as he felt the chaos energy of the cave clear than before.

"Did it work then?" Lucrecia asked, scientific curiosity now taken over.

"It did, I can feel the energy in here now better than before. I'm absorbing it better as well." It was tiring though, the urge to sit again overcame him as he went back to Lucrecia before plopping down.

"You should rest, You look tired." He nodded.

"I won't have to leave for another day and a half. I'll let the power in me settle in before I go."

"Do you think it will be enough?" He wasn't sure, he would have to ask Nate what they were going to deal with but at the moment he could relax.

"I hope so, I don't know how powerful Jenova will be. But I will be ready when the time comes." Slowly his head nodded, Lucrecia looked at him and smiled for the first time in a long while.

"Then sleep, I won't disturb you." He would have replied but he already felt sleep claim him. This would be the first time in decades that he slept peacefully, having no nightmares to plague him.

XXX

He sipped at his tea. It was the good kind too, imported from Wutai, it had a bitter bite that went down smooth as he continued drinking. Cid was outside at the moment, gazing where the rocket used to be instead to the Highwind floating calmly above the launchpad. It felt serial, not looking at the eyesore that had been there for years. Now his dream was achieved, so he felt himself stuck with the feeling on what to do next.

Yeah sure trying to save the world was something, but getting down to the grit of it Cid just...didn't feel like he had it in himself to be a hero like the rest of the gang was doing. This was world ending shit they were getting into really put life into perspective. He wasn't an old man by any means but he was about to be thirty three, in a few more years those kinks he felt now would be more pronounced and painful. He had the time of his life with this group and he would be lying if he said that he didn't want to keep going. It was just...how could someone like him make a difference against what amounted to gods.

Then he would remember Nate and how the guy absolutely believed they had the power to do it, and if Cid learned anything being stuck with the kid for months it was the fact that he had some way to say the right things at the right time...and exactly the wrong things at the wrong time too now that he thought about it. But when it came time to get people going he had a plan and knew how to improvise where it counted. He shook his head before he set his finished cup down.

"Shera I'm going out." He shouted more as a formality. Ever since she basically interrogated Nate on his knowledge she had been stuck in the house making plans for a new and improved design for a rocket. He didn't see much point to it but it kept her from bothering on him. Even after finding out how she saved his life years ago he still couldn't stand how much she dotted on him.

Making his way through town he made note of the changes everyone was going through. Kids were partying nonstop and families were sticking together to make the most of there time left. Hell a good few people had decided that there last days should be somewhere tropical or in a theme park. He was amazed Gold Saucer was still running and even reduced its prices astronomically just so people could be happy during the end of days. All in all Rocket Town seemed both livelier and emptier than he was comfortable with.

He stopped to stare at the launchpad in the distance, again his thoughts went back to his friends. None of them would blame him if he wanted to stay behind while they all went and tried to make a difference. He appreciated that but he couldn't picture himself just waiting around to see if he'd end up dead or not. He imagined quite the opposite actually, spear drawn as he faced down a monster the likes of which he hadn't seen for the umpteenth time.

"Just make a decision already you idiot." He kicked the dirt as he grumbled. Old habits wanted him to stop and just let things happen. Yet the adventurer in him had been awoken again and now he felt excitement well inside at the prospect of a good fight.

"Odd not seeing it anymore." Cid's thoughts were interrupted by a familiar voice as he looked up and smiled.

"Withers, its been a few months."

"That it has, good to see you back home Cid, though rumors say it was you who took the rocket up. Any truth to it?"

"Yeah that was me, I couldn't have my rocket get launched without me being the pilot. Had to bash a few heads to get it though."

"Heard about that too, good thing Shinra left after the launch otherwise you would be in a good bit of trouble my friend."

"Yeah I can count those blessings."

"So how was it, finally reaching the stars?"

"It was...everything I could have hoped for old friend. I could try to describe it to you but my words could never do it justice." The older man chuckled.

"Good, its nice to hear about someones dreams coming true these days. With Meteor overhead everyone's mood has dipped somewhat." Cid snorted.

"I bet yours dipped when your precious rocket disappeared huh?" It had been a joke between the two of them for the years that the rocket sat. The sixty something man would always be caught staring up at the thing and would always say it was his. It always got a kick out of Cid.

"I will admit its a shame that my favorite view is now gone but I think I can warm up to the sight of the Highwind."

"Well it'll be gone in a day so soak it up old man."

"Traveling then?"

"...Something like that. Friends I made on the road need it and they asked me to lend it to'um unlike Shinra."

"Not going with them?" He sighed.

"Not sure if I'm up for it. To be honest I don't want to stand around but I'm not sure I have it in me."

"Bah, now you sound like the old man. I haven't seen you this energetic in years. You should be with your friends and family at times like these." He scratched his head, he really wasn't feeling a lecture.

"Well what they want is to fight again. I understand and I think I should go...its just the thought of whats the point keeps popping up."

"Then go, fight. Do something with yourself. Your thinking that there's nothing you can do but you can't just do nothing. The best answer I've gotten to that was that you should do what you can." Cid grumbled again. His thoughts drifted to his friends, all fighting to the end. Everyone making a grand statement to save the world. He felt excitement run through him again as he pictured himself in the mix. Damn it all they rubbed off on him.

"You look like you figured out what you want."

"Yeah I did, I don't like it though. Fights are gunna be tough and I got to keep up with some pretty strong kids." Withers hummed for a second before snapping his fingers.

"Then I have just the thing for you. Lets head over to the shop."

"The shop? I thought you stopped being a smith old man, to hard on your old bones." Cid smiled as he followed.

"Not so hard that I can pummel you Cid so watch yourself or this old man may just show you a thing or two." Cid knew he could back that up to. He still remembered how toned the man was as he would work away making weapons way back when until he decided to retire. Considering how he didn't act his age though he probably kept most of the strength he got from his craft.

"Its more of a hobby now than anything. I make whatever I feel inspiration strike. One piece I made a while back has been sitting around. Considering the circumstances I'll let you have it and break it in." Cid entered the mans forge behind his house. The smell of flame and metal still very prominent despite how sparsely it was used.

"There it is, well how does it look?" Looking it over Cid whistled as he noted how pristine the metal looked. The spear wasn't wrapped and had no dust so it couldn't have been sitting around for too long. The blade was near as long as his arm and at the base of the purple metal it had two bony protrusions on top of an ornate black handle.

"So by a while back you mean you just finished it. This is probably one of the best I've seen from you. What all went into it?"

"Dragon bone for the shaft and I thought cutting down the jaw then halving it would add a nice aesthetic touch to the shaft. The spear point is a mix of pure mythril and materia. Been a long time since I synthesized mage crystal, process is damn time consuming and expensive. Requires mastered materia otherwise it don't sit right. The you have to powder the damn things without causing the magic inside to explode. Then you have to melt it in with the metal which takes a long time, longer if it isn't a catalyst metal like mythril or orichalcum."

"And you just happened to be inspired to make this?" Withers looked at him with a shit eating grin.

"I've had the materials to make it for a long while now but I wanted to use them for a masterpiece. When those large monsters appeared I felt a fire light in me like never before. So I decided to make something with a hope that it would be used to fight monsters like those. However I am far past my wonder years to use it, but when I saw the rocket launch I couldn't help but imagine it like a spear that would pierce the heavens like legend. So I decided it would be a gift to you, maybe it will help in your battles." He kept that grin as he explained.

Cid couldn't believe the man would just give something like that away as he picked up the spear and tested it. It was light as he suspected considering the properties of mythril. It wasn't balanced well but its style was more for a two-handed grip. He channeled a little magic into it and found that it received well, it indeed was a master work.

"...Thanks, I think I can make use of it."

"Wonderful!" He clapped. "All it needs now is a name and you have that right." He thought for just a moment.

"Venus Gospel." Withers hummed at the name.

"Well now that you have that do you think you can keep up with your friends?" He took the time to twirl the spear a few times before he nodded. He still had doubts sure, but if there was anything they were good at it was beating the impossible. He made his decision to stick with those knuckle heads and he was going to keep it.

"Yeah it does, thanks again by the way. Now if you'll let me I have a few people to pick up. Long road ahead, you understand." They both said their goodbyes and he made is way out. Most of his crew was still on the ship so it wouldn't take long for him to round up the rest. He briefly considered rounding up Cloud and Tifa but then decided to make it a surprise. They had both been depressed since they arrived and a good pick up would be finding all of their friends already on-board the Highwind. Judging the time and distances he would leave very early in the morning and start by picking up Yuffie and Nate in Wutai. By the time he rounded up everyone it would still be early enough for him to park in the same spot and make it look like it never left.

He chuckled, sounded like a plan to him.

XXX

I took a deep breath, taking in the scents and trying to make sure nothing was burnt. I had never worked with a wood stove before but I was able to manage it without to much trouble. The beef I cooked up came out decent enough and the broth from the bones I used to make the broth for the noodles added a good taste to it.

As I kept myself busy I reflected on the day before. Getting to the capital of Wutai Yuffie made a big effort to show me around despite the fact I had some familiarity with the area. We explored more of the crowded districts as she basically announced to everyone that she would be around for a little bit before she would go on her grand world saving adventure. All in all I was better received compared to our last visit. People still didn't talk to me much but I would at least receive nods since I was a recognized friend of their princess.

After that Yuffie took me back to Godo's home before he greeted us and made a spectacle when Yuffie said she was going to save the world. After that we both crashed and I woke up with the idea to take her on a picnic. Considering that she wanted more memories between us another date sounded like a good idea.

I heard a door slide behind me before I looked back to see Godo stretch and smack his lips.

"Smells nice, any for me?" I pointed over to a counter.

"I used a little to much vegetables and meat so help yourself. I'm almost done anyways." I heard a little clatter as I turned and began to clean up and put things away.

"Lot of food for the morning."

"I'm packing most of it. Taking Yuffie out to a decent looking spot we passed by getting here." The clatter behind me stopped as I looked over my should to find that Godo just a few steps behind me.

"You've become...close to Yuffie then?" I expected a warning in the tone but he sounded more curious than anything.

"...Yeah, few things happened and thereere...dating I guess would be the best term." He kept staring at me as I held his gaze. It lasted a moment before he sighed.

"Well its to be expected." That comment threw me off.

"Soooo your not against it?" He shook his head.

"If you had asked me years ago I would have been adamant that she marry one of our nobles. But after the war and her continued adventures away from Wutai I resigned myself to the fact that Wutai will either have a different line take the mantle of emperor and empress or that it be forgotten entirely with me as the last in history. After she proved herself I decided she could do what she wanted considering her strength and the company she kept. I did notice how close she was to you last night, if its just a small thing between you two or something more I can only be glad that she seems happier considering how the world is now." I felt myself relax at that.

"That means a lot to me, thanks."

"Know though I will be very angry if she comes back broken heart-ed. I happen to like you boy so don't spoil it." At that I went back to work cleaning up, taking the threat seriously. Just when I was about to put the last of the pans away Godo grabbed them and began cutting up some beef I hadn't used.

"Her favorite is meat buns, she always loved them when she was younger and she always used to grab some before she left."

"I didn't know you coked."

"Not much but I always loved to make it for my wife and her from time to time. Her mother always had the brightest smile and Yuffie would always finish the extras. I can show you how so she'll enjoy it more." So Godo showed me how to make dough and how to properly fold it over the meat before he fried it. Once we were finished and I packed everything with that I heard the door slide again as Yuffie did almost the exact same stretch and lip smack as her dad.

"Smells good." She plopped herself down and began eating the plate Godo had made. I laughed while Godo grumbled.

"There's more of that later too. That cliff we passed looked like a nice picnic area and I thought that would be a nice spot to be on our last day." She nodded while she had food in her mouth before she looked up and stopped. She was eying Godo next to me before I stuck a thumb at him.

"He's cool with it, noticed last night and he didn't try to kill me or anything." He chuckled at that.

"Then I'll leave you two. Also, if you want, you can take my chocobos to get to your spot faster. Just keep an eye on them. They like to wander so iIf the both of you are too caught up with each other they might disappear." I kept my face straight as Yuffie choked and Godo laughed as he made is exit. The rest of the morning had Yuffie drag me around to a few more spots I haven't seen which were temples that she made small prayers to. After that I had the experience of learning how to mount a chocobo before we made our way out of the city. We made small talk as I noted how riding a chocobo was a lot smoother compared to a horse and how fast they could run when pushed after Yuffie decided to make it a race halfway to our destination.

Once we arrived I took a large thin blanket I borrowed from the room I slept in and set it down. The cliff over looked the field we landed which had a good view of the ocean. Apparently monsters inhabited the area but the would stay to the cliff bottom that was a good twenty feet below us. After setting up we tied the chocobos and ate.

"Your not half bad at cooking."

"I helped out my mom a number of times. I don't think I can do anything extravagant but my favorite simple meal to make was buttered noodles. I did have to use a different cheese than I usually like but it came out good."

"I was getting sick of eating rations on the Highwind. Hunting helped but most of the monsters are too poisonous or just unappetizing."

"That cockatrice back at Corel tasted pretty good." That got her to laugh.

"I still can't believe your afraid of needles."

"Not afraid...just very adverse to being stabbed. Now if you don't stop giggling I won't give you your present." She covered her mouth, I smiled as I grabbed the bowl with the meat buns and took off the cloth.

"You got meat buns!" Already she was drooling.

"Yeah your dad told me how they were your favorite so chow down." We both grabbed one and took a bite each.

Yuffie spit hers out immediately and dry heaved while staring at the thing. My face scrunched up as I kept chewing, trying to figure out what the hell the thing in my hand was. There was some dough that just wasn't fried through. The beef was greasy enough that my hand was now covered in the lukewarm liquid. The meat itself was flavored wrong, I couldn't place what spices went wrong but it just sat wrong on my tongue.

"My dad made these didn't he."

"He did." I switched to chewing on the other side of my mouth in a sad attempt at getting a better flavor only to make me groan as I now had the full flavor in my mouth before I spit it out and tossed the rest over the cliff.

"Jeez he has always been the worst cook. Goddess I repressed any memory of his food and now you brought all that back."

"He said his wife loved it and you ate all of it." I shrugged.

"Only because my mom made me. She told me I couldn't watch the ninjas train if I didn't finish everything for her. She always got stomach aches and would try to smile and let him down gently on how bad he was but he never got the message."

"I will endeavor to never be as bad as Godo." She spat a few more times before she settled down.

"So tomorrows when everything kicks off again." I nodded.

"We won't get anymore moments like this, if we do this right we'll have a few days before our deadline to train a little in whatever secret techniques anyone has. Do you have any problems with yours?"

"I haven't tried to use All Creation yet. Its e concentrated beam of magic that destroys anything in its path, or so my dad said it did. Its usually a joint attack between at least four ninjas who are basically masters. No one person has been able to use it by itself."

"Then we just have to show everyone why your a ninja that stands above the rest."

"What about you?"

"What?"

"Everyone is going to be able to pull something powerful out. Do you have anything that you could use?" I thought about it for a second before shaking my head.

"I don't, despite my reserves I never flexed my magic muscles to see how I can utilize it. Plus I have to use my sword as a medium to channel energy into anything solid. Most of my ideas have been rip-offs anyways so I don't have anything to call my own."

"Well don't you know some all powerful sword attack that you could take and use for yourself?" It took a little longer for me to answer that. Yeah media gave me tons of ideas but it had been so long that it was all stuck in the fog. However one sword came to mind, I hadn't thought about the series for a long time and I only had fragmentary knowledge but me being a guy that loved villains and all powerful attacks brought back knowledge of the one thing I defiantly knew of.

A king in golden armor, holding a blade with the power to split heaven and earth.

"I have an idea, I need to workshop it for my use like the rest but it could prove useful. I'll need you there to help me for elixir support and ideas."

"Anytime." She smiled. I couldn't help but admire it. I leaned over and stole a kiss. She jumped a little before leaning into it. I felt that warm feeling start to overtake me before I heard some roars. I scrambled for my sword as I got into battle position with Yuffie next to me, just as ready. We stood for a minute before the roar came again. This time I noticed it was below us. I leaned over to see a couple monsters growling at each other as they all seemed to congregate where I threw Godo's meat buns.

"We at least something likes your dads cooking." Yuffie took a look to before she stated to laugh to herself.

"Oh that's just sad." She calmed herself down before getting her weapon ready "Well, wanna kill some monsters together?" I thought for a moment and nodded.

"Well a good date can't end without something intense happening right?" She stared at me before jumping down, laughing at the small innuendo. I followed and began hacking and slashing with her. The moment not quite ruined for us.

XXX

Authors note

God this took a long time to get through. Time got in the way mostly but i didn't notice how much i put into it before I hot the 15,000 word mark, good lord. But its finally out, not as a christmas present but at the very least something to end the year with.

I wanted to give everyone just a little time but some got more than others. all in all i am happy with this chapter. Although this did remind me of a back story mess-up i made for Vincent that i will be correcting once this is posted. This is also the chapter that lets everyone know what his final limit break would be, and it will be inspired, not a rip off like the rest.

anyways POLL time. I will be making a poll after this chapter for the first chapters of forgotten dogs of war. To summarize after each chapter i will be making an omake for Nate being dropped into another world after his adventures here. Im excited because these will be my first omakes ever so i can't wait to see which choices get picked as the top three will be guaranteed, others will depend and i will allow PM's for things other than final fantasy related. It all depends on how familiar i am with the series and how convincing an argument it will be, but the main choices will be final fantasys i am familiar with so check it out.

Thanks again to everyone still supporting, and all newcomers that have reviewed along the way. On a more serious note everyone I want to say that life has continued to hit me harder than ever, i am now having some money troubles and have had to deal with many bad scenarios. This year has not been kind to me and honestly I am scared what is going to go on in the future, both for my life and how everyone's lives are in america, i just have a really bad feeling and i hope i'm paranoid. i know some of you feel the same and i encourage finding things that make you happy and discussing your problems to people who understand, if you don't have that than you all can at least create a community under this and use it to speak to each other since we all have one thing in common being an investment in this story.

I wish everyone a happy new year, better than mine at least and good luck in all of your lives because i believe we all need it even if your not in the same country as mine. all of you, old timers and newcomers are part of the soul that makes this story and i can't express how happy i am for that. once again happy new year and until next time, however long it takes i will make more, till next time.