"No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it's not the same river and he's not the same man."
― Heraclitus
"Watch your step." Cloud held out his hand to help Aerith across some uneven rocks.
"Heh, the new Cloud is a gentleman it seems." Barret chuckled as he hopped down next to them.
Cloud levelled him with a flat stare. "Did you want a hand too?"
"Attitude could still be improved though, I tell ya that much." Barret stomped ahead. "Now where is that ranch again?"
The group were leaving Mildred and her newly-repaired windmills behind. Cloud had battled the urge to tell Mildred exactly what was going on with Broden before deciding against it. There was nothing they could do to help the man at this point. In some cases the truth just caused pain.
"It's not too far." Cloud answered Barret's question. Squinting against the late morning sun, he pointed at the small grouping of buildings, just visible in the distance. "We could get there by lunch. Gonna have to wrangle some chocobos when we get there though."
Tifa and Aerith shared an eager glance. "Chocobos?" Tifa jogged forward to fall in to step with Cloud. "Not walking the whole way then?"
"Ha ha." Cloud sighed. "We need chocobos to get through the swamp. Besides, they do come in useful later on too."
"Am I the only one that finds the casual talk about the future creepy?" Barret piped up as the group continued their trek forward.
"It is somewhat disconcerting." Red nodded.
"Hey, I'm trying not to do it too much." Cloud muttered. It was something he was acutely aware of; the balancing act between using his knowledge for the good of their mission, and not completely screwing things up. Besides that, there were a lot of moments on their adventure that while not exactly crucial to the safety of the planet, were important to his friends. He didn't want them to miss out on experiencing those times, and creating those memories.
A warm hand slipped in to his own and he glanced down at Aerith's smiling face. "He's just teasing." She assured. "But if there's any bets we should be placing, just let us know."
Cloud didn't fight the smile that turned up his lips. "I'll keep it in mind."
They made good time to the ranch. Cloud heard the muffled squeals from Aerith and Tifa as they spotted the gazing chocobos gathered outside the barn. He led the way up to building and greeted Billy, going through the usual spiel of asking to rent some chocobos, only to be told there were none available.
Cloud was an expert at these negotiations by this point and soon they were on their way to seek out Piko the renegade bird. Cloud had had Billy throw in some extra gysahl greens for cheap, so he could catch mounts for the others too.
The group eventually spotted the flock of chocobos wandering in an area of long grass. Piko was easy to pick out from the crowd, his bridle and saddle easily setting him apart from the other birds.
"I'll grab Piko. You guys stay out of sight. They'll all run if even one of them spots us." Cloud glanced at the others who nodded.
Cloud was a pro at this by now. Darting between patches of long grass to keep out of sight of the chocobos milling around the area, and throwing rocks to distract them. Soon he was within range of his target. As Piko turned away, Cloud took the opportunity to emerge from his hiding spot, approaching the animal as fast as his crouched posture would allow.
He came just within reaching distance of the bird when Piko turned. Its feathers ruffled and its eyes widened in instinctive panic as it spotted Cloud.
Cloud raised his hands, palms pointing towards the animal as he froze and stared in to Piko's dark eyes. "It's okay." He soothed, lowly. "You know me."
The bird's head titled to the side, regarding the man before it. The pause was enough for Cloud to edge forward and grasp the reigns hanging from Piko's neck. Offering the remaining gysahl greens from his pocket was enough for Cloud to keep the chocobo under control.
Cloud stroked Piko's beak as the others approached.
"Nicely done." Red murmured.
"Thanks." Cloud stepped aside as Tifa and Aerith made a beeline for Piko, cooing over the animal and fussing the feathers at his neck. He looked at the area he had just passed through and was not surprised to see the other chocobos had scarpered.
"Best get this one back to the ranch then." Barret said, moving closer to join the group.
Cloud nodded in agreement before pausing, eyeing up his newly acquired mount.
"Actually, before we head back, will you guys be okay to round up some extra chocobos? Gonna need one each."
"And where are you going?" Barret narrowed his eyes. "Dipping out on the hard work?"
Cloud barely suppressed the urge to roll his eyes. "There's something else I need to do. I'll meet you back at the ranch." He hoisted himself up on to Piko before holding a hand out to Aerith. "I'm going to need your help." "Oh I bet you are." Barret muttered.
Tifa elbowed the man in the ribs and his breath left him in a gasping cough. "Ignore him. We'll be fine, go do whatever it is you need to do. We'll get an extra bird for Aerith too if we can."
The flower girl smiled in thanks before turning back to Cloud. She took his proffered hand and he pulled her up to sit in front of him in a single, fluid motion. Looping his arms around Aerith's middle, Cloud gathered Piko's reigns in a loose grasp. He dug the bundle of chocobo greens out of his pocket and tossed it to Tifa before looking back at the woman before him.
"Ready?"
"Yep." Aerith sent him a grin over her shoulder. "Let's go!"
Urging Piko in to a quick trot, they headed northwest, back in the direction of Kalm. Cloud didn't miss how Aerith sat rather stiffly in front of him, not yet used to chocobo riding, and he tried to keep the bird as steady as possible.
"So where are we going?" Aerith enquired as they turned due west. She could just make out Midgar in the far distance
""You'll see." Cloud replied. "It's not too much farther." He guided their mount through the dry terrain to the west of Kalm before heading north, past the old mako pipelines. Piko was swift and they managed to avoid the groups of monsters stalking their route.
"This is it." He pulled back on Piko's reigns and the bird slowed to a stop. Cloud dismounted smoothly before turning to look up at Aerith. He reached up and took her by the waist, inwardly smiling as the woman let out a slight squeak of surprise. Cloud lifted Aerith from the back of the chocobo with ease and set her on her feet gently. "Ready?"
Tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear, Aerith glanced around the sparse surroundings. "Sure. But where are we?"
"It's just up ahead a little." Cloud gestured towards a large section of pipe that lay half-buried before them like a tunnel.
"You've got a funny idea of romance." Aerith sighed, but Cloud spotted the smile on her lips as she took his hand and allowed him to lead the way forward.
They made their way through the section of disused pipe, the bright glare of the sun beckoning them from the far end. When they emerged into the light, Aerith let out an involuntary gasp.
"What do you think?" Cloud asked, looking around at the mass of flowers surrounding them.
"It's beautiful." She grinned at Cloud. "I take back everything I said. You do know how to be romantic."
Cloud cleared his throat, his ears burning slightly. "Wouldn't go that far."
Aerith ignored his grumbling and set off towards the lush carpet of flowers. Cloud followed after her, watching as she stopped every now and then to crouch and observe the blooms more closely. Eventually she turned her head to give Cloud a blinding smile.
"Thank you for bringing me here."
"Well couldn't very well head out of the Grasslands before showing you this place." Cloud shoved his hands in his pockets and averted his eyes to the sky. "You've always liked it here."
Aerith was quiet for a moment while she considered his words. "Then thank you for showing me this time."
Cloud smiled softly as he looked back at her. "I've jumped the gun a little. Back at the ranch, Billy's sister wants some flowers to make a crown. Thought we could cut out the middle man and come straight here and get what she wants."
Aerith straightened, brushing off her dress. "Of course." She glanced around at the multitude of flowers. "I wonder which ones she would like best."
"White daisies, red gerbera, and yellow calendulas." Cloud reeled off, almost without thinking.
Aerith stared at Cloud. "You remembered the flower names?"
"I remember everything about the times we've spent together." Cloud couldn't help but turn away from her then, his words dredging up bittersweet memories. He picked his way across the meadow, stopping at a patch of white flowers. He crouched down and began plucking some of the stems from the ground, resolutely keeping his attention on the task at hand.
So focused was he that it almost made him jump when he felt Aerith's warm form press against his back, and a pair of slender arms trailed over his shoulders and across his chest. He remained still as Aerith buried her face in the crook of his neck and her hair tickled against his ear.
"Aerith?"
"Thank you." She whispered in to his shirt. "For everything."
Barret, Tifa and Red were already at Bill's ranch when Cloud and Aerith returned, and Cloud spotted four extra chocobos grazing in the paddock outside the barn. After talking to Billy and confirming their plans to head out for the swamp, Cloud led Aerith over to the counter at the back of the barn.
Chloe had been both surprised and confused when they had presented her with armfuls of flowers, having never shared a word with the pair previously. Luckily for them, the young girl's excitement and gratefulness took precedence and she thanked them profusely for the gift. They spent a little while longer at the counter while Aerith showed the girl how to expertly weave a flower crown before they headed out to rejoin the others.
"Aw he's so cute." Aerith cooed over her new mount.
"He was the biggest pain in the ass to get." Barret piped up as he strapped his pack securely to his bird.
"You're just mad because he bit you." Tifa hid her smile behind her hand.
Barret waved his hand dismissively. "Yeah and that makes it a pain in the ass in my book." He glanced over at Cloud. "We ready to head out?"
"Yeah." Cloud looped the reigns of his own chocobo around his hand. "Just be ready for a fight."
"Always." Barret intoned, climbing up on to the saddle of his mount.
Cloud glanced at the others and they nodded. He turned towards the direction of the swamplands and spurred his ride onwards. "Then let's mosey."
"Watch your step." Tifa called over her shoulder as they and their birds waded through the murky waters of the swamp.
"Indeed." Red glanced down at the muddy brown liquid in distaste. "Not exactly the scenic route."
"Quickest way through." Cloud replied, steadying his mount as they traversed some uneven footing. "We'll try and avoid the Midgardsormr if we can. Just be careful, it hides itself in the water well."
He was peering down at the watery depths, looking for signs of the serpent when Barret's voice called out.
"Err, what about in the trees?"
"What?" Cloud's face was twisted in confusion as he looked up before he yanked hard on Piko's reigns to come to an abrupt stop.
"Whoa." Aerith paused alongside him, staring at the gruesome sight before them.
"What could have done this?" Tifa whispered from Cloud's other side as they all stared at the jagged tree in the distance, and the giant serpent impaled upon it.
"Sephiroth." Cloud spat before shaking his head. "But why? This is different."
"Hey, guys?" Barret cut in. "What's that?"
Turning, Cloud saw a swell of water behind them fast approaching their position. Swearing, he gave Piko a sharp kick in the side and urged the bird forward. "Move!"
The group scrambled up on to dry land, the corpse of the Midgardsormr looming behind them. Cloud jumped down from his chocobo, drawing his sword as he went. He heard Barret yelling as the birds took off in to the swamp and he raised a hand.
"Leave them go. They'll be back."
As the last word left his lips, the rush of swamp water reached the edge of the land they were on, and a giant snake erupted from the depths.
"There's two of them?" Tifa groaned as she adjusted her gloves.
"Apparently." Cloud threw a quick glance at the others. "Just don't get dragged in to the water. Trust me."
The giant serpent reared its great head backwards for a moment before lunging forwards. The group separated, leaping to safety either side of the gaping maw of the creature. Cloud and Barret to the left, and Aerith, Tifa and Red to the right.
Barret sprayed a hail of bullets at the monster, keeping its attention as the others regained their footing. "You must have fought this thing before, right?"
"A few times." Cloud grunted, flipping backwards away from the fangs that snapped closed in the place he had just vacated.
"So what's the plan?"
Cloud rolled to the side, left hand coming up to hover over the materia slotted in to his sword. "It's weak to ice."
The older man nodded and readied his own attack. "Got it."
Cloud's blizzard spell enveloped the creature's head at the same time Barret unleashed a round of icy impulse projectiles.
The Midgardsormr screeched, writhing away from the attacks before twisting around and plunging back in to the murky depths of the swamp.
Cloud watched it disappear from sight, but his attention was brought back to the group as a barrier enveloped him. Glancing to his right he nodded his thanks at Aerith, noticing she had cast the protective spell on the entire team.
"Is that it?"
Cloud shook his head at Tifa's question. "I doubt it. Don't let your guard down."
"Use ice attacks." Barret supplied, reloading his weapon. "Spike said it's weak to it."
"Look there." Red jerked his head towards the water. "The shadow."
"Move!" Cloud barked just as the snake burst from the water once more. He imbued his blade with ice magic and launched himself forwards, focused on the head of the creature once more.
The Midgardsormr was ready for him this time however, and its tail whipped through the air, smacking Cloud firmly in the ribs and sending him careening towards the water.
Cloud hit the water hard, groaning from the pain in his side as he broke the surface. His sodden hair drooped in to his eyes and he blinked furiously, swearing as he saw the serpent make a beeline for him. Cloud began swimming back towards the shore, the weight of his sword slowing his progress.
"Come on." He hissed at himself, keenly aware of how much of a disadvantage he was at. The water behind him surged and for a moment he was speeding towards dry land. Glancing behind he saw the sharp mouth of the the monster widening behind him. It was not a pleasant sight.
As the creature close in on him, Cloud was enveloped in a pool of pink and purple lights. Midgardsormr lurched towards Cloud, but before it could make contact it froze, mouth gaping open, fangs glinting in the muted daylight.
"Cloud!" Red called out. "Aero!"
The summoned wind buffeted Cloud, pushing him and a swell of water towards the shore. As he stumbled out of the shallows, Tifa caught him by the arm, keeping him on his feet.
"You okay?"
Nodding, Cloud pushed his hair back fro his face. "Yeah. Thanks." He glanced around and spotted Aerith a short distance away, her rod still held aloft. "Thanks for the ward."
She smiled back at him. "Couldn't let you get eaten now, could I?"
"Save the flirting you two." Barret yelled as the beast surfaced once. "Let's finish this thing off.
Midargsormr reared back, sparks forming in his mouth a split second before it spewed an arc of fire towards the group. Red cast a quake spell, a wall of earth exploding up from the floor and shielding them from the intense heat of the snake's breath.
Aerith was quick to put up a magic barrier for them all then, the spell fending off the potential damage from the fire.
"Barret," Tifa shouted. "Think you can get me up to its head?"
"Thought you'd never ask." Barret moved back from the makeshift shelter, sending a volley of high calibre rounds at their foe and buying them enough time for Tifa to dart towards him. Barret grasped her wrist and swung the woman round a full three hundred and sixty degrees before releasing his grip and sending her flying through the air, directly at the serpent's head. Tifa's fist came down hard on Mirdgardsormr's skull, the force of her hit making the creature bellow and attempt to writhe away.
Not wasting the opportunity, the rest of the team took action. Aerith cast another ice spell, freezing the monster's tail to the ground and stopping its retreat, allowing Red's Stardust Ray to make contact.
As the snake reeled from the impact of Red's attack, Cloud leapt from the ground, his sword thrust forward. He made contact with his intended target, his blade sinking in to the unarmoured flesh of Midargsormr's through. As Cloud fell back to the ground, he pulled his sword down through the great beast's body.
Flipping backwards just before he landed, Cloud avoided the worst of the spray of blood that shot from the creature.
Panting slightly, Cloud watched as the giant serpent writhed and coiled in its death throes before finally coming to lay completely still.
"Urgh." Tifa sighed, eyeing the massive corpse with distaste.
"What she said." Aerith groaned, dropping to sit on the floor. "I think this might beat the Wall Street sewers for most disgusting battle."
Red padded over to where Aerith sat and cast an appraising eye across the group. "Is everyone okay?"
"I think so." Aerith took a look at the others and nodded. "Nothing that some potions and a bath won't fix."
Barret heaved himself off the floor as his breathing slowed to normal. "I say we get out of here before any more of those things turn up."
"Cloud?"
The blonde man nodded at Tifa's call, though his eyes were once again fixed on the serpent skewered upon the tree above them. This whole encounter had been different from each of his previous journeys through the swamp. So why the change? Why now?
Tearing his gaze away from the bloodied coils of the Midgardsormr, he turned to face his companions.
"I'm ready. Let's just get through the mines."
"It is pretty in here." Aerith eyes the blue glow emanating from the stone walls. "Ethereal almost."
Tifa nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I didn't expect it to be this nice."
"Oh yeah, I'm thinking of getting a summer place right here. The monsters are just a bonus."
Aerith laughed at Barret's words and nudged him gently as she moved past him. "It's a popular neighbourhood. Nothing to complain about."
Cloud shared a look with Red who had his usual inscrutable expression on his face.
The path they were on sloped downwards in a spiral along the walls of the cylindrical cavern. At the bottom a rich seam of mythril split the rock and flooded the room with light from the bottom up. It looked as though there was a spring of the bluest water waiting for them below.
"Nothing like this in Midgar." Aerith continued as she drew level with Cloud. "Beats the mako smog any day."
She brushed lightly against Cloud as she passed him, still happily casting her eyes around.
"I wonder what else we'll find in here?"
"Trouble." Cloud muttered, acutely aware that the Turks were lurking deeper in the mines.
"Oh ye of little faith." Aerith tutted. "I'm sure there's nothing to-"
Her words died in the air as the edge of the ledge she was walking on crumbled beneath her feet.
Everything seemed to slow as Cloud reached forward to grab her. His fingertips made the slightest contact with her braid before time rushed back in full force, and the woman plummeted out of sight.
"Aerith!"
"You okay?"
Cloud blinked, pulled from his unpleasant memories by Aerith's soft touch on his arm.
"Yeah." He gave his head a small shake, trying to focus on the present again. "Just stick close to the wall."
Aerith eyes him carefully but nodded. "Gotcha."
"I sense a story there." Red noted from behind Aerith.
"The ground is unsteady here. It's dangerous so just keep away from the edge. Please."
There were several moments of silence in the wake of Cloud's sharp tone. Eventually the sound of a whispered conversation from the back of the group reached Cloud's ears.
"Something bad happened, right?"
Tifa hummed at Barret's question. "Seems that way. Cloud seemed upset."
"How can you tell the difference?"
"Barret, shh!"
"You know." Red interjected. "We can all hear everything you're saying."
Barret coughed awkwardly and Tifa murmured an apology. There were no more words shared until they reached the bottom of the cavern, the mythril ore casting their faces in to sharp relief.
Cloud's eyes were drawn to a particular section of rocks at the edge of the cavern and he frowned deeply.
"So what did happen?" Aerith had paused alongside him, following his gaze to the innocuous looking patch of stone.
"The third time that I repeated things." He said softly, and he knew the others were also listening. "We didn't make it further than the mines."
"Me?"
He nodded at Aerith's question, understanding her completely. "Started to think the powers that be had a pretty sick sense of humour 'round about then."
"Well," Aerith sighed. "At least we've all made it in one piece this time."
Cloud turned to her, taking in how her features were bathed in the milky-blue glow seeping from the walls around them. His hand came up to cradle her face, his glove cool against her skin. "Yeah. Still got a ways to go."
Aerith's blush was camouflaged well in the twilight of the cavern and she covered Cloud's hand with her own. "Nothing we can't handle."
Huffing out a soft laugh, Cloud stepped closer to the woman, paying no mind to the others in the group who were making no secret of the fact they were watching.
"Then let's go."
Aerith smiled, nodding up at him. "Right. All the way to the end this time."