SEVEN
South Argen was a lot like its sister town back on the other side of the mountains. A small mining settlement tucked at the base of a wide, jagged peak. There were men guarding the way into the mines just like in North Argen, but they didn't seem surprised to see us as we headed outside. I had to squint at the brightness of the early afternoon sun for a moment until my eyes had adjusted. After several days in the gloomy underground, being outdoors again took a little getting used to. Aerith and the others were all the same way.
"Are you Cloud?" one of the men asked.
I nodded. "Yeah."
He motioned to us. "This way. Dorgan's been expecting you. Once the Turks finally left, we knew it wouldn't be long 'till you guys showed up. And thanks for clearing all those monsters outta the mines. You've done helluva lot for us, and we won't forget it."
"Our pleasure!" Aerith smiled.
Barret pumped his fist."That's the Avalanche way!"
The guy led us over to a small, one-story building to the right with a short wooden staircase leading up to the front door. After he left and I knocked on the door, it opened a moment later as Dorgan greeted us. He looked a bit younger than Bear and didn't have as much gray in his tousled brown hair, but he was still just as big and stocky as his partner in North Argen. His pale blue eyes looked us over, and when he spoke, his voice was thick with a backwoods drawl.
"You must be them fellas that brought down that dragon," Dorgan said. "I'm mighty obliged to ya, friends. Name's Dorgan, overseer of the mines along the southern reaches. But I expect you already know that. Come on in an' we'll talk for a spell."
"Bear said you had something for us," I reminded him.
He held the door open for us as we went in. "That I do. We'll go on over all that an' more, don'tcha worry."
"Thank you," Tifa said.
After we'd introduced ourselves and settled into his office—which was a lot like Bear's with its large desk and wide drafting table covered with papers and blueprints—Dorgan opened a tall storage locker, took out a pair of tough, black leather boots reinforced with metal, and gave them to Barret. They were thick, sturdy, and went right up to his knees when he put them on after taking off his old ones.
"I hear you was a miner yourself once," Dorgan told him. "You got the look. So I reckon I don't really need to tell ya what these are. Seems like they're a pretty good fit on ya, too."
Barret grinned. "Sure are, man. My thanks."
"What are they?" Tifa wondered.
"Protective boots," Dorgan explained. "We use 'em in places where the footin' ain't so good. Ain't jus' water that can collect down there. All kindsa muck and sludge builds up in spots, an' these are made to let ya walk on through without gettin' slowed down or stuck. No matter if it's monster webs or thick mud or what have ya."
Red nodded. "Such an ability could prove quite useful."
"Got that right, Red," Barret agreed. "Used to wear these from time to time in my mining days. Got me outta more than one jam, I can tell ya. Them and my best pal… uh, nevermind."
"Hmm?" Aerith blinked.
He shook his head. "It's nothin' y'all need to worry 'bout."
I glanced at him. "You sure?"
"Yeah, merc," Barret grunted. "Damn sure."
Then Dorgan took a large pouch of gil from the locker as well and tossed it to me. "Here. Ten thousand gil. Oughta be a fittin' bounty for killin' the archdragon and clearin' out the mines."
I caught it and put it away. "Thanks."
"Mr. Dorgan," Aerith said, "I hate to tell you this, but I'm afraid we found a lot of your people dead in the archdragon's lair. They're still in there, but after we killed the monster, we laid them all to rest as best we could. I just thought you should know."
He wasn't surprised. "It's about what I figured. But that was mighty fine of ya to do that for us. Much obliged. Me an' Bear'll see to 'em now that the mines are clear. Any idea where y'all are off to from here? Ain't gonna be an easy trip no matter what."
"Fort Condor," I answered.
"That so?" Dorgan replied. "In that case, you oughta know Shinra's gettin' ready to invade the place. Ain't heard a peep from anyone there since they got cut off 'cept for rumors now an' again. Far as I know, the folks there've dug in an' are set to protect the place. I reckon that's why you're headin' out the way yourselves."
Barret nodded. "That's the straight of it, awright. We gonna defend Fort Condor an' send them Shinra dogs packin'!"
Dorgan went on. "Well, then, you'll be interested to know that they have half the northern badlands bein' watched now. Patrols all over the place. An' I hear somebody's been sneakin' in during the middle of the night over the past couple days an' hittin' Shinra's supply caches. Takin' 'em out, blowin' up their mechs, and slippin' away again before anyone over there even knows what's goin' on."
"Sounds like Jessie's been busy," Aerith grinned.
"Is there any way for us to get to Fort Condor undetected?" I asked Dorgan. "Even though the Turks know we're heading that way, it'd still be better for us to slip through the badlands without being noticed. I'd rather we not have to fight our way there."
Dorgan scratched his chin. "I hear ya, friend. An' I think I can help ya with that. An' with Fort Condor, too."
"How?" Tifa asked.
"Well, I've got an older brother who can drive ya there in his truck. It's more'n big enough to fit y'all, plus a good stock of food an' supplies for the fort. I reckon they'll probably be gettin' low on both of 'em soon there out at the fort unless things change."
I folded my arms in front of me. "No doubt. Can he get us through the badlands without being seen by Shinra?"
Dorgan nodded. "My brother knows lotsa back ways an' side trails to get through there without anyone knowin' 'bout it. He used to work out there at the fort, you see. Quit to help me in the mines, but he ain't never forgotten 'bout that place. And there ain't nobody that knows the badlands better than Drake. He'll get ya there."
"We really appreciate it," Aerith smiled. "Thank you."
He returned it. "Ain't no trouble, miss. Least we can do after all you an' your friends've done for us here."
Barret shook his hand. "Glad to help y'all out, man."
"Likewise," Dorgan said.
About an hour later, after having a quick lunch and restocking our supplies at a few of the shops in town, we all settled into Drake's truck. Like with Choco Bill, the girls were up front in the cab while the rest of us were in the back along with the crates of food, medicines, and other assorted items we were taking with us to Fort Condor. We took a back road to leave town quietly and headed south.
We passed a few other small towns but didn't stop anywhere as we rode through miles and miles of green, grassy plains and small clusters of trees for the next few hours. Late in the afternoon, we finally entered the badlands, and as soon as we did, Drake left the road, diverting onto a winding side trail that took us through the barren, rocky brown hills. I'd almost missed seeing it, as well hidden as it was amidst the boulders and ridges. It'd be hard for Shinra to find it.
As the day went on, we rode slowly but steadily south, the cover on the truck bed keeping us all hidden. The girls had joined us when we'd gotten close to the badlands and more Shinra vehicles had been on the road. There'd been a checkpoint not too far ahead of where we'd gotten off the highway, and although we were all by ourselves out here on the trail, we kept outta sight just to be safe. We stopped after dark in order to avoid detection and made a quiet camp without a fire before getting some sleep while we still had the chance.
It was late the following morning by the time we finally drove into a long, narrow ravine and saw the fort sitting at the end of it at the base of a low, rocky hillside. A mako reactor loomed above it, and I saw the huge condor right away. It ignored all the work going on ahead of us in the ravine and just sat up there in its nest.
As we approached the fort, we saw a couple dozen men digging up a wide stretch of it while others set up trip lines in between some of the clusters of rock and pipes that we passed. Still more men were working on other parts of the ravine, no doubt getting it ready for when Shinra's forces would attack. There was more activity going on up on top of the thick metal wall shielding the fortress complex as people bustled about back and forth preparing for the battle.
After Drake exchanged words with the lookouts, the gate slid open and we drove into the compound. It was as busy here as it was outside, and as he parked the truck off to one side and we all got out, a bald guy in gray coveralls sent one of his men hurrying off into the fortress itself and then walked over to where we were. After exchanging a few warm words with Drake, he turned and greeted us.
"You must be the folks we've been waiting for," he said, offering his hand. "Your friends told us you'd be coming, so we've been keeping an eye out for you. I'm Edwyn, by the way."
Barret shook it. "Barret. Damn pleased to meetcha!"
After the rest of us had introduced ourselves, Edwyn went on. "It's a good thing Drake was the one who brought you here, you know. He's an old friend of mine from when he used to work here. Brings in some supplies from South Argen when he can now and then, so I recognized his truck right away and let you all in."
"The others know we're here yet?" I asked.
"I sent word to Biggs as soon as you arrived. Most of the others are scattered around the compound working on the defenses, but I'm sure they'll be here to see you before long."
Edwyn had barely finished talking when we heard an excited shout from behind him as a few familiar faces rushed over to meet us. Biggs, Lena, and that brash young ninja girl that we'd last seen in the marshes. Lena's face split into an ear-to-ear grin as she outran the others and all but flew into Tifa's arms. Biggs wasn't very far behind her, waving at us as he went, and the other girl came last, laughing all the way. I couldn't help smiling a little myself. But just a little.
Biggs grinned widely. "Boss! Cloud! You made it!"
"Guys!" Barret eagerly seized his shoulder while Biggs clasped his. "Hot damn, it's good to see ya! How ya been?"
Lena laughed. "Better now that you're all here!"
Tifa returned her tight embrace. "We missed you, too."
"Hi, everyone!" Aerith said.
Lena hugged her next, then Barret. "We've got so much to tell you! A lot's happened since you left Midgar."
She chuckled. "I'll bet! Can't wait to hear it!"
"Biggs," I told him. "Glad you're still in one piece."
"Same old Cloud," he smirked. "Guess there wasn't any need for us to worry about you, though. You're tough as nails."
And I knew it. "Bet your ass I am."
"Hey, Cloud," Lena smiled. She didn't try to hug me.
I nodded. "Lena. You're looking better."
"Being out in the fresh air agrees with me," she chuckled. "Anyway, Wedge was hoping to be here when you guys showed up, but he's been away getting us some reinforcements."
"How long's he been gone?" Aerith wondered.
Biggs glanced at her. "Since the other day. That's when we got here, and he left that same afternoon. He's sent some people our way already, though, and now we're up to about a hundred men. That's double what we started out with. He's doing a helluva job."
Lena sighed. "I just hope he gets back soon. I'm worried."
"He'll be fine," I told her.
"Whoa… words of encouragement… from you?" she teased. "Ha! Thanks, Cloud. That makes me feel a lot better."
I blinked. "Uh, sure…"
Aerith winked and nudged Tifa with her elbow. "Well?"
"Well what?" she asked.
"Would you just hug him already?" Aerith said, grinning impishly. "Haven't seen him in a month, after all."
Tifa looked nervously at Biggs. "Oh… um, yeah."
"Good to see you again, Tifa," he said, scratching his head.
"You too, Biggs," she smiled, not quite able to hide her excitement as he gladly returned it with one of his own.
Then they hesitantly slid their arms around each other while Lena patted Red fondly on the nose. He pretended not to like it, as he always did, but even I could see that he enjoyed the attention. After Biggs and Tifa had finally let go and he'd greeted Red, we all turned to look at the ninja girl who had helped us out in the marshes. I wasn't surprised that she was here, though I was sure there was an interesting story behind it that the others would tell us soon enough.
Aerith chuckled. "Knew we'd run into you again…"
"Told ya!" the girl smirked, lifting her finger.
"What's your name?" Tifa asked.
Lena rolled her eyes and laughed. "Hoo, boy. You really don't have any idea what you just did there, Tifa."
"Huh?" she blinked.
"Hey!" the girl said. "Cut me a break, will ya, Lena? Ahem… I'm so glad you guys asked! Some know me as—"
Biggs caught her arm. "Just give 'em the short version."
"Well, you're no fun!" the girl scoffed, pulling free and sticking her tongue out at him before looking at us again. "Anyway… to put it more concisely… standing in front of you is none other than the single white rose of Wutai… the one and only Yuffie Kisaragi!"
She bowed with a flourish, then looked up expectantly at us. We all just stood there, more amused than impressed. Yuffie sighed, brushing herself off and not even bothering to hide her disappointment that we probably hadn't all gasped in amazement.
"Yeesh… tough crowd," she said.
Tifa smiled. "Don't worry about it. We're all glad to see you again. I was a little worried about you, actually."
Yuffie beamed. "Really? Well, thanks, Boobs!"
"Did she really just…?" Lena gasped as she doubled over laughing while Aerith did the same next to her.
"She did!" Aerith cackled. "And not for the first time!"
Tifa blushed. "Um, Yuffie… my name's Tifa."
Yuffie stuck out her hand. "Guess I can call you that, then. Good to meetcha, Tifa! Guys must like you a lot, huh?"
"I know one does," I heard Lena whisper under her breath.
Tifa looked her. "Hmm?"
"Nothing!" she said, shaking her head.
Biggs cleared his throat. "Uh, yeah… moving on."
After shaking Tifa's hand, Yuffie looked at Barret, took out a small pouch from the pocket of her white shorts, and tossed it to him. "Here! Something I owe ya, along with a little interest."
He caught it with his good hand. "Thanks, kid. Guess I'll jus' hafta let you off this time. Don't you be tryin' that shit again, though. You do an' I'll tan your scrawny hide so bad you'll have to sleep standin' up for at least a week! You get what I'm sayin'?"
"Yeah, yeah…" Yuffie chuckled. "As if! You'd have to catch me first. And I'd love to see you try and keep up!"
"He won't, but I will," I told her, giving her my iciest glare.
She gulped. "Uh… I was, um, just kidding."
I folded my arms in front me. "Good. Keep it that way."
"Frigid!" Yuffie thrust her palm out at me.
"That's Cloud," Aerith grinned.
Red padded forward a few steps. "It's good to see you again, Yuffie. Even if you are still as unruly as ever."
"Wouldn't wanna disappoint ya!" she teased.
"Indeed," he said. "I am Red."
Yuffie went up and gently scratched him behind his left ear. "Gotta admit, I kinda missed ya. How's that feel?"
"Most relaxing, thank you," Red admitted.
"Sure!" she said. Then she looked at Aerith. "And you're…?"
Aerith offered her hand. "Aerith!"
Yuffie shook it and winked. "Well, from one rare flower to another, it's great to finally meet you, Aerith!"
"And you!" she smiled. "Thanks for helping us in the marshes."
"No problem!" Yuffie laughed.
Then, before Yuffie could let go, Aerith pulled her into a tight hug. Yuffie blinked, caught off guard and clearly embarrassed, but still held onto her. After a moment or two, she finally relaxed. When she looked up, Aerith was still smiling, more gently this time, as something unsaid passed quietly between them. She'd seen something in Yuffie, sensed it there under all the brashness and bravado in that strange, almost eerie way she had of seeing things others didn't.
"You're not alone anymore, Yuffie," Aerith murmured.
"Thanks…" Yuffie said, tightening her embrace for just a moment. Then she let go and quickly composed herself. "Uh, yeah… I was, um, just really happy to meet you. Not like I was feeling mushy or anything, you know. Ninjas've gotta be tough, after all."
Aerith chuckled. "Of course. And you definitely are!"
"You'd better believe it!" Yuffie grinned.
"So where's Jessie?" I asked.
Biggs gave me a small, knowing smirk, then glanced to his right at the outer wall. "Up there working on the turrets. Probably doesn't even realize you're here yet. You know how she is."
I did, alright. "Yeah. I'll go get her."
"Oh, you do that!" Aerith teased, giving me a thumbs up.
"And as for you, Biggs," Lena said, smirking at her brother. "I think you oughta show Tifa around the fort."
He swallowed nervously. "Uh, sure. C'mon, Tif."
"Alright," she smiled.
As she and Biggs left and the others all talked amongst themselves, I headed up the stairs to the wide ledge running along the right side of the outer wall. Standing on it at regular intervals were six large turrets, and I'd seen six more on the other side of the enclosed middle area just above the main gate. People, mostly men but also a few women as well, were busy keeping watch over the ravine, loading the turrets, checking their gear, and more as they got ready for battle.
I found Jessie kneeling by the next to last turret, one of the furthest away from the gate, which explained why she hadn't heard us come in. Her back was to me as she concentrated intently on repairing a bundle of faulty wiring inside the open panel in front of her on the left side of the turret. Another guy was with her, standing at the back of the turret and watching some readouts above the controls for her. I ignored him, my eyes and my thoughts only on Jessie.
For a moment, I just watched her as she worked. I couldn't think of a word to say at first, and my heart was pounding furiously. Jessie'd still been badly hurt the last time I'd seen her, barely able to stand, but now she looked so much better. She looked alive. The only sign she still had of the terrible injuries she'd suffered during the fall of Sector 7 were the small, faint round scars here and there along her right arm where she'd been shot as well as a few places where her skin was a little lighter after recovering from the burns she'd sustained.
Jessie would never fully heal, never be the same after enduring that hellish experience, but she hadn't let it stop her. And knowing that just made me care even more for her. I didn't know what to call what I felt, not yet, only that she was important to me. And that I'd missed her. As I looked at her and took in the sleek, tough black leather and kevlar of her new outfit and saw the holstered weapons strapped to her thighs, I realized then just how much she'd changed.
"Okay, try it now," she told the guy at the controls.
He nodded, then tapped a few buttons after Jessie closed the panel she'd been working on and stood up. At first, nothing happened, but as we all watched, there was a strong, steady hum as the turret warmed up and came online. The power and ammo meters were both in the green as Jessie patted the machine in satisfaction.
The guy glanced up at her. "All good! She's ready to go."
"Awesome!" Jessie grinned. "You'll wanna keep a close eye on those readouts. This thing'll heat up fast once you start shooting, but as long as you adjust the power flow, you'll be fine."
"Yes, ma'am," the guy answered.
She went on as she carefully put her tools back into her belt pouch. "Oh, and watch the recoil, too. The turret kicks like a wild chocobo, so you'll need to brace yourself and make sure to compensate for it when you're aiming. You don't wanna miss."
"Listen to her," I added. "She knows what she's talking about."
Jessie froze, her back still to me, and let out an excited little gasp in spite of herself. And then she slowly turned around, her eyes wide and brown and glowing with more than just mako as they finally met mine. At first, we just stood there gazing at each other as her mouth fell open in a delighted smile. It was one of those rare times when Jessie was at a loss for words. But I'd never seen her happier.
"Cloud!" she finally exclaimed.
I nodded. "Hey. We ju—"
Jessie's lips abruptly cut me off before I knew it as she flew into my arms, her own wrapping so tightly around me I thought she'd snap me in half like a twig. The impact sent me staggering back a step or two as I caught her, but I barely noticed, as lost as I was in her kiss. It fried my brain and stole the breath from my lungs. Jessie didn't let up but clung to me as if her life depended on it, pressing her mouth against mine so fiercely and passionately it nearly overwhelmed me.
After losing myself in Jessie for a moment, I gently tapped her arm, and she pulled away. "Hmm? You need something?"
"Air…" I breathed.
She giggled. "Sorry about that! I'm just so happy to see ya."
I gave her a faint smirk. "Obviously."
"Guess I was a little excited, wasn't I?" Jessie laughed, her arms still wrapped around me with her face only inches away.
"A little?" I quipped.
She touched her lips to mine. "Okay, a lot. But so were you."
I couldn't really deny it. "Maybe."
"Ha!" Jessie grinned. "Cool as ever, aren'tcha, merc? Can't fool me, though. You're practically jumping for joy!"
"If you say so," I told her. But I didn't let go, either.
"Oh, I do! And I really, really missed you," Jessie smiled. And then she drew me a little closer and winked. "But damn, is it just me or have you gotten sexier since the last time I saw you?"
I just stared at her. "I, uh…"
She gazed hungrily at me, her brown eyes steamy with desire. "You can show me later, Cloud. I'll wait."
"Right," I swallowed, my heart pounding.
Then she let go for just a moment, stepped back, put her hands on her hips, and proudly showed off her new outfit. It was almost all black except for the thin patterns of white energy pulsing along the wide hip pad fastened snugly around her waist and the thin bright lines and flat glowing circles on the backs of her leather gloves. Jessie's outfit hugged her curves and hips and showed them off nicely but also looked to be a pretty solid piece of defensive gear. I didn't know where she'd gotten it, but I had a hunch it was a long story.
"Well, what do you think?" Jessie asked.
I nodded. "You look great, Jessie. Ready to kick ass."
She slid happily back into my arms and kissed me again. "Thanks. So glad you like it! And you know, it's been way too long since you and I have done that together. I'm looking forward to it, actually. It's just so good knowing that you've got my back again."
"Always," I promised.
"And I've got yours too, Cloud," she told me. "No matter what. I've gone and picked up a few new tricks while we've been apart, and I just can't wait to show you what I can do!"
Neither could I. "Looking forward to it."
"You won't be disappointed, trust me!" Jessie grinned.
"No chance of that," I agreed.
She chuckled. "That's right, merc. I'm back."
"Took you long enough," I smirked.
Jessie laughed long and loud, then closed her mouth over mine. At first, I returned it, the sweet taste of her lips making my heart race and sending flares of warmth sizzling under my skin. But after a moment, I finally remembered that we weren't really alone up here. I gently pulled away, my cheeks turning pink when I heard a few whispers and noticed the amused grins on the faces of some of the people that were working nearby. Jessie, of course, wasn't fazed a bit.
I swallowed. "Uh, you know everyone's watching, right?"
"Let 'em look," she winked, kissing me again.
