Chapter VI: A Midnight Call
The 7th Heaven bar was silent in the still hours of the night. The soft hum of machinery and the distant sound of dripping water echoed faintly through the Sector 7 slums. Cloud lay in his small, creaking bed, his mind restless despite his body's exhaustion. The dream from earlier still lingered in his thoughts—the figure of light, the voice warning of a broken balance, and Sephiroth's haunting presence.
The sharp knock at his door startled him. He sat up quickly, his hand instinctively reaching for the Buster Sword propped against the wall.
"Cloud, it's me," came Jessie's voice, muffled but urgent.
Cloud frowned, throwing off the thin blanket and crossing the room. He opened the door to find Jessie standing there, fully dressed and wide-eyed. Her usual cheery demeanor was replaced by an unusual seriousness.
"We need to go," she whispered, glancing over her shoulder. "Now."
"What's going on?" Cloud asked, his voice low but firm.
Jessie stepped inside, pulling the door closed behind her. "The explosion at Reactor 8… it was bigger than I planned. Way bigger. Shinra's already covering it up, but I've got a bad feeling about this. Biggs, Wedge, and I were talking, and we think Shinra's going to use this as an excuse to crack down on the slums. They might even pin the whole thing on AVALANCHE."
Cloud crossed his arms, his expression unreadable. "So what's the plan?"
Jessie gave him a tight smile. "We're going up to Sector 7. I need to check the equipment I used to see what went wrong. Plus, if Shinra's already moving, we might be able to get some intel. Biggs and Wedge are waiting, and I need you with us."
Cloud hesitated, glancing at the clock on the wall. It was past midnight, and the idea of venturing into the upper plates wasn't exactly appealing. But Jessie's expression left no room for argument—she was worried, and she wasn't the type to panic without reason.
"Fine," he said, grabbing his sword and slinging it onto his back. "Let's go."
The streets of the Sector 7 slums were eerily quiet as they made their way to the hidden garage where AVALANCHE kept their vehicles. Biggs and Wedge were already there, prepping three motorcycles. Wedge gave Cloud a nervous grin as they approached, while Biggs nodded in greeting.
"Took you long enough," Biggs said, adjusting the straps on his gloves. "Ready to ride?"
Cloud gave him a curt nod, climbing onto one of the bikes. Jessie hopped onto another, while Wedge hesitated for a moment before awkwardly straddling the last one. Biggs slid onto the back of Jessie's bike, holding onto the frame.
"Alright," Jessie said, her voice tense but steady. "We take the usual route up. Stay together, and keep your eyes open. Shinra's patrols have been heavier since the explosion."
The engines roared to life, the sound cutting through the quiet night. One by one, they rolled out of the garage, heading toward the hidden access tunnel that led to the upper plates.
The ride was smooth at first. The tunnel was dark and narrow, the air thick with the smell of oil and rust. The only sounds were the rumble of their bikes and the occasional distant creak of metal. Jessie led the way, her bike weaving confidently through the maze of pipes and debris.
As they emerged onto the wider roads of the upper levels, the atmosphere shifted. The streets were eerily empty, the usual hum of activity replaced by an oppressive stillness. Distant lights flickered, casting long shadows on the cracked pavement.
"Something's not right," Jessie muttered over the communicator. "It's too quiet."
Cloud didn't respond, his eyes scanning the surroundings. His instincts were on high alert, the hairs on the back of his neck standing up.
Then, from behind them, the sound of a revving engine echoed through the air. It wasn't one of theirs.
Cloud glanced in the side mirror and saw a figure approaching rapidly on a sleek black motorcycle. The rider wore the dark uniform of SOLDIER, the emblem catching the light as he sped closer. His long blonde hair streamed behind him like a comet's tail, and the wild grin on his face was visible even from a distance.
"Who the hell is that?" Biggs yelled.
Jessie's voice was tense. "That's a SOLDIER. Second Class, judging by the uniform."
The rider closed the gap quickly, drawing alongside Cloud. His eyes, glowing with mako energy, locked onto Cloud's with an intensity that sent a chill down his spine.
"Cloud Strife," the SOLDIER said, his voice rich with amusement. "I've heard about you. Ex-SOLDIER, mercenary, traitor to Shinra." He leaned forward, his grin widening. "I've been dying to see if you're as good as they say."
"Who are you?" Cloud asked, his grip tightening on the handlebars.
The man chuckled, drawing a long, curved blade from the sheath on his back. "Name's Roche. But you can call me the speed demon of SOLDIER. Let's see what you've got."
Without warning, Roche swung his blade, the edge sparking against the ground as he swerved toward Cloud's bike. Cloud reacted instantly, twisting the handlebars and pulling away just in time to avoid the strike.
"Cloud!" Jessie shouted. "We'll cover you. Just deal with him!"
Cloud growled, his focus narrowing as he accelerated, pulling ahead of the group to face Roche. The SOLDIER gave chase, his laughter echoing in the night as he weaved effortlessly through the narrow streets.
"You're fast," Roche called, his tone almost playful. "But speed isn't everything!"
Cloud reached for the hilt of the Buster Sword, drawing it in one fluid motion. He swung it toward Roche, the blade colliding with the SOLDIER's weapon in a shower of sparks. The force of the clash sent shockwaves through the air, but Roche only laughed, his grin growing wider.
"Now that's what I'm talking about!" he shouted, pulling back and launching into another attack.
The two clashed again and again, their movements a blur of steel and speed. Cloud's focus was razor-sharp, his instincts guiding him as he blocked and countered each of Roche's strikes.
Meanwhile, Jessie, Biggs, and Wedge did their best to fend off the Shinra patrol vehicles that had begun to close in. The sound of gunfire and shouting filled the air as the team fought to protect their path.
"Cloud, we're getting swarmed here!" Jessie yelled over the communicator. "Whatever you're doing, make it quick!"
Cloud gritted his teeth, his muscles burning as he parried another of Roche's relentless attacks. The SOLDIER's grin never faltered, his energy seemingly endless.
"You're good, Strife," Roche said, his voice dripping with excitement. "But let's see how you handle this!"
He twisted his bike sharply, launching himself into the air. His blade came down in an arc, aimed directly at Cloud. Cloud reacted on instinct, raising the Buster Sword to block. The impact sent a shockwave through his arms, but he held firm, using the momentum to push Roche back.
Before Roche could recover, Cloud twisted his handlebars and accelerated, slamming the side of his bike into the SOLDIER's. Roche skidded, his bike tilting dangerously, but he managed to recover with a laugh.
"That's more like it!" he shouted, pulling back. "I'll let you off this time, Strife. But next time… don't disappoint me."
With that, Roche revved his engine and disappeared into the night, leaving Cloud and the others to regroup.
By the time they reached their destination, the team was exhausted but intact. Jessie, Biggs, and Wedge shared a look of relief as they parked their bikes and dismounted.
"Who the hell was that guy?" Biggs asked, still catching his breath.
"A SOLDIER," Jessie said grimly, her expression dark. "And if Shinra's sending people like him after us, we're in bigger trouble than I thought."
Cloud remained silent, his grip on the Buster Sword tightening. Roche's words echoed in his mind, but it was the wild look in the man's eyes that unsettled him the most.
This was only the beginning. And Cloud had a feeling things were about to get much worse.
The ride through the Sector 7 slums had left everyone drained, but there was little time for rest. Jessie led the group to a quiet residential area near the edge of the plate. It was a stark contrast to the chaos they had just left behind. The neighborhood was eerily calm, the streets lined with modest homes and dim streetlights casting long shadows.
Jessie stopped her bike in front of a small, neatly kept house with pale blue siding and a garden that looked out of place in the industrial gloom. She glanced at the others, her face a mix of worry and determination.
"This is my parents' house," she said quietly, dismounting her bike. "We won't stay long. I need to get something from my dad, but…" She hesitated, looking at Cloud. "I'll need your help."
Cloud frowned. "What do you mean?"
Jessie sighed, running a hand through her hair. "My dad works—well, worked—for Shinra. He's been sick ever since he was exposed to Mako radiation, and he's… not the same anymore. But he still has his Shinra ID card, and we're going to need it for the next mission."
"And you want me to get it," Cloud said flatly.
Jessie nodded, her expression apologetic. "I know it's asking a lot, but my mom… she doesn't know about AVALANCHE. She thinks I'm just an actress trying to make it in Midgar. If she sees me sneaking around, it'll raise questions. You, on the other hand, can slip in and out without being noticed."
Cloud crossed his arms, his brow furrowed. "And where exactly is this card?"
"In my dad's room," Jessie said. "It's on the desk next to his bed. You'll know it when you see it."
Biggs stepped forward, giving Cloud a pat on the shoulder. "Don't worry, man. We'll keep her mom distracted. You just focus on the job."
Wedge grinned nervously. "And maybe… grab a slice of pizza while you're at it. Jessie's mom makes the best pizza."
Jessie rolled her eyes but smiled faintly. "Focus, Wedge."
Cloud sighed, adjusting the Buster Sword on his back. "Fine. Let's get this over with."
The house smelled of warm spices and freshly baked dough. As they stepped inside, they were greeted by a cheerful woman with graying hair and kind eyes. Jessie's mother beamed at the group, clasping her hands together.
"Jessie! You brought friends!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with delight. "It's so good to see you. And who are these fine young men?"
"Just some coworkers, Mom," Jessie said quickly, giving her a quick hug. "We were in the area and thought we'd stop by."
Her mother's eyes lit up. "Oh, how wonderful! I'll get some pizza going. You all must be starving."
Biggs and Wedge exchanged a quick glance, their stomachs audibly growling. Jessie shot them a warning look but didn't protest as her mom ushered them into the cozy living room.
Cloud lingered near the doorway, his gaze scanning the house. It was small but well-kept, filled with photos and mementos that hinted at a happy family life. Jessie's father's condition was evident, though—several pieces of medical equipment were set up near the couch, and the faint hum of machinery filled the air.
Jessie caught Cloud's eye and nodded toward the hallway. He gave a slight nod in return, slipping away as the others kept her mom occupied with light conversation.
Cloud moved quietly through the house, his footsteps muffled by the worn carpet. Jessie had described her dad's room as being at the end of the hall, and he found it easily. The door was ajar, and he pushed it open cautiously.
The room was dimly lit, the air heavy with the scent of medicine and machinery. Jessie's father lay in the bed, his skin pale and his breathing shallow. His face was gaunt, his eyes closed, and he didn't stir as Cloud entered.
On the desk beside the bed, Cloud spotted the Shinra ID card, just as Jessie had said. It was tucked beneath a stack of papers, the Shinra logo glinting faintly in the dim light. He reached for it, careful not to disturb anything else.
As his fingers brushed the card, he paused, his gaze falling on a photograph next to it. It was a picture of Jessie and her family, taken before her father's illness. She looked so different—brighter, happier, unburdened by the weight of the fight she now carried.
Cloud slipped the card into his pocket, his mind momentarily heavy with thoughts of Jessie and the sacrifices she had made. He turned to leave, but as he stepped toward the door, a faint voice stopped him.
"Who… are you?"
Cloud froze, glancing back to see Jessie's father looking at him through half-lidded eyes. His voice was weak, barely audible over the hum of the machines.
"I'm… a friend of Jessie's," Cloud said quietly.
The man's gaze lingered on him for a moment, then drifted away as his eyes closed again. Cloud hesitated, then left the room as silently as he had entered.
Back in the living room, Jessie's mom was serving slices of pizza to Biggs and Wedge, who were eating with obvious enthusiasm. Jessie sat nearby, her smile strained but genuine as she humored her mom's questions about her "acting career."
Cloud approached Jessie and slipped the ID card into her hand. She looked up at him, her expression softening with gratitude. "Thank you," she whispered.
"Let's go," Cloud said quietly. "We've got what we need."
Jessie nodded, standing and giving her mom a quick hug. "Thanks for the pizza, Mom. We should get going. Lots to do tomorrow."
Her mom waved them off, still smiling. "Come back anytime, dear! And bring your friends. They're such nice boys."
As they stepped outside, the mood shifted. Jessie exhaled deeply, her shoulders slumping as the tension drained from her. "Thanks, Cloud. I know that wasn't easy."
"It's fine," he said, though his voice was distant. He glanced back at the house, the warm glow from the windows standing in stark contrast to the cold steel of the slums beyond. "Your mom doesn't know, does she?"
Jessie shook her head. "No. She thinks I'm chasing a dream, not fighting a war. And I want to keep it that way. She's been through enough with my dad."
Cloud didn't respond, but he understood. Everyone had their reasons, their burdens. And though he wasn't sure where he fit into it all, he couldn't deny that Jessie's resolve was something to admire.
Biggs and Wedge fell into step behind them, Wedge still licking pizza sauce from his fingers. "So, uh, what's the next step?" he asked.
Jessie straightened, her determined expression returning. "The next step is taking this card and getting ready to take down Reactor 5. No mistakes this time."
Cloud nodded silently, his hand brushing the hilt of his sword as they made their way back to the bikes. The night was far from over, and the weight of the mission loomed heavy over them all.
The Shinra Warehouse loomed like a fortress in the darkened Sector 7 topside district. Floodlights swept across the compound, casting harsh beams on the chain-link fences and concrete walls. The air smelled of oil and steel, the heavy industrial scent mingling with the faint hum of distant machinery.
Cloud adjusted the Buster Sword on his back, his eyes narrowing as he scanned their surroundings. Jessie led the way, her movements precise and practiced, while Biggs and Wedge followed, trying to keep their nerves in check.
"We don't have much time," Jessie whispered, gesturing toward the facility. "The blasting agent is stored in the north wing. I'll handle finding it—you three just keep the guards distracted."
Cloud glanced at her, his expression unreadable. "What if they send backup?"
Jessie smirked faintly, though her voice was serious. "That's why you're here, right?"
He didn't reply but nodded, his grip tightening on the hilt of his sword.
As they moved through the shadows, Cloud's gaze drifted upward. The stars were visible here, faint but shimmering against the dark canvas of the sky. For a moment, the sight transported him back—seven years ago, to the quiet mountain village of Nibelheim.
They had stood under a sky much like this one, the stars bright and clear above the towering peaks. A 13-year-old Tifa had looked at him with a mixture of hope and uncertainty.
"You're really going to join SOLDIER?" she had asked, her voice tinged with disbelief.
Cloud had nodded, his young face set with determination. "Yeah. I'm going to be the best there is. Just wait, Tifa. When I come back, I'll be your knight in shining armor. If you're ever in trouble, I'll come and save you."
Tifa had smiled then, a small but genuine smile that had stayed with him even now. "Promise?"
"Promise."
The memory faded as a distant shout jolted him back to the present. Cloud blinked, his focus returning to the here and now. Jessie was already moving toward the north wing, leaving him, Biggs, and Wedge to act as the diversion.
"Alright," Cloud said, his voice low but commanding. "Let's get their attention."
The plan worked—almost too well. As Biggs and Wedge created chaos near the main entrance, Cloud found himself locked in battle with a wave of Shinra guards. His Buster Sword gleamed under the floodlights, each swing precise and devastating. The guards were no match for him, but their numbers were growing.
Then, the sound of a roaring engine filled the air. Cloud turned just as a black motorcycle tore through the gates, its rider grinning like a maniac.
"Strife!" Roche called, his voice brimming with excitement. He skidded to a stop, leaping off his bike with an effortless flourish. "I knew we'd meet again. Fate has a funny way of bringing rivals together, don't you think?"
"I'm not your rival," Cloud said coldly, raising his sword. "And I'm not with Shinra."
Roche laughed, drawing his own blade. "Doesn't matter. You're still a SOLDIER in my eyes. Let's see if you can still keep up!"
The two clashed, their swords sending sparks flying as they moved with blinding speed. Roche's movements were wild and unpredictable, his energy almost infectious. But Cloud was focused, his strikes deliberate and powerful.
"You've still got it, Strife!" Roche shouted, his grin widening as he leapt back. "But I wonder—how long can you keep this up?"
Before Cloud could respond, an explosion rocked the warehouse. Jessie's voice crackled through the communicator. "Cloud! I've got the agent, but we need to move—now!"
Cloud parried another of Roche's strikes and then delivered a powerful kick, sending the SOLDIER stumbling back. "This isn't over," he said, his voice low but firm.
Roche laughed, sheathing his blade. "You're right—it's not. Until next time, Strife!"
The warehouse was in chaos as the team regrouped. Jessie emerged from the north wing, clutching a metal case, her face streaked with sweat. "Let's go!"
They moved quickly, but the place was swarming with Shinra troops. As they fought their way out, a stray bullet struck Wedge in the leg, sending him to the ground with a cry of pain.
"Wedge!" Jessie shouted, rushing to his side.
Biggs and Cloud covered them, fending off the advancing guards. Just when it seemed like they might be overwhelmed, a group of heavily armed fighters appeared, flanking the Shinra troops and cutting them down with precision.
"Avalanche support cell," one of the newcomers said, nodding to Jessie. "We've got you covered. Get your team out of here."
Cloud helped Jessie lift Wedge to his feet, supporting him as they made their way to safety. The reinforcements held the line, buying them enough time to reach the maintenance access point.
Jessie led them to a small storage room, where several parachutes were stashed. "These are for Shinra maintenance workers," she explained, tossing one to Cloud. "We'll use them to get back down to the slums."
Cloud looked at the parachute skeptically. "This is your plan?"
Jessie grinned, her confidence returning. "Got a better one?"
With Wedge securely strapped to Cloud, they leapt off the edge of the plate. The rush of air was exhilarating, the city below spreading out like a patchwork quilt. Wedge clung to Cloud, his face pale but grateful.
Back in the slums, the tension finally eased. The group regrouped outside Jessie's modest apartment, a small building tucked away in a quiet corner of the sector. Wedge, limping but cheerful, grinned at Cloud.
"Hey, you wanna see something cool?" he asked, gesturing for Cloud to follow.
Curious, Cloud followed Wedge to a nearby alley, where several cats lounged lazily in the dim light. Wedge crouched down, clicking his tongue, and the cats immediately swarmed him, purring and rubbing against his legs.
"They love me," Wedge said proudly. "Guess I've got a knack for it."
Cloud smirked faintly but said nothing.
When they returned to Jessie's apartment, she was waiting for Cloud with a small envelope. "Your payment," she said, handing it to him.
"Thanks," Cloud replied, tucking it away.
Jessie hesitated, then stepped closer, wrapping her arms around him in a quick hug. "You're not so bad, Strife. For a mercenary."
Cloud stiffened, unused to the gesture. "Uh… thanks?"
Jessie pulled back, her expression playful but sincere. "You know, if you're not busy tomorrow, maybe we could go grab a drink or something. You've earned it."
Cloud hesitated, his mind flashing back to the promise he had made to Tifa years ago. "I'll think about it," he said finally.
Jessie's smile didn't falter, but her eyes betrayed a hint of disappointment. "Fair enough. See you around, Cloud."
As he left, the night felt heavier than before. The stars above seemed just a little dimmer, and the echoes of the past weighed on him more than ever.