Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction ❯ Learning Curve Continuum ❯ Nightmare ( Chapter 16 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: Fenikkusuken 
The cat came back, darn it.
The gang escapes a tricky situation in Junon and follows a hunch to Mideel.
Non Anime: Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Drama / Adventure / Action | Type: Divergence | Uploaded On: 08.19.2011 | Pages: 7 | Words: 9.1K | Visits: 254 | Status: Work In Progress
The cat came back, darn it.
The gang escapes a tricky situation in Junon and follows a hunch to Mideel.
Non Anime: Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Drama / Adventure / Action | Type: Divergence | Uploaded On: 08.19.2011 | Pages: 7 | Words: 9.1K | Visits: 254 | Status: Work In Progress
Disclaimer: Definitely not mine; always returned to Square Enix after they’ve been sent on a guilt trip.
A/N: I know That’s Not The Way the gas chamber worked, but poison blown directly in your face is particularly fast-acting, so Tifa is unlikely to survive long enough to free herself.
Also, the Highwind apparently lacks captain’s chairs (plus a few other important amenities) – but dammit, Cid deserves one!
Playing hob with the hamlet of Banora from Crisis Core, and completely rebuilding Mideel Town into something a little less ramshackle that includes a large, modern clinic run by ShinRa.
Warnings: Depiction of sexual assault. Coarse language, violence, canon abuse.
Bouquets to my wonderful betas, Kitsune13/TamLin and Ranuel, who deliver fabulous concrit!
Learning Curve Continuum
Chapter Sixteen: Nightmare
Ô Ô Ô Ô Ô Ô Ô Ô Ô Ô Ô Ô Ô Ô Ô Ô Ô Ô Ô Ô Ô Ô Ô Ô Ô Ô Ô Ô Ô Ô
Cloud...?
I’m sorry. I’m so, so sorry...
I couldn’t keep my promise to protect you.
I never told you how much I cared about you.
Cloud...
“Fin’ly wakin’ up? That’s a fuckin’ relief!”
“Barret...?” Shielding her eyes against the glare, Tifa slowly opened them, blinked several times, then frowned at the circular metal light fixture hanging overhead. That looks like... something from an operating room?
Heavy boots tromped across the room, and a familiar craggy, scarred face swam into view. “How ya feelin’?”
“Hungry.”
“No surprise – ya been out cold fer about a week.”
“A week?” Sitting bolt upright, Tifa had to lie back down again when her head and her stomach resented the sudden change in altitude. “A week?” she faintly repeated.
“Ya took damage when that piece o’ equipment whacked ya inna head on th’ Highwind. We almost lost ya overboard.” Barret’s massive hand awkwardly patted hers. “An’ that bald Turk came by, askin’ about Tifa – tol’ ‘im she’d been injured an’ had left the team to recuperate.”
Tifa was briefly confused by the way Barret was referring to her in the third person, but as she opened her mouth, she realized he was telling her that the room was likely bugged. “Er, glad I didn’t go for a dive.”
Barret’s expression sobered. “D’ya wanna know... ‘bout him?”
“I’m afraid to ask,” Tifa mumbled, ashamed of her fear of hearing confirmation that Cloud was gone forever.
“Nobody’s found a body – so that’s hopeful, right?”
“You saw the cavern ceiling collapse,” she said dully, pushing herself back up to sitting. Finally noticing the IV in her arm, she yanked out the needle and the securing tape, then pressed on the bleeding entry point. “Cloud’s amazing, but even he couldn’t survive being submerged in pure mako for very long.” Taking a good look at her surroundings, which included the gurney she was sitting on, Tifa frowned again. “What is this place?”
“The medical brig inside the Junon base. I stuck wi’ ya when the Highwind landed; the others managed to escape when fucking ShinRa tried to arrest ‘em.”
Tifa stared at Barret in disbelief. “Arrest? Don’t they know Meteor’s been summoned?”
“They ain’t fussed ‘bout that... yet. Got other stuff ta worry ‘bout. ‘Member those big-ass monsters we saw in th’ crater? They’re called ‘Weapons’, an’ they been on a tear, ripping up shit all over th’ Planet an’ Rufus Shinra’s been puttin’ his gilded ass onna line fightin’ ‘em. Don’t trust that fucker none, but he’s got guts.”
“What about Sephiroth? Any sign of him?”
“There’s a huge fucking barrier ‘round the crater – they’re callin’ it the ‘Northern Crater’ now - reckon he’s finishin’ regenerating his body now that Meteor’s been summoned.”
“Is there any good news?”
“Nope. The whole Planet’s runnin’ outta time.”
“Time... how close is Meteor?” Barret strode across the room and punched a button. Sturdy metal shutters began rising, revealing a bank of windows; ignoring the protests of her stomach, Tifa shot off the bed and pressed her hands against the glass. Hanging menacingly in the western sky, a huge flaming ball was clearly visible, its luminescence reflecting off the clouds more brightly than even the sun itself. “How much longer?”
“They’re guessin’ ‘bout a week.”
“So, do we just give up?”
“First, we gotta get outta here, an’ then we’ll figger out what ta do.”
“This glass isn’t that thick....” The sound of the door sliding open swung them both to face a woman pushing a covered trolley. Any ideas of making a break for it were stalled when she was followed by a pair of heavily armed SOLDIERs, Second Class. Whipping off the cover, she revealed two food trays – which incidentally proved that the room was indeed bugged, since they knew Tifa was now awake. Arranging the trays on a metal table near the door, the woman shot both Barret and Tifa shirty looks before exiting with her red-clad escort... all in complete silence.
As the door closed, Tifa glanced at Barret. “Friendly types.”
“We’re AVALANCHE – the big, bad bogeymen that ShinRa’s bin tellin’ the Planet are evil terrorists. Lucky they don’ poison the chow.”
Her stomach growled as Barret took the lid off one of the trays, releasing a delicious aroma and revealing a substantial spread. “Bit fancier than usual,” he observed, tucking in with gusto.
“Special occasion?” Tifa commented, following suit with the other tray. The meal was fresh, hot and decently prepared. The kitchen must be close by instead of in the bowels of the base. Suddenly ravenous, she ignored a niggling voice concerned about poison and rapidly inhaled the food.
They had both finished and were sipping the provided tea when the door opened again, this time framing a grim-looking Rufus Shinra, who raked them with a sharp glance. “I figured our runaway SOLDIER would’ve shown up by now to rescue his comrades; Cloud Strife was a failure in more ways than one.”
“Shut your mouth,” Tifa hissed, slamming down her cup.
“Insubordination, Laurence? I could have you executed for that,” he sneered. “However, since I can only condemn you once, it’ll be for deserting to AVALANCHE.”
Reigning in her temper, Tifa remarked, “I see you’ve caught up on your reading.”
Heidegger waddled into the room. “The preparations for the execution are complete, Mr. President.”
“What could you possibly gain from executing us now?”
Rufus examined his fingertips. “The public wants a scapegoat; laying the blame on AVALANCHE is convenient.”
“Technically speaking, it’s Sephiroth’s fault – but I’ll bet you haven’t announced that he’s even involved.”
“We gave him a state funeral, so he stays dead. AVALANCHE is blamed for the explosion of Reactor One and the destruction of Sector Seven, so executing you will make people feel that justice has been done.”
“I’m sure they’ll be mightily comforted that ShinRa has its priorities straight,” Tifa said acidly.
“Yer all kinds o’ fucked up, Shinra,” Barret exclaimed. “Ain’t gonna stop Meteor, an’ if everyone’s dead, who the fuck’s gonna care, anyways?”
“Look at it this way – you’ll go to your deaths relatively peacefully, instead of screaming into the void like the rest of us in a few days.”
“Mebbe you should take the fucking chamber for a test drive, since it’ll be a ‘peaceful death’.”
“It isn’t every day you get to witness the end of the world.” Rufus smiled mirthlessly and beckoned; a squad of heavily-armed SOLDIERs, Second Class, filed into the room and pointed their weapons at the pair. “Take them away.”
As they approached a set of steel doors, the pair of guards flanking the riveted panels rolled them back, revealing rows of chairs filled with reporters. Scarlet vamped for a cameraman in front of a long table stacked with press releases at the front of the room. While the SOLDIERs hustled them forwards, Scarlet dramatically gestured. “Take a good look, ladies and gentlemen! These are the AVALANCHE scum that have brought this calamity down on us!”
Tifa curled her lip; as they came to a stop in front of Scarlet, she had a flash of inspiration. Turning to the cameraman training his lens on her, she asked, “Is that thing on?”
“It’s being broadcast live to the entire Planet!” Scarlet crowed. “People love this stuff, even if they won’t admit it!”
Tifa took a deep breath and looked squarely into the camera. “The truth is, we were trying to stop Meteor - while ShinRa did nothing. They were more worried about catching us than preventing Meteor – and still are. Instead of working with us to find a way to save our Planet, ShinRa is wasting time with this pointless execution.”
“Cut! Cut! Erase that tape!” Scarlet screamed.
The cameraman backed away. “Too late, ma’am,” he mumbled. “Live feed, remember?”
“Hey... point that fucking thing my way – I got somethin’ to say,” Barret said heavily, and despite Scarlet’s loud objections, the cameraman did as he was asked – probably because it put him farther out of her reach. As she chased after him, screeching, one of the reporters casually stuck out his foot and sent her sprawling, and then another clumsily tripped over her while moving to a better seat. By the time the guards had sorted things out and helped an angry Scarlet to her feet, Barret had addressed the camera. “Marlene... if yer watchin’, I’m sorry, princess. Yer ol’ daddy won’t be comin’ home no more, but don’ ever forget that he loves ya more than anythin’.”
Surprisingly, Scarlet’s triumphant mood was restored by Barret’s heartfelt words. “Oh, that’s gold, right there. The public just eats up tearful goodbyes!”
Barret’s only reply was a fiery glare; Scarlet actually took a step back, then turned to Tifa. “Come on, SOLDIER – I’ll do you first,” she smirked.
“Take me first!” Barret shouted, struggling against his bonds.
“All in good time, big boy,” Scarlet purred, blowing him a kiss. “Enjoy the preview of your death agonies courtesy of your friend.” Another guard spun the wheel on an airlock-type door and swung it open; Scarlet gestured to Tifa. “Right this way, handsome... step into my parlour.”
The SOLDIER behind Tifa shoved her in the small of his back with the butt of his weapon; she staggered forward and nearly fell over the raised doorsill into a small, cramped room lined with piping. In the centre, bolted to the floor, was a metal chair fitted with heavy-duty locking cuffs. Beside it waited another Second Class.
“Show our guest to his seat.”
Tifa tried to resist, but the SOLDIER behind her was having none of it; he kicked her in the back of the knee and when her leg buckled, he spun her around and slammed her into the chair. Ramming the muzzle of his rifle into the side of Tifa’s head, he hissed, “Don’t get any ideas,” emphasizing the threat with another forceful jab. “I’ll have your brains spattered all over that wall before you can even blink... traitor.”
“Now, now - no need to be so vulgar,” Scarlet admonished, as the other Second Class silently opened Tifa’s manacles and then secured her wrists with the cuffs. “You can go now,” Scarlet said to both of them.
“But – ma’am...!” protested the SOLDIER who still had his weapon pressed against Tifa’s temple.
“I said you can leave,” Scarlet snapped. The part of the SOLDIER’s face visible under his helmet turned a shade of red that matched his uniform, and he hastily obeyed, followed by his compatriot.
Unnoticed in their rush, a key fell out of the second SOLDIER’s belt – but Tifa saw it. Moving quickly, she stretched out her foot and dragged the little piece of hope close enough to hide it under her boot. I hope this opens the cuffs, not his footlocker!
Scarlet was too busy making sure the door was secured to notice Tifa’s gymnastics. “Isn’t this cozy?” she sighed, turning off the camera pointing directly at the chair. “Just making sure that we won’t be interrupted....”
“What do you mean?” Tifa asked.
Trailing a slim hand across Tifa’s shoulders before sliding a finger down into the high neck of her captive’s uniform sweater, Scarlet hooked out the chain and inspected the dog tag hanging from it. “T. Laurence... what does the ‘T’ stand for, handsome?”
Glaring, Tifa spat, “Why do you care?”
“I don’t, really. It’s mainly for the press corps, so they can find and interview your poor parents, who are probably ready to die of shame that their darling boy became a terrorist.”
“My parents are dead.”
“So sorry to hear that,” Scarlet said in syrupy tones as she slid her stocking-clad knee onto the chair between Tifa’s thighs. “Allow me to express my deepest sympathy.”
This is not happening! When Tifa leaned back in a vain attempt to avoid Scarlet’s oncoming bosom, the headrest stopped her retreat.
“Bet you’ve never felt anything this amazing on your face,” Scarlet smugly commented, half-smothering Tifa with her breasts.
Tifa just closed her eyes, held her breath and stoically endured being thoroughly mashed by a pair of heavily perfumed and rather squishy feminine attributes. I’m very, very glad that no-one will ever find out about this whether I survive or not. I’m also very glad that it’s me and not Barret being put through this, because he’d be dead of mortification about now. She was abruptly released, gagging on Scarlet’s heavy floral scent.
“Did I take your breath away? Let me help you with that.” First speechless with horror and then thoroughly revolted by Scarlet’s aggressive attempts to kiss her, Tifa clamped her lips shut and growled warningly. Scarlet pulled back and archly asked, “Am I coming on too strong for you?” before launching another assault. This time, she pinched shut Tifa’s nose with clear intent of forcing her mouth open.
That’s it – I’ve had enough of this bitch! Pretending to give in, Tifa complied – and then snapped her teeth, narrowly missing the tip of Scarlet’s tongue when her attacker foolishly attempted to take advantage of the apparent opening.
“Ooh, you naughty boy! I’d love to play with you for a few hours until you were begging me for release... in more ways than one. We’ll just have to move on to the main event.” Despite everything that had already occurred, Tifa froze in shock when Scarlet palmed her crotch and cooed, “Nice package, handsome - I can’t let it completely go to waste.”
Red-faced and furious, Tifa snarled, “What the hell do you think you’re doing?”
“Giving me something to remember you by – but not as much as I’d like.” Scarlet hiked up her gown around her waist, revealing matching red lace panties, and straddled her dumbfounded victim’s lap. Proceeding to grind herself against an absolutely disgusted Tifa, Scarlet murmured throatily, “What’s the matter? Don’t I turn you on?”
Tifa bared her teeth and gritted out, “You’re not my type.”
Scarlet went very still before a sneer disfigured her carefully made-up face. “No... I suppose not. You had it pretty hard for that First Class.” Standing up, she straightened her clothing before viciously slapping Tifa across the face. “Enjoy your agonizing, pointless death, Laurence.” Flipping the switch on the camera and then pressing a large, metal button located on the wall below it, she wrenched open the door and stalked out. It slammed shut behind her, and the grating sound of the lock sliding home was loud in the confined space.
Tifa spent a few seconds staring up at the blinking light over the camera lens before she gathered her wits, just before a sibilant hiss announced that valves were opening. As the gas began emanating from multiple outlets, it formed wispy pale eddies that chased each other across the floor. Better grab the key... fast! Carefully manoeuvring her boots, she caught the oversized key between them. Lucky they didn’t bind my feet – shoulda kicked Scarlet when I had the chance. Maybe the gas will discourage them from busting in here to stop me? If I can’t get past that door, I’m toast even if I do free myself – they just won’t be able to watch me die.
She was in the process of folding her body in such a way as to bring her feet high enough so she could bend over and grab the key between her teeth when a high-pitched klaxon began to ring. Startled and half-deafened by the volume, she nearly dropped the key into the deadly fog as a voice shrieked, “Emergency! Emergency! Weapon approaching! All military personnel report to battle stations!”
They’ll be too busy to bother with me! Rejuvenated, Tifa went to work with a will. Taking a deep breath and closing her eyes against the vapours, she bent over and felt around for the key. Failing, she huffed lightly in frustration – and the instantaneous agony that erupted inside her mouth from the gas nearly made her retch. Sitting upright, gasping and spitting, she managed to catch her breath... then noticed that the deadly fumes were writhing around the seat of the chair. Dammit! Nothing to lose...!
Desperation – and a good deal of luck – conspired to bump the key against her chin on her second try. Thank the gods! Sitting upright, the key clenched between her teeth, Tifa noted that the klaxon was effectively blocking all sound from the outside and spared a thought for Barret. I wonder if he’s managed to escape in the confusion? Maybe he’ll find a spare uniform like we did on the Cargo Ship and bluff his way out.
Gripping the key firmly between her teeth, she went to work on the right-hand cuff. I really, really hope this works! The lock was stiff; it took some fiddling, and possibly a couple layers of enamel, before the tumblers fell into place and the cuff popped open. Wiping her sweating brow with her free hand, Tifa assessed the ever-deepening gas and moved quickly to open the other. As the cuff released, she became aware of ominous vibrations beneath her feet that became stronger with each passing second.
“Open blast doors! Activate Sister Ray! Target – Weapon!” the voice shouted over the klaxon’s blare, and Tifa automatically looked for something to hang on to. A moment later, the entire room shuddered from the recoil of the giant cannon, causing the gas to slop up against the walls like smoky liquid; it now reached Tifa’s waist. The vibrations paused for several heartbeats before continuing, this time shaking her prison so hard that she was afraid to try moving for the door in case she was thrown off her feet.
Then her glance fell on the metal button below the camera. I wonder if that’s the ‘off’ switch, too? Taking a chance, she dove across the short distance and smacked the button, then was rewarded by the sound of the valves closing. Slumping momentarily, she jumped when the voice shrilled, “Weapon dead ahead! Speed, fifty knots! Artillery – fire at will!”
I wonder why they don’t fire the Sister Ray again? Making her way around the perimeter of the room, using pipes as handholds as the rolling thunder of artillery barrages shook the walls and floor, Tifa tried the door and wasn’t surprised to find it tightly sealed. No keyhole on the inside, dammit.
It was very fortunate that Tifa had a firm grip on the piping while she contemplated her next move when the Weapon’s counter-attack sliced through the steel cladding and reinforced concrete of the base’s exterior. As a substantial hole opened up in the gas chamber’s wall, Tifa was sprayed with shrapnel; lancing pain in her shoulder and thigh announced she’d been wounded. Shit!
Grimacing, Tifa pulled a large metal splinter out of her leg and then cursed a blue streak that Cid would’ve been proud of when the open wound came into contact with the gas; the burning sensation nearly made her pass out. Better move it; hope I can find someone to Heal me! Hobbling over, she inspected the ragged edge of the hole, the blue sky beyond beckoning. The metal was still hot enough to burn her gloves; ignoring the discomfort, Tifa determinedly hauled herself up far enough to look out when she glimpsed a gigantic creature rising out of the ocean, the armoured spikes on its head and back glistening in the sun – just as the Sister Ray fired at point-blank range. Hanging on for dear life as first the cannon’s recoil and then the Weapon’s death-plunge threatened to shake her back into the sloshing gas, Tifa gritted her teeth until the minor earthquake stopped.
C’mon, Lockhart – you can do it! Swinging first her uninjured leg and then the other over the side, Tifa gingerly began edging her way down the steep front of the Sister Ray’s emplacement and immediately discovered that it was not only harder than it looked, but it also was going to take longer than she thought. I hope my body will hold out. Peeking downward, she instantly regretted it. Gods… don’t look, don’t look…! Pressing herself against the wall, she concentrated on finding footholds and handholds; it wasn’t until her body was beginning to shake from the tension that she risked another look. If I can reach that ledge, the slope below is slightly less vertical – just have to make it.
A shout from above broke her concentration; carefully tilting her head, Tifa spotted a helmet, quickly followed by the rest of a red-uniformed Second Class. He’s not going to… yes, he is. Oh, shit. A coil of rope unspooled, falling far below until it appeared to almost reach the blast shield of the Sister Ray... but it was just out of reach. The SOLDIER rapidly rappelled towards her, but what interested Tifa was the fact that he appeared to be working alone. If that’s correct, then I have a chance, but if he pulls a gun, I’m toast…. She was just deciding on the best plan of attack when the SOLDIER dropped level with her. A large hand gun was indeed strapped to his thigh, but instead of drawing it, he pulled off his helmet and tossed it over his shoulder.
“Vincent?”
“Damsels in distress are supposed to demurely wait in their tower to be rescued,” he intoned.
Tifa was momentarily distracted by the fact she could see most of Vincent’s face, but managed to cheek, “I guess we didn’t read the same fairy stories… and besides, I’m not exactly a ‘damsel’ right now.”
“Point.” Stepping sideways, he said, “You will have to hang onto me in a somewhat compromising position in order to facilitate this….”
“My dignity has already been compromised once already today – just get us down from here!”
If Vincent was surprised by her statement, he gave no sign. “Let me Cure your wounds first.” His hand glowed, and within a few seconds, she was pain-free. “I am pleased that you were able to put the key to good use.”
“That was you?”
“I am sorry I couldn’t prevent whatever atrocities Scarlet inflicted upon you.” Tifa’s face flamed as red as Vincent’s purloined uniform; he noticed but chose not to comment, instead continuing, “Apparently her proclivities regarding handsome young SOLDIERs are well-known. The one who was behaving rather rudely towards you with his rifle was appalled that she would choose to carry on in such a manner with a condemned prisoner.”
“‘Appalling’ doesn’t quite begin to cover that bitch. We’d better get moving.” A few awkward and potentially suicidal mid-air manoeuvres later, Tifa had her arms locked around Vincent’s chest and her legs around his hips.
“Can you still work the rope?” she asked nervously, as she realized just how precarious their position could be if someone managed to draw a bead on them.
“Yes,” he calmly replied, giving no sign that he had in effect doubled his body weight and there was at least a hundred feet between them and safety. “Ready?”
Tifa was proud of not shrieking like a little girl as her stomach remained somewhere up above while the rest of her plummeted towards the blast shield at an incredible rate of speed. The wind whistling in her ears was deafening, but before she could worry about not being able to hear any incoming attacks, they abruptly slowed just before Vincent’s boots hit the shield’s thick armour plate. “Nice landing,” she complimented the gunslinger, letting go as soon as decently possible.
“Our ride is picking us up at the end of the cannon,” Vincent said, disentangling himself from the impromptu climbing harness he’d rigged up.
“All right – let’s mosey.”
He blinked. “That sounds… odd, coming from anyone else.”
“Sorry.”
“Keep using his catch-phrases, and we’ll elect you to lead the team,” Vincent blandly threatened as they ran across the massive shield and then scuttled over the breech of the Sister Ray. “We have company.”
Tifa glanced over her shoulder and spotted a pair of Second Classes in hot pursuit - with an indecently-gowned figure hustling along in their wake. Persistent bitch – but I have to admire someone who can run in stiletto heels because Shiva knows I can’t! They had made it onto the barrel and were only a few dozen feet from the muzzle when they slowed to a stop, the brisk onshore wind tugging at their hair and clothing. “They’re late,” she observed.
“It appears that we must make a stand here,” Vincent murmured, releasing the safety on his gun.
“Suits me,” Tifa said grimly, punching her fist into her palm. “I have a score to settle.” Turning and striding back towards their pursuers along the massive barrel, she halted and waited. The SOLDIERs stopped about fifteen feet away, warily assessing both her and the apparent turncoat Second Class behind her; for her part, Tifa kept one eye on their weapons while Scarlet caught up.
Scarlet was rather out of breath when she shouldered her way through her escort and clattered up to Tifa, her cheeks as red as her flaming dress – and apparently unaware that putting herself within arm’s reach of her former victim while berating ‘him’ wasn’t a really bright idea. “Damn you, Laurence! You ruined the execution! It was a public relations disaster - everyone’s laughing at me!”
“I’m terribly sorry,” Tifa sneered. Scarlet snarled and stepped forward, her hand raised, but the blow never connected. Instead, she let out a pained squeal when her wrist was roughly gripped and another, more frightened one, when she was yanked closer to her captor. Looming over the smaller woman, Tifa glared at the SOLDIERs. “Keep your weapons in your holsters. My buddy back there is a crack shot and losing your heads over this bitch isn’t worth it.”
“Oooh, you bastard! How dare you! Take this!” The nails on Scarlet’s free hand slashed across Tifa’s cheek, but when Tifa pulled back her fist to retaliate, Scarlet shrieked, “You wouldn’t dare hit a lady!”
“I’m not.” Tifa’s first punch rocked Scarlet back on her towering heels; the second sent the woman stumbling, quickly followed by panicked screeching as she lost her footing on the curved surface of the cannon’s barrel and began sliding.
While the two SOLDIERs dove to Scarlet’s rescue, Vincent called, “Run!”
Turning, Tifa finally saw the massive airship rising up from beneath the cannon, the sound of its rotors filling her ears. Racing after Vincent, she noted the name ‘Highwind’ scrawled across the fuselage in spray-painted letters five feet high, next to a scantily-clad pin-up girl. Looks like Cid marked his territory! Then the deck came into view, and the sight of a madly-waving Barret and a cheering Yuffie lifted her spirits.
Vincent leapt off the end of the barrel and managed to seize hold of a railing support; he shouted encouragement as a mooring line snaked over the side of the airship. The Highwind continued rising and Tifa swore colourfully as the first bullets whizzed past her head. Above, Vincent coolly returned fire while Barret laid down a barrage to discourage her pursuers from coming any closer. Putting on an extra burst of speed, Tifa launched herself off the cannon and grabbed for the cable.
She missed.
The line swung lazily out of her reach, as if it were teasing her. For one moment of crystal clarity that would stay with her for the rest of her life, Tifa noticed the blue sky and bluer sea, the soft-looking whitecaps and arabesques of fishing boat wakes decorating the water’s surface far below. The sun warmed her skin, the sea breeze lifting her hair and filling her nose with the scents of salt and ozone – just before gravity asserted itself.
I’m going to die.
Will I… see Cloud again?
Looking upward, she registered the horrified expressions of her team mates, hanging over the railing of the Highwind as the airship continued its flight. Yuffie’s mouth was open, the teen obviously screaming, but Tifa couldn’t hear past the air rushing past her ears. She closed her eyes. Don’t watch – I don’t want you to watch this.
The numbing sensation of free-falling only lasted a split second before the tail end of the thick rope practically threw itself into her arms and her survival instincts kicked her reflexes into action. Wrapping herself around the line before she thought about what she was doing, Tifa slid a short length down until her boots hit the knot securing the mooring loop at the very end and that gave her some stability as the cable took her on a wild, whiplashing ride before the force of its rapid uncoiling dissipated.
When her teeth stopped rattling and her stomach stopped flipping, Tifa cautiously looked around. Bobbing gently in the slipstream of the Highwind’s passage, she watched the sunlight catch and gleam on the long barrel of the Sister Ray as Junon rapidly receded into the distance. We’re heading north? The air temperature steadily cooled and the ocean’s surface took on a textured appearance as their altitude continued increasing. Should I start climbing? I could end up with hypothermia if I don’t do something!
Glancing upwards, Tifa realized that the distance between her and the Highwind’s deck was shrinking rapidly as a winch had obviously been employed. Several moments later, she was grabbed under the arms and hoisted over the railing by Barret and Vincent. The gunslinger let go, but Barret didn’t; he dragged Tifa into a rib-cracking bear hug. “Thought we’d fuckin’ lost ya, too” he muttered into her shoulder. “Didn’t know what I was gonna tell Marlene.”
Tifa allowed herself to cling to his familiar bulk. “First, we have to somehow let her know that you’re alive; hopefully Elmyra didn’t let her watch that broadcast.”
“Marlene knows her ol’ daddy’s jus fine,” he said, sounding inordinately pleased. “We got us a new ally.”
“Quit hoggin’, ya big lug!”
Then Yuffie’s arms were around her neck, half-strangling her, and when Tifa’s already-shaky knees finally gave way, Nanaki was there to cushion her slide to the deck. Holding onto both of them, she exhaled deeply.
“Why’re you crying?” Yuffie asked anxiously.
Pressing the back of her glove to her face and blinking at the liquid dampening it, Tifa slowly replied, “I... don’t know.”
“For many things, I suspect,” Nanaki murmured, and licked her cheek, his tongue lightly rasping. “Let us go below, as Cid-san appears determined to put us into low earth orbit.”
“Is ShinRa pursuing us?”
“Nope,” Barret declared. “All their available transport is either fightin’ Weapons or stormin’ the Northern Crater.”
Yuffie helped Tifa upright and then pulled her arm across her shoulders. “I can walk,” Tifa protested when Nanaki also pressed his shoulder against her leg.
“We prefer to not take any more chances with your safety today.”
They were negotiating their way down a staircase when something occurred to Tifa. “Wait a minute... Yuffie? Why aren’t you barfing?”
“The on-board infirmary contains a supply of Tranquilizers, which allows Yuffie-kun to remain functional,” Nanaki said, carefully herding the two of them across a metal catwalk suspended over the engines.
“Also can’t complain about there not being enough fresh air on an airship,” the teen wanly joked, but Tifa noted that her colour was much better than usual.
They entered an airy space flooded with light by a huge, metal-framed nacelle forming the prow of the Highwind’s gondola. A number of consoles crammed with electronics were scattered throughout the bridge, the most prominent of which was currently occupied by Cid.
“Welcome aboard!” the pilot breezily hailed, sprawling in a battered leather captain’s chair. He had a steaming cup of tea in one hand, the other wrapped around what must be the controls of the airship, and a lit cigarette clenched between his teeth. All in all, it was the most contented Tifa had ever seen the pilot as Yuffie led her to a chair behind a console.
“Hullo, lassie. Good t’ see ya again.”
“C-Cait Sith?”
“The second of that name,” the stuffed cat said politely, doffing his crown and executing a deep bow to the dumbfounded woman.
“This is our new ally?”
“He’s a regular fucking buccaneer,” Cid chortled. “Nicked the Highwind right out from under the sentries’ fucking noses.”
“He also let me talk to Marlene jus’ now,” Barret said, and Tifa knew that alone would have redeemed Cait in the big man’s eyes. “She an’ Elmyra are safe in Kalm.”
Tifa beckoned the toy closer and stooped to look in its electronic eyes. “Reeve Tuesti?”
Cait’s voice deepened and smoothed. “Yes, Miss Lockhart?”
“You’re taking a huge risk.”
Furry shoulders lifted in a diffident shrug. “It was a surprisingly easy decision, particularly after I found out what happened to Miss Gainsborough. Helping to embarrass Scarlet was worth the risk because I absolutely loathe that witch.”
“You and me both,” Tifa muttered, then reached out to shake the cat’s paw. “Thank you – for everything.”
“Aw, t’was nothin’, lassie!” Cait chirped, the abrupt shift in tone jarring.
Tifa cocked her head. “Was Mr. Tuesti interrupted?”
“Aye. I dinna need him to answer yer questions, though. He breathed life inta me, but I speak for m’self.”
At that moment, Vincent strode into the room dressed in his usual garb, and took a seat at another console; Yuffie immediately moved to hang over his shoulder. “Our destination?” he asked, studying the various screens and scopes.
“Well, that depends on the new boss.” Cid drawled, taking a swig out of his mug.
“The new...?”
“You, T-san,” Nanaki said. “We decided that you should lead us.”
“M-me?”
“We prefer our leaders in uniform,” Vincent deadpanned.
“I... um, I’m not sure I’m the best choice,” Tifa faltered. “I, er, don’t have any experience... and I have no idea how to defeat Sephiroth. The only person who had half a chance against him was Cloud – because of the Jenova cells they both shared.” Rubbing her hand over her face, Tifa sighed. “Cloud might not have made SOLDIER, but he did have military experience and he was also a natural leader. I’m neither.”
Barret dropped his hand onto Tifa’s shoulder. “We didn’t follow Spiky b’cause he had the big fucking sword, y’know. Cocky little shit pissed me off, but I let him lead b’cause you believed in him. But... he knew what he was doin’. How ta get inta - an’ more important – how ta get outta shit, puttin’ hisself in harm’s way, takin’ a hit fer someone else, makin’ sure we stayed safe an’ lookin’ out fer all o’ us. Sound like someone else we know?” When Tifa shrugged helplessly, he gently rapped her on the head with his knuckles. “An’ ya can cook, too.”
Her shoulders slumping further, Tifa mumbled, “I don’t think I’m up to it.”
“Ya had a bit more piss ‘n vinegar in ya when ya woke up.”
“I’m... tired. Of the running, and the fighting... and the deaths. Cloud’s gone, and I never told him how much....” A ragged sob took her completely by surprise; Tifa buried her face in her hands. Within moments, she was surrounded - Yuffie fiercely hugging, Nanaki burrowing his head into her lap and loudly purring, Barret and Vincent scruffing her hair or gripping her shoulder.
“Let ‘er get it outta ‘er system,” Cid gruffly said to Cait. “She’s been dealing with the same fucking shit as we have, plus still bein’ stuck as a guy.”
“I think the lassie’s done rather well, considering,” Cait nodded gravely.
Tifa was embarrassed by how long it took her to bring herself back under control, but no-one else seemed to mind. She apologized anyways. “Sorry. I just....”
“Had enough? Me, too, sometimes,” Yuffie whispered. Smiling, the teenager produced a handful of tissues and dabbed at Tifa’s wet cheeks. “Saving the world’s a big concept, so I’m gonna stick with one I can handle – protecting my friends and family. It won’t be easy – even if Cloud was here, it’d still be dang tough – but we have a chance to take down Sephiroth if we all work together. We have to try... for both Aerith and Cloud’s sakes.”
Hanging her head, Tifa murmured, “I’m sorry, but... all I want is to see Cloud again, and there’s only one way that’s going to happen.”
“Ya seem mighty sure that Spiky’s dead,” Barret rumbled, a glint in his eye.
“Like I told you earlier – Cloud couldn’t hold his breath forever.”
“He wouldn’t have to,” Nanaki chimed in.
“What do you mean?”
“That water in the Northern Crater was liquid mako – or, more properly, the Lifestream. By its very name, it contains the necessary ability to sustain life.” Nanaki tilted his head to better watch Tifa’s expression. “Recall those giant, broken test tubes we found in the basement of the ShinRa Mansion? I am sure that they were filled with liquid mako.”
Tifa blew her nose on one of Yuffie’s tissues and thought. “Cloud remembered being held in one of them,” she said dully. “And he may have been submerged in mako for months at a time, if not years. So he might possibly be alive – but how do we find him before Meteor strikes? We only have a week, at most.”
“The Lifestream circulates just below the Planet’s surface; Cloud-san could literally be anywhere by now,” Nanaki admitted. “However, there are places where the Lifestream breaks through the crust.”
“That doesn’t narrow it down very much.” Tifa glumly pointed out. “There are mako springs hidden all over the Planet.”
“Most cracks that give rise to mako springs are too small, but we have discovered that a large vent exists in the ocean floor in at least one location on the Planet.”
Despite the odds against Cloud’s survival, a very tiny spark of hope ignited in Tifa’s heart as Cid said, “We’re headin’ down to Mideel to see if Spiky’s pitched up after we pick up my original crew tonight in Rocket Town. Caitie-cat over there can plug himself into the on-board computer to help with navigation, but my boys want to get in on the action.”
Vincent added, “Cait Sith has also informed us that ShinRa is combing the Planet for Huge Materia with their usual disregard for human life. They intend to load it into Cid’s rocket and fire it at Meteor in an attempt to either destroy it or divert it.”
Nanaki rubbed his muzzle against Tifa’s leg. “I doubt the attempt will be successful, because Meteor was summoned by magic and I suspect it can only be defeated by magic.”
“Aerith.”
“The Weapons may have been summoned by her prayer,” Nanaki gravely agreed. “However, they are not attacking the Northern Crater.”
“Are they protecting Sephiroth?” Tifa gasped.
“It is more likely that Sephiroth is controlling the Weapons, because their targets so far have been mainly ShinRa installations,” Vincent interjected. “If his malign influence can be destroyed, they may then turn their considerable strength against Meteor.”
“So it all comes back to killing Sephiroth,” she sighed.
“Yep. So we’re gonna take a chance an’ look fer Spiky, but if we don’ find ‘im, we’re jus’ gonna have ta suck it up an’ bump off Sephiroth ourselves. Ya with us?”
Tifa ran her hand through her spiky hair and tried to smile. “Okay.”
“Good,” Barret said firmly. “Dun like it when th’ toughest gal I know goes all wimpy-like. Ain’t no gettin’ off this train we’re on ‘til we reach the end o’ the line – an’ the final station’s in th’ Northern Crater.”
“Er, thanks... what is this place?” Tifa asked while keeping a firm grip on Yuffie’s belt so the teen didn’t fall over the lip of the gigantic sinkhole they and Barret were inspecting from a not-so-safe distance.
“It’s called Old Banora,” the man said, feeding his restless Chocobo a handful of greens. “I ‘spect you know why there’s a new one, bein’ as you’re from ShinRa.”
“Um, no. Must’ve been before my time.”
“They never told you about the Genesis Rebellion?”
Tifa frowned, but Barret said, “That’s when General Rhapsodos went rogue an’ took a whole army of SOLDIERs with him, right?” To Tifa, he added, “Happened ‘bout seven years ago – you were still jus’ a kid.”
Yuffie piped up, “The last time I saw Zack, he was being deployed to Banora – probably chasing this Genesis guy.”
“Yep. The general built himself a stronghold in the cave system under his hometown, an’ ShinRa blew Banora all to hell in order to flush him out. The town was rebuilt an’ the orchards replanted.”
Glancing down into the blast crater, noting the shimmer of water very far below, Tifa shivered. “We’re searching for a SOLDIER who recently went missing in action,” she said to the man. “Have you heard anything?”
“A First Class, by any chance?” he queried.
Tifa barely restrained herself from jumping for joy, but Yuffie did it for her. Ignoring the teen’s capering in favour of confirmation, Barret asked, “Did he have a big-ass sword with ‘im?”
“There was a sword mentioned,” their informant allowed, obviously enjoying the story. “Apparently the fishermen who found him had to use a winch to bring him on board, because they couldn’t pry the weapon out of his grip.”
“Do you know where he is now?” Tifa asked eagerly.
“At the ShinRa clinic in Mideel Town. Five miles south of here.”
The attractive young nurse, who had smiled very brightly upon sighting what appeared to be a tall, dark, handsome SOLDIER approaching her station, suddenly sobered. “Yes, sir.”
“Can I see him?” Tifa ruthlessly shoved the butterflies cavorting through her stomach into her mental broom closet and locked the door. I have to remember that these people think I’m with the ShinRa military.
“Of course... may I see your ID?”
Tifa pulled the dog tags out of her sweater. “T. Laurence. SOLDIER, Third Class.”
“Thank you,” she said, scribbling something in a file. “This way, please.”
Tifa was conscious of the racket that her boots made on the polished floors and tried to walk more quietly; her escort noticed. “You don’t have to worry about disturbing anyone in this wing. We’ve sent most of our patients home due to the impending arrival of Meteor.”
“Oh.”
“I’m surprised that ShinRa hasn’t allowed their personnel to go home to their families,” the young woman continued.
“All leave has been cancelled while we’re fighting to save the Planet,” Tifa said carefully.
“May I ask you a question? Do you know of a Third Class named Thane Laurence?”
“No, miss... I’m sorry.”
The young nurse sighed. “I knew it was a long shot, but I thought since you have the same last name, initial and rank that you might have met him during training.”
“SOLDIER is a big organization, miss,” Tifa managed to rasp around the lump in her throat. It’s probably just a coincidence, but I am using a dead man’s identity. “Er, is he your...?”
“My boyfriend,” she replied wistfully.
Tifa broke out into a cold sweat. “Do you know where he was last deployed?” she couldn’t help asking, while fearing the answer.
“Someplace west of here called the Temple of the Ancients.” The nurse indicated a door, but when Tifa simply stood there, she instantly became concerned. “Are you all right?”
“Yes…. ” Wiping her face with a shaking hand, Tifa tried to smile but failed badly.
The young woman touched her arm. Assuming that Tifa was distraught over her patient, she said, “This First Class - he’s physically in good condition, but….”
“The fact that he even survived is a miracle,” Tifa managed to reply while her stomach tied itself in knots.
“Just... don’t be alarmed, all right?”
“Th-thanks for the heads-up.” The nurse looked like she might say more, but then stepped back. Tifa proceeded into the room alone, feeling distinctly ill until she was distracted by the sight of a familiar sword propped in the corner by the window.
It’s him. It’s really him. The bed was enclosed on three sides by thin curtains that swayed and billowed in the sea breeze from the open window; Tifa bit her lip as she edged around to the open forth side, guilt, anticipation and fear roiling her guts. “Hello, Commander,” she said, trying for nonchalant when all she wanted to do was charge forward and throw her arms around him. There was no reply, but she became aware of a low, murmuring stream of words as she stared at the hunched figure seated in a wheelchair next to the bed. “Commander...?” she softly repeated, going down on one knee to look up into his face.
His eyes were pure, summer-sky blue... and completely devoid of expression as he babbled an incoherent torrent of disjointed words and sounds.
“Cloud....” Tifa whispered, stunned. Utterly deflated, she slowly tipped forward, resting her forehead on his knee, and then the tears flowed.
It’s all over.
A/N: I know That’s Not The Way the gas chamber worked, but poison blown directly in your face is particularly fast-acting, so Tifa is unlikely to survive long enough to free herself.
Also, the Highwind apparently lacks captain’s chairs (plus a few other important amenities) – but dammit, Cid deserves one!
Playing hob with the hamlet of Banora from Crisis Core, and completely rebuilding Mideel Town into something a little less ramshackle that includes a large, modern clinic run by ShinRa.
Warnings: Depiction of sexual assault. Coarse language, violence, canon abuse.
Bouquets to my wonderful betas, Kitsune13/TamLin and Ranuel, who deliver fabulous concrit!
Learning Curve Continuum
Chapter Sixteen: Nightmare
Ô Ô Ô Ô Ô Ô Ô Ô Ô Ô Ô Ô Ô Ô Ô Ô Ô Ô Ô Ô Ô Ô Ô Ô Ô Ô Ô Ô Ô Ô
Cloud...?
I’m sorry. I’m so, so sorry...
I couldn’t keep my promise to protect you.
I never told you how much I cared about you.
Cloud...
“Fin’ly wakin’ up? That’s a fuckin’ relief!”
“Barret...?” Shielding her eyes against the glare, Tifa slowly opened them, blinked several times, then frowned at the circular metal light fixture hanging overhead. That looks like... something from an operating room?
Heavy boots tromped across the room, and a familiar craggy, scarred face swam into view. “How ya feelin’?”
“Hungry.”
“No surprise – ya been out cold fer about a week.”
“A week?” Sitting bolt upright, Tifa had to lie back down again when her head and her stomach resented the sudden change in altitude. “A week?” she faintly repeated.
“Ya took damage when that piece o’ equipment whacked ya inna head on th’ Highwind. We almost lost ya overboard.” Barret’s massive hand awkwardly patted hers. “An’ that bald Turk came by, askin’ about Tifa – tol’ ‘im she’d been injured an’ had left the team to recuperate.”
Tifa was briefly confused by the way Barret was referring to her in the third person, but as she opened her mouth, she realized he was telling her that the room was likely bugged. “Er, glad I didn’t go for a dive.”
Barret’s expression sobered. “D’ya wanna know... ‘bout him?”
“I’m afraid to ask,” Tifa mumbled, ashamed of her fear of hearing confirmation that Cloud was gone forever.
“Nobody’s found a body – so that’s hopeful, right?”
“You saw the cavern ceiling collapse,” she said dully, pushing herself back up to sitting. Finally noticing the IV in her arm, she yanked out the needle and the securing tape, then pressed on the bleeding entry point. “Cloud’s amazing, but even he couldn’t survive being submerged in pure mako for very long.” Taking a good look at her surroundings, which included the gurney she was sitting on, Tifa frowned again. “What is this place?”
“The medical brig inside the Junon base. I stuck wi’ ya when the Highwind landed; the others managed to escape when fucking ShinRa tried to arrest ‘em.”
Tifa stared at Barret in disbelief. “Arrest? Don’t they know Meteor’s been summoned?”
“They ain’t fussed ‘bout that... yet. Got other stuff ta worry ‘bout. ‘Member those big-ass monsters we saw in th’ crater? They’re called ‘Weapons’, an’ they been on a tear, ripping up shit all over th’ Planet an’ Rufus Shinra’s been puttin’ his gilded ass onna line fightin’ ‘em. Don’t trust that fucker none, but he’s got guts.”
“What about Sephiroth? Any sign of him?”
“There’s a huge fucking barrier ‘round the crater – they’re callin’ it the ‘Northern Crater’ now - reckon he’s finishin’ regenerating his body now that Meteor’s been summoned.”
“Is there any good news?”
“Nope. The whole Planet’s runnin’ outta time.”
“Time... how close is Meteor?” Barret strode across the room and punched a button. Sturdy metal shutters began rising, revealing a bank of windows; ignoring the protests of her stomach, Tifa shot off the bed and pressed her hands against the glass. Hanging menacingly in the western sky, a huge flaming ball was clearly visible, its luminescence reflecting off the clouds more brightly than even the sun itself. “How much longer?”
“They’re guessin’ ‘bout a week.”
“So, do we just give up?”
“First, we gotta get outta here, an’ then we’ll figger out what ta do.”
“This glass isn’t that thick....” The sound of the door sliding open swung them both to face a woman pushing a covered trolley. Any ideas of making a break for it were stalled when she was followed by a pair of heavily armed SOLDIERs, Second Class. Whipping off the cover, she revealed two food trays – which incidentally proved that the room was indeed bugged, since they knew Tifa was now awake. Arranging the trays on a metal table near the door, the woman shot both Barret and Tifa shirty looks before exiting with her red-clad escort... all in complete silence.
As the door closed, Tifa glanced at Barret. “Friendly types.”
“We’re AVALANCHE – the big, bad bogeymen that ShinRa’s bin tellin’ the Planet are evil terrorists. Lucky they don’ poison the chow.”
Her stomach growled as Barret took the lid off one of the trays, releasing a delicious aroma and revealing a substantial spread. “Bit fancier than usual,” he observed, tucking in with gusto.
“Special occasion?” Tifa commented, following suit with the other tray. The meal was fresh, hot and decently prepared. The kitchen must be close by instead of in the bowels of the base. Suddenly ravenous, she ignored a niggling voice concerned about poison and rapidly inhaled the food.
They had both finished and were sipping the provided tea when the door opened again, this time framing a grim-looking Rufus Shinra, who raked them with a sharp glance. “I figured our runaway SOLDIER would’ve shown up by now to rescue his comrades; Cloud Strife was a failure in more ways than one.”
“Shut your mouth,” Tifa hissed, slamming down her cup.
“Insubordination, Laurence? I could have you executed for that,” he sneered. “However, since I can only condemn you once, it’ll be for deserting to AVALANCHE.”
Reigning in her temper, Tifa remarked, “I see you’ve caught up on your reading.”
Heidegger waddled into the room. “The preparations for the execution are complete, Mr. President.”
“What could you possibly gain from executing us now?”
Rufus examined his fingertips. “The public wants a scapegoat; laying the blame on AVALANCHE is convenient.”
“Technically speaking, it’s Sephiroth’s fault – but I’ll bet you haven’t announced that he’s even involved.”
“We gave him a state funeral, so he stays dead. AVALANCHE is blamed for the explosion of Reactor One and the destruction of Sector Seven, so executing you will make people feel that justice has been done.”
“I’m sure they’ll be mightily comforted that ShinRa has its priorities straight,” Tifa said acidly.
“Yer all kinds o’ fucked up, Shinra,” Barret exclaimed. “Ain’t gonna stop Meteor, an’ if everyone’s dead, who the fuck’s gonna care, anyways?”
“Look at it this way – you’ll go to your deaths relatively peacefully, instead of screaming into the void like the rest of us in a few days.”
“Mebbe you should take the fucking chamber for a test drive, since it’ll be a ‘peaceful death’.”
“It isn’t every day you get to witness the end of the world.” Rufus smiled mirthlessly and beckoned; a squad of heavily-armed SOLDIERs, Second Class, filed into the room and pointed their weapons at the pair. “Take them away.”
Ô Ô Ô Ô Ô
Is that a gold statue of old man Shinra? How... tasteful. The Second Class behind her gave a warning prod with his rifle; Tifa managed to avoid stumbling as she sped up. Flexing her arms again, testing the strength of the manacles, she had to admit they’d done a good job of restraint. No easy chance of escape, darn it!As they approached a set of steel doors, the pair of guards flanking the riveted panels rolled them back, revealing rows of chairs filled with reporters. Scarlet vamped for a cameraman in front of a long table stacked with press releases at the front of the room. While the SOLDIERs hustled them forwards, Scarlet dramatically gestured. “Take a good look, ladies and gentlemen! These are the AVALANCHE scum that have brought this calamity down on us!”
Tifa curled her lip; as they came to a stop in front of Scarlet, she had a flash of inspiration. Turning to the cameraman training his lens on her, she asked, “Is that thing on?”
“It’s being broadcast live to the entire Planet!” Scarlet crowed. “People love this stuff, even if they won’t admit it!”
Tifa took a deep breath and looked squarely into the camera. “The truth is, we were trying to stop Meteor - while ShinRa did nothing. They were more worried about catching us than preventing Meteor – and still are. Instead of working with us to find a way to save our Planet, ShinRa is wasting time with this pointless execution.”
“Cut! Cut! Erase that tape!” Scarlet screamed.
The cameraman backed away. “Too late, ma’am,” he mumbled. “Live feed, remember?”
“Hey... point that fucking thing my way – I got somethin’ to say,” Barret said heavily, and despite Scarlet’s loud objections, the cameraman did as he was asked – probably because it put him farther out of her reach. As she chased after him, screeching, one of the reporters casually stuck out his foot and sent her sprawling, and then another clumsily tripped over her while moving to a better seat. By the time the guards had sorted things out and helped an angry Scarlet to her feet, Barret had addressed the camera. “Marlene... if yer watchin’, I’m sorry, princess. Yer ol’ daddy won’t be comin’ home no more, but don’ ever forget that he loves ya more than anythin’.”
Surprisingly, Scarlet’s triumphant mood was restored by Barret’s heartfelt words. “Oh, that’s gold, right there. The public just eats up tearful goodbyes!”
Barret’s only reply was a fiery glare; Scarlet actually took a step back, then turned to Tifa. “Come on, SOLDIER – I’ll do you first,” she smirked.
“Take me first!” Barret shouted, struggling against his bonds.
“All in good time, big boy,” Scarlet purred, blowing him a kiss. “Enjoy the preview of your death agonies courtesy of your friend.” Another guard spun the wheel on an airlock-type door and swung it open; Scarlet gestured to Tifa. “Right this way, handsome... step into my parlour.”
The SOLDIER behind Tifa shoved her in the small of his back with the butt of his weapon; she staggered forward and nearly fell over the raised doorsill into a small, cramped room lined with piping. In the centre, bolted to the floor, was a metal chair fitted with heavy-duty locking cuffs. Beside it waited another Second Class.
“Show our guest to his seat.”
Tifa tried to resist, but the SOLDIER behind her was having none of it; he kicked her in the back of the knee and when her leg buckled, he spun her around and slammed her into the chair. Ramming the muzzle of his rifle into the side of Tifa’s head, he hissed, “Don’t get any ideas,” emphasizing the threat with another forceful jab. “I’ll have your brains spattered all over that wall before you can even blink... traitor.”
“Now, now - no need to be so vulgar,” Scarlet admonished, as the other Second Class silently opened Tifa’s manacles and then secured her wrists with the cuffs. “You can go now,” Scarlet said to both of them.
“But – ma’am...!” protested the SOLDIER who still had his weapon pressed against Tifa’s temple.
“I said you can leave,” Scarlet snapped. The part of the SOLDIER’s face visible under his helmet turned a shade of red that matched his uniform, and he hastily obeyed, followed by his compatriot.
Unnoticed in their rush, a key fell out of the second SOLDIER’s belt – but Tifa saw it. Moving quickly, she stretched out her foot and dragged the little piece of hope close enough to hide it under her boot. I hope this opens the cuffs, not his footlocker!
Scarlet was too busy making sure the door was secured to notice Tifa’s gymnastics. “Isn’t this cozy?” she sighed, turning off the camera pointing directly at the chair. “Just making sure that we won’t be interrupted....”
“What do you mean?” Tifa asked.
Trailing a slim hand across Tifa’s shoulders before sliding a finger down into the high neck of her captive’s uniform sweater, Scarlet hooked out the chain and inspected the dog tag hanging from it. “T. Laurence... what does the ‘T’ stand for, handsome?”
Glaring, Tifa spat, “Why do you care?”
“I don’t, really. It’s mainly for the press corps, so they can find and interview your poor parents, who are probably ready to die of shame that their darling boy became a terrorist.”
“My parents are dead.”
“So sorry to hear that,” Scarlet said in syrupy tones as she slid her stocking-clad knee onto the chair between Tifa’s thighs. “Allow me to express my deepest sympathy.”
This is not happening! When Tifa leaned back in a vain attempt to avoid Scarlet’s oncoming bosom, the headrest stopped her retreat.
“Bet you’ve never felt anything this amazing on your face,” Scarlet smugly commented, half-smothering Tifa with her breasts.
Tifa just closed her eyes, held her breath and stoically endured being thoroughly mashed by a pair of heavily perfumed and rather squishy feminine attributes. I’m very, very glad that no-one will ever find out about this whether I survive or not. I’m also very glad that it’s me and not Barret being put through this, because he’d be dead of mortification about now. She was abruptly released, gagging on Scarlet’s heavy floral scent.
“Did I take your breath away? Let me help you with that.” First speechless with horror and then thoroughly revolted by Scarlet’s aggressive attempts to kiss her, Tifa clamped her lips shut and growled warningly. Scarlet pulled back and archly asked, “Am I coming on too strong for you?” before launching another assault. This time, she pinched shut Tifa’s nose with clear intent of forcing her mouth open.
That’s it – I’ve had enough of this bitch! Pretending to give in, Tifa complied – and then snapped her teeth, narrowly missing the tip of Scarlet’s tongue when her attacker foolishly attempted to take advantage of the apparent opening.
“Ooh, you naughty boy! I’d love to play with you for a few hours until you were begging me for release... in more ways than one. We’ll just have to move on to the main event.” Despite everything that had already occurred, Tifa froze in shock when Scarlet palmed her crotch and cooed, “Nice package, handsome - I can’t let it completely go to waste.”
Red-faced and furious, Tifa snarled, “What the hell do you think you’re doing?”
“Giving me something to remember you by – but not as much as I’d like.” Scarlet hiked up her gown around her waist, revealing matching red lace panties, and straddled her dumbfounded victim’s lap. Proceeding to grind herself against an absolutely disgusted Tifa, Scarlet murmured throatily, “What’s the matter? Don’t I turn you on?”
Tifa bared her teeth and gritted out, “You’re not my type.”
Scarlet went very still before a sneer disfigured her carefully made-up face. “No... I suppose not. You had it pretty hard for that First Class.” Standing up, she straightened her clothing before viciously slapping Tifa across the face. “Enjoy your agonizing, pointless death, Laurence.” Flipping the switch on the camera and then pressing a large, metal button located on the wall below it, she wrenched open the door and stalked out. It slammed shut behind her, and the grating sound of the lock sliding home was loud in the confined space.
Tifa spent a few seconds staring up at the blinking light over the camera lens before she gathered her wits, just before a sibilant hiss announced that valves were opening. As the gas began emanating from multiple outlets, it formed wispy pale eddies that chased each other across the floor. Better grab the key... fast! Carefully manoeuvring her boots, she caught the oversized key between them. Lucky they didn’t bind my feet – shoulda kicked Scarlet when I had the chance. Maybe the gas will discourage them from busting in here to stop me? If I can’t get past that door, I’m toast even if I do free myself – they just won’t be able to watch me die.
She was in the process of folding her body in such a way as to bring her feet high enough so she could bend over and grab the key between her teeth when a high-pitched klaxon began to ring. Startled and half-deafened by the volume, she nearly dropped the key into the deadly fog as a voice shrieked, “Emergency! Emergency! Weapon approaching! All military personnel report to battle stations!”
They’ll be too busy to bother with me! Rejuvenated, Tifa went to work with a will. Taking a deep breath and closing her eyes against the vapours, she bent over and felt around for the key. Failing, she huffed lightly in frustration – and the instantaneous agony that erupted inside her mouth from the gas nearly made her retch. Sitting upright, gasping and spitting, she managed to catch her breath... then noticed that the deadly fumes were writhing around the seat of the chair. Dammit! Nothing to lose...!
Desperation – and a good deal of luck – conspired to bump the key against her chin on her second try. Thank the gods! Sitting upright, the key clenched between her teeth, Tifa noted that the klaxon was effectively blocking all sound from the outside and spared a thought for Barret. I wonder if he’s managed to escape in the confusion? Maybe he’ll find a spare uniform like we did on the Cargo Ship and bluff his way out.
Gripping the key firmly between her teeth, she went to work on the right-hand cuff. I really, really hope this works! The lock was stiff; it took some fiddling, and possibly a couple layers of enamel, before the tumblers fell into place and the cuff popped open. Wiping her sweating brow with her free hand, Tifa assessed the ever-deepening gas and moved quickly to open the other. As the cuff released, she became aware of ominous vibrations beneath her feet that became stronger with each passing second.
“Open blast doors! Activate Sister Ray! Target – Weapon!” the voice shouted over the klaxon’s blare, and Tifa automatically looked for something to hang on to. A moment later, the entire room shuddered from the recoil of the giant cannon, causing the gas to slop up against the walls like smoky liquid; it now reached Tifa’s waist. The vibrations paused for several heartbeats before continuing, this time shaking her prison so hard that she was afraid to try moving for the door in case she was thrown off her feet.
Then her glance fell on the metal button below the camera. I wonder if that’s the ‘off’ switch, too? Taking a chance, she dove across the short distance and smacked the button, then was rewarded by the sound of the valves closing. Slumping momentarily, she jumped when the voice shrilled, “Weapon dead ahead! Speed, fifty knots! Artillery – fire at will!”
I wonder why they don’t fire the Sister Ray again? Making her way around the perimeter of the room, using pipes as handholds as the rolling thunder of artillery barrages shook the walls and floor, Tifa tried the door and wasn’t surprised to find it tightly sealed. No keyhole on the inside, dammit.
It was very fortunate that Tifa had a firm grip on the piping while she contemplated her next move when the Weapon’s counter-attack sliced through the steel cladding and reinforced concrete of the base’s exterior. As a substantial hole opened up in the gas chamber’s wall, Tifa was sprayed with shrapnel; lancing pain in her shoulder and thigh announced she’d been wounded. Shit!
Grimacing, Tifa pulled a large metal splinter out of her leg and then cursed a blue streak that Cid would’ve been proud of when the open wound came into contact with the gas; the burning sensation nearly made her pass out. Better move it; hope I can find someone to Heal me! Hobbling over, she inspected the ragged edge of the hole, the blue sky beyond beckoning. The metal was still hot enough to burn her gloves; ignoring the discomfort, Tifa determinedly hauled herself up far enough to look out when she glimpsed a gigantic creature rising out of the ocean, the armoured spikes on its head and back glistening in the sun – just as the Sister Ray fired at point-blank range. Hanging on for dear life as first the cannon’s recoil and then the Weapon’s death-plunge threatened to shake her back into the sloshing gas, Tifa gritted her teeth until the minor earthquake stopped.
C’mon, Lockhart – you can do it! Swinging first her uninjured leg and then the other over the side, Tifa gingerly began edging her way down the steep front of the Sister Ray’s emplacement and immediately discovered that it was not only harder than it looked, but it also was going to take longer than she thought. I hope my body will hold out. Peeking downward, she instantly regretted it. Gods… don’t look, don’t look…! Pressing herself against the wall, she concentrated on finding footholds and handholds; it wasn’t until her body was beginning to shake from the tension that she risked another look. If I can reach that ledge, the slope below is slightly less vertical – just have to make it.
A shout from above broke her concentration; carefully tilting her head, Tifa spotted a helmet, quickly followed by the rest of a red-uniformed Second Class. He’s not going to… yes, he is. Oh, shit. A coil of rope unspooled, falling far below until it appeared to almost reach the blast shield of the Sister Ray... but it was just out of reach. The SOLDIER rapidly rappelled towards her, but what interested Tifa was the fact that he appeared to be working alone. If that’s correct, then I have a chance, but if he pulls a gun, I’m toast…. She was just deciding on the best plan of attack when the SOLDIER dropped level with her. A large hand gun was indeed strapped to his thigh, but instead of drawing it, he pulled off his helmet and tossed it over his shoulder.
“Vincent?”
“Damsels in distress are supposed to demurely wait in their tower to be rescued,” he intoned.
Tifa was momentarily distracted by the fact she could see most of Vincent’s face, but managed to cheek, “I guess we didn’t read the same fairy stories… and besides, I’m not exactly a ‘damsel’ right now.”
“Point.” Stepping sideways, he said, “You will have to hang onto me in a somewhat compromising position in order to facilitate this….”
“My dignity has already been compromised once already today – just get us down from here!”
If Vincent was surprised by her statement, he gave no sign. “Let me Cure your wounds first.” His hand glowed, and within a few seconds, she was pain-free. “I am pleased that you were able to put the key to good use.”
“That was you?”
“I am sorry I couldn’t prevent whatever atrocities Scarlet inflicted upon you.” Tifa’s face flamed as red as Vincent’s purloined uniform; he noticed but chose not to comment, instead continuing, “Apparently her proclivities regarding handsome young SOLDIERs are well-known. The one who was behaving rather rudely towards you with his rifle was appalled that she would choose to carry on in such a manner with a condemned prisoner.”
“‘Appalling’ doesn’t quite begin to cover that bitch. We’d better get moving.” A few awkward and potentially suicidal mid-air manoeuvres later, Tifa had her arms locked around Vincent’s chest and her legs around his hips.
“Can you still work the rope?” she asked nervously, as she realized just how precarious their position could be if someone managed to draw a bead on them.
“Yes,” he calmly replied, giving no sign that he had in effect doubled his body weight and there was at least a hundred feet between them and safety. “Ready?”
Tifa was proud of not shrieking like a little girl as her stomach remained somewhere up above while the rest of her plummeted towards the blast shield at an incredible rate of speed. The wind whistling in her ears was deafening, but before she could worry about not being able to hear any incoming attacks, they abruptly slowed just before Vincent’s boots hit the shield’s thick armour plate. “Nice landing,” she complimented the gunslinger, letting go as soon as decently possible.
“Our ride is picking us up at the end of the cannon,” Vincent said, disentangling himself from the impromptu climbing harness he’d rigged up.
“All right – let’s mosey.”
He blinked. “That sounds… odd, coming from anyone else.”
“Sorry.”
“Keep using his catch-phrases, and we’ll elect you to lead the team,” Vincent blandly threatened as they ran across the massive shield and then scuttled over the breech of the Sister Ray. “We have company.”
Tifa glanced over her shoulder and spotted a pair of Second Classes in hot pursuit - with an indecently-gowned figure hustling along in their wake. Persistent bitch – but I have to admire someone who can run in stiletto heels because Shiva knows I can’t! They had made it onto the barrel and were only a few dozen feet from the muzzle when they slowed to a stop, the brisk onshore wind tugging at their hair and clothing. “They’re late,” she observed.
“It appears that we must make a stand here,” Vincent murmured, releasing the safety on his gun.
“Suits me,” Tifa said grimly, punching her fist into her palm. “I have a score to settle.” Turning and striding back towards their pursuers along the massive barrel, she halted and waited. The SOLDIERs stopped about fifteen feet away, warily assessing both her and the apparent turncoat Second Class behind her; for her part, Tifa kept one eye on their weapons while Scarlet caught up.
Scarlet was rather out of breath when she shouldered her way through her escort and clattered up to Tifa, her cheeks as red as her flaming dress – and apparently unaware that putting herself within arm’s reach of her former victim while berating ‘him’ wasn’t a really bright idea. “Damn you, Laurence! You ruined the execution! It was a public relations disaster - everyone’s laughing at me!”
“I’m terribly sorry,” Tifa sneered. Scarlet snarled and stepped forward, her hand raised, but the blow never connected. Instead, she let out a pained squeal when her wrist was roughly gripped and another, more frightened one, when she was yanked closer to her captor. Looming over the smaller woman, Tifa glared at the SOLDIERs. “Keep your weapons in your holsters. My buddy back there is a crack shot and losing your heads over this bitch isn’t worth it.”
“Oooh, you bastard! How dare you! Take this!” The nails on Scarlet’s free hand slashed across Tifa’s cheek, but when Tifa pulled back her fist to retaliate, Scarlet shrieked, “You wouldn’t dare hit a lady!”
“I’m not.” Tifa’s first punch rocked Scarlet back on her towering heels; the second sent the woman stumbling, quickly followed by panicked screeching as she lost her footing on the curved surface of the cannon’s barrel and began sliding.
While the two SOLDIERs dove to Scarlet’s rescue, Vincent called, “Run!”
Turning, Tifa finally saw the massive airship rising up from beneath the cannon, the sound of its rotors filling her ears. Racing after Vincent, she noted the name ‘Highwind’ scrawled across the fuselage in spray-painted letters five feet high, next to a scantily-clad pin-up girl. Looks like Cid marked his territory! Then the deck came into view, and the sight of a madly-waving Barret and a cheering Yuffie lifted her spirits.
Vincent leapt off the end of the barrel and managed to seize hold of a railing support; he shouted encouragement as a mooring line snaked over the side of the airship. The Highwind continued rising and Tifa swore colourfully as the first bullets whizzed past her head. Above, Vincent coolly returned fire while Barret laid down a barrage to discourage her pursuers from coming any closer. Putting on an extra burst of speed, Tifa launched herself off the cannon and grabbed for the cable.
She missed.
The line swung lazily out of her reach, as if it were teasing her. For one moment of crystal clarity that would stay with her for the rest of her life, Tifa noticed the blue sky and bluer sea, the soft-looking whitecaps and arabesques of fishing boat wakes decorating the water’s surface far below. The sun warmed her skin, the sea breeze lifting her hair and filling her nose with the scents of salt and ozone – just before gravity asserted itself.
I’m going to die.
Will I… see Cloud again?
Looking upward, she registered the horrified expressions of her team mates, hanging over the railing of the Highwind as the airship continued its flight. Yuffie’s mouth was open, the teen obviously screaming, but Tifa couldn’t hear past the air rushing past her ears. She closed her eyes. Don’t watch – I don’t want you to watch this.
The numbing sensation of free-falling only lasted a split second before the tail end of the thick rope practically threw itself into her arms and her survival instincts kicked her reflexes into action. Wrapping herself around the line before she thought about what she was doing, Tifa slid a short length down until her boots hit the knot securing the mooring loop at the very end and that gave her some stability as the cable took her on a wild, whiplashing ride before the force of its rapid uncoiling dissipated.
When her teeth stopped rattling and her stomach stopped flipping, Tifa cautiously looked around. Bobbing gently in the slipstream of the Highwind’s passage, she watched the sunlight catch and gleam on the long barrel of the Sister Ray as Junon rapidly receded into the distance. We’re heading north? The air temperature steadily cooled and the ocean’s surface took on a textured appearance as their altitude continued increasing. Should I start climbing? I could end up with hypothermia if I don’t do something!
Glancing upwards, Tifa realized that the distance between her and the Highwind’s deck was shrinking rapidly as a winch had obviously been employed. Several moments later, she was grabbed under the arms and hoisted over the railing by Barret and Vincent. The gunslinger let go, but Barret didn’t; he dragged Tifa into a rib-cracking bear hug. “Thought we’d fuckin’ lost ya, too” he muttered into her shoulder. “Didn’t know what I was gonna tell Marlene.”
Tifa allowed herself to cling to his familiar bulk. “First, we have to somehow let her know that you’re alive; hopefully Elmyra didn’t let her watch that broadcast.”
“Marlene knows her ol’ daddy’s jus fine,” he said, sounding inordinately pleased. “We got us a new ally.”
“Quit hoggin’, ya big lug!”
Then Yuffie’s arms were around her neck, half-strangling her, and when Tifa’s already-shaky knees finally gave way, Nanaki was there to cushion her slide to the deck. Holding onto both of them, she exhaled deeply.
“Why’re you crying?” Yuffie asked anxiously.
Pressing the back of her glove to her face and blinking at the liquid dampening it, Tifa slowly replied, “I... don’t know.”
“For many things, I suspect,” Nanaki murmured, and licked her cheek, his tongue lightly rasping. “Let us go below, as Cid-san appears determined to put us into low earth orbit.”
“Is ShinRa pursuing us?”
“Nope,” Barret declared. “All their available transport is either fightin’ Weapons or stormin’ the Northern Crater.”
Yuffie helped Tifa upright and then pulled her arm across her shoulders. “I can walk,” Tifa protested when Nanaki also pressed his shoulder against her leg.
“We prefer to not take any more chances with your safety today.”
They were negotiating their way down a staircase when something occurred to Tifa. “Wait a minute... Yuffie? Why aren’t you barfing?”
“The on-board infirmary contains a supply of Tranquilizers, which allows Yuffie-kun to remain functional,” Nanaki said, carefully herding the two of them across a metal catwalk suspended over the engines.
“Also can’t complain about there not being enough fresh air on an airship,” the teen wanly joked, but Tifa noted that her colour was much better than usual.
They entered an airy space flooded with light by a huge, metal-framed nacelle forming the prow of the Highwind’s gondola. A number of consoles crammed with electronics were scattered throughout the bridge, the most prominent of which was currently occupied by Cid.
“Welcome aboard!” the pilot breezily hailed, sprawling in a battered leather captain’s chair. He had a steaming cup of tea in one hand, the other wrapped around what must be the controls of the airship, and a lit cigarette clenched between his teeth. All in all, it was the most contented Tifa had ever seen the pilot as Yuffie led her to a chair behind a console.
“Hullo, lassie. Good t’ see ya again.”
“C-Cait Sith?”
“The second of that name,” the stuffed cat said politely, doffing his crown and executing a deep bow to the dumbfounded woman.
“This is our new ally?”
“He’s a regular fucking buccaneer,” Cid chortled. “Nicked the Highwind right out from under the sentries’ fucking noses.”
“He also let me talk to Marlene jus’ now,” Barret said, and Tifa knew that alone would have redeemed Cait in the big man’s eyes. “She an’ Elmyra are safe in Kalm.”
Tifa beckoned the toy closer and stooped to look in its electronic eyes. “Reeve Tuesti?”
Cait’s voice deepened and smoothed. “Yes, Miss Lockhart?”
“You’re taking a huge risk.”
Furry shoulders lifted in a diffident shrug. “It was a surprisingly easy decision, particularly after I found out what happened to Miss Gainsborough. Helping to embarrass Scarlet was worth the risk because I absolutely loathe that witch.”
“You and me both,” Tifa muttered, then reached out to shake the cat’s paw. “Thank you – for everything.”
“Aw, t’was nothin’, lassie!” Cait chirped, the abrupt shift in tone jarring.
Tifa cocked her head. “Was Mr. Tuesti interrupted?”
“Aye. I dinna need him to answer yer questions, though. He breathed life inta me, but I speak for m’self.”
At that moment, Vincent strode into the room dressed in his usual garb, and took a seat at another console; Yuffie immediately moved to hang over his shoulder. “Our destination?” he asked, studying the various screens and scopes.
“Well, that depends on the new boss.” Cid drawled, taking a swig out of his mug.
“The new...?”
“You, T-san,” Nanaki said. “We decided that you should lead us.”
“M-me?”
“We prefer our leaders in uniform,” Vincent deadpanned.
“I... um, I’m not sure I’m the best choice,” Tifa faltered. “I, er, don’t have any experience... and I have no idea how to defeat Sephiroth. The only person who had half a chance against him was Cloud – because of the Jenova cells they both shared.” Rubbing her hand over her face, Tifa sighed. “Cloud might not have made SOLDIER, but he did have military experience and he was also a natural leader. I’m neither.”
Barret dropped his hand onto Tifa’s shoulder. “We didn’t follow Spiky b’cause he had the big fucking sword, y’know. Cocky little shit pissed me off, but I let him lead b’cause you believed in him. But... he knew what he was doin’. How ta get inta - an’ more important – how ta get outta shit, puttin’ hisself in harm’s way, takin’ a hit fer someone else, makin’ sure we stayed safe an’ lookin’ out fer all o’ us. Sound like someone else we know?” When Tifa shrugged helplessly, he gently rapped her on the head with his knuckles. “An’ ya can cook, too.”
Her shoulders slumping further, Tifa mumbled, “I don’t think I’m up to it.”
“Ya had a bit more piss ‘n vinegar in ya when ya woke up.”
“I’m... tired. Of the running, and the fighting... and the deaths. Cloud’s gone, and I never told him how much....” A ragged sob took her completely by surprise; Tifa buried her face in her hands. Within moments, she was surrounded - Yuffie fiercely hugging, Nanaki burrowing his head into her lap and loudly purring, Barret and Vincent scruffing her hair or gripping her shoulder.
“Let ‘er get it outta ‘er system,” Cid gruffly said to Cait. “She’s been dealing with the same fucking shit as we have, plus still bein’ stuck as a guy.”
“I think the lassie’s done rather well, considering,” Cait nodded gravely.
Tifa was embarrassed by how long it took her to bring herself back under control, but no-one else seemed to mind. She apologized anyways. “Sorry. I just....”
“Had enough? Me, too, sometimes,” Yuffie whispered. Smiling, the teenager produced a handful of tissues and dabbed at Tifa’s wet cheeks. “Saving the world’s a big concept, so I’m gonna stick with one I can handle – protecting my friends and family. It won’t be easy – even if Cloud was here, it’d still be dang tough – but we have a chance to take down Sephiroth if we all work together. We have to try... for both Aerith and Cloud’s sakes.”
Hanging her head, Tifa murmured, “I’m sorry, but... all I want is to see Cloud again, and there’s only one way that’s going to happen.”
“Ya seem mighty sure that Spiky’s dead,” Barret rumbled, a glint in his eye.
“Like I told you earlier – Cloud couldn’t hold his breath forever.”
“He wouldn’t have to,” Nanaki chimed in.
“What do you mean?”
“That water in the Northern Crater was liquid mako – or, more properly, the Lifestream. By its very name, it contains the necessary ability to sustain life.” Nanaki tilted his head to better watch Tifa’s expression. “Recall those giant, broken test tubes we found in the basement of the ShinRa Mansion? I am sure that they were filled with liquid mako.”
Tifa blew her nose on one of Yuffie’s tissues and thought. “Cloud remembered being held in one of them,” she said dully. “And he may have been submerged in mako for months at a time, if not years. So he might possibly be alive – but how do we find him before Meteor strikes? We only have a week, at most.”
“The Lifestream circulates just below the Planet’s surface; Cloud-san could literally be anywhere by now,” Nanaki admitted. “However, there are places where the Lifestream breaks through the crust.”
“That doesn’t narrow it down very much.” Tifa glumly pointed out. “There are mako springs hidden all over the Planet.”
“Most cracks that give rise to mako springs are too small, but we have discovered that a large vent exists in the ocean floor in at least one location on the Planet.”
Despite the odds against Cloud’s survival, a very tiny spark of hope ignited in Tifa’s heart as Cid said, “We’re headin’ down to Mideel to see if Spiky’s pitched up after we pick up my original crew tonight in Rocket Town. Caitie-cat over there can plug himself into the on-board computer to help with navigation, but my boys want to get in on the action.”
Vincent added, “Cait Sith has also informed us that ShinRa is combing the Planet for Huge Materia with their usual disregard for human life. They intend to load it into Cid’s rocket and fire it at Meteor in an attempt to either destroy it or divert it.”
Nanaki rubbed his muzzle against Tifa’s leg. “I doubt the attempt will be successful, because Meteor was summoned by magic and I suspect it can only be defeated by magic.”
“Aerith.”
“The Weapons may have been summoned by her prayer,” Nanaki gravely agreed. “However, they are not attacking the Northern Crater.”
“Are they protecting Sephiroth?” Tifa gasped.
“It is more likely that Sephiroth is controlling the Weapons, because their targets so far have been mainly ShinRa installations,” Vincent interjected. “If his malign influence can be destroyed, they may then turn their considerable strength against Meteor.”
“So it all comes back to killing Sephiroth,” she sighed.
“Yep. So we’re gonna take a chance an’ look fer Spiky, but if we don’ find ‘im, we’re jus’ gonna have ta suck it up an’ bump off Sephiroth ourselves. Ya with us?”
Tifa ran her hand through her spiky hair and tried to smile. “Okay.”
“Good,” Barret said firmly. “Dun like it when th’ toughest gal I know goes all wimpy-like. Ain’t no gettin’ off this train we’re on ‘til we reach the end o’ the line – an’ the final station’s in th’ Northern Crater.”
Ô Ô Ô Ô Ô
“If you want some apples, you have to go up to New Banora – a couple o’ miles that way.”“Er, thanks... what is this place?” Tifa asked while keeping a firm grip on Yuffie’s belt so the teen didn’t fall over the lip of the gigantic sinkhole they and Barret were inspecting from a not-so-safe distance.
“It’s called Old Banora,” the man said, feeding his restless Chocobo a handful of greens. “I ‘spect you know why there’s a new one, bein’ as you’re from ShinRa.”
“Um, no. Must’ve been before my time.”
“They never told you about the Genesis Rebellion?”
Tifa frowned, but Barret said, “That’s when General Rhapsodos went rogue an’ took a whole army of SOLDIERs with him, right?” To Tifa, he added, “Happened ‘bout seven years ago – you were still jus’ a kid.”
Yuffie piped up, “The last time I saw Zack, he was being deployed to Banora – probably chasing this Genesis guy.”
“Yep. The general built himself a stronghold in the cave system under his hometown, an’ ShinRa blew Banora all to hell in order to flush him out. The town was rebuilt an’ the orchards replanted.”
Glancing down into the blast crater, noting the shimmer of water very far below, Tifa shivered. “We’re searching for a SOLDIER who recently went missing in action,” she said to the man. “Have you heard anything?”
“A First Class, by any chance?” he queried.
Tifa barely restrained herself from jumping for joy, but Yuffie did it for her. Ignoring the teen’s capering in favour of confirmation, Barret asked, “Did he have a big-ass sword with ‘im?”
“There was a sword mentioned,” their informant allowed, obviously enjoying the story. “Apparently the fishermen who found him had to use a winch to bring him on board, because they couldn’t pry the weapon out of his grip.”
“Do you know where he is now?” Tifa asked eagerly.
“At the ShinRa clinic in Mideel Town. Five miles south of here.”
Ô Ô Ô Ô Ô
“Excuse me, miss – I was told that a SOLDIER, First Class had been admitted...?”The attractive young nurse, who had smiled very brightly upon sighting what appeared to be a tall, dark, handsome SOLDIER approaching her station, suddenly sobered. “Yes, sir.”
“Can I see him?” Tifa ruthlessly shoved the butterflies cavorting through her stomach into her mental broom closet and locked the door. I have to remember that these people think I’m with the ShinRa military.
“Of course... may I see your ID?”
Tifa pulled the dog tags out of her sweater. “T. Laurence. SOLDIER, Third Class.”
“Thank you,” she said, scribbling something in a file. “This way, please.”
Tifa was conscious of the racket that her boots made on the polished floors and tried to walk more quietly; her escort noticed. “You don’t have to worry about disturbing anyone in this wing. We’ve sent most of our patients home due to the impending arrival of Meteor.”
“Oh.”
“I’m surprised that ShinRa hasn’t allowed their personnel to go home to their families,” the young woman continued.
“All leave has been cancelled while we’re fighting to save the Planet,” Tifa said carefully.
“May I ask you a question? Do you know of a Third Class named Thane Laurence?”
“No, miss... I’m sorry.”
The young nurse sighed. “I knew it was a long shot, but I thought since you have the same last name, initial and rank that you might have met him during training.”
“SOLDIER is a big organization, miss,” Tifa managed to rasp around the lump in her throat. It’s probably just a coincidence, but I am using a dead man’s identity. “Er, is he your...?”
“My boyfriend,” she replied wistfully.
Tifa broke out into a cold sweat. “Do you know where he was last deployed?” she couldn’t help asking, while fearing the answer.
“Someplace west of here called the Temple of the Ancients.” The nurse indicated a door, but when Tifa simply stood there, she instantly became concerned. “Are you all right?”
“Yes…. ” Wiping her face with a shaking hand, Tifa tried to smile but failed badly.
The young woman touched her arm. Assuming that Tifa was distraught over her patient, she said, “This First Class - he’s physically in good condition, but….”
“The fact that he even survived is a miracle,” Tifa managed to reply while her stomach tied itself in knots.
“Just... don’t be alarmed, all right?”
“Th-thanks for the heads-up.” The nurse looked like she might say more, but then stepped back. Tifa proceeded into the room alone, feeling distinctly ill until she was distracted by the sight of a familiar sword propped in the corner by the window.
It’s him. It’s really him. The bed was enclosed on three sides by thin curtains that swayed and billowed in the sea breeze from the open window; Tifa bit her lip as she edged around to the open forth side, guilt, anticipation and fear roiling her guts. “Hello, Commander,” she said, trying for nonchalant when all she wanted to do was charge forward and throw her arms around him. There was no reply, but she became aware of a low, murmuring stream of words as she stared at the hunched figure seated in a wheelchair next to the bed. “Commander...?” she softly repeated, going down on one knee to look up into his face.
His eyes were pure, summer-sky blue... and completely devoid of expression as he babbled an incoherent torrent of disjointed words and sounds.
“Cloud....” Tifa whispered, stunned. Utterly deflated, she slowly tipped forward, resting her forehead on his knee, and then the tears flowed.
It’s all over.
Ô Ô Ô Ô Ô
Converting /tmp/phpEG5TMj to /dev/stdout