Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction ❯ Shattered Ice Redux ❯ Mideelan Mayhem ( Chapter 16 )

Chapter Sixteen: Mideelan Mayhem

 

The Highwind landed on the outskirts of Mideel, and everyone proceeded to tumble out. Most were excited to be checking on Cloud again, despite his condition. Even if he never came out of that mako-induced coma, he would always be a part of them. He would always be their leader.

 

Cid, Vincent, and Yuffie went into Mideel first, though it took some convincing for the others to remain behind for the moment. After a steady stream of curses and Highwind glares that weren't really that effective, the others wrangled a promise out of Cid to bring back information, and the unlikely trio was on its way, Yuffie skipping ahead of the two men and seeming every bit the sixteen year old that she was. She hummed quietly under her breath, some type of calm marching song, but there was a mischievous look to her eyes.

 

“You know,” she called back to the two men as she walked a few steps ahead of them. “Nanaki was looking for you last night.”

 

“Who?” Cid asked, not really paying any attention to her as he tried to catch glimpses of Vincent's ass beneath the cloak without looking like he was staring. He puffed on a cigarette, oblivious to the death stares the other man was sending his way.

 

“Vincent,” she added without turning around as she twirled a shuriken around one nimble finger. “He said he had to ask you something, but he couldn't find you.” She paused, turning to walk backwards as she locked eyes on the gunman. “Where were you?”

 

Vincent shrugged. “Where I always am,” he answered vaguely. He could feel Cid's eyes on him, but he didn't turn to check. He wasn't sure if the pilot was all that ready to make their relationship known. Truthfully, he wasn't sure if he wanted to make the announcement just yet. They hadn't officially decided what they were to each other; he hadn't personally decided yet.

 

“Is that so?” the ninja questioned, the corner of her mouth turned up into a grin. “Reeve was real flustered about something yesterday, too.”

 

Cid snarled, his nerves stretched thin. “Just shut up already, you little brat; yer gettin' on the grown ups nerves!!” he exclaimed, puffing madly on his cigarette. He inhaled quickly, calming when the nicotine hit his bloodstream.

 

Yuffie huffed and turned on her heels, facing the proper direction once again. She was actually quite amused to have been able to fluster the old man; it was always so easy. Vincent, however, was glad for his high collar as it hid his slight smile. It was rather entertaining to watch Cid and Yuffie fight. It was similar to a father and his teenage daughter.

 

They made it to the clinic without further incident, planning on making their visit reasonably short so that the others could visit Cloud as well. It was quiet within, the distinct scent of antiseptic and cleaner assailing their nostrils as they entered. There were few patients inside the clinic besides Cloud, and he didn't seem to be making much noise, just staring off blankly into space.

 

“Well,” Cid began, crossing his arms as he strode directly up to the grey-haired doctor and fixed him with one of his famous Highwind glares. “How's he doin'?” He tipped his head in greeting to Barret as well, the other man giving a brief wave of recognition.

 

The elderly man looked up at the surly pilot from over the rim of his glasses as he idly perused the patient file in front of him. “There has been no change,” he replied with a slight sigh, flipping the folder closed. “He has gotten neither better nor worse.”

 

From his position at a nearby card table, where his rather large bulk was crammed uncomfortably into a small chair, Barret sighed. He laid down the cards he was holding, stopping his game with one of the nurses on duty. In a clinic as small as this, it wasn't uncommon for the aides to become bored.

 

“He just fuckin' sits and stares all day,” the gun-armed man commented, brown eyes darting towards the doorway briefly before returning his attention to their visitors. “Seeing without really seeing, you know?”

 

Vincent frowned as he absorbed this information. “There has been no response to any kind of stimuli?” he questioned, musing aloud and taking part in the conversation for once.

 

The doctor shook his head, briefly wondering how this oddly dressed man seemed to know so much about medicine. “None at all. Light, temperature, pain… I have tried everything.”

 

As the men talked, Yuffie bounded into the small room where Cloud was sitting in the wheel chair, staring blankly into space. However, it was hard to tell that look different from his usual somewhat confused expression. She folded her arms behind her back as she bent over and peered directly into mako blue eyes, getting so close that they practically shared the same breath.

 

“Clo~ud,” she chimed, tilting her head to the side. “Are you in there?” When no response came, she giggled and ruffled her fingers through his blond spikes, fulfilling a long desire to know if they were as stiff as they looked. “Aw,” she cooed. “His hair is soft!”

 

Cid whirled around at the sound of her annoying coos, narrowing his eyes on the infuriating ninja. He opened his mouth to berate her when suddenly the ground beneath them began to shudder violently, nearly throwing them from their feet. Test tubes and beakers rattled loudly, a few crashing to floor and shattering as the nurses hurried to stabilize their patients.

 

“What tha fuck?” Cid demanded, flailing his arms to keep his balance and shooting a glare at Vincent, who didn't seem the least bit bothered by the sudden shaking. He was perfectly on balance.

 

However, it was Cloud who responded, looking up with jerky movements. “They're… they're coming,” he muttered, pupils dilating eerily. The members of AVALANCHE turned towards him in astonishment as Barret rose to his feet, fighting to keep his balance and yanking Yuffie away from the once comatose man.

 

“What the hell's comin'?” he demanded.

 

But Cloud said nothing else, lips moving soundlessly and his head lolling loosely.

 

Behind him, the pilot made his way to the door, throwing it open with a loud bang.

His eyes widened in shock.

 

“What the #%$@!!” he exclaimed, dashing outside. Yuffie and Vincent were right behind him, the ninja having worked her way free from Barret's hold.

 

The pilot skidded to a stop as his mouth gaped open, fingers twitching with a sudden need for a cigarette. Yuffie slammed into his back, unprepared for the abrupt stop, while Vincent smoothly avoided both.

 

“Weapon,” the ex-Turk breathed, looking up with wide crimson eyes. “It is attacking?” he commented, the words coming out more as a question. His hand automatically went to the gun at his side.

 

Sky blue eyes narrowed as Cid pulled out his spear, twirling it about an expert finger as he exchanged determined looks with his two companions. In the same moment, Barret skidded to a stop just inside the doorway of the Clinic, a surprised expletive escaping from his mouth.

 

“Get Cloud and the doc and everyone else, and get the hell out of here!!” the Captain ordered over his shoulder, already knowing what he must do. He wasn't really looking forward to taking on such a big beast, but he didn't see any other choice.

 

Barret nodded wordlessly and disappeared inside, his bellows easily echoing back to the others.

 

“Looks like that big ugly beast is up to us!” Yuffie exclaimed, grinning from ear to ear with excitement. “I've been looking for a challenge.”

 

Cid scoffed. “What… Sephiroth not enough for ya?”

 

Her response was cut off as Ultimate Weapon gave a roar, swiping its claws through Mideel and taking off the thatched roofs of many homes. The time for talk was past; now, they had to step quickly into action. Exchanging glances, the three AVALANCHE members moved to intercept the creature before it did too much more destruction. People were depending on them, after all.

 

Vincent was the first to attack, firing his Winchester from a distance and aiming for Weapon's hooded eyes. Though his shots were true, the damage he inflicted was minimal at best. It only served to enrage the beast and cause it to swipe angrily at Cid and Yuffie, who were skittering around its feet.

 

The pilot swore loudly, dancing to avoid the larger monster's attacks, pulling out a stick of dynamite and lobbing it at Weapon before backing away. He grinned with the encouraging sound of an explosion. Yuffie decided to go straight to materia, whipping out the Time she had pilfered from Reeve earlier and attempting to cast Stop.

 

Dynamite exploded in the monster's face at the same moment it was hit by the Stop spell. Ultima Weapon roared, swinging its massive tail around and knocking down a stand of trees as it struggled to clear away the smoke, its movements slowed but not ceased. The Time spell had no effect.

 

“We'll have to be more destructive,” Vincent intoned, already searching through his materia for something with a bit more power. He could hear the demons within him raging to come out and fight the bigger monster, but he refused to rely on them unless absolutely necessary.

 

Something shimmered in the air as each of them was suddenly wrapped in a magical barrier, the result of Yuffie's cast. She grinned at the two men, jumping back into battle with a loud cry as she hefted up her Crystal Cross.

 

Cid shook his head grimly. “Cloud carried all the heavy stuff, remember?” he commented. “And summons always drain me, so I don't bother with `em.”

 

The gunman frowned, opening his mouth to respond when Ultimate Weapon suddenly stilled, massive head swiveling back to focus on some unknown location in the distance. It even ignored Yuffie as she perpetually attacked it with her shuriken, only idly swiping her as if distracted. She frowned in confusion, hopping back to stand beside the two males and swiftly catching her returning Crystal Cross.

 

“What's it doin'?” Cid questioned, fingers tightening around his Partisan. Oftentimes, such a look on a monster's face was accompanied by its most dangerous attack.

 

Suddenly, the ground beneath them gave a violent tremble, distinctly different from the movement caused by Weapon's massive body. As the humans on the ground struggled to maintain their footing, Ultimate Weapon spread its wings like an animal sensing danger and rose into the air. The wind from its take-off kicked up a great plume of dust, nearly blinding them and knocking Yuffie off of her feet, causing her to tumble to the ground.

 

“Wh… what!” exclaimed the ninja, clinging to the ground as it heaved and shuddered so violently that her teeth clacked in her throat. “What the hell?”

 

Vincent shook his head, somehow managing to look completely calm and in control. “It is the Lifestream,” he intoned, seeming very unperturbed. “It is coming to the surface.” He frowned, not explaining how he knew such information.

 

Screams of terror from the Mideelan villagers rose around them as residents ran past, heading out of the town and to the forest, hoping that they would find safety there. Vincent made his way to Yuffie's side, hauling the ninja to her feet as Cid managed to shakily join his companions, feeling the desperate need for a cigarette. Ultimate Weapon had left but only because it's survival instincts were so strong. It seemed to have known what was coming.

 

Cid's eyes raked over the frantic looks of the villagers, his gaze automatically drawn to the hospital. As he watched, the doctor and the nurse suddenly came running out, quickly followed by Barret pushing the nearly comatose Cloud in his wheelchair. With them being taken care of, there was little left for the rest of them to do but run.

 

“Vincent! Yuffie! Get the hell out of here!!” he yelled, already turning on his heels and sprinting for the forest. A brief scan of the sky revealed the Highwind rising into the air some distance away, probably taking shelter from the shifting ground. He dimly heard the sounds of Vincent and Yuffie running behind him before sneaking a glance over his shoulder. He spotted Barret huffing with a scared look on his face that was actually rather amusing.

 

Satisfied, Cid returned his attention to his fleeing, not feeling any loss of pride for his flight. Suddenly, a brilliant plume of green liquid spurted up from the ground twenty feet away from him. His eyes widened in surprise as he jerked to a stop, dodging to avoid it. Vincent and Yuffie rushed past him, and he made no attempt to call them back.

 

The spurt took out the Item Shop in one fell swoop, several spatters hitting a few unlucky villagers who were unable to escape the Lifestream's rage. He couldn't watch and turned away, inwardly disgusted. It wouldn't be long before all of Mideel became little more than a pile of luminescent, green goop.

 

He noted that Barret was very near to the archway over the exit, hauling ass he pushed the wheelchair rapidly across the ground, Cloud's head bobbing on top of his body like a rag doll. The ground rumbled and shook, groaning like some great beast before it spewed one and then another great geyser of mako into the air.

 

A crack split across the ground, splintering and splicing as it began to break through the sand and dirt, crumbling houses in its wake. The pilot sucked in a horrified breath, turning to flee once more when he looked over his shoulder, only to gape with dismay. The ground gave one extremely violent heave before a geyser of Lifestream shot up from the center of the town, larger than all the others combined, throwing up blocks of stone in all directions. They crashed into buildings and the surrounding forest.

 

Barret and Cloud were tossed into the air like they were nothing more than toys, immediately separated. The gun-armed man landed in a rough pile of human limbs near Cid, grunting as he struck with enough force to probably crack a few ribs. Cloud landed several yards away, his wheelchair striking a stone and breaking to pieces as he crashed with a huge splash into the churning depths of the Lifestream. No emotion even registered on his blank and unexpressive face as he disappeared in its depths.

 

“Cloud!” Cid yelled, despite himself, taking a step forward, only to throw himself to the side when a mako-coated rock launched itself at him, sailing over his head and taking out the `Welcome to Mideel' sign.

 

Slabs of rock slid into the Lifestream, sending splashes and gouts of mako up into the air as the ground gave one last tremor before abruptly shuddering into stillness. An unnatural quiet settled then, an eerie silence only broken by the creak of rock fragments sliding together. Those that had escaped stared in wonder, tears streaking down some of their faces as they struggled to understand what had just occurred.

 

Cid leapt to his feet, fear clenching his heart. He dimly heard the sounds of the others around him, Yuffie rushing to check on Barret and Vincent's almost silent footsteps. However, he paid them no mind as he rushed to the edge of the mako pool in the center of town, eyes scanning the still surface. He couldn't see anything, and all of his hopes for rescinding leadership began to fade.

 

“Is he there?” Yuffie asked from where she stood casting a Heal and Cure subsequently on Barret. Her voice was nearly frantic, brown eyes widening with fear and concern. “Can you see him?”

 

Vincent appeared beside his lover, red eyes solemn as he searched the mako with his more acute vision. Bits of stone and wood, trees and other fragments of Mideel were slowly sinking into pool. He could make out a few bodies, all of them unmoving, but none looked anything close to their spiky-haired leader. Perhaps Cloud really had been lost for good.

 

Next to him, he could sense the slight tremble of Cid's body, the Captain frantically sweeping his eyes over the remains of the island town. The gunman risked a glance backwards, noting that no one was paying any attention to them. In the sky, the Highwind was preparing to land now that the tremors had faded, and he suspected the others would be joining them soon enough. He decided to take a slight risk and lifted up his hand, placing it briefly on the blond's shoulder and attempting a comforting squeeze.

 

“You're strong,” Vincent commented quietly. “You can do this.”

 

Cid shook his head. “I'm the Captain, not Mr. Fucking AVALANCHE. I don't want to do this,” he returned bitterly before a scowl twisted up his features, instantly surprising the ex-Turk. “You fucker!” he spat, referring to Cloud and not Vincent. “You're supposed to come back and take care of this!”

 

Vincent's face darkened with concern. “Cid…” He sighed, but hearing Nanaki and Reeve approach, his hand quickly dropped, falling to hang uselessly at his side.

 

“What happened?” the former executive asked. Beside him, Nanaki sniffed the air delicately, golden eyes widening in surprise as he took one step forward, only half-listening to the pilot's explanation.

 

“The fuckin' Lifestream's what happened,” Cid snapped. “Exploded and blew everything around here to @#$%$! Cloud's fuckin' disappeared and--”

 

Suddenly, the lion-wolf bounded forward, instantly attracting everyone's attention as he headed for the shallows of the mako pool, twenty feet to the west of them. Cid's eyes followed his movements, finally catching sight of what had caught Nanaki's attention. A blond, spiky head was poking above the mako, half-slumped on the shore, which begged the question of how he had missed such a familiar person.

 

Ignoring the thin wash of mako around him, Nanaki clamped his teeth on the back of Cloud's shirt and gingerly tried to pull the heavier male out. He was pushed aside just as quickly by a recently healed Barret, the burlier man reaching down and hauling the blond to shore with relative ease. Cloud was covered in the green substance, even his bright hair stained an oddly mold-like color, but worse of all, he wasn't breathing.

 

“Step aside! Move out of the way!” A gruff voice ordered, pushing through the members of AVALANCHE that had gathered around the unconscious blond. Reluctantly, they moved, letting the grizzled doctor through.

 

He knelt at the blond's side, checking for a pulse. “He's alive but not breathing,” the man announced. “Give me some room.”

 

The friends held their collective breaths, faces pinched with worry as they watched the old man tilt their leader's head backwards. They could only pray and hope that something miraculous would occur as the seconds ticked by, each seeming like a never-ending hour. Cid could feel his entire body stiffening, poised, like he was standing on the edge of the knife waiting for the doctor to give the final prognosis.

 

Then suddenly, with a gasp and a sputter, Cloud gurgled up a good bit of mako, coughing and choking. He didn't wake, but he finally sucked in a shuddery breath, his chest rising and falling once more. He was breathing; he would live, but whether or not he would regain consciousness was up in the air. The doctor hefted up his upper body with Barret's help and clapped him a few solid times on the back as Cloud automatically spat up a few more globs of mako.

 

Checking his pulse and listening to the rise and fall of his chest, the doctor nodded. “He's alive, though don't ask me how.” Lifting one hand, he peeled open their leader's eyelids, peering at the unresponsive pupils. “But I don't know if he will wake up. With a second dose of mako so close to the first, he may not at all. All we can do is wait.” He gently laid Cloud back down on the ground. “Someone find me a blanket.”

 

“The nurse is bringing one now,” Reeve said softly, as the members of AVALANCHE backed off a little now that Cloud was out of the danger zone.

 

“What now?” Barret put in, rising to his feet and looking towards their temporary leader.

 

Cid shook his head, taking an unconscious step backwards. “Just wait a bit,” he suggested, hands clenched tightly at his side. “I… uh, I'm going to go check on the Highwind. Stay here with Cloud.” He turned on his heels and hurriedly walked away from the group without another glance.

 

Yuffie crinkled her brow as she helped the nurse spread the blanket over Cloud. “But the Highwind is the other way,” she commented.

 

Vincent frowned, crimson eyes watching Cid's rapid retreat. He was certain that all was not well with the Captain. He waited for everyone's attention to be diverted before he quietly and surreptitiously slipped away, intent on following after the pilot's quickly disappearing form. Knowing their recent conversation, he was certain that the man probably needed a listening ear for the moment. While Cid was a Captain, leading their group was not in the job description and was more stress than he ever wanted.

 

Therefore, Vincent wasn't surprised when he found the blond out in the forest, far away from the new mako pool. He was sitting on the ground against a tree, staring blankly into nothing and smoking. Small tendrils of grey fumes rose above his head, only to disappear into the thick canopy above.

 

Cid looked up as the gunman approached, a strangely dull gleam in his normally bright blue eyes. “Have a seat, Vin,” he offered, patting the ground next to him. “S'nice and peaceful out here,” he continued as the former Turk gingerly lowered himself down next to the pilot. “No brain dead blonds or ShinRa tryin' to take over the world.”

 

He was quiet a moment before he responded. Cid was indeed right. It was peaceful in the forest, surrounded by nothing but a calm silence.

 

“I wish I had something comforting to say, but I never was really good at it,” Vincent admitted.

 

The pilot laughed, but it was bitter. “That's because you'd rather say the truth, and the truth ain't pretty. But that's okay. I think I've resigned myself to this.” He puffed on his cigarette. “I jes needed a break.” He flicked ashes off to the side, one finger adjusting the goggles on his head.

 

“That I can understand.” Vincent smiled briefly before leaning back, laying his head against the smooth bark of the tree. Tropical plants always confused him; they were so different from the ones he was used to, including a lack of rough bark.

 

“I'd like to see that again,” Cid commented from beside him.

 

The gunman raised a brow. “See what?”

 

“That smile.” He sucked in the last of his cigarette before grinding down the small flame in the soil. He leaned over after flicking the empty butt away, putting one hand on Vincent's cheek and directing the gunman to look at him. When red eyes popped open, Cid pressed their lips together in a gentle kiss that surprised the gunman with its tenderness.

 

Something fluttered inside of him, Cid's lips working against his and asking for entrance rather than demanding. His tongue slipped inside, coaxing Vincent's out to play. Of its own accord, the gunman's flesh hand settled itself on Cid's thigh, squeezing him gently. A rush of emotion, something he had been trying to suppress with thick wall of ice, started to surge to the surface without his permission.

 

Their tongues danced together in a most erotic way, stirring desires deep inside of them. In an attempt to end what could not be started, Cid reluctantly broke away. His eyes skirted downwards, however, in a gesture that Vincent recognized as being one of deep contemplation. He was always so easy to read; his heart worn on his sleeve with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer.

 

“Do ya think Spike'll ever come out of it?” he asked, fingers twitching as though he wanted another cigarette, despite having just finished it.

 

Vincent sighed. “I honestly don't know,” he responded, shifting his gaze to the canopy of branches overhead. “The fact that he's alive at all is a miracle, so my guess is probably. That kid must have an angel on his side because his existence is simply a miracle if any of his story is to be believed.” The gunman shook his head. “Facing Sephiroth all those years ago and still living now? Facing him again and tempting the fates? It is not something the unlucky would attempt.”

 

“You're right,” Cid commented, face suddenly brightening. “Kid's got more lives than a cat. I ain't got nothin' to worry about.” Vincent couldn't help but shake his head at the pilot's sudden change. He certainly wasn't one to dwell, was he? “Speaking of the past… Reeve made it a point to bring up yours to me.”

 

“Did he now?” Vincent was already well aware of this, but he was not going to make mention of that fact. “He had something to say to me as well.”

 

A blond brow rose. “Oh? And what was that?”

 

The gunman shrugged, returning his gaze to the pilot. “Something about you being a good man, and that I should stop being afraid. Of what, he never specified.” He frowned in thought, sudden realization striking him. “It appears he knows about us, and I suspect that Nanaki does also, though I cannot explain how or why.”

 

“Does that bother you? Do ya not want the others to know?” There was a note of worry in Cid's voice and perhaps even a little disappointment.

 

Vincent pursed his lips as he contemplated Cid's question. “It is not so much that it bothers me as the fact that I simply enjoy my privacy. I would prefer not to hear their most likely immature and uneducated comments,” he finally answered. “I will not lie if asked, but I do not feel the need to announce anything either.” He shook his head. “I guarantee that one will have something to say, and frankly, I do not want to hear it.”

 

“Hmm.” Cid sat back against the tree, stretching his arms over his head. “Well, I can guarantee that Reeve ain't gonna have anythin' negative to say.”

 

Vincent raised a brow, curious despite himself. “Oh?”

 

The pilot chuckled, true laughter this time as opposed to the distinctly hollow sound of earlier. “Nope. That's not my secret to tell.”

 

The gunman harrumphed as he relaxed against the tree, finding that the peace of the forest was contagious, making him far more gregarious than usual. He had the sudden desire to simply talk to the pilot, something that they hadn't really done before. They had argued and discussed, kissed and fucked, but a true conversation about something trivial was somewhat foreign. He supposed it had to do with the fact that their relationship wasn't quite defined, nor did he know exactly how to apply a designation. He simply didn't know what he wanted and was afraid to ask for too much.

 

He figured it couldn't hurt to simply speak with Cid about unimportant topics. He wasn't certain why he wanted to do so, just that it seemed and good opportunity, and it was actually nice to speak to someone who wasn't probing for answers and invading his personal space. He wasn't a completely morose loner like the others chose to believe; he simply didn't enjoy people poking into his business.

 

So he searched his mind for something of interest, finally settling on their surroundings. “You know,” he began slowly, waiting until he had Cid's attention before continuing. “I've never been to the tropics before, but I've always loved them.”

 

A blond eyebrow rose in confusion, puzzled by Vincent's unexpected need to talk, not that he was going to pass it up. “I'm surprised, and yet, I'm not. Somehow, it suits you.” The pilot smirked.

 

“I'm not even going to ask why. Somehow, I think the answer will only irritate me,” Vincent responded before smiling faintly. “When my mother took me for snow cones, I always asked for Pina Colada.” Strange what little memories he could recall and what others he had forgotten. “The flavor reminded me of a place I wanted to go… but couldn't.”

 

“Why not?” asked Cid, actually interested. This was a side of the stoic man that he had never seen before, evidenced by the almost faraway look in crimson eyes.

 

The gunman shrugged, shifting slightly as he stretched out one of his long legs, easing a cramp. “I never had the money or the time. Then, Nibelheim happened, and after that… well, it's pretty obvious.”

 

A blond head nodded as Cid edged closer, one hand idly tapping out a nonsense rhythm on Vincent's thigh. He wasn't about to bring up the Nibelheim incident or even question his lover about it. He didn't want to spoil the moment. He was waiting for the gunman to tell him on his own.

 

“Mideel is the kind of place you go to for a vacation. Mebbe when all this is over, we should come back. They might have it all built back up by then.”

 

A dark brow rose in slight surprise and a hint of teasing. “Are you asking me on a date, Chief?”

 

Immediately, Cid coughed and sputtered, blue eyes widening in shock. “A date's fer women and high-schoolers,” he choked, shaking his head. He thumped his chest with one fist as if to demonstrate his mature manliness. “This's a vacation. It's different.”

 

Vincent smiled, surprising his companion with the motion. It was his second one in less than twenty minutes. Obviously, something strange was going on.

 

“All right then. A vacation.”

 

“Yeah. And your pale ass better show up, too. Get some sun.”

 

“I shall try.”

 

Cid snorted, squeezing Vincent's thigh gently. “You're gonna do better than try if I have to drag you here myself.”

 

A sudden almost embarrassed cough caught their attention as Cid immediately retracted his hand, both looking up to find Nanaki approaching them. The fire-wolf seemed faintly bemused.

 

“I thought you would be interested to know that Cloud seems to be stirring. The doctor thinks he could awaken at any moment.” He sat on his haunches as he regarded the two with a knowing glance, Vincent in particular.

 

Cid leapt to his feet at the announcement, moving so quickly the ex-Turk hardly registered it. “Yer not fuckin' with me, are ya?” he demanded.

 

When Nanaki shook his head, the pilot gave an uncharacteristic whoop of glee and practically took off without a goodbye, clearly hoping for the best. Vincent took a more leisurely and sedate approach, rising to his feet and calmly dusting off his cloak as he waited for Nanaki to speak again. At least, judging by the look in golden eyes, he assumed that the lion-wolf had something to say.

 

“A mutual agreement to never speak of it again, hmm?” Nanaki questioned, obviously referring to the last conversation that they had. At the time, Vincent had been left wondering just what the fire-lion thought he knew. Now, he was certain of it.

 

Crimson eyes narrowed. “I am not going to explain myself to anyone,” he replied curtly, mood instantly souring.

 

“You don't have to be so frosty with me,” Nanaki responded as they began to head back towards Mideel, or truthfully, what was left of it. “I hold no ill thoughts towards that sort of relationship. Nor am I judging.”

 

“Then what is it?” He could not help that his words came out somewhat cross.

 

Nanaki chuckled. “Idle curiosity mostly, and the fact that I have won a bet, it seems.” His tail waved around behind him; he was clearly pleased with himself. “And no, before you ask, I won't say with whom.”

 

Vincent clamped his mouth shut, prepared to ask that very question. Internally, he sighed. Nanaki was one of the more preferred members of the group since he could take to the lion-wolf on an intellectual level that he simply couldn't find in the others. Nevertheless, there were times when he could annoy the gunman more than the others. This happened to be one of them.

 

“I trust that you will keep our confidence,” Vincent finally said after a moment of silence, finding that they were approaching the edge of the forest more quickly than he had initially thought they would.

 

Nanaki nodded. “Of course. You hadn't even needed to ask.”

 

Vincent shook his head in understand and the two males left it at that, nothing more needing to be said. He didn't know why he trusted Nanaki with his secret or why it didn't even really bother him. That was something better saved for later. For the moment, it was more important to find out whether or not Cloud was conscious

 

- - -

 

Cloud eyes fluttered open as he looked up into the worried faces of his friends, hovering so close to him that it was somewhat frightening. He blinked several times as he tried to distinguish one blur from the other, coughing slightly and clearing the remaining mako fluid from his lungs.

 

“Aeris?” he questioned, as if he would see the auburn-headed female appear before him. He scrunched his eyes shut and then opened them again, hoping it would clear his vision. His head hurt, and his body ached like he had been tossed around in a blender with a bunch of rocks. He didn't even want to consider why. All he knew was that the last thing he remembered was approaching the Northern crater.

 

“Oh gawd! Ya think he's lost his memory?” came Yuffie's very distinguishable voice.

 

There was the sound of a palm hitting the back of someone's head as Cloud blinked again. “Not if he remembers Aeris in the first place, dolt!!” a gruff voice exclaimed in response, obviously Cid's.

 

The spiky-haired blond groaned as his vision slowly focused. He looked up into the concerned faces of every member of AVALANCHE. Even Vincent seemed somewhat worried, if Cloud squinted and tilted his head just to the side.

 

“Ugh…” the blond moaned, holding his head with his hand as he forced himself into a sitting position, briefly wondering where the hell he was and why he couldn't feel his sword.

 

Barret harrumphed as he peered down at the younger man, the others stepping back to give him some space. “Are ya alright?” he asked.

 

The ex-SOLDIER's face twisted into a grimace as he considered the question. He stretched his neck to work out a few kinks and idly noticing that a rather sharp rock was digging into his left butt cheek. It was annoying.

 

“My head hurts, and I ache all over. Other than that, I'm just peachy,” Cloud finally answered, a wry tone to his voice.

 

To his left, Cid chuckled and reached out a hand, offering to help their leader up. Cloud took the offer and allowed the pilot to heave him to his feet with an almost enthusiastic jerk. He swayed momentarily from the sudden rush of blood but quickly regained his balance. A sudden flash of memory had him looking past all of his friends, looking for a certain, familiar face. One with reddish-brown hair, jade eyes, and the kindest, forgiving smile he had ever seen on a woman. He was certain Aeris would be there.

 

Yuffie giggled. “Who're you looking for?” She was slightly concerned that their leader had lost his mind again but was more amused by the somewhat ditzy expression in his mako eyes, now even brighter with his recent dip into the Life stream.

 

“Aeris…” he murmured absentmindedly. “She was here.” He moved past them, scanning the faces present. There were many people that he didn't recognize, all looking slightly terrified and a bit withdrawn… but no flower-girl. He could feel the eyes of his friends on his back but ignored it for a moment. He had to know.

 

“Uh, Spike,” Barret started slowly, scratching his head. He wasn't sure if he wanted to be the one to remind his friend and leader that the woman he was searching for was already gone. “Aeris is--”

 

“--dead, yes I know,” Cloud snapped impatiently. He sighed heavily and turned around to face them, running a hand through his hair as he attempted to assuage their doubts of his sanity. “I haven't lost my mind or my memory, guys. In fact, I am more myself then ever before, and it is all thanks to her.”

 

Five pairs of eyes blinked at him in confusion. Crimson orbs narrowed slightly in thought.

 

“Who?” The pilot asked finally, scratching his head as he covered Yuffie's mouth with his other hand before the ninja could say or do anything stupid and annoy them all. She was notorious for that. He was half-afraid that she would scare Cloud off, and he would have to keep the leadership.

 

Cloud smiled, and for once, it was an honest look that opened up his eyes. He no longer seemed as haunted as before, as if half his burdens had somehow been carried away.

 

“Aeris,” he clarified before shaking his head. “I'm not going to say much more because it's personal. But it's enough to say, I know who I am now.” Which said much for the ex-SOLDIER who had seemed to be having the identity crisis of crises since they had met him.

 

The pilot sighed happily then, looking significantly more joyous than he had in the past few weeks. “Well, that's a load off my shoulders,” he announced, clapping a rough hand on Cloud's back and nearly sending the still somewhat wobbly man a few stumbles forward. “Glad to have ya back. They're all yours!” he exclaimed broadly, gesturing towards their friends with a big wave of his hands.

 

Yuffie snickered, unable to resist the urge to make fun of him as she poked the pilot in the belly. “Aw, Cid, you don't want to be our leader anymore?” she questioned, her tone teasing.

 

The rapid, almost violent shake to his head clearly expressed his desires. “Hell no!” Cid exclaimed. “I don't know how this fool did it! Ya'll drove me damn crazy. Takes a better man or maybe just someone crazier to handle the lot of you!” He turned on his heels and put his hands on his hips, a definite and irritated tilt to his shoulders. “I'm just going to Captain the Highwind and be done with the lot of ya.”

 

Cloud laughed along with the others as he patted Cid on the shoulder. “Thanks, Cid,” he said gently. “I know it was a tough road, but I'm glad you could pick up the slack.”

 

The pilot flushed, flustered by the unwanted attention. “That's okay, Spike. Jes don' do it again,” he spluttered, stepping away from the younger man and rubbing the back of his head. His reaction caused more laughter, which seemed to completely dispel the aura of melancholy that had infected their group. Cloud had returned, and Cid could return to his normal grouchy self without the bitchiness associated with being commander. All was well with the world.

 

Until the Captain's phone rang, the chipper ring tone piercing through the silence. Raising a brow, he muttered “Wha the fuck?” His face darkened as he handed the phone to Cloud. “Not my problem anymore,” he explained, dropping it into the younger man's waiting hand.

 

Cloud shot him an amused look but answered anyways, eyes narrowing with each passing second. He clicked the phone shut after a moment and handed it back to Cid.

 

“Well,” he announced. “Looks like ShinRa's up to no good again. Break time is over.”

 

Cid snorted. “Some break.” He was ignored.

 

The ex-SOLDIER shook his head. “Reeve. Yuffie. You're with me. Give the old Captain a break, ne? We've got work to do.”

 

“What's going on?” the former executive questioned, face drawn tight with confusion as he ignored Cid's splutters.

 

“It's the Underwater Reactor at Junon,” Cloud explained. “They're going after the Huge Materia there.”

 

* * *