Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction ❯ Shattered Ice Redux ❯ Chapter 38: No Promises ( Chapter 38 )

Chapter Thirty-Eight: No Promises

 

Despite the fact that they were sharing a bed, the two remained fully clothed, content to lie wrapped up in each other's arms. Her death and recent resurrection were still all too real for Cloud, and a small part of him feared letting go. The warm weight of her head on his chest was a welcome comfort, and her legs entangled with his was a surefire sign that she was with him.

 

He sighed, running a non-gloved hand through her hair as his eyes flickered to the window. “It'll be dusk in a few hours.”

 

She smiled, patting his belly. “Don't worry,” Aeris responded. “They will come back.”

 

“Always the optimistic one, ne?” He beamed and shifted in his position, one of his legs starting to go numb. They had lain like that most of the day, reluctant to do anything more than spend the last few days together.

 

Her voice was calm and gentle, as always. Unfailingly kind. The type of kindness that made it easy for her to give her life to save them before.

 

“I prefer to believe in my friends,” she replied.

 

“I promise,” Cloud began, “When this is over, no more fighting, no more running around the world, no more fearing for our lives; we can just live in peace. Once the world is safe, it can be just you and me.” He reached his free hand into the drawer next to him and started rummaging around as if looking for something.

 

Her forehead furrowed in confusion, and she tilted her head to the side. “I'd like that.” Aeris smiled, trailing her fingers over the blond's chest. It seemed that she hadn't known a day in her life when she didn't have to run or fight, the concept of peace was generally foreign.

 

“I'd hope that when we go into battle, we do it together,” Cloud said, having found what he was looking for. He gripped it tightly in his hand as he moved to angle her head so that she was looking at him. “I want you by my side when I have to face him, as my friend…” He brought the item in his hand into her view. “And as the woman I love.”

 

She gasped, green eyes wide with surprise. There, nestled in his palm, was a velvet box, the lid open. Within the soft lining of the inside was a delicate silver ring with three diamonds, the one in the middle larger but not by much. It was beautiful.

 

“Is that…?”

 

He took it out and looked at her with a question on his lips. She nodded softly and held out her hand.

 

“It's only a promise, but one I intend to keep. I don't know what is going to happen in this battle, but I refuse to make you a widow early. I have confidence that we will all succeed. I still want you to understand how much I care.”

 

Her eyes threatened to overspill as they welled up with tears, green glistening in the dim light of the room. He slipped the delicate ring on her finger.

 

It fit perfectly.

 

They smiled together as she leaned forward, and they shared a short but passionate kiss, tongues mingling with both happiness and hope.

 

“It's perfect,” she whispered against his lips.

 

Cloud opened his mouth with the intention of responding, when suddenly the Highwind gave a great shudder around them. The familiar hum of the engines stirring to life echoed around the empty airship, and he could hear the massive propellers whirling to life. Confused, both he and Aeris sat up, exchanging glances.

 

Realization dawned on the flower-girl, and her face brightened. “They must be back!” she exclaimed happily.

 

Cloud nodded, grabbing her hand. “Let's go see.”

 

They rose from the bed and headed for the bridge, hand in hand. A familiar voice greeted them upon their entrance, loud and gruff as always.

 

“Wondered when ya were going to show the hell up!” Cid brashly declared, waving a hand at them as he poked and prodded at the control panel to in front of him.

 

A large grin broke out onto the flower-girl's face. “Cid!” she exclaimed warmly, moving forward to embrace the man.

 

He accepted her hug, cheeks staining a bit with his embarrassment before he gently pushed her back into Cloud's arms. A spear-calloused hand rubbed the back of his head, momentarily dislodging his goggles and forcing him to resituate them.

 

Cloud shook his head. “You never cease to amaze me, old man!”

 

“Old man!” the Captain spluttered, face peppering red with his irritation. “Now, see here,” he began, shoving a finger in the younger man's face.

 

Aeris punched her promised lightly, giving him a disproving stare. “Don't tease him like that. He is at a perfectly respectable age.”

 

“Damn right!” Cid agreed. “And I can kick your skinny ass any day!”

 

There was a chuckle from behind them, breaking into their friendly banter.

 

“Well, I am glad to see that everyone is still getting along so well,” Nanaki's teasing voice echoed.

 

They turned to see the demi-human leaning casually in the doorway, arms crossed over his chest. He was smirking at the three of them, and a new aura of danger had settled around him, along with the shining new weapon on his arm.

 

Sky blue eyes rolled as Cid waved a hand dismissively at him. “Tch,” the pilot muttered in greeting. “That all you got to say?”

 

Nanaki shook his head as he came further into the room, his movements still maintaining that element of feline grace, in spite of his new form. “What's this? No, happy to see you? Glad you came back?” He shrugged, a mischievous look starting to take over his features.

 

Cid eyed him cautiously, wondering if perhaps the demi-human had been spending too much time with Yuffie.

 

“Do I have to tell a certain gunman about your rudeness?”

 

Aeris and Cloud snickered, their titters earning them a glare from the Captain, even as his eyebrows rose nearly to his hairline. It seemed secrets were literally impossible to keep in such a close-knit group as theirs.

 

The pilot huffed, turning on his heels to face the control panel once more. “I don't know what yer taking about,” he denied, playing along with Nanaki, despite the clenching feeling in his heart. He didn't even know if Vincent was going to be coming back. He hoped it, he wanted to believe it, but he was as much in the dark as the rest of them.

 

The red-haired male wagged a clawed finger. “The Nile is not just a river in Egypt,” he commented, but he frowned when they all gave him blank looks. “It's something grandfather used to say. It refers to our history.” He waved his hand in dismissal. “Don't ask.”

 

“Well,” Aeris interjected, moving forward to embrace her friend as was her usual form of greeting. “I am happy to see you even, if Mr. Surly over there is pretending he isn't.” She whispered in his ear, so that Cid couldn't hear her. “Perhaps Vincent is rubbing off on him, ne?”

 

Cid snorted, addressing them without bothering to turn around. “Who said I was pretendin'?”

 

“Oh?” Nanaki questioned, golden eyes noticing the obvious sparkle on one of Aeris' fingers. His gaze flickered to Cloud as he took her hand in his, holding it up to the light. “What's this?”

 

A lovely blush spread across Aeris' cheek. “It's only a promise, but…” She looked over at Cloud, and the two shared a loving smile.

 

“Promises are just as sacred,” Nanaki intoned solemnly.

 

At the helm, Cid suddenly whirled around. “Yo, Nanaki?” he called out.

 

The demi-human looked away from Aeris to raise an eyebrow as Cid motioned him over.

 

Rolling his eyes, Nanaki excused himself from Aeris and Cloud. “What?”

 

Cid leaned in conspiratorially and grinned as he whispered in the demi-human's ears. “You should watch just what you say cause the cargo bay has cameras,” he informed the other male, inwardly rubbing his hands together in glee. He had seen the scene earlier and had been eager for Nanaki to get back. Now, the Captain could have a little payback.

 

Nanaki's eyes widened as he placed an innocent expression on his face. “I didn't know that, Cid; thank you for informing me,” he replied nonchalantly.

 

Blue eyes narrowed. “Don't give me that. You know what I'm talking about.”

 

Nanaki raised a brow. “You must be mistaking me for someone else.”

 

“Fine, fine, but wait until Vincent gets here,” Cid declared, waving a hand of dismissal before pointing a finger at the demi-human. “But remember this: payback's a bitch!”

 

Nanaki laughed and wandered away. Cid could claim whatever he wanted, but until the demi-human saw the tapes for himself, he wasn't worried. The blond was just speculating, wasn't he?

 

It wasn't so much that he was embarrassed… Okay, so he was embarrassed, but he didn't want Yuffie to be worried. Then again, did that girl have shame about anything?

 

He was distracted from his musings by the arrival of Reno and Reeve, who had come together. They were just the cutest couple Nanaki had ever seen, excluding Cid and Vincent, of course. The demi-human had figured out long ago who Reeve's secret liaison in ShinRa was. He and the ninja had had many fun times teasing the older man about it.

 

The two former ShinRa were conversing with Cloud and Aeris, so Nanaki wandered up to join them.

 

“Barret is fine. He and Marlene have taken up residence with Missus Gainsborough, yo,” Reno drawled, casting Aeris a sidelong look.

 

Her eyes widened in disbelief. “No!” she exclaimed, mouth gaping. “Barret and… my mom??”

 

The former executive nodded, distinctly amused. “Seems like it,” Reeve responded. “And you will never guess who Rude married either.”

 

Mako eyes blinked in astonishment. “Rude married?” Cloud exclaimed. “Who?”

 

Reno smirked and opened his mouth to answer but was interrupted when Cid ambled over and made his presence known.

 

“Hadn't been back more than a few minutes and already got you all gossiping like a buncha old ladies,” the pilot commented as he slapped the ex-executive on the back painfully.

 

Despite his ability in battle, Reeve was still lithe, and Cid's slap was a bit more powerful than he had intended. The other man jerked forward slightly and frowned at his friend.

 

“You could be a bit gentler, Cid,” Reeve admonished.

 

“What about Archer?” Aeris interjected. “You know, your friend?”

 

Recognition seemed to dawn on the pilot's features. “Which reminds me,” he began. “I been meaning ta ask you about him--”

 

“He's fine,” Reeve interrupted, casting a sidelong look at his friend. “The Turks saved Archer, Tseng, and Marlene just in the nick of time. He's staying with Elena and Tseng at the house they all bought in Kalm.”

 

Reno snickered then, nudging his lover with one shoulder as he tapped his Electro Rod against his shoulder. It seemed he couldn't stay still for long.

 

“And Rude and his new wife are shacking up in a hotel room until they get enough money together to buy themselves a place.”

 

Nanaki shook his head in disbelief. “The world is coming to an end. I think I should get married,” he commented sardonically, causing those gathered to laugh.

 

At the speed most relationships were going, it seemed his words weren't far from the truth. With Rude married, Barret and Elmyra living together, Cloud and Aeris promised, Reno and Reeve together, as well as Cid and Vincent, it appeared that the time for marriage had come at last. As well as the last moments for being with the one you loved.

 

“You're still young,” Reeve joked, grasping Nanaki warmly by the shoulder. “You have you're whole life ahead of you.”

 

“Unless Sephiroth takes that away,” Cid grumbled under his breath.

 

A quiet hush fell over the group.

Aeris frowned disapprovingly, shooting the Captain a stern look. “Hey, now,” she admonished. “No thinking dark thoughts until after the battle. We've got enough on our plates without stressing and worrying ourselves to death about what's coming up.”

 

“I'm just speaking the truth,” Cid countered shortly. “I ain't ashamed to say that I'm scared shitless, and I'll be damned if I try to think rainbows and puppies when all I can see is blood.”

 

The pilot was never able to do anything more than be truthful, and that was the way he saw it. Nothing anyone could say would change that.

 

“Old men should retire and leave the fighting to us young ones,” a voice announced from above.

 

All eyes turned upwards as the Captain sputtered, his face darkening with irritated anger.

”Yuffie!” A chorus of voices identified the mysterious arriver.

 

The little ninja dropped down from the ceiling, seeming more composed and stronger than when she had left. She had a grin plastered on her face and an extremely powerful weapon in her hand. She landed in the center of their little discussion circle with only a small bow.

 

Walking up to the pilot she placed her hand on his shoulder and gave him her most solemn look, brown eyes twinkling merrily. “I promise that when we get back we will get you the best retirement home.”

 

“You little!” Cid spluttered, unable to complete his sentence as his face burned with anger, and his fingers itched to hold his spear. He reached up with hands twitching to wrap around her neck.

 

Yuffie laughed and danced out of his way, coming to stand between Nanaki and Aeris, knowing neither would let the pilot touch her. She regarded him with smug amusement, crossing her arms over her chest.

 

“Calm down, Cid,” Cloud murmured, though he was hiding laughter behind his gloved palm. “She was only joking. Right?” He shot Yuffie a warning glance.

 

“Ri~ght!” the ninja chimed, a rather large grin on her face. “You're okay for an old man, Cid.”

 

The demi-human clapped a hand on his friend's shoulder, nearly throwing the smaller female off balance. “With that said, why don't you give him back Jade Tiger?” he suggested, turning an amused grin on his friend. He was more than glad that they weren't acting awkward around each other.

 

Her eyes widened innocently. “What are you talking about?” she asked, folding her hands behind her back. “I wouldn't ever dare take anyone's--”

 

“What?” Cid's surprised splutter interrupted her rebuttal. He searched his weapon and armlet, finding that his favorite materia was gone. “You little thief!”

 

Cloud shot the ninja a warning look. “Yuffie.”

 

She pouted, lower lip jutting out. “Oh, fine!” The ninja dug into her pocket and tossed Cid the red orb.

 

He caught it deftly and scowled as he put it back into the Venus Gospel. Jade Tiger was his favorite summon.

 

“You're no fun.”

 

“I see the three days haven't dampened that unfailing spirit,” Reeve remarked.

 

“Oh, Kitty!” Yuffie gushed suddenly, clapping her hands together. “I didn't realize you were standing there.”

 

Reeve reddened immediately, rubbing a hand over his face as his lover burst out laughing.

 

“Kitty! You call him kitty?” exclaimed the Turk in astonishment, cackling loudly. It was almost too amusing for words.

 

The others couldn't help but join in as they laughed at the embarrassed Reeve. Yuffie merely smiled broadly as she snickered. It was wonderful to see everyone finally getting along for once.

 

“Nevertheless,” Aeris continued, finally catching her breath. “We are glad you came back Yuffie.”

 

Cloud nodded and stepped away from the group to head for the window on the control deck. He stood at the massive glass and stared out as the sun began to sink lower and lower in the sky. It appeared his earlier approximation of the time was less than accurate. Dusk would fall in a mere ten minutes.

 

“And just in time, too,” he commented, motioning towards the beautiful sunset that was taking place.

 

The others joined him, watching the brilliant colors as they spread across the sky. There were oranges, purples, and pinks, spreading a wonderful picture that any artist would be thrilled to paint.

 

Cid was the first to break away from the group, heading towards the control panel and busying himself with prepping the ship. None of them had the heart to mention that it might be the last sunset they would ever see.

 

Aeris unconsciously grabbed Cloud's hand and twined her fingers with his, smiling when she noticed Reeve doing the same with Reno. Even Yuffie had bumped shoulders with Nanaki.

 

Cloud sighed as the last rays of sunlight dipped into the dim of dusk, sending a shadow across the land. “Well, that's the end of it,” he announced, turning to face the others. “Time to go.”

 

The former executive frowned as his gaze raked over the entire group. “But where is Vincent?” he asked.

 

It was the question on everyone's minds, but he was the first to voice it.

 

“You mean he hasn't got here yet?” Yuffie asked, quickly scanning the group.

 

Vincent was a quiet guy, and he didn't really bother her much. Still, she had hoped he would come back like everyone else. She didn't want to fight Sephiroth without all of her friends.

 

“Check the chocobo paddock,” Cloud ordered, waving a hand of dismissal. “He said he would bring back Racer even if…” he trailed off and shook his head.

 

For Cid's sake, he didn't complete the sentence, even if the truth was glaringly obvious.

 

Nanaki nodded and moved over to the control panel. He hit a gleaming green button and brought up the camera for the view screen in the paddocks. His face fell when he saw the gold chocobo that was standing there, warbling softly.

 

“Racer's there,” he answered softly.

 

“I'll go close the cargo bay and lock it up, then,” Cid muttered as he moved to flip some switch on the control panel. “No sense in leaving it wide open any longer.”

 

They all watched, none making a comment, as the pilot left.

 

Jade eyes dimmed with sadness. “I honestly thought he would come back,” Aeris commented softly, squeezing the fingers wrapped in hers.

 

“Who's to say he didn't?” The little ninja smirked, moving to the control panel, where she had last seen Cid standing.

 

Cloud furrowed his brow and frowned. “What are you talking about?”

 

Yuffie scanned the panel in front of her, trying to figure out what button Cid had pushed. Shrugging, she tapped a switch and let out a whoop when the screen revealed the cargo bay.

 

“Ah… haha!” she said excitedly.

 

“What did you find?” Reeve questioned, moving to stand beside her.

 

She smirked. “Who says Vincent didn't return?” She gestured towards the screen, tapping a finger over one particular box.

 

- - -

 

Cid made his way to the cargo bay, curiosity and hope etched into his features. He could have sworn the camera had shown Vincent in there. He had volunteered to shut the doors so that he could speak to the gunman in private.

 

But when he arrived, it seemed deserted.

 

Only a bit crestfallen, Cid made his way to the panel and input the code that would close the doors. He watched as the metal slid shut, effectively blocking out the last view of the descending twilight. He sighed as the rapidly approaching night sky disappeared from view.

 

“You didn't believe I would return?” Vincent's smooth and sultry voice came from behind him.

 

Cid whipped around to see the sexy former Turk leaning in the doorway that led to the stairs. He had to have been hiding in the shadows when the Captain had first entered.

 

He quickly regained his composure. “Well, your letter was rather vague and uninformative,” he drawled in response.

 

That eerie but lovely red gaze settled fully on him. “It was meant to be.”

 

Cid snorted as he crossed his arms over his chest. He didn't understand it at first, until he had realized he was only a little angry with Vincent.

 

“Did you at least find what you were looking for?”

 

Perhaps it was because he believed Vincent had gone to see Lucrecia, or maybe it was because he had been made to think that he would never see the gunman again, even if it was for just a moment.

 

It was the Vincent's turn to shrug. “In a way…” He exhaled loudly, eyes turning contemplative.

 

There was an uncomfortable silence.

 

“I missed you,” Cid said finally. He stared at the floor, unable to meet the other man's gaze.

 

The gunman sighed. “It was something I had to do and something that had to be done alone.” He looked away, anywhere but at Cid, and he finally added in a voice just as quiet as the pilot's had been, “You were never far from my thoughts.”

 

“You didn't have to,” the Captain said slowly. When Vincent looked at him in confusion the pilot struggled to find the words to explain himself, but he found that they escaped him and tried another tactic.

 

“There's no need in responding just because. I mean, pretending is not your style…” he trailed off, words still making no sense.

 

Vincent pushed himself up off the door panel and moved towards the blond, crossing the distance quickly to pull Cid into a tight embrace. The Captain reacted instantly, wrapping his arms around the ex-Turk and leaning his head on Vincent's shoulder.

 

The gunman pulled the blond in tightly as he could with his clawed hand, while his flesh one reached around to angle Cid's face towards his own. Within moments, their lips were locked in a passionate union, all of their feelings pushed into that one movement. Vincent had every intention of showing the other man that he wasn't pretending, that what they had was something special and worth being treasured.

 

In the bridge, six friends heaved a sigh of “Aw!”

 

“That is so sweet!” Aeris gushed, unable to help herself. Her hands clasped together as she shared a warm smile with her promised.

 

“I knew it, even from the beginning,” Nanaki commented.

 

Yuffie was smug. “I told you he'd be back,” the little ninja remarked as she crossed her arms over her chest.

 

The demi-human ruffled her hair affectionately, and they continued to watch what was on screen.

 

Cid reached up and buried a hand in Vincent's hair, pulling the gunman's head down towards him and deepening the kiss. They exchanged tongues for a moment, taking comfort in the familiar taste of each other, before the ex-Turk gave a gentle nip to the Captain's lower lip. He pulled back and looked Cid in the eye.

 

“I would never pretend with you,” he said softly. “Everything is genuine.”

 

Cid smiled. “Vince, there is something I've been meaning to say to you.”

 

The gunman shushed him, putting a finger to his lips softly. “Do it afterwards, when all is said and done. Then, I can say what I want to say as well.”

 

The pilot sighed but nodded slowly. Suddenly, his face took on a mischievous tint as his tongue snaked out of his mouth and pulled in the shushing finger. He sucked gently on the digit and ran his tongue over the sensitive pads.

 

As much as Vincent wanted to take him up on the offer, he knew he couldn't. He fought down the rising desires and ever so slowly pulled his finger free.

 

He exhaled slowly as his eyes again locked with the pilot. “As much as I would love to do just that, we simply do not have the luxury of circumstance.”

 

Cid pulled away slowly, extricating himself from the other man's embrace. He seemed only the slightest bit downcast.

 

“Yeah, I know. We gotta take down that Sephiroth bastard and save the planet!”

 

Vincent seemed to flinch at his words but didn't say anything to indicate he was upset. He nodded slowly.

 

“You go ahead to the cockpit; I will join you in a moment.”

 

The pilot agreed. He moved as if to leave, but suddenly, Cid changed his mind. He darted back to Vincent and enveloped him in another passionate kiss before pulling away and heading swiftly towards the stairs.

 

The ex-Turk didn't even try to restrain the smile that had broken out on his face.

 

When Cid returned to the bridge, he found everyone milling about in random areas of the room, conversing quietly amongst themselves. He eyed them suspiciously, noting the looks that Yuffie was giving him. Yet, no one offered up a word, and he made his way to the control panel. The pilot assumed that they believed he was broken up over Vincent's absence. He cracked a sly smirk at that. Little did they know, but the gunman was already back.

 

He stood at the control panel and looked over at the mechanics for his baby. Finally, he would able to pilot his own airship rather than rely on the crew. He had sent them home, told them that this battle was not theirs to fight. He cracked his knuckles and sighed happily as he contemplated which button it was exactly he needed to press.

 

There was a chorus of startled gasps, and all eyes turned towards the entrance to the bridge. Cid kept from turning around lest they see the big grin he had plastered over his face.

 

“Vinny!” Yuffie exclaimed. “You came back!”

 

He quirked an eyebrow. “You didn't want me to?”

 

“What Yuffie is trying to say,” Nanaki intervened smoothly as he approached the gunman, “is welcome back.”

 

Vincent waved a hand dismissively. “I am sure you all feel the same.” The sarcasm in his voice was most evident as his gaze slid only briefly to their spiky-haired leader. If Barret were there, he would have looked at him as well.

 

An uncomfortable silence settled over everyone.

 

Cid, having finally regained his composure and his stoic face, moved to the group. He peered over everyone's head as best he could and snorted loudly.

 

“Ya don't have to be rude. We're all supposed to be friends here, ain't we?” He crossed his arms over his chest and stared pointedly at his lover. Their eyes locked for a moment and something passed between them.

 

“Well,” Reeve added thoughtfully, nodding his head. “Vincent has a point.”

 

Outside of himself, the gunman received some of the most disdain throughout their entire journey. Tensions never fully went away, and Reeve was certain that on some level, Barret still despised him, even if they had appeared to make amends.

 

Cloud broke free and walked up to the gunman. He stood in front of the other man thoughtfully before sticking out a hand, and Vincent regarded him contemplatively, finally taking it with his own. The two shook his hands.

 

“You are as much a part of this group as anyone here,” Cloud admitted, a strange gleam in his eyes. “And I trust you.”

 

For the two, this was a major step. The conflicting powers had finally laid down their weapons and joined forces. Finally, it seemed, all animosity had faded like dust in the wind.

 

“I suppose, I'll take that as an apology then,” Vincent intoned in return. He had the slightest of smiles on his face.

 

With that, they were at last a united front. Nothing could stop them now.

 

“Great,” Reno teased, a grin lighting up his face. “Now that the soap opera is over, how about we go save the world?”

 

The blond released Vincent's hands and turned back to face his group. “Alright. This is it. The final battle. Captain Highwind, if you'd do the honors.” He gestured towards the pilot.

 

Cid rubbed his hands together and almost sprinted towards the control panel. It was time to see what his baby was capable of.

 

“I hope you don't mind, but there's a button I've been dying to try,” he called back, a note of glee in his voice.

 

Uneasiness settled in the former executive's gut. “Uh, Cid,” Reeve began. “I don't think you should--”

 

Too late.

 

Cid's gloved finger came down and pressed the shining blue button. The airship gave a great shudder and shook violently as it rose in the air. Everyone fought for something to grab a hold of, which ended up consisting of each other.

 

On the outside, parts fell away from the Highwind to reveal two blasters that were superiorly faster than what had been there before. The airship's speed had just gone up by several notches, and with a jolt, the Highwind took to the sky, soaring faster than it ever had before.

 

Cid could hardly contain the glee on his face as he steered her through the air.

 

Yuffie clapped a hand over her face and went running from the bridge, her airsickness taking over. Nanaki chased after her, a worried expression on his face.

 

The grin on Cid's face was wide enough to split mountains. “Damn ShinRa for messing with her design, but fuck if they didn't do a good job,” he announced loudly.

 

“Captain!!” A chorus of voices greeted the blond as he was suddenly swept away from the helm by his crew. No one had even seen them approach, almost as if they had appeared out of thin air.

 

“Hey, wait a minute!” he argued as they pulled him aside. “I told you all to go home!” Cid resisted the urge to pout as the wheel got further and further from his grasp.

 

The newbie pilot planted himself in front of the helm, placing his hands on the wheel. “We're with you to the end, Captain!” he exclaimed, proud to make his stand.

 

“Ahhh,” the Captain argued. He had wanted to steer his own damn airship, and so, he started resisting their hold on him. “You'll have to hold me down then. Give it all you got!”

 

And with that, the Highwind went speeding off towards the Northern Crater and the members of AVALANCHE prepared to fight their greatest foe.

 

Sephiroth.

 

* * *