Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction ❯ Shattered Ice ❯ Accusations ( Chapter 10 )

 

Chapter 10: Accusations

 

Cid Highwind discovered that he hated the snow, and not in any general terms either. He absolutely abhorred it. The snow was cold and wet and stuck to anything it touched. The further north they trekked, the heavier it fell, blanketing everything it boring white layers.

 

Shivering visibly, the grumpy pilot complained loudly to Cloud and Reeve, “I hate the fucking snow.”

 

“We know, Cid, you have already told us several times,” said Reeve wearily.

 

“Look,” continued Cloud with great irritation, “see those lights ahead of us. It is a town I am assuming; we can find shelter there.”

 

“I can't even see the others behind us. Don't ya think that we should? I mean there ain't nothing out there but flat snow!!” Cid added in for good measure.

 

Cloud sighed, clearly aggravated. “They are fine; I am sure. I am trusting that Nanaki will keep everyone in line.”

 

Cid mumbled something under his breath about overgrown cats with know-it-all complexes but didn't say anything else. He hunched over in his jacket again, trying to block out the biting wind. Reeve was having the same trouble, shivering continuously and looking at the white land with dread. None of their party was really dressed for winter weather. The pilot didn't understand why Cloud seemed so at ease. He was wearing less than any of them!

 

Cid glared miserably at the utter whiteness around him. Did he forget to mention how much he hated the snow? He bowed down his head against the raging wind and trudged forward, following Cloud's tracks in the snow. He swore to all things sacred that if those damn bouncing bunnies attacked again, he was going to skin them and use their pelts for a blanket.

 

“Oh, for heaven's sake…” Cloud began, interrupting the pilot's thoughts.

 

With a questioning glance, Cid looked up, and was surprised to find that they had arrived at the town sooner than expected. It wasn't much of a place. Five or six buildings and lots of trees. Of course, everything was covered in snow.

 

“ `Icicle Inn'” Reeve commented, reading off the sign that so boldly pronounced where they were located. He attempt to smile slightly, only to discover his lips were frozen in place.

 

Cloud groaned as he looked around, noting several snowboarders. “A tourist town.”

 

“So?” the pilot asked incredulously. “Who the hell cares? Let's just find somewhere to get warm!”

 

Cid pushed past the two men and moved quickly towards the first building he saw, not bothering to check and see what it was. He just wanted to be inside where it was warm. Reeve and Cloud exchanged a glance.

 

“Gotten rather irritating, hasn't he?” Reeve remarked, finally unsticking his face.

 

Cloud shook his head as he slid his sword into its sheath. There was no need for him to haul it around now that they were in the relative safety of the town. “That man is as changeable in his moods as of a pregnant female… and twice as volatile,” he added.

 

“Though not quite as dangerous.” Reeve smiled, finally managing the action. He was clearly amused. He glanced at Cloud, who caught his look. The two men burst into laughter at the idea of a pregnant Cid.

 

“Shall we follow?” Cloud smirked.

 

“Damn right. I'm not about to freeze my ass off out here, while Highwind is all warm and cozy inside,” Reeve remarked, running a hand through his frost covered beard. Shrugging, Cloud walked towards the building Cid had disappeared into, Reeve close on his heels.

 

A single, rather irritating chime announced their presence as the two friends entered the building. Almost immediately they recognized it as a weapons shop. Who could mistake the swords and such that lined the walls?

 

“What the hell? 26,000? That's fuckin' ridiculous!” Cid was yelling at the man behind the counter, obviously arguing over the price of a shining new spear that was sitting between them.

 

“I'm sorry, but that is the price. I will go no lower,” responded the balding, slightly heavy set man. He stood firm in his decision.

 

Reeve and Cloud surveyed at the situation for a moment before the ex-executive elbowed Cloud in the side and pointed at a sign on the wall. It was bright and boldly lettered, easily proclaiming the policy of the shop. Cloud snickered when he realized what it said.

 

“&%$##@!!!” The pilot cursed, turning on his heels, and storming past the two men. “Fucking tourist town jacking up the price on every #%$ $%#@%$ fucking thing!!”

 

“Whatsa matter, Cid, don't have enough?” Cloud teased before Cid could get out the door.

 

“Shut up, you spikey-haired %$&#!!” the pilot growled as he threw open the door and stormed out into the cold outside.

 

Reeve and Cloud shared another series of laughs even as they turned around and followed the enraged pilot out of the store. They would come back later to get what they needed.

 

“Honestly, Cid, I would have lent you the money,” Reeve joked as he came out the door, sniggering behind his hand. “Oof!” He promptly ran into the pilot's back.

 

Cid had stopped just outside the door. He reached for his spear slowly, fingering the materia in the slots. “Shh!” he hissed.

 

“What is it?” asked Cloud, eyes searching. He finally spotted what had made Cid stop and drew his own sword as well.

 

Elena, member of the Turks, and two ShinRa soldiers were standing at the far end of the town, looking out at the path that led to whatever lay beyond Icicle Inn.

 

“I'll bet all of my gil that that Turk bitch knows where Tifa is,” growled Cid.

 

“What little of it there is,” Reeve commented dryly, flashing Cid a bright smile. His face had strangely twitched at the word Turk, but neither of his companions had noticed. “Let's get her!” he announced, spreading his fingers, to show the knives he already had prepared for throwing.

 

Cloud nodded his head in agreement and the three men made their way to where the female Turk and her back up soldiers were standing. They stood in their typical battle stance behind her, weapons at the ready.

 

“We knew you were coming this way,” the blonde Turk spoke before she turned around. It didn't surprise them in the least that she knew they were there. She was a Turk after all.

 

“Where is Tifa?” Cloud growled, making a threatened motion with his sword. One of the soldiers gulped noticeably.

 

“Who?” Elena cocked up one eyebrow in question. Her eyes slid from Cloud to Cid and finally landed on Reeve. A shadow of thought crossed her face, but it passed to quickly to be discernable.

 

“You took her earlier, and I want to know where,” insisted Cloud. He raised his sword in a gesture of dominance. “Don't make me hurt you.”

 

Elena smirked, tossing her golden hair. “Oh, please, as if you were any threat to me. I have my orders.”

 

“Just another brainless twit,” Cid commented under his breath, twirling his spear expertly around his fingers.

 

“Why you…” Elena growled, clenching her fists and narrowing her deep brown eyes. “I will make you bleed!” She yelled, taking a vicious step forward.

 

That was her first and last mistake.

 

Some careless child had left their snowboard on the ground, and Elena quite foolishly didn't bother to check her footing. One step forward and her black expensive Turk boots landed solidly on the abandoned toy. It slid beneath her feet. Waving her arms wildly as the snowboard began to coast down the long, sloped hill, Elena fought to slow her rapid descent.

 

The three friends watched in horrified amusement as Elena slipped on the snowboard and went cascading down the hill, terror etched into her features.

 

“Boss!!” the two soldiers screamed that accompanied her, eyes widened in surprise. They ran after their commander, hoping to catch her before she was hurt too badly.

 

Cid snickered. “I say, she is rather graceful isn't she?”

 

Cloud just shook his head at the rapidly fading dot that was Elena on a snowboard and turned back towards the interior of Icicle Inn. “I think that I am ready for sleep, now.”

 

Reeve laughed. He couldn't help himself. “Is it always like this?” He questioned, “I suppose I couldn't tell that well when I was just piloting an empty shell.”

 

Cid groaned as they started heading for what they hoped was the inn. “No, my friend, it is much worse.”

 

Shaking his head at the conversation between the pilot and the ex-executive, Cloud pushed open the doors to the rather extravagant hotel and welcomed the warm breath of air that ghosted across his face. Tourist towns always did have the best places to stay.

 

To his surprise, the rest of the crew was already there: Vincent, Nanaki, Barret, and Yuffie. They were sitting at the table nearest to the fire, warming up, and talking amongst themselves quietly. The three men quickly joined their friends.

 

“Yo, Cloud, ya'll took long enough to get here,” Barret commented, clapping his friend on the back as they took a seat.

 

“We ran into Elena,” Cloud said in an effort to explain. “She tried to tell me that she knew nothing of Tifa.”

 

“Why didn't ya pound the truth out of her?” Yuffie asked, fingering her shuriken lovingly.

 

Cid roared with laughter. “Damn bitch slipped on a snowboard and took an unscheduled flight.” Yuffie beamed, picturing the neatly dressed Turk flying down the hill on a snowboard. She could hardly contain her giggles.

 

“Besides that,” interrupted Cloud, “did you go ahead and get us rooms?”

 

Barret nodded and shifted. “We could only get three…”

 

Vincent sighed, knowing immediately where this was going. “So again we have to share and designate who has to room with whom.”

 

Everyone around the table turned to look at their companions, weighing options in their minds.

 

Yuffie's eyes widened with realization. “Say, not that I'm complaining or nothing but… I'm like the only girl here…”

 

The men exchanged glances and realized that the little ninja was absolutely correct.

 

Cloud scratched his head, seemingly unable to deal with that concept. “Then you're the lucky one that doesn't have to share a room….”

 

Yuffie laughed quietly. “Well, I don't mind Nanaki, but the rest of you boys are going to have to figure out the rest.” Her hand came up to her face and she stifled a long yawn.

 

It was that moment that everyone remembered how long it had been since they had actually had any rest. Wordlessly, Barret handed over the key to the smallest room. Yuffie gave him her brightest smile as she bounded off towards the stairs humming a little tune to the words `Materia Materia'.

 

“That just leaves the rest of us…” Barret muttered quietly.

 

Vincent sighed and rolled his eyes. The idiots were making a big deal out of nothing. He had thought by now they would have gotten over their fear of him.

 

“Why don't we just leave things the way they were before and let Reeve choose where he wants to sleep?” Nanaki suggested, ever the calm and decisive diplomat.

 

“Works for me, `cause otherwise I don't give a damn!” said Cid yawning. He stretched greatly and reached for the spear that he had propped up next to his chair. “I been dreaming of a warm, soft bed…” he murmured as he stood, holding out his hand expectantly.

 

“Beauty sleep would do you a lot of good.” Barret smirked as he tossed the pilot a key.

 

Cid caught it deftly, swirling the small brass ring around on finger. “Must mean that you are an obvious insomniac,” he countered with a serious grin. Whistling to himself, Cid turned and left the table heading for the rooms upstairs.

 

Barret was flustered, unable to think of a sufficient comeback. He wracked his brain even as the pilot got further away.

 

“He got you good,” Cloud teased, trying to hide his laughter behind a hand.

 

Barret frowned, thinking deeply. “Eh, shuddup!”

 

Reeve snickered. He found Cid's insult to be rather funny. Then he remembered something that had happened earlier that day, involving a spear and some money. Leaning over, he whispered into Barret's ear, quietly so that none of the others could hear him.

 

Barret's face lit up like an idea had just struck him. He laughed more to himself than anything. Reeve smirked smugly and leaned back into his chair.

 

“I got it!” Barret proclaimed standing up quickly, chair skittering out behind him. A sinister smile on his face, he went chasing after Cid.

 

He had thought of the perfect come back.

 

“What did you tell him?” Nanaki asked, flicking his tail languidly.

 

Reeve smiled. “I told him about a certain pilot, who was too broke to afford a certain rather lovely new spear in the weapons shop.”

 

“Yeah,” Cloud laughed then, instantly understanding. “Great and illustrious pilot Highwind, storming out of the weapons shop because the man wouldn't lower the price.”

 

Reeve snickered again. “Think we should have told him about the sign?”

 

Cloud shook his head. “Nah. It would have made him feel stupid.”

 

Nanaki looked between the two of them. “What sign?” he asked curiously.

 

Cloud and Reeve burst out laughing yet again, faces threatening to seriously redden. “That particular weapons dealer only accepts icigil (1),” Reeve said through his chuckles.

 

“If Cid had been paying attention instead of being all hard-headed, he would have known that he could afford the damn thing,” finished Cloud.

 

Nanaki then understood the joke, allowing himself a smile.

 

Vincent shook his head. He actually didn't find it funny. “Children, every single one of you.”

 

“Yeah,” Reeve agreed softly. His eyes had sparkled when he watched the antics of those he called friends. It was far more satisfying than being around the ShinRa, that was for sure. Well… most of the ShinRa. “But I am just glad that there is laughter rather than tears right now,” he added in a more somber tone, remembering the events of past.

 

Cloud sighed, nodding his head in agreement. The laughter had quickly faded at the subtle reminder. “Listen, Reeve…”

 

The ex-executive shook his head, cutting off whatever it was Cloud was going to say. “No. Enjoy the peace while it lasts. It can wait,” Reeve said softly, amber eyes shining.

 

Cloud looked at him, a funny expression on his face. It was a cross between confusion, anger, and pity. But he didn't say anything else.

 

Reeve stood, three pairs of eyes watching him intently. “I am fatigued. I will retire as well.”

 

“Ai, sleep in our room. It really doesn't matter to me.” Cloud shrugged his shoulder. Then a sneaky smile appeared on his lips as he attempted to break the awkward silence. “If you listen hard enough, you might be able to follow the sound of Barret's snores.”

 

Vincent allowed himself a tiny smirk. “Unless he gets confused by Cid's,” he added in.

 

Cloud, Reeve, and Nanaki all laughed. Shrugging his shoulders and sighing at his misfortune, Reeve turned from the table and headed for the rooms, still laughing softly to himself. Someday he would hear what Cloud had to say… but first he had to come to terms with it himself.

 

Nanaki turned mirth-filled eyes towards Vincent, taking in the hint of a smile that ghosted on the lips of the ex-Turk. “You know, I believe that is the first time I heard you call Cid anything but Highwind, Vincent,” he commented.

 

Vincent turned abruptly, glancing at the lion wolf, who sat on the floor next to Cloud. “Is that supposed to mean something?” he asked, acting as nonchalant as he could. He tried to mold his face back into the quiet, cold stare that he had grown accustomed to.

 

“It does now.” Nanaki smirked, giving the gunman a knowing look. The two males locked eyes, seemingly having a contest of will and wit.

 

Mako blue eyes darted between the two, confusion clearly etched into his features. “Did I miss something?” asked Cloud, frowning.

 

Vincent did not answer, only looked at Nanaki intently, as if trying to divulge his intentions.

 

“No,” Nanaki answered, shaking his head. “It has been a long day; I think I am going to go join the smart people.” He roused himself off the floor, stretching himself lazily, much like a cat would.

 

Cloud waved his hand at the lion wolf. “Fine, fine, everybody just be lazy and go to sleep on me.” He acted nonchalant, but truthfully, he was paying close attention to the interaction between Nanaki and the gunman.

 

Nanaki nodded and loped slowly towards the stairs, but stopped before he began to climb up them. He turned his head slightly back towards the two remaining party members sitting at the table.

 

“Remember my words, Valentine, and forget your damned pride before it is too late, and you again lose something precious,” he said clearly yet enigmatically. Without waiting for his response, Nanaki bounded up the stairs, heading for the room that Yuffie had taken for herself.

 

“What the hell was that about?” Cloud questioned, turning his attentions to the crimson-eyed man sitting before him.

 

Vincent was staring thoughtfully at the bottom of the steps where Nanaki had stood, eyes seemingly narrowed in anger. Was he mad that the lion wolf had spoken to him in such a way, or mad because he was right?

 

“What are you hiding, Vincent?” Cloud asked again being very persistent.

 

“Nothing, Strife,” the gunman hissed, turning a poisonous glare on the one he followed as `leader'. “Or do you still want to call me spy like your dear friend?”

 

Cloud sighed heavily. “You act so damn secretive. What else could I think? We don't know jackshit about you. You could let us in, you know.”

 

Vincent snorted. “Right. So you can judge me before you understand completely?” he questioned. Cloud did not answer, but shifted uncomfortably in his seat. Vincent noted that action and sat back in his chair, resting his golden claw on the table.

 

“Besides, you know as much as I do, which I gather from your words is not much.”

 

Cloud frowned. “I absolutely hate fucking liars, Vincent.”

 

“I have not lied,” responded the gunman, narrowing his eyes in anger. Of all the things he had done in his past, he knew lying wasn't one of his problems.

 

“Then why do you claim you know nothing? When we met, you talked of Hojo and Sephiroth and made vague references to some girl named Lucrecia. Now and then you also mutter incoherent sentences about your sins and atonement and hell, sounds to me like you know everything!” Cloud accused, his voice gaining volume.

 

Vincent stared at him, trying to determine whether or not he was going to dignify that with an answer.

 

“Dammit, Vincent!” the blonde yelled angrily, slamming his fist on the table. The few other patrons in the tiny bar area turned their attentions towards them, taking in the angry looks in their faces. “You wanted to be a part of this, but I'll not be fooled again.”

 

“It's none of your business,” the ex-Turk answered coldly, narrowing his eyes at the blonde man.

 

Cloud snarled and got to his feet, slamming his palms on the table and getting right in Vincent's face. “It became my business when friends started disappearing, and you go sneaking off into the night for some unknown reason that same day!”

 

Vincent rose swiftly to his feet, easily towering over Cloud. He glared down at him. “You would dare to follow me?”

 

“I said it before and I'll say it again, Valentine, I do not fear you,” Cloud responded with equal coldness. “I need some damn answers from you, and I want them NOW!” He moved back to stand straight up, crossing his arms in front of his chest and frowning at the gunman, trying to show how he was not intimidated.

 

Vincent stared at Cloud, not wavering in his movement. His hand twitched at his side, near where his gun was holstered. There were voices in his mind, voices he recognized, telling him to shoot the arrogant spiky-headed brat and get it over with. Those were the voices he was trying his damndest to ignore, but they were also the loudest. Then there was a tiny, almost angelic voice in the very darkest part and corner of his mind that spoke of telling someone, anyone what had been weighing heavily on his heart. But it was being drowned out by the four demons.

 

“No,” Vincent said smoothly, almost having to force it out. Within him, a war was raging. He spoke not only to Cloud, but to the voices in his head, the voices calling for death and destruction. He glared intently at the blond before he turned on his heels and headed for the stairs. He could not stay around the man any longer, or he might do something that couldn't be erased.

 

“Don't you walk away from me,” Cloud hissed, anger evident in his voice. The ex-Turk ignored him, finding it increasingly difficult to quiet the angry and blood-thirsty mutterings within him. Distance… he needed distance.

 

But the damn fool wouldn't let him be. He just had to be in control, had to know everything. Striding forward quickly, Cloud latched onto Vincent's shoulders, intending to force the gunman to talk to him.

 

In one precise and fluid motion, Vincent drew his Silver Rifle and half-turned, pointing it directly at Cloud's temple. His eye twitched and he closed them briefly before turning to glare at Cloud. “Do not push me,” he growled. “It is getting harder to drown them out. And I can't say what I will do.”

 

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(1) I created icigil which is basically Icicle Inn gil currency. Two icigil = one gil.