Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction ❯ Those Chosen By The Planet ❯ Chapter 4 - "The Perpetuity of Rotten Luck" ( Chapter 4 )

Those Chosen by the Planet

Final Fantasy VII Twisted.

by Sakurazukamori Neko (SRV)

Chapter 4

“The Perpetuity of Rotten Luckâ€

“God-Money don’t want everything, he wants it all.
No you can’t take it. No you can’t take it.
No you can’t take that away from me...
Head like a hole, black as your soul.
I’d rather die than give you control.

Bow down before the one you serve.
You’re going to get what you deserve.â€

Nine Inch Nails, “Head Like a Hole.â€

And that was how he joined them. It wasn’t because he wanted to, or because he cared... it was just a moment of compulsive decision making. And Reno had always been compulsive, his actions generally decided on a whim leaving him to worry about his actions, and the consequences later. When they actually mattered.

He was loathe to reveal the other reason â€" Tifa. He couldn’t resist her... she was just so small and lonely out there on the porch, staring at the stars and, for reasons he couldn’t understand, confiding in him. Like she needed him. He hated being needed, but once someone did need Reno, once there was no turning back and he had to look out for them. Especially women. The fairer sex had always been his weak spot. And now, in the elevator of the Seventh Heaven, he realized this. Realized this with stunning clarity. It wasn’t so much that he had feelings for the raven haired fighter, it was something else. Something that drove him to be there for her when she asked. Because she had no one to be there for her... and Reno no longer had anyone who needed him. His girl was gone, dead.

But she had always wanted him to be kind. Good. To help others. So now Reno was with a group of lame-ass do gooders with lines that made him want to vomit rusty nails.

Saving the Planet. Yeah, like that’ll take just a weekend.

Was it really that difficult to say ‘no?’

The elevator opened and Reno stepped out. He hoped that this day would be better than the last.

“You finally wakin’ up?†Barret state gruffly to the rumpled former Turk. Everyone was ready, and it seemed as if Jessie, Biggs and Wedge had all left already. Reno inwardly groaned. Sleeping in wasn’t necessarily something he had planned on... True, he enjoyed getting on everyone’s nerves, but at the same time he didn’t want to start in with Barret. Again.

But Tifa was there also, standing behind the counter, drying off a beer stein. She smiled warmly as she shelved the item. “The others have already left. They’re picking up some items for the mission.â€

“So where we to, chief?†Reno leaned backwards against the wall and looked back and forth between the woman and the much larger man. He cocked a grin.

“Sector 5 Reactor. And you better be ready now ‘cuz we ain’t gonna wait any longer for yo’ sorry ass.â€

Reno rolled his eyes and sauntered on to the door. “I wouldn’t want to keep you waiting.†He looked back at the pair, waiting for them to follow him, but surprisingly neither of them budged. “Well?â€

Barret looked back at the redhead, an odd look spreading across his gruff features. Almost nervous. Tifa elbowed him in the ribs and started for the door.

“Well?†Reno leaned in the doorway and pulled out a pack of cigarettes, shaking the contents and inwardly sighing at the lack thereof.

“Actually... uh.†He scratched the back of his neck and looked to the wooden ceiling. “Before the next mission, I got somethin’ I wanna ask you.â€

Reno grinned, wildly, thinking of something pervasive to say. Noting the look of mischief, Tifa kicked him in the shin, silencing him.

“See... I uh... I dun really know how to use Materia... I’ll give you that Materia you found. Just teach me how to use it.†Barret produced a blue orb which Reno immediately recognized as a low level “all†Materia. Useful, but not by itself.

Reno sighed and thrust his hands into his pocket. It figured. Sure Barret was a good fighter. He was powerful enough and he didn’t have that many holes in his defenses. He just wasn’t all that bright.

Reno grabbed the orb and tossed it in the air. “Actually, without any other Materia, this one’s pretty useless. See... this is a support Materia. You need to pair it up with another one to gain it’s full effect.â€

Barret stood agape, obviously trying to take in what Reno was explaining.

Reno pulled out his Electric Magnetic Rod with a twirl and showed the slots to Barret. “My EMR has two slots that are connected â€" so they channel magical energy to each other. When you pair an ‘All’ like this one...†He snapped the magical orb into the empty slot. “With this lightening Materia, you can cast lightening magical onto all opponents. This will work on attack or curative Materia... basically any Materia that’s green.

“There are a lot of other kinds of Materia... Red Materia summons... Purple Materia...†He was cut off.

“Shi... fine fine. You can handle the damned Materia.†He pushed past Reno and left the bar with a huff.

Reno smirked at Tifa. “Did I hurt his pride or something?â€

“Barret... well, Barret’s Barret. You surprised me, though. I didn’t expect you to know that much.†Tifa smiled playfully.

“Like I said... I was trained as a SOLDIER. I had to know this kind of shit or it was back to the slums with me.†He nodded to the exit. “I guess it’s time for us to go too, eh? You coming along too this time or are you gonna make us dinner again? I’m sure Wedge’d love that.†He winked.

“And miss the fun of you two feuding? Of course I’m coming!†She tightened the straps of her fighting gloves, mostly for show, and turned to Marlene. “Marlene, you watch the bar when we’re gone, alright?!â€

The little girl beamed from behind the counter, obviously standing on a stool to peer over the top of the mahogany. “Yep! Good luck!†She waved, childlike as the two left.

“Are you sure it’s good to leave her alone there?†Reno raised an eyebrow. He knew that people were more than self efficient in the slums, even from a young age. He himself had learned to use various weapons by the age of thirteen, but... still. Marlene was such a young girl.

“She’ll be fine. You’d be amazed how mature Marlene can be.â€

“If you say so...â€

“Oh!†Tifa stopped in her tracks and looked toward a nearby building. “I almost forgot! I got a message from the Weapon’s shop. The owner has something he wants to give you. I guess he’s behind us, too.â€

“Word travels fast ‘round here, I guess.†Reno shoved his fingers into his pockets. “Maybe I can pick up some smokes while I’m at it.â€

The “something†turned out to be little more than some simple words of useless advice on item usage, preparedness, and safety while on a long journey. As if Reno didn’t have the common sense to know anything about traveling. The up side was the extensive shop downstairs which supplied him with some vital Materia â€" among them a “Cure.†With these idiots on his side, he’d have to have that on hand.

Reno exhaled a long stream of cigarette smoke. And to his luck they also had a cigarette dispenser. He needed something to calm his nerves, and it would be a lot more difficult to defend himself should something happen if he was liquored up. Thus, he had to turn to his other main vice.

He leaned back on the train station bench, trying to avoid crusty bird droppings and sticky chewing gum. Midgar was filth. It would always be filth. Why couldn’t AVALANCHE understand that. It didn’t matter how often Tifa smiled or talked about the sanctity of the Planet. It didn’t matter how much Barret nagged him about the dying Planet. This couldn’t ever change. He leaned his head back, inhaling deeply and closing his eyes. He could hear the train coming in the distance. He knew things were about to get interesting. Again.

“Train’s coming!â€

And, of course, just when Reno had gotten comfortable, that was when Jessie appeared. He opened an eye and stared back at her, taking in the shy smile. Without a word or even a motion of real acknowledgement, he closed his eye and melted back into the uncomfortable particle board and steel of the bench.

Biting her lower lip, Jessie hopped onto the platform again, inching close to the edge to wait for the train. She could see it coming through the tunnel, the lights shining dully through the cool fog like dust.

Truth be told, Jessie was a little nervous about this mission. She knew that they had beefed up security, now relying more heavily upon ID checkpoints. It was still full of holes, as it probably would never be anywhere near perfect â€" perfection was for the Plate.This time, however, it was a little more difficult to find the holes. And that’s where AVALANCHE’s technical expert came in â€" Jessie Watts.

Jessie was a story all her own. While the rest of AVALANCHE were presumably born and raised in the Midgar slums, Jessie was from Gongaga. Her father, a scientist, has always wanted a boy, but when he got a girl he decided to make the best of it. Instead of dresses and dolls, Jessie grew up with books and technology. What she didn’t have in friends and social interaction, she more than made up for in accomplishments. She grew to be a great hacker, a great encoder, and a great technician.

At seventeen, Jessie moved to upper Midgar, following her father’s untimely death. She attended Midgar University â€" the prestigious and very expensive University where celebrities and future Shinra execs often started their path to fame. She dreamed of being just like them â€" accomplishing everything she knew she could.

When she graduated at the age of 20, she traveled down to the slums for her own personal experiment â€" she wanted to see the security of the train system in the slums, intending to prove just how hole ridden they truly were. But before she got there she stopped at a certain bar for a bite to eat. And then she met Tifa... and Barret.

And then she became embroiled in the quest to save the Planet.

Her priorities shifted. She always wanted to be famous, but now she wanted to make a difference. And she knew very well that her skills would be vital to helping out the fledgling group. A year later she was still part of the group. They had become a second family to her. And she wouldn’t have it any other way.

But... no matter what, she knew she wasn’t perfect. And anytime she programmed a bomb, or set up fake IDs she could never shake a certain degree of fear that this time she would have done something stupid. This time she would screw up.

“Please let it go okay...†she clasped her hands together nervously as the train skidded to a halt, feet away from her. “Please...â€

Sydney was a Shinra manager, a man of little importance in the scheme of things who just managed to make it to his position and pull himself up a few ranks. He was a squirrelly fellow with ratty thinning hair and a sour demeanor about him. His job, for lack of a better word, ‘sucked’ but it paid well enough and he wouldn’t mind the paychecks for the next thirty to forty years.

He had a feeling it would be a bad day. He just didn’t think it would get this bad.

“Yo! Looks like this ain’t no private car! So split up!â€

Sydney looked up and saw a large man and his rag tag gang of hooligans. A perfect beginning to a perfect day in the office. He slouched in his seat, clutching his briefcase safely to his body. “...hoodlums again. God, don’t I just have all the luck...â€

Maybe that wasn’t the best thing to say...

Barret was in a sour mood. Still. Reno stared at the scene that unfolded before him with a certain degree of amusement. Shinra had a lot of snotty people in its ranks... people who irked him to no end. To see one be harassed by a man three times his size â€" complete with a gun grafted onto his beefed up arm was... beautiful. He watched Barret turn around almost nonchalantly.

“You say sumthin’?â€

No reply. Barret gritted his teeth. If he hated anything in the world it was being ignored. “I said, ‘you say sumthin’?!†He stomped a boot clad foot fiercely. The man froze, his eyes wide. “Yo, lookit that! It got empty alluva sudden.â€

The Shinra manager stared up at him, still holding the briefcase tightly. And then he suddenly grew balls. “It... It’s empty because of... g’guys like you!â€

A bad move. And he immediately knew it when Barret stomped a boot again, standing tall and upright with his fists clenched. The man shrank back in terror. “I... I mean... God, you’ve seen the news, right? AVALANCHE says there’ll be more bombings. Only devoted employees like me would go to Midgar on a day like today.

From the corner of the train, Reno chuckled to himself and sat down. He crossed a lanky leg and leant back. This would be beautiful. He knew this guy was snooty, but he didn’t know just how stupid he could really be.

Barret growled deeply, “You workin’ for Shinra?â€

The man stood up straight and defiantly. “I’m not giving in to violence. And I’m not giving you my seat either.â€

“Barret!†Tifa pushed her way between them. The last thing they needed was a simple brawl messing up their plans. Their mission was clear and simple â€" do in the reactor and get out of there undetected. Barret’s belligerence would not help things along. She clutched Barret’s arm and pulled him away.

Barret snorted at the man who was silently returning to his seat. “Shit... You lucky fuck.†He turned around and spied Reno, splayed comfortably along two train seats, sunglasses covering his eyes. He was grinning.

“So what now, fearless leader?â€

“Shit! The hell you so calm about?â€

Reno pulled himself to his feet. “I just prefer not to get embroiled in idiotic scum.†He sidled across the train, turning to the Shinra manager. The man stared back, coldly at the redhead, contemplating him. Reno grinned as he lowered his sunglasses, glaring at the manager, “Boo.â€

The man shrank back this time, startled to be looking at the glowing blue-green coloration of swirling Mako. “What are you?†He managed out in shock. Reno continued on his way, a smirk on his face and a skip in his step. He huddled over with the group, placing and arm playfully around the shoulder of Tifa. “So what’re we up to now, mon frere?â€

“Well, I think we’re about halfway there...†She blinked and looked back at him, “...did you just call me your brother?â€

“Hah! Mr. Serious About His Work!†Barret scoffed. “Awright. I’ll tell ya. Ah’m guessin’ Jessie already told you, or maybe you already know ‘bout the security checkpoint at the Top Plate.â€

Reno appeared bored. “ID scanners on the train?â€

Tifa chimed in, “Shinra’s very best!â€

“So we can’t use the fake ID’s then. What’s the good news?â€

Tifa opened her mouth to continue, but was cut off by the disembodied voice of the computerized “Conductor,†blaring over the train’s intercom. “Good morning, and welcome to the Midgar Express. Arrival time for our next stop â€" Sector 4 Station will be at 11:45 AM. Thank you for riding with us.â€

Tifa grabbed Reno’s arm and pulled back the coat sleeve to find a black, watch reading 11:24. Her eyes widened. “We only have six more minutes until the ID checkpoint.â€

Barret stepped in. “Alright. In five minutes we’re jumpin’ off the train. Got it?â€

“Oh, such daring people we all are.†Reno grinned, charmingly.

And that’s when everything started going wrong. And Jessie’s silent fear finally came true.

Everything went red. A siren was heard. The emergency lights were flashing.

â€What?! The ID Checkpoint is supposed to be further down.†Tifa looked around, shocked.

The Conductor’s monotonous voice came over the intercom once again. “This is a Type A Security Alert. Unidentified passenger confirmed in Car 2. A search will be conducted. Please remain in your seat until all cars are checked. I repeat. Type A Security Alert.â€

“What’s happening?†Tifa turned to Barret.

“Don’ look at me.â€

Reno looked up calmly at the security camera. “This isn’t the ID checkpoint you’re talking about... this is something else.†He pressed his glasses further up, completely covering his eyes. If anything could get them attention, he didn’t want it to be his Mako eyes. This situation was bad enough as it was. He heard the sound of boots clomping quickly to his side and braced himself for security, clutching his EMR rod, hidden underneath his coat.

What he saw, however, was Jessie, her eyes wide. “We’re in trouble!†She huffed, breathing deeply. “I’ll explain later. Hurry up! We need to get to the next car.â€

Barret scowled, “Shit! Someone blew it!â€

Out of the corner of his eye, Reno watched a look cross Jessie’s eyes as she winced. What was that? Guilt? He shook his head. This would have to wait for later. They had to hurry.

“Car 2 will be locking down in ten seconds. Prepare for lockdown.â€

“Shit. Let’s go! Keep it up!†Barret made for the door, followed by Jessie, Tifa, and Reno. The stopped a moment, catching their breath and hearing the disconcerting click of the door locking behind them. Biggs and Wedge ran to their side with a look of sheer relief. It didn’t last long.

“Unidentified Passenger located in Car 3...â€

Jessie pushed Reno forward. “Just run! Hurry! We’re changing to Plan B.â€

Reno turned to her, confused, “What’s Plan B?â€

“Just follow them!â€

Three cars later, the group was out of breath, tired and on edge. They had made it to the last car. Reno just hoped that this was it. Whatever happened to just jumping the train â€" that’s what he wanted to know. None of this running from locked trains, dodging angered passengers and their snotty children. He didn’t see this on the job description when he decided to join AVALANCHE.

Barret tossed himself onto a wooden crate, ignoring the creaky snapping of old wooden boards. “Awright. We clear.â€

Jessie shook her head, her hair tossing about. “Not yet. That wasn’t the main security checkpoint we were worrying about. We were supposed to be able to bypass that with our IDs... but I screwed up. If they catch us... we’re done for!â€

Reno raised his eyebrows to Barret. “I take it we’re jumping now?â€

“Got a problem with that?â€

Reno grinned devilishly. “Nah, just wanted to see if ya’ll were serious about this little stunt.â€

“Nuthing more serious than this!†Biggs opened the door and leapt out of the moving vehicle. He was followed by Wedge who jumped a little less gracefully. Jessie was next, reluctantly following, the guilty look plainly obvious to Reno.

“I’ll go next!†Tifa pulled down her skirt self consciously. “No peeking!†She disappeared into the night.

“After you?†Reno eyed Barret.

“A leader always stays till the end. Don’t worry ‘bout me, just go.â€

Reno stared down at the rushing land below him, trying to ignore the howling wing. No matter how many helicopter rides he took as a Turk, he never enjoyed heights. He particularly hated free-falls as well. And even though this wasn’t particularly a high jump, it did make him feel uneasy.

I’m gonna need a smoke when I get out of this one.

“And don’t go gettin’ yo’ ass hurt! It’s only the beginnin’ of the mission!

And with that, Reno gulped, closed his eyes, and jumped.

An overweight man, blonde and stylishly dressed in a dark brown suit, smiled with sick amusement as he pet the smooth fur of a large black cat.

The President of Midgar â€" the head of the Shinra Electric and Power Company, stared at his head Turk, Koichii Tseng. The Wutaiian nodded back.

“A routine checkpoint at the Midgar Express, line 458 found him, sir. Shall we dispatch SOLDIER?â€

The man scratched the cat behind the ears. “No, Tseng. I’d... like to deal with this Turk himself. Rough him up a bit. You said he’s unstable anyway.â€

Tseng straightened up at this notion, “A Turk is still a Turk, sir.â€

“Don’t worry. We’ll get him. I would think that you, out of anyone would enjoy playing with him first.†He laughed. “We won’t let him get away for long. He knows too much anyway.â€

“Yes, sir.â€

“Prepare my helicopter. I have an idea where he’s heading. Dismissed.â€

“Yes, sir.†Tseng nodded and headed for the door, closing it softly behind him.

I’m sorry about this Reno... Really, I am.

“You tellin’ me to squeeze into that little hole? No way. Maybe yo’ scrawny ass. We’ll think of another way.â€

Reno rolled his eyes. Barret’s obnoxious attitude was relentless and it seemed like he derived a certain degree of pleasure from pissing him off.

“It’s the only way, so either you go down the hole or you stay here. The choice is up to you.†He paused, then smirked. “I get it... you’re scared!â€

“Ah, damnit! That hole gives me the chills...†He gritted his teeth, glaring at the smug look on Reno’s face. He wasn’t going to let the ex-Turk one up him once again. With a growl, Barret jumped into the small space and ferreted his way through. He was then followed by Biggs, Wedge, and Tifa.

Jessie bent over to enter the hole but was stopped by a firm hand on her upper arm. She whipped around sharply, loose hairs wisping around her. She stared at him questioningly.

“Listen, I know you think this is all you’re fault... the IDs and everything...â€

Jessie stared at him in confusion. How could he have known? Known that she had screwed up?

“You didn’t screw up. This was all my fault.â€

“Wait. What are you talking about? How can this be your fault?â€

Reno shook his head and in one deft movement, removed his dark blue coat. He then pulled up his left sleeve, revealing a tattoo â€" what appeared to be a barcode, branded onto his bicep.

“What is that?â€

“I didn’t think they’d be looking for me. Turks go missing all the time. They always just figure they’ve died... or gone crazy. It happens all the time.†He fixed his sleeve calmly and put his coat back on.

“What are you going to do?â€

“I don’t know... I’ll figure it out when we get finished here.†He motioned for the passageway. “I just wanted to let you know. Couldn’t have you all moody and quiet the entire time. We might need you for something.â€

Jessie smiled. This was about as kind as Reno was going to actually openly be. She then hopped into the hole and disappeared.

Reno followed, climbing his way through the tunnel until it emptied out in a large room â€" the main area of the Reactor. All they had to do was cross the long suspended bridge and set off the bombs.

“Go on! I’ll keep watch!†He called out, watching Jessie and Barret run toward the main Reactor chamber. He knew he wasn’t needed for this part of the job. Reno had never liked dealing with bombs much. He turned to Tifa who stood beside him, also preparing for the worst.

“This has been a hair-raising experience?â€

“Can’t be any worse than Turk work.â€

Reno shrugged. “I suppose.†He scratched the back of his neck. “Though... it’s completely different work...†He twirled around his EMR rod, hoping that he wouldn’t have to use it anytime soon.

“We’re done!†Jessie called as she ran to the bridge.

“Yeah! Let’s get a move on!†Barret followed her, watching as she disappeared into the small hatch they had entered through, followed by Biggs and Wedge. He looked up to motion to Tifa and Reno, relief in his eyes at finishing up the tough part his eyes widened. “Shiiiâ€"Shinra!â€

Reno turned around and scowled. “So close.â€

And all their exits were blocked.

“What the hell’s goin’ on?!†Barret cocked the safety to his gun arm.

Reno looked around, from the faceless SOLDIERS around him to the angered and confused faces of AVALANCHE. “It’s a trap.†He looked up to the sky, listening quietly. “...The President’s here.â€

“Presi... President Shinra?†Barret was shocked, and for good reason. The President never traveled much. It was clear he viewed himself as far superior to the rest of the population.

“Why is the President here?†Tifa looked at Reno questioningly.

“Its YOU isn’t it?!†Barret lunged for the former Turk and grabbed him by the scruff of the neck. Reno didn’t move.

“Barret!†Tifa made an attempt to stop the larger man.

“No, Tifa.†He looked Reno in the eyes. “I knew... I knew from the beginning this was all a lie. A Turk is a Turk and Shinra scum will always be Shinra scum.†He spat that line out, rage flowing through his every word.

Reno swallowed anxiously. “You’re right... this is my fault.â€

With a rabid cry, Barret threw Reno backward until the redhead hit the metallic railing. “We trusted you.â€

Reno winced as pain shot through his backside. “...But I didn’t double cross you.†He added with truthful conviction. “I didn’t know it before the train fiasco... they’re after me.†He pulled himself to stand.

“Why... Why are they after you?†Tifa pushed her way forward.

“Because he knows too much.†A voice boomed through the space. Tifa looked around frantically, noting strangely how none of the SOLDIERs had moved. They appeared to be just blocking the exits. Then she saw where the voice emanated from. A sound she had somehow managed to overlook. A black helicopter.

“Hmph. And how amusing. You seem to have found some new friends, Turk. What are you pests called again? Oh... what was it?

“AVALANCHE! And don’t ya forget it!†Barret shouted, raising a fist to beat out his words.

“Long time no see, President.†Reno called out with a certain degree of boredom. “But you got one thing wrong. I ain’t a Turk. Not anymore!â€

“...Long time no see?†The President paused a moment. “Now I remember that terribly annoying accent of yours. A former Slum kid. You’re voice has that piss-water and garbage sound to it. I read about you in your file. The one that said you went missing in action even though we clearly found you traveling the Midgar Express. So refresh my memory, Turk. What was your name?â€

“Reno. A pity you can’t remember my name since I’ll be the one to do you’re sorry fat ass in.†He growled, EMR in hand. He lunged forward, chanting the incantation to set off a lightening spell, but watched in dumb fascination as it did... nothing.

The President smiled and waved a hand at Reno, the glint of a large ring clearly visible. Reno growled inwardly. He absorbed my attack... Of course it wouldn’t be that easy to hit him.

“Forgive me for asking, but I can’t be expected to remember each person’s name. Unless you become another Sephiroth.â€

“You still on that ass-bag.†Reno shouted up, mockingly. “That fucker was crazy and everyone knew it.â€

“Oh, don’t worry... we have someone far more interesting in the works. He’s not quite as powerful as Sephiroth at the moment, but he is showing great promise. A pity you won’t be around long enough to witniss his skills.â€

Reno narrowed his gaze, thinking of something to say, but Barret beat him to it.

“I don’t give a damn ‘bout none of that! This place’s goin’ up with a big bang soon!â€

Tifa joined in, “And you have front row tickets to the show, President!â€

President Shinra looked bored, however. “And such a waste of good fireworks... but at least that’ll take care of our vermin problem.†He smiled coldly.

Barret’s eyes narrowed, “Vermin?! That’s all you can say? You Shinra’re the Vermin! Killing the planet, controlling people. And what does that make you, Jackass?â€

“You are all beginning to bore me. I’m a very busy man, after all, so if you’ll excuse me, I have a very important dinner I must attend to.â€

“Dinner? Don’t gimme that! I ain’t even started with you yet!†Barret moved forward, aiming his gun arm, only to watch helplessly as the helicopter began to turn around.

“Oh, don’t worry... I have a playmate picked out just for you.†He clapped his hands and disappeared into the distance, the sound of helicopter blades being replaced by the whirring of a distant machine.

“What’s that noise?†Tifa said in a hushed tone.

Reno snapped back to reality, turning to notice the fleeing SOLDIERS. “This... can’t be good.†And then he saw it. A giant robot zoomed over to the trio, separating Reno from Tifa and Barret.

“What the hell is that?!†Barret called out, dodging an attack from the machine and shooting it full of a round of machine gun bullets.

“It’s called ‘Airbuster.’ But last I heard, it was still in development... It had too many problems to be used by SOLDIER.â€

“SOLDIER has machines like this?!†Tifa attempted a kick to the machine, but didn’t even make a dent. “Agh! I’m useless against this thing!â€

“It’s supposed to gain data for future use, extracting it from fights it gets into... the only problem is that it’s prone to explosion.†Reno dug in his coat pocket and found a small green orb â€" ice Materia. He tossed it in the air, over the robot’s head. “Catch!â€Tifa caught it in midair and popped it into the slot on her fighting gloves. “Thanks!†She then cast the spell, watching in fascination as what seemed like hundreds of small ice crystals formed around the body of the robot, bursting and freezing its form. It fizzled from the impact, leaving it prone to an attack from behind.

Precisely what Reno needed. He flipped a switch on his EMR, pushing it near full power, and pressed it where the head and the body connected. Then he let the power rip.

Electricity sparked as the Airbuster went wild, shaking frantically with the surge of power. Reno jumped back, skidding to a halt watching the machine sputter, screws and bolts falling around it.

“Shit... it’s gonna blow!†Reno managed to call out, giving his two companions time to get out of the way.

Reno, however, wasn’t quick enough. He felt the heat of the explosion barely miss him, the shockwave pushing him forward and to the ground as scrap metal showered upon him.

“Reno!†Tifa called, watching in numb horror as the suspension bridge began to collapse, pieces of it breaking down and falling to the slums below. When smoke began to clear, she saw Reno, clinging onto the edge of the bridge.

“Not... good.†He managed, feeling his grip on the metal floor slipping.

“Barret! Can’t you do anything?†She looked to the man but saw him only shake his head in helplessness. “Hold on, Reno! We’ll think of something.â€

“Yeah, yeah. I know.†Reno felt himself slipping. “Ah, man... this sucks ass! Shit...â€

And then Reno realized something that made him sick to his stomach.

“Barret!†He gasped, feeling his left shoulder pop out of place, knowing that he wasn’t going to be able to hold on much longer. “Barret... the reactor.â€

“Awh, shit!†Barret said softly, watching the AVALANCHE member struggling to pull up his weight.

“Get Tifa out of here... Hurry up and leave!â€

Tifa shook her head. This couldn’t be happening... it was all going so right. They were going to take on the rest of the reactors together, all of them. No one was supposed to die. But there was no other choice. “Please don’t die! We’ll find you down there! I know you can survive this!†She called out before she turned and ran out.

“You heard her. You keep yo’ scrawny ass alive!†Barret turned and followed her through the corridor.

Reno, still hanging, smiled at their pleas, hoping that he could stay true to what they asked. Grunting softly, he heard the beeping of the bomb and the softly blowing wind, knowing what was to come.

And let go.

As he felt himself plummet, he watched as the Reactor exploded above. Falling... Falling. Nothing had ever looked so exquisite. So beautiful.

And then everything went black.

Author’s Blurb: I’ve been struck with the urge to write again. Quite a bit of exposition this time, but it was needed. More fun to follow.

I’ve been confronted with the fear of who Reno’s going to get all lovey with. In other words â€" whose camp is going to be turned off by this fic. Truth be told, this is the first fic where I can honestly say I’m NOT going to go for any sort of overarching romance. I want to stay as true to the original as I can (in a twisted story) and in the original, there is little to be seen as canon romance. I think that’s what makes fanfiction romances dealing with VII so interesting. Reno being Reno, he will most likely continue hitting on random characters, and hey â€" Tifa’s rack is something everyone can gawp at. I’m just not going to hook him up with anyone. I do that enough in my other fics.

I’m still considering how to handle the date scenario. Part of me wants to write three (or four) different scenarios which will be different from each other, but will in no way effect much of the continuity of the piece. I know this didn’t quite make much sense in the game itself (as the date was never again mentioned in the game), but it seems much more favorable than making a poll... as this fic gets so little readership as it is. So who knows? It’ll be a little while before that, anyway.

Bleh. That was tiring.