Bizarre Occurances Chapter 17
The Past Remembered
By Dino Pollard
Avalanche stood in the Operations Room of the Highwind in complete silence.
Well, Red is gone, Cloud began. Weve just experienced
our first casualty.
Hes not dead yet, Sephiroth said.
I beg to differ, Cloud muttered. Aeris looked at him, sympathy
in her eyes.
Any word yet from Tsunami? Vincent asked.
No, Cloud replied. And that worries me.
At their last check-in, Shen said that a talking Gold Chocobo named
Zyx had joined up with them and that they were heading into Shin-Ra
Headquarters, Cait said. They mustve been captured.
Youre with Shin-Ra, Barret said. Shouldnt YOU
know?!?
I havent been paying much attention, Cait replied.
Havent heard one thing bout Tsunami yet. If they are captured,
then Rufus and Heidegger are keeping it under wraps.
So now what? Yuffie asked.
The Highwind cant fly forever, Cid said. Were
gonna hafta refuel soon.
What does the Highwind run on? Cloud asked.
Mako, Cid replied.
Perfect, Cloud replied. That means we need a Reactor.
There is only one place I know of that has an abandoned Reactor where
we can leave the Highwind without any inconvenience, Sephiroth said.
Where? Aeris asked.
Nibelheim, he replied.
Things just keep getting better for us, dont they? Cloud
said sarcastically.
The Mt. Nibel Reactors been unmanned for some time, Cait
said. Its run automatically. No one even goes up to the Reactor
anymore. We could leave the Highwind there and no one would ever know.
And where are we gonna live? Yuffie asked. If I hafta stay
in this ship any longer, Im gonna go crazy!! Those beds are WAAAY too
uncomfortable!! And theres no chance in HELL Im sleepin in a
dusty old Reactor!!
We can stay in the Shin-Ra Mansion, Vincent said. It has
also been abandoned. The townspeople are too frightened to even
approach the gate. The only people who were anywhere near it were the
clones.
That sounds great, Knolan began. But its not for
me. If its not too much trouble, can you drop me off at my island?
Ill go with Knolan as well, Baakusa said.
But why? Barret asked. We saw yall fighting against
da Shin-Ra an now ya wanna leave?
I will be available to help you whenever you need it, Baakusa
replied. But right now my main concern is the Ultimate Summon. If I
can help Knolan in discovering it, then we may have the means to destroy
Meteor.
How can you find it? Tifa asked.
Ive got a LOT of spell books, Knolan replied. Some
of them are centuries old. With an extra pair of hands, Ill be able
to find it.
Then well leave you two at the island and the rest of us will
head to Mt. Nibel, Cloud said.
*****
Sephiroth looked around the Shin-Ra Mansion when they arrived in. God, he
hated this place. But it was large, and perfect to accommodate the team.
This place has 10 bedrooms, Cloud said. Enough for all
of us.
Its really dusty too, Aeris noted, coughing a little.
This place needs a LOT of work.
Well it hasnt been lived in years, Cait said.
Everythings exactly as it was five years ago, Sephiroth
said. Nothings changed.
I GET TO PICK A ROOM FIRST!! Yuffie exclaimed, darting up the
steps.
Amazing... Cid said. She can fight and she can run around
like shell never run outta energy, but she cant handle a simple
ride in a ship.
We might as well get settled in, Cloud said. The others nodded
and went in their separate directions.
*****
Cloud surveyed the room he claimed as his own. After taking a tour of the
Mansion, he lied back on his bed and stared at the ceiling. Then, his PHS
rang. Quickly he snapped it up and answered it.
{{Hello,}} he said through the device.
{{Cloud!!}} Shen exclaimed through the other end of the PHS. {{Im glad
I was able to get a hold
of you!!}}
{{Shen?}} Cloud asked. {{How are you? Is everything all right?}}
{{One question at a time,}} Shen said. {{We were able to get into Shin-Ra
Headquarters with the keycard Barret gave us. But we were ambushed by a giant
robot of some sort named Calibretto. It defeated us and we were taken captive.
Im speaking to you from i--}}
Static.
Shen? Cloud asked. SHEN?!?
No answer. The line went dead at the under end.
SHIT!!! Cloud cursed. He threw the device at the wall, but
didnt bother to go pick it up. Instead, he lied back once again and
fell into a deep trance. Now all he would see were his dreams. And his past.
*****
Seven years ago. Cloud stood before Shin-Ra Headquarters, his eyes wide with
awe.
Hey! he heard a voice from behind.
Yes? Cloud asked, turning to face the man. He looked strange.
He was about Clouds age. He had blue floppy hair that fell over his
face.
You gonna stand there all day, pal? he asked.
No, I just cant believe Im here, Cloud replied.
Ditto, he replied. Names Rudy. Rudy Roughknight.
And who are you?
Cloud Strife, Cloud replied. From Nibelheim. Where are
you from?
Dunno, Rudy replied.
You dont know where your hometown is?
Nope, Rudy said. I dont have one.
What about your parents?
They died when I was young, Rudy said. I came to live with
my aunt in Kalm. But now Im gonna join SOLDIER.
Yeah, Cloud said. Ive always dreamed of being in
SOLDIER.
You ready? Rudy asked, looking at the building once more.
Its now or never, Cloud replied. The two carefully stepped
through the large glass doors.
*****
The SOLDIER recruiting office was bustling with activity. SOLDIER Officers
and MPs were racing back and forth. Many men were sitting down in chairs,
filling out forms and applications.
I had no idea itd be like this, Rudy said.
Maybe we should just get those forms, Cloud replied. He walked
over to a man sitting behind a desk.
How can I help you? he asked.
Were here to join SOLDIER, Cloud replied.
I see, he said. Well, youll need to fill out these
forms and then bring them back to me. Then you wait until youre
called.
Thanks, Cloud said. He and Rudy each took a form and found a
seat.
*****
Rudy and Cloud were amazed at how easy the tests were. However, it was too
good to be true. A man with short black hair, a colorful uniform, and a broad
sword sheathed on his back stepped to the front and began to speak.
Welcome, candidates, he said. Im Garrison. Youve
all done well on the tests. Now you will proceed to Junon for further training.
You will be taken on a Gelinka. There, we will determine who is fit to be
in Third Class. If you make Third Class, youre in SOLDIER. If not,
you will have the choice of becoming a Shin-Ra MP or leaving the military
service altogether. Any objections? The room was silent. Good.
Congratulations. You are all Pre-SOLDIERS.
Pre-SOLDIERS? Rudy asked. What the hell does that mean?
I think it means we need more training before we can be in SOLDIER,
Cloud replied. Guess this isnt gonna be as easy as I thought.
*****
Rudy sat on the couch of the apartment he and Cloud shared in Junon, trying
to watch TV.
Dammit Cloud, Rudy said. Stop pacing. Im trying to
watch TV.
I cant take this, Cloud said. Its been two
weeks since our Pre-SOLDIER training ended. Now when do we find out if
were in SOLDIER?
Dunno, Rudy replied.
The PHS rang. Cloud and Rudy froze.
You gonna answer that? Rudy asked.
It rang a second time.
Cmon Cloud, Rudy said. Just pick it up and stop worrying
about it.
Cloud slowly lifted the receiver to his ear.
Hello? he asked with a cracking voice.
{{Hello, is this the residence of Cloud Strife and Rudy Roughknight?}} the
man on the other end asked.
{{Yes,}} Cloud replied.
{{Were sorry to inform you, but you have not made it into SOLDIER.}}
{{Which one of us?}}
{{Both of you.}}
Well? Rudy asked. Whats he saying? Cloud lifted
a hand to silence him.
{{But I do have some good news,}} the man continued.
{{What?}} Cloud asked, hopefully.
{{You are both perfect candidates for MPs,}} he replied.
{{MPs?}} Cloud repeated.
{{Yes. If you interested, you will be relocated to Midgar.}}
{{Thank you,}} Cloud said. {{Bye.}}
Well? Rudy asked again.
We didnt make it, Cloud replied.
Youre bullshittin me, Rudy said. Cloud shook his
head.
No, Im not, Cloud said. But we can be relocated to
Midgar and become MPs. Maybe after some more training, well be able
to join SOLDIER.
Yeah, youre right, Rudy said. I came all this way.
No sense in going back empty handed.
So thats that, Cloud said. Well become MPs
and try for SOLDIER in about another year. Were sure to make it
then.
*****
Cloud and Rudy stood in shock when their commander told them the news. They
were to accompany The Great Sephiroth on a mission!! Cloud knew this would
be the once chance to prove himself. They were told that another First Class
SOLDIER Officer would be there as well. And he was seventeen. Cloud was filled
with jealousy. This guy was only a year older than him, yet he was in First
Class, working side-by-side with Sephiroth!! Today was when they would first
meet. It would be a boat ride from Junon to Costa del Sol followed by a truck
ride to the mission. Cloud made up his mind that during that time, he would
see if he could get some pointers from Sephiroth. Rudy said he would just
sleep the whole time.
*****
The boat was all set to depart from Junon Harbor to Costa del Sol. A young
man with spiked black hair and a large sword strapped to his back approached
Cloud and Rudy.
Hey, he said. You must be our escorts. Im Zack
Trimmer.
Cloud Strife.
Rudy Roughknight.
Nice to meet you two, Zack said. Im glad some guys my age
are gonna be travelling with me.
There arent more First Class SOLDIERS your age? Cloud asked.
He turned to see Rudy fast asleep already.
Oh there are, Zack replied. But most of them are stuck-up.
Matter of fact, I only met one who wasnt.
Who was that? Cloud asked.
Striker Kerig, Zack said. The two of us were best friends
for as long as I can remember. We grew up in Gongaga and both shared the
dream of joining SOLDIER.
What happened? Cloud asked.
After the war ended, we were going to be promoted to First Class,
Rudy began. But he said Shin-Ra was corrupt. I told him he was just
acting crazy. But he wouldnt listen. He left SOLDIER with hatred towards
me. And if I could, Id go and apologize.
Maybe you should, Cloud said.
I will, Zack continued. As soon as this job is over.
*****
Zack and Cloud became good friends during the boat ride to Costa del Sol.
Zack told Cloud stories about the wild stunts he and Striker would pull,
stories from the war, and he even talked about a girl he met in Midgar when
he had made Third Class. In addition, Cloud told him about Nibelheim and
his need to join SOLDIER so he could impress Tifa. Rudy would wake up
occasionally from Cloud and Zacks laughter, grunt, then go back to
sleep. Cloud had thought this would be a good time to get to know Sephiroth,
but instead he found someone more interesting than the General of
SOLDIERZack Trimmer.
After reaching Costa del Sol, the four were met with a truck and a MP ready
to take them to their destination.
*****
Zack couldnt keep still in the truck. He was constantly bouncing around,
very excited.
Hey Cloud, you okay? he asked.
Not really
Cloud replied.
I wouldnt know, Zack said. Ive never had motion
sickness. Maybe you should take off your mask if youre not feeling
good. How are you doin Rudy?
Rudy snored in reply.
Calm down, Sephiroth said.
They gave me some new Materia, Zack said to Sephiroth. I
cant wait to use it!!
Just like a kid
Sephiroth muttered.
So, whats this mission all about?
Okay, listen up, Sephiroth said. Im only going to
say this once. This is no ordinary mission.
Good!! Zack exclaimed.
What? Sephiroth asked.
Ive always wanted to be a hero, like you, Zack began.
But by the time I made First Class, the war was already over, and so
were my hopes to be a big shot. Thats why I sign up for all these tough
missionsto prove myself.
I see, Sephiroth replied. Anyway, were to investigate
a malfunctioning Reactor. It seems that it has been producing monsters. Our
job is to eliminate the monsters and get to the bottom of the Reactors
malfunction.
Where is this Reactor? Zack asked.
A small town called Nibelheim, Sephiroth replied.
Nibelheim!?! Cloud exclaimed. Thats where Im
from!!
Then you will have an opportunity to meet with your family and friends
again, Sephiroth replied.
Umm
sirs? the driver called back. Theres some
sort of creature outside.
That would be our monster, Sephiroth said. Come on.
He drew his sword and stepped out of the truck with Zack following him.
*****
Sephiroth stepped towards the gates of Nibelheim and turned to Cloud.
How does it feel? he asked. Its the first time
youve been in your hometown in a long time, right? I wouldnt
know because I dont have a hometown.
Umm, what about your parents? Cloud asked.
My mother was Jenova, Sephiroth replied. She died after
she gave birth to me. My father
he began to laugh. Sephiroth
clutched his side then shook his head. What does it matter? All right,
lets go.
The four-man team stepped into the town and looked around.
We have a room reserved at the inn, Sephiroth said. We
only need one lookout so the rest of us can go get some rest. Rudy, you stay
out here and inform us of any monsters. We leave early tomorrow morning so
we should get some sleep. Ive hired a guide to take us to the
Reactor. He began to walk to the inn, but stopped. Oh. And you
may visit your family and friends.
Cloud nodded and walked towards his house.
*****
Hi mom, Cloud said as he stepped through the door to his old
home.
Cloud!! Lisa Strife exclaimed. Its so good to see
you!!
Its good to be home, Cloud replied.
Let me look at you, she said. My how youve grown.
Youre so handsome now. You look just like your father. So, this is
the uniform of SOLDIER?
I
have a confession to make, Cloud began. He sat down at
the table. I never made it into SOLDIER. I didnt pass Pre-SOLDIER.
Im planning on going back in after this mission is over. Youre
probably disappointed in me.
I am, she replied. You wrote and called saying that you
had made SOLDIER. You lied to me. But I dont care if youre in
SOLDIER or if youre just a school crossing guard. You will always be
my son. And I will always be your mother. And thats all that
matters.
Thanks mom.
But I am worried about you, she began. There are a lot
of temptations in the city. Id feel better if you just settled down
with a nice girlfriend.
Im alright, Cloud replied.
You should have an older girlfriend, she said. One that
could take care of you. I think that would be the perfect type for you.
Im not interested.
Just remember what I told you, she replied.
There was a knock at the door.
Cloud? Zack asked. I saw you come in here.
Cloud opened the door. Zack and Rudy walked in.
Sephiroth says we should go get some rest, Zack said.
Rudys been sleeping this whole time, so hell be the
lookout.
Okay, Cloud replied. Mom, come here. Id like you
to meet Zack Trimmer and Rudy Roughknight.
Hello, she said. Cloud, if you need to leave early tomorrow
morning, you should probably go.
Okay, Cloud said. Mom, do me a favor.
Anything.
Dont let anyone know Im here.
Why?
Because I wrote to everyone telling them I had made First Class. I
dont want them to know I failed.
Okay.
*****
Cloud was surprised the next morning to see that Tifa was their guide, but
he made no comment. He wanted to join SOLDIER to empress her, and if she
knew he failed, then she would know how weak he was. So he decided it would
be better to keep his mouth shut.
*****
The route to the Reactor at Mt. Nibel was long and difficult. As they began
to cross the rickety bridge, Cloud shuddered when he remembered when he and
Tifa fell from this bridge and she was in a coma. He escaped with just scrapped
knees, though.
Damn, you sure this bridge is safe? Rudy asked.
Not really, Cloud replied in a low voice so only Rudy could hear
him. The bridge began to creak. Cloud froze. He carefully took another step
forward. Then, the rope snapped.
Cloud grabbed onto the rope, and took Rudys hand.
SHIT!! Rudy cursed.
I gotcha!! Cloud exclaimed. Rudys glove began to slip off.
He fell.
RUDY!!! Cloud cried. Then, the other end of the rope snapped.
*****
Cloud slowly awoke and saw Sephiroth approaching him.
Come on, he said. We should get a move on.
Wait a minute, Cloud said. Wheres Rudy?
Hmm
Sephiroth paused. He looked around the area. I
havent seen any sign of him. We should get back to the others. He might
be with them.
Cloud nodded and followed Sephiroth to where Zack and Tifa were.
Lets continue on, Sephiroth said.
Arent we missing someone? Tifa asked.
It may sound cold, Sephiroth began. But we dont have
time to search for him.
Cloud sighed.
*****
The Mako Reactor at Mt. Nibel wasnt very big. In fact, it was known
to be one of the smallest on the Planet.
Come on, Sephiroth said to Zack. He began to walk up the steps
leading to the Reactor.
Im going to! Tifa said.
Its too dangerous, Zack said.
This Reactor is full of Shin-Ras industrial secrets, Sephiroth
added. Only authorized personnel are allowed in. Take care of the
lady. With that, Sephiroth stepped into the reactor. Zack followed.
Tifa tried to follow as well, but Cloud stopped her.
Mmm-man!! Tifa exclaimed. She stomped over and turned her head
to Cloud. Better make sure you take real good care of me, then!!
Cloud sighed and shook his head. The mask was beginning to make him extremely
hot. He wanted to take it off desperately, but didnt want Tifa to know
that he failed.
Hey, Tifa said, walking over to him. Sorry about that.
Im just a little upset.
Cloud remained silent.
Someone I know named Cloud said he was in SOLDIER. When I heard that
SOLDIER was coming to Nibelheim to investigate the Reactor, I had hoped Cloud
would be with them. But he wasnt. Do you know a Cloud?
Cloud nodded.
Really!?! Tifa exclaimed. Did he really make it into First
Class SOLDIER?
Cloud nodded.
I knew he could do it!! she shouted. How come he didnt
come for this mission?
Cloud simply shrugged his shoulders.
Youre not very talkative, are you?
He shrugged again.
Maybe Ill go to Midgar someday and visit him.
Cloud froze. He knew this charade wouldnt last. If Tifa came to Midgar,
she would find out the truth about him. But Midgar was so big. Eight sectors
plus the slums underneath. Theres no way she could find him.
But Id hafta finish my training with Zangan first.
There were footsteps. Cloud turned to see Sephiroth and Zack come out of
the Reactor. They both looked
disturbed.
Did you find out the problem? Tifa asked.
Yes, Sephiroth replied.
Are you okay?
Im fine! he snapped. Its a long hike back to
town. We had better start to move.
Cloud couldnt put his finger on it, but something about Sephiroths
attitude made him uneasy. Its as if he just saw a ghost.
*****
Hey Cloud, Zack said. Can I talk to you for a minute?
Sure thing, Zack, Cloud replied. He walked over to the sitting
room where Zack was. After the encounter at the Reactor a week ago, Sephiroth
had confined himself to the basement of the Shin-Ra Mansion they now occupied.
Cloud couldnt understand why the escort hadnt come to take them
to Costa del Sol.
Sephiroth saw
something
Zack began. Inside
the Reactor. Itit wasnt human. Well, it was. But not completely.
It was some type of creature. Sephiroth said Professor Hojo was responsible
for it. Then, he started saying something about him being created like them.
He said ever since he was small, he felt different
special in some
way
but not like that. It was really weird. And now hes stayed
in the basement ever since then, reading those reports. This is really starting
to worry me.
I know, Cloud replied. Sephiroth seems
different.
What should we do? Zack asked.
Im going to go visit my mom, Cloud said. Maybe you
should go talk to Sephiroth?
Yeah, Zack replied. Ill try
He walked
towards the secret entrance to the basement as Cloud walked to the exit of
the Shin-Ra Mansion.
*****
When are you going back to Midgar? Lisa asked.
Probably tomorrow, Cloud said. The transport is a week
late. Thats unlike them. Its almost as if someone deliberately
told them not to come yet.
Who would say that, though?
Im not sure, Cloud replied. But ever since we got
back from that Reactor, things have been different.
Like what? she asked.
For one we lost Rudy, Cloud replied. And two, Sephiroth
seems
different. Hes been in the basement ever since we got
back.
You should probably get going, she said. Maybe Shin-Ra
is trying to contact you.
Yeah, you may be right, Cloud agreed. He put his mask on and
opened the door. The sight he saw shocked him! Sephiroth was standing there,
outside the gate to the mansion. In his hand, Cloud could see a green orb
flare up. Sephiroth grinned as he spoke.
Flare.
The town became ingulfed in flames. Cloud was ready to charge after Sephiroth,
but a beam weakened by the fire came crashing down on his head.
*****
Cloud awoke soon after the beam had hit him. He found that the town was nearly
ashes now. And the fire was spreading. Not thinking about any of the other
townspeople, he ran into his house. Flames were all around him. But he pressed
on. He wouldnt let his mother die here.
Cloud
Cloud swiftly turned and saw the most frightening sight of his life.
Mom
?
There was his mother, gasping for life, a fallen beam crushed her legs. He
ran to help her, but it was too late. The roof collapsed right on top of
her. He dodged away and rolled from the house. Looking around, he saw that
his town was destroyed by the very man he wanted to be like!!
SEPHIROTH!!!
*****
Within moments, Cloud found himself in the Reactor. He had lost all sense
of reasoning. Now he was running completely on adrenaline. There was only
one thought on his mind. Revenge. As he ran through the corridors, he saw
Joseph Lockheart lying on the ground, a sword wound in his chest. He was
dead. Sephiroths handiwork. As he continued to walk further into the
Reactor, he saw Tifa lying at the foot of the metal staircase. Then, Zack
was thrown from the door at the top of the steps. He landed at Clouds
feet. Cloud took note of the sword in Zacks hand. Out of pure rage,
he grabbed it and ran into the room labeled Jenova.
*****
Sephiroth was standing in front of some glass tube with what appeared to
be a headless woman inside of it. He was muttering something about mother
and that it was time to take this world back for her, something about him
being the rightful heir to this Planet. Cloud wasted no time. Gripping the
large sword in his hands, he ran up to Sephiroth and rammed it into his gut!
Uh!! Sephiroth moaned in pain. Wh-what are you--?
My mom, Tifa
Cloud replied. The town. Give it
back.
Sephiroth looked at him and shoved him down. In his hands, he held a head.
Jenovas head. With what little strength he had left, he was able to
push past Cloud. Cloud didnt worry. Sephiroth wouldnt get far.
*****
Cloud dropped the sword by Zacks side. He turned to Tifa and examined
her wounds. It looked pretty bad.
Cloud
Zack said. Cloud ran over to him. Kill
Sephiroth
Your wounds
Cloud began.
Forget about them
Ill be fine
Cloud nodded and ran after Sephiroth.
*****
SEPHIROTH!! Cloud shouted. He ran up to the injured man. In a
lightning-fast move, Sephiroth drew the Masamune and jammed it into Cloud,
lifting him in the air!!
Dont
push
your luck, he said. However, Cloud
resisted. Gripping the blade, he slid himself off of it!!
It cant be!! Sephiroth said with surprise. Cloud began
to swing the sword with Sephiroth on the end of it!! Eventually, Sephiroth
lost his grip and fell down into the Lifestream below!! Cloud tossed the
Masamune after him. With that, he collapsed from his wounds.
*****
Cloud awoke to find himself in a tube. He looked around. He was in the Shin-Ra
basement. There was a tube next to him which housed Zack. He needed to find
a way to communicate with him. He tapped the glass to get Zacks attention.
It worked. With his fingernail, he began to scratch a message to Zack. It
read, We have to get out of here!
Zack understood and began to scratch his own message, Feeding
timethats our chance!!
Zack pointed to a lab assistant bringing a plate of food. Zack prepared himself.
When the assistant opened the tube, Zack leapt out and knocked him down!!
He then let Cloud out and grabbed his sword.
Come on, Zack said.
Uhh
was all Cloud could say. For some reason, he couldnt
speak!!
You must be groggy from the experiments, Zack noted. And
that uniform of yours is pretty beat up. Ive got a spare you can borrow.
And dont complain about the smell.
*****
Hey old guy!! Zack shouted to the driver of the truck. We
at Midgar yet?
Shaddup! he shouted back. Yer lucky I picked you up!!
Yeah, yeah, Zack said. He turned to Cloud. So, what are
you gonna do once we reach Midgar?
Cloud made no reply.
I have this house I can stay in with my girlfriend, Zack continued.
Wait, the mother lives there too. Damn. Looks like Im gonna hafta
change my plans. Ill need to get a job. Hey Cloud, what do you think
Id be good at?
No reply.
Hey old guy! Zack shouted to the driver again. What do
you think Id be good at?
Whatre you complaining about? the driver called back.
You young folks should try everything!
Hey, thats it!! Zack exclaimed. Ive got a lot
of skill and brains that other guys dont. That settles it. Im
gonna become a mercenary! Yeah! Dangerous stuff, boring stuff, ANYTHING for
money!! Thanks old guy!
Didnt you listen to one word I said? the driver asked.
Aww ferget it. Damn kids think they know everything.
So Cloud, what are you gonna be?
No answer.
Just kidding, Zack said. I wouldnt leave you hanging.
Were best friends, right Cloud?
Cloud nodded. The first action he was able to perform.
You an me, Cloud, Zack said, sitting next to his friend.
Partners for life, right?
*****
Zack carried Cloud near the outskirts of Midgar. Then he heard footsteps
approaching. Zack saw three MPs and a commander running towards them. Acting
quickly, he dropped Cloud and drew his sword, running at them. He deflected
a few bullets with it, and managed to kill one of them. But the commander
got off one shot and Zack went down. He clutched his shoulder in pain. One
of the MPs began firing his machine gun at Zack. The other aimed his gun
at Cloud.
What about this one, sir? he asked.
Leave him, the commander replied. Hes too out of
it anyway. And according to our reports, this is the one that went through
all that Jenova-therapy crap. Hell be lucky if he remembers who he
is.
The MPs and the commander ran off, leaving Zacks body. A few moments
later, Cloud slowly began to move. Using his arms, he pulled himself towards
Zacks sword. When he stood, he grasped it in his hands and looked down
below him. Midgar was there. And so was his future. He was Cloud Strife,
a former First Class SOLDIER Officer, born in Nibelheim. He believed that
now more than ever.
*****
The conductor of the train at the Sector 7 station stood over Cloud.
Hey, you alright, kid? he asked.
Ugh
Cloud said.
What happened to him? a young woman asked, running up to Cloud.
Im not sure, he replied. I just found him like this.
Poor kid. He seems really out of it.
He looks familiar
she said.
Ugh
ugh
Cloud said. Uh
TiTifTIFA!! Tifa!
Yes? Tifa asked.
Its me, Tifa! Cloud replied. Its Cloud!
Cloud! Tifa exclaimed. How long has it been?
Five years, Cloud replied.
Yeah
Tifa replied, unsure of herself. So, what have
you been up to?
After that incident five years ago at Nibelheim, I came to Midgar,
Cloud replied. Ive been a mercenary ever since. But its
dangerous to work in Midgar with the Shin-Ra around. Im going to a
different town. Somewhere like Junon.
Oh
Tifa replied. Hey Cloud, if you need the money,
then Ive got a job for you!
Great! Cloud replied. How much does it pay?
Come with me, she replied.
*****
Tifa owned a bar in the slums of Sector 7 called Seventh Heaven. Underneath
it was a secret hideout with computers. A large man with a gattling gun grafted
on his right arm stood looking over Cloud.
Dis da guy? he asked. Whats yer story?
I was a former First Class SOLDIER Officer, Cloud replied. Now
Im a mercenary. Tifa told me you had a job for me.
Dats right, he replied. The names Barret Wallace.
An this bar is the hideout for Avalanche!
Avalanche? Cloud asked.
Protectors of the Planet!! Barret replied. Were gonna
stomp out dat Shin-Ra scum!!
A rag-tag group of rebels is going to stop a company which pretty much
runs the world? Cloud asked. What do you have in mind? Storm
inside Shin-Ra Headquarters and kill everyone inside?
Dats a thought, Barret replied. Cloud snickered. But
first were gonna weaken them. Were gonna start by blowin up the
No. 1 Mako Reactor in Sector 1. Interested?
Could be, Cloud replied. Whats the plan?
We take the train up to the Sector 1 plate, Barret began. The
station is just outside of the Reactor. Den we sneak into the Reactor using
a code we were able to get. When we get to da core, we set a time bomb and
blow it up!!
Do you have the layout of the Reactor? Cloud asked. Barret motioned
his hand to a young woman working on a computer. She gave Barret a mailing
tube.
Thanks Jessie, Barret said. He opened the tube and took out the
plans for the Reactor and put it on the table. Heres da core.
Dats where the bomb will go. To get to it, we need ta go in through
the front entrance. Dis is a four-man operation. After we get through the
main entrance, someone will stay by the emergency exit so we can get out
easily. Thatll be Wedges job. Once we get past some security
doors, Biggs will wait there to keep a lookout. We then go past some ladders
and take down some security along the way. Theres another lookout by
the Reactors core. Thats where Jessie comes in. Den I was gonna
go set the bomb and get out.
Have you thought about the robo-guards? Cloud asked.
Robo-what? Barret replied.
Robo-guards, Cloud began. Theyre robot guards that
are ten times more powerful than a regular MP. Theres always at least
one guarding the Reactors core. You cant hope to beat it alone.
Youll need me to go along with you to make sure you dont get
yourself killed. Besides, by the looks of it, it doesnt even seem like
you have any Materia.
Who needs Materia? Barret asked.
You will if you hope to stand a chance against the robo-guards,
Cloud replied. Bullets wont work alone. Bolt spells are a surefire
way to cause them to short-circuit. Ive got a Lightning Materia on
me. Itll come in handy.
Awright, yer in, Barret said. But I dont like it.
Now get some rest. Were leavin early tomorrow.
*****
Cloud awoke once again. He looked around. He was back in his room inside
the Shin-Ra Mansion. Suddenly, Yuffie came running in screaming at the top
of her lungs.
Hey Cloud!! she exclaimed. Come to the Highwind quick!!
Whats going on? Cloud asked.
Its Sephiroth!! she exclaimed. Hes gone
missing!!
Then lets get going!! Cloud exclaimed. He grabbed his sword
and followed Yuffie out.
_____________________________________________________________________________
AUTHORS NOTE: Yay, the first flashback chapter is done!! This is mainly
Nibelheim from Clouds point of view, which is why there is nothing
about Sephiroth in the basement or about him going into the Reactor when
Sephiroth went a little mad. I also wanted to do a little more to develop
Rudys character, since hes in Tsunami and in his short time with
Avalanche, he basically just fought and was amnesiac, so we couldnt
learn anything from him. I plan to explore more of Rudys past, like
what he did after he fell from the bridge. Now for the future. Were
going to be holding sims sooner than I planned, so there wont be much
more chapters based on the characters past. Chapter 18 will have Sephiroth
reminiscing as he goes on his own personal mission. This will be the last
character reflection chapter. After that, the team will begin searching for
Jonah Strife and Clouds mysterious brother. I assure you though that
the identity of his brother WILL shock you!! Brave New World has been put
off for awhile until this other stuff is straightened out. During the search
for Jonah and the answers Cloud has been searching for, Avalanche will run
afoul of Strike Force, a team of mercenaries, in the conclusion. Im
not gonna reveal anything, but Hojo plays a big role and there is something
involving Zack, but not what you think.
.