Bizarre Occurances Chapter 25
Reason
By Dino Pollard
Cloud looked out towards the horizon. The Highwind had come to pick up his
team and they also flew over the waters to find the escape pod. Now, Strike
Force was back in Costa del Sol. They were obviously upset over Bareks
death at the hands of Kyoske.
Shin-Ras....finished.... Cait Sith said. Scarlet
and Heidegger dont have what it takes to pick up the pieces. Hojo and
Rufus are dead. And no one knows what happened to Kyoske.
And were left to defeat Bizarro-Sephiro-- Cloud began.
I mean, Seraph.
Ive been thinkin... Cid said. Weve been
flyin around this planet for awhile now, an it seems so big.
I agree, Cloud said. Sometimes, it seems like its
just too big for me to handle, and Im not sure what Im going
to do.
I came up with something different, Cid began. I used ta
think that this planet was so huge. But lookin up at it from space,
I realized how small it really was. An its dying. Plus, its
got Seraph festering inside of it like a sickness. Thats when I realized
how big this universe is, and how small this planet is. Then it hit me. This
planet just like a little kid, sick and trembling in the dark. Someones
gotta protect it. Ya follow me? That someone is us!!
Cid, Tifa began. That was beautiful.
Yo Cid!! Barret exclaimed. Ya even got ta me!!
So how do we help it, though? Sephiroth asked.
Everyone looked towards Cid, who scratched his head. He then reached for
a cigarette and lighted it.
I havent figured that part out yet....
I have, Aeris said. Remember when I was praying on that
altar in the Ancient City?
Where Seraph almost killed you? Sephiroth asked.
Yes, Aeris replied. I was praying for Holy.
Holy? Barret asked. Whazzat?
The Ultimate White Magic, Aeris replied. Holy is the only
thing that can counteract Meteor. Only a survivor of the Cetra can pray for
Holy. And if their prayer reaches the planet, Meteor. WEAPON, everything
will disappear. Maybe even us.
What the fuck do ya mean by that? Cid asked.
Its up to the Planet to decide whats good and whats
bad, Aeris said. Theres no way to tell what we really
are.
But if the prayer is complete, then how come Meteor still exists?
Tifa asked.
Im not sure, Aeris replied. Something must be blocking
the prayer from reaching the planet.
.....Him, Sephiroth said. Seraph. Hes the only one
who could do it.
So in order to summon Holy, we must defeat Seraph, Red said.
So, Cloud said. Meteor is going to fall in...
....seven days, Red finished. Thats what grandfather
said.
Red, Cloud began. You want to see everyone in Cosmo Canyon
again, right?
Yes.... Red replied.
And you want to see Marlene, right? Cloud asked Barret.
Don ask me that... Barret replied.
Well beat Meteor and Seraph, Cloud said. But we all
need a reason to fight. Im doing this for revenge against Seraph for
violating my mind the way he did. This is a personal feud. So I want you
to all leave this ship and search deep within yourself to find that reason.
Then come back.
What if none of us come back? Cid asked. Meteors
gonna destroy us, anyway. Whats the use of any useless struggling?
If you dont return to this ship, I wont hold it against
you, Cloud replied. After all, you cant fight without
reason.
Yeah.... Barret said. It sounds cool ta say were
fightin ta protect the Planet, but Im really doing this fr
Marlene. Fr Marlenes future.
See her, Cloud said. And come back. If you can.
*****
The Highwind sat anchored just a little ways off from where Cloud and Tifa
were standing. The entire team, with the exception of Caits stuffed
body, had gone.
Cloud.... Tifa began, looking off in the distance to the sunset.
Everyone else is gone. Dont you want to visit your father and
brother?
Strike Force is too busy with their own problems right now, Cloud
said. And Dad is in Cosmo Canyon, asking not to be disturbed. What
about you, Tifa?
Have you forgotten? Tifa asked. I have no one. Except for
Zangan. But I havent seen him in years and I have no idea how to contact
him. Do you think theyll come back some day?
I hope so, Cloud said. But even if they dont, Ill
still go on alone.
You wont be alone, Cloud, Tifa said. Ill be
right here, by your side. Always.
Tifa.... Cloud began.
You may not remember it, Tifa began. But back when we were
in the Lifestream, I thought I heard you calling my name. And I know youve
been through a lot lately...
Tifa turned away and sat down on a rock, covering her face with her hands.
Tifa, Cloud said.
She felt his arms wrap around her shoulders.
Im here.
Then, she collapsed in his arms, sobbing. Tears of joy. Tears of pain.
Its all right... Cloud said, stroking her hair.
Im right here, Tifa. Where Ive always been. Where I always
will be.
Cloud.... she said, slowly parting her lips. I--I love
you... But I know I sound like an idiot right now. We both know who youre
really in love with...
Aeris....
Her face flashed in Clouds mind. Yes, he loved Aeris. But the way a
brother would love a sister. With Tifa, it was different.
Tifa, Cloud said. Aeris is a friend, nothing more. Do you
remember what you saw in my subconcious? I tried my best to impress YOU.
Not Aeris, not my mother, not anyone else. Just you. Youre the only
person Ive ever loved, Tifa.
Their eyes met, and their lips slowly parted as they came into an embrace.
Where do we go from here? Tifa asked, breaking the kiss.
Well find out, Cloud replied. Together.
*****
Aeris lightly knocked on the door of the house in Icicle Inn.
Dad...? she asked. The door slowly creaked open as she rapped
on it.
Whos there? Professor Gast asked, stepping out of the shadows.
Calm down, Dad, Aeris said. Its me, Aeris.
Aeris! Gast shouted, running over to her. How have you
been? Tell me everything.
After we went to the Crater, a lot of things began to happen,
Aeris replied. Basically, the last few weeks have been pretty hectic.
But Shin-Ra, and Hojo, are finished. Meteor is going to fall in one week.
Cloud told us to find our reason to fight.
Your reason to fight? Gast repeated. Do you know what your
reason is?
Im not sure, Aeris answered. I guess it might be
for you and my adoptive mother, or maybe its just for the life of the
Planet. Anyway, I just had to come see you before I left to say goodbye.
Theres a chance we wont make it out alive, or if well even
be able to stop Meteor.
I have something to tell you as well, he began. Im
sorry for not being there for you. For missing out on your whole life. I
wish I could turn back time so I could have been there.
Dont worry about it, Aeris said. Youre here
now. And thats all that matters. Your being alive is the most comfort
you could ever give me.
Youre just like your mother, you know? he said with a grin.
Thanks Dad, she said, hugging him. Thank you for
caring...
*****
Jonah carefully molded the shape of the blade. This metal was supposed to
be the strongest--and rarest--in creation.
How ya doin over there? Knolan asked.
OK I guess, Jonah replied. Im not that great of a
weapons maker.
Youre doin fine, Knolan said.
Any luck finding the Ultimate Summon?
Bugen thinks he may have found something, Knolan replied. But
hes with Red right now, so I decided to give the two of them their
time together.
Good, Jonah said. Anything that can help Cloud.
These weapons should be enough, though, Knolan said. You
finished with that sword yet?
Almost.... Jonah began, edging out the blade. Done.
Hand it over here, Knolan said, flipping to a spell in a magic
book. Now its my turn.
*****
Seto.
Warrior. Hero. Defender. Father.
But to Nanaki, or Red XIII as he was called, Seto was the latter.
And although Red spent most of his life thinking his father a coward, now
his thoughts are far from it.
Ashame you couldnt get to know him better, Bugen said.
Grandpa... Red said, acknowledging his grandfathers presence.
Are you prepared for the coming battle, Nanaki? he asked.
I pray so, Red replied.
Hes proud of you, Nanaki, Bugen said, looking at Seto.
I have something to give you which belonged to him.
What? Red asked.
Its called the Limited Moon, Bugen replied. I pray
you will use it well.
*****
Cid stared at the launch pad of the Shin-Ra No. 26 in disbelief, a cigarette
hanging from his mouth.
Cid... Shera said. You cant just stay here starting
at it.
What the fuck am I gonna do now, Shera? Cid asked. Goin
inta space was my dream. An now Ive done it. What more is there
for me?
A lot more than you think, Shera replied. There are people
who care about you, Cid. Dont push them away.
Cid took the cigarette out of his mouth and turned to her.
People who care, eh? he asked. Is that so?
Yes, she replied, slowly turning. As a matter of fact....
Im one of them.
One of them? This comment shocked Cid. He would have expected her to say
Avalanche, or the people in the town. Anyone but her. Yet, thats what
she said.
He looked back at the launch pad, then at Sheras fading form.
Maybe he did have a reason to fight after all...
*****
This way, Vincent said, walking past the waterfall.
The cave. Lucrecias cave.
Lucrecia...? Vincent asked. Are you here?
Mother... Sephiroth whispered to himself.
Vincent slowly stepped towards the altar where they had seen Lucrecia before.
However, they were too late. Lucrecia was no where to be seen.
Not even her spirit is here anymore... Vincent said, collapsing
on the ground.
Seraph, Sephiroth cursed. Again, its Seraph!!
Vincent looked up, strands of black hair hanging over his face.
It is time... he said solomly.
Yes, Sephiroth replied. We both know what we need to do.
*****
Papa! Marlene shouted, running to her father.
Barret picked up his adopted daughter and put her on his shoulder.
Im so glad t see ya!! Barret exclaimed.
Hello, Mr. Wallace, Elmyra Gainsborough said.
She been a good girl? Barret asked. An its
jes Barret.
Yes, Elmyra replied. Hows Aeris?
Shes fine, Barret replied. She went ta see her
father.
Her father? Elmyra asked, surprised. Her real father?
Yeah, Barret answered. Turns out he wuz alive all dis
time.
How did you know we were here?
Cait Siter, Reeve told me, Barret replied. Im
glad yer outta Midgar.
Weve been here in Kalm for quite some time, she said.
Reeve treated us surprisingly well, considering the fact that were
his hostages.
Hes a good man, Barret said. Best in Shin-Ra, dats
fr damn sure.
Papa!! Marlene scolded. Dont say naughty words!!
Sorry baby, Barret replied.
Did you leave the rest of the group? Elmyra asked. Meteor
is still up there.
I gotta leave in da mornin, Barret replied. But in
the meantime, I wanna spend some time wit my baby girl!
*****
Reeve continued to pack up the things from his office. After Hojo was defeated
and Rufus was killed, Scarlet and Heidegger were hopeless. They gave up the
fight. The MPs let him out of prison, apologizing continuosly.
He looked down at the little device which controlled Cait Sith, his creation.
It had a small video screen on it so he could see through the toy cats
eyes as well as a microphone for him to speak as Cait. There were also controls
to control Caits movements. As for the mog, vocal commands were easily
used to have it attack.
He slipped the device into his suit pocket, then headed towards the elevator.
He looked back on his time with Shin-Ra for one last time. Shaking his head,
he pressed the call button.
*****
Did you get the Materia? Godo asked.
Not yet, Yuffie replied. Were not done yet. I just
decided to come back here for a little bit.
WHAT?!? Godo exclaimed. I didnt send you off with
them for you to come back empty-handed!! I want that Materia!!
Calm down, Yuffie said. See that giant thing hanging in
the sky? Thats Meteor. And we dont get any Materia until Meteor
is gone. Get it?
Dont you dare speak to me in such a tone!! Godo commanded.
Get out of my house and dont come back until you complete your
mission!!
*****
The morning sun shone brightly. Clouds eyes slowly began to flicker
open. He turned his head to see Tifas resting on his shoulder.
Tifa, he said quietly, gently nudging his shoulder. Its
dawn.
Mmm? Tifa mumbled, slowly opening her eyes.
Morning Tifa, Cloud said. Its morning.
Mmmorning Cloud, Tifa replied. Just give me a little longer.
This day will never come again, so just let me have this moment...
She closed her eyes again and put her head on his shoulder.
Cloud wrapped his arm around her and pulled her closer to him. She happily
obliged.
*****
Wow... Tifa said, looking around the Highwind. This ship
is so big and lonely without the others.
Itll be okay, Cloud said. Ill make a big enough
ruckuss for everyone. Besides, Im the pilot now. No more flying around
casually like last time. We wont have time to feel lonely.
It doesnt matter to me, Tifa began. As long as Im
by your side, nothing matters. Id walk through the gates of Hell if
you were with me, Cloud.
Suddenly, the engine was heard starting up.
Its moving...? Cloud asked.
The two of them ran into the cockpit.
Cid! Barret! Cloud exclaimed upon seeing his two friends.
Im glad you came back!
We didnt come back fr yer spikey-headed ass, Barret
said. We came back fr Marlene!
We just came right on in, Cid said.
Wait.... did you hear? Tifa asked, turning away.
Cid... Red said.
Hey Red, if ya bust in now, yer never gonna know what theyre
gonna say!! Cid exclaimed.
Red! Cloud shouted. Its good to see you again.
Well, well, well, Barret said with a smirk. The Shin-Ra
manager is back.
Hey, hey, hey!! Cait greeted. Some people in Midgar took
me in after I left Shin-Ra. I know Im just a stuffed body, but Ill
work my hardest!!
Mind if I join you?
Aeris! Tifa said. Its good to see you again!
Vincent! Cloud exclaimed.
Why the puzzled look? Vincent asked. You dont want
me to come?
Its not that, Cloud replied. Its just that
you seem so cold.
Cold? Vincent asked. Hmm, I guess thats just the
way I come off.
Sephiroth! Cloud shouted again.
You sound.... pleased? Sephiroth asked.
I know what happened in Nibelheim wasnt your fault, Cloud
replied. And I know youve been trying to turn your life around.
So for what its worth, Im sorry.
He extended his hand out.
As am I, Sephiroth said, shaking Clouds hand. Apology
accepted.
Guess thats everyone then, Cid said.
Except Yuffie, Red noted.
She aint comin, Barret replied. We should be
grateful she didnt take our Materia this time.
How can you say that?!? a voice asked from above.
Yuffie dropped down and shadowboxed briefly.
I came all this way after being sick as a dog and THIS is the thanks
I get?!?
Its good to have you back, Yuffie, Cloud said.
Gee Cloud, thats so nice of you to say, Yuffie replied.
You sick? High?
Cloud couldnt help but chuckle at her remark.
Well... she began. Ill be in my usual spot...
Cloud, Red broke in. I almost forgot. Grandfather wants
us to go to Cosmo Canyon. He has some good news for us!
Cid, Cloud said, turning to the gruff pilot. Its
in your hands now.
Yeah, Cid replied. There are two levers here thatve
been bugging me for awhile. Im gonna try them out!
Go ahead, Cloud said.
Cid flipped the two levers and the Highwind began to rumble.
*****
The propellers were blown off as jet engines emerged to replace them.
Green steam and liquid emerged from them, propelling the Highwind forward,
faster than ever before.
*****
Were almost at Cosmo Canyon!! Cloud shouted. After
this, well head over to the North Crater!! Were coming for you,
Seraph!!
The Highwind began to spin out of control.
Cid, what the hell are you doing?!? Barret asked.
The controls arent responding!! Cid replied.
Suddenly, the Highwinds crew ran in and helped Cid with the wheel.
What the fuck are you shitheads doin here?!? Cid asked.
I thought I told you to go home?!?
This is our home, sir, the pilot replied.
Fuck!! Cid cursed. Dont need ta be so damn cool about
it!! Awright flunkies, hold me down with everything you got!!
*****
Deep beneath Shin-Ra Headquarters in Midgar. A sub-level laboratory lined
with sophisticated equipment.
A computer flickered on and the room lit up.
{{DRAINING NUTRIENT BATH}} a computerized voice said.
{{TUBE RELEASE ENGAGED}}
{{CLONE SURFACED}}
The black-haired, gangly man slowly came to his feet. He reached over and
pulled a lab coat over his naked body for warmth.
Pulling his long and stringy black hair into a ponytail, he reached down
on the table and picked up a small pair of thick spectacles.
{{WELCOME BACK TO THE LIVING, PROFESSOR HOJO}}
_____________________________________________________________________________
AUTHORS NOTES: No action, as you can see. Mostly just character stuff. Like I said, were coming into the home strech now. The next few chapters will deal with Tsunami and Striker as well as Strike Force and well find out more about SOLDIER and the Turks as well. I also hope you liked the ending of this.
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