Chapter Twenty-One: "Everyone Is A Part Now."

Porre was a busy town in the early afternoon, filled with people of great variety. They were all, however, suspicious people. They eyed the truck carefully, as if it were some criminal carrier in their midst. This fact unsettled their guide. "I’ve never seen it this damn quiet before," he commented. "Something’s shot all to hell, probably. Wonder what."

Sabin peered out the truck window, and his eye caught sight of a familiar uniform. He quickly pulled back inside. "Shin-ra soldiers," he hissed. "They’re everywhere."

Cid brought the truck to a stop in an empty lot. "Soldiers?" he repeated. "They ain’t so unusual here." He stopped. "You’re not in any shit, are you?"

"You heard the story." Sabin opened the window that connected him to those in the truck bed. "Hey, guys."

Tifa crawled over, her face grim. "We see them," she answered before he could speak. "Everyone’s under the tarps. Let’s go find Cid’s friend and get out of here."

"Good idea. Don’t make any noise."

They drove slowly to the airfield, but as soon as it came into view, Cid slowed to a halt. "My God," he murmured, staring at a huge airship that was docked there. "If it ain’t my girl."

Sabin frowned. "Who?"

"The Highwind." He laughed sharply. "God damn, didn’t I say she was a sight? You won’t find any finer." He threw the door open and stepped out, Sabin following suit.

The moment Sabin was away from the truck several blue-clad soldiers appeared on the launch pad with weapons drawn. He tried to look calm and innocent, but he knew it was too late for that. The leader of the soldiers called out to him. "Hey you! Stay where you are."

"I wasn’t going anywhere." He stuffed his hands in his pockets, mostly to hide the fact that his fists were balled. "Is there a problem?"

"Tell the others in the truck to get out," he commanded, trigger finger curled. "Hands where I can see’em."

"Listen, I don’t know what—"

"Tell the others to get out," he repeated with deliberate slowness, "or I’ll shoot you dead here and now."

Sabin wasn’t impressed by his authority, but the others had heard and obeyed. One by one they abandoned the truck. Cloud awoke and followed last, though his eyes were dull with incomprehension. His gaze remained on the space of ground before his feet.

"Looks like our group," one of the soldiers commented to his leader. "The SOLDIER member, the Ancient, and the woman." His gaze landed of Tifa for an extended amount of time, and she felt her anger bristling. "Should we bring all of them?"

"Yes," he grunted back. "President’s orders." He hefted his rifle. "You are all under arrest," he declared, "for the murder of the former President Shin-ra and terrorism. You’ll all be coming with me."

Cid muttered curses under his breath. "This is total shit!" he exclaimed. "I barely know these people—I’ve got nothin’ to do with no terrorism!"

The soldiers eyes narrowed beneath his visor. "Didn’t you hear me? I don’t care about your life story—I’m doing my job. Now, you’re all getting on that airship or I’ll drag your corpses on myself."

"I could kill you all right now," Cloud said softly, almost thoughtfully. "It wouldn’t be hard for me. You’d all die like animals."

"You try anything," he hissed back, "and I’ll send a bullet through that brunette’s skull."

Tifa took Cloud’s hand as his muscles tightened reflexively. "Cloud, don’t," she warned. "Please, don’t try anything. It’ll be okay, so you don’t have to hurt anyone."

He nodded, and allowed the soldiers to surround and escort him to the waiting Highwind. Everyone else was forced to follow, and they were taken to the cell chambers near the back of the ship. Then the guards left.

"This is shit," Cid muttered for perhaps the hundredth time. "You people got me mixed up in this—I don’t want any trouble with Shin-ra. It’ll ruin my chances of ever getting my project restarted."

"Hey pal," Nadia shot back from the opposite cell, "none of us were out looking for this either, and we’re stuck with it."

"Are you saying I should sit on my ass and wait for my head to be lopped off? Jus’ for helping you bitches?" He dug a cigarette out of his pocket. "Like hell."

"Hey, if you—"

"Both of you stop it," Tifa intervened. There were only two cells, and she was in one with Cloud and Cid. "Biting each other’s heads off isn’t going to do us any good. Let’s just see where they take us, okay? Then we can find a way out, and get you back where you belong."

Cloud, who sat propped against the wall, shook his head. "It isn’t that simple," he mused aloud. "Everyone is a part now. They are part of fate. They have a destiny."

"I don’t believe in fate," Cid huffed, moving to sulk in the corner. "Damn weirdoes." He stuck the tobacco in his mouth and then retrieved a lighter.

"Ya know," Nadia said curtly, "those things’ll kill ya."

He laughed, lighting it anyway. "You sound just like my sister."

"Maybe a comparison is in order," said a cool woman’s voice from outside the cell.

Cid lifted his head, and upon seeing the figure outside the bars he leapt to his feet. "Daryl!" he exclaimed, cigarette dropping, forgotten, to the floor. Tifa secretively snuffed it out with her shoe. "I don’t believe it! Damn, you look good." He moved to the cell’s door. "How ya’ been?"

Daryl smiled, gripping his hand through the bars. "Good to see you, Bro," she greeted. "You’re looking bastardly as always. I knew I’d catch you in a cell someday."

"That’s a load of shit," he retorted humorously. "You loved your little brother."

"Yup. Guess I did." Her expression became suddenly grim. "What the hell you’ve been doing, anyway? You’re not mixed-up with these Avalanche guys, are you?"

Cid shrugged. "I tried to help them out," he explained. "Got pulled along for the ride. You still with Shin-ra?"

"They needed a captain after you left. I got promoted."

He eyed her with mock suspicion. "Trying to take my ship?"

"You could say that. Listen, Cid." Daryl tried to steer the conversation back into seriousness. "Between us, these people could be in a shit-load of trouble. I’ve got orders to take them to the President himself, and you don’t want to get involved."

"Kinda late to be giving that sort of information," he laughed. "It’s not like they’re gonna let me out just because you’re my sister, you know."

She muttered several curses. "Damnit, be serious for once, Cid. They’ll kill you if you’re involved."

The others exchanged glances, but Cid merely persisted, "It’s too late to back out. I ain’t no terrorist, but I did drive the truck. That’s enough. I’m screwed anyway, so don’t advertise that ya’ know me." He grinned convincingly. "Come on, Sis. You know me—they can’t keep me down."

She sighed, and at last nodded. "Just be careful, Cid. You’re my little brother—I gotta take care of you."

"Yeah, I know."

With one last look Daryl turned and left, and Cid returned to the interior of the cell. "Just as I thought," he muttered pleasantly. "Hasn’t changed a damn bit. She’s something, isn’t she? What a gal."

Tifa smiled a bit. "Yeah, something." She wondered vaguely how their parents had acted—surely two siblings couldn’t learn to swear that much on their own.

"Don’t worry about Shin-ra," Aeris assured from the next cell. "No ones going to die, Cid. We’ll tell them you have nothing to do with us."

Cloud shut his eyes. "It’s too late for that," he said quietly. "Much too late. Everyone is involved." His head lowered. "Everyone is going to die. It’s my fault."

"Cloud, stop it," Tifa instructed with great firmness. She remembered Sabin’s words to her when they’d come out of the mountains, and was strengthened by them. "You can’t keep whining about everything—you have to take control of it. You’re a member of SOLDIER, First Class, aren’t you? You can handle anything."

He raised his gaze to her, his face bland. "Thanks, Tifa, but you don’t understand. I can’t fight something inside me, can I? I am the Father of the Angels, whatever that may be." He diverted his eyes again. "It may not be possible for me to fight it."

"Don’t talk like that." She knelt down beside him, coaxing his face toward her with a gentle touch. "I know you, Cloud. You’re stronger than that, and I’m not going to let you give up so quickly, because I believe in you."

He stared at her blankly, as if she’d said something strange. After a moment he only nodded and bowed his head once more. Tifa knew that her speech wasn’t enough, but it didn’t matter all that much. It felt good to say something truthful to him at least, as she didn’t often get the chance. Sighing deeply she leaned against him so that they were shoulder to shoulder. His body was warm, and she didn’t think she could stand the thought of taking that life from him. They would find a way to end their struggle, not through his death. I promise you, Cloud, she thought, not caring that he couldn’t hear. I’ll get you through this. There has to be a way.

Celes lifted her head as the door was opened, her eyes only partway open, staring blindly at the floor space. She knew who it was long before he’d entered. "Good afternoon, Mr. Cole," she said with a mild tone. "Welcome. Have you enjoyed the images I gave you?"

Locke stepped inside hesitantly, trying to keep his thoughts calm and collected. "This day has been restless for me, thanks to you," he replied. "I know you’re not really Celes. Everyone knows."

"And you intend to stop me?" She stood, her posture unusually erect. "Do you even understand what I am?"

"You’re always asking that," he murmured, moving forward. "Whether or not we understand. You think you’re that superior." He felt an intense anger begin to build up inside him for this creature, this being that had the audacity to mock his friends and his memories.

The general blinked very slowly, and her face twisted into an amused expression. She advanced toward him. "I like you, Mr. Cole," she said, her voice ringing with sweet invitation. He flinched as her hand touched his chest, and the same flare of power invaded his senses. It was, however, a bit subdued this time—less painful, almost alluring. Her smile darkened. "You’re so easy to manipulate. Most men in your species are." The hand slid over his collar bone and shoulder, pulling him closer. Her breath stroked his cheek with a deep fragrance, and he though he knew he should move away, he didn’t. "Your minds are so simple; I can read your thoughts easily. And they’re always the same. I won’t disappoint you."

Her fingers twisted in his shirt, and she drew him into a fierce kiss. His body froze in shock. During the distraction her other hand moved to his chest, positioning over his heart. Her fingers flexed, readying.

Locke snatched her wrist then, shoving her back. He twisted her arm under his own and jabbed the syringe Hojo had prepared earlier into her flesh. Celes screeched in rage as the fluid was injected, struggling for freedom. Her hand caught his throat. But before any damage could be done the door burst open, and the huge furry bulk that was Cait Sith’s moogle doll forced its way inside. It pinned her on the ground as she thrashed and screamed—flashes of desperate magic tore streaks in the soft belly. In one final effort she unleashed a violent windstorm, and in her fury was able to lift off the weight. The doll and Locke were both thrown by the air wave to opposite sides of the room. A moment later the spell had passed, and several more figures entered the room cautiously.

Celes lay on her back in the room’s center, pale and trembling. Her hands fluttered, crippled butterflies that slapped against her face, as if the muscles no longer understood their own tasks. She rocked back ad forth slowly. Locke touched her hand, and immediately the fingers snatched his. Like a frightened child she curled in his lap and buried her face in the front of his shirt.

"Hey, it’s okay," Locke said gently, hesitantly wrapping her in his arms. He was surprised by how quickly the injection had worked. Professor Hojo knelt down beside them, Lucca and Belthasar standing over. "Can you hear me?"

Hojo peeled the general’s hand away from Locke’s and without a word injected a pale liquid into the vein. No one noticed his quick action. He then tucked the needle away. "How is she?" he asked, though his voice implied little actual concern.

"Celes, look at me." The treasure hunter eased her back, smoothing the hair from her eyes. "Please, can you hear me?"

She opened her eyes, and he was surprised by how dim their color had become. "Why did you do that?" she asked in a despairing whisper. "It hurts so much. I…" Her expression contorted into one of pain as she gripped her middle. "What did you do to me? It feels like fire."

"I injected you with some of Glenn’s blood," Locke explained, signaling for the others to give them room. "Do you remember? You have Jenova inside of you."

"Jenova…?" She sat up on her own, one hand pressed to her abdomen and the other on her forehead. "Inside me…and Sephiroth…and Cloud. Ramza." She glanced about, suddenly frantic. "Where’s Ramza? Is he all right?"

Cait Sith took her hand in his tiny paws. "Don’t worry about it now, General. As I’ve heard, the only casualty was Glenn." Locke nodded acknowledgement. "You should rest now."

"Glenn…I remember." Celes closed her eyes, recalling all the memories. She frowned, brow furrowing with guilty discontent. Finally she reopened her gaze to them. "Thank you, everyone," she said weakly. "For your help. I’m sorry. Is Glenn all right?"

"It’ll take time," Belthasar replied, "but yes, he will be all right. He is a strong man."

"Yes." Her hand sought Locke’s, and she gripped it tightly. "Could you all leave me now? I’ll be all right, I believe. I’d like to rest."

Lucca frowned. "You shouldn’t be alone," she advised. "What if Jenova tries to control you again?"

"I think the general will be quite all right." Hojo climbed slowly to his feet. "Let us leave her for now."

"Locke will stay with me," she added. "Please, let me alone, to think."

Cait Sith climbed onto his doll and began to usher the others outside. "Come on, then," he said briskly. "You heard the lady. Let her alone." Hesitantly, the others obeyed.

Once they were alone, Celes turned so that she could look the treasure hunter in the eye. "Locke, I have to apologize to you," she said quietly. "What I—what Jenova did to you was cruel, and I can’t tell you how sorry I am."

Locke smiled faintly, helping her to her feet. "It wasn’t your fault," he assured. "Don’t worry about it."

"I can’t help it. I feel terrible."

He sighed. "Don’t. I’m fine." He led her to the bed and pushed back the sheets for her. "Go to sleep," he instructed gently. "You’ll be all right, so get the rest and don’t worry yourself. Cloud’s group will be here and we’ll figure it all out."

She removed her shoes and slipped hesitantly between the covers. "Are you sure?"

"I’ll be here."

Celes chuckled faintly as he tucked the sheets around her. "I’ve lost track of how many times you’ve rescued me, Locke," she said in good humor. "It’s embarrassing, for a general."

He laughed. "Then I’ll get myself in trouble some time. Now go to sleep." He felt the sudden impulse to kiss her forehead, but he didn’t. "I won’t let anything happen to you."

"I know." She closed her eyes and almost instantly was asleep.

Several minutes later Cait Sith entered—without his moogle. He climbed onto the bed and sat cross-legged at Celes’ feet. "How is she?"

Locke sighed, rubbing his eyes wearily. The incident had weighed heavily in his mind more than he’d thought. "Okay, I think. Worked out better than I thought it would, but there’s no way to be sure, is there?"

"Nope." Cait Sith paused. "How are you?"

"What?" He glanced up, surprised by the question. "Oh, fine. Why wouldn’t I be?"

"You look pale," the cat pointed out. "And Lucca said that you were ill earlier. What’s going on?"

Locke dragged his hand down his face, and after a moment shook his head. "Nothing’s going on," he said. "Really, I’m okay. Just shaken, I guess. It’s hard to imagine that…" He shook himself. "It’s nothing. Don’t worry, Cait Sith—there’s no ancient being inside me."

He smiled grimly. "Let’s keep it that way."

Another several minutes of silence passed between the two before Locke finally spoke again. He was watching Celes. "It’s been a long time since I watched a woman sleep," he reflected, a note of eerie hollowness in his rough voice. "I mean, really just watched one. They’re so beautiful when they sleep, don’t you think? Like…like angels." He laughed sharply, and shook his head self-mockingly. "Sounds funny, doesn’t it? Things are going all to hell and I’m getting all metaphorical."

"That was a simile, actually," the cat corrected. He smiled, but it was a strangely impure expression on the face of a doll. "But you’re right, of course. General Celes is beautiful, in a very mature kind of way."

"I mean, women in general." Locke set his elbows on his knees so that his hands dangled. He felt very comfortable speaking to the cat even if it was just a doll—he had the impression that he and the doll’s owner were similar in age, as well as other things. So he wasn’t reserved in asking, "Do you think we’re easily manipulated?"

Cait Sith frowned. "Who, us?"

"Yeah, us: men." He took off his cap and let it fall. "You and me, and guys. Do you think it’s easy for us to be manipulated? Someone told me that…"

"Some are," he conceded. "But I don’t know what you mean. By women?"

"Yeah, I guess so." The treasure hunter watched Celes for a moment, the pillows soft about her head, her hair falling like golden waves over her bare shoulders…

…and then he was reminded of Rachael lying in a similar state, and he shuddered. He quickly confined the images to the back of his mind.

Cait Sith, who had been pondering his original questions, finally spoke. "You know, there’s something that a woman once told me," he said thoughtfully. "It stuck with me because it makes so much sense." He acted as though he were clearing his throat. "She said, ‘men and women differ because of the way they think: a man’s mind is very simple, and a woman’s mind is exceedingly complicated.’"

"Locke pursed his lips. "Really?"

"Well, doesn’t it make sense?" He paused before offering an example. "I’m sorry for bringing this up—"

Locke knew what it was before he said it. "It’s okay."

"—but when you were in love with Rachael, what did you think about? Did you ever wonder how you would support her as a wife?"

"Well, not really," he admitted.

"And what about your parents?" Cait Sith persisted. "Did you wonder what Stephen would think of you two running off, or who would pay for a wedding? Did you consider that she might have a baby?"

He rolled his eyes. "If this is a lesson on responsibility, then—"

"Did you ever think it would turn out the way it did?"

"Of course not," Locke said immediately, his expression darkening.

"And even if someone told you it would, would you let it stop you? Be truthful."

He turned his head away. "Not, I guess I wouldn’t have."

Cait Sith nodded. "Sorry, but do you see my point now? Women think about those kinds of things—it comes naturally, I guess. There are exceptions, of course, but there are in everything." The cat voice hummed thoughtfully to itself, and it sounded almost rueful. "They think about relationships and love. They know what they want. Or at least, that’s my experience."

"So who told you all that? And old girlfriend?"

"Yes, I suppose. We were close as children, and even more so in later years, but she fell in love with someone else." He laughed. "But you don’t want to hear about all that."

Locke shrugged, suddenly curious—he was having a difficult time believing that Cait Sith was really only a park operator in Gold Saucer, and he hoped to gain some clue as to the man’s true identity. "You heard my life story," he said pointedly. "I don’t mind listening."

Cait Sith stretched out on his stomach, furry head resting on his paws. His silence indicated the reservation his face could not show. "They’re just so beautiful, aren’t they?" he said after a long void. "They’re delicate but strong, and graceful. I was always fascinated by them—not in the way you most likely are thinking, mind you. I love to listen to them talk, and watch them eat." He crawled over to Celes’ head and began arranging the blankets around her more comfortably while she slept. "They’re marvelous, aren’t they? They always seem to know what they want, and Vanessa—the girl—was no exception. She knew what she wanted, and that wasn’t me."

"I’m sorry," Locke said, feeling as though some sympathy comment was necessary. "I know how hard it is."

"Granted, but that’s all ancient history. It made me think, though. I knew there was something about me that wasn’t what she wanted, so I changed." He chuckled—his humor was still there and gave no signs of wearing down. "Crazy kid stuff, right? But it worked. Not on Vanessa, naturally, but well enough. I could be anything and everything a woman wanted; I’m not bragging, because it’s true." He crouched down next to Celes, and his eyes caught a vein of light from the window, reflecting it strangely. "I made it that way."

The treasure hunter stared at him, feeling awkward—they were odd things being said. "I know you," he murmured, a faint recollection finally triggering in his mind. "You’re not in Gold Saucer, are you? You must be…"

Cait Sith leaned over and gently kissed Celes’ forehead. "Be well, My Lady," he whispered.

"…that big guy’s brother. King Edgar."

Cait Sith chuckled faintly. "’That big guy’s brother.’ I must admit I’ve never been addressed that way before. Interesting." He sat up again and grinned. "A brilliant deduction. Yes, I’m controlling this doll from Midgar. Comes in handy, doesn’t it?" He tapped the side of his head. "Implants in my brain connect us. It was Reeve’s idea, and he was able to convince the man Taban to lend us his doll. That way I could come along and still be out of danger."

"But why?"

He shrugged. "Why not? It’s fun being an invincible doll. Besides, I can keep an eye on Rufus now." He jumped lightly to the floor. "But please don’t tell the others—I’m having a great time. Being a king isn’t exactly all that exciting, and it’s better that no one knows."

"Okay." Locke nodded, though he didn’t seem happy about it. "I won’t tell anyone."

The Highwind reached Cosmo Canyon during the late evening of the next day, having completed a long and uneventful trip. The prisoners had spent their time sleeping or in mild conversation—it was almost pleasant after days of hiking and foot-travel. However, upon reaching their destination they were relieved to escape the narrow confines of the cells. They were herded ungraciously up the canyon path and into the village. A large procession was already waiting.

No questions were asked, as none were necessary. The moment the two groups met Cloud moved to Celes, his eyes glowing luminously, and hugged her fiercely. A bit surprised she returned the gesture, then eased him back. "We have a lot to talk about," the general said quietly.

"I know." His expression was solemn but understanding, as he now knew how important this woman was to him. They had spent many years together—he had depended on her, though he knew little more than that.

Everyone was introduced to one another, but only briefly, as they were all exhausted from the long trip. Filled with relief at the reunion they split up into rooms and found sleep quickly.

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