Cloud shrugged. "I don't know. It seems to far fetched to be total crap, but if it is, there's six of us and one of him. What's he gonna do?"
Content with that answer, Cid walked upstairs. He walked down the hall and to his room, and looked at the left wall. Hanging there, shining in the dimming light, was the Venus Gospel. It had been a long time since he had used it, but as he lifted it slowly from its holders, he felt like it had been yesterday. He looked at it for a moment, then sat on the bed.
He reached under the bed, pulled out a small box, and entered a combination. The box sprung open, and inside sat a pile of materia. He placed his best in the spear, mastered Cure, Heal, Fire, Ice, and Titan, leaving a few holes empty, and saving the rest for his friends. He took the box and spear with him, and closed his door. He looked down the hall at Shera's door. It was closed.
Dammit woman, you'd better not get hurt on me.
Cid walked down the stairs and outside, silently reminding himself that he was a soft old bastard. Outside, everyone seemed to be almost ready. The sun was barely showing over the horizon now, and in the dim light, he saw Cloud helping Reeve equip a bangle and materia. He had never actually been in a situation like this, only as Cait Sith.
Cid studied everyone, all silently preparing for their trip, physically and mentally, for only a moment. Then he proceeded towards the
Highwind.
Seeing that Reeve was getting the hang of things, Cloud equipped his own armor. Cid had set some outside before, and he they each took some. Cloud took a diamond bangle, and an amulet. "Everyone all equipped and everything?"
Everyone responded in the affirmative. Even James.
Cloud turned to him. "Can you handle materia?"
"I've used some, low level stuff though."
Cloud tossed him a Cure and a Heal. "Use 'em wisely. OK, it looks like we're all set, just have to wait on Shera, and…" Cloud stopped as he heard the
Highwind's main engines come to life. As the sun disappeared, Cid turned on its outboard lights, giving them just enough light to see by. "OK, just Shera then. Listen, we make this quick and painless. In and out, so maybe we can still have some vacation time left."
"Do you think it will be that simple?" Tifa asked, eyeing James, who looked more than a little skeptical.
"I don't see any reason why it shouldn't be. Just a monster." Cloud hoped he sounded convincing. Just then Shera came out of the house, locking the door behind her. She was carrying a suitcase, her purse, and wearing baggy jeans and a sweater, a very new look for her.
"I ready guys," she said as she approached, "But I don't really have traveling clothes."
"That'll do fine." Cloud said. "Here, I'll show you how to equip your stuff."
"You're giving me armor?"
"And Cure materia. You can never have too much Cure materia. If you want to go with us, we need to know that you're going to be safe."
Shera nodded.
"Are you sure you want to do this? I really don't think it's a good idea."
Shera sighed. "Do you know what it was like for me to sit home for four months and worry about him?"
Cloud said nothing. It was just like with Aeris. He had felt better with her close, knowing she was safe. He pushed the memories from his mind as he nodded. "OK, but…"
"I know, if I even stub my toe, you'll drag me home kicking and screaming."
Cloud smiled and handed Shera the last remaining bangle.
A few minutes later, they were all on board the
Highwind as Cid and Shera made the final preparations for takeoff. James walked around admiring the ship, while Barret and Tifa checked the supply rooms. Reeve was helping by running diagnostics on all the ship's main systems, and Cloud was monitoring weather patterns and air travel time. They had all learned simple operating procedures the last time they had traveled in the
Highwind, so even in the absence of Cid's main flight crew and mechanics, the trip should be smooth, safe, and efficient.
Just as Cloud had finished monitoring the area they would be flying through, Barret and Tifa returned. "Everything's locked up, and the supply rooms are full. We got enough food to last us a while." Barret said.
"Good." Cloud said. "It'll take about 45 minutes to get there at high speed, so we can make the trip, and sleep here. Cid how long before we take off?"
"Right now!" Cid said as the ship shuddered. The sound of the engines grew louder, and Cloud could see the warning lights dancing across the ground outside. "Shera, main power to 60%."
"Main power to 60% Captian."
"Reeve, get our coordinates on the monitor. Reeve, Mr. President, sir!" Cid said, grinning.
Reeve saluted. "Aye aye!" Reeve pushed some buttons on the control panel in front of him, and a reading came up on the screen as James watched in awe. "We need to come 'round 46 degrees starboard."
"Right. Shera, 46 degrees starboard."
"46 degrees starboard Captain."
The ship began to turn slowly, and everyone took solid footing to maintain their balance.
"Get ready for vertical liftoff." Cid called.
"I didn't know this thing was so complicated to run!" Cloud called.
"It's not as bad as it seems, but we wanna make this a fast trip, don't we?"
Cloud nodded. Suddenly, he felt the ship move, and looked out the window. They were slowly rising. A few feet at first, and then they were well above the trees.
"Hold on to something!" Cid called. Everyone quickly obliged. "Here we go!!"
They all felt a jarring forward motion and the ship careened across the sky. Cloud punched a button on his console, and the rear monitor came up. Rocket Town was fading into nothing behind them.
"Whooo! Go Cid!" Reeve hollered. He had never flown on the
Highwind personally before, but he sure was enjoying it.
"OK, that's it!" Cid said, turning his chair around. "I'll stay at the helm, and I need one of you to copilot."
"I'll do it Captain." Shera volunteered, but Cid shook his head.
"You go the hell outside or somethin'! Relax a while! You wanted to come, now you gotta cooperate!"
Shera was going to protest, but decided against it. She flashed a smile at Cid, and walked away from her post.
"I'll do it Cid. I like this stuff." Tifa said.