(I feel like I should mention a fun fact, In the Remake timeline, Y/n is indeed with Tifa. But in the original timeline, he's with Jessie. I know, crazy right? Now back to the story!)

It's night time and Cloud, Y/n, and Jessie are seen walking with bikes to the track. Y/n looks at his hair, Cloud looks at it as well, "you have to dye it again?"

Y/n nodded, "yeah, the silver is starting to show again. I don't think Tifa would appreciate my gray hairs heheh."

When Briggs and Wedge show up as well,   "Tough break. They changed the times. Last train's already left. Which is why we borrowed these bikes. Need a lift to the plate?"

Jessie looks at the two, "How did you guess...?"

Wedge smiled, "Easy. You've been acting weird. Like, talking about one thing when you're obviously thinking about something else."

Biggs looked at her, "Yeah, and don't get me started on all that pep."

Jessie nodded, "All right, I'll give you that—but how did you know I wanted to head topside? Was I talking in my sleep? What else did I say!?"

Wedge waved his hands, "No. We just figured you wanted to see your parents. That's all."

Y/n smiled at her, "seems like they nailed it, huh?"

Jessie pushed Y/n's face away, "yeah yeah. Whatever."

Biggs looks at her. "So—seeing as we don't have any family of our own... How about you let us be a part of yours for a bit? You know, spread the wealth."

Y/n crossed his arms, "I'd be nice to have some family."

Jessie looked at Cloud, "Are your parents still around?"

Cloud simply answered, "No."

Jessie clenched her fist in the air, "Okay, then. Guess you're all invited! Here's to awkward family reunions!"

Everyone but Cloud shouted, "Yeah!"

"I take it you boys have your brand-spanking-new IDs?" Jessie asked them, as they raised it.

"Yes, ma'am!" They said as Y/n got on his own bike while Cloud and Jessie shared one.

Jessie raised her fist to the air, "Then let's lay down some rubber!"

Everyone started to take off as Y/n made sure his sword was on his side. "Let's do this!!

Meanwhile in Corkscrew Tunnel, Y/n thought about his wing. He's had it ever since he was a kid, it wasn't really a secret from Tifa, but he never did tell Cloud. Believe it or not, the moment never really showed itself. "Should I tell him about it...?"

Jessie looks as they pass by a red scan. "ID scan! Ready!?"

Biggs looked at they passed by. "So far so good!"

Jessie shook her head, "Alright, here comes the hard part!"

Biggs looked at her as they all pass by more scans. "And that is?"

Jessie looked at more upahead, "The fake IDs may have held up, but from this point on, if we get pinged by a scan..."

Cloud nodded, "They'll come for us."

Y/n looked around. "Should be a cakewalk though, the officers aren't THAT skilled."

Jessie nodded, "Yeah! No need to worry. We've got Cloud and Y/n remember? Hey, you do know how to drive, right?"

Cloud looked at her, "SOLDIERs get mandatory training."

Jessie smirked, "Well then! You gonna take my breath away? Make my head spin with your amazing skills?"

Cloud sighed, "Don't blame me if ya get sick."

Jessie sweatdropped. "Right..."

Y/n heard the enemy pulling up, "looks like we got incoming."

Jessie smiled, "We've got company finally!"

"Someone's having fun." Y/n smirked at Cloud.

Jessie nodded, "How could I not!? 'Pursued by villains, a young couple thrust together by fate race through the neon-streaked night...'"

Cloud hit the acceleration. "Get off!"
————-
Y/n: Leave this one to me.

Y/n went forward and accelerated his bike. He went forward to the enemy and  took out his sword. He span the bike horizontally to deliver a 360° slash. The soldier went down as Jessie teased.

Jessie: Oh! My hero!

The second group came with bikes as they aimed their guns at the group.

Biggs: Straight to lethal force!?

Jessie: What, so you'd just pull over if they asked nicely?

Biggs: Eh... You've got a point.

Jessie: See!? So don't go holding back now!

Y/n: I could use some help.

Cloud comes up next to Y/n as he blocks some of the gun fire. Y/n did a wheelie and slammed the tire on the top of a soldiers head, launching the man back. Cloud sliced two of the tires in the back of the enemies bikes. 

Cloud: Happy?

Y/n: You could've done that earlier.

Jessie: "Had the cold-eyed mercenary's heart suddenly begun to melt?"

Cloud: Nope.

Jessie: I won't forget that. (laughs) Wait, is it just me or did we slow down?

Cloud: Just you.

Even more started to show up.

Biggs: More of 'em!?

Jessie: Think we've bitten off more than we can chew! Whadda we do!?

Cloud: Shut up!

Cloud boosted forward as he threw the sword to Y/n, Y/n swapped his weapons as well.

Y/n: Oh Buster, how I missed you~

Wedge: Uh, you okay there, Y/n?

Y/n waved the sword around before slicing the sides of a bike, completely destroying it. Y/n smiled as he started to spin the sword with one hand before hitting the brake, Y/n went back as the blade went to the soldiers heads. A slice noise was heard as Y/n caught the blade before speeding up again. Suddenly, red troops started appearing.

Mobile Unit Officer: Targets sighted. Moving to intercept.

Biggs: Got more company!

Y/n: Oh shit, that's a red one!

Cloud: A-team's here.

Jessie: Uhh, I don't like the sound of that!

Wedge: We're not screwed, are we!?

Jessie: Head's up—drones!

Biggs: One thing after another... C'mon Wedge, gun it!

Wedge: I am gunning it!

Y/n immediately grinned wide as he sliced a drone in the face before thrusting it into more drones, making a kabob of drones. He then saw the robots behind him and waved to swords at them, sending the broken drones flying at them.

Cloud: We're good.

Biggs: Nothing about this is good!

Y/n: Hehehe, that was nothing. Just leave it to us!

Biggs: Fair enough! Alright then, do your thing!

The group splits off in a tunnel as more drones come around, Y/n and Cloud quickly switch back weapons as Y/n channeled his power and thrusted a wave of water forward, making the drones malfunction and their electric current to hit the water. The officers were stopped. They pass by a man leaning on his bike as he smirks at them.

Mobile Unit Officer (1): SOLDIER en route. HQ's saying he's less than a few minutes out.

Mobile Unit Officer (2): Copy.

Mobile Unit Officer (1): You think it's "him"?

Mobile Unit Officer (2): Probably. All the more reason to finish this quick. Don't need that kind of trouble.

Cloud sliced another drone as Y/n avoids some of the gunfire. He quickly slams his bike into the side of the walls as they fell off their bike. Cloud sent out a slash towards a officer with a flamethrower. It cut through the fire and his body.

Biggs: That's an ex-SOLDIER for ya. Next to him, we look like kids on trikes.

Jessie: You're damn right you do!

Biggs: You're part of that "we" too, you know.

Y/n: Uh, hey! What about me?

Jessie: You're part of the group, Y/n. Don't feel too left out.

Y/n: heheh, got me there.

They pass out of the tunnel and the group smiles.

Wedge: We made it!

Biggs: Woo-hoo! Topside!

Y/n: Oh fresh air! Give it to me!

Cloud: Keep going till we hit the station?

Jessie: No, head straight for the warehouse. Awww... Our magical ride is almost at an end...

Biggs: Why ya talking like we're not here?

Jessie: Because you're not!

Biggs: Clearly we are!

Y/n: We really are, pick your moments, Jess...

More officers than last time. They started to surround Wedge and Briggs.

Biggs: Not over yet! Guys! Little help!?

Y/n smirked at Cloud as Cloud shook his head. Y/n nodded, Cloud kept shaking his head, but he gave in. Cloud quickly looked at the group.

Cloud: Everyone hit the brakes!

Briggs: What?!

The group did as Y/n swapped places Wedge as he smirked.

Y/n; Anyone up for a game?

Y/n's green eyes shined as he started to change the speed of the bike, so he goes in a circle with his sword, creating a whirlpool of air that cut anything caught in it. The officers screamed as they scattered. The others looked around.

Mobile Unit Officer (1): Time's up. Break off before he shows!

Mobile Unit Officer (2): Copy!

Suddenly a man on a red cycle went wild and drove to catch up with them all, not caring if he destroyed his own men in the process.

Jessie: What's going on? Who's that?

Cloud: A SOLDIER.

Roche: Well, hello!

Biggs: Who's this!?

Roche: "Too quick for the eye, you cross him, you die!" Now... Mind if I cut in? Woo! Splendid! I've been looking for a new dance partner!

Roche started to send energy waved back as Y/n rolled his eyes and launched energy waves of Mako back at him.

Roche: Private party, huh? That's fine. I'll settle for a race then. Just one.

Cloud: You talking to me?

Roche: I most certainly am. And your friend over there.

Cloud: Then no!

Y/n: Heavy decline.

Roche: Ah, so terribly sorry! Your words fail to reach my ears, sluggish and slow as they are!

Jessie: What's this guy's deal!?

Roche: The lady's curiosity has been piqued! My name is Roche, but you may address me by the more accurate appellation: Speed Demon!

Jessie: Heard that, huh!?

Roche: My ears are attuned to the feminine voice!

Jessie: This guy is the worst.

Roche: Yes. Yes! This is the contest I've been waiting for!

Y/n drove to him as Roche and him clashed blades. Y/n was only using one hand as his cat like pupils stared into Roche's. Y/n pushed him back with ease as Roche tried to send more slashes to him but Y/n sent some back.

Roche: Whoa, never seen that in a man's eyes before. You're interesting.

Y/n; Thanks, but I'm taken.

Cloud came to the side of him and sliced him a bit before Roche raised his back tires and slammed it into the ground, releasing a electric wave. Everyone avoided it as Cloud blocked a strike before knocking Roche back and hitting him across the face. Y/n followed up by standing on his cycle and putting his hand out, Y/n waved his hands away with a evil smirk as Roche was suddenly slammed into his cycle.

Roche: Fascinating...

Jessie: What is he up to now?

Cloud: Same shit. Being a dumbass.

Roche: Not bad. You have promise, and an abiding affection for your mount. But! One cannot simply ride one's bike! Nay! One must unlock its true potential—become one with the machine! Like this!

Roche quickly recovered and drove on the wall, sending lighting strikes on the ground.

Y/n: It's always something.

Cloud: Keep at it.

Everyone boosted to catch up as they avoided the lighting strike. Roche then slammed into the center of the road again, sending another electric wave. Y/n quickly put out his hand as wind started to surround it.

Y/n: Aero!

Y/n pushed Roche into Cloud as Cloud followed up with Cross Slash. Soon Roche approached the two on the bikes.

Cloud: Had enough?

Roche: Don't be absurd. As if I could ever grow tired of your company!

Jessie tried to shoot him as he took his sword out, but he quickly knocked it out of her hands.

Roche: Naughty, naughty! Until one of our flames is forever extinguished, our dance will never end! (laughs) Burn for me!

Roche started to drive around the two as Y/n blocked a strike coming at him, Y/n clashed swords with him again before hitting his head and kicking the cycle back. Roche didn't see Cloud on the other side as Roche's sword was knocked back before the two friends sliced him back.

Roche: Come on! Let's push it past the redline!

Cloud: Jessie, take over.

Cloud leaped off the cycle and slammed his sword into the cycle, before leaping back on the cycle.

Roche: Well, well, well! I do believe this round is yours. (chuckles) Maybe next time we can keep it just between the three of us.

Cloud: Maybe.

Y/n: Not likely. You're crazy.

Roche: (laughs) Until we meet again, my friend!

Biggs: We did it!

Wedge: Go team!

Jessie: Don't get too excited. Reinforcements are hot on our trail.

Jessie: You passed the test!

Cloud: What test?

Jessie: Driving.

Cloud: Been driving for years.

Jessie: So you don't need a reward?

Cloud: No.

Jessie gave Cloud a kiss on the cheek.

Jessie: Well, you got one anyway. You can thank me later. I'll wait. Giving me the cold shoulder?

Jessie: Aw, would you look at that... It's the end of the ride.
————————
Jessie: We'll go on foot from here. Don't wanna draw too much attention to ourselves.

Wedge: Hey, did these things leave a mark?

Biggs: (laughs) They got you pretty good.

Wedge: Aw...and I'm running on fumes...

Jessie: Don't worry, we'll top you up soon enough. Now let's roll.

Y/n: Ugh, my legs are numb from driving the cycle so much.

Cloud: You'll be fine.

Y/n: (scoffs) easy for you to say, ex-soldier.

Upon climbing the staircase, Jessie looked at Y/n.

Jessie: The residential area's just beyond this gate. Mind doing the honors?

Y/n smiles and pulls the lever.

Jessie: You've got an arm on ya!

Y/n winks and puts a hand on his hip.

Y/n: It's mandatory! Hehehe!

[Sector 7 Employee Housing Area]

Jessie: Here we are—the employee housing district. Where they put you when your parents work for Shinra. While their reactors were slowly killing the planet, we were living the good life...

Y/n walks to Wedge, who of course was near a cat.

Wedge: C'mere... Aw, no dice... Someone's playing hard to get.

Y/n: Better luck next time.

Y/n says as he pats Wedge on back as everyone continues to make their way to the house. Biggs pats Y/n near a Shinra billboard.

Biggs: Folks here must be living off three or four times what we do.

Y/n: Yeah, can't help but be a bit jealous.

Briggs: You know, now that you and Tifa are back together, you could settle down somewhere nice. A couple jobs of your caliber and you'd be out of the slums.

Y/n closes his eyes and gains a small smile.

Y/n: That's true, but I'm not sure that's what she would want. I've been meaning to thank you all.

Wedge: Huh? For what?

Y/n: For looking after Tifa, I know she can be a bit much at times, but she still means a lot to me.

Jessie wraps her arm around him and smirks.

Jessie: No need to worry about that Y/n, we already know how much you stare at her abs.

Y/n: THAT IS A COMPLETELY NORMAL THING TO DO!!

The group laughed as Cloud gave a small smirk as they then arrived at the house.

Jessie: Figures. Still leaves the lights on every night for the girl who only comes home once every other blue moon. Mom's an old-fashioned type like that.

Wedge: Think she'll make us pizza? Her "Midgar Special"?

Biggs: She's quite the cook. Quick to whip up finger-lickin' food even if you drop by in the dead of night.

Jessie: And she loves guests who ask for seconds or thirds.

Jessie: Okay, let's head in. Cloud—you know what to do. Why don't you wait around the corner over there?

Cloud: Ah. Okay.

Wedge: It's a shame you won't get to try the Midgar Special. You would've really liked it.

Y/n: Man, I finally get to have some good food.

After Y/n, Biggs, Wedge, and Jessie enter her house.

Jessie (in Cloud's memory): With your help, we won't need luck. You'll take on just about any job, right? Well, I need you to rob my house. Think you can do that for me?

Jessie (in Cloud's memory): Go in through the back door when the coast is clear. The signal will be obvious.

Cloud: Once the lights come on, it's go time.

After a while.... The lights go off and he enters the house.

Cloud: Time to go.

Jessie (in Cloud's memory): Inside, you'll find a room with two doors. Don't take the one in front of you. You want the room on the right. That's where you'll find it.

Jessie: Sorry about dropping in like this again.

Jessie's Mom: This will always be your home. So—how's practice going?

Jessie (in Cloud's memory): We'll be chatting Mom up in the kitchen, so don't even bother being quiet. There's no way she'll ever hear you. Dad'll be in there, but it's okay.

Jessie (in Cloud's memory): I need you to grab his Shinra ID card. And yeah, I know I should do it myself, but... (chuckles) but I honestly don't think I'm up to it. Just do this for me, okay?

(In the background randomly while roaming around the room.)

Jessie: Now this—this is what I've been waiting for!

Biggs: Yeah, like a dog!

Wedge: Don't mind if I do!

Biggs: This is amazing!

Y/n: It tastes even better than how I remember, ugh, this is heaven in my mouth.

Jessie's mom: Oh stop that, your cooking is way better than mine Y/n.

Wedge: When are you going to cook again?

Jessie: It'd probably earn you a lot of brownie points with Tifa.

Jessie's mom: Oh? These two have finally reunited?

Y/n: *Nervous* Uh.. please go easy on me?

Jessie: Alright, here comes a Midgar Special!

Jessie's Mom: Eat as much as you like!

Wedge: I'll take another one, please!

Biggs: You've still got room, Wedge?!

Y/n: if you got more, keep dishing them out please!

Briggs: You too?!

Jessie: Dang, Mom, how'd you get even better at this?

Jessie's Mom: Please, take more!

Wedge: So, got more pizza in the oven?

Jessie's Mom: Careful, it's hot!

Biggs: Aw, thank you!

Jessie: Wedge, don't hurt yourself!

Biggs: Now that is a damn good pie.

Wedge: I'm not full yet!

Jessie's Mom: When are you going to give up on the Gold Saucer? How long as it been since you even performed?

Y/n is seen sitting next to Jessie across from Briggs and Wedge at the table.

Wedge: A lot of people really rely on Jessie.

Jessie's Mom: As a stagehand though, right? You can be one of those anywhere. So why not come home and get a job at the Sector 8 theater?

Jessie: Uhhh, I'll think about it. You know, I'd really love to stay and chat, but we gotta go.

Jessie's Mom: So soon!?

Jessie: Yeah, well, we hadn't even planned on dropping by. But Wedge wanted some of your famous pizza.

Wedge: So good!

Jessie's Mom: Sure I can't tempt you with some more?

Wedge: Maybe just a couple slices, Missus R.

Y/n, Biggs & Jessie: Wedge!

Wedge: Hey! I'm...I'm doing it for you guys! You don't want me going to work on an empty stomach.

Jessie (in Cloud's memory): I'm planning on using a weaker blasting agent this time. Since I can't in touch with my supplier, our only option is to loot a warehouse owned by Shinra.

Jessie: Hey there.

Cloud: This it?

Cloud hands Jessie a card.

Jessie: Now comes the hard part. I'm gonna use this to sneak into the 7-6 Annex.

Biggs: All right, let's get to it.

Jessie: Sorry, but you're staying outside. Only I know what to steal from where, so it's gotta be me who goes in.

Biggs: So...we came all this way just to eat pizza!?

Jessie: (chuckles) You think I'd let you off that easy? You're gonna earn every slice helping Cloud and Y/n. Just do the thing where you draw everyone's attention away, like you did at my parents'. What's the word again? Maybe I'm more nervous than I thought.

Y/n: think of it as a simple diversion. Or a dangerous game of hide and seek.

Briggs: Wow...feel safer already.

Wedge: So what, does this mean we're gonna ask some Shinra folks out to dinner?

Biggs: You know damn well what she means. While you're inside, we make sure the guards are focused on the outside. Yeah?

Jessie: Exactly. Couldn't've put it any better. When you see a flare go up, that's your cue. Rush the front gates and make for the warehouse plaza. The more hell you raise, the more time you buy me.

Biggs: You're gonna run this guy into the ground, aren'tcha?

Cloud: How much time do you think you'll need?

Jessie: Not too much. I'll be in and out. I'll send up another flare when I'm done. We rendezvous in the vacant lot up ahead.

Biggs: Hold on. How are we supposed to get back to the slums? Wait for the first train?

Jessie: No, I wanna be back before that. Don't worry, I have something worked out. Now, let's get this done.

Biggs: Well, that diversion's not gonna create itself.

[Sector 7-6 Annex Infiltration]

They start walking to the lot. Looking at the night sky, Y/n couldn't help but remember the starts back home. Pretty, ain't it? With all the stars in the sky, he wondered how long it would be until he could become one. A light in the night sky.

Biggs: Jessie's dad was in there, right?

Cloud: Yeah.

Biggs: Mako poisoning. Happened while Jessie was doing a show at the Gold Saucer— Ah, but what do you care?

Cloud: No, I wanna hear it.

Y/n: From the time I've known Jessie, it seemed she always wanted to be an actress.

Briggs: Yeah. Worked her ass off for years until finally she caught a break. Top billing. Parents were thrilled. And then...right before opening night...

Wedge: Her dad had an accident.

Biggs: Collapsed from overwork...and in the worst possible place. Mako storage. Lay there half a day before someone found him. Been like that ever since. No change whatsoever. That's what got her into planetology, and led her to seek out Avalanche. How far we've come...

Wedge: Jessie's got a theory about it. Thinks her dad's spirit is stuck now—between his body and the heart of the planet. So if we don't shut down the reactors soon...

Biggs: He'll get caught up in the flow and...poof.

Cloud chuckled as a cat landed on Y/n's head. He quickly tried pulling it off but then more landed on his shoulders.

Biggs: What's so funny?

Cloud: Just that I understand how you feel. Unlike most of the time.

Biggs: I see...

They started reaching the bridge in front of the Sector 7-6 Annex. The cats

Y/n: Mako's the essence of life itself. It's part of the lifestream. Of memory and hope. It's not something you burn in a reactor just to keep the lights on. Shinra is killing the planet, knowingly, making them pay is just the bonus that comes up with saving the planet.

Biggs: Oh—don't tell Jessie about this little chat, okay? When she gets pissed, she gets punchy.

Cloud: Well... No promises.

Wedge: He's serious, Cloud! She'll beat the shit out of us!

Y/n: Yeah, Cloud! Even me! And I'm here favorite!

Cloud: Not my problem.

Wedge; Hold on, I thought I was her favorite!

Y/n: In your dreams, Wedge! I'm obviously the one who got you out of danger.

Briggs: I'm pretty sure Cloud's her favorite.

Everyone turned to him, Cloud seemed flustered a bit and looked away.

Everyone: Yeah, that's true.

Wedge: Hey! It's the lot Jessie was talking about. We rendezvous here when we've got what we came for.

Biggs: Gotta stay hidden—wait for the signal.

Wedge: It's so quiet...

Y/n and Cloud see Biggs near the gate. They look and see no one.

Biggs: Just need to get past this gate.

Cloud: Wait. Where are the guards?

Y/n: Someone beat us here?

Wedge: And I don't think it was Jessie.

Biggs: This had better not get in the way of our plans...

Cloud: It won't.

Y/n; Let's make sure of it.

Everyone scouted the area first.

Biggs: Don't see anyone. What the hell happened?

Wedge: Hey, man, the plaza's that way. Warehouses are further in. Jessie's supposed to be circling around from the back, right...?

Biggs: No need for us to rush. Let's scout it out first.

Cloud: I can handle this with Y/n.

Biggs: What, you're trying to keep us out of it now? Don't be a jackass.

Wedge: We're in this together!

Y/n: You know, if you both get in trouble, I can't promise I can save you.

Briggs: Yeah yeah, it's time to show my worth finally.

Biggs: If you need to check your gear, now's the time. Give the word when you're good to go.

Wedge: You can use that vending machine over there to stock up!

Biggs: Guess there's a training center too. Could go a few rounds before the main event.

Wedge: Man! I get really hungry when I'm nervous! When you leave something at home, or just need a bite to eat, vending machines can be real lifesavers! Whenever you're ready, just let us know, Guys !

Y/n looks at Briggs, rather amused and worried. Y/n looked at his katana before putting it away again and crossing his arms.

Y/n: Are you sure you wanna do this?

Biggs: Thanks, but I don't need you to hold my hand through this. Remind me—you've got summoning materia, don't you? There's no better way to deal with big groups. You'd be crazy not to equip it.

Cloud: I do, Y/n?

Y/n hesitated before he smiled; Hahaha, I don't actually need one.

Everyone froze: What?

Y/n: I been able to...

Cloud; You know what? Another time, we're on limited time.

Biggs: Right... Let's go over the plan one last time. You and Y/n start things off by cutting loose where everyone can see you.

Wedge: And us?

Biggs: We're the backup. First, we climb high enough to get a vantage point—then we go to town on 'em.

(During a flashback.)
Tifa: Heya. So...what did you wanna talk about?

Cloud (in flashback): When spring comes, I'm leaving town and going to Midgar.

Tifa: Should've figured. All the guys are leaving. Even Y/n.

Cloud (in flashback): but I'm not like them. I'm not going just to look for work. I'm gonna be a SOLDIER. The best of the best. Like Sephiroth.

Y/n: Never heard of him, at least not until Tifa reminded me.

Y/n hopped up on the Water tower as the two smiled at him. Y/n saw Tifa a little sad.

Tifa: And where have you been?

Y/n: Well, I was trying to beat your dad at a game of cards but then I got this feeling that it would never end so I left.

Cloud: Smart choice.

Y/n: (relaxes and sits down) Still wanna be a SOLDIER?

Cloud: More than anything.

Y/n: Then I'll support ya, Nimbus.

Tifa: Mm... Isn't it pretty hard to become a SOLDIER?

Cloud (in flashback): Yeah. So I won't be back for a long time.

Tifa: Guess not. Think you'll be in the papers?

Cloud (in flashback): I'll try. What about you, Y/n? You never really said why you're headed over.

Tifa looked at him, knowing one reason was because he wanted to find the origin of his black wing. Y/n smiled at the boy, trying to act as carefree as he can.

Y/n: Well, with mom's old access to Shinra's secrets, I figured I might as well learn about them.

Tifa: And...how did Nezuko take it...?

Y/n: I...Didn't tell her. She's already an adult, living her life. Has a kid only a couple years younger than me. Turns out my big sis was older than I remember, definitely grew up faster.

Cloud: And you don't want to worry her with what she doesn't know.

Y/n: Exactly, plus if Shinra turns out to be evil, I'll just destroy it myself.

Tifa: Just...promise me one thing, guys. When we're older, and you're a famous SOLDIER...and you get the answer you're looking for Y/n...if I'm ever trapped or in trouble... Promise you'll come and save me.

Cloud (in flashback): Huh? Isn't that Y/n's job?

Y/n: Normally I would disagree but he has a point.

Tifa: That's what heroes do. They save people. You two work better as a team. Please? Just once.

Cloud (in flashback): Uhh...

Tifa: Come on, promise me!

Cloud (in flashback): Fine. I promise.

Tifa: (pouting) Y/n....

Y/n: Don't give me the puppy dog eyes, you already know my answer.

Tifa: You gotta say it.

Cloud; That's the rule.

Y/n: gah! Alright, I promise! Jeez! You guys can't just team up on me!

They all started laughing as it flashed back to another flashback.

Cloud (in flashback): we heard you're having second thoughts.

Tifa: I know we have to think big if we're going to make a difference...but not like this. I just... I feel trapped.

A flare suddenly goes off in the sky

Wedge: That's the signal!

Biggs: All according to plan.

Cloud: Let's go.

Y/n: Yeah, no time to waste. Let's give her as much opening as we can.

Biggs: Right!

Wedge: Yeah!

They soon walked forward as Y/n and Cloud looked at each other.

Y/n: So you think this gets any easier?

Cloud: Some do, but for us? Not a chance.

Y/n; Yeah, where's the fun in that anyway.

Y/n says as they walk into the warehouse grounds. Officers with guns are seen patrolling the area.

Security Officer: I don't see any intruders. Maybe they went home.

Security Officer: Hey! Over there!

Security Officer: T-target sighted!

Security Officer: Light him up!

They started to shoot at Y/n and Cloud as Cloud blocked it, Y/n sliced through the bullets. Meanwhile, Briggs shot bullets at them from inside the building as Y/n and Cloud ran to the officers, Cloud sliced through one man completely as he fell to the ground.

Cloud: Give up?

Security Officer: K-kill the bastard!

Y/n: Oooh, I love it when they pick that option.

Y/n ignites bus sword with solar flames and releases two arching flame slashes to the officers, each individually making an "X" shaped slice. The X pushes back as they are knocked all over, Cloud follows with quick heavy strikes that makes the foes basically turn into rag dolls.

Security Officer: They're up there too!

Security Officer: We've spotted more intruders. Send backup.

They tried to shoot at Y/n but Y/n quickly picked a man by the throat, despite how large the man was and slammed him into the ground before using him as a shield for the other attackers.

Y/n: You're own guy! Friendly fire is on!

Security Officer: They have a sniper. Get him first!

Security Officer: Focus on the other one! Quickly, before we're surrounded!

Security Officer: You're gonna pay!

Cloud quickly slides under a man's legs and sliced upwards, knocking the man out. He then kicked a man in the chest before thrusting the hilt of his sword into the dome of the man's head. Cloud then sweep kicked another one before following with fire, lighting the man on fire obviously.

Y/n impaled one of the officers and then started lifting them with his sword.

Y/n: I'm gonna pay? Show me. If I use my wing...I could have more power...no...I don't wanna draw too much attention to myself.

Y/n kicked the man off his sword and leaped in the air to drop kick him again. Y/n then leaps behind the officer and spins in the air downward, releasing a fire sword attack in a circular motion. Y/n sliced two more officers before snapping the neck of another. Y/n and Cloud looked up to these Mechs that shot out missiles.

Biggs: Oh, you gotta be shitting me. Gimme a bit more time and I got you.

Security Officer: Give it up!

A red trooper appeared along with a man with a shield.

Security Officer: Puttin' up a fight, huh!?

Y/n snickered; Hahahah! You think a flimsy shield is gonna save you? Hahaha, oh, man. I got the Shield guy!

Cloud nodded as he rolled out the way of an attack from the red one and sliced him upwards. Y/n dodged the first two strikes of the riot trooper before grabbing the shield and throwing it and the fully grin man man debris with his bare hands. The shield broke as Y/n quickly followed up with a clean slice through. Cloud slammed his sword down on the foe before spinning around and slicing their sides as well.

Briggs pushed off the turret.

Biggs: Goodbye! And good riddance.

Elite Shock Trooper: Don't let them escape!

Cloud and Y/n rushed to the foes as the Shock Troopper tried to attack Cloud, but Cloud countered and followed up with a deadly thrust. Y/n kicked the man in the air as the body spun around, Cloud slammed his sword down, leaving the body cold on the floor. Y/n saw the other and casually beat them back by just slamming them with his elbow. Wedge pushed off the other turret.

Wedge: And down she goes!

Biggs: Look at us amateurs putting in the work.

Y/n: Nice work guys!

Y/n gives a thumbs up as they do the same. Suddenly the guard dogs surrounded the two as Cloud and Y/n looked around. A whistle went off and soon, Wedge appeared somehow at the bottom.

Wedge: Don't worry—I've got this!(screams) Catch me if you caaan!

Wedge got bit in the Butt:(screams)

The guard dogs started attacking again as Y/n drops to the floor as Cloud spins the swords all around, Y/n rises back up and slams his swords into the ground, making a water dragon rise in a pillar form, drowning a dog on impact. Y/n then creates waves of energy from his katana almost instantly to fire at the dogs afar, slicing them apart.

Wedge: Tasty treats! Come and get 'em!

Cloud quickly leaped in the air and thrusted his sword down, sending a shockwave down that knocked the dog back before Cloud threw his sword at the dog. It went into its head before Cloud kicked it back further, so it went into a different dog.

Wedge: Don't eat me! Please don't eat me!

The dogs were soon defeated and Wedge fell down to the ground next to Y/n and Cloud.

Wedge: Think I ran off the pizza...

Biggs: (laughs) Helluva show, man! If only the ladies loved you that much!

Wedge: I'm glad someone's enjoying themselves...

An alarm went off as everyone's eyes went around. The doors opened to show weapon mecha walking out.

Biggs: Of course they store mechs here...

Y/n: (Smirking) Alright, let's give them another push!

Biggs: Hell yeah!

Wedge: More than you know! Look what I found. Let's give these jerks a taste of their own medicine!

Y/n rolled out the way of fire before he makes multiple consecutive slashes while twisting his body and sword in a flowing fashion to deliver multiple blows simultaneously to the two mechs. Cloud used Thunder on the mechs in order to stun them before following up with a quick thrust. Y/n leaps into the air, with water flowing around the blade before he cuts the other mech vertically in a flowing motion, slicing it in two. Cloud used Cross -Slash to get rid of them.

Wedge: Now that's what I call teamwork!

Everyone but Cloud put their thumb up as more officers approached.

Security Officer: Stay where you are!

Biggs: Well, shit.

Security Officer: All right, assholes! Show me your hands!

Suddenly Roche comes in soaring on his bike, taking out many officers.

Roche: (laughs) Well, aren't we having a wonderful time kicking the hornet's nest You know what I want. A second dance—just the three of us.

Roche then stepped off the bike and pointed his sword towards them.

Roche: You turned the key... The engine roars with excitement... It hungers to be set free!

Cloud: Fall back.

Biggs: Right. C'mon!

Roche: It's been a long time since I fought a duel out of the saddle. But...for all the miles on the clock... I'm just as fast as I ever was!

Roche quickly stuck as Cloud barely blocked the attack. Y/n tightened his grip on the blade.

Roche: At last, our long-awaited dance begins! Here's to a fair fight, my friends!

Roche healed the two before he went for a quick thrust, Y/n quickly deflected the attack as Cloud followed up with a deadly slash. Y/n then followed up with a punch to the chest, which Roche dodged and sent him back. Cloud then blocked a ice spell before sending his own energy wave. But Roche sent his own as well, Y/n hopped over it and delivers a single high-powered vertical slash that manages to cut through the other ice spell. Y/n then followed up with two horizontal slashes to knock back Roche.

Roche laughs as he looks at his sword.

Roche: I told you we were gonna push it past the redline!

Roche sent a flame attack which the two rolled out of the way. Y/n backflips into the air to deliver a powerful upended flame sword slash, which absorbs the next flame attack and then twists his body to slam it down onto Roche. Cloud spins his body horizontally to deliver a 360° slash, before leaping in the air and delivering a larger overhead slice. Roche held his head as the two put away their swords.

Cloud: Satisfied?

Roche: (laughs) With such fleeting pleasure? Hardly. There are higher heights to which you guys and I can still soar...

Suddenly the mechs came out as Wedge, Y/n, Briggs, and Cloud got ready to fight.

Security Officer: Okay, boys! Give 'em everything you've got! But kill the swordsmen first!

Roche then destroyed them with just his cycle alone.

Roche: We really must do this again. Until then...try not to die. I'll see you on the road, my friend.

Cloud and the rest still had mechs to deal with before they exploded.

Cloud: Let's go!

Biggs: Right!

One of them shot out chains as Wedge took the blow for Cloud.

Cloud: Wedge!

Wedge: Run! Run while you can!

Y/n; We're not leaving you behind!

Suddenly more mechs we're getting destroyed as more...different troopers started to save them.

Trooper: Friendly! Friendly! Stand down!

Trooper: Your team shouldn't be here.

Wedge: Glad yours is...

Briggs quickly grabbed Y/n and Cloud.

Biggs: C'mere. Wedge'll be fine. But you two won't be if they start asking questions.

Cloud: And who are "they"?

Biggs: First guests to the party. Another Avalanche cell. Our holier-than-thou friends from the old guard... It's always their way or the highway. Lately they've been a real pain in the ass... Till now.

Y/n: So then why are they here?

Biggs: Beats me. We've been on the outs ever since our cell got labeled too extreme... though they're the ones running around with mil-spec gear. Word is they've cut a deal with Wutai... Promised 'em all the materia in Midgar, apparently. Think there's any truth to that?

Y/n: I'm not sure.

Cloud: You tell me.

Biggs: Sometimes I think we're the only ones who've realized the war is over.

Another flare heads out as Y/n smiled. Everyone started to make it back to the lot.

Y/n: Okay—mission complete. Let's make our way back to the lot.

Cloud: Right.

Biggs: Looking a lot more crowded now.

Cloud: Security's out in force.

Biggs: Just what we need.

Cloud: So, are we not gonna wait for Wedge?

Biggs: If we stuck around or went back, he'd only get upset.

Cloud: Why's that?

Biggs: Guess a SOLDIER wouldn't understand... I'll tell him you were worried about him, though. Who knows—might just make his day.

Security Officer: ...And many of our citizens have already been disturbed by the alarms. Squad A will set up here and search for suspects. B will establish a perimeter—roadblocks included. Contain the situation! Rumors of violence against Public Security will only serve to frighten the people. You will tell any concerned citizens that this was a false alarm!

Jessie: You made it! Over here!

Everyone ducked before the officers could see them.

Jessie: Could you have been any louder? I mean, it made my job a lot easier, but— Wait, where's Wedge?

Y/n; Well...

Jessie: Wedge!? That was close...

Cloud: We'll go get him.

Cloud, Briggs, and Y/n picked him up and dragged him into the lot.

Biggs: Hey, buddy. How you doing? C'mon...

Wedge: Not my finest hour...

Biggs: You get hit?

Wedge: Just winged, I think... Or shot!

Biggs: Really? Let me see...

Briggs pulled down his pants as Y/n was and used.
Jessie: Are we seriously doing this here? That's...wow.

Y/n: That's... well...something.

Wedge: You guys are the worst...

Jessie: Your ass is fine. Maybe singed, but the only casualty is your underwear. This is like a bruise or a mild burn at worst!

Wedge: Now that was a gunshot.

Cloud smiled as he held his hip.

Jessie: Is that a smile I spy?

Cloud: It's not safe here. We should go.

Y/n and the gang smiled at him with their thumbs up.

Y/n, Biggs, Jessie, & Wedge: Copy that!

Wedge: So how do we get back to the slums?

Jessie: With a little trick I've been dying to try out...

Biggs: Man, can't believe HQ was running an op tonight of all nights.

Y/n: Coincidence?

Biggs: That or a bad omen. If they're ramping up for something, could get messy. Add it to the pile of complications to think about.

They soon reached the entrance to the Plate Partition.

Jessie: Right, this is it! Through here and we're home free.

Wedge: Where exactly are we going?

Y/n; This doesn't really seem safe.

Jessie: When we get there, you'll know! Now that I've got my blasting agent, we should have everything we need for our next mission!

Biggs: Sure hope so.

Cloud: Yeah...m-me too. For your dad's sake.

Biggs: Hey! What the hell, man!?

Y/n; Not cool!

Jessie: Huh?

Wedge: Uh—Cloud was just saying how he hopes to come back and try the Midgar Special next time!

Jessie: Really, huh? Cloud said that?

Biggs: Sure did! Wants a whole pie to himself, isn't that right?

Cloud: That's...that's right...

Jessie: Really...? Well, okay then! Maybe I'll lend Mom a hand next time too!

Wedge: That'd be awesome!

Biggs: Super-duper awesome!

Y/n: Ultra-Super-Duper awesome!

They then reached the plate edge as Y/n could see them going to sector 7. Jessie then opened a chest.

Jessie: Should be somewhere around here... Bingo! I half figured my dad got it wrong, but nope! They're here just like he said!

Biggs: Parachutes?

Wedge: Huh? Whaddya mean "half figured"!?

Jessie: Fifty-fifty is pretty good odds, if you ask me! This is gonna be fun!

Y/n: To be fair, I've taken less odds and still made it out.

Everyone then trapped in for the parachute as Y/n was in front of Jessie, which he was not happy about.

Jessie: Thanks guys. I really appreciate you coming all this way with me. And like I said before, I'd be grateful if you kept this between us until after the mission. I don't wanna...complicate things.

Biggs: Sure. Okay, who's ready to fly!?

Jessie: Me! Me!

Y/n: Ugh, this is the worst.

Jessie: We don't have another one, I'll make sure not to drop you.

Y/n: I highly doubt that.

Biggs: Hey Cloud—you let him down gently, alright?

Cloud: Yep.

Jessie: Wait, I almost forgot! One more thing!

Biggs: S-stop it! What in the hell are you trying to—

Jessie: Easy! You'll make us fall!

Biggs: Not if you do first!

Jessie: Swing by my place after—so I can "pay you in full."

Jessie pushed Briggs and Y/n off.

Y/n: WHAT THE HELLL-!!!!!

Biggs: Huh!? Now!? (screams)

Wedge: Wait! Gimme a minute!

Cloud: No.

Wedge: Why do you have to be such a hard-ass, bro?

Cloud: I ain't your bro.

Cloud pushed Wedge off as Briggs quickly pulled the lever as Y/n smiled.

Y/n: Get a load of this view.

Wedge: I wish I could've done more... Just got hurt—

Cloud: You did enough. You took one for the team. Be proud.

Wedge: Yeah...? Yeah...

Biggs: Feels like we're flying high these days!

Jessie: (chuckles) Now more than ever!

Biggs: He's a keeper all right.

Jessie: Yeah! Together we can take on the world!

Y/n: Ugh, drop me now...

Soon, everyone landed as Y/n smiled. Everyone went back home.

Y/n: I haven't run into Cloud yet, he'll make sure he's okay.

Y/n reached Stargazer Heights as he looked at Tifa's door, he knew he only had one way of getting actual sleep. He slowly opened the door and tried to be as quiet as possible. He saw Tifa in bed, but looked at him.

Tifa: Y/n? There you are, I was getting worried about you. You and Cloud were out for a while.

Y/n: Yeah... sorry about that. Cloud and I had a couple of uneventful run ins.

Tifa: oh? Any that you would like to share?

Y/n: Hm...nope, next you'll just have to come with me.

Tifa: *giggles* alright, then it's a date.

Y/n: *smiles* Yeah.

Tifa: I ran into Johnny, by the way. Said not to worry, he was getting out of town.

Y/n: *confused* Ah....Oh, that guy. Good for him.

Tifa: You...weren't thinking of leaving Midgar anytime soon, were you?

Y/n sat on the bed next to her and laid down with her.

Y/n: Well, seems my girlfriend is in a tight spot... I remember way back when...I made a promise to her...I said I'd be there for her.

Tifa: Can't say this is quite what I had in mind when I put that on you way back when.

Y/n: You know if you want to talk, I'm always happy to listen.

Tifa: Hehe, you lost that hard edge a long time ago.

Y/n: hey, don't say that. I still got it.

Tifa: (chuckles) I'm really glad to have you back, Y/n. Really glad. I'd like to catch up more, but we should probably both get some sleep, yeah?

Y/n: I mean, I could stay up with you all night, if you need me to.

Tifa: (pokes his lips) Maybe a different night, Y/n. Good night.

Y/n : Good night, Tifa...
———————-
Y/n is seen in bed as the hooded figures rise from the ground.

???: Tine is of the essence...what will you do...when there's no time at all...

Y/n starts to shake as his black wing comes out. The figures attempting to pick Y/n up and move him.

Tifa: Y/N!

Tifa quickly grabbed Y/n back as Y/n opens his eyes.

Y/n: Tifa...? What's going on...?

Y/n quickly stood his ground as Tifa helped him up, she put her hand all over his face. Moving it side to side.

Tifa: Are you okay? Did they hurt you?

Y/n; No, but the way your moving my head might crack my neck. And who's "they"?

Suddenly screams were heard as Y/n and Tifa immediately stops looking at each other as they grabbed their gear and headed out. The creatures swarm the place as Tifa quickly opens Cloud's door.

Tifa: Cloud!

Cloud: What's wrong?

Tifa: Come with me! Quickly! We were getting ready to set out when those things showed up and came after us!

Cloud: The others?

Tifa: Barret and Jessie are holding their ground, but for how long I don't know...

Y/n: Let's hurry up then!

Tifa: Right.

Cloud: Ready?

Y/n and Tifa smiled at him.

Y/n: Did you even need to ask?

Tifa: You know it!

Y/n made a single slash which hits several times before knocking the creature backwards. Following up, Tifa gives a deadly drop kick to it.

Cloud: Let's head for the bar.

Tifa: Okay!

Cloud noticed that the creature was reacting after he sliced it up.

Cloud: Is this even working?

Y/n: I hope so, these things are everywhere.

A burst of energy projectiles fires from Y/n's katana. When they connected, Cloud follows with a dashing lunge to launch the foe upwards. Y/n then gives a diving impale attack, slamming the mako energy and killing then.

Cloud: There's no end to this.

Tifa killed another one but they just keep showing up.

Tifa: What are these things?

Cloud: No idea. Pretty sure you can't even see them unless they make physical contact first...

Tifa: And that's all you can tell me?

Y/n: They're not invincible.

Tifa: I guess that's something.

They all sprint towards Seventh Heaven. But they block their pathway.

Tifa: More of them!? We're running out of time.

Cloud: Any other way?

Tifa: Yeah—over here!

They start running but another pathway blocked.

Cloud: Again?

Y/n: What's with these damn things?

Tifa: Are they trying to stop us from reaching the others? Y/n, Cloud. This way.

They ran towards Seventh Heaven again, but the creatures flowed in, trying to push him back.

Tifa: Oh, you gotta be kidding me. It's like trying to fight a hurricane.

Cloud: Stay on your feet.

Tifa: You don't have to tell me that.

Y/n: Come on, guys, we're almost through!

When reaching Seventh Heaven, they saw Barret and the gang shooting then back.

Jessie: Barret!

Barret: Gimme a break!

Tifa: Jessie! Barret!

Barret: Where you been!?

Jessie: They just keep coming! We've gotta do something!

Tifa: Hang on!

Tifa was surrounded, as was Y/n.

Y/n: Tifa!

Tifa: Y/n!

Cloud: I'm coming, guys! Move out of my way!

Cloud started to dash towards three spectres as he sliced them up, Y/n quickly made a whirlwind of mako that sliced around the group.

Jessie: Leave us alone already! How many of them are there!?

The Enigmatic Spectre suddenly tried to take over Y/n, but Y/n fought it off.

Y/n: Gah-! That bastard just tried to take me over! Watch out!

Cloud: What the— It's adapting.

Tifa: Something weird is going on.

Y/n dashes forward and performs a single slice which hits multiple times before he leans back as the group rushes it. Cloud gives an overhead strike as Tifa rushed the creature with a flurry of punches before finishing it off with a deadly jab. Barret looked at Jessie.

Barret: How's your ammo?

Jessie: Running low— Shit!

The creatures pushed a Jessie down and stormed her as they then went away.

Tifa: Jessie!

Barret: Dammit!

Tifa: Huh?

Cloud: The hell...?

Barret: Jessie!

Tifa: You okay?

Jessie: Me and my two left feet...

Tifa: Easy now!

Barret: We ain't putting on a damn show!

Barret yelled at the people as they scattered.

Barret: The hell were those things? Some kind of...I dunno! Guess I shouldn't be surprised, though. Never can tell what weird shit'll come crawling out of the scrap down here. It's those reactors, I'm telling you...

Cloud: It hurt?

Jessie: Wish I could say it didn't, but yeah... (chuckles)

Cloud picked Jessie up and walks in the bar. Everyone follows.

Jessie: God, this is so embarrassing... Hate playing the damsel in distress...

Cloud: It happens.

Inside Seventh Heaven, Wedge shows up and looks at Jessie's leg.

Wedge: What did you do to your leg!? D-does it hurt?

Jessie: Not nearly as much as the fuss everyone's making.

Tifa: Still, I think you ought to avoid putting any—

Jessie: I'm fine!

Y/n; You're not. You're only gonna get in our way.

Barret: Y/n's right, that's enough! You're out, Jessie.

Jessie: Huh? What about the mission? We already sent Biggs in, remember? Don't tell me you're thinking of calling it off!?

Barret: Nah, we got this...

Jessie: The hell you do!

Wedge: If you need someone to step up, I'm your man! (coughs)

Barret looks at Cloud and Y/n as Y/n smiled.

Barret: Okay... So here's the thing...

Cloud: We're gonna need a raise.

Y/n: And maybe a few drones to destroy.

Barret: Consider it done! Aight, everyone—Cloud and Y/n are in. The mission is on!

Jessie: Go and raise some hell for me, okay?

Y/n: Of course!

Barret: Listen, Wedge—I need you to hang back and guard the home front.

Wedge: But I'm in perfect health!

Barret: Which makes you the perfect choice to look after Jessie and Marlene.

Wedge nods.

Barret: Let's get this show on the road... to Mako Reactor 5! Once you've got your gear in order, head to the station for the meet. Got it? This'll help you get squared away. Don't tell me I never did nothing for ya. I'm counting on you, SOLDIER boys...

Y/n leaves Seventh Heaven with Tifa.

Tifa: Alright, let's get going.

Y/n: How about you take some deep breaths, then maybe I'll consider it.

Tifa: Huh?

Y/n: We just went through that whole ordeal, I can tell you're nervous.

Tifa: That obvious, huh? (Tifa takes a couple deep breaths) Okay. I'm ready now.

Y/n: We just gotta wait for Cloud.

Tifa: You know, now that I think about it, that black wing lets you use more power, right?

Y/n:Yeah...

Tifa: Well...I know how you don't like using it but...

Y/n closed his eyes with a frown, he crossed his arms as well.

Y/n: If it comes down to it, I'll use it.

Tifa nods, saddened a bit.

Tifa: Right...hopefully it won't come down to that.

Soon the gang met at the train tracks. The tension was in the air.

Barret: Alright, people. Mission starts the moment we board that train. You sure you ready for this?

Tifa: Do you think Biggs is...on schedule?

Barret: All we can do is hope...

Cloud: Today really gotta be the day, huh?

Barret: Ain't no stopping this train we're on, son. A lotta people risked their lives to get it rolling... Already put the word out more's coming, too... "Shut them all down by today, or we shut another down for you." Ain't on us. Not us...

Officers walked out as everyone walked in.

Barret: Play it cool.