Highwind Goes Over the Rainbow

By Sailor Poison

This is a fanfic that has sony characters from final fantasy and used some ideas from the Wizard of Oz. The characters are represented by how I see them. I did try to limit the cussing. I have no claim to the characters in this. I just hope the reader enjoys. Setting is after the ff7 takes place.

Chapter 1

Nag nag nag. That is all he heard from people of Rocket Town. My house still needs repair because the rocket damaged it when it launched. A monster keeps eating my chickens. Then there was the same annoying things that weren't even worth having to be heard. Captain Cid Highwind was trying to help his friends with the refugees of Midgar as the city was now overtaken by jungle. The side effect of Holy and life stream converging on one spot. Plus, he had to oversee the repairs of the airship itself. He was stressed and tired as he had little chance to sleep. Cid was surviving off strong coffee and caffeinated tea. Not a moment to sit down and simply rest. It was starting to wear on him. Cid was not exactly fond of his backwater town these past days. Not fond of the constant requests and demands on himself. Finally, Cid had enough.

Cid snapped. Not the loony toon kind of snap. One can tell when Cid was angry. His face gets red and his eyes almost seem to glow a cold blue fire. He just got back, the airship was shuddering in a manner that suggestion another engine problem and some of the towns people were arguing over where to put some sort of City Hall building. That is when he got mad. That is when Cid just started to tell them off. He can't remember all his words. Just the ones that shocked them into silence.

"I f--cking quit! "

The stunned people stood there as Cid stormed to his pathetic little home. Shera was stunned as well, for he didn't sit down for his tea but went on into his bedroom.

Shera, "Sir, are you okay?"

Cid growls as he starts packing his bags.

Shera peeks into his room rather nervously as the Captain seemed very upset, "Where are you going?"

Cid takes some deep breaths before answering, "I don't give a flying f--k! I need to away before I kill someone. I need a vacation."

Shera was relieved to hear that was all. She has watched Cid over the past few days with concern that the man was pushing himself too hard. Even his chain smoking was excessive for Cid. Maybe he just needed to get away.

Cid, "If you need me, tough sh*t." As he grabs some extra things and proceeds to his plane.

By now, Shera went out to deal with the towns people asking if the Captain was really leaving them. While she dealt with them, Cid made his get away. For a moment, he has to admit to himself that Shera was one incredible woman.

Cid wanted to go to an out of the way place that no one will find him. Decided upon an island he used to visit for fishing trips. The pilot didn't spend all his time in Rocket Town before the heroes found him. He used to take short trips to places like this small island to briefly forget his problems.

The trip there was rough as the winds were kicking hard. He cursed his brash tendency to rush head first as he flew through the storm. The lightening flashes across the sky as one strike came dangerous close to his plane. He now wondered why he was flying into a storm. He could have gone around or a whole different place. Yet, here he was doing something stupid. Too stubborn to turn back now.

The Winds blew hard against his small plane, keeping control was hard. Wondering if he should try to land or get out of the storm, then suddenly that choice was taken care of. Bolt of weird blue lightning stuck his plane. Cid's world was blue light and noise. It was all chaos and then his world went dark.

Cid wakes up, his body hurting all over. Then he remembers the lighten hitting his plane. his eyes snap open to find himself on the edge of a town he never seen before in his life. The buildings didn't look big enough for normal people. Cid falls out of the cockpit to see his plane was crumpled but not as bad as he figured.

Cid slowly stood up and looked around him to see small cat like people approaching him cautiously. They all reminded him of Cait Sith. They were all looking at him and something under the plane. He turns to see some silver high heels on the legs of some woman.

Chapter 2

Cid, "Oh #@$%! I killed someone!!"

Cat creature, "You killed her!"

Cid in shock, "It was a f--king accident!"

Cat cheers, "He killed the witch!"

Cid stands, in further shock, as they all cheer for him.

Cid, "Ummm... okay.... "

Head Cat, "My name is Cait Sith I am mayor of the plushkin people. What is your name good sir?" He was very much the annoying Cait Sith of his world without the mog.

Cid, "Captain Cid Highwind."

The group start to chat, "Hail to Highwind, the wicked witch is dead!"

Cid, "Where the hell am I?"

Cait Sith, "You are in... " he gets distracted as an awe comes over the people.

Floating over to them was this ball of gently green light. From within forms a lovely young woman with brown hair tied in a loose brain and wearing a fancy pink dress.

Cid, "Aeris?!"

Woman, "Yes, I am Aeris, the good witch of the north. I must ask, are you a good wizard or a bad wizard?"

Cid scowls, "What the f--k do you mean? I'm a pilot! I don't go for that magic cr@p!"

Aeris just smiles, "Well, no matter. I have come to thank you for killing the dreaded Wicked Witch Scarlet. She has been terrorizing the Plushkin people."

Cid rubs his head, "#@$%! I must be in some funky coma or in hell to be seeing this."

Aeris giggles, "You are such a funny wizard!"

Cid, "I am not a f--king wizard you dumb airhead!"

Then came an explosion of foul smoke that brought tears to Cid's eyes. From the smoke came forth a short fat man with gray hair that pokes up on a comical fashion. He was wearing the ugliest Brown business suit and a brown wizard hat ontop his head. All the Cat people go into Hiding. Cait Sith hides behind Aeris.

Palmer waddles over to the feet sticking out from the plane wreckage, "Who killed my sister?! Was you? Or you?!" Last pointing at Cid.

Aeris, dryly, "Wicked Wizard Palmer. What a pleasant surprise."

Cid starts to laugh, "Palmer a wizard? Your pulling my leg right?"

Palmer, "When I get my hands on you!" Grabs Cid in the shirt with surprising speed for a fat butterball, his putrid breath making Cid gag.

Aeris, "Oh, you forgot about the Silver shoes."

Palmer, "Oh yes!" waddles over and tries to grab the shoes but they vanish, "Where did they go?"

Aeris points at Cid's feet as he now has silver boots on, "There they are! They look so good on you, Wizard Highwind."

Palmer snaps before Cid can rebut what she called him, "Give me back my shoes! Give them back or I'll.... "

Aeris interrupts him, "You have no power here, butterball. You better go away before someone drops a plane on your head or, maybe in your case, an outhouse."

Palmer looked up at the sky then scowled at Aeris pointing a chubby finger at her, "One of these days, you will get your upcoming, cupcake.. " The word cupcake distracts him second as he starts to drool over the thought of the tasty cake, then snaps back to business to point at Cid, "Trust me, I will get you soon."

With that, he was gone. Cid was too distracted by the new footwear to notice. Not that he was into fancy things anyway. He saw himself as a down to earth kind of guy. Fancy clothes were just not his style.

Aeris, "Scarlet was a powerful enemy but I fear Palmer isn't a walk through the park either. What are you going to do now?"

Cid, "I don't give a sh*t about Palmer. I just wanna get out of here and back home."

Aeris, "You can use your magic to wish yourself there." Gets a dirty look from Cid, "Or... you can ask the Wizard for help. I hear he is very wise and powerful."

Cid, "So.. how the *&^%# do I find him?"

Aeris points at the rainbow brick road, "Just follow this rood. All roads lead to the Golden City of Midgar. There you will find your answers."

Cait Sith pulls at Cid's left pants leg, "I can go along with you and help!"

Cid looks down and shrugs, "Why not.. I need someone to talk to." Lights up a cigarette, "Lets get going before things get any f--ked up."

Chapter 3

As they walked out of the small odd village, the cat people shouted their goodbyes and good lucks. Cait Sith sat on his shoulders as Cid walks along the rainbow brick road. The weather was good for walking. But soon they come across a four way intersection.

Cid felt a little baffled, "Which way do we go?"

Heard a Voice, "You can go left. Maybe right. Or straight."

Cid looks to his left to see this odd scarecrow. Odd because his hair was all spiky in upward wild fashion that defies gravity. This blond scarecrow was also obviously not doing a good job scaring the birds away as they are perched everywhere. The scarecrow looked remarkably like Cloud.

Cloud tries to get rid of the birds, "Get away! Shoo Shoo."

Cid, "... Umm.. are you trying to scare them or make them laugh to death?"

Cloud looks sad, "No.. I want to scare them away but I'm not smart enough."

Cid, "Hell, I'm sure it ain't that bad, kid."

Cloud shakes his head, "I have no brains. Only straw... The farmer wanted a son, so he created me. But he forgot to add in a brain. He called me a failure and left me here to scare away the birds."

Cait Sith thinks it over, "Heck, We are gonna see this mighty Wizard. Cid here wants to get back to his home. Maybe he can get you some brains?"

Cloud looks hopeful, "You think so? I would love to go! Umm.. but I need help down."

Cid, "Why not.. " And helps the scarecrow down.

Cloud, "Thank you so much!"

This they head on out down the road. Cid has been having to ration his cigarette because there were no stores and his lighter made the scarecrow jumpy. All that walking made him hungry. So they stopped by some trees. While Cid was picking some apples, he came across a man of metal. He looked very like a human. In fact, reminded him of Vincent in his Turk days, short hair and in a suit.

Cid, "Hey guys, look what I found!"

Cait Sith, "Ohhh a TinTurk!"

Turk makes muffles noise.

Cloud, "I think he is trying to speak!"

Cid pulls out an oil can, "No sh*t, Sherlock." As he starts to oil the parts of his jaw.

Turk monotone, "AHhhh.. thank you. I have been frozen in place for a very long time. My name is Vincent."

Cid, "What happened? What the hell are you?"

Vincent monotone, "I used to be personally guard for a company but one day I fell in love with a girl. Someone else wanted the girl's love, so I was involved on a shootout. A doctor had to replace all my body parts with metal. But the funds ran out and I never got a new heart. The girl went to love someone else and I was left alone."

Cid felt touched, "Aww.. sh*t... That is a sad story! Hey, I got this b*tching idea. You can come with us and ask the Wizard for a heart."

Vincent ponders this, "That would be acceptable.. Why are you going there?"

Cid, "I want to get the f--k home."

Cloud, "I want a brain."

Cait Sith, perched on Cid's shoulder, "I'm just along for the fun of it."

So, once again Cid heads out with a the TinTurk now with the group. The walk brought them deeper into the forest. They could hear the wild animals all around them.

Cait Sith was getting nervous, "What was that?"

A howl is heard.

Cloud was shaking, "Forgot that, what was that!"

Vincent, monotone was his normal speech, "Just wild animals... Some who like fresh meat."

Cait Sith Clings tighter to Cid and almost chokes him.

Cid, "Ease up, you little sh*t! Ya gonna choke me!" Cait Sith eases up, "They won't bother you, cause I'm a kick a$$ fighter and Vincent smack them with that metal hand of his!"

The suddenly a large lion like creature jumps from the bushes. He had one eye and looked mean as can be. He also looked remarkably like Nanaki. Cid was promptly distracted as Cait Sith sunk his claws into Cid's back. This was quite painful. The lion was running around them making such a loud fuss. Vincent stood there, watching the chaos with an almost amused look. Cid got mad and threw Cait Sith off him and then smacked the large cat upside the head.

Cid, "STOP all that f--king noise!"

The cat looked quite startled and started to break into tears. This made Cid feel guilty, thinking maybe he hit the thing too hard.

Cat whined, "Why did you have to go and do that?"

Cid, "You were scaring the Begeeezus out of my friend!"

Cat, "I wasn't gonna hurt him..."

Cid, "Damn... you such a pussy for a large cat!"

Cat started to cry harder, "I know!"

Cid sighs, "Calm down... I didn't hit you that hard!" Scratches the back of his neck as Cait sit climbs back on his shoulders, "What is wrong with you?"

Cat sniffles, "My name is Big Red. I used to be the king of this jungle. Then, one day the Wizard of the West came and stole my courage. Now everything scares me. I was just trying to get my courage back."

Cait Sith, "That is such a sad story."

Cloud, "Maybe the Good Wizard can help him too!"

Red, "Good Wizard?"

Cid, "We are gonna go over there to see this wizard. I wanna get home. Cloud here needs a brain. Vincent needs a heart. Hell, come with us, maybe you can get courage!"

Red smiles and purrs, "You are the nicest people ever!" But his happiness was cut short. For that is when they all hear the most annoying evil laughter ever.

Chapter 4

The heroes turn around to see The evil, fat Wizard Palmer. The man was just as disgusting as the last time Cid saw him except he was holding a broomstick. Red was hiding behind Cid now.

Palmer, "I come for my silver shoes!"

Cid, "Go bugger off you &^%$#@ whanker!"

Palmer, "I see you made friends!"

Vincent stand a bit infront of Cid, deadpans, "You have to get past me, if you want this man."

Red on shaky paws stands next to Vincent, "I might be a coward, but I also won't let you touch this man!"

Cloud, "I might be stupid but even I will do my best to keep you from him!"

Palmer, "Oh really!" Catches Cloud's arm on fire.

Cloud freaks as Vincent and Cid help put the fire out. The group glare at Palmer.

Cid, "That was low and dirty!"

Palmer, "That was a warning." And he disappears in some smoke.

Vincent, "Hmmm is seems you acquired an enemy."

Cid scoffs, "I ain't letting butterball stop me from going to that Wizard. I have to get home or my friends will worry! Hell, I even wanna see Shera again."

Cloud, "Oh.... Is she your wife?"

Cid just looks at Cloud, "Hell no."

Cait Sith, "Ooohhh I sense you love her!"

Cid, "You shut the f--k up!" Changes the subject quickly, "Besides.. daylight is wasting."

Once again they were on their way. Not before long, they left the woods and the Golden City of Midgar was in the distance. Between them was a vast field of wild flowers. Cid was briefly reminded of Shera as she loved Wild flowers. The road itself also stopped at the vast fields. Not that Cid cared if he stepped on a flower. Vincent got a slight angst look about crushing such beauty. Red was worried he might get stung by a bee. Regardless of that, they started to walk across the vast fields.

The flowers had a pleasant smell. Cid, at first, ignored it due to he was smoking his cigarette. After a while, the scent was starting to make him drowsy. Red was yawning as he followed the group and slowly lagging. Cait Sith was yawning also and, before Cid knew it, fell off his shoulder.

Cid stops and kneels, "Hey wake up, we are getting close to the city!" Cait Sith just snored.

Vincent, "Is he okay?"

Cid, "Just sleeping." Found himself too tired to keep his eyes open, "Sh*t, I feel so damn tired... " Falling over asleep.

Vincent now growing concern and spoke to Red, "This isn't good." But Red then fell over asleep. "I need to get help."

Cloud looked near panic, "What can we do? We can't carry all three of them."

They started to call out for anyone to come. Realized they are too far from the city to be heard. Vincent didn't want to leave them alone with only Cloud to protect them. This must be a spell by the evil wizard of the west.

Not all was lost, as Aeris was watching over them still. With a wave of her wand, she started to counter the spell and send some purifying snow over the fields. The snow fell over the heroes. Gentle white drifts that dusted all the flowers. Vincent stood looking into the air at the pure snow. Cloud also was staring into the sky, till he noticed his friend were waking up.

Cid wakes up and looks at the snow. Relief as they almost became victims of the evil Wizard. Cait Sith and Red also were waking up. Cloud Helps Cid up and then elbows the Turk.

Cloud, "They are awake!," but gets no response, "Vincent?"

Vincent has rusted stiff again, staring at the sky that was no longer snowing.

Cid laughs, "Better get out the oil again!"

After they oiled Vincent, the group walk towards the Golden city once again. The city itself looked as if it was made of pure gold. Cid wasn't sure how much was paint or real. Their spirits were high as they finally got past the gates of Midgar. People were busy all around them. Cid flags down a carriage being pulled by a chocobo.

Driver, "Where to, sirs?"

Cid, "Hey, we wanna see the wizard."

Driver, "You can't go to the Wizard all dirty!" Heroes realized they were quite dirty. "I'll take you to a place to clean up!"

They rode through the city some. Then Cid realized the Chocobo was a different Color. He watched it till it changed again.

Cid, "What the hell? That thing changed colors?!"

Driver, "Yes. All chocobo change colors in the Golden City of Midgar!"

Cid, "This trip gets funkier and funkier."

They came to a boutique that did everything. Cid was given a haircut and shave that even made him look sharp. His clothes were dry cleaned while he waited in a scented bath. Cloud got some fresh straw as his seems were mended. Vincent was polished till he looked like a new TinTurk. Red was bathed and pampered also. Given small bows for his mane. Cait Sith was given his own special bath and snack cakes till he was full. Then they final were able to go to the Wizard. The heroes stood before the massive gates.

Cid, "So... who pushes the doorbell?"

Chapter 5

After some debate, Cid is elected to push the doorbell. The doorbell seemed to sound as if it was echoing in a deep long hallway. A man poked his head out.

Man, "What do you want?"

Cid, "We come to see the Wizard of Midgar."

Man, "Just a moment." And he disappeared inside.

Cid, "We are almost there!"

Cloud, "I can't wait to have my brain!"

Vincent monotone, "I am eager to feel again with my new heart."

Red, "I look forward to being able to protect my woods against."

Cid, "Weird...only Cait Sith isn't getting anything from this."

Cait Sith, "Actually, I'm having fun watching you guys."

Then the man peeks his head out of the door, "Sorry but he can't see you."

Cid, "What?! I traveled on f--king foot all this way to be told I can't see the guy?!"

Man looks nervous, "Sorry but that is his decree."

Cid, "Hell no!" he proceeds to kick the door in and march down the hall.

His friends watch in shock and shortly follow as he walks down this huge daunting golden hall. One begins to wander about the size of this man as a giant could easily stroll around. Soon even Cid begins to feel the intimidating air of the place.

They come to a large room with some large throne before them. The sides of the rooms held curtains that seem to be made of a silky purple material. The floor itself was sooth white marble. Before they could say anything explosion of smoke appeared over the throne and a huge head floated over the throne.

Wizard in a booming voice, "Who dare disturb my sleep?!"

Cid swallows and steps forward, "I do. My name is Cid..."

Wizard, "Silence! Why do you come?"

Cid was a bit miffed by this, "I just want to get the f--k home!"

Wizard, "Tsk.... Vulgar vagabond. You TinTurk?"

Vincent, "........................... I wish for a heart, sir."

Wizard, "A cold creature like yourself should have one? Ha! And you, cat?"

Red cowered, "I...ummm...I...Umm want some courage."

Wizard, "No kidding. You come crawling to me to grant you such a stupid wish?! I have more important matters to deal with then this pathetic lot."

Red cowers whimpering behind Vincent who has deadpan face.

Cid snaps. "That was uncalled for! He just came to you for some *&%$# help!"

Wizard, "Silence!"

Cid, "Hell no! You shut up! I ain't leaving till you grant these guys their *&^&%$## wishes or you get a boot up ya a$$!"

Wizard, ".... I shall grant your wishes but on one condition. You must prove your worthiness but bringing me the broom stick of the Wizard Palmer."

Cid, "Come again?"

Wizard, "I shall grant your wishes when you come back."

That was the end of the interview. The heroes file out of the grand hall and back into the city itself. They were pondering if they were able to steal palmer's broom. That might be easier said then done. He was an evil wizard so he must have some abilities. But Cid felt they could do it. Thus, they set out to begin their new quest.

Meanwhile, Palmer has been watching them in his magic crystal. Watching the heroes comes towards his home he laughs.

Palmer, "They think they came challenge me? Hahahahahahaha"

Palmer then calls his special army to him. Six people with wings on their their backs. They have a remarkable likeness to Sephiroth, Zack, Tseng, Reno, Rude, and Elena.

Palmer points to the image of the heroes, "I want you to bring back the blond smoker. I don't care what happens to the others." Watches them fly out the castle window towards the woods. "Soon those silver shoes shall be mine!"

Chapter 6

Cid, "Sh*t are these woods are creeping me out!" he could feel Cait Sith trembling on his shoulder.

Cloud, "My goodness. But what lovely leaves."

Cid just looks at him and shakes his head.

Vincent, "..... WE need to keep alert."

Red was between Cid and Vincent, "Think.. there are monsters in these woods?"

Vincent, "Yes... if you include me." This inspired more shaking from the large feline.

Suddenly winged people came in from the sky. The heroes found themselves trying to duck attacks. Cid was promptly grabbed by the arms and lifted off the ground. Cait Sith clinging to his neck to keep from falling off. Cid found himself unable to fight back, least he get dropped from a good distance.

The remaining heroes found themselves barely fighting back. Vincent was okay as he had some decent fighting skills. Cloud found himself torn apart and his straw scattered. Red ran and hid under a fallen tree. After Cid was carried off, the attackers soon left.

Vincent, "Cloud? I am sorry I failed to protect the group."

Cloud nods, "Its okay. Just help put me back together. We have to go help Cid."

Red came whimpering out, "I'm sorry I ran off."

Vincent busy stuffing straw into Cloud, "Aerial attack left us all on the defensive."

Cloud, "What do we do now?"

Vincent pauses a moment before answering, "We continue onward."

Cid finds himself being dragged into the castle. He wasn't sure where but Cait Sith fell off just outside the castle itself. Cid hoped the little guy wasn't harmed. Sephiroth and Zack held him before Palmer. Cid felt rather ticked off this butterball had the nerve to laugh before him.

Cid, "Let me go!"

Palmer, "I will...as soon as you hand over those shoes."

Cid, "Why the #$%@*& do you want them?"

Palmer, "They are magical. But they are useless in the hands of someone like yourself. Give them over and I might even help you and your friends."

Cid, "If you want them, then come get them!" Tries to kick Palmer in the groin.

Palmer catches his foot and tries to yank the boot off, "Why won't it come off?! Argh! " Palmer storms around the room then stops, "I see! You have to die before they will leave you."

Cid not thrilled to hear that, "..... Oh great."

Palmer, "Throw him into the other room. I shall be back!"

Cid was thrown into the other room. The click on the other side suggests the door is locked. Cid checks and the door is indeed locked. He curses under his breath before looking around the room. There were books everywhere and a crystal ball. Cid was a man with some curiosity. Naturally he decided to go over and check out the crystal ball. Cid was wondering how the thing worked when he started to see images. He saw Rocket Town. Small scowl on his lips. But in his heart, it ached some. Was the town doing okay? Then he saw Shera crying by the PHS. Why was she crying? Next to her was an old photo of himself when he was in the air force.

Shera, "Where are you, Sir? Please don't be dead."

Cid, "Shera? Shera! I'm still alive! Please hear me!"

Shera looked around startled, "Captain? Where are you?"

Cid, "I'm in some f--ked up world! I'm okay! Please believe me!"

Shera, "What? Captain? I don't understand that!" The crystal gets fuzzy and picture disappears. Last thing hear was her voice crying out captain.

Cid bangs on it, "Shera!!"

Palmer appears in the crystal, "Captain! Captain! How sweet. Shame she will never see you again."

Cid, "That's it!" Throws the crystal out the window. The sound of shattering crystal was very pleasant to his ears.

Chapter 7

The heroes were wandering along till they ran across Cait Sith. Cait Sith sat on the shoulders of the Tall TinTurk as he gave them directions. This saved them much time. The castle itself was surrounded by a moat and jagged rocks. There was no way inside except for flying or through the drawbridge. The only time the drawbridge was open was when troops came in and out.

Vincent, "This looks grim."

Red, "How can we save our friend now?"

Cloud then felt an idea for the first time.

After some careful watching, they waited some guards to pass. Vincent and Cloud grabbed some of them into a bush. After some quick fighting, the heroes were now disguised as guards. Then they quickly ran up and joined the group walking into the castle. From there, they had the task of looking for Cid. This is where Red came in hand. He put his nose to the floor and started to track. His nose led them to a tower. From there, they found Cid's room.

Cloud, "Cid are you in there?"

Cid was never more pleased to hear his friends, "Yeah, get me out of here!"

Vincent nodded and started to ram the door. His sturdy metal body easy knocked the door off it's frame.

Cid, "About time! That sick butterball wants to kill me."

Red, "Lets get out of here!"

The heroes try to sneak out. They get to the bottom of the stair case when the Wizard Palmer appears. Behind him is a good deal of his army.

Palmer, "Get them!"

The heroes knew they were outnumbered and fled though the castle, down passages in hopes to find some other way out. The heroes ran as the winged warriors also joined the case but soon it ended. They found themselves with army on both sides.

Cid, "This don't look good."

Palmer pushed his way to the heroes, "You are trapped. Enjoy your short pathetic time before I kill you all."

About then, Cloud backed into a torch and set his arm on fire. He started to run around screaming his head off. Cid, without thinking, grabbed a bucket and tells for him to stand still. Then threw the water on the arm. The water did indeed put the fire out but a good deal of it hit Palmer.

Palmer looked in shock, "You hit me with water!" As his began to melt, "No! Not when I was so close... I can't melt now! No! Not fair!." As he melted into a gooey, smelly puddle.

The army and winged soldiers just stared in shock. The Evil wizard was dead and not coming back. They all looked at each other and then at the heroes.

Cid, "Whoops..."

Sephiroth cheered, "Hail to the heroes! We are free!"

Zack, "Wooohoooo! Now we can stop living our lives as slaves!"

Tseng, "Anything we can do for you?"

Cid looks at the others and smiles, "Hey, I just want the fat bastard's broom."

Chapter 8

The heroes stood before the wizard once again. This time they had the broom with them. All of them without the fear they had when they first got there.

Wizard, "Why are you here?"

Cid lays the broom before the throne, "WE got your damn broom. Now we want our wishes!"

Wizard takes a moment before asking, "Are you sure that is his broom?"

Cid, ".... Yes, we turned the butterball into a puddle of goo!"

Wizard, "Hmmmm... well you have impressed me. No one has ever defeated the evil wizard before."

Cid, "Yack yack yack...when do we get our wishes?"

Wizard, "Come back tomorrow!" This leaves the group stunned.

Cid just blinks, "What? We did your damn task! WE deserve service!"

Cait Sith climbed down and was nosing around the curtains to the left.

Wizard, "How dare you question me! I am the all powerful wizard of Midgar." Then sound of rustling, "Hey stop that!"

Cid walks over and throws back the curtain to see a skinny man with black hair and mustache who looked remarkable like Hojo.

Cloud, "... huh?"

Vincent, "It appears that we have been deceived."

Hojo, "Oh darn.. you discovered my secret."

Cid, "Okay... What the hell is going on?!"

Hojo sat them all down for a nice cup of tea and told them his story. He was indeed from Cid's world. He was working on a project that dealt with teleporters. Instead of taking him from one city to another, it brought him to this parallel world. People thought he was some wizard. Hojo accepted this and found that living the life of a good wizard wasn't all that bad.

Hojo, "Most of the time, people just need a nudge in the right direction and solve their own problems. I didn't have real magic so I used some special effects to make myself believable."

Cid, "That is all nice but that doesn't solve our problem."

Hojo, "But your friends don't need to have wishes. They already have what they want. Still... I shall give them each something." Hojo shows them a chest of artifacts.

Hojo, "Vincent. A heart is just an organ that pumps blood. Feelings belong to the soul. You just buried your feelings deep inside." hands Vincent a sapphire pendant heart. "I have known people of flesh who have no soul. Take this to remind you that anyone can have a good heart."

Vincent nods and smiles, "I shall cherish it."

Hojo turns to Cloud, "You have a brain, lad. You just lack an education!" Hands him some books on tape, "Listen to these tapes and you will be fine. Get enrolled in a school!"

Cloud sniffles, "Now I can be smart!"

Hojo turns to Red, "Bravery is not the lack of fear but facing it. You did so when you went into the castle for your friend." hands Red a trophy, "Keep this as a reminder that true bravery is doing what is right."

Red nods and sniffles the trophy, "I feel braver already!"

Cid lights up a smoke, "Not gonna be anything tickets home for me, huh?"

Hojo looks down a moment, "I might have a way home."

Hojo brings out a huge portal device. It was little taller then Vincent and was obviously made while Hojo was living here.

Hojo, "I made this before I decided that living here was a good thing. I just hope that it might work."

They start the portal up. The thing shakes and starts to form a glowing vortex in the center. Then suddenly a T-Rex thrusts it's head through. Hojo tries to turn it off but it refuses to turn off. Both Cid and Vincent and forced to battle the thing. After a few good hits, the T-Rex withdraws but the portal blows up. No one was hurt.

Cid, "Awww cr@p! That was my last chance!"

Aeris is heard saying, "Not quite." She appears next to him, "You had the power all this time right on your feet."

Cid just stares at her before he snaps, "What f--k?! I went through hell and back and I could have gone home anytime?!"

Aeris, "You needed the desire to go home. Plus, I thought the trip would be good for you!" And smiles.

Cid almost smacks her but forced himself to count to ten and then asks, "How do I get home?"

Aeris, "Just click your heel together and say repeativly 'there is no place like home'. Then the magic will work."

Cid turns to his friends, "This is my departure."

Cloud sadly, "Can't you stay?"

Cait Sith, "Yeah... I just got used to you being around."

Cid, "I have family at home who need me."

Vincent wipes a tear from his cheek as he tries to act all deadpan, "..... I shall also miss you."

Cid smiles, "You guys take care. Hell, someday I might come back."

With that he clicked his heels and started to repeat the words. Soon found himself flying. He could see whole weird world go past him. Swore the boots fell from his feet, but the spell made him so dizzy he couldn't be sure when or where. Then things went black.

Cid woke up on a beach next to a fire. Next to him was Cloud and Vincent. Cloud's face was open relief. Vincent who looked nonchalant, had relief in his red glowing eyes.

Cid, "Yo... " Wonders which world he is in.

Cloud, "Hey, you feeling okay?"

Cid, "Yeah... how long was I gone?"

Cloud, "After your plane crashed and you disappeared, we found you out cold on this beach. You were asleep for three days."

Cid, "Asleep? But I was in this f--ked up parallel world and there were people who looked like you guys! And Palmer tried to kill me. Then we found Hojo who apparently went legit!" Then stops there as they looked at him like he might be crazy, "Then again, it probably was one hell of a dream."

They help Cid onto one of the golden Chocobos and head back to Rocket Town. Cid was wondering, was it a dream? If so, that was one hell of a trip." Then Cid went to get his lighter and found some items in his pocket. A ribbon that Red was given and a card for the Golden City Boutique.

Cid, "Gawd damn.... "

The End

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