Guilt’s Cost: Part LXXXIV

Take Off

Reno had gathered his things and was making his way up to the airfield. He heard steps behind him and turned to see Jaras coming up behind him.

Reno stopped and stared at his friend. Jaras was wearing the assigned Turk suit and had his hair pulled tightly back. There was a book in his right hand, and a long sword hanging from his left hip. His small reading glasses were perched atop his head. "Jaras, you’re looking pretty hot."

Jaras rolled his cat like green eyes, seeing that his companion was too dressed in a Turk’s uniform, but he didn’t look well kept. Reno’s tie was crooked and his undershirt untucked. His coat and slacks were wrinkled despite the fact the suit had only been out of the closet for one hour. "Do you think that is what a Turk should look like?"

Reno scoffed and outstretched his arms. "What? I was a Turk, thank you very much. I’m the only one on this team who has any experience at this."

Jaras cocked and eyebrow and started walking again. He both liked and was annoyed by Reno at the same time. "They are waiting."

Reno let his hands fall back to his sides, realizing that Jaras wasn’t as razzed about this as he was. He trotted a few paces to catch back up with Jaras. "That the same sword?"

"Yes. Tifa gave it to me." Jaras said, allowing his left hand to rest upon the hilt.

"Not many Turks out there with swords." Reno shoved his hands into his pockets.

"And not many with electric staffs either." Jaras observed. "Besides, they have never seen us before, and we aren’t really Turks."

Reno smiled to himself. "But if we’re lucky we’ll get to do some killin’ like we are. I miss that shit."

Jaras narrowed his eyes and glanced over at his friend. "You do not sincerely look forward to that prospect do you?"

"Look man," Reno sighed, "they got your daddy and Tifa in there. If I have to take out a few Shin Ra fucks to get them back, then that is something I will gladly do. And so will you."

Jaras could never remember being in even a small fight before and he was on some level scared. Then again, Reno’s words had struck a chord. He would do whatever it took to save Tifa even if it meant killing or dying. "Yes."

Reno smiled again, pleased that Jaras was opening up a little to him. "You ain’t a bad guy, you know that?"

"That’s not what I heard." Jaras suppressed his urge to break into a grin. His dry sense of humor reared its head.

"Yeah, well, not now anyway." Reno nudged him in the side.

Jaras gave in and smirked. The prospect of getting Tifa out of that lab was getting to him. "Are you ready for this?"

With the last few intensive days of training, Reno’s old combat skills had been reborn. He was feeling more confident in himself than he had for a long time. "You bet your sweet ass I am. Yourself?"

Jaras shrugged. "I know nothing of fighting, but I will do what I can. But promise me this; if something happens to me I don’t want anyone risking themselves for me. If I die on this mission then so be it."

"That’s a shitty attitude guy." Reno furrowed his brow. He didn’t like what he was hearing or the tone it was side in.

"I just don’t want to be the reason that this mission might fail. I am only going as a distraction, I know that. If this is how I may make up for my past deeds, then so be it. It is a risk I face willingly and knowingly." Jaras couldn’t bring himself to look at Reno.

Reno hung his head in thought as they came to the door to the airfield. "That isn’t going to happen. Not on my watch and not today. I screwed up on the last mission and I ain’t going to fuck up this one too."

Jaras was touched by Reno’s determination, but his mind was still made up. "Reno, promise me no one will do anything to risk getting hurt on my behalf."

Reno shook his head. "Sorry, guy. I can’t do that. I already promised myself that I wouldn’t leave anyone behind this time."

They stepped out onto the airfield finding Tseng waiting for them with his arms crossed. A look of worry marred his features. "Reno, Jaras."

"Hey boss." Reno said going to his side.

Jaras just nodded at the older man.

"Everything is ready." Tseng dropped his arms to his sides. "Morris and Ericson are on the chopper with Angel. I wish I could go with you, but even I know I’m not up to it yet."

Part of Reno was relieved that Tseng wasn’t going to be with him. He had seen the toll the last several missions had taken on the man even before the first attack. But he hid his concern. "That’s fine. I can handle this."

"I know you can." Tseng was aware of what Reno had been up to these last few days. He was proud of him for taking such a personal responsibility over this mission. It was very uncharacteristic for Reno. "You’d better get going. I’ll have my phone with me so call if there are any questions, all right?"

Reno nodded. "You got it."

Jaras offered his uncle a small smile. "I’ll keep an eye on him."

"Good, someone needs to." Tseng grinned in return. "Go on now."

Reno and Jaras gave Tseng one last good bye before trotting off to the waiting helicopter.