The Day Midgar Stood Still

The grappling guns took some getting used to, but were remarkably effective. Barret sprung up on the wall, slamming down a steel girder balanced precariously.

"Two goals! Goal one! Kick some Shinra ass and save the planet! Goal two! Save the girl—while kicking more Shinra ass—and get out!" the barbarian bellowed, hitting his chest with his fist. Cloud avoiding rolling his eyes.

"Copy," Cloud said, carefully climbing up a crumbling stairwell, and then using the grapple to get to the next piece of debris. Everything now was dilapidated, on the brink of falling apart further. But with the help of the grapple, they managed to pick their way up to a vantage point with a view of the ruins.

"It's ... horrible," Tifa said, burying her head into Barret's chest.

"Remember this view," Barret said solemnly. "Never forget it. But I promise you this. We'll build you another bar one day ... better than ever."

"Promise?" Tifa asked, her eyes wet. Barret nodded. Cloud did roll his eyes this time.

"We've still got hours of climbing to do. We need to get to the tower by nightfall."