News, even in Midgar, traveled with surprising speed, especially when it involved high-value Shinra assets.
Within minutes, reports began to filter in, first as whispers, then as frantic shouts over Shinra's internal comms.
"Unidentified high-speed vehicles detected approaching Cargo Train 7!"
"They are moving too fast! Looks like an Avalanche prototype!"
"Full military response authorized! Mobilize all available forces! Do not let them reach the cargo!"
Arthur, his eyes still closed, could feel the rising panic within Shinra's network, a chaotic symphony of alarm and frustration.
He guided the conjurations, making it perform impossible maneuvers, appearing and disappearing, forcing Shinra's fastest bikes and most heavily armored vehicles into a desperate, fruitless chase.
The conjuration danced around their attempts, a taunting ghost of a target, leading them further and further away from Midgar's gates.
"They're committing everything,"
Cloudia announced, her eyes glued to the data streaming across her device.
"Elite combat bikes, even a few gunships are being redirected. Their attention is completely focused on the conjurations."
"Now's our chance,"
Tifa declared.
"Everyone, move out. Stay low, stay quiet. We stick to the alleys and the less-patrolled routes. No heroics. Just escape."
Arthur opened his eyes, the fatigue heavy in his limbs, but a fierce pride swelling in his chest.
He had done it. He had created the diversion. Now, it was up to them to seize the opportunity.
"Good luck, everyone,"
Jessie said, a sad smile on her face.
"We'll hold down the fort here. Make it to Wutai. Make them pay."
Biggs nodded grimly.
"Be safe. All of you."
Wedge, ever earnest, gave them a thumbs-up.
"We'll see you again!"
With a shared nod, Barret with Marlene on his arm, Cloudia, Aerith, Yuffie, Tifa, and Arthur slipped out of the small house, disappearing into the pre-dawn shadows of Midgar.
The sounds of distant sirens and the faint roar of engines filled the air, a testament to the success of Arthur's conjurations.
They were leaving Midgar, not with a bang, but with a whisper, carried on the wings of a ghost.
The journey on foot was grueling.
They moved through narrow back alleys, climbed over debris-strewn walls, and navigated the labyrinthine slums, all while keeping a constant lookout for Shinra patrols that might have slipped through the cracks of the diversion.
Tifa, with her unparalleled knowledge of Midgar's underbelly, led the way, a silent, determined guide.
Arthur, despite his exhaustion, kept the conjurations going, feeding it energy, making it perform increasingly audacious stunts to keep Shinra's forces distracted.
He felt the drain, a cold emptiness spreading through him, but he pushed through it, knowing that every moment the conjuration stayed active was another moment of freedom for his friends.
As the sun rose higher, casting long shadows across the plate above, they finally reached the outskirts of the city.
The air here was cleaner, less polluted, and the vast, open expanse of the wasteland stretched before them. They were out.
Arthur felt the conjurations flicker, its energy reserves almost completely depleted.
He gave it one last command, a final burst of speed, sending it streaking into the distance, leading its pursuers further and further away.
Then, with a soft sigh of release, he let go. The conjurations shimmered one last time, dissolving into motes of pure Lifestream energy, leaving Shinra to wonder what exactly they had been chasing.
He collapsed, his legs giving out beneath him. Aerith was there in an instant, cushioning his fall, her gentle hand on his forehead.
"You did it, Arthur,"
She whispered, her voice filled with pride.
"You saved us again."
Tifa knelt beside him, her expression softened by relief.
"We're clear. You bought us the time we needed."
Yuffie, though tired, still had a spark in her eyes.
"That was the coolest thing ever! You're like, a super-powered ghost maker! We should get you a cape!"
Barret laughed happily thinking that Arthur messed with Shinra big time again.
"Those planet sucker go suck themselves haha"
Arthur managed a weak smile. He was utterly spent, every fiber of his being screaming for rest.
But as he looked at the clear sky above, at the open road stretching towards the horizon, he knew it was worth it.
He had shown them his power, not as a weapon of destruction, but as a tool for hope.
And in this desolate world, hope was the most powerful magic of all.
Their journey to Wutai had just begun, but they had taken the first, crucial step.
And Arthur, the reluctant hero from another world, had just made sure they had a fighting chance.
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Craze: Should he take someone from Fairytail as his lovers?
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Little Spoiler: Arthur had shown his power. And now he is meeting with the Guild Masters.
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