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[Character Name] Cid Highwind
[Canon] Final Fantasy VII
[Point Taken from Canon] After Advent Children but before Dirge of Cerberus
[Age] 32 33
[Gender] Male
[Sexual Orientation] space plane flying Het.
[Eye Color] Blue
[Hair Color] Dirty blond
[Height] 178 (5'10")
[Other] None
[Clothing] Traditional mechanic work clothes :| Blue shirt, baggy pants, and the signature goggles on his head. He has a red jacket tied to his waist, but he'll be probably wearing it now that it's cold >_>;
[Background]
Uh, Cid's background, like the rest of the FF7 crew spans most of the Compilation. So while some of his background is also shown in Before Crisis and he's taken after Advent Children, the bulk of his history is from the game. And just so this doesn't turn into one giant walkthrough, I'm sticking mainly to what's important to Cid rather than talk about every single thing happens in the game. It'll start when the group first meets him and I'll point out important plot points, but that's it.
The only thing you really learn about Cid in Before Crisis -- set 6 years prior to the game -- is his already known past about being part of the Space Exploration and how his launch was canceled. However, what's new is the influence of AVALANCHE. They not only steal an oxygen tank from the rocket, but when Cid tells Rufus they should go ahead and launch and he consents, the group actually kidnaps him. He's later rescued, and on a subsequent launch, the whole debacle with Shera takes place.
Cid Highwind was originally set to be the first man into outer space on the Shinra No. 26 rocket. Part of a Shinra Space Exploration program, it got canned when the launch was canceled and the company discovered the profitability in Mako energy before it could launch again. Shera, one of Cid's assistants, was still in the engine room when the rocket was about to launch. She believed there were still problems with the oxygen tanks and wanted the mission to be a success, so despite the risks she continued to work during the countdown. Not wanting to kill her, at the very last second Cid hit the emergency shut down switch, aborting the launch. From then on, Cid has resented Shera and continues to work on the rocket. It had been his dream to be in space and he still hangs on that hope, hoping that the program would be restarted. The rocket later becomes a kind of tourist attraction and Rocket Town is formed.
The rocket is where Cloud and the gang first meet Cid. They needed his airplane, the Tiny Bronco, to cross the ocean to follow Sephiroth. Of course Cid tells them no way in hell. Cid is waiting for Rufus, hoping that it would be about the revival of the Space Exploration program. Unfortunately, what Rufus wanted was the very same plane Cloud and the others were after: the Tiny Bronco. While Cid was yelling swearing at Rufus and listening to what the Shinra President planned, Cloud and the others were out back fighting Palmer and taking the plane. In the process of flying away, they manage to nab Cid before its tail gets shot. It crashes out into the ocean and after some brief discussion, Cid decides to join them. There wasn't anything else for him to do and those "numbskulls" were going up against Shinra so what the hell. He tells them Rufus was talking about the Temple of Ancients, and that's where they probably needed to go.
A lot of plot-related things happen: a visit to the Temple of Ancients; learning what black materia is; Sephiroth's plan to summon Meteor to destroy the planet and become a god; Cait Sith's sacrifice to create the black materia; Aeris' death; the awakening of the WEAPONS; separation from Cloud at the North Crater.
But Cid's next major role is when the group returns to Shinra where Tifa and Barret are set for execution. The two had been captured back at the North Crater, and for a week the others had worked to try and set them free. Cait Sith and Yuffie sneak in to help them escape while Cid had recommandeered his airship -- the Highwind. The original airship crew basically had a minor mutiny against the Shinra leaders and stole the airship to help Cid. They all manage to board and escape from Shinra, and from there they use the airship to try and find Cloud.
They are able to locate him in the town of Mideel, but they learn that Cloud had contracted a large amount of Mako poisoning, putting him into a coma. While Tifa stayed with him, the rest of the team goes to try and find a way to find Meteor. Cait Sith informs them that Shinra is up to something and allows them to eavesdrop on the meeting. They learn that Shinra is collecting Huge Materia for their new Super Weapon against the Meteor. While this was happening, Cid had actually been sleeping, so he wakes up to Barret naming him leader.
His response?
"Pain in the ass. Forget it."
But after some pep talk from Barret -- mainly talk of how the Highwind was needed to save the planet -- Cid accepts with renewed and moved spirit. They then head off to the Corel Reactor. They arrive just in time to watch Shinra take the Huge Materia on the back of a train. They hijack another one and chase after them. Fortunately for the group, Cid can drive anything -- or at least quickly figure out how. They manage to take over the train, stop it from crashing into Corel town, and acquire the Huge Materia. From there they head to Fort Condor and battle against the troops that are there. They manage to get the second Huge Materia and head back to Mideel to check on Cloud.
His condition is the same, but things were about to get worse. The Ultimate WEAPON attacks Mideel and the group tries to fend it off. After the battle, the lifestream bursts through the town, and both Tifa and Cloud fall into it. The two eventually manage to escape with Cloud recovered from his previous condition, and the group reunites to continue to find the Huge Materia.
Their next stop is the underwater reactor in Junon. After some fighting and stealing a submarine (that Cid has to try and figure out how to work again), they chase after the submarine that contains the Huge Materia. They wind up docking at Junon airport where they watch the materia being flown away. Their next destination is Rocket Town.
They discover that Shinra is messing with the rocket. When Cid hears this, he cusses up a storm and tells Cloud, "I'm gonna kick those $^%$# Shinra right out of my rocket!" When he gets up there and learns they are going to send the Huge Materia on the rocket and send it to blow up the Meteor, he changes his attitude a little. When told the auto-pilot device is not working properly and that Shera was working on it, he automatically assumes the position as pilot. At Cloud's protests, Cid tells him that he knows and understands that the Huge Materia is important, but in the end he's banking on science and technology over magic and won't listen to Cloud anymore. Just as he tells everyone to get back to work, the rocket engines are turned on.
Shera had actually managed to fix the device and Palmer went ahead and launched the rocket while Cid and the others were still in the cockpit. Even worse, they were on a locked collision course into the meteor. But for the moment, that's all forgotten by Cid. He's finally realized his dream to be in space.
When everyone else believes they are doomed, Cid just looks at them like they're stupid. After telling them they were still too young to give up, he informs them there is an escape pod they can use. He also adds that if they wanted the Huge Materia, they could take it with them. He admitted that all he really wanted to do was be in space and that they could do what they believe is right. After getting the materia (with some help from Cid with the passcode), they run down to the escape pod.
But as they go through the room with the oxygen tanks, one of them blows up and Cid's leg is stuck in the debris. He realizes it's No. 8, the one that Shera had been working on the first launch. Seeing his mistake back then and that her fears had been grounded, he admits she is right and is on the verge of tears. It doesn't look like they can make it out, but at that moment Shera appears. She had heard the explosion and had tagged along to help, to which Cid cusses her out. But once he's freed, he apologizes and they reach the escape pod, making their escape. Shera tells them that she had been working on it and had been in that room when the explosion went off. When Cid hears that, he tells her that he's relieved then that she was working on it, meaning he knows it will be safe. From the pod, he can really see space and bid farewell to Shinra No. 26.
In the end, the rocket is ineffective against Meteor. Though it had hit its mark, it isn't enough to destroy it. Back on the Highwind, everyone is depressed, but Cid steps up to give them a pep talk. He tells them how he realized how small they were and how the planet was like a sick child with Sephiroth as the disease. He also tells them that they were the ones who could cure it and that they had to do something. But when asked what they should do, he admits he was still thinking about that. They then hear the planet's scream and are reminded of Bugenhagen in Cosmos Canyon. They decide to visit him to see what they can learn.
More plot/running around but the most important is this: they return to the Ancient City and learn Aeris had prayed/summoned Holy, but Sephiroth is preventing it from moving so they must eliminate him if they want to save the planet.
So after more confrontations and traveling around, they eventually reach the North Crater where they will fight various forms of Jenova and Sephiroth. Of course the final, final battle is between Cloud and Sephiroth in the lifestream. Cid's main part for the end of the game is being able to save all of their butts via escape with the Highwind.
Holy is able to destroy Meteor and everyone is able to go back to their lives. Or mostly. The aftermath brought the shut down of the mako reactors and a side-effect no one ever saw coming: a disease called geostigma. When the Lifestream flowed through the planet to push back Meteor, it had already been tainted with Jenova cells. Anyone who came into contact with it contracted the disease.
Cid returns to Rocket Town and together with Shera works on building a new airship, as well as building an oil drilling rig to provide an alternate source of fuel. In On the Way to a Smile: Case of Barret -- set between the end of the game and before Advent Children, Barret comes by his place seeking his help on his journey of trying to atone for his sins. By this time Cid is already working on his new airship, the Shera. The topic of using his airship to help bring a cure to those infected with the stigma comes up. While Cid isn't against the idea, there's a problem: lack of fuel. Their whole mess started when mako was overpumped, and with Shinra no longer maintaining the reactors, no one can use it anyway. Cid's thought it all through and had even asked Red XIII about the lifestream. He learned that the lifestream had actually changed its flow, and even if they were to try and build a new reactor, all the time and materials needed, as well as how the hell it would get there, caused a lot of problems that just pretty made it impossible.
This is where Cid tells Barret about oil, and with a satisfied grin. He and his team had already started restoring an oil rig near Rocket Town as well as refining the engines so it could handle the new fuel. And they apparently started right after the Meteor event. They were bringing the old technology back until something new came long.
When they visit the oil rig that Shera is working on, two things happen: the rig is turned off which sends Cid on a minor stream of cursing and Barret notices that she has the mark of the stigma on her hand. The oil had dropped when they started pumping, forcing them to shut down, and Shera's stigma only increased the somber, depressing mood. Cid tells her to not push herself. It's pretty obvious that Cid is worried, but because of his nature he doesn't actually say anything direct about it. He worries about her and he tries to say something, but ends up failing. The thought of the oil rig failing also still weighed heavily on his mind. Barret fortunately steps in and tells Shera that Cid wants her to help out with the engine, and also gave them both words of encouragement; that there was still a lot for them to do, even after they finished working on the engine.
Afterward, Cid asks Barret if he could learn anything about oil fields, to which Barret just tells him to leave it to him and leaves. Since then, Cid and Shera continue to work on the engine and it could be assumed that eventually, they not only successfully fixed the engine but also found at least enough fuel for the airship to run on.
In terms of the events that happen in Advent Children -- set two years after the game -- Cid appears on the now completed and fully operational Shera to help Cloud and the others fight Bahamut SIN. He also pilots it later to try and reach Cloud when he's chasing after Kadaj, helping a bit by kicking some dust during a fight. When Barret is telling to land the thing he just cusses at him and tells him to go ahead and jump off. Vincent then tells the group to let Cloud fight alone, and when Yuffie complains about not understanding, Cid just tells her it's "a man thing." They all later reunite after the battle back at Aeris' church where everyone is cured of the geostigma.
In between the end of AC and before Dirge of Cerberus, he actually marries Shera, but I'm going to take him before that. So as of now, he and Shera are in a relationship and still working together, but not married.
[Personality]
Cid is a gruff, foul-mouthed, no-nonsense, straightforward kind of guy. He will tell you everything like he sees it and he prefers that "direct" kind of relationship with anyone. Full of energy (though has a tendency to nap or fall asleep early), Cid can take it up with anyone who gets in his way and keeps a strong attitude toward anything. He also has a rather determined mindset, particularly when it's toward his own goals and dreams. He will make sure the job is done and will use any means necessary. He can also be a big dreamer, especially if it has anything to do with flying -- both in the air and in space. He can hold onto those dreams and won't give them up easily. Once he sets his eyes on something, there's not much that can stop him. Sidetrack him for a bit, maybe, but not stop him -- even if it's taken away from him.
Science and technology are what he puts his faith in, so to speak. If it hadn't been for science, he would never have been able to even come close to his dreams. While he doesn't abhor magic, he has no real strong ties to it and would prefer to do anything the old fashioned way: with tears, sweat, and blood. Put in some actual work into a project. Also because of his life as a mechanic and working in the Space Exploration Program, he's actually rather smart. He just doesn't always show it in the intellectual sort of way, and his crude manners and disposition will suggest otherwise. He may not be an English Lit major, but when it comes to engineering, physics, and math, he's way up there. He also doesn't really believe in God or any kind of religion. Despite witnessing great supernatural forces at work, he doesn't rely on them to do his own work. Faith might be something good to have for some kind of encouragement, but for Cid, the only way things get done is by actually doing something than just praying for it. Unless the praying involves summoning the planet itself, then he might make some exception. He'd still work on an a more scientific alternative, though.
With a lot of experience under his belt, Cid can actually take the leader role rather well. In the party, he's actually third in line, with Tifa second and Cloud the obvious first. He just doesn't always take it on his own. Usually other people have to shove it into his lap, but only because he won't initially accept it. With the right motivation, or seeing that nothing is going to get done without him, he'll take it and lead. He'll make whatever decisions that need to be made and if someone is screwing up, he'll be the first to get on their ass and help fix it. He likes taking the most direct path if possible, even if it means a lot of risk. However, he's kind of the "all or nothing" type of guy and if he has a goal, he will do whatever he can to achieve it. He does know when to back off, but sometimes his determination can blind him especially if it involves his own personal dreams and anything involving space. Since the incident with Shera, he's matured a little more about this, but it's still something he's learning.
While he does give off the "grumpy swearing old man" vibe, he's actually not always that mean. He has a big heart and is willing to help others. Like with the Shera incident, he sacrificed his own dream so he wouldn't have her blood on his hands. That still didn't stop him from getting super pissed off afterward, but that's beside the point. He just doesn't actually show that nice, fuzzy side of him. In fact he compliments through insults, though most of the time those who are close to him can tell what he means. Cid just gets a bit awkward during those times. He'll worry about those he cares about, but he'll kind of fail at expressing it. He also has issues reading others' emotions, and since he already doesn't talk "nice" and is pretty blunt, he could make a situation worse rather than better. Cid doesn't cut back on anything. He needs to work on that. But he'd rather tell the person like it is than try to butter them up. He can also be easily moved if the speech is done right.
He's a direct, forward thinker, meaning he doesn't really put up with anyone trying to backpedal to beat around the bush. He wants it outright and straight because any other way is just wasting time. In a way it's sort of like positive thinking, but with less optimism and more "Get your ass in gear and do it!" He gets pissed whenever he sees someone "wallowing in despair" or giving up too easily when he believes they can still do something. He willingly gives them his opinion and basically tells them, "Shut up and quit mopin', you're too young for that shit!" Basically he's not one to give up unless there is 0% chance of succeeding. He might think the whole thing is crazy and stupid, but it's better than just sitting on your ass and twiddling your thumbs. He can give nicer "pep" talks and heartwarming speeches. It might be crude at times, but there's a soft edge around his insults and his meaning is clearly understood.
On the flip side, when he gets mad, he gets pissed. He'll start swearing up a storm and blaming others. Fortunately he's more of the verbal abuser rather than physical, but it still probably doesn't help anyone's self-esteem if they don't know Cid well enough. Also, while he knows he can be wrong and can take blame, he does have a tendency to vent on others who may not even deserve it. This is particularly so whenever he has any emotional conflicts, such as Shera and back when the rocket launched (he repeatedly told Cloud to "Shut the hell up!" whenever Cloud tried to protest against his actions). But when he does realize his faults, he is genuinely sorry and makes up for it.
On that note, he doesn't do well when working under great stress or having to choose between two important things right on the spot. But almost every time he will do what he believes is right and will make the decision. He knows he has to choose one and if he can't find a way to get both, he'll make a decision. It maybe at the very last second, but he'll make it. If there is a big problem, he'll find a way to work around it and get a solution one way or another. As mentioned before, he doesn't like giving up. He may have brief spells of "Dammit, I failed" but he'll continue to think through the problem and try again.
And last but not least, while he may have a foul mouth, he actually has some manners. Or at least some sense hospitality. Sort of. He knows that when there are visitors, one must serve them tea. However, he expects the others to know what they should be doing and if they aren't, he tells them right up front. This isn't saying he's a gentleman or polite. Oh no. He knows some common sense rules, like wiping your feet before coming in and washing hands before eating. Things like that. And he will be sure to tell everyone else to do the same, whether they knew it or not.
[Specialties/Abilities]
Cid is a pretty damned good mechanic and rather well-versed with anything involving technology. Even if he doesn't actually know how to work something, so long as he knows the basics or general concept of how a machine works he can figure it out. It might take a couple rounds of trial and error, but he eventually gets the hang of it. Of course his main specialty is flying. Just set him behind the wheel or control panel in the cockpit and he'll be one happy pilot.
In terms of fighting ability, Cid is more of a physical fighter than a magic user. Since he prefers science and technology over magic, it makes sense that he wouldn't have that much affinity toward it. However, because of his travels with Cloud and the gang, he does know how to use some and is at least acquainted with it, but he can't use any unless he has materia -- which he won't, hurr. His main weapon instead is anything that falls into the Lance/Spear category. Upper body strength, yeah! If it's a really long stick that's taller than he is, he can use it well. He also won't do a halfass job about it. He will continue to pummel the target until it's good and dead.
As with all the other main characters, he also has more physical prowess than what could be conceived normal, but he's still pretty average. If you were to put him into one of the traditional Final Fantasy job classes, he'd fall under the Dragoon, so he is rather adept at jumping and throwing down his spear for mega damage.
He also has a Limit Break mode where he can utilize super powerful attacks to cause massive damage to multiple enemies. He goes into Limit Break when enough spiritual energy has been amassed (so fighting for a certain period of time) and is released to increase his power.
Though this is touched upon in his Personality section, Cid can be a good leader when he's put into the position. Somewhat like the father figure of the group sorry Barret, you're more like the Uncle, he can make any necessary decisions and push the group forward through insults and harsh words of "encouragement" if they're slacking off.
[Affection] Manly shoulder pats work, but don't get too touchy feely :|a; He doesn't handle that well.
[Fighting] BRING IT. Well not really. He won't back down, but he's not going to provoke anyone unless the person is being stupid or he was provoked >_>; TOUCH HIS PROJECTS AND DIE.
[Other Permissions] Do whatever bbs :|b
[Other Facts]
His birthday is February 22.
Cid had designed both the Tiny Bronco and the Highwind before any of the Compilation. The Shera came after the game and he continues to design different airplanes. He is also a rather bad chainsmoker, yet seems to not have lung cancer yet and is otherwise rather healthy.
Cid is most well-known for his swearing, particularly when in the original game his words are actually censored the good old fashioned way: symbols. While in actual face-to-face dialogue all the words will be heard, I think it would be pretty hysterical awesome the best thing ever interesting if through the Dreamberry, he actually gets audibly AND textually censored.
What I mean is, if he's cussing someone up and down over the Dreamberry, what the other person will hear is a series of bleeps and the tag will just have the symbols, like this: @#%$! The same symbols will appear if he's texting something or if his words are ever put into text. He might be actually writing the phrase, like "fuck you" but it comes out "@#%$ you" instead.
It could be the Dreamberry automatically censoring him through an irreparable glitch :D But like I said before, if it's face-to-face action threads, they'll hear his words loud and clear.
He will also be building an airship. Some way, somehow, and he won't believe in using magic, a.k.a. the credits, to get one he will design and build a @#&$*^& airship. And hijack the cars. And work on them. ...Yeap.
[Canon] Final Fantasy VII
[Point Taken from Canon] After Advent Children but before Dirge of Cerberus
[Age] 32 33
[Gender] Male
[Sexual Orientation] space plane flying Het.
[Eye Color] Blue
[Hair Color] Dirty blond
[Height] 178 (5'10")
[Other] None
[Clothing] Traditional mechanic work clothes :| Blue shirt, baggy pants, and the signature goggles on his head. He has a red jacket tied to his waist, but he'll be probably wearing it now that it's cold >_>;
[Background]
Uh, Cid's background, like the rest of the FF7 crew spans most of the Compilation. So while some of his background is also shown in Before Crisis and he's taken after Advent Children, the bulk of his history is from the game. And just so this doesn't turn into one giant walkthrough, I'm sticking mainly to what's important to Cid rather than talk about every single thing happens in the game. It'll start when the group first meets him and I'll point out important plot points, but that's it.
The only thing you really learn about Cid in Before Crisis -- set 6 years prior to the game -- is his already known past about being part of the Space Exploration and how his launch was canceled. However, what's new is the influence of AVALANCHE. They not only steal an oxygen tank from the rocket, but when Cid tells Rufus they should go ahead and launch and he consents, the group actually kidnaps him. He's later rescued, and on a subsequent launch, the whole debacle with Shera takes place.
Cid Highwind was originally set to be the first man into outer space on the Shinra No. 26 rocket. Part of a Shinra Space Exploration program, it got canned when the launch was canceled and the company discovered the profitability in Mako energy before it could launch again. Shera, one of Cid's assistants, was still in the engine room when the rocket was about to launch. She believed there were still problems with the oxygen tanks and wanted the mission to be a success, so despite the risks she continued to work during the countdown. Not wanting to kill her, at the very last second Cid hit the emergency shut down switch, aborting the launch. From then on, Cid has resented Shera and continues to work on the rocket. It had been his dream to be in space and he still hangs on that hope, hoping that the program would be restarted. The rocket later becomes a kind of tourist attraction and Rocket Town is formed.
The rocket is where Cloud and the gang first meet Cid. They needed his airplane, the Tiny Bronco, to cross the ocean to follow Sephiroth. Of course Cid tells them no way in hell. Cid is waiting for Rufus, hoping that it would be about the revival of the Space Exploration program. Unfortunately, what Rufus wanted was the very same plane Cloud and the others were after: the Tiny Bronco. While Cid was yelling swearing at Rufus and listening to what the Shinra President planned, Cloud and the others were out back fighting Palmer and taking the plane. In the process of flying away, they manage to nab Cid before its tail gets shot. It crashes out into the ocean and after some brief discussion, Cid decides to join them. There wasn't anything else for him to do and those "numbskulls" were going up against Shinra so what the hell. He tells them Rufus was talking about the Temple of Ancients, and that's where they probably needed to go.
A lot of plot-related things happen: a visit to the Temple of Ancients; learning what black materia is; Sephiroth's plan to summon Meteor to destroy the planet and become a god; Cait Sith's sacrifice to create the black materia; Aeris' death; the awakening of the WEAPONS; separation from Cloud at the North Crater.
But Cid's next major role is when the group returns to Shinra where Tifa and Barret are set for execution. The two had been captured back at the North Crater, and for a week the others had worked to try and set them free. Cait Sith and Yuffie sneak in to help them escape while Cid had recommandeered his airship -- the Highwind. The original airship crew basically had a minor mutiny against the Shinra leaders and stole the airship to help Cid. They all manage to board and escape from Shinra, and from there they use the airship to try and find Cloud.
They are able to locate him in the town of Mideel, but they learn that Cloud had contracted a large amount of Mako poisoning, putting him into a coma. While Tifa stayed with him, the rest of the team goes to try and find a way to find Meteor. Cait Sith informs them that Shinra is up to something and allows them to eavesdrop on the meeting. They learn that Shinra is collecting Huge Materia for their new Super Weapon against the Meteor. While this was happening, Cid had actually been sleeping, so he wakes up to Barret naming him leader.
His response?
"Pain in the ass. Forget it."
But after some pep talk from Barret -- mainly talk of how the Highwind was needed to save the planet -- Cid accepts with renewed and moved spirit. They then head off to the Corel Reactor. They arrive just in time to watch Shinra take the Huge Materia on the back of a train. They hijack another one and chase after them. Fortunately for the group, Cid can drive anything -- or at least quickly figure out how. They manage to take over the train, stop it from crashing into Corel town, and acquire the Huge Materia. From there they head to Fort Condor and battle against the troops that are there. They manage to get the second Huge Materia and head back to Mideel to check on Cloud.
His condition is the same, but things were about to get worse. The Ultimate WEAPON attacks Mideel and the group tries to fend it off. After the battle, the lifestream bursts through the town, and both Tifa and Cloud fall into it. The two eventually manage to escape with Cloud recovered from his previous condition, and the group reunites to continue to find the Huge Materia.
Their next stop is the underwater reactor in Junon. After some fighting and stealing a submarine (that Cid has to try and figure out how to work again), they chase after the submarine that contains the Huge Materia. They wind up docking at Junon airport where they watch the materia being flown away. Their next destination is Rocket Town.
They discover that Shinra is messing with the rocket. When Cid hears this, he cusses up a storm and tells Cloud, "I'm gonna kick those $^%$# Shinra right out of my rocket!" When he gets up there and learns they are going to send the Huge Materia on the rocket and send it to blow up the Meteor, he changes his attitude a little. When told the auto-pilot device is not working properly and that Shera was working on it, he automatically assumes the position as pilot. At Cloud's protests, Cid tells him that he knows and understands that the Huge Materia is important, but in the end he's banking on science and technology over magic and won't listen to Cloud anymore. Just as he tells everyone to get back to work, the rocket engines are turned on.
Shera had actually managed to fix the device and Palmer went ahead and launched the rocket while Cid and the others were still in the cockpit. Even worse, they were on a locked collision course into the meteor. But for the moment, that's all forgotten by Cid. He's finally realized his dream to be in space.
When everyone else believes they are doomed, Cid just looks at them like they're stupid. After telling them they were still too young to give up, he informs them there is an escape pod they can use. He also adds that if they wanted the Huge Materia, they could take it with them. He admitted that all he really wanted to do was be in space and that they could do what they believe is right. After getting the materia (with some help from Cid with the passcode), they run down to the escape pod.
But as they go through the room with the oxygen tanks, one of them blows up and Cid's leg is stuck in the debris. He realizes it's No. 8, the one that Shera had been working on the first launch. Seeing his mistake back then and that her fears had been grounded, he admits she is right and is on the verge of tears. It doesn't look like they can make it out, but at that moment Shera appears. She had heard the explosion and had tagged along to help, to which Cid cusses her out. But once he's freed, he apologizes and they reach the escape pod, making their escape. Shera tells them that she had been working on it and had been in that room when the explosion went off. When Cid hears that, he tells her that he's relieved then that she was working on it, meaning he knows it will be safe. From the pod, he can really see space and bid farewell to Shinra No. 26.
In the end, the rocket is ineffective against Meteor. Though it had hit its mark, it isn't enough to destroy it. Back on the Highwind, everyone is depressed, but Cid steps up to give them a pep talk. He tells them how he realized how small they were and how the planet was like a sick child with Sephiroth as the disease. He also tells them that they were the ones who could cure it and that they had to do something. But when asked what they should do, he admits he was still thinking about that. They then hear the planet's scream and are reminded of Bugenhagen in Cosmos Canyon. They decide to visit him to see what they can learn.
More plot/running around but the most important is this: they return to the Ancient City and learn Aeris had prayed/summoned Holy, but Sephiroth is preventing it from moving so they must eliminate him if they want to save the planet.
So after more confrontations and traveling around, they eventually reach the North Crater where they will fight various forms of Jenova and Sephiroth. Of course the final, final battle is between Cloud and Sephiroth in the lifestream. Cid's main part for the end of the game is being able to save all of their butts via escape with the Highwind.
Holy is able to destroy Meteor and everyone is able to go back to their lives. Or mostly. The aftermath brought the shut down of the mako reactors and a side-effect no one ever saw coming: a disease called geostigma. When the Lifestream flowed through the planet to push back Meteor, it had already been tainted with Jenova cells. Anyone who came into contact with it contracted the disease.
Cid returns to Rocket Town and together with Shera works on building a new airship, as well as building an oil drilling rig to provide an alternate source of fuel. In On the Way to a Smile: Case of Barret -- set between the end of the game and before Advent Children, Barret comes by his place seeking his help on his journey of trying to atone for his sins. By this time Cid is already working on his new airship, the Shera. The topic of using his airship to help bring a cure to those infected with the stigma comes up. While Cid isn't against the idea, there's a problem: lack of fuel. Their whole mess started when mako was overpumped, and with Shinra no longer maintaining the reactors, no one can use it anyway. Cid's thought it all through and had even asked Red XIII about the lifestream. He learned that the lifestream had actually changed its flow, and even if they were to try and build a new reactor, all the time and materials needed, as well as how the hell it would get there, caused a lot of problems that just pretty made it impossible.
This is where Cid tells Barret about oil, and with a satisfied grin. He and his team had already started restoring an oil rig near Rocket Town as well as refining the engines so it could handle the new fuel. And they apparently started right after the Meteor event. They were bringing the old technology back until something new came long.
When they visit the oil rig that Shera is working on, two things happen: the rig is turned off which sends Cid on a minor stream of cursing and Barret notices that she has the mark of the stigma on her hand. The oil had dropped when they started pumping, forcing them to shut down, and Shera's stigma only increased the somber, depressing mood. Cid tells her to not push herself. It's pretty obvious that Cid is worried, but because of his nature he doesn't actually say anything direct about it. He worries about her and he tries to say something, but ends up failing. The thought of the oil rig failing also still weighed heavily on his mind. Barret fortunately steps in and tells Shera that Cid wants her to help out with the engine, and also gave them both words of encouragement; that there was still a lot for them to do, even after they finished working on the engine.
Afterward, Cid asks Barret if he could learn anything about oil fields, to which Barret just tells him to leave it to him and leaves. Since then, Cid and Shera continue to work on the engine and it could be assumed that eventually, they not only successfully fixed the engine but also found at least enough fuel for the airship to run on.
In terms of the events that happen in Advent Children -- set two years after the game -- Cid appears on the now completed and fully operational Shera to help Cloud and the others fight Bahamut SIN. He also pilots it later to try and reach Cloud when he's chasing after Kadaj, helping a bit by kicking some dust during a fight. When Barret is telling to land the thing he just cusses at him and tells him to go ahead and jump off. Vincent then tells the group to let Cloud fight alone, and when Yuffie complains about not understanding, Cid just tells her it's "a man thing." They all later reunite after the battle back at Aeris' church where everyone is cured of the geostigma.
In between the end of AC and before Dirge of Cerberus, he actually marries Shera, but I'm going to take him before that. So as of now, he and Shera are in a relationship and still working together, but not married.
[Personality]
Cid is a gruff, foul-mouthed, no-nonsense, straightforward kind of guy. He will tell you everything like he sees it and he prefers that "direct" kind of relationship with anyone. Full of energy (though has a tendency to nap or fall asleep early), Cid can take it up with anyone who gets in his way and keeps a strong attitude toward anything. He also has a rather determined mindset, particularly when it's toward his own goals and dreams. He will make sure the job is done and will use any means necessary. He can also be a big dreamer, especially if it has anything to do with flying -- both in the air and in space. He can hold onto those dreams and won't give them up easily. Once he sets his eyes on something, there's not much that can stop him. Sidetrack him for a bit, maybe, but not stop him -- even if it's taken away from him.
Science and technology are what he puts his faith in, so to speak. If it hadn't been for science, he would never have been able to even come close to his dreams. While he doesn't abhor magic, he has no real strong ties to it and would prefer to do anything the old fashioned way: with tears, sweat, and blood. Put in some actual work into a project. Also because of his life as a mechanic and working in the Space Exploration Program, he's actually rather smart. He just doesn't always show it in the intellectual sort of way, and his crude manners and disposition will suggest otherwise. He may not be an English Lit major, but when it comes to engineering, physics, and math, he's way up there. He also doesn't really believe in God or any kind of religion. Despite witnessing great supernatural forces at work, he doesn't rely on them to do his own work. Faith might be something good to have for some kind of encouragement, but for Cid, the only way things get done is by actually doing something than just praying for it. Unless the praying involves summoning the planet itself, then he might make some exception. He'd still work on an a more scientific alternative, though.
With a lot of experience under his belt, Cid can actually take the leader role rather well. In the party, he's actually third in line, with Tifa second and Cloud the obvious first. He just doesn't always take it on his own. Usually other people have to shove it into his lap, but only because he won't initially accept it. With the right motivation, or seeing that nothing is going to get done without him, he'll take it and lead. He'll make whatever decisions that need to be made and if someone is screwing up, he'll be the first to get on their ass and help fix it. He likes taking the most direct path if possible, even if it means a lot of risk. However, he's kind of the "all or nothing" type of guy and if he has a goal, he will do whatever he can to achieve it. He does know when to back off, but sometimes his determination can blind him especially if it involves his own personal dreams and anything involving space. Since the incident with Shera, he's matured a little more about this, but it's still something he's learning.
While he does give off the "grumpy swearing old man" vibe, he's actually not always that mean. He has a big heart and is willing to help others. Like with the Shera incident, he sacrificed his own dream so he wouldn't have her blood on his hands. That still didn't stop him from getting super pissed off afterward, but that's beside the point. He just doesn't actually show that nice, fuzzy side of him. In fact he compliments through insults, though most of the time those who are close to him can tell what he means. Cid just gets a bit awkward during those times. He'll worry about those he cares about, but he'll kind of fail at expressing it. He also has issues reading others' emotions, and since he already doesn't talk "nice" and is pretty blunt, he could make a situation worse rather than better. Cid doesn't cut back on anything. He needs to work on that. But he'd rather tell the person like it is than try to butter them up. He can also be easily moved if the speech is done right.
He's a direct, forward thinker, meaning he doesn't really put up with anyone trying to backpedal to beat around the bush. He wants it outright and straight because any other way is just wasting time. In a way it's sort of like positive thinking, but with less optimism and more "Get your ass in gear and do it!" He gets pissed whenever he sees someone "wallowing in despair" or giving up too easily when he believes they can still do something. He willingly gives them his opinion and basically tells them, "Shut up and quit mopin', you're too young for that shit!" Basically he's not one to give up unless there is 0% chance of succeeding. He might think the whole thing is crazy and stupid, but it's better than just sitting on your ass and twiddling your thumbs. He can give nicer "pep" talks and heartwarming speeches. It might be crude at times, but there's a soft edge around his insults and his meaning is clearly understood.
On the flip side, when he gets mad, he gets pissed. He'll start swearing up a storm and blaming others. Fortunately he's more of the verbal abuser rather than physical, but it still probably doesn't help anyone's self-esteem if they don't know Cid well enough. Also, while he knows he can be wrong and can take blame, he does have a tendency to vent on others who may not even deserve it. This is particularly so whenever he has any emotional conflicts, such as Shera and back when the rocket launched (he repeatedly told Cloud to "Shut the hell up!" whenever Cloud tried to protest against his actions). But when he does realize his faults, he is genuinely sorry and makes up for it.
On that note, he doesn't do well when working under great stress or having to choose between two important things right on the spot. But almost every time he will do what he believes is right and will make the decision. He knows he has to choose one and if he can't find a way to get both, he'll make a decision. It maybe at the very last second, but he'll make it. If there is a big problem, he'll find a way to work around it and get a solution one way or another. As mentioned before, he doesn't like giving up. He may have brief spells of "Dammit, I failed" but he'll continue to think through the problem and try again.
And last but not least, while he may have a foul mouth, he actually has some manners. Or at least some sense hospitality. Sort of. He knows that when there are visitors, one must serve them tea. However, he expects the others to know what they should be doing and if they aren't, he tells them right up front. This isn't saying he's a gentleman or polite. Oh no. He knows some common sense rules, like wiping your feet before coming in and washing hands before eating. Things like that. And he will be sure to tell everyone else to do the same, whether they knew it or not.
[Specialties/Abilities]
Cid is a pretty damned good mechanic and rather well-versed with anything involving technology. Even if he doesn't actually know how to work something, so long as he knows the basics or general concept of how a machine works he can figure it out. It might take a couple rounds of trial and error, but he eventually gets the hang of it. Of course his main specialty is flying. Just set him behind the wheel or control panel in the cockpit and he'll be one happy pilot.
In terms of fighting ability, Cid is more of a physical fighter than a magic user. Since he prefers science and technology over magic, it makes sense that he wouldn't have that much affinity toward it. However, because of his travels with Cloud and the gang, he does know how to use some and is at least acquainted with it, but he can't use any unless he has materia -- which he won't, hurr. His main weapon instead is anything that falls into the Lance/Spear category. Upper body strength, yeah! If it's a really long stick that's taller than he is, he can use it well. He also won't do a halfass job about it. He will continue to pummel the target until it's good and dead.
As with all the other main characters, he also has more physical prowess than what could be conceived normal, but he's still pretty average. If you were to put him into one of the traditional Final Fantasy job classes, he'd fall under the Dragoon, so he is rather adept at jumping and throwing down his spear for mega damage.
He also has a Limit Break mode where he can utilize super powerful attacks to cause massive damage to multiple enemies. He goes into Limit Break when enough spiritual energy has been amassed (so fighting for a certain period of time) and is released to increase his power.
Though this is touched upon in his Personality section, Cid can be a good leader when he's put into the position. Somewhat like the father figure of the group sorry Barret, you're more like the Uncle, he can make any necessary decisions and push the group forward through insults and harsh words of "encouragement" if they're slacking off.
[Affection] Manly shoulder pats work, but don't get too touchy feely :|a; He doesn't handle that well.
[Fighting] BRING IT. Well not really. He won't back down, but he's not going to provoke anyone unless the person is being stupid or he was provoked >_>; TOUCH HIS PROJECTS AND DIE.
[Other Permissions] Do whatever bbs :|b
[Other Facts]
His birthday is February 22.
Cid had designed both the Tiny Bronco and the Highwind before any of the Compilation. The Shera came after the game and he continues to design different airplanes. He is also a rather bad chainsmoker, yet seems to not have lung cancer yet and is otherwise rather healthy.
Cid is most well-known for his swearing, particularly when in the original game his words are actually censored the good old fashioned way: symbols. While in actual face-to-face dialogue all the words will be heard, I think it would be pretty hysterical awesome the best thing ever interesting if through the Dreamberry, he actually gets audibly AND textually censored.
What I mean is, if he's cussing someone up and down over the Dreamberry, what the other person will hear is a series of bleeps and the tag will just have the symbols, like this: @#%$! The same symbols will appear if he's texting something or if his words are ever put into text. He might be actually writing the phrase, like "fuck you" but it comes out "@#%$ you" instead.
It could be the Dreamberry automatically censoring him through an irreparable glitch :D But like I said before, if it's face-to-face action threads, they'll hear his words loud and clear.
He will also be building an airship. Some way, somehow, and he won't believe in using magic, a.k.a. the credits, to get one he will design and build a @#&$*^& airship. And hijack the cars. And work on them. ...Yeap.