Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Silence.

That's all there was in the desert of a planet that once supported life died out many years ago now stands as a giant wasteland. A figure walks through the wasteland dragging with them a sword as big as their body as he makes his way to his destination Midgar. "My honor...MY dreams...they're yours now. You'll be...my living legacy.

In his mind those words echoed as he drags with him the sword that was given to him from the one who saved his life, someone he would NEVER forget. Cloud Strife continues to drag the sword, the Buster sword, a sword that represents honor and dreams that was given to him by his friend, his brother, a sword that also represents a SOLDIER 1st class. But he is no 1st class SOLDIER despite the eyes, the sword and the uniform he was an infantry grunt with Mako poisoning.

"I'm going to be a SOLDIER." That was his dream but that was dead dream now, as he had lost his hometown, his mother, his best friend, and someone he promised he would save. All killed by someone he once respected now holds with such hatred. As he made his way he started wonder what he would do as he was now alone he did not know who he could trust as he would not want to draw attention least THEY try to clean up loose ends, just as they did with "Zack."

In Sector 7 at the train station a women 20 years of age was returning from an errand step off the train making her way back to Seventh Heaven the town's popular bar and the hidden HQ of a cell of AVALANCHE eco-terrorist that oppose the Shinra Electric Power Company that drains the planet's life blood Mako. Tifa Lockhart adjusted the bag on her shoulder as she walks back to her bar with dread she knows they have think big to make a difference, but she thinks there could be better ways to do them. Barret thinks this is the only thing that Shinra would understand thus why he is planning with Jessie Biggs and Wedge on a plan for the reactor mission.

As she makes her way back she sees some people backing from something near the train graveyard. She moves to get a better look and sees someone stumbling as he drags with him a big sword he struggles until he falls to his knees Tifa makes her way to man's side.

"Are you ok?" Tifa asked as she got a better look at him.

Black sleeveless shirt, gloves, pants, and two shoulder pauldron's, and boots, and a brown belt, and blonde spike hair the sword tight in the man's grip as he tried to stand up again. Tifa put her hand on his arm, his hand went to hers thinking he was being attack. Tifa then got a better look at his face when he turned to and she froze at blue with glowing green eyes but she recognize that face anywhere the man glared then his widen.

"C Cloud?" Tifa with tremor in her voice.

Cloud then clutch his head in pain then collapse to the ground twitching as Tifa tries calm him down but she can't seem to reach him till he passes out. "Cloud! Cloud!" Tifa yelled as she tries to wake him up but he wouldn't move but he still was breathing. Tifa turned him on his back a look at his face she sees dried blood on the right side of his face and hair but doesn't see any cuts. Tifa started to panicked wondering what to do as some of the Neighborhood Watch came to help, when they saw him with Tifa she asked them to help her get him to her apartment.

Tifa got Cloud to her apartment. As she started to wipe the blood and dirt from his face and hair a thousand questions ran through her mind as she wondered what had happen to him. As he shook a little and grunted as if he was having nightmare, which was probably true. Tifa took his hand in hers and gently squeezed trying ease him but it does very little to help him as he still shook.

A few days go by and Cloud's condition came and went at times he would mumble in his sleep and groan when the head pain came back. Tifa has been by his side when she can while keeping him a secret from the team. She knows Barret will have a field day with this, while the others would probably be concerned with a SOLDLER in there mist. But she couldn't keep it up for eventually Barret and the others started to know what was going on with her, and Barret barged in with the others behind and saw Cloud. Tifa began to explain that he was a childhood friend and that she found him delirious near the station, but Barret didn't trust Cloud as he saw the uniform and the sword on the wall and felt they need to get rid of him, Tifa was not going let that happen. Everyone saw a side of her never seen before but Barret ask her what if he was Shinra, Tifa didn't know until he wakes up.

Cloud begins stir as he slowly open his eyes and getting up and saw he was in a small room, at first he thought he was caught by Shinra but the room he was in didn't look to be a cell as he began to think the door opens and in came a women with a white tank top with a black sports bra underneath, midriff expose, with a black gloves with a red vambrace on her left arm, black pleated mini skirt and long socks and red boots but Cloud recognize the long dark hair and red eyes as she looked to the bed and saw him awake.

"Cloud" Tifa said as she moved towards him as he look at her in shock.

"T-Tifa?" Cloud said shock.

"Oh thank god, you're awake I started to worry that you weren't going to wake up." Tifa said as she sat on bed.

Cloud stares in shock last time he saw her she was wounded and thought she was gone but here she stands alive.

"Cloud you ok?" Tifa asked as she looks into his eyes. Then she flinched when his hand came up to her face.

"Tifa" Cloud said once more shocked.

"Cloud what's wrong?" Tifa said concerned for him.

Cloud regained his composure. "Sorry I'm just-" he said but is lost for words not thinking this would happen. "Where am I?" he asks after a moment.

"You're in Midgar Sector 7 slums my apartment. Found you by the station when you collapsed." Tifa said then asked. "Don't you remember?"

"Sorry can't remember." Cloud said putting his head in his hands. Felt Tifa's hand on his arm and ask as he started to look to his left. "How long was-" he stopped as he saw Zack's sword on the wall. On instinct he looked around.

"Cloud?" Tifa asked as she saw him look around for something- he looked to her almost trying to ask till she spoke up. "I found you walking by seeing you about to fall. And you had blood on your face. What happened to you?'

Cloud flinch when she said blood then he felt he was on the ground looking up to see Zack about to be gunned down by the three infantry grunts left. Cloud reach out as they opened fire, Zack cried as the bullets hit him and he fell but that didn't stop as they approached him continue to shoot at close range repeatedly. Then he was back in Tifa's room eyes wide as he started to remember.

"Cloud? Cloud!" Tifa called to as she saw his eyes widen in sadness wondering what was wrong. Tifa tried to talk even by bringing up Nibelheim but he said he knows still sat there looking so grim and she wonder how he knew. Eventually she had to get back to the bar to get ready telling Cloud she would be back, looking back at him before walked out shutting the door.

Cloud sat there now remembering his unknown time in the lab and on the run and Zack's death. He reaches out to the sword held it in his lap starring at it remembering what happen to Zack, for an instant he had this notion that he defeated the army and they made it but that wasn't the case. Once more he sees the flashes he had when he died once more mourning his friend, closing his eyes. Cloud had to ask Tifa many questions when she got but for now he just sits there thinking what happens now.

Chapter Text

Cloud sat on the bed as he waited for Tifa to return, so they can talk and find how long it has been since Nibelheim. Cloud would also think about what to do when he gets on his feet, he couldn't stay here for long and not wanting to be a burden on her. Cloud started to wonder how she got here, as her wound was deep enough and her breathing was faint. And why would she come here since she blamed Shinra for the Mako reactor back home, why would she come to the one place that is the heart of their power. Hopefully she can answer some of his questions without going into too much, as he wouldn't want to bring up bad memories for her and is not sure how she would react if he brings up Zack.

Before he can ponder any further the door opens and Tifa walks in. "Cloud?" Tifa asks as she sees him sitting on the edge of the of the bed, Cloud looks up looking a little less grim then he did this morning.

"You doing ok?" she asks as she walks up to the bed.

"Yeah... sorry about earlier, I was still a little out of it." Cloud says as he move over to let her sit down, and trying to not let a memory zone him out again.

"Yeah." was all she said as she sat down next to him.

"How long has it been?" was all Cloud could ask after a moment, not sure what else to say and wanting to know how long it has been.

"It's been 4 days since I found you by the station and brought you here." Tifa spoke has she looks at him. "And... seven years." She adds.

Cloud froze. "Seven?" he thinks as he looks at her, "S-seven yeas?" 

"Yeah. Since you left the village to join SOLDIER." Tifa said. "You remember right?"

Cloud took this information in- so it's been five years since the reactor, but he still doesn't know how long he and Zack were captured and on the run by Shinra.

Cloud lowers his head and stares at the ground "Seven years." he said.

Tifa looks at him with concern wondering what he had been through to be like this. Just as she was about to ask another question the door open and in came Barret.

"Hey Tifa we need to-" he stops as he sees Cloud awake, who looks up as he comes in. "So the mutts awake now is he." Barret said as he glares at Cloud trying to intimidate him.

Cloud takes a look at this guy with no fear as he would expect. A heavy set muscular man, three scars on his right cheek, with a skull tattoo on his left shoulder, with dog tags around his neck, brown vest and a black tank under it, a rotary machine gun for his right arm, while his left has a leather bracer with small metal plates strapped on top, green cargo pants, ammo pouches on both of his legs, and black boots. This guy looks like he's about to go to war, and Cloud is amaze he can walk by with security patrols around and not get arrested.

"Who the hell are you?" Cloud ask.

"Cloud this is Barret, Barret this is Cloud" Tifa speaks up standing between them before this gets out of hand.

"Tsk" Charming guy, you must be great at parties with the way you greet people." Barret says sarcastically at Cloud's personality.

"Barret, please not now." Tifa pleads not wanting this to get out of hand.

"Says the guy who barged in a woman's room." Cloud retorts at him for just walking in and not knocking.

Barret moves to retort but one look from Tifa stops him, as she would give him an earful later so he lets it go and moves on to question him on where he stands.

"I wouldn't barge in like that if there wasn't a Shinra lap dog here. And don't try to fool us SOLDIER boy, we can see the glow in you're eyes, plus the uniform symbol." Barret says pointing a finger at him emphasizing on "SOLDIER Boy". 

Cloud almost said that he isn't a SOLDIER but he couldn't form the words. 

"Barret let me handle this." Tifa says then looks at Cloud and ask "Cloud, what happen to you?" worried as to why he was dragging himself and a big sword, while exhausted and covered in blood.

Cloud lowered his head as flashes of Nibelhiem, bits and pieces of his capture, him and Zack on the run with Zack fighting the army that caught up to them, and one where he was behind his sword while he fought hand to hand with such speed and power, up to his death.

"Well?" Barret ask impatiently while Tifa just kept silent waiting for him to respond. Cloud looks to her.

"I'm sorry Tifa... but I can't not now. All I can say is that I'm not with Shinra anymore." Cloud said  then looks back down in shame. Tifa almost tries to plead with him to tell her but Barret beats her.

"Nice story you got." Barret says after scoffing. "But how do we know that you're not going to run back to your master's like a good lap dog to do more of their bidding?"

Cloud suddenly stands and glares at Barret who backs up and Tifa holds him back a bit scared as he says "I'm am the not their lap dog! And I don't give a damn about whatever happens to them!

After he said that Barret was surprise to see the anger he had for Shinra and he can almost see sadness in his eyes before he turns away looking at the wall, though he can't see is that he's actually looking at the sword.

Tifa was also startled by his outburst seeing the hurt and sadness he had displayed, Tifa wanted to ask more but decided to leave it be. As it's obvious that Cloud has a bad history with Shinra and didn't want to upset him even more.

"Cloud why don't you rest some more. Barret and I are going to head back out and talk, I'll see you later?" she says carefully after a couple seconds Cloud nods and Tifa ushers Barret out the door. Once more Cloud is alone, Cloud balled up his hands and puts them on his head as he walked from one end to another till he stops at the center, unclenching his fists and slides them down his face sighing. Then he looks at the Buster Sword, he moves to it and grasps it's handle and holds it up staring at it then places his forehead to it similar to how Zack did back at the inn.

"This is a symbol of my dreams and honor. No... It's more..."

Tifa was walking back to Stargazer Heights and was thinking on what to do, she had just finished with a meeting with the others over the mission, Barret was getting everyone ready to head out but Biggs Jessie and Wedge were concerned about doing this all by themselves and felt they needed help with this op. Barret didn't feel like having anyone else, as HQ hadn't agreed with them on their methods as it felt to extreme and didn't want to hire some untrusting and expensive mercenary who wouldn't be sympathetic to their cause. Then Biggs brought up Cloud who she reveled is awake and no longer with Shinra and has a hatred for them and thought he be good for this op.

But Tifa didn't want to sign Cloud up for a mission attacking Shinra when he'd just woke up and wanted to know what happened to him and what his plans are. She knows she can't push the mission back as Barret wouldn't let it happen as they had just gotten the codes for some doors- getting new ones will take longer to get, she was torn between asking Cloud to help Barret and the others and not wanting to push him into a crazy mission. But she thinks Cloud can be one of them as he has a hatred for Shinra though she doesn't know why maybe because of their home. Tifa would have to ask him that later but for now focused on asking him about the mission.

Tifa walks up the steps and enters her room to find Cloud at the desk looking at his sword. He looks up when she closed the door then looks back down like he's ashamed probably because of his outburst.

"Hey" Was all she could say. "Hey" He replied back an awkward silence filled the room till he spoke up again.

"Sorry about earlier, didn't mean to press you to hard." She apologies for upsetting him earlier.

"It's fine. You got nothing to apologize for, unlike someone else." He reassures her then glares to the wall while mentioning Barret.

"Barret's a nice guy he just- has trust issues, and he also doesn't like Shinra." she says hoping that can get ease his mind on why he was hard.

"Great I'll be sure to tell the town." Cloud said sarcastically. "Sorry." He adds scolding himself for taking it out on her, when Barret was the one who barged in and made this an interrogation.

"It's alright." Tifa said, then changed the topic. "So how about we get some fresh air? And get something to eat?" She says giving him a smile.

Cloud thought about it for a moment then nodded, he got up and put everything he has back on and straps the Buster Sword on his back but in an opposite position to how Zack had. The blade's edge is facing out rather than down as he had it, he doesn't want Tifa to see him carrying it like that remembering how she blamed him just like Sephiroth and Shinra for Nibelhiem. After he's dressed he looks to her she nods and they head out, when Cloud exits the door he covers his eyes from the sun shining off from some of the steel of the plate, once he gets use to it he can now see the town going about their business.

"Welcome to Sector 7 slums." Tifa says smiling. "It may not look like much but it's pretty great." She adds trying to make the town look appealing.

"It has it's- charm." Cloud said as he look around the town. "But then again this is the slums."

"Yeah" She said looking like she wants to say something else but doesn't know how to.

"You ok?" Cloud ask

"Yeah I'm fine. Why?" She says trying to hide what else she going to say.

"You look like you have more to say." He said, then she looks away for a minute then looks back.

"I just- what are your plans? Are you going stay?" She asks while looking at him almost pleading for him to answer.

Cloud froze then looks away, he doesn't know what he'll do as Zack was dragging him from Nibelhiem and he was barley conscious. Then he once again finds himself elsewhere.

"I'm gonna become a mercenary!"

"Troublesome things, dangerous things.

We're going to open a business that does everything. Understand Cloud."

"Cloud?" Cloud looks to Tifa as she sees him zoning out again. "I'm thinking of going into a mercenary business. Do everything, trouble and dangerous things." Cloud said after regaining himself. Tifa looked surprised by. "Oh really?" she asked 

"Yeah, got nothing else I can do." Cloud said then Tifa starts fidgeting her hands "What's wrong?"

Tifa looks unsure then she says looking straight at him. "I may have a job available for you." Now Cloud was surprised by this "Really?" Was all he asked.

Tifa nods telling him that she has friends one of them being Barret which he rolls his eyes that need help with a op they were doing. When Cloud asked what kind Tifa said they should talk at her bar, Cloud was surprised that she owns a bar as he followed her to it passing by people who stared at them. Cloud just ignored them as they walked down the road and by the looks of it heading to the center of the town, coming up to the tallest building there is and Cloud is amazed. "You own this place?" Cloud ask Tifa.

Tifa turns and smiles. "Yep. Welcome to Seventh Heaven! Sector 7's most popular bar and restaurant." Tifa says cheerfully and with pride as she introduces the bar, but then Cloud hears , "Seventh Heaven, a piece of  paradise in Sector 7!" He hears Zack's voice and is shocked, did he name Tifa's bar? "Pretty cool right?" He looks to Tifa and gives her a nod, then follows her up the steps and inside. Cloud looks around sees tables, a dart board to the right, a music box to the left of it and a pinball machine. "Hey Tifa! back so soon?" Cloud follows the voice to one of the tables and noticed 3 people.

"Yeah... Cloud meet Jessie, Biggs and Wedge. Tifa said as she introduced him to the team as they each wave at their names, though looking nervous like she wasn't expecting them here. Cloud takes a look at them

Jessie who greeted Tifa has brown eyes, red-brown hair in a ponytail, with a red bandana, metal breastplate with a black and blue shirts underneath, metal plated brown gloves with red bands, black wristbands, green knee length pants and armored boots.

Biggs with short swept-back black hair also with a red bandana, light stubble, light brown eyes, wearing an olive shirt with a black shirt underneath, leather harness with two magazines, brown gloves, dark green cargo shorts with black knee pads, and armored boots.

Wedge the big guy of the three, with black hair held by his bandana, blue eyes, metal shoulder pads, a beige shirt with black undershirt, a leather harness and a bandoleer across his chest, dark blue shorts, and brown boots.

It's like Tifa knows people that are going to war, cause that's all he's seeing so far. Before he can ponder any further the pinball machine suddenly lowers down after a moment it comes back up with Barret and a little girl with brown short hair and a pink dress who notices Tifa. "Tifa!" She calls as she runs to her, only then did she noticed Cloud she hides behind Tifa legs. Obviously not use to strangers Cloud thought as Tifa tells Marlene that it's ok, he receives a glare from Barret, which Cloud just gives him a blank stare.

"So he's going to join up with us?" Wedge says, which cause Tifa to flinch as she hasn't told him anything yet as Cloud looks to her when Wedge says join up. "Wedge!" Barret, Biggs and Jessie scold him though Barret more for Marlene then for him saying about who they are to Cloud. Wedge flinched and keeps quiet not wanting to be yelled at again. Tifa looks to Cloud who gives her a confused look as he points at them Tifa tells him that she'll explain as there was someone at the door with another girl who Marlene goes to, the man tells Barret he'll bring the kids to the park while Barret says he'll pick them up before dark. After biding Marlene goodbye he walks back in shoving Cloud as he passes him which he glares, Tifa steps in his sight pleading with him not to start a fight while she cooks something up.

Biggs speaks up. "Sorry about that, didn't mean to ask you that out of the blue. he says trying to ease the tension.

"Yeah sorry bro." Wedge says. Cloud doesn't respond he just stares hoping they just answer what they want.

Jessie seems to get the hint. "Anyway we were hoping to hire you for your expertise as a SOLDIER for a job." She says Cloud wants to scoff at that but was confused as to why they would want that.

"And why the hell would you want that?" Cloud ask wanting to get to the point.

"Cause we are going to make a serious blow to Shinra!" Barret says, raising he arm and clenching his fist. That just makes Cloud even more confused, he looks to Tifa as she looks down she couldn't tell him herself. Biggs decides to say it for her. "Don't suppose you know of Avalanche?" He ask at which Cloud looks at them with worry and mistrust. He remembers that mission he was on protecting some professor from them and how ruthless they were, Cloud looks to Tifa as she puts down a plate and looks at him giving confirmation what he was asking.

"Avalanche?" Cloud says looking at her incredulously not believing that she's with these lunatics.

"Cloud-" She tries to say but he cuts her off

"Why are you with them?" He ask wanting an answer. She's got to know their ruthless methods that get people killed no matter the cost.

"She doing what no one else will do! Saving the planet those Shinra bastards are bleeding dry!" Barret yells not going to let Cloud make them look like the bad guys.

"I wasn't talking to you." Cloud glares his way then looks back to Tifa wanting answers.

"Cloud I know how it looks but Avalanche is different now compare to the last one." Tifa says trying to sound convincing but with what they are planning to do will probably not help convince him, and he doesn't look so convinced. "Just listen. Please?" She looks at him pleading, he relents after a moment.

After he relents Biggs went over how they changed but Cloud wasn't buying it, and it only increased when they told him why they need help. "You want to bomb a reactor?" Cloud asked.

"Yeah we do!" Barret said. "Shinra understands one language, so we're going to deliver them a message and save the planet!" He adds acting like his cause is noble. Which Cloud did not believe, he turns away putting his hand on his face.

"What have I gotten myself into?" He thought to himself as Tifa came up to him. "Please Cloud help us." She begs with pleading eyes. Cloud looks to her and he felt conflicted as he doesn't know what to do. One help Tifa and her crazy friends in committing acts of cruelty on innocents, two deny and honor Zack memory as he knows as he would not do any of this. With another look at Tifa still pleading for him he made up his mind. " I'm sorry Zack. But I can't fail her again."  He prays he would forgive him for doing this. "Alright I'll help." He says after sighing, to which Tifa smiles gratefully at him.

After he agreed Biggs went over the plan with him, get in then out escaping to the train station in Sector 8. After Biggs finished going over the mission which will start tomorrow, Cloud notices that Tifa and Barret were talking to the side. Tifa was trying to convince him to trust Cloud as she believes that he can be one of them but Barret wouldn't trust him until he proves himself and guessing he will require payment since he is planning to be a mercenary. But as Tifa brought it up with him he said he wouldn't charge her she was once again was grateful for his answer. Though Cloud wasn't going to take money for getting people killed as that would be and insult to Zack which he would not do as he's doing this kind of job. He just hopes this will go quick and be done after it.

Chapter Text

In the dark alleys of  Midgar a young woman kneels in front of a shining light on a pipe with her eyes closed like she’s praying. Then she realizes that something is wrong with how one of the lights flickers like there was something there, not wanting to find out she holds onto her basket of flowers and runs out of the alleyway. As she leaves while looking back, she accidently bumps into a man causing some of her flowers to fall out of her basket.  

She moves down to pick them back up. As she grabs three and moves to the last one another man stepped on it crushing it. The woman picks up the now dead flower and looks at it with sadness. It was another of the planet’s life taken away, but also the meaning behind the flower, that she will never be reunited with him. He promised he would come and see her, but after five years he never came.  

 She looks to the sky remembering how she felt him as his life faded away, but something was telling her that he was still out there and was close by. But that was a deep desire that she would see him again, but after so long she accepts that she will not see him again.

Cloud rides on top of the train as it makes it way to Mako reactor 1, Cloud was surprised he wasn’t feeling sick as he always got in a moving vehicle. Must be because of his "enhancements" he thought bitterly that there was something good out of it.  

Cloud looks up and sees they are about to stop- steam engulfs the air as the train stops and he peaks over the side, Cloud sees two guards beginning to inspect the train one of them moves down while the other moves up to the edge of the tank where Jessie strikes. She takes the guard by surprise and pulls him in as he makes a noise that draws the attention of the other one, Cloud sees he moves to investigate when Biggs grabs him from behind and Jessie runs up and kicks him in the guts knocking him out.  

 Biggs lowers him down as Wedge jumps from his spot, they run up to Barret who gives them signal to move ahead, they nodded and ran up to the entrance. Cloud watched Barret as he looks up to the reactor scoffing that he is about to cause havoc on a lot of people, just to get back at Shinra .  

 “Get down here, merc.” Cloud rolls his eyes and jumps off and walks up as two more guards walk down and spot them. They move up guns drawn ready to shoot. “You’re up.” Barret says as he moves on ahead, telling Cloud to deal with them.  

Cloud grabs Zack’s sword and moves to the guards, and on an instinct that Cloud never had before he moves fast and strikes with speed and strikes with great force. Cloud dodges the other guard's bullets which felt like time was slowing down as they move past him the he strikes the him down.  

Cloud was shocked at what he did, he fought with a sword before but he never fought like that. Cloud moves on dealing with more security along the way until he comes up to the team. Biggs and Jessie at the console while Barret moves to right end Wedge stands behind Biggs and Jessie watching their backs.  

“ So  what’s SOILDER boy’s deal? Is he one of us now?” Jessie asks as she works. “He got balls, this uh...” She pauses trying to remember his name then asks Biggs. Uh... what was his name again?”  

“Cloud. Cloud Strife. Biggs says.  

“Right” Was all Jessie said then Biggs adds.  

“And he isn’t a SOILDER anymore.” Biggs says as he knees down and adds. “Still, he’s a professional – unlike the rest of us. I’m glad to have him.” Cloud scoffs at that, Wedge gives him a thumbs up Cloud just moves to side and waits for the door to open.  

“ So  Cloud you going to stick around?” Wedge ask like he’s excited of a new team member.  

“No. This is a onetime gig. When it’s done, we’re done.” Cloud said not joining up for another lost cause, and not dishonoring Zack.  

“Good who needs yah!” Barret calls as he comes back shoving Cloud again, and stands behind Biggs and Jessie as Wedge comes up to Cloud trying to convince him to join up with them.  

“C’mon, nobody’d do something this crazy just because a friend asked.” Wedge says of how it is Cloud was doing this for Tifa and didn’t charge them, but that's not all there is to it then he adds. “They may not think you’re a true believer, but you know what I think?”  

“Not interested.” Cloud interrupts, trying get him to see that he’s not believer on some  noble  cause. That seems to get to him but he looks like he wants to say something else but is lost for words. Before he can say anything else the door is opened, Jessie and Biggs move in.  

“Wedge!” Barret gets Wedge’s attention and telling to move out. Wedge moves past him and catches up to the others. Barret begins to move as well but stops and looks to Cloud glaring.  

“You better be worth Tifa’s faith in you merc. Every last one of it.” Barret says warningly to Cloud. Cloud just glares right back then Barret moves to join up with his team. Cloud grunts in frustration then moves up but comes to a stop staring at the reactor, then hears a bark turns to see a hound and a guard. Cloud deals with them and continues to catch up with Avalanche while dealing with more security along the way. Near the entrance of the reactor the team splits, Wedge moves to cover their exit while the others move to the entrance. Cloud catches up seeing Biggs at the counsel, Jessie on the other side of the door and Barret eyeing him as he comes up.  

"SOLIDERs may attack on command, but I hear they make good guard dogs too.” Barret said and adds “Bet you seen a few reactors.” he says then ask “So how do we get to the bridge above mako storage?” But Cloud doesn’t answer as he does not know since he wasn’t ever stationed in any of Midgar’s  Reactors. But he starts to feel like something is coming up.  

Barret not liking getting any answer. “ Ain’t holding out on me, are you?” He says, deep mistrust in his voice. But Cloud wasn’t listening feeling getting stronger as Barret adds. “Stamp scared to bite the hand that fed him? Or is he a loyal little doggy!?” He yells as Cloud suddenly clutches his head as he hears something ringing loudly and feels like his blood is boiling, then it suddenly stops and fades as fast it came.  

“Have it your way mutt. We can do this  with  you, or we can do this  without  you. Barret says in anger for not answering him.  

Cloud was focused on his headache wondering what cause it. What caused his blood burn, was it due to the experiments done to him? But decided to worry about it later and focus for now. “If you, could I wouldn’t be here.” He reminds Barret that they needed help and not going to take any of his crap.  

 He moves to the door waiting for it to open, ignoring Barret’s comment then Biggs opens the door. Cloud walks in and tenses as he sees 4 guards, one of them shuts the door trapping him in even sees Barret gives a concern look as the door closes. Cloud focuses on the soldiers and draws Zack’s sword and beats them, then moves to the counsel to let the others in.  

“We're back!” Jessie says cheerfully as comes up to the counsel.  

“Then let's move.” Cloud simply says wanting to move on.  

‘He always knows just what to say!” Jessie jokes like they knew Cloud.  

“Cut it out!” Barret orders telling her to open the door.  

“It’s a good thing I know someone who can get us the passcodes.” Jessie says as she types them in and adds. “Pity no one else at command will talk to us, but what can you do?” She said as she finished and moves in. “Careful in there.” Biggs comments as Jessie smirks back at Biggs who stays and covers the elevator. Cloud and Barret follow after Jessie, she asked Cloud to press the other button which he  does it.  

“So... you know Tifa, right?” Jessie suddenly asks. “It’s not really my business, but are you guys  close ?” She adds, Cloud hesitates and once more finds himself drifting off and like he’s going back in time.”  

Cloud walks up to the door of his house and walks out to the village. He passes by the water tower heading to his usual spot since he doesn’t have any friends, as he was excluded from the kids. Speaking of he sees them with Tifa again, which is one of the reasons the other boys don’t like having him around. Not that he blames Tifa as she isn’t the stupid as they are. Tifa then spots him walking by and gets up.  

“Cloud!” She calls and waves as she starts to run up to him, he quickly looks away as he still doesn’t know how to really talk to her. “Are you ignoring me!?” He hears her ask and turns back as the boy's glare as always and Tifa looks a little angry.  

Cloud finds himself back in the present remembering his childhood and his very unpleasant memories. But he thinks more on how he couldn’t be more friends with Tifa then anything else. Cloud just answers plainly. “We just came from the same-.” But stops as the elevator arrives. Barret shoving Cloud again as he moves in follow by Jessie then Cloud, Barret presses the button and they go down.

Elsewhere in an office at the top of cities tallest building, sitting at his desk is president  Shinra watches through the cameras in the elevator of the reactor, as he watches his general Heidegger of the army walks up behind him reporting on what he has on them.  

“These sewer rats appear to call themselves Avalanche Sir.” He says as he looks to the screen and adds “We are currently investigating whether they belong to the same group that made the attempt on your life. Rest  assured,  our inquiries will not take much longer.” He said bowing the president gives off a humph and continues to watch.

Cloud and Jessie listen to Barret as he starts to explain what the reactor is. “This pump’s sole purpose is to bleed the planet dry. While you sleep, while you eat, while you shit- it's here, sucking up mako. It doesn’t rest and doesn’t care. You do realize what mako is don’t you?” As he speaks Cloud gives a bored look and turns to Jessie silently asking which she picks up and shrugs.  

“Mako is the lifeblood of our world. The planet bleeds green like you and me bleed red.” Barret continues. “The hell you  think’s going to happen when it’s all gone, huh?! Answer me!” He wasn’t done yet “You going to stand there and pretend you can’t hear the planet crying out in pain? I know you can!” Barret finishes as he points to Cloud who just stares.  

“You really hear that?” Cloud asked  

“Damn straight I do!” Barret says as he  pumps  his chest.  

“Does he need help?” Cloud asked Jessie and she gasped at what he said, which'd pisses off Barret  

“Say that again! Barret said as he marches right up to Cloud, but before anything else can be said the elevator stops.  

“I would worry about the planet less and more on what’s beyond that door. Save the screaming for later.” Cloud says to Barret not understanding why he is even attempting to get to him, when he’s more than happy to say goodbye. Barret just glares at Cloud as they move out the elevator one at a time. Barret stops and says to Cloud  

“Our lives are on the line now.” Barret walks back to Cloud stops and points his  gun,  Cloud’s hand almost goes to Zack’s sword. “You listening merc? One false move...” He then shoots to the side Cloud almost jumps back but looks to where he shoots to see a Sentry Ray destroyed and falls down. “And that happens!” Barret warns.  

“Well, so much for Cloud do all the fighting.” Jessie says as she looks at the Sentry. “There are some places a sword can’t reach.”  

She then jogs up to Cloud who felt awkward as she approached. “Just... bear with him for me, would you?” She asks and Cloud just looks at her then at Barret who holds his gun up and smirking.  

“You better be thankful to Tifa.” Cloud says of how they got him for free, and just moves ahead. Jessie gives a slight laugh to Barret and follows after Cloud, while Barret just scoffs at Cloud. Cloud and Barret team up to deal with the other sentrys and Monodrives then move on to a laser security system which Jessie seemed excited about. Then they come face up with a Sweeper, Cloud and Barret make short work on, then move to the door.  

“What are you, twenty-something?” Barret asks out of the blue.  

“What?” Was all Cloud responded.  

“I’m talking about your age! You know, how old you are!” Barret explains.  

“What does that have to do with anything?” Cloud says confused as to why he’s asking something  irrelevant.  

Barret just looks at him then moves past him catching up to Jessie. Cloud gives a frustrated sign and follows after them. After passing a hallway they come to a large room, Cloud smells something very familiar, the mako. Cloud feels himself back in the tank trapped unable to move, then feels he’s in someone’s arm then lowered down and sees Zack. “ Hey! You  doing  ok?”  Cloud was pulled out when he feels a hand shake him.  

“Are you ok?” Jessie asks him as she and Barret look at him.  

Cloud regains himself and replies “I’m fine.  

“Right any way. That’s our target. The reactor core. Got to set the bomb at the bottom” Jessie says as they looked to the core then heads for the ladder. Barret is all excited of this gloating how he waited for this. Cloud wasn’t listening as they made their way down Jessie stays behind to cover them and Cloud and Barret continue on. Barret comments on how if they fell in, they would sink to the planet’s core. Cloud’s fear of ‘swimming’ in mako again comes up again, he pushes it down says the pump would suck them up. Cloud  and Barret make it to the bottom and walk up to the core. Barret makes his way over and turns around.   

“All right. Let’s see if little Stamp can bite the hand that feeds.” He says then reaches behind him and pulls out the bomb and holds it out to Cloud.  

“Go on. Do the honors.” Barret said imploringly to him. “Prove to me you’re the man Tifa says you are. That you’re one of us.”  

“I never said I was. I’m only doing this cause Tifa asked that’s it.” Cloud says glaring at him, he was not going to set that bomb, bad enough he’s doing this with them he wasn’t going to become them. And would not dishonor Zack.  

Barret gives a glare back. “Then do the damn job!” He shouts as he holds out the bomb, ordering him to do it. Cloud crosses his arms as sign that he will not, and reminds him that he’s not being payed for this. After a few moments Barret just growls and moves to plant the bomb. Cloud once more feels that headache once more lasting a little longer than last time, he sees a black feather falling down to the side and his eyes widen like he’s seen it before then it disappears.  

“What’s wrong?” Cloud hears Barret asks as he looks back to him looking like he’s worried. “I’m fine.” Cloud says. “How much time we got.” He adds moving on. “Twenty minutes.” Barret says and moves to press the button.  

Cloud then feels that something is coming, his hand to the sword and back up. Barret thinking he’s back stabbing them point’s his gun. “You double crossing-” He begins to say but cuts him off. “Heads up!” Cloud looks up to see a giant robot jump down. “What in the hell?” Barret said as he looks up to where Cloud is looking.  

They see in front of them a scorpion like robot getting ready to strike. Cloud spurts out knowledge he never had on robots as they fight the robot. Cloud using his speed while Barret uses his gun at its weak spots. They manage to damage it pushing back to the core where it almost repairs itself, they destroyed one of its legs and the two beat it. The robot begins malfunctioning and its tail laser begins shooting around, narrowly missing the bomb cutting them off from it. “Shit! The bomb!” Barret says and suddenly it starts counting. The scorpion then falls into the mako.  

 Cloud and Barret start to make their way back to the exit climbing back up to Jessie. Before they can go any further, the pipes fall and destroyed the walkway Cloud was on and Jessie trapped under rubble. Cloud jumps towards pipe holds on and moves over to help her.  

“ You  okay?” Cloud asks her as he moves to her.  

“Do I look okay!? Help a girl out, would  ya !?” Jessie says as she tries to get her legs out. Cloud moves to help manages to lift it for her to move her legs and stands up. “My hero!” She says giving a smirk. Cloud about to retort he’s no hero, but Barret calls out. “Hey! We’ll link up over there! Look after Jessie!” He said and moves to the entrance. Cloud and Jessie move to catch up Jessie speaks frantically  moving fast as they make their way, Cloud tells her shut it as they climb and that she’s not helping. Jessie apologize saying it keeps her focus. They reach the entrance to see more Shinra  forces.  

“Barret-” Jessie begins to say.  

“I got you covered. Find us a way out of here.” He says telling her to go ahead while they deal with them.  

“But then-” She starts to protest, but stops as Barret starts shooting.  

Don’t worry, I’ll be fine! I’ve got SOLDIER boy with me!” He says and Jessie looks to Cloud nodding and runs for the door and makes it through. Cloud irritated being called a SOLDIER again but lets it go and focuses on the infantry. They beat them and make their way to the elevator to catch up but more of Shinra’s  forces show up slow them down. After dealing with them, they make it to the elevator but Jessie is not there, must have move on and sent it down. They get in and press the button and go up.  

Back at  Shinra’s office he watches the bomb go off, but makes only minor damage. That would put them in the people’s good graces, and could cause a rebellion. Turns to Heidegger to send the remaining robots to increase the damage. Heidegger nods and sends the signal. The robots cause more damage and the explosion that will be greater than they intended .  

Barret waits for the elevator to reach the top when it shakes from the explosion, and gets impatient. “Come on... come on, come on, come on!” He repeats waiting for this thing to get to the top. Barret looks to Cloud as he has his hand on his sword looking at it. A few times he uses the handle and his fists to deal with the security when they teamed up. What’s his deal with it, it’s like he has some kind of obsession with it? But stops pondering when they reach the top and runs out, Cloud catches up.  

Jessie is at the door typing at the counsel. “Doors open!” She said when it’s open and they run out meeting up with Biggs as they make their way to Wedge, Jessie is hit with debris and falls down Cloud moves to her and help.  

“Can you walk?” He asks as he helps her up.  

“If I couldn’t, believe me, you’d be the first to know.” Jessie said as she gets up with Cloud’s help. “I’ll take that as a yes.” He says then they run for the exit. Cloud stops as a pipe hits the walkway and it starts to fall. “Cloud!” Jessie calls as it falls. Cloud suddenly finds himself jumping more then he could ever do and lands perfectly in front of Jessie who gives him a thumbs up. “Okay, that was pretty cool.” But Cloud was to shocked of what he did, Jessie grabs his arm dragging him as they make their escape.  

As Avalanche flees the explosion causes a massive destruction and debris falls into the city causing damage to it and the loss of life of anyone debris and fires hit.  

Chapter Text

Avalanche escapes from the reactor then they find themselves in an underground passage. As the group move a good distance, they come to a stop as debris falls from the small tunnel and with wires coming out. They wait it out till it stops, they take a moment to relax then Barret speaks up.

“Looks like we made it.” He says as he looks over them. “And with nothing but a few scratches to show-” He’s cut off as more explosions happen up top, he looks to Jessie. “Think you might’ve overdone it?”

“I followed the instructions to the letter.” Jessie says adding. “Maybe it triggered a reaction with the mako?” She said as the bomb was supposed to do minimal damage.

“Well, let's hope this city’s still in one peace.” Barret says. Barret steals a look at Cloud who has a small frown on his face, Barret knows he was against this but they have to do this way to bring down  Shinra , Biggs speaks up.

“But the planet’s what matters, right?” As he says there goes another explosion which causes him to add and looking to Jessie. “I mean... this must’ve helped some.”

“After all that, it’d better have.” She says then changes the subject. “Anyway, let’s get going. We in Sector 8?” She asks Wedge  answers .

“That’d just be down there!” He says pointing down the tunnel Barret turns to him. “All right, then. Lead the way.” He says giving him the chance to take charge on this one, which he accepts. “You got it!” Wedge says and walks down as the team follows him.

Cloud who was just listening to them was mostly looking around at small destruction in the tunnel. They just shrug off what happening around them thinking it went according to plan. Cloud isn’t an explosive expert but even he can tell that something like this is huge and devastating up top, and he doesn’t think mako is flammable and the reactor should have failsafes for something like that.

Cloud hopes that things didn’t go overboard and not many people suffered because of what he helped caused. Cloud starts to follow after Avalanche and get out of there. As they make their way through rubble and live wires there was a shake as the tunnel seemed unstable, they picked up the pace.

“How much further do we have to go?” Jessie says.

“Not far!” Wedge responds then they reached their entrance to Sector 8. “That’s about as good a  place  as any.” He says as they approached the door but it’s locked.

“Stand back then. I’ll set the bomb.” Jessie says as she sets the bomb and the others take a step back to cover.

“Can’t wait to see you, Marlene.” Barret says happy thinking of seeing his daughter.

“Can’t wait to take a shower.” Biggs says hating the smell and another shake happens Cloud catches up as Jessie  set  the bomb.

“She’s good to go.” Jessie said as she moves back covering her head. “Fire in the hole!” The bomb goes off creating the hole for them.

“You sure told those doors.” Biggs comments as he moves through.

“Let that be a lesson to anything that gets in my way.” Jessie said following him with Barret and Wedge. Cloud hangs back a bit dreading what he may see once he crosses that hole, after a moment he follows and regrets coming along. Seeing fire in front of him, hearing the announcement warning people of the danger. Cloud runs up the steps and sees the damaged reactor, the roof of it is completely blown off and a huge fire coming out. And sees smoke some distance from the reactor.

Cloud looks back to the team marching back angry. “What the hell did you put in that bomb!” Cloud yells looking directly at Jessie who’s shocked of what’s happen.

Barret jumping in the defense of his team. “We did what was necessary to save the planet.” He said justifying their actions.

Cloud’s anger only increased at that. “Necessary?!” Cloud asked incredulously. “You call this necessary?!” He shouted gesturing to the destruction around them.

“This isn’t what we wanted-” Wedge says trying to convince Cloud that the destruction wasn’t what they planned.

“Yeah? Well, tell that to the people who just died!” Cloud says then turns away angered at what happened. The rest of team is speechless, they didn’t want any of this to happen but here they are. Barret not liking any of this either but it was too late to turn back, they can’t stop.

“It  ain’t  pretty, but we can’t stop now. This was just the first reactor.” Barret said trying ease his team. “And the planet won’t be safe till we get the rest.” He reminds what they set out to do.

Biggs gives it a moment then speaks up. “Yeah... We always knew this was  gonna  to be messy.” He says trying to help ease Jessie and Wedge.

“And this is only the beginning...” Wedge said trying to still be  committed .

Barret seeing his hesitation speaks up. ‘Y’all got look at the bigger picture here. Nothing worth fighting for was ever won without sacrifice.” Cloud scoffs at that, they don’t know anything about sacrifice. “Though you may not be crying out, I know you’re in pain-just like the planet.” Barret continues. “But it’s okay, cause I’m here for you! To help take the load off your shoulders!” He says trying to ease their burdens. ‘Your fears... Your worries...And yes, your concerns...” He says to Jessie trying to cheer her up. “Whatever your problem, I got you.” He finishes looks to them hoping his speech was able to help them.

That seems to get through to them slowly, though Jessie still holds onto reservations about their goals. Biggs then speaks up. “So, what’s our next move, boss?”

“That’s easy enough! We get our asses home!” Barret says raising arm and clenched his hand, and then after a moment they start to move out. Barret starts to follow but takes a glance at Cloud glaring at him for almost destroying his team’s morale. Cloud returns the glare not backing down from what he did as he is seeing them like the last Avalanche. Barret then follows after his team.

Cloud watched him go then looks to the fire with sadness at the death that had been cause by the destruction. He put his hand on Zacks sword but just grip it silently prying to Zack to forgive him for getting involved in this. After taking a moment he follows after them and hears Barret tell the team to split up and regroup at the freight car on the train.

After the team splits up and head out. Cloud walks down the steps to see people in a  panic  from the fire and the destruction, some people trying to help. Cloud had to resist the urge to stay and help but  Shinra  security will be on the lookout for any suspicious suspects for the reactor bombing. Before he can go any further someone taps his shoulder, he turns to see Jessie who is looking nervous at what she wants to say.

‘What?” Cloud asks knowing he’s going to hear it no matter what.

“Look despite what you might think I didn’t want this to happen.” She says her voice almost rising but she restrains herself and looks him in the eyes.

Cloud still holds resentments for what they did but one look into Jessie’s eyes made him believe her though he can’t tell why he can almost see it in her.

“If so, then why are you doing this with them?” Cloud asks wanting to know why she’s making bombs for them.

“I have my reasons.” Jessie says as she makes it clear its personal for her. Cloud just hums in acknowledgement. “Let’s talk about this later, okay?” She says then pulls something out. “I don’t need to tell you what this is, right?”

Cloud looks to see a green orb confused at first then remembers what it is. “No, it’s a  materia .” He says though can’t tell what kind.

“Yeah, healing materia. You can have it. For saving my life.” Jessie replies giving it as a thank you.

“Forget it. No need for that.” Cloud says not needing a payment though she thinks otherwise.

“Yeah, yeah...” Jessie says taking his hand and giving him the  materia . “Fact is, I’m lucky you were there.” She adds giving a smile still holding on to his hand.

Cloud feeling awkward with her holding his hand, he then takes his hand out of hers and says “You can’t always rely on luck.” He said with experience of how unlucky he has been his whole life and with Zack.

“Words to live by.” Jessie says giving a small smile.

Cloud not speaking for a moment then puts the materia away. “Well... thanks.” Was all he said.

“You do know how to use it, right?” Jessie asks.

“I do have a fire  materia .” Cloud replies as it was given to him by Tifa.

“Ok just making sure. Anyway, we should head for the station.” Jessie says and starts running for the station, Cloud watches her go then starts to follow after her. Cloud passes through the crowd of scared people who are afraid to move anywhere. Jessie warns him from up high to be careful as some areas will collapse. He passes over some which collapse below him so he can’t back track, he moves on and sees the station still intact.

Cloud makes his to the station but the highway above  collapses  and blocks his way. Cloud hears people screaming and running from the cracks then he looks up to see burning windows. Cloud then finds himself in his hometown on fire and he is standing at the center. Cloud then sees  him  standing in fire almost surrounding him, Cloud eyes widen when he starts to turn around, then he was gone and Cloud was back to where he was. Cloud shakes off what he saw not wanting to think of it then starts to turn around to find another way around.

But as Cloud turns and he sees him right in front of him, Cloud looks up to see him smiling at him. Cloud backs up fearfully hand to Zack’s sword ready to pull it out, but more debris falls close by causing fire to blow right by causing Cloud to shield his eyes. Cloud looks to see him walking away but once more finding himself in  Nibelheim again and follows after him. The ringing that he had earlier comes back again this time it comes and goes. Cloud continues to follow in an alleyway to see him come around a corner.

Cloud not believing it. “You’re not real... You’re...dead!” Cloud says convinced that he is.

“I am?”  Sephiroth says  tautly .

“I threw you down the-” Cloud begins to say but stops as he remembers the sword stabbing into him.

“Oh, you need not to remind me. It was the crowning moment for you, for both of us.” Sephiroth says.

“But that was then, and this is now. I have a favor to ask.” He says Cloud almost rebuffs but he can’t speak. “Our beloved planet is dying. Slowly. Silently. Painfully. Can you bear to see the planet suffer... Cloud?”

Cloud finds himself on the ground in Nibelheim in his old infantry gear looking up to see his house burning.

“Mom... Mom...” He says as he crawls to the house in a weak attempt to save her.

“Were the planet to die, so many things would be lost. Your hometown burns so bright...” Sephiroth still taunts him. “The sound of her voice pleading for me to spare you. The shiver of her flesh yielding to cold steel.”

Cloud angered for his mother’s death returns as he gives Sephiroth a death glare but he just shrugs it and continues.

“That which now binds us together would be no more. And I would be loath to live in such a world.” Sephiroth said. Cloud wants to shout at him for using his mother and his hometown for linking them together as he says, but he still can’t speak.

Sephiroth just smiles and continues. “Which is why I must ask you this one favor. Don’t worry. It’s a simple thing.” He says then holds out his hand. “Run, Cloud... Run away. You have to leave.” He smiles and adds. “You have to be  his  living legacy.”

Cloud anger reached its peak and his hand to Zack’s sword. “You bastard!” Cloud charges at him jumps and swings the sword down almost hits him, then he disappears as well as the fire around him.

“Good, Cloud. Very good.” Cloud hears his voice. “Hold on to that hatred.” And he is gone, Cloud looks around franticly but he is gone wondering what that was. Cloud holds Zack’s sword up and places it to his forehead again, wishing Zack was here.

Cloud then moves out of the alley and looks for a way to the station. Cloud had to go over a building and finds on the other side, on the Loveless Street as he sees the sign. To the left he sees security looking for the intruders Cloud quickly walks away down the street. Cloud looks to see a woman with a red jacket, a pink dress, and a basket with flowers, she looks like she is being attacked but there was nothing around her. She then stops then turns around and makes eye contact with him which he froze. But then Cloud sees a hand tap her shoulder and Sephiroth is back.

Cloud backs up fearfully not understanding how he’s seeing him. “You are too weak to save anyone.” Sephiroth says as he walks to Cloud. “Not even yourself.” Cloud clutches his head as the ringing is back.

“Are you okay!?” Cloud hears a voice but it wasn’t Sephiroth’s. He then sees the flower peddler move right in front of him. “Hey... Are you okay?” She asked again.

“I’m fine.” Was all Cloud said as he starts to move wanting to get away from where he was. But the flower peddler runs right in front of him.

“Here. This is for you.” She said as she holds out a flower.

“A flower?” Cloud asks confused.

“That’s right. It’s a gift. You know, for scaring those things away.” She replies still holding the flower out.

“What things?” Cloud said even more confused as there was nothing.

“Never mind. Think of it as a memento.” She said giving a smile.

“Is this really...” Cloud said confused as to how this is going on like it’s natural with nothing going on.

‘I heard that, you know.” She said like it was an insult.

“Sorry.” Cloud answers then adds. “Look I don’t have any money so I can’t pay for it.”

“Well, it depends on the customer.” She said as she looks at the flower then back to him. “In your case... It’s on the house.” She says, then she moves to him which he backs up. “Lovers used to give these when they were reunited...” She explains as she places it in his chest leather belt.

Cloud just looks at her wondering what was up with her, but before he says anything else he finds himself just starring at her. He felt like he knows her like they met before but Cloud doesn’t recall meeting, but he felt like he had interacted with her before. And there was a feeling when he looked in to her eyes liked he dreamt of seeing it a thousand times. Cloud suddenly remembers that he has to get to the station before the train leaves.

“Look, I’m involved in things. Dangerous things.” Cloud said trying to tell her she should stay away from him.

“Oh, I’m sure you are. So?” She said  casually.

“ So you should go.” Cloud said almost pleadingly.

“Wait-you think someone’s out to get you? Is that what you’re all worked up about?” She asked as she thinks that is what he’s saying. “Relax. No one’s going to attack you. I promise.” She says trying to ease him.

“A mako reactor just blew. You shouldn’t be out here trying to sell  fl -” Cloud says but stops as she gasps, drops her basket and moves about trying to get away from something that was attacking her.

“Help me!” She grabs Cloud’s hand and sudden whatever she was seeing came to reality. They both see strange creatures around them, they are black robed beings Cloud never saw before. One of them flies toward the flower girl which Cloud had a strong protective feeling too strong as he just met her. Cloud draws Zack’s sword out and strikes at it but it had no effect.

“What are they?” The flower girl asked as they continue to fly around them. Before Cloud can think of something he notices the security running to them.

“Drop your weapon!” One of them said as they point their weapons at Cloud not seeing the flying robe beings even as one of them flies around one of them.

“Are you blind...?” Cloud asked confused by these things.

“You know-you're right!” The flower girl said as she looks at them then to him and then at the robed things then starts to run to an alley, as the creatures follow her.

“Wha-Wait!” Cloud said as feels concerned for her.

She stops and turns around giving him a look for a moment. “Nice meeting you!” She says then runs down the alley with those things in toe.

Cloud starts to follow after her, but a gun went off in front of him and looks back to the security. One of them tells him to drop his sword but he raises it and rushes at them. After beating them he follows after the flower girl but she’s gone Cloud can’t run straight to the station as there is more security. Cloud starts to heads the other way to find another way. As he makes his way he had to deal with more security and then move to a fountain plaza, a helicopter appears spotting him and giving away his position.

As Cloud deals with them and escapes he eventually comes up to a bridge over the train tracks, then he is surrounded as more of  Shinra’s  troops move towards him. Cloud fights them off but then a Huntsman appears with a riot shield and stun baton. Though he was tough Cloud was able to gain the upper hand. But as he beats him more troops show up, Cloud backs up slowly but hears one of them speak.

“Wait! I know that guy, Cloud?” Cloud whips his head to him though he can’t see his face, Cloud is concerned that he knows him. One of the troops approached from behind which Cloud reacts to. They start to fire but the one who knows Cloud did not shoot. Cloud runs as he hears a train coming Cloud decides to risk it and jumps on to the train as it leaves for the slums. Cloud looks back to see the security frustrated that he got away and Cloud sees the one who called out to him who is shocked, but it was a quick look till the train goes under the express and heads to meet up with Avalanche.

Avalanche were waiting in the freight car as they had regrouped and now waited for Cloud but he hasn’t showed up. And as the train moves away and he never showed they grew worried despite what he said earlier.

“Guess Cloud won’t be joining us after all...” Wedge said.

“No need to assume the worst. I’m sure he’s fine. Biggs said easing Wedge. “You saw him in action, didn’t you? Guy’s a SOLDIER. Goddamn one-man army.”

Jessie not holding resentment at Cloud for his outburst holds concerned for his wellbeing. “ Mmm , think he’s a keeper?” She asked

Barret still angry at Cloud for his accusations but doesn’t want him dead, he can tell Cloud’s a good kid but he’s not sympathetic to Avalanche’s cause, he doesn’t know what to tell Tifa when they get back. Before anyone can ponder further there was a knock outside, they tense up Barret and Biggs move to the door.

“On my go.” Barret says to Biggs who draws his gun. Barret opens the door and Cloud jumps right in surprising everyone.

“Ugh, you had me worried for a minute...” Barret said, the team even Cloud is surprised by Barret’s concerned as they all looked to him. Barret realizing what he said brushes it off. “What the hell you been up to? Huh!?”

“Playing tag with security.” Cloud said plainly letting them figure out the rest.

“Nicely done.” Jessie said smiling and noticing the flower.

Biggs walks up to Barret with a hand on his shoulder. “Well-can’t argue with results, huh?” Biggs says, Barret brushes his hand off and closes the door, he then moves to the next car but stops as Cloud asks something.

“Wait. Got a question for you all.” Cloud said as they look to him.

“What?” Barret asked annoyed.

“Ever been attacked by an invisible enemy?” Cloud asked looking to them. The team were confused at what he meant. “Wearing robes. Came and went like the wind.” Cloud explained.

“Thought they were invisible...” Biggs said in disbelieve at what Cloud was saying.

“They were-at first. Only saw them after she grabbed me...” Cloud said looking down to his left hand where the flower girl grabbed him, which at that moment he felt something swirl in him when she did and made him want to follow after her when she ran.

“A new  Shinra  weapon maybe?” Jessie suggested.

“Hah! More like a panic-induced hallucination!” Barret said at Cloud’s mental  health.

“Never mind.” Cloud said looking away.

‘Suit yourself. C’mon, let's move up.” Barret said as they make their way to the passenger car to see it crowded. Biggs, Wedge, and Jessie take different spots on the train. Wedge noticing how everyone is scared Cloud pointed out to the reactor, Wedge almost unloaded himself to Cloud but told him not to as he wasn’t the person. Biggs asked Cloud to speak with him. Biggs asked if he was ok  to which  Cloud said he was all considering. Jessie also spoke with Cloud about the bomb as it shouldn’t have cause that kind of destruction, she even thought about the invisible enemy but brushed it off for trying to believe something else to blame for what she caused. Cloud then moves to the next car and  Shinra  employees talking.

“What kind of maniacs would go so far as to bomb a reactor?” A woman of the group asked.

A  Shinra  middle manager responds. “They’ve yet to announce it publicly, but I heard it was Avalanche’s doing.”

“Really? Aren’t they the terrorists who tried to kill the president?” The woman asked like it was  heresy.

“Is there nothing they won’t do?” The guy standing asked.

“Hey! Quit talking out your ass!” Barret said scarring the three with his presence. “Everyone knows Avalanche cares about saving the planet.” Barret adds intimidating them.

“J-just who do you think you are?” The manager asked not liking his attitude.

“A law- abiding  citizen.” Barret simply says.

“Law-abiding?” Really?” The woman asked in disbelieve. Barret got right up front of her daring her to say it again. “Don’t antagonize him!” The guy next to her said  fearfully .

“In my humble opinion, that explosion was a message-a message to the bastards bleeding our planet dry.” Barret says. “Think they got it? Heard it loud and clear? Y’all’s masters?” Barret said Cloud just facepalm, he might as well say they are Avalanche Cloud thought then he hears the manager speak.

“We will not submit to intimidation or violence! But work together for peace and prosperity!” He says and adds. “That is how civilized people change the world!”

The other two start clap. “That’s right!” The women says as if they made a great triumph. “That is the  Shinra  creed!” The other guy said, Barret then stomps his foot scaring them.

“Hmph. Them’s fighting words.” Barret says in disgust at them for being blind.

It’s what we believe. We all have to follow our conscience, don’t we?” The manager says not backing down from Barret. “We should go.” the other guy said as he got up and headed for the other car with the others behind him. Barret kicks the seat in frustration and sits down, angered at their “ Shinra  creed” and that they were the good guy's which Cloud scoffs at, Cloud walks over to Jessie by the terminal.

“Personally, I find visual aids make the dull stuff a lot more bearable.” Jessie said as she explains to him. “If it helps, think of it as an initiation rite.

“I’m not becoming one of you-” Cloud says but stops as Jessie puts a finger to his mouth and shushing him.

“There’s such a thing as playing too hard to get.” She says giving a wink.

“So, here we’ve got a wireframe model of the great city of  Midgar .” She says as the screen shows the map of the city, Jessie continues. “Complete with massive steel plates suspended three hundred meters above ground level...” The screen rotates. “Atop which stands a shining beacon of civilization. The whole system is sustained by the mako reactors, which feeds the insatiable appetites of the public.’

“The train will be passing through an ID checkpoint shortly.” An announcer says over the coms.

“This here is the train’s route.” Jessie continues. “As you can see, it’ll take us around this main pillar.” She says as the screens shows the route. “Look-we're about halfway through it now.” She says explaining the checkpoint. “They’ve set up a checkpoint here to scan the IDs of all passengers heading in and out.” She then explains about the IDs. “Date of birth, residential status, criminal history... All that and more is automatically cross-referenced in their databases. Public Security wouldn’t have it any other way.”

As she finished, they are passing the checkpoint.” Heads up.” Jessie says as they are being scanned Cloud tenses. “Don’t worry. Our IDs are impeccable.” Jessie reassures him as there is no alarm.

“What’d I tell you? Have a little faith.” Jessie says then walks to the one of the doors. “Won’t be long till we reach the bottom. Relax.” She said as she looks out the window.

“Take a good look.” Cloud looks to Barret as he speaks. “It’s because of that great big pizza in the sky that people down there  gotta  struggle to survive.  Shinra  sucks up mako while the soil turns to dust, the air fills with smog, and the flowers die.”

“If that’s the case they can just leave.” Cloud said like it’s the obvious choice. “That’s what works for anyone who makes a habit of it.”

“Hmph! Well, that’s all well and good if you’re only out for yourself.” Barret said then takes his glasses off and he speaks in a softer and a sincere tone. “But the folks down there don’t have the luxury of choice, you know?”

Cloud surprised by how he actually spoke to him that way, but he is wrong about one thing. “We all have a choice.” Cloud says not challenging in any way which Barret didn’t retort, seems to acknowledge his statement. Cloud then moves to the other door of the passenger car and just stares out of it, waiting for it to end and for this night as well.

Chapter Text

The train approaches Sector 7’s train station. All around people waited for their friends or love ones to arrive. As the train comes to a stop the doors open and the people on board disembark and are greeted by their friends or family, many were concerned as to what happened up top and were eager to know how they were.

As Avalanche gets off, they looked happy to be back but then Barret yells out. “Hot damn, we are good!” He says throwing his arms up cheering at their success the rest of the team cheer as well.

“Bombs detonated: one. Members lost: zero.” Wedge said giving a thumbs up.

“And one step closer to a brighter future!” Biggs says follow Barret’s example.

“Hell yeah!” Jessie said. Cloud just stood where he was baffled that they are shouting out that they are the ones that bombed the reactor.

“Guys!” Barret calls out. “Lower your voices, huh? People are listening.” After that the team goes quiet. “Now get some R&R. You’ve earned it. Just be ready for the next mission, alright?” Barret tells them to take some time off and for their next op.

The team nods and heads on home for some relaxation. Barret starts to follow but remembers Cloud as he still stands where he was, Barret looks to him. “See you soon.” Barret said which confused Cloud. “At Seventh Heaven? You know, where Tifa works?” Barret reminds him then he turns to head to the bar but adds. Don’t keep her waiting. She’ll worry.”

After that he starts to run, Cloud can vaguely hear him telling his daughter that  he’s   almost home . Cloud just watches him as he ran not even going to feel anything anymore. Barret made it clear that he was going to keep up with their goal, and if he wants to have the blood innocent on his hands and brushes it off  that’s  his guilt to live with.

Cloud starts to walk on back to the bar. Passing by people either backing up as he walks by just going about their day. People around talk either about their day, what they are going to do, some mocked how the people up top will now have to struggle with one of the reactors gone. Cloud even hears some talk about him, of how he walked out of some graveyard, probably thinking he’s some ghost. Which Cloud thought it was stupid. As Cloud makes his way he sees a guy by poster stand, looking to one of the posts.

“Hah.  Mako is the lifeblood of the planet?  The hell it is.” He says at the annoyed posters, Cloud looks to it and sees “Avalanche” on it, the guy moves to tear it down. “Goddamn eco-warriors with their dumbass posters. I tear ‘em down and they’re back up inside of an hour. Like I’ve got nothing better to do...” He says as he looks at Cloud then looks up.

“I mean, look at all that steelwork... You’re trying to tell me that’s not progress?” He says it like  Midgar  is the utopia of the world. But only for those for ambitions. Cloud looks up as well, then he sees steel falling- Cloud shields himself for the hit.

“What the- You okay, buddy?” The guy noticing Cloud covering his face asked. Cloud realizing that the ringing happened again, looks up to see nothing falling.

“Mako junkie, huh? Figures...” The guy says rudely Cloud gives him a glare, but sees two of the robe ghosts from up top behind the guy but he doesn’t see them.

They then start to circle Cloud as he tenses but they don’t attack instead they head down the road to town as no one sees them. “You again...” Cloud said not understanding with these things, as they are not your usual monsters. Cloud starts walking again wanting this night to end, he sees Biggs, Jessie and Wedge talking.

“That hot shower can’t come soon enough. I can barely tell my skin from all the ash and sweat” Biggs said on the need to take a shower.

“When I get back, it’s refuelin’ time.” Wedge says  excitedly .

“And you, Jessie?” Biggs asks her.

“I  dunno . Figure out how I screwed up?” She said, still filling guilty about the bomb.

‘Hah! You’re such a kidder.” Biggs said thinking she was joking.

They start jogging their way home. Cloud walks right to the entrance of the town to see lights and people going about their business. Cloud sees the bar just down the road, Cloud walks down the road he passes by a group of people by a tv watching the news of the reactor. Cloud just moves on as he comes up to the bar, he can see Tifa sitting at the steps with Marlene likely waiting for Barret. Tifa sees him and waves as Cloud walks up  giving  a smile.

Then she looks to her right to see Barret approaching. “Marlene!” Tifa said waking her up. Marlene looks up to see Barret.

Marlene gets up and walks off the steps. “Daddy! You’re home!” Marlene said as Barret comes up.

“That’s right, angel, I am!” Barret said as he bends down to pick her up with his only arm while laughing.

“Welcome back!” Tifa greets him.

“Have you been a good girl?” Barret asks as he takes hers up the steps. “Yeah, I been helping Tifa.” Marlene replied as Tifa follows after looking to Cloud. “Oh, you did, did you? Well, well...” Barret said as he enters the bar.

“You made it.” Tifa says to Cloud as he walks up to her by the doors. “Where’d you get that?” She asked noticing the flower. “I can’t remember the last time I saw a real one.”

Cloud looks to the flower amazed it’s still there and intact. “Uh... It was given to me by a flower peddler I ran into up top.” Cloud said taking the flower out of his belt and hands it to Tifa.

Tifa is surprised by this looks down likely to hide a blush which Cloud does as well, especially from the meaning behind the flower. Cloud just reminds himself this is just for a friend.

“How sweet. When did  you  get so thoughtful?” Tifa asked as she never seen this side of him.

“I can be. Five years can change a guy.” Cloud said.

“Huh?” Tifa said confused by what he said.

Cloud tensed realizing what he said. “Seven!” He said scolding himself for slipping like that. “Sorry long night.” Cloud said hopping she won’t ask him about what he said.

“Right... Come on in.” Tifa said wanting to ask what was wrong but decided to let it go for now. Cloud walks in but stops as he hears Marlene talk to Barret.

“Daddy, the mako place blew up. Everyone on TV’S talking about it.” She said pointing to the tv, Cloud looks to the tv to see what’s happening up top now.

“Don’t you worry about all that silliness. Daddy’s here, and he’s not going anywhere tonight.” Barret said easing Marlene’s worry. “Now turn that thing off and let’s get you to bed, huh?” He adds, Marlene was about to protest when she noticed Cloud walking up and looking to the tv. Marlene panics jumping off the stool she was on and runs behind the counter.

Barret angered by that slams his hand on the counter and gets up. “Hey! The hell you think you’re doing scaring my daughter like that!?” Barret shouts at Cloud, as he marches up and shoves Cloud. Cloud was able to gain his footing and glares at Barret.

“Daddy says never talk to strangers.” Marlene said still behind the counter. That stops Barret from doing anything else turning to Marlene.

“That’s right, honey, I do say that. What a good girl you are, remembering daddy’s lessons.” Barret said as Marlene comes out from the counter and Barret walks to her. “You know what else good girls do? They go to bed on time. C’mon.” Barret said as he picks her up again.

But Marlene protest. “But I’m not tired! I wanna talk some more, Daddy...” She said begging him to keep on talking.

Barret thought about it then concedes. “ Mmm ... Alright-but just this once!” He said but telling her that she will go to bed when they are done. Cloud just glares at Barret once more tired of dealing with his crap.

“So, then! Want something to drink?” Tifa said breaking Cloud from his thought.

“No.” Cloud said starting to head out but Tifa catches up stopping him. “Cloud I know Barret is-” Tifa begins but trails off.

“An ass?” Cloud said loud and clearly for Barret to hear. Which Barret glares right at him and is about to retort, but one look from Tifa causes him to stop. Tifa then takes Cloud’s hand and leads him outside to talk.

“Um, Daddy... did the people who die all return to the planet?” Marlene asked Barret getting his attention. “Of course.” Barret said to Marlene focusing back to her and letting Tifa deal with Cloud. Tifa and Cloud walked out the door and down the steps and stopping at the end, Tifa turns to Cloud with pleading eyes. “Cloud please, don’t start anything.” Tifa said to him, Cloud lets out a sigh and nods.

“Anyway, let's call it night, huh?” Cloud was about to say that he wasn’t going to take up her space again, but she’d beat him to it. “There’s an empty room just at the apartment. I was thinking you could stay there for now.”

Cloud was about to ask how he was going to pay for it, but Tifa explains how. “The landlady’s a big friend of the cause, so you wouldn’t even have to pay rent! Sounds good?” She says giving smile.

Cloud thought about it, it would be nice for the time being till he can figure out what to do next. “Alright, Thank you.” Cloud said to her. “Follow me then!” Tifa said giving a light laugh and starts walking.

“How was it up on the plate?” Tifa asked as Cloud starts to follow.

“It was...chaotic.” Cloud said the sounds of screams and cries as there was fire, explosion, and death going on all around returning to his head. Tifa looks to him and guilt comes up.

“Sorry for dragging you into all this.” Tifa said apologize to having to begged him to join up, then adds. “It was wrong of me to put you in danger like that. I promise I won’t do it again.”

“Don’t worry about me. That’s not the first time I’ve been through something like that.” Cloud remembering the missions  Shinra  just threw at him. Most times he didn’t make it, but just like everything else he’s just unlucky to die.

“I’ll try not to.” Tifa said but the sound of her voice doesn’t sound convincing.

“So, you make nice with everyone?” Tifa asked after a moment of silence.

“Well, you saw me with Barret so that’s a no and the others it was okay. Maybe not enough for them.” Cloud said though as he said before he wasn’t going to stick around, so he wasn’t going to get too attached to them.

“Good. You had me worried.” Tifa said giving an approved look, then adds. “You’re not exactly a people person.”

“I’ll give you that.” Cloud said not going argue with that. Another moment of silence fills the air till Tifa speaks again.

“I saw Sector 8 on the news... It was like a war zone...” Tifa said shaken by what happen up top.

Cloud doesn’t say anything for a moment, he too is still shaken by what happen. “The news is just another  Shinra  mouthpiece. They’ll spread whatever lies  Shinra  tells ‘em to.” Cloud said knowing they use those people’s death to further their power, which Barret helped them do so.

“So... it wasn’t that bad?” Tifa asked hoping it wasn’t what they said.

Cloud hesitated noy sure he should tell her but decided to say it. “...It was.” was all he said. Tifa broken by what he said. “Oh. Right.” She replied. After that they came up to the apartment.

“And here we are. Good  ol ’ Stargazer Heights. You’re on the second floor.” Tifa said as she walked the steps with Cloud behind her. They come to a stop at her door.

“Room 201 as you know is where I sleep.” Tifa said pointing to her room where she brought him when she found him. “Don’t have much time for much else, what with Seventh Heaven and all. Not even time to decorate.” She said then moves to the next door.

“Here’s your room-202." Tifa said gesturing to the door. “Don’t worry, the landlady already knows about you.” She adds.

“She does?” Cloud asked concerned.

“Yes?” Tifa said then remembers he never met her. “Ohhh, well-she also had walked in when I brought you here. I told her you’re a friend and that I was helping you.” Tifa said remembering when she brought Cloud in Marle came in after the Watch left and explained. “And I asked her if you can have this room. Was that too much?” She asked hoping it didn’t upset him.

“No. It’s fine.” Cloud reassured her not wanting to blame her for something she has no control over. “And this?” Cloud asked about 203.

Tifa looked to 203 and hesitated. “That one’s uh... Know what, it’s getting late. I’ll introduce you tomorrow.” She said, after giving a nod Cloud walks up to the door and opens it.

Cloud takes a look around and sees a bed to the right and a desk with some boxes on it at the end. To the left is a bathroom, a shower and a sink just left to the door. It is just what he can get by with for the time being.

“It’s a little bare, but should be enough to get you through the night.” Tifa said as she closed the door then leaned to the side. She watched him as he looked around and adds. “If you want anything else, we can always get it-”

“it’s fine Tifa, don’t need anything else.” Cloud said as he looks to her, this was more than enough. He doesn’t want her to think she needs to provide any more  since  she’s done enough.

Tifa gives a nod, then she fiddles with her hands. “So, what are you planning to do tomorrow?” She asked looking to  him. Cloud  thought about it then says. “I think I'll go out and look for work, I guess.”

 “Oh okay... Well, if you’re interested, I’m going to be selling water filters tomorrow around town.” Tifa said then asked. “You wanna come along?”

Cloud thought about it, he felt like denying as she would probably have to deal with the team later. And may take some of her time. But decided to help her out. “OK I’ll help you out.” Cloud said.

“Thanks, you’re the best!” Tifa said as she moves to the door. “I’ll see you bright and early at the bar, then.” She said then opens the door. “Thanks again for everything. Sleep tight!” She said outside then shuts it likely heading to her room to catch her sleep as well.

Cloud was now alone in his new room. Cloud gives a slight sigh he reaches to Zack’s sword giving it a look over, there is a bit of ash over it. Cloud looks for a rag and finds it in one of the baskets. He moves to the sink to grab a small bucket just below it and fills it up. Then he sits to the bed and starts to clean it. After a few minutes he managed to get the ash off it then puts it to the side. Cloud then lies back and begins to get some shut eye, wanting to put this day behind.

Cloud was getting some sleep when he wakes to hear a loud noise. Cloud jumps up from the reaches for the sword ready to strike. As the noised continued Cloud looks to his left and realized that it’s coming from the room next to him. Cloud stood for a moment not wanting to go over and see’s what’s wrong, but the groaning continues Cloud made his decision. “Guess it’s time for introductions.” Cloud as he placed the sword on his back and walks to the door.

Cloud walks out the door and closes it, and looks to 203. Cloud thought he should get Tifa but decided against it not going to bother her with this. Cloud walks up to the door and knocks, but no one answers. “Hey. You okay in there?” Cloud calls out but still no answer other than the groaning. “Coming in.” Cloud calls again not sure what else to do. As Cloud enters the room is bit dark and something feels wrong that causes him to tense. Before he can ponder further the ringing is back but no pain comes up. Cloud looks up and sees Sephiroth.

Cloud reaches for Zack’s sword and tries to draw it but it hits the top of the door frame. Sephiroth looks up to Cloud as he got the sword in front, with fear building up in him. Sephiroth starts to walk to him Cloud takes a step back but he misstep and falls back, Sephiroth jumps onto him almost begins to choke him. Cloud manages to pouch him then kicks him off and reaches for the sword gets ready to strike.

“Cloud! Stop!” Cloud looks to see Tifa out of her room.

“Get back inside!” Cloud fearing Sephiroth harming her again, but before anything else can be said Sephiroth grabs his ankle. Cloud tries to shake him off but the ringing happens the moment he grabbed him. Cloud sees a group of black robed of people just stumbling as they walk.

“Reunion... Reunion...” One of them goes on about. Cloud then finds himself standing over one of them in place of Sephiroth with a number 49 on his left upper arm. Cloud steps back in fear and starts to look around for Sephiroth, as Tifa comes up to the robed man moving to help him.

“What are you doing to Marco? This is his apartment.” Tifa said as she helps him. “He’s got a few problems, but he’s not a bad guy.” Tifa continues. “The landlady asked me to check on him now and then to make sure he’s okay.” Tifa looks up to Cloud to ask him the same but stops as he was looking around with a fearful expression sword still drawn. “Cloud, you alright?” Cloud looks right to her and slowly nods. “Okay. Can I ask you to do the same?” She asked and after a moment he hesitantly nods. After seeing Marco back in to his room and Tifa, Cloud heads back to his and hastily shuts the door leans back still holding the sword.

Cloud is once more all confused as to why he was seeing Sephiroth when he was dead. Cloud just walks around his room from one end to the other, till he stops at the back of the wall and sits, leaning back against the corner of the bed. Cloud props Zack’s sword against his shoulder and leans his forehead to it. Trying to feel some good presence of Zack, but all he can feel is the tragedy of his death and his inability to save him. Cloud eventually drifts asleep while staying where he was not bothering to move.

Cloud wakes up to light shining through the curtains. Cloud gets up and stretches, then he puts Zack’s sword on his back and moves to the door. Cloud opens the door and walks out while closing it, he looks to see people once more going about their day. Cloud moves to the steps walks down and makes his way to the bar to meet up with Tifa.

“Well now. You must be Cloud.” Cloud hears a voice say and looks up to see the voice of the one who spoke. Cloud sees an elderly woman with long light grey hair tied in a large spiked bunch, a long green sweater, and a long-sleeved dark dress. She was standing on a porch that is in front of one of the rooms which is probably hers. Cloud looks away not really used to people noticing him at all.

“I’m Marle, your landlady. Good to see you up and about.” Marle said bring up how Tifa found him stumbling into town half delirious, and rested in her room till he woke up.

“ So how’d you like the place? You from up on high?” Marle asked.

“I... been around.” Cloud answers hesitantly hoping she won’t press it.

“I'll bet.” Marle said not so convinced. “No matter. All kinds come through with all kinds of reasons.” She says looking around. “If you ever need an ear to bend, I’ll lend you mine. Can be about anything-even Tifa.” she adds giving a smirk.

Cloud almost felt his face heat up but he composed himself and ask. “What’s that supposed to mean?” Cloud said looking to her.

“The granddaughter I never had.” Marle said giving a stern look. “And if you hurt her, I’ll take it out of your hide. You hear me?” She adds still giving a stern look but with a bit of a playful manner. Cloud just stared at her, wondering why she considers Tifa like that, but doesn’t ponder further and gives a confirmation.

“Loud and clear.” Cloud replied.

“Good! Now you best get a move on to Seventh Heaven! She’s got a head start on you and then some.” Marle said to him and telling him to get a move on.

Cloud makes his way down the road and approaches the bar. Cloud stares at the sign with the name on it he can’t get over it. Cloud wonders how Zack met the person who built it and help give its name. Cloud just keeps this to himself not wanting Tifa to know, as he doesn’t know how she would feel about Zack if he should ever bring him up. Cloud walks up the steps and walks through the door to see Tifa tending to something behind the counter.

“Morning!” Tifa said as she turned and gave a smile.

“Hey.” Cloud said giving a nod.

Tifa starts to point down then speaks. “Just so you know, Marlene’s still asleep.” She said as she puts her finger to her mouth wanting to keep quiet. Cloud gives a nod as he sits down, Tifa makes her way over to him. “Let’s get down to business, shall we?” she asked as she leaned her hands on the counter.

“These water filters won’t replace themselves.” Tifa said as Cloud sits there listening. “Although, the next batch probably could, if Jessie put her mind to it.” Tifa leans on her elbows and keeps going. “Most every home in the area has one.  Folks  love ‘em  cause  they practically eliminate the rotten-egg smell.” Cloud looks down as she keeps going. “Honestly, they make us more money than this place. And it’s easy money too.” Cloud looks between her and the counter. “We bring new filters, collect the old ones, and get paid. What?” Tifa asked as he just sits there.

“Nothing. I’m just not really much as a salesman, just a guy with a big sword.” Cloud said not so sure about this.

“Which is why no one will refuse to pay.” Tifa said the jumps right forward. “What do you say? Please?” Tifa gives him the look again, and Cloud taps his finger before he stands up.

“Let’s get this over with.” Cloud said as he turns to the door.

“Great. And while we’re at it. I’ll give you the grand tour.” Tifa said as she moves from behind the bar and heads for the door.

Cloud follows her as they make her rounds. Tifa saying Barret is doing the same on his end, Cloud wasn’t really interested in what he does. They make their way to what Cloud can guess is an item shop. They make their way in and Tifa starts to sell the filters.

“Hey, there. Here to change out your water filter.” Tifa said as she hands the filter to the shop owner.

“Tifa baby, how you doing?” The owner asked, Cloud’s blood boiled when he called her that, he felt like decking him. “Been waiting for you to-” The owner stops as he noticed Cloud. “Wait. Who’s he?” He asked bluntly.

“ Cloud’s  in charge of collections. He’ll take your money.” Tifa said introducing Cloud who frowns at the owner.

“Sounds like a pretty sweet gig!” The owner said not at all too nice as what Cloud gets to do with Tifa. “If you ever need someone to fill in, I’m your man.” He added all  too  excited.

‘In your dreams, maybe.” Cloud said which got the guy confused.

“Cloud!” Tifa says not at too happy with that, before turning back. “Uh... since, we’re here, maybe we should do a little shopping?”

Cloud watch as she bought a few things and the owner looked grateful. “Thanks!” He said and he even looks to Cloud telling him. “If you’re ever in the market for anything else, drop on by.” He said drawing in a new customer then gives a smirk. “Especially if Tifa’s with you.” He said and Cloud really wanted to beat him to the ground.

“We’ll see you around, okay? And let us know when your filter next needs changing!” Tifa said then heads for the door with Cloud behind her. They come to a stop a few feet from the shop.

“He’s a regular. Stock up here and he might throw in a freebie or two.” Tifa said as she turned. Cloud inwardly scoffed.

“For you maybe...” Cloud said looking to side.

“Well... You could try being a little nicer.” Tifa said like pointing out a fact, which is mostly true. Cloud just sighs knowing that will never happen as people tend to hate him at first glance. Well, most people do.

“Our next stop is Stargazer Heights. Landlady’s a client.” Tifa said getting his attention.

“Just met her.” Cloud said.

“Then you know what to expect. Remember: she’s a good friend of Avalanche, so be nice. Please.” Tifa tells him then turns and heads for the apartment. They come up to her porch still where she was when  Cloud  left.

“Hey Marle! Got some filters for you.” Tifa greeted as they approached her.

“Tifa! My dear, dear girl!” Marle greeted back all too happy to see her. Then she saw Cloud and her mood dropped. “Oh. What’s he doing here?” She asked bluntly.

“Working.” Cloud bluntly said back.

“Be nice!” Tifa said pointing her finger at him. “Cloud’s helping me with collections.” Tifa tells Marle after she cleared her throat and smiled.

“You’d better take care of her!” Marle sternly tells Cloud and he tries to hold back an annoyed sigh.

“I’m pretty good at taking care of myself, you know.” Tifa said confidently putting her hands on her hips.

“That I do. Still, better him than you.” Marle said giving Tifa a look, which she starts to stand innocently, then starts to point out Cloud’s flaws. “No charm, no wit. Big sword... but no skills.”

“Gee thanks.” Cloud said bluntly, and almost glares when she brought up Zack’s sword but holds back. But that didn’t sit well with Tifa

“Be nice!” Tifa tells him. Cloud just sighs looking away.

“You’re looking awfully glum. Are you getting enough sleep?” Marle says to him. “A good long  rest’ll  cure anything, I tell you.” She adds.

“A tried-and-true lesson for life on the ground floor, am I right?” Tifa says adding to Marle’s advice.

“That you are. Now-your money.” Marle says as she hands Cloud Tifa’s money.

“Thanks, Marle. You take care of yourself.” Tifa said to her.

“Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.” Marle said giving a smile. And Tifa and Cloud make their way.

“Marle’s great. She helped get me set up back in the day.” Tifa said as they walked, which Cloud got interested.

“You... been here a while now?” Cloud asked wanting to know how long.

“Five years, give or take...” Tifa says as she looks to him then stops when he stopped walking, eyes wide. Tifa sees that he can tell that is right after  Nibelheim , she doesn’t know how he knows. Tifa wanted to ask how but a part of her is afraid of how he did- that led to her finding him disoriented. “But never mind that! We still got filters to deliver! Last stop is the weapon store.” She said trying to bring on a good mood that she was trying to do this morning, and just help people. Cloud regained himself and follows.

They entered the store to sell the filter, but the owner was not happy. “Hey! That last filter didn’t do shit!” He yells at Tifa for the last filter she sold him.

“We’re so sorry about that.” Tifa apologized. “Hopefully this one will work better...” She added but the owner didn’t want to hear it.

“Save your excuses and get out!” He said wanting her gone.

“All right. If you could just settle your bill, we’ll be on our way.” Tifa said, it was so unlike her.

“The hell? You charging me for your busted-ass goods?” The owner did not take what she said too  lightly.

Tifa not thinking of what else to say turns to Cloud. “My associate handles payment disputes...” She said which'd Cloud looks to her in shock that she’s asking him to help out with this.

“Think you can mosey up in here and have it your way?” The owner asked offended. Cloud just sighs not wanting to do this, sending another prayer to Zack for doing another thing he wouldn’t do.

“Pretty please.” Cloud said wanting this to end. The owner just scoffs and hands over the money. Not going to argue with a guy with a big sword.

“Thank you very much!” Tifa said giving a little smirk. “Seeing as we’re done with our rounds, what do you wanna do now?” Tifa said to Cloud turning to him.

Cloud hadn’t thought about it, as he thought they would be doing this for a while. “Don’t really know...” He said to her turning to the side.

“In that case, I’ve got a suggestion.” Tifa said drawing his attention back. “Wanna hear it?” She asked as she starts to walk towards the back.

“If you’re serious about becoming a merc, then you’re going to need to start making connections.” Tifa said as she turned and added. “It’s not what you know, but who you know,’ y’know?”

“Is that another life lesson?” Cloud guessed that’s what she was saying.

“Yep. Connections get you jobs, jobs build up your rep, and more rep gets you better connections...” Tifa explained.

“How do I start?” Cloud asked as he might as well learn how to do it.

“Hmm... why not help out the neighborhood watch?” Tifa suggested. “They’re mostly volunteers, but you’ll get to know people.” Tifa said and Cloud nodded. Tifa said no one was at the office so she said they should head up tp. They make their way up the stairs, then walk to one of the storage rooms to find Biggs and Wedge sitting on boxes inspecting their guns.

“Huh, didn’t know you were holding down the fort.” Tifa commented as she got their attention.

“Oh, hey, Cloud. Looking to join the neighborhood watch?” Wedge greeted and asked him.

“That depends. What does the neighborhood watch do?” Cloud asked wanting to know the people who helped him when Tifa found him.

“Umm... lots of stuff, really. But our top priority is taking care of any beasts that wander into town.” Biggs begins to explain. “That and teaching the locals how to defend themselves.” He added.

“Like they say: ‘The only one who’ll look out for you is you.” Wedge said as he got up.

“Cloud’s a good fighter, but only we know that. If no one knows him, no one’ll hire him.” Tifa said as she walked to them. Cloud flinched when she said ‘good fighter’ when in reality he’s not, as he somehow has Zack’s fighting style. “Thought if he joined the watch, he could get his name out there.” Tifa added and Wedge spoke up next.

“That would work for everybody!” Wedge said giving a thumbs up.

“Truth be told, we could really use your help.” Biggs says as he gets up. “We can’t pay you in  gil , but we’ll work something out.” He said as he puts his hand to his chin, in thought. “For example... Aha, how about your sword?” He says as he gestured to it almost moving to it.

Cloud steps back, standing in a defensive form. “Don’t touch it.” He says glaring at Biggs as he gives a confused frown. Tifa is shocked that he’s being so defensive. Why is he acting this way?

“I’m just saying I can mod it for you.” Biggs says hoping to ease him, but he still keeps on glaring not budging. Biggs can tell there’s some story behind it but let's that be his business, and decides to let it slide and offer something else.

“Alright, just offering. We’ll at least spread the word to everyone who’ll listen about the new merc in town.” Biggs said hoping that’s enough for him, Cloud slowly relaxes.

“Between him and Wedge, there isn’t anyone they don’t know...” Tifa said with an uncertain look, while trying to bring the good mood they were having.

“I’ll march through the streets singing your praises-even on an empty stomach.” Wedge said lending Tifa a hand. Cloud closed his eyes and sighed. He feels guilty but he couldn’t let someone else just touch Zack’s sword.

“So, where are these monsters?” Cloud asked easing up on his attitude.

“Scrap Boulevard. Good hunting.” Biggs says giving a salute and a thumbs up.

“Hey,  Cloud . I’ll come with.” Tifa said so suddenly, Cloud tenses again.

“No. I got this” Cloud said fearing for her safety. Tifa leans forward hands on her back giving him an innocent look. “But... you don’t know the way, do you?” She said giving a smile. Cloud looks to Biggs and Wedge for directions, but they just look to the side and giving an amused look.

“Lead on.” Cloud said reluctantly, really not liking any of it.

Tifa gives a slight laugh. “Sure thing. I know these streets better than anyone.” She said and starts to lead the way.

They made their way down the steps and head for the scrapyard. They make their way down a path with watch members guarding it from any who might walk down it. They pass them, head up to a fence with another watch member guarding it. He wished Tifa lucked and gave Cloud a glare and a warning of any harm to her. Cloud looks to him about to go up to him, but Tifa grabbed his arm pulling him through the fence and into the scrapyard.

Cloud could see why monsters would feel at home. Tifa said the more they pile up, the more show up in greater numbers. They made their way one of the paths, and round the corner to find Gorger’s eating scrap. The monsters noticed them and move to attack. Cloud pulls the sword, while Tifa raised her fist ready to strike. The monsters jump at them and they move to side and strike. Cloud was surprised by Tifa’s fighting style, she fights like a master martial artist. After beating the monsters, they relax and take a breather.

“Wow... So, that’s what a SOLDIER looks like in action.” Tifa praised him.

Cloud just looked to her. “Tifa, you-” Cloud begins to say but stops reminding himself she didn’t see him back in  Nibelheim . Tifa look at waiting for him to what he was going to say, but he didn’t say anything and starts to move to the next area. Leaving behind a confused and concern Tifa, till she follows after him. They move to two different areas with monsters and dealing with them and move to the last one.

“You’re good at this! Charging in like it was nothing...” Tifa praised him again and hoping he’ll talk more.

“You too. It’s a little surprising.” Cloud said still surprised by how she can fight.

“Well, I’ve been here five years now.” Tifa said clarifying how she’s been surviving all this time. “If you don’t look out for yourself, no one else will.” She said then adds. “By the way-that's one’s going to be on the test.”

“This a lesson?” Cloud asked.

 “Gotta learn if you’re  gonna  stick around. Okay let’s rap this up...” Tifa said as they came up to the last area, as they beaten the Gorger’s, Wererat’s come out from the ground, surprising them till the regain themselves and make short work with of them.

“Alright. I think that might be the last of them.” Tifa said, which Cloud replied. “They won’t stay gone for long...”

“Of course not.” Tifa said folding her arms for a moment then adds. “Even so,  folks’ll  be grateful for the peace and quiet in the meantime. A win’s a win, you know?” She asked and Cloud replied. “True.”

Tifa said it’s good for his rep, and said they should check in with Biggs and Wedge. They make their way back to town, to find some people talking about Cloud and his deeds. They enter the store and are about to make their way up the steps when the owner calls out to Cloud.

“Hold up. Heard there’s a new merc that’ll take on any monster. You the man?” He said less grumpy than he was a short while ago.

“Word spreads fast around here.” Tifa commented in shocked surprised.

“Sorry ‘bout before. I get antsy when business is slow.” He said about his attitude earlier. Cloud just hums in acknowledgement, but the owner wasn’t done yet.

“Man in your line of work needs weapons, no?” He said then reached down pulls out a large sword. “Why not try this one on for size? I give you the  Iron Blade.” He  said gesturing to the blade that is out in front of him. Cloud looks to it, it is different compare to the Buster Sword. The handle is a little larger and longer, it has thin cross guards, and the blade is edge on both sides.

“Yours on the house.” He said giving the blade to Cloud free of charge. Cloud is surprised, he felt like denying the sword but the thought of having a backup weapon might come in handy. And he wouldn’t have to use Zack’s so much will also be helpful, so Cloud decides to take it.

“Badass like you rocking my weapons is good advertising. Think about it.” The owner said as Cloud lifts the sword and testing it. “Right.” Was all Cloud said then he and Tifa made their way up stairs back to Biggs and Wedge.

“Back already?” Biggs asked surprised how fast they were.

“Got every last one too. Now the slums should be safe.” Tifa said with all enthusiasm in her voice.

“You guys are machines!” Wedge said with equal enthusiasm, giving  another  thumbs up.

“Good job. Meanwhile, we told everyone we could about you.” Biggs said and taking notice of the new sword.

“I’ve gotta ask though. What did you say?” Cloud asked wanting know how much they said.

‘It’s alright.” Cloud looked to Tifa as she spoked. “All you gotta do is keep up the good work. It’ll pay off soon enough, I promise.” Tifa tells him reassuringly, Cloud nods hoping she’s right.

“You know the offer still stands on how to mod your sword, if you like.” Biggs offered again on modding his sword. Cloud gives him a blank stare. “I’m just saying. I know I’d never pass up the chance to improve my gear.” Biggs explained, Cloud just looks to him. “C’mon... at least let me show you how it’s done.” Biggs said gesturing to the sword in Cloud’s hand. Cloud felt guilty for how he acted, decided there was no harm in letting him mod the Iron Blade. Cloud hands the sword to him and he went to work. Biggs went through how to mod it and said Cloud could do the same to Zack’s sword when he felt like it.

“All set? Needless to say, you’ll have to try it out to appreciate the difference.” Biggs said as he handed it back to Cloud to test it out. Cloud gives a nod but Biggs asked him something.

“What’s the story with your sword?” Biggs asked which Cloud tense. “I mean, are you some kind of purist with it?”

Before Cloud could reply the ringing returned as well the pain, but with flashes this time. Cloud sees someone with the Buster Sword on their back standing in a bright light. Next Cloud saw the guy’s face and he was not Zack, he was pointing a broken sword at him till he flips it handing it to him. Next, he holds it in front of him then places it to his forehead. Next, he’s sees Zack kneeling over him with sadness as he looks to be dying and handing the sword to him, which Zack reluctantly takes.

“ Use brings about wear, tear, and rust.”   Cloud heard Zack say that back on the mountain when they approach the reactor. But he didn’t know why he said it. Was it because of the guy he  saw?

“ You  okay?” Cloud looks to see Tifa leaning forward with concern for Cloud’s sudden pain.

“I’m fine.” Cloud says, but he’s still shaken by what he saw.

Tifa looks to him, desperately wants to know what happened to him. “Cloud... After you left the village...” Tifa says hoping he’ll answer. Cloud sighs as he slowly turns away not ready to answer. Tifa is sadden that he still won’t say anything, she almost pleaded again but decided against it. She didn’t want to force any painful memories. “I-I’m sorry. Forget I asked.” Tifa said trying to ease him. “Anyway, I still got time! Why don’t we try to rustle up some more work for you?” Tifa adds hoping to still spend some time with him.

“That sounds great! I’ll come too!” Wedge says as he walks up.

“Oh no you won’t.” Biggs says as he blocks him. “Run along now, you two. Go on.” Biggs tells Tifa and Cloud to head on out while still blocking Wedge.

“Sorry. Maybe next time.” Tifa said awkwardly, taking Cloud by his shoulders and guiding him outside.

“No fair!” Wedge complained about not being able to hang out as well.

“Think about it for a second. There’s still something wrong with him, which I doubt he’ll just tell any of us. Second, they haven’t seen each other in years. You’d be a third wheel!” Biggs explained to him of how Cloud still got problems and would not feel comfortable telling any of them. And can see Tifa wants to spend some time with him alone. Wedge still upset decided to listen to him and they went back to work.

“Since you’ve got yourself a new weapon, let’s see if we can put it to use. Come on. Let’s go chat up Wymer.” Tifa said once they were out of ear shot of Biggs and Wedge.

“Who?” Cloud asked as he regained himself when they walked out.

“The guy who tracks all the requests that come to the watch. You never know-could toss some work your way.” Tifa explained who he was and if Cloud needed  work,  he can go to him.

“Where’s he at?” Cloud asks again.

“Oh, he should be back at the office by now.” Tifa said then leads Cloud back outside and sees the guy Tifa explained, and approached him.

“Hey there Tifa! You need a helping hand?” Wymer greeted and asks if she needed help.

“Actually, I wanted to introduce you to an old friend of mine.” Tifa said, then gestures to Cloud. “This is Cloud. He’s a merc.”

“Hah, you don’t say! Well, we’re always on the lookout for experienced fighters to help us deal with the bigger critters.” Wymer said greeting Cloud and explaining the watch’s need for help. Cloud once more holds back a  sigh,  he’s never going to get use to people assuming what they think  he’s  not.

“Don’t talk much do you?” Wymer asked when he didn’t say anything. “Well anyway, might as well tell you what you need to know.” Wymer said then hands him a list of jobs he can do. “Your clients can fill you in on the details. Prove yourself with these jobs, and I’ll see if I can’t find you some more.”

“Thanks” Cloud said thanking him and looks over the list to see there is five tasks to do.

They help the girl Cloud saw when he met the team, whose name is Betty. Betty at first asked Tifa if Marlene was with her which Tifa said no. Betty was sad as she hoped Marlene would help her find her friends, which Tifa suggested herself and Cloud. Betty explained what her friends look like which were cats three of them. After finding them who all ran off at the sight of Cloud, Cloud and Tifa went back to Betty and told her what happened.

“What? They ran away?” Betty asked the gives a sadden look. “So... I’m never  gonna  see them again?” She looks like she will cry when all of sudden the cats are back. “You guys! You came back!” Betty said then looks to Tifa and Cloud. “They said that a scary man was chasing them!” That cause Tifa to laugh and Cloud giving a suffering look, Betty thanks and runs off with her cats.

“That went well. Could be you’ve found your calling.” Tifa said when Betty was out of ear shot.

“It was alright, I guess.” Cloud said forgetting Betty’s comment.

“Think of each job as an opportunity-not to make money, but to build connections.” Tifa says in a testing way that she expects him to answer.

“It’s not what you know, but who.” He repeats her words from earlier.

Tifa gives a slight laugh. “You remembered.”

“Had a patient teacher.” Cloud said giving a smile.

“Maybe not so patient next time.” Tifa teased crossing her arms and giving a smirk.

“Hoo boy.” Cloud said smiling back.

They then helped a boy named Chadly collecting data. Cloud refuses at first because he works for  Shinra  but Chadly assures he’s helping to bring down  Shinra  that is why he’s getting data, which he provided Cloud with an Asses  materia  and a device that will link back to him and will sell  materia  to him. Next was the shop owner with a rat problem. They help with a junk dealer with lesser drakes.

Just as they were making their way to the next job they were passing by the bar, and notice a crowd of people gathering around a house. “Something’s wrong. Let’s check it out.” Tifa says as she moves to get a better look. Cloud follows her as they manage to get up front, they see  an  elite security guard standing outside. “Stay away from me!”

A man with red hair yells as he burst out the door attempting to flee but he trips and falls down. Two more security come out and one starts to handcuff and blind fold the guy. Once he’s cuffed and blind fold, they start to drag him away.

“Get off me, assholes! I didn’t do Shit!” The guy yells at the them as he struggles.

“Shut it, punk!” One of the SF tells him as he shoves him.

“Or what!? Screw you!” The guy yells again as they move further down the street.

“What’s going on?” Tifa ask the woman next to her. The woman said somebody stole some blasting agent from a  Shinra warehouse. So, security started asking around and apparently Johnny got cranky and acted all defiant towards their questions. The guy next to her says it’s because of the reactor bombing, he hopes that he’s wrong that the guards won’t just rough up Johnny when they question him.

“We’ve got to save him, Cloud!” Tifa said as she turned to him.

“Is he Avalanche?” Cloud asked wondering what’s the deal with him.

“No.” Tifa said then steps closer to him and looks around to make sure no one hears them. “He doesn’t know what we do... but he has his suspicions.” Tifa looks to with a concern look. “And... He’s a talker.”

“Great”  Cloud thought that is bad, though Cloud is more concerned for Tifa. Should that idiot say anything she’s going to pay for Barret’s actions.

“Actually, you know what... maybe, I should go alone.” Tifa says thinking this is her problem, Cloud thought otherwise.

“No, I coming.” Cloud said not going to let her deal with this by herself.

Tifa looked unsure but before she can say anything Cloud starts to follow after them, Tifa starts to follow as well. They catch up to see them pass through a gate heading to an abandon lot, hearing Johnny complain as they drag him. Cloud and Tifa hide behind canisters to hear the SF’s say how Johnny stole blasting agent which he denied and when they brought up his ID he said as to how Jessie hack it. Tifa angered that he won’t keep his mouth shut Cloud agreed on that. Tifa asked him to distract them while she’ll think of something.

They run up to another gate to see the SF with a hound and Johny on his knees as they question him. The elite guard noticed them and asked if they were the cavalry. Johnny thinking it’s who he thinks almost shouts Avalanche, but Tifa walked up as he spoke and kicked him in the gut knocking him out. The SF’s start pointing their guns at her which is when all hell broke loose. Cloud and Tifa manage to knock out the guards the hound was tricky but they knocked it out just like the guards. Just as they relaxed Johnny came to and hoped it was over.

“Wh-what now?” Tifa asked not sure what to do with him.

Cloud thought about it and felt there was only one way. “He’s a talker.” Cloud said as he starts to approach getting the blade ready to strike.

“No!” Tifa ran in front of him pleading with him not to go through with what he’s planning. Johnny starts to panic when Cloud threatens to kill him.

“You wanna live, then get out of town” Cloud begins as he kneels down. “And if I hear you said something I’ll find you.” Cloud warns if he speaks again, he won’t be lucky next time. Johnny nods then gets up running away promising he won’t see him again.

“It’s a big risk.” Cloud said as Johnny ran.

“I know, but... it’s fine.” Tifa replies looking down not wanting to see the change in his eyes.

Cloud looks to the SF’s still knocked out. As he looks, he is reminded of Zack’s death and the troops who gunned him down. In that moment his blood screamed for pay back, even though these guys are not the ones who did it and are defenseless Cloud didn’t much care. Cloud grips the Iron blade and moves to finish them. Tifa sees him scowling at the guard's gripping his sword tightly and moves to them, she runs in front of him again. “Cloud. No more...” Tifa says but Cloud keeps on glaring at them. “Please... You’re scaring me.” That seems get to him though slowly till he grunts in frustration and moves away.

Tifa said they should leave before they woke up. They made it about half away from the lot till Tifa felt worried about Johnny, Cloud felt less so and said they should go. Tifa hesitated, Cloud asked what was wrong and Tifa said he changed. Cloud asked how, she it’s because of his eyes as they were different. That just brought bad memoirs of his capture and another thing Zack said. “ Soldier is like a den of monsters.”  Cloud says it’s because of the mako, Tifa nods then said they should finish up with the last one on the list.

They head for the last person on the list, a woman named Gwen. They found her yelling at two SF’s guarding the gate to Sector 6 about a cerulean drake where they beat the lesser drakes for the junk dealer.

After dealing with that and telling Gwen who was happy to hear about it, a member of the watch came to them and told them Wymer wanted to see them. They went back to him to hear there is some kind of new hound they never saw before. They tracked it in the scrap yard only for it to run off to a dead-end where they beat it. Wymer thanked them for the help and Cloud asked where it came from, Wymer didn’t know though he brought up how there was a rumor of a  Shinra  lab below them and asked Cloud if that was true, Cloud said he wouldn’t be surprised if there was.

After that Tifa said he did an amazing job around the slum and that people are impress with what he did. Cloud replies how it’s thanks to her for helping, Tifa tells him not to forget. Cloud asks what now, Tifa said they should head back to the to the apartments for a breather. They make it back to see Marle by the steps and surprise to see them back.

“Huh? Someone's back awful early. Not that I mind!” Marle says as they walk up and asks them. “Would you two be dears and swap your filters out for me? I left them in your rooms.”

“Sure thing!” Tifa replies as she moves to the stairs with Cloud behind her.

“Not so fast, you.” Marle said to Cloud giving him the look and tone Cloud got plenty of times back home, then tells him. “Do me a favor. She needs a friend-a real friend.”

“...We’re already friends.” Cloud said though Marle doesn’t look convinced.

“ So  when she talks, are you really listening? Thinking about her and her feelings?” Marle snaps at him for not getting at what she’s saying.

“Or are you just going through the motions?” Marle added, Cloud just sighed. “Go on.” She tells him and he goes to the steps.

Cloud walks up the steps finding Tifa just outside her room, she tells him to come over when he’s done. When Tifa goes to her room Cloud walks over to his, he puts the Iron Blade on the back wall and moves to the sink to change the filter. Once that’s done, he leaves the room and heads to Tifa’s to see she was still changing her filter. Tifa takes a couple seconds till she finished, then walks up to him.

“So.” Was all she said which confused Cloud. “After you left the village...” She asks again, Cloud looks away, he knows he can’t avoid this forever but he hoped for more time. “I’m not asking about what happened... I just want to know what happened when you left.” Tifa reassured him that she’s only asking what happened when he left. Cloud thought about it and maybe telling her a little couldn’t hurt.

“Well, there’s not much to tell. By the time I made it to  Midgar , the war was over.” Cloud started as he moved to Tifa’s desk and just stood there.

“It was just... working for  Shinra . Just...” Cloud stopped remembering when he first got here. Rejected from SOLDIER, put in the infantry, thrown into whatever assignment to try and make it into SOLDIER, to meeting Zack, and then  Nibelhiem .

“I’m sorry. I know it’s a touchy subject.” Tifa says, feeling guilty for having to press it.

“Not exactly small talk. Especially with someone you haven’t seen in a while.” Cloud replies. After that there’s a moment of silence till Tifa spoke up.

“Still, it’s  kinda  funny.” Tifa begins as she holds her hands in front of her. “Us going our separate ways, thinking that must be it... that we’d never meet again-and then here of all places we do.”

Cloud slightly scoffs at how ironic it is that this place reunites him with someone he knew from home. Someone he thought he’d never would’ve see again. Not after what happen.

“You know what?” Cloud turns his gaze back to her. “We should totally celebrate!” Tifa jogs up to him. “Let’s dress up and hit the town!” She says on something fun they can do.

“I mean, why not? It’ll be fun!” Tifa says crossing her arms and seeing the confused look Cloud has as it’s so sudden.

“Do you even have fancy clothes?” Cloud just asks, not sure what else to say.

“Not like  fancy   fancy , but I’ll figure something out!” Tifa says then walks back holding her arms out. “What do you think would suit me, huh?” Tifa says and puts her hands on her hips waiting for him to answer.

Cloud just stands there dumbfounded. Tifa is asking HIM what she should wear for their night out. Cloud can barely believe that any of this was happening, though it was moving fast he felt that he didn’t want to push her away like when they were kids. Cloud thought about it and felt he should say something appropriate.

“Something refined.” Cloud said as that was only thing he could say.

“Oh okay.” Tifa says then gives him a look over. “Be sure to pick an outfit that goes with mine, okay?” She said look at him as he awkwardly nods.

“This is  gonna  be so much fun, you’ll see!” Tifa said laughing slightly.

Cloud rubs the back of his head nervous of the whole thing. “Yeah... maybe.”

“And on that happy note, lets head on back to the bar! C’mon!” Tifa said then moves to the door but Cloud stops her.

“Uh, you don’t need a break?” Cloud said trying at least do what Marle wants him to do, Tifa gives a smile.

“Honestly, I’m feeling pretty good.” Cloud was about to say something else but Tifa puts a finger to her mouth. “Marle isn’t always right you know.”

They walk back outside, Tifa tells Marle they fixed the filters and says goodbye. Marle commenting that Tifa looks chipper, which she tries to deny- looking to Cloud. Marle gives him a knowing smirk, gives him an earring in her appreciation and tells him to be good to her. They made it back to the bar and Tifa offered to make a cocktail that he can savor. Cloud said he never really drank before as he was still young before that night and spent years in the lab and on the run, and never really thought of it. Tifa said she’d be honored to give him his first drink, the asked if he’d stayed longer. Cloud only said he might but couldn’t say for how long.

Cloud opens the door and they walk in as Tifa shuts it. Just when it looked like they were alone the pinball machine which wasn’t  there comes  up from the basement. Along with Barret and Marlene who were coming from what Tifa told him their base of operation. Cloud also got the feeling when Zack helped name the bar the guy also built the basement.

“We’re back!” Tifa greeted them as they walked off the elevator.

“Did you... have fun?” Marlene asked Tifa looking at her, still scared of Cloud.

“ Lotsa  fun.” Tifa replies smiling at her.

“Hey-need y’all downstairs.” Barret says to Tifa after frowning at Cloud.

“Uh... right now? Then the plan is...” Tifa asks, as Cloud is confused for a moment then realizes what they’re talking about.

“Marlene, wanna go wait for Jessie out front?” Barret tells her, which'd she nods and heads outside.

“Looks like we’re officially on for tomorrow night, then. Gotta go over the details with the others.” Tifa says looking towards the door, Cloud can’t believe they’re making another attack so soon. Don’t they realize that it will make them easy to track?

“Double time, Tifa.” Barret tells Tifa as he moves back to the machine, pulls the  lever  and goes back down to the basement.

“I’m really sorry... but this shouldn’t take too long. In the  meantime ...” Tifa says tapping his shoulder walking back to the counter. “Grab a seat.” She added gesturing to one of the stools, and moves behind the counter. Cloud takes a seat, and Tifa leans on the counter. “What’ll it be?” She asked.

Cloud doesn’t really know what there is with alcohol. Then he remembers some guys back in the infantry order the hard stuff. “Something... hard, I guess.” Cloud said, and Tifa moves to make something. Tifa puts on a show as she makes the cocktail, once she was  done,  she pours the drink and slides it to him.

Cloud takes a sip and it is pretty hard stuff, he’s not sure how people can drink it. “Well?” Tifa gets his attention hold her head up with her arm. “Most people would say something sweet right about now.”

A  twing  of jealousy ran through him as he could guess what. “I’m sure they would.” He simply said.

“Ahh, but you’re a more discerning customer, aren’t you? In which case...” Tifa replies as she grabs another cocktail shaking then pours, this time a different color, red just like her eyes. “Our house special: the Cosmo Canyon.” Tifa says walking to him and hands  it  to him.

“Beautiful.” Cloud said after looking to the drink then to her.

Tifa looks to side likely hiding a blush which Cloud does as well. “I gotta go.” Tifa goes to the pinball machine and pulls the lever. “Enjoy.” Cloud watches her go down, when she’s gone, he sighed. His concern for her grows as his anger at Barret for pushing for them to move on with their plan grows. He can say what they’re doing is good for the planet but in reality, he’s doing it for his selfish revenge against Shinra. Cloud would want some payback as well, but he wouldn’t hurt any innocent people to get it. Before he could ponder further the door opens and in comes Jessie.

 “Hey! You see the news?” Jessie begins as she walks up. “The reactor bombing was the work of the eco-extremist group ‘Avalanche.’” She says coming right up behind him. “Public enemy number one! Gets your heart racing, doesn’t it?” She asked, Cloud just gives a blank stare of how it can be exciting.

They don’t know our faces, so we’re in the clear for now, but we’ll wanna capitalize this momentum.” She continues the looks to him. “Speaking of which, will you join us on the next one?” Jessie asks which causes Cloud to glare.

“No!” Cloud said not doing another bombing mission that will get people killed. He already stained Zack once he’s not doing it again.

Jessie sends an apologetic look then slowly moves to the machine and sighs. “Tifa’ll be joining us too, but I dunno...” Jessie informs him. “Even a blind man can see her hearts not in it.” Cloud snaps at that hoping she’s wrong.

“She was never on board with the bombings, so if it comes down to do or die...” Jessie continues as she looks to him then back. “If I've got to put my life in someone else’s hands...” Jessie walks up to the machine and turns back to him. “Then... I’d rather that someone was a professional. Like you.” Jessie smiling to him. Then pulls the lever and goes down.

Cloud is now alone and once more scoffs at being called a professional. He is nowhere near being one, and whatever they may see that made him look like, it’s not his. Cloud starts look around and notices the flower the flower girl gave him. Just thinking about it made him want to go and find her again though he’s not sure why as he just met her last night. Cloud decided to kill some time, he went to the dart board and threw six darts without messing up. Cloud the sat back down and waited for Tifa.

After some time Tifa came back, though she didn’t say anything. She moved behind the counter and poured a glassed of water then moved to one the stools and sits down looking grim   “I heard you’re having second thoughts.” Cloud says to her hoping to help her.

‘I know we have to think big if we’re going to make a difference. But not like this.” Tifa said looking down at her glass. “I just...” She starts to say but is lost till she manages to say. “I feel trapped.” Tifa says looking to him.

“If it feels wrong, don’t do it.” Cloud says trying to plead with her not to go with these guys. They both sit there in silent for a few till the pinball moves again with others coming up and move to the tables.

“Guess that’s that, then.” Tifa remarks as they sat down.

“What?” Cloud asked hoping they didn’t drag her along.

“We agree to disagree.” Tifa shattering his hope. “So-you want another drink?” Tifa asked hoping to let it go, but Cloud didn’t feel like it.

“Tifa, you don’t need to do this.” Cloud begins to say but before she can respond, Barret heard what he was saying intervened.

“Tifa! Time to celebrate! Break out all the good stuff!” Barret said hoping to stop Cloud for ruining their mission.

“Oh. Sure.” Tifa gives Cloud an apologetic look then moves to grab some things behind the bar. Cloud sighs not sure what he can do to convince her not to go along with the bombing.

“We won’t be needing you for this next job.” Barret begins to say, giving the whole “who wants you” Cloud got his whole life decided to  interrupt .

“I’m hurt. Really.” Cloud says  sarcastically.

Barret just frowns then reaches into his pocket pulling something out then slams it on the counter. Cloud sees it’s gil. “Here, a payment for your ser-” Barret stops when Cloud just swaps the money to the floor stands up giving him a death glaring.

“I don’t want your blood money!” Cloud tells him but he wasn’t done. “And just know. Anything at all happens to her.” Cloud says pointing to Tifa. “Nothing will stop me from turning you over to  Shinra .”

Cloud warns that not even Marlene will stop him, Barret just glares back but doesn’t retort, after making sure his message was heard Cloud heads for the door as the team give concerned looks. Cloud passes Tifa giving her a guilty look seeing her scared which makes him want to kick himself. Cloud walks out shutting the door and stops at the center of town.

“Zack, what do I do?” Cloud asks to himself as he looks to the sky beyond the edge of the plate, still wishing he was here.

“Hey brother!” Cloud looks to his left to see four guys looking at him drees like thugs by the looks of it. The leader Cloud guessed continues. “You from around the way?” He asks, when Cloud doesn’t answer he speaks.

“Know a big man with a big gun strapped to his right arm?” He describes Barret though Cloud is more concerned for Tifa then him. “Heard he’s set up shop somewhere in the neighborhood.” Cloud just frowns at him till he scoffs. “Whatever man. Let’s find somewhere quiet to talk.” He says as his buddies surround him and tells Cloud to walk with him.

Cloud follows them to where he and Tifa beat the rats, where they threaten him to tell them where Barret is. Cloud said he doesn’t know and the leader thought he was wasting his time, which Cloud ask if it was  Shinra’s  he said his boss as he and his friends draw their weapons. Cloud draws Zack’s sword breaks their knife, and delivers a swing to ground knocking them around. After beating them Cloud takes the leader by the collar and asks who sent them. He at first refuse till Cloud tips the sword at his throat and learns a Don  Corneo  of Wall Market sent them but didn’t tell them anything else. Cloud knocks the guy out, and felt he should go warn Tifa but he decided against it, as he would be thrown out by Barret. Cloud decided to wait till he saw her at the apartment where he’ll tell her. Cloud makes his way back to his room to find Jessie just outside his door.

Jessie notices him gives a bright smile. “Welcome home, honey! Took your sweet time.” She greets as he stops giving a confused look. “Psych.” Jessie teases which Cloud gives an annoyed sigh, Jessie does as well the asks seriously. “Are you  gonna  let me in so we can talk in private?”

After letting her in and shutting the door Cloud waits for to say what she wants. “Guess I’ll get right to the point, then.” Jessie says the pulls out another  materia , and not just any  materia , a summoning  materia .

“Where’d you get that?” Cloud asks he thought  Shinra  would have locked those kind materia so no one would challenge them.

“From a friend.” Jessie replies and adds. “An apology for what happened back at the bar.” Cloud frowns but before he can respond she beats him again.

“Sorry, I’ll stop fooling around.” Jessie says then explains why she came. “I need your help on a personal matter. It’s about the bomb I’m making.” Jessie starts to walk around. “You saw what happen last night and well... I used a stronger blast then the directions called for.” She stops then looks to him with guilt. “I plan on using a weaker blasting agent this time. My supplier can't help me so, I need your help.” Jessie says then gives a pleading look. “Will you help?”

Cloud thought about it and while he’s upset that she did put more in that bomb, he can see that she regrets it and wants to do it right this time. Though Cloud swore he wouldn’t get involve with them, the thought of helping cause less damage was something he couldn’t turn away. So, after some reluctance he nods, which she smiles and tosses the  materia  to him.

“A down payment.” Jessie says then heads to the door and turns back to him. “Meet me at the station after dark. Don’t be late!” Jessie gives a smile then runs off.

Cloud follows outside watching her go, till he looks back to the sky at the edge of the plate again. “I... hope I’m doing something good here...Zack.” Cloud says as birds fly over and he waits till he has to meet Jessie at the station.

Chapter Text

Cloud waited until it was dark then started making his way to the station. Just as he made half way to the station, he met Jessie just as she was also making her way. They walked the rest of the way to see the station empty, with no people or train. Just as Cloud was about to ask Jessie what they were going to do, Jessie looked to her right to see Biggs and Wedge with two motorbikes.

“Tough break.” Biggs begins as he and Wedge move to them. “They changed the times. Last train’s already left.” They stop when they got close.

“Which is why we borrowed these bikes. Need a lift to the plate?” Biggs asks, which made Jessie surprised that they knew what she was planning.

“How did you guess...?” Jessie asks.

“Easy. You've been acting weird.” Wedge says pointing out how they did know. “Like talking about one thing when you’re obviously thinking about something else.”

“Yeah, and don’t get me stated on all that pep.” Biggs adds.

“All right, I’ll give you that-but how did you know I wanted to head topside?” Jessie said still wondering how they figured it out.

“Was I talking in my sleep? What else did I say?” Jessie started asking random questions.

“No. We just figured you wanted to see your parents. That’s all.” Wedge says reassuring her. Cloud was surprised as he thought they were going to steal blasting agent. Jessie didn’t say anything on a visit to her parents house. 

“Nailed it, huh?” Biggs asks giving a thumbs up. 

“Yup. Right on the head.” Jessie said, though not what he thinks it’s what she’s doing. 

“So-seeing as we don’t have any family of our own...” Biggs says, gesturing to him and Wedge. “How about you let us be a part of yours for a bit? You know, spread the wealth.” 

Jessie thought about it then look to Cloud. “Are your parents still around?” she asks out of the blue. 

It catches Cloud off guard as he thinks back. He never knew his father since he died as Cloud was told when he was young. And doesn’t know what he even looks like since he didn’t see a picture of him. So, all he had was his mother, as she raised him by herself without any help from anyone. Then she was murdered mercilessly by Sephiroth, and Cloud did nothing to save her. And in her final moments she pleaded with that monster spare him. Then he watched her die and burned in their home and he was just on the ground as it happened. As Cloud was in thought the others guessed his weren’t alive, as with Cloud clenching his fist as bad memoires were coming up. 

” Okay, then. Guess you’re all invited! Here’s to awkward family reunions!” Jessie said as she regretted having to ask that. Tifa never talked about her hometown much since it was painful for her, she should have thought the same for Cloud. After Cloud regained himself, they each took a bike, Cloud with Jessie, and Wedge with Biggs. 

“I take it you boys have your brand-spanking-new IDs?” Jessie asks Biggs and Wedge making sure they got it. And standing up from the seat, using Cloud’s shoulders for support.  

“Yes, ma’am!” They both respond at the same time and giving a salute. 

“Then let’s lay down some rubber!” Jessie said pumping her fist out. Cloud and Wedge start the engines. 

“Crank that throttle!” Biggs exclaims. 

“Okay, you got it!” Wedge replies as they start to make their way up top. 

“You hear me?” Jessie asks Cloud after they made some distance down the tunnel. 

“Yeah.” Cloud replied then asked. “What exactly are you planning?” 

Jessie hesitated for a moment. “Going to my parents house is only part of the plan.” Jessie said as to why they are going there. 

“How does this help with the blasting agent?” Cloud asks again as to why they are making this detour. 

“Well... since I can’t get in touch with my supplier, our only option is to loot a warehouse owned by Shinra.” Jessie explains how they plan on getting a weaker blast agent. 

“A Shinra warehouse?” Cloud asks and adds. “Then what’s the point of going to your parents house?” 

“I’ll explain when we get close, don’t worry.” Jessie assures. 

“It’s amazing with the luck you guys have.” Cloud comments on how far they have gotten. Especially with Barret leading them. 

“With your help, we won’t need luck.” Jessie replies bringing up his statement from Sector 8. Cloud then notices a glowing red fence covering the whole tunnel, then realize it was the ID scanner. “ID scan! Ready!?” Jessie says noticing it as well. 

“So far so good!” Biggs comments after they have driven through. 

“Alright, here comes the hard part!” Jessie warns on what will happen next. 

“And that is?” Biggs asks not sure what she’s getting at. 

“The fake IDs may have held up, but from this point on, if we get pinged by a scan...” Jessie explains but is hesitant to finish the rest of it. 

“They’ll come for us.” Cloud finished for her as to what will happen. 

“Yeah, what he said.” Was all Jessie replied. 

“Oh, man!” Biggs complains on what they would face. 

“Just like that!?” Wedge asks incredulity. 

“No need to worry. We’ve got Cloud, remember?” Jessie says reassuring them. “Hey, you do know how to drive, right?” Jessie asks Cloud. 

“Haven’t crashed us yet, have I?” Cloud says though in truth no he has not. As he always got sick in moving vehicles. But now thanks to his enhancements, and Zack’s knowledge he is doing things he never could do before. But just like before he’s not going to tell them anything. 

“Well then! You gonna take my breath away? Make my head spin with your amazing skills?” Jessie jokes though she doesn’t know it’s hitting a nerve for Cloud, he pushes it down and focus on driving. 

“Don’t blame me if ya get sick.” Was all Cloud was going to say. 

“Right...” Jessie replies giving a nervous laugh. Then she looks behind them to see two securities on bike racing to catch up. “We’ve got company!” She says cheerfully. 

“How are you enjoying this?” Cloud asks baffled as the bikes catch up. 

“How can I not!?” Jessie asks and adds dramatically. “Pursued by villains, a young couple thrust together by fate race through the neon-streaked night...” 

Cloud shakes his head then focused on the bikes. One catches up pulls out an electric baton, Cloud blocks when he strikes then knocks it out of his hand, then swings down causing the bike to explode. “Oh! My hero!” Jessie says dramatically again and Cloud just sighs and focused on the other and dealing with him. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the last of them as more show up. 

Biggs comments on how they go straight to lethal force. Jessie asks would they pull over if they asked nicely, which Biggs says a good point. Just when they expected more regulars but elites came racing down. Biggs repeats Jessie’s comment on company, Cloud says the ‘a team’ is here. Wedge hopes that they weren’t screwed. 

And when he asks that, they started throwing grenades. Cloud knows it’s going to be hard to get close, then he thought of something. Not sure how but he felt like he was casting magic into the sword, just when the elites were lining up, Cloud slashes at them and they are destroyed. 

“That some super-secret technique?” Jessie asks impressed and then jests. “You got a fancy name for it?” 

“No.” Was all Cloud said. They kept on being chased by more security but this time they had drones with them. Cloud kept on slashing his sword while Biggs help by shooting the drones. After dealing with them Cloud notices a light but couldn’t see who decided to ignore it. Little did he know the guy who was leaning against his bike noticed them and seeing Cloud speed gave a whistle. Impressed with his skills he decided to give chase to see if he found competition. 

“SOLDIER en route.” That was all Cloud listen to and it made his blood boil. Anxiety ran through him as he did not want have to face any of them. He may be okay with SFs and robots, but for SOLDIER he felt like he may have to run. But it was too late to turn back as they were close to the top of the plate. Cloud hopes they can reach their destination and lose the SOLDIER, Cloud hopes he’s not a First Class as he can track them anywhere. 

After dealing with them Biggs comments on Cloud’s SOLDIER abilities and how they were kids on bikes, with Jessie saying he and Wedge are. Cloud sighs knowing he will never hear the end of this. When Biggs was saying she was part of ‘we’ as well, Cloud speed the bike with Jessie holding on tight as they came to the exit and were top side. 

“We made it!” Wedge cheers, 

“Woo-hoo! Topside!” Biggs cheers with him. 

“Do we keep going to the station?” Cloud asks Jessie hoping they wouldn’t have to head all the way to it. 

“No, head straight for the warehouse.” Jessie says telling him where to go, then gives a playful whine. “Our magical ride is almost at an end...” 

“Why ya talking like we’re not here?” Biggs says. 

“Because you’re not!” Jessie says annoyed. 

“Clearly we are!” Biggs retorts. Cloud gives an exasperated sigh. Just when he was going to take out one of the elites, he hears one of them speak. Saying to break before the SOLDIER shows. 

“What’s going on?” Jessie asks when they didn’t attack. They hit their breaks and were about to leave when the SOLDIER just arrived, though he wasn’t like other SOLDIERS. As he was getting close, he moves his bike to wall and display tricks with his bike and hits one of the elites destroying his and his partners causing them to explode.

“Who’s that?” Jessie asks seeing guy flip in the air with his bike and laughing crazy.

“A SOLDIER.” Was all Cloud said as he got a look at him as he landed. Long blonde hair like a mullet. With a standard SOLDIER sword Zack had when he met him before the Buster Sword. The uniform is different compare to what Cloud is wearing, the uniform is covering his whole body, long sleeves, tight pants, silver gloves and pauldrons. Cloud sees his uniform is blue and if he remembers that’s 3RD Class rank. Cloud wasn’t going underestimate him as they are just as tough.

“Well, hello!” he says as he speeds right by them.

“Who’s this!?” Biggs asks as he passed them.

“Too quick for the eye, you cross him, you die!” He replies as he skies his bike looking to Cloud. “Now... Mind if I cut in?” He asks as he also sends magical slashes to one of the bridges. The team sped up their bike narrowly miss the debris.

“Splendid! I’ve been looking for a new dance partner!” He says as they pass the destroyed bridge, then sends slashes at them. “Private party, huh? That’s fine. I’ll settle for a race then. Just one.” He adds as he looks to Cloud.

“Sorry, not in the mood.” Cloud says though he knows it won’t pass, as it never did.

“Ah, so terribly sorry! Your words fail to reach my ears, sluggish and slow as they are!” He replies as he kept on striking at them.

“What’s this guy’s deal!?” Jessie asks, dumbfounded of how this SOLDIER acts.

“The lady’s curiosity has been piqued!” He begins giving dramatic flair. “My name is Roche, but you may address me by the more accurate appellation: Speed Demon!

After trading more words Cloud sped up his bike and catches up to him. Trading blows and strikes, Cloud avoids Roche’s lighting attacks when they got some distance from each other. But like Cloud thought Roche is not to be underestimated. Roche takes his bike to the wall again and drives along it, sending more lighting strike make the group dodge. Cloud sends a slash to Roche who flips his bike off the wall coming to land on him and Jessie. Cloud moves to right as he lands then moves back and sends more strikes till he got him to slow down seemingly tired.

“Had enough?” Cloud asks as he slow down hoping he’ll leave.

“Don’t be absurd.” Roche begins getting his strength back. “As if I could grow tired of your company!” Jessie then pulls her gun out and aims at him.

“Naughty, naughty!” Roche says as he knocks the gun away. “Until one of our flames is forever extinguished, our dance will never end!” Roche says then moves his bike all-around Cloud who is only just able to keep up. They kept at till they blade locked each other, Cloud kicks Roche’s bike but he just flipped then sped past them. “Come on! Let’s push it past the redline!”

Cloud had to end this or they will have to abort. He thought something not sure he could do it, but with what he’s been doing can’t hurt till he tries. “Jessie, take over.” Cloud tells her, though that confused her. Only when Cloud jumps off the bike, she grabs the handles. Cloud comes right at Roche, who moves to block but Cloud knocks his sword out of his hand and lands at the front of his bike. Cloud jumps again still moving with the bike, griping the Buster sword and felt like putting more magic into it causing it to glow blue comes right back down and hits the bike damaging it. Cloud then jumps right back to Jessie amazed just as Biggs and Wedge are by what he did, then start to move right past Roche.

“Well, well, well! I do believe this round is yours.” Roche says when they approach and looking right to Cloud giving a laugh. “Maybe next time we can keep it just between the two of us.” He says, obviously is only a SOLDIER for his own reasons but seems to be honorable, even though arrogant.

“Maybe.” Cloud replies simply as he and the team speed away.

Roche gives another crazy laugh as he turns his bike around and shouts out. “Until we meet again, my friend!”

“We did it!” Biggs says as he watched him go and felt the victory they had over this chase.

“Go team!” Wedge joins with him over their victory.

“Don’t get too excited. Reinforcements are hot on our trail.” Jessie not going feel it till they finished their mission. The team continues on till Jessie pointed where they needed to go next. That led them to another tunnel which’d was on the left, and drove right down it.

“You pass the test!” Jessie said to Cloud as they entered.

“What test?” Cloud asks confused how this was a lesson.

“Driving.” Jessie simply replies which just confused Cloud even more, but he doesn’t retort and just kept on driving. “So you don’t need a reward?” Jessie asks when he didn’t respond.

“No.” Cloud flat out responds as they kept driving hoping to end this conversation. Jessie still thought about it then did something that caught Cloud off guard by kissing his cheek.

“Well, you got one anyway.” Jessie says casually as she sat back down, Cloud just sat there dumbfounded. Jessie then hugs him leaning against his back. “You can thank me later. I’ll wait.” She adds but Cloud just kept quiet waiting for this to end. “Giving me the cold shoulder?” Jessie says teasing him then saw the end of the tunnel. “Aw, would you look at that... It’s the end of the ride.” Jessie finishes as they came to a stop at the base of the stairs.

“We’ll go on foot from here.” Jessie begins as she stood at the steps after they got off the bikes. “Don’t want to draw to much attention to ourselves.” She warns.

“Hey, did these things leave a mark?” Wedge asks as he rubs his temples where his goggles were.

Biggs gives a laugh, then lightly jabs his stomach. “They got you pretty good.” Biggs jests.

“Aw...and I’m running on fumes...” Wedge says while rubbing his stomach.

“Don’t worry, we’ll top you up soon enough.” Jessie said giving a chuckle. “Now let’s roll.” She adds and heads up the steps. The guy's follow after her, eventually coming to a small gate.

“The residential area’s just beyond this gate.” Jessie says gesturing to the door, then looks to Cloud. “Mind doing the honors?” She asks. Cloud gives a sigh but moves to the lever and pulls it down opening the gate. “You got an arm on ya!” Jessie teases as she Biggs and Wedge jog out the door. Cloud follows after them entering a tunnel and runs down it to the area, and comes to a stop with them at the entrance.

“Here we are-the employee housing district. Where they put you when your parents work for Shinra.” Jessie then looks down in shame, Biggs and Wedge do as well. “While the reactors were slowly killing the planet, we were living the good life...” Jessie looking around like this place was a curse, then runs off.

Wedge stops when he sees a cat. “C’mere...” He tries to get it to come to him, but it runs off. “Aw no dice... Someone’s playing hard to get.” He adds then runs up to Biggs who’s standing in front of a poster.

Cloud walks up to see it’s a Security recruit propaganda. “Folks here must be living off three or four times what I do.” Biggs comments as he looks to the poster. Cloud almost laughs the pay in the infantry was terrible, Cloud only made enough to pay for meals. They ran up to Jessie who stood at the corner of the block.

“Figures. Still leaves the lights on every night for the girl who only comes home once every other blue moon.” Jessie says as she looks to the house with the lights on. “Mom’s an old-fashioned type like that.”

“Think she’ll make us pizza? Her ‘Midgar Special’?” Wedge asks all to ready to feast on it, and as they make their way to the house.

“She’s quite the cook.” Biggs comments. “Quick to whip up finger-lickin' food even if you drop by in the dead of night.”

“And she loves guests who ask for seconds or thirds.” Jessie says as they stop at the door. “Okay, let’s head in. Cloud-you know what to do.” Jessie looks to Cloud. “Why don’t you wait around the corner over there?” Jessie points to the corner in question, Cloud nods and moves to it.

“It’s a shame you won’t get to try the Midgar Special. You would’ve really liked it.” Wedge comments but Cloud doesn’t respond, not really interested in it.

“ With your help, we won’t need luck.”  Cloud remembering what Jessie told him as he waits for the signal. “ You won’t like what I’m going ask you to do... Well, I need you to rob my house. Think you can do that for me.”  Cloud was not too happy to hear that, but listen to Jessie. “ Go in through the back door when the cost is clear. The signal will be obvious.”  Cloud waits for it, taking notice of more cats then sees the light come on and heads for the back door.

Cloud makes his way quietly and comes to the door, he slowly opens it then makes his way into the room. Jessie told him to take the door on the right and that is where he would find what Jessie asked him to get. Cloud hears them talking to Jessie’s mom distracting her as much as possible, Cloud opens the door and walks in. Though Jessie told him didn’t have to worry about being quiet as they would be chatting her up, Cloud didn’t want to take that chance.

“ Dad’ll be in there, but it’s okay.”  Jessie said but didn’t say much else. Cloud takes a look to him and sees that he’s asleep, but something felt wrong and painfully familiar. Cloud sees that he’s connected to a monitor showing his vitals. Cloud pushes it down for now and looked for the ID card. He saw some papers, pictures of Jessie when she was little, a letter from Jessie to her parents when she got a role at the Gold Saucer.

Cloud came up to Jessie’s dad uniform and he smelled what he hates Mako. Cloud searches in the pockets and finds the card, just when he was about to leave Jessie’s dad eyes crack open lightly. Cloud almost panics but stops when he doesn’t react, Cloud looks a little closer and sees he’s barely keeping his eyes open. And in that moment Cloud now knows what’s wrong with him.  Mako Poisoning.  Cloud thought as memoires of how he couldn’t move without help, and couldn’t really tell what was going on around him. And Zack dragging him along as they ran from Shinra when they escaped. Cloud quickly heads for the door before he panics, sparing a glance at Jessie’s dad then leaves and heads back outside.

“When are you going to give up on the Gold Saucer?” Jessie’s mom asks as she stands in the kitchen. “How long has it been since you even performed?” Jessie is nervous to answer.

“A lot of people really rely on Jessie.” Wedge says lending her a hand.

“As a stagehand though, right? You can be one of those anywhere.” Jessie's mom replies not seeing the point of it, though she doesn’t know what’s really going on. “So why not come home and get a job at the Sector 8 theater?”

“Uhhh, I’ll think about it.” Jessie answers hesitantly, then guessed they bought Cloud enough time and decided to leave. “You know, I’d really love to stay and chat, but we gotta go.”

“So soon?” Jessie’s mom asks surprise they’ll leaving.

“Yeah, well, we hadn’t planned on dropping by. But Wedge wanted some of your famous pizza.” Jessie says lying about why they came.

Wedge wipes some pizza off his mouth giving a hum. “So good.” He said giving a smile.

“Sure I can’t tempt you with some more?” Jessie’s mom asks hoping to keep them here a little longer.

“Maybe just a couple slices, Missus R.” Wedge says hoping for some more.

“Wedge!” Jessie and Biggs shout at him scolding him for his manners.

“Hey! I’m... I’m doing it for you guys!” Wedge says in a weak defense. “You don’t want me going to work on an empty stomach.” That made them glare even more at him. After helping Jessie’s mom with the dishes and saying goodbye they go and meet up with Cloud. Only to stop and see him leaning against a wall with his hand over his face, and looking like he saw a ghost.

“Cloud?” Jessie says, slowly walking up tapping his arm lightly causing him to flinch, but relaxes and sees it them. But doesn’t stop him from frowning looking to the ground. “Okay, I know that is something I should have done... But I can explain.” Jessie begins to say but Cloud interrupts.

“What happen?” Cloud asks not holding any resentment.

Jessie hesitates not being able to answer till she found her voice. “Mako poisoning...” Jessie begins. “I wanted to be an actress. Worked for years till I got a starring role-mom and dad were thrilled. But then...” Jessie stops unable to say, Biggs and Wedge offer to say it which she nods.

“But right before her opening night...” Biggs says and lets Wedge speak.

“Her dad had an accident.” Wedge says remembering the news. Cloud looks to them waiting patiently for them to continue.

“Collapsed from overwork...and in the worst possible place.” Biggs says taking back the rein. “Mako storage. Lay there half a day before someone found him. Been like that ever since. No change whatsoever.”

Cloud gives Jessie a sympathetic look. “That’s why I’m doing this.” Jessie says.

“Why?” Cloud asks not sure why she would join up with Barret in his ‘one way’ to dealing with Shinra.

“Well, I study planetology. I think my dad’s spirit is stuck-between his body and the heart of the planet.” Jessie explains on how she can save her father.

“So if we don’t shut down the reactors soon...” Wedge speaks up adding to her theory.

“He’ll get caught up in the flow and... poof.” Biggs finishes as to what they think will happen to him.

“No.” Cloud says with everyone giving confused looks. “It’s about the mind. How strong it is to handle the Mako flowing through their body. It has nothing to do with the reactors.” Cloud explains, remembering when he was rejected from SOLDIER, he might have had some physical strength but he was weak minded.

“And how do you know if that’s true?” Biggs asks.

“I’m not saying I know planetology, but just look at SOLDIER.” Cloud replies. “They are infused with Mako, and with each class their dose increases.” Cloud says, as to how SOLDIERS are walking around instead of being comatose.

“Your dad’s uniform reeks with Mako. It’s not helping with him. Keep that and anything else that’s stench with Mako away from him. That should help with his recovery.” Cloud adds as how to he recovered from Mako poisoning.

Jessie looks to Cloud and considers what he says. She had wonder why Shinra would need security grunts when they have guys who are super enhance. And by looking to Cloud she gets the feeling he delt with this kind of thing before, she felt like asking but she doubt she would get a response, so she’ll takes what he said and hopes it would work for her father. “Okay, I’ll be sure to tell my mom.”

Cloud nods and then pulls out the card and hands it to her, hoping she knows what she’s doing. Jessie takes it and moves past him. “Now comes the hard part.” Jessie begins then turns back to them. “I’m going to use this to sneak into the 7-6 Annex.” Jessie says on how she’s getting the blasting agent.

“All right, let’s get to it.” Biggs said.

“Sorry, but you’re staying outside.” Jessie says putting the card away. “Only I know what to steal from where, so it’s gotta be me who goes in.” She adds as to why she’s going in alone.

“So... we came all this way just to eat pizza?” Biggs asks thinking that was all he and Wedge were doing.

“You think I’d let you off that easy?” Jessie says laughing and walks up to Cloud who crossed his arms and taps one of them. “You’re gonna earn every slice helping Cloud.”

“Just do the thing where you draw everyone’s attention away, like you did at my parents’.” Jessie explains what they would be doing, then looks to Cloud. “What’s the word again? Maybe I’m more nervous than I thought.”

Cloud guesses she’s teasing him again, but answers. “Diversion.” He simply says a little annoyed.

“Yeah, that! Nice one, military man.” Jessie praised. Cloud sighs though not because of the new nick name as he’ll take that over SOLDIER boy any day.

“So what, does this mean we’re gonna ask some Shinra folks out to dinner?” Wedge asks and every one looks baffled he thinks that.

“You know damn well what she means. Biggs says jabbing him in the gut. “While you’re inside, we make sure the guards are focused on the outside. Yeah?” He adds on what they’ll be doing.

“Exactly. Couldn’t’ve put it any better.” Jessie confirms and explains how they will know when to strike. “When you see a flare go up, that’s your cue. Rush the front gates and make for the warehouse plaza.” Jessie walks up to see the warehouse as she explained. “The more hell you raise, the more time you buy me.”

“You’re gonna run this guy into the ground, aren’tcha?” Biggs jokes tapping Cloud’s pauldron.

“How much time do you need?” Cloud asks on how long she’ll take.

“Not too much. I’ll be in and out.” Jessie replies. “I’ll send up another flare when I’m done. We rendezvous in the vacant lot up ahead.” Jessie starts to make her way but Biggs stops her.

“Hold up. How are we supposed to get back to the slums? Wait for the first train?” Biggs asks on their escape plan.

“No, I wanna be back before that.” Jessie says concerning everybody then eases them. “Don’t worry, I have something worked out. Now, let's get this done.” Jessie runs off to do her thing.

“Well, that diversion’s not gonna create itself.” Biggs comments and walks with Wedge and Cloud behind. They walk some of the way but stop when Wedge sees more cats. “Will what you said help Jessie’s dad?” Biggs asks Cloud.

“It will take time. But with enough care he should pull through.” Cloud replies thinking back to how Zack cared for him when they escaped. “It all depends on him.”

“Mako is the essence of life itself. Of memory and hope.” Biggs adds. “It’s not something you burn in a reactor just to keep the lights on. Hell no.”

Cloud wasn’t sure what to think. If the planet is alive, couldn’t it have done something to stop them from bleeding it? Like cause earthquakes, thunderstorms, floods to stop Shinra? Cause all it’s doing is proving their point by doing nothing. After Wedge was done with the cats they make their way to the gate, passing the lot where they’ll go when Jessie sends the signal.

“Just need to get past this gate.” Biggs begins but stops when Cloud notices something off.

“Wait. Where are the guards?” Cloud said as they should be patrolling the area, they quietly move to the check in room. Wedge takes a look and almost yells but Cloud yanks him and Biggs takes a look and sees the guards are already out.

“Looks like someone beat us here.” Biggs says thinking they might have company.

“And I don’t think it was Jessie.” Wedge says nervously.

“This had better not get in the way of our plans...” Biggs said hand on his face shaking his head.

Cloud says it won’t then moves to the wall with Biggs and Wedge behind him. They hide behind it still not seeing anybody. Biggs says they need a plan when its time, Cloud says he can do this solo. But Biggs and Wedge weren’t going to let that happen as they were in this together. Biggs came up with a plan and started to explain. But it fell on deaf ears to Cloud when he looked up for the flare, but only saw the night sky. And when he did, he remembered something that gave him hope when he was young. Something that he wanted his whole life.

Cloud sat at the top of the water tower as he waited. Waiting for someone whom he asked to meet him up here. But as he waited, he was having doubts running through his mind thinking this was a mistake. As he wasn’t supposed to be anywhere near her, but he needed to try and connect with her.

“Heya.” Cloud turns to see that Tifa did come. “So... what did you wanna talk about?” She asked as she walked and sat down next to him.

Cloud hesitated then answers. “When spring comes, I’m leaving town and going to Midgar.”

“Should’ve figured. All the guys are leaving.” Tifa says with sadness as her ‘friends’ were also leaving, since there wasn’t much work in this small town. But that wasn’t what Cloud was trying to tell her.

“B-but I’m not like them. I’m not going just to look for work.” Cloud said but not knowing what she’s really feeling. “I’m going to be a SOLDIER. The best of the best. Like Sephiroth.” Cloud says on what he plans to do.

“The great war hero, huh?” Tifa comments. “Mm... Isn’t it pretty hard to become a SOLDIER?”

“Yeah. So I won’t be back for a long time.” Cloud said.

“Guess not. Think you’ll be in the papers?” Tifa asks.

“I’ll try.” Cloud replies. They both just sit there in silence till Tifa broke it.

“Just... promise me one thing.” Cloud looks to her. “When we’re older, and you’re a famous SOLDIER... if I’m ever trapped or in trouble...” She pauses for a sec. “Promise you’ll come and save me.”

“Huh?” Was all he could say surprised by her request.

“That’s what heroes do. They save people.” Tifa replies then looks to him. “Please? Just once.”

“Uhh...” Cloud was unsure about this.

“Come on, promise me!” Tifa said leaning a little close getting him to promise.

“Fine. I promise.” Cloud said knowing he won’t forgive himself if he just brushed her off on this. They both just sit there looking to the stars thinking the future is bright.

That had pushed Cloud to go too Midgar and keep his promise. But it was all for nothing, as he feels like he’s hurting Tifa rather than saving her. She may see him like Sephiroth as that is what he said when he asked her to see him atop that night. And with what happened with that idiot, and the SFs he feels that he is becoming like him. He wished he saw something about Zack and wanted to be like him. But instead, it was that monster he wanted to be like.

“That’s the signal.” Cloud hears Wedge say, he looks up to see the flare. So, with that Cloud heads for the gate with Wedge and Biggs taking their positions. As Cloud passes the gate, he sees security checking the area, or at least trying to. Then one of them spots him and the search light moves to him giving the SFs a clear view. One runs to him as the others shoot him. Cloud uses Zack’s sword to block then he runs dodging bullets as they kept shooting at him. Biggs and Wedge start to shoot from up high giving him covering fire. As they deal with the guards, two rocket launchers came online.

“Oh, you gotta be shitting me.” Biggs says, but they focused on Cloud as he starts to dodge Biggs reloads his gun. “Gimme a bit more time and I got you.” He adds and moves to the launchers.

Cloud continues to fight more guards as rockets are being shot at him. As he fights and dodge Biggs was able to disconnect the launchers locks sending them over the edge. Cloud then hears a door opening, instead of more guards it’s a pack of hounds. They surround Cloud as he thinks of a way to deal with them when there is a whistle. Cloud turns to see Wedge blowing a dog whistle.

“Don’t worry-I've got this!” He says and starts to run with some hounds behind him. “Catch me if you caan!” One of them gets close enough to almost bite him, he screams but keeps running. Cloud rolled his eyes but focused on the hounds in front dealing with them, then runs to Wedge as he runs back. Cloud uses his speed to send three quick strikes at the hounds and hits all of them.

Wedge is on the ground trying to catch his breath. “Think I ran off the pizza...”

“Helluva show, man! If only the ladies loved you that much!” Biggs jabs still up high.

“I’m glad someone’s enjoying themselves...” Wedge said smiling rather than being offended. Alarms go off and the large doors open to see two robots walk out.

“Of course they store mechs here...” Biggs says like he should’ve known that.

“You ready?” Cloud says trying to stay focused.

“Hell yeah! More than you know!” Biggs and Wedge reply, Wedge then pulls something out. “Look what I found.” Wedge shows him shock mines. “Let’s give these jerks a taste of their own medicine!”

Cloud draws their attention as Biggs and Wedge support, Biggs shoot from up high, while Wedge throws the mines in front of the mechs when they rush. As they fell more security came running in and surround Cloud and Wedge. Before anyone does anything there was a sound of an engine, and in comes Roche laughing psychotically.

Roche now on his fixed bike drives right past everyone still laughing. “Well, aren’t we having a wonderful time kicking the hornet’s nest!” He says coming to a stop. Biggs had climb down and ran to past the guards who are frozen knowing if they do anything they die.

Roche gets off his bike and strokes it to where Cloud damaged it earlier, then looks to him. “You know what I want.” He draws his sword walking to Cloud. “A second dance-just the two of us.” Cloud almost backs up, bad enough he had to fight him on a bike now it’s standing on his feet.

“You turned the key...” Roche scraps his sword on the ground then points it to Cloud. “The engine roars with excitement... It hungers to be set free!”

Cloud lifts the Buster sword in front of him. “Fall back.” He tells Biggs and Wedge, they hesitate but Biggs seeing they’ll be in the way takes Wedge’s arm and gets behind cover.

“It’s been a long time since I fought a dual out of the saddle.” Roche says looking to his bike then to Cloud. “But...for all the miles on the clock.” Roche readies his sword, and with super speed he charges at Cloud who blocks his strike and moves past him. “I’m just as fast as I ever was!”

Roche surprises Cloud by sending a Cura giving him a boost. After that they trade blows, Cloud relies on any instinct that comes up so he doesn’t mess up and get them killed. Roche is fast and more experienced than him, but Cloud is able to keep up with him. Cloud is able to put Roche on the back foot but he looks to be enjoying their fight rather than be angered. “I told you we were gonna push it past the red line!”

Roche moves even faster than Cloud thought possible. Cloud is barely able to keep up as Roche moves. Just Cloud tried to think of something he got knock off his feet and Roche moves to strike again. But then Cloud felt like Zack was guiding him into making perfect blocks and blows and matching Roche’s speed. Roche blocked as best he could then Cloud delivers powerful strikes sending him to his knees.

“Satisfied?” Cloud asks hoping he’s done.

Roche stands up and puts his sword on his back. “With such fleeting pleasure? Hardly.” He moves back to his bike and strokes it again. “There are higher heights to which you and I can still soar...”

Alarms go off and more sweepers show up. The guards tell them to kill Cloud first, but before anything happens, Roche rams his bike into a few of the sweepers. “We really must do this again.” Roche says after he stopped. “Until then... try not to die. I’ll see you on the road, my friend.” Roche gives a salute, then drives off.

Cloud, Biggs, and Wedge start taking fire from the other sweepers. They do what they can but they are outnumbered. An explosion goes off giving them a chance to escape, they run but another machine cuts them off. It aims at Cloud and fires chains at him, before Cloud can block them Wedge jumps in front and takes the hit. “Wedge!” Cloud shouts.

“Run! Run while you can!” Wedge tells him, but Cloud wasn’t going through it again. But before he does anything, gunfire was being aimed at the sweepers, one behind them and the one holding Wedge. Cloud and Biggs look to see guys in orange suits coming in and attacking Shinra. “Friendly! Friendly! Stand down!” One shout as Cloud raised the Buster sword at them.

Another of them checks on Wedge and sounded annoyed “Your team shouldn’t be here.”

“Glad yours is...” Wedge retorts.

Cloud moves to get Wedge up but Biggs grabs his arm. “C’mere.” he says and drags him out as their rescuers help Wedge. Biggs dragged Cloud back out the gate and makes sure they weren’t being followed. “Wedge’ll be fine. But you won’t be if they start asking questions.” Biggs says.

“And who are ‘they’?” Cloud asks as they are still fighting Shinra.

“First guests to the party. Another Avalanche cell.” Biggs explains. “Our holier-than-thou friends from the old guard...” Biggs then scoffs. “It’s always their way or the highway. Lately they’ve been a real pain in the ass... Till now”

“So then why are they here?” Cloud asks again as the gate starts to close.

“Beats me. We’ve been on the outs ever since our cell got labeled too extreme... though they’re the ones running around with mil-spec gear.” Biggs replies as they watch them and adds. “Word is they’ve cut a deal with Wutai... Promised em’ all the materia in Midgar, apparently.’ Biggs thinks about it then asks Cloud. “Think there’s any truth to that?”

“You tell me. It’s you're organization.” Cloud replies.

“Sometimes I think we’re the only ones who’ve realized the war is over.” Biggs says as the gate closed, then another flare went up. “Okay-mission complete. Let’s make our way back to the lot.”

“What about Wedge?” Cloud asks.

“If we stuck around or went back, he’d only get upset.” Biggs says as he started walking.

“Why’s that?” Cloud asks, confused as to why that would matter.

“Guess a SOLDIER wouldn’t understand... I’ll tell him you were worried about him, though. Who knows-just might make his day.” Biggs replied, but Cloud didn’t think it will. They made their way to the lot to find Jessie there.

“You made it! Over here!” Jessie notices trucks come up gets down, as did Cloud and Biggs. Jessie comes up as they passed. “Could you have been any louder? I mean, it made my job a lot easier, but-” She noticing Wedge’s not with them. “Wait, where’s Wedge?” They heard a grunt and see Wedge.

“Wedge!?” Jessie moves to help him but Cloud stops her as truck drives by. When it passed Cloud went over to him with Biggs and they helped him into the lot.

“You get hit?” Biggs asks as he set him down.

“Just winged, I think...” Wedge sits down then shoots up leaning on all fours. “Or shot!”

“Really? Let me see...” Biggs just yanks his pants down.

“Are we seriously doing this here?” Jessie asks but she looks anyway. “That’s...wow.”

“You guys are the worst...” Wedge complained.

“Your ass is fine.” Jessie said as she knees down. “Maybe singed, but the only casualty is your underwear. This is like a bruise or a mild burn at worst!” Jessie then slaps his butt.

Wedge sits on his knees and pulls up his pants. “Now  that  was a gunshot.” Wedge says, Biggs laugh, but Cloud didn’t as he was frowning and Wedge felt like shrinking. Before anyone can say anything, Cloud says they should go.

They squeeze through the trucks, and casually pass security. People have come out to see what was happening, and wanted answers. Jessie leads them to a door down the street as security was busy, it gave them a chance. They walked in as Cloud watch till they passed, rather than celebrate a successful mission everyone jumped when Cloud slammed the door.

“What the hell were you thinking? You trying to kill yourself?!” Cloud asks Wedge of what he did. Wedge backed up confused by Cloud’s anger.

“I-I... they were-” Wedge tries to say but is scared to say anything.

“Hey! Come on man.” Biggs looks to him, pleading with him not to make Wedge feel bad.

Cloud sighs. “Don’t ever do that again.” He says, Cloud may regret later, but he couldn’t deal with someone else throwing their lives for him again. Cloud starts walking down the trail, with the others behind. Biggs telling Wedge that Cloud doesn’t want any of them to get hurt, so he’s like that so nothing bad happens.

They come to the end and Jessie walks ahead. “Should be somewhere around...” Jessie spots a crate and moves to it and opens it. “I half figured my dad got it wrong, but nope! They’re here just like he said!”

“Parachutes?” Biggs asks.

“Huh? Whaddya mean ‘half figured’!?” Wedge asks concerned at what she planned.

“Fifty-fifty is pretty good odds, if you ask me!” Jessie says in a very defensive tone. Then runs toward the edge and the guys guessed at what she planned. “This is gonna be fun!”

They each partner up, Biggs with Jessie and Cloud with Wedge who is whimpering. “Thanks guys. I really appreciate you coming all this way with me.” Jessie said as they get ready to jump. “And like I said before, I’d be grateful if you kept this between us until after the mission. I don’t wanna... complicate things.”

“Sure.” Biggs says then pumps his arms out. “Okay, who’s ready to fly!?”

“Me! Me!” Jessie says all too excited.

“Hey Cloud-you let him down gently, alright?” Biggs asks Cloud nods. Biggs gets ready but Jessie stops.

“Wait! I almost forgot. One more thing!” Jessie drags Biggs as she tries to get close to Cloud and Wedge. Biggs tries stop her so they don’t fall, but Jessie keeps at it till they are close and she speaks to Cloud. “Swing by my place after- so I can ‘pay you in full’.” Jessie smiles then fist pumps with him, then she jumps without giving Biggs a chance to be ready. Cloud gets ready to jump but Wedge wanted time.

“Wait! Gimme a minute!” Wedge says.

“No.” Cloud said not going to wait.

“Why do you have to be such a hard-ass bro?” Wedge asks.

“Please don’t call me that.” Cloud says in a polite way that he’s not his bro, then he jumps. They catch up with Biggs and Jessie, Wedge screams as they fall. Biggs pulls his cord and slows down, Cloud does the same as well. They take in the sight of the slums as they descend.

“I wish I could’ve done more... Just got hurt.” Wedge says feeling useless. Cloud sighs, he knows the feeling all too well, and regrets his outburst decided to lift his spirit.

“You did enough. You took one for the team. Be proud.” Cloud says that seems to help him as he laughs.

“Feels like we’re flying high these days.” Biggs says to Jessie as they watch Cloud and Wedge.

“Now more than ever!” Jessie replies giving a light laugh.

“He’s a keeper all right.” Biggs says as they look to Cloud.

“Yeah! Together we can take on the world!” Jessie exclaims.

Cloud and Wedge land in the scrap yard while Biggs and Jessie landed elsewhere. Wedge says he’ll make his way home even though he’s sore, Cloud says they’ll go together. That made Wedge to look like he wants to hug Cloud, who is creeped out. They make their way stopping at Biggs and Jessie’s place, where Wedge tells Cloud about them. They head to Wedge’s place and Cloud sees it’s full of cats, who Wedge greets.

“Hey there, Biggums, Reggie, Smalls...” Wedge turns to Cloud. “Brought a new friend to meet you!” The cats move to Cloud as he holds his hand out. “These little guys are on guard duty today.” Wedge picks them up holds them in front of Cloud who stands there feeling awkward.

“Thanks for seeing me home!” Wedge says then puts his cats down telling them Cloud’s a softie, Cloud just leaves and heads for Jessie’s. Cloud makes it to her place and knocks.

“Well, if it isn’t Cloud Strife!” Jessie says when she opened the door and steps out. “Was wondering when you’d show up. Without further ado... Here you are.” Jessie hands him a Barrier materia. “Thanks for stepping up.” Jessie wasn't done.  “And now for the cherry on top.” Jessie hugs him.

“Okay, I get it. Mind letting me breathe?” Cloud asks not understanding why she’s doing this.

“Depends. Mind coming over tomorrow night?” Jessie asks out of the blue. “My roommates should all be out for a while.”

“Are you seriously th... Just let go already.” Cloud says trying to pry her off.

“Only if you promise to come back tomorrow night. Deal?” Jessie says, Cloud is confused as to why she’s pushing this.

Cloud gives a sigh then answers. “I’ll think about it.”

“Really? You will?” Jessie asks surprised. “I make a mean pizza, I’ll have you know! Marche, luche, black milly, red shelly-I use only the best ingredients.” Jessie says while looking around. “Sound good?”

“Never heard of any of that stuff...” Cloud says dumbfounded.

“Awww, you are  so  adorable, you know that!?” Jessie says. “You just leave everything to me-it'll be great!” Jessie heads back inside. “Nighty night.” Jessie closed the door, Cloud sighs but the door opens. “Psych!” Jessie winks and shuts the door again, Cloud just leaves before anything else happens.

Cloud makes his back to his room passing by Biggs who was cleaning the front of his place. Biggs explained what happened with them when they landed, and got concerned for Jessie. He felt he should check on her, but Cloud told him relax and get some sleep. Cloud makes it back to the apartment almost knocks on Tifa’s door, but decided to let her sleep and heads for his room goes to sleep.

Before Cloud falls asleep, there’s a light knock on his door. “Cloud?” Cloud hears Tifa voice.

“Yeah.” Cloud replies as the door opens and Tifa comes in.

“You were out for a while.” Tifa said she closes the door.

“Just walking.” Cloud replies, keeping what happened to himself, till Jessie wanted to tell her and Barret.

“I ran into Johnny, by the way.” Tifa says, likely just making conversation as she walked up. “Said not to worry, he was getting out of town.”

Cloud didn’t want to think about him as that just makes regret for how he acted, and had frighten her. “Oh okay...” Cloud says not sure what else to say, considering he threaten to kill him.

“You... weren’t thinking of leaving Midgar anytime soon, were you?” Tifa asked clasping her hands, hoping he wasn’t.

Cloud doesn’t know. He may have been a nobody, but with him being an escapee from a lab and traveled with a former 1st class SOLIDER, they would likely come after him to tie up loose ends. He may not know anything but that wouldn’t stop them. “I don’t know.” Cloud said but adds hoping to ease her. “An old friend is in a tight spot... So, looks like I’m staying a little longer. After all I made a promise.”

That seems to ease her and she leans against the door to the shower. “Can’t say this is quite what I had in mind when I put that on you way back when.”

“If you ever wanna talk, I’m listening.” Cloud said, which’d surprised her.

“Huh? What’s with you all of a sudden?” Tifa asked.

“With me?” Cloud said confused by what she means.

“Like you’re losing that hard edge.” Tifa says trying not to laugh.

“I don’t have a hard edge.” Cloud says he’s not that hard, he’s just not an open person.

“Actually, you kinda do.” Tifa says laughing a little. “But it’s not bad, I like it. Maybe Marlene won’t be scared of you next time...” Cloud gives her a suffering look which makes her laugh.

“I’m really glad to have you back, Cloud. Really glad.” Tifa says then stretches and yawns. “It’s pretty late, huh?” Tifa heads for the door. “I’d like to catch up more, but we should probably both get some sleep, yeah?”

“Yeah.” Cloud replies.

“Good night then.” Tifa opens the door and heads back to her room.

“Good night, Tifa...” Cloud says as the door closes. Then he remembers the thugs he ran into and didn’t tell her. Cloud hoped he could catch her tomorrow before she leaves, for now he’ll let her sleep and not make her worry about it.

Cloud had fallen asleep but as he starts to wake, he feels like he’s being choked. Unbeknownst to him two ghosts from the other night come from the floor and hover at his bed side. One moves over him and speaks.  Sleep. And dream the sweetest dreams.  Cloud recognized that voice,  Sephiroth.  Cloud felt he was above and shot right up and looks around but doesn’t see him. Cloud hears a scream outside, he gets up and reaches for both Zack’s and his new sword, putting Zack’s on his back as his door opens.

“Cloud!” Tifa came bursting.

“What’s wrong?” Cloud asks.

“Come with me! Quickly!” Tifa heads back out with Cloud behind her. Cloud sees the robe things from Sector 8 and when he got back to slums, this time everyone can see them. “We were getting ready to set out when those things showed up and came after us!” Tifa said pointing to them.

“The others?” Cloud asks he looks to the things circling the town. Must be dozens or a hundred.

“Barret and Jessie are holding their ground, but for how long I don’t know...” Tifa said concerned as they couldn’t hit the things when they fired at them.

“Let’s go.” Cloud said hoping to figure something out.

“Right.” Tifa replied, they start to make their way when those things start to surround them, as four of them came up to them.

“Ready?” Cloud asks Tifa as they are going to have to fight their way to the bar.

“You know it!” Tifa says getting her fists ready.

Cloud and Tifa strike at them but they were pretty illusive, as they were faster and can disappear in a blink of an eye. And to add to that more replace the ones they manage to beat. After some hits things appeared less and less and it led to one left which Cloud cast Fira at it and destroying it.

“What are these things?” Tifa asks as the things around them start to vanish.

“No idea. Pretty sure you can’t even see them unless they make physical contact first...” Cloud says thinking back to when he met the flower girl from Sector 8 when she grabbed him.

“And that’s all you can tell me?” Tifa asks which Cloud nods. After the things disappear. They start making their way to bar, but more of them block their way. Cloud asks if there was another way, Tifa lead him to another path. But more of them block the way, fortunately there was another way. But as they make their way, the ghosts just fly right at them slowing them down. Cloud and Tifa mange to stay on their feet and see Barret and Jessie at the bar’s door.

One of the ghosts knocks Barret down. “Barret!” Jessie shouts but she keeps on shooting.

“Gimme a break!” Barret gets back up and also keeps shooting.

“Jessie! Barret!” Tifa calls out as she and Cloud rounded the corner.

“Where you been!?” Barret shouts still shooting.

“They just keep coming! We gotta do something!” Jessie says not liking their odds.

“Hang on!” Tifa said as she and Cloud run up to them but stop as one of these things got in front of them again. And another grabs Tifa dragging her with it.

“Tifa!” Cloud tries to reach for her as she did as well. But more them show up blocking Cloud, and Tifa got surrounded by more of them making her struggle. Cloud tries to get to her but they keep him back. Cloud pulls Zack’s sword off his back and uses it with the Iron Blade and get pass them as he strikes them. Cloud swings at the ones around Tifa and got them away from her.

After much strikes and shooting these things there didn’t seem to be an end even when Cloud used his new summon materia which was Ifrit a fire beast. “How’s your ammo?” Barret asks Jessie.

“Running low-” Jessie begins but the ghost's flies by her, knocking her gun out of her hand. “Shit!” She then gets knock down the steps by ghost, they then attacked her when she down. After that they start to disappear, leaving everyone confused. But they went to check on Jessie.

“Jessie!” Barret says coming to her side.

“You okay?” Tifa asks coming to her other side with Cloud behind her.

“Me and my two left feet...” Jessie says trying to lighten the mood then tries to get up, but ends up holding her leg in pain. Around them people started coming up wondering what just happened.

“We ain’t putting on a damn show!” Barret shouts out to the crowed causing them to scatter off. “The hell were those things? Some kind of... I dunno!”

“My ‘panic-induced hallucination’.” Cloud said of what he asked them when they escape from Sector 8.

“Guessed I shouldn’t be surprised, though. Never can tell what weird shit’ll come crawling out of scrap down here.” Barret says walking around. “It’s those reactors, I’m telling you...”

Cloud rolls his eyes, while he thinks their Shinra experiments and knees down to Jessie. “It hurt?” Cloud asks her.

“Wish I could say it didn’t, but yeah...” Jessie replies. Cloud then puts the Iron Blade down, then puts Jessie’s arm around his shoulder and lifts her up as he grabs his sword, then heads inside the bar. “God, this is so embarrassing... Hate playing the damsel in distress...” Jessie says as they head inside with Tifa and Barret behind them.

They wrapped up her ankle which luckily was sprained. After they finished the pinball machine comes up along with Wedge, who notices Jessie’s injury. “What did you do to your leg!? D-does it hurt?” He asks and Jessie just lightly uses two fingers to shove his head.

“Not nearly as much as the fuss everyone’s making.” Jessie says.

“Still, I think you ought to avoid putting any-” Tifa begins to say but Jessie cuts her off.

“I’m fine!” Jessie tries to walk but causes pain, with Tifa and Wedge helping her sit back down.

“That’s enough!” Barret says getting their attention. “You’re out, Jessie.”

That didn’t sit well with her. “What about the mission?” She begins to say. “We already sent Biggs in, remember? Don’t tell me you’re thinking of calling it off!?”

“Nah, we got this...” Barret says but not in a very convincingly.

“The hell you do!” Jessie says frowning at him, with the others also thinking the same.

Wedge then speaks up. “If you need someone to step up, I’m your man!” He pumps his chest but ends up coughing.

Cloud looks on from where he was and looks down sighing. When he looks back up Barret looks to him then begins to move to him, but not glaring. “Okay... So here’s the thing...” Cloud just frowns at him and looks away, he can’t believe that he’s now asking him to help when his team is down. But Cloud thought of how he will go one-person down anyway no matter what. Cloud is worried for Tifa as should they go, she’ll get hurt or killed. Especially if those ghosts come back.

With another sigh and a prayer to Zack Cloud made his choice again. “Fine. But just know.” Cloud begins to lay down his terms. “My only concerned is Tifa. So, if it’s a choice between her or your mission. I choose her. We clear?”

Barret looked surprised, but agreed to his terms. “Consider it done.” Barret then turns to the others. “Aight, everyone- Cloud's in. The mission is on!” Pumping his fist up.

Jessie and Wedge were surprised that Cloud would come along as he was adamant that he wanted nothing to do with their mission. Tifa starting to feel guilty that she’s still dragging him into unnecessary danger again. “Cloud you don’t have to do this.” Tifa says.

“It’s alright, I’ll be fine.” Cloud says trying to ease her though, he doubts it helps. Tifa looks like she wants to argue but she holds back not sure if she could convince him not to come along. 

“Listen, Wedge-I need you to hang back and guard the home front.” Barret orders Wedge to remain behind.

“But I’m in perfect health!” Wedge tries to argue.

“Which makes you the perfect choice to look after Jessie and Marlene.” Barret says helping him not feel useless. Wedge concedes then gives a thumbs up to Cloud.

“Let’s get this show on the road...to Mako Reactor 5!” Barret pumps his fist again. “Once you’ve got your gear in order, head to the station for the meet. Got it?”

Everyone but Cloud nods then heads out. Jessie and Wedge wished Tifa and Cloud luck, and asked Cloud if he’ll celebrate with them, provided the explosion will be less severe than before. Cloud doesn’t know till he sees the results, he decided to leave the Iron Blade in the bar saying he’ll come back for it. Cloud and Tifa make their way to the station and meet up with Barret and wait for the train.

“Do you think Biggs is...on schedule?” Tifa asks as they wait.

“All we can do is hope...” Barret replies.

Cloud just sighs he hopes there was a problem not wanting him to get hurt that will make Barret call it off. Barret seeing Cloud is hating this reminds him they are doing this.

“Ain’t no stopping this train we’re on, son.” Barret begins. “A lotta people risked their lives to get it rolling...” Cloud just looks to him, in a silent way of asking who did besides them. “Already put the word out more’s coming out too...” The train approaches.

‘Shut them all down by today, or we shut another down for you’. Ain't on us. Not us...” Barret moves to the car, but as it opens security disembark and walk out. “Play it cool.” Barret says as they pass. Tifa takes a breath, then they board the train and wait for it to head up top and. Cloud hopes this bomb will be better than the other night, and hopes Zack forgives him for doing this again.

Chapter Text

As the train heads up toward Sector 4, an announcement goes over the speakers. “This is an announcement from the Shinra Electric Power Company.” It begins as the few passengers on the train listen. “The terrorist group ‘Avalanche’ has issued another bomb threat. In response, we have raised the threat level and entered a state of heightened alert. All lines are currently experiencing delays.”

Cloud, Tifa, and Barret stood at the back of the train in silence till Barret spoke up. “The target’s Mako Reactor 5.” Barret begins in a low tone. “From the station, we take the backstreets. Once we’re inside the facility, it’s the same deal as last time.”

“Head for mako storage. And then  blow  it all to hell.” Barret says all too looking forward for another blow to Shinra. “Let’s do this one for Jessie and Wedge. They deserve it.”

“Yeah.” Tifa replies while Cloud stayed silent leaving that to Barret. Tifa then walked up the other end of the carriage with Barret behind her.

“I didn’t think word would spread this fast.” Tifa says as they come up to the other end. “There’s barely anyone on this train. And none of them look happy to be here.”

“Might stand out as a group.” Barret says looking back to Cloud then back to Tifa. “You two stay here.” He tells her then heads for the next carriage. Tifa stood where she was lost in thought didn’t notice Cloud was coming up, till he was right up next to her. As he stops the announcement notified passengers of passing an ID scan.

“Here comes the first hurdle...” Tifa says nervously.

“Not much of one.” Cloud comments.

“I know, I know. But that doesn’t mean I don’t have butterflies in my stomach.” Tiffa said as they start to pass the scan. After they pass Tifa relaxed then looks to Cloud. “Hey, would you mind keeping an eye on things the next car over? I’m worried there might be trouble.”

“Why’s that?” Cloud asks confused why there would be.

“Barret’s always on edge before missions, but he’s a good guy underneath it all. The people on this don’t know that.” Tifa says, but Cloud doesn’t see it.

“He’ll be fine.” Cloud says convinced it’s not a problem.

“Maybe... but I won’t be until I know for sure.” Tifa says with a slight stern look.

Cloud gives a sigh not understanding why she’s persisting that he does this. She knows that he doesn’t really care about what Barret does due to his attitude and uncaring of his actions harming anyone. “Be right back.” Cloud said and heads for the next car, hearing Tifa thank him as he goes.

Cloud walks into the next car seeing Barret sit next to the Shinra Manager from the other night tapping his feet rapidly. “So do you  still  support those terrorists?” He asks Barret just looks to him. “Avalanche is a blight on Midgar.”

Barret just gives a slight scoff and looks away as he continues. “Their bomb threat has thrown our offices into chaos, let alone the reactor itself. It’s total insanity!” The manager stands up. “But we won’t lose heart! No! The reactor will stay online!”

“Oh, is that right?” Barret says, Cloud sees he’s about to cause a scene walks up to stop him before anything happens.

“What? You got a problem with that?” The manger asks trying to keep his cool. Barret gets up and was about say something when Cloud steps in putting his hand on his arm.

“No. No problem at all.” Cloud says stopping them.

The guy just scoffs and walks away sitting at the other end. Barret sits back down and starts to hum. Cloud heads back to Tifa and waits for this ride to end. As he makes his way back, there is another ID scan much to the confusion of everyone on the train.

It then detected ID’s as unauthorized, Cloud shares a look with Tifa and they knew what was going happen next. “Get over here! Now!” They look to see Barret at the door, but before they can move drones come crashing through the windows. People start to panick and run to next car over.

Tifa asks Cloud to take care of the drones while she help’s the passengers, Cloud does just that. As he does Tifa and Barret help people get to the next car. When the last passenger gets through, they follow after them. Cloud starts to follow but stopped when more drones poured in, after dealing with them Cloud moves to the next car. Cloud joins with Barret as drones kept coming and Tifa was dealing the Shinra manger.

“Please! You have to go now!” Tifa says pushing him to the door.

“Wh-what are you doing?” He asked.

“Trying to keep you alive.” Tifa replies.

“But I work for Shinra. I’m the enemy.” He says as she would have no reason to help him but she is.

“I don’t care. I don’t want anyone to die. Please!” Tifa pleads with him to leave.

He hesitates for a moment then replies. “I’ll look after the others.” He turns to do that and Tifa shuts the door.

“My turn.” Tifa charges at one drone and destroys it, but more kept coming.

“There’s no end to them...” Cloud said he rounded up with Tifa and Barret. The announcement made note of them being contained.

“Looks like you’re right, SOLDIER boy.” Barret said when a lot of drones poured through.

“Screw this.” Cloud says confusing Tifa and Barret but he continues. “The station will be crawling with security. We’re gonna have to jump.”

“Screw  that!”  Barret says not liking his idea.

“We slow the train down.” Cloud said hoping he’ll go with that.

“Sounds like a Biggs plan E.” Barret says, he and Tifa go to the button and one of the side doors. Barret shoots the door then kicks it, Tifa then hits the button and the train starts to slow down.

“Okay, y’all watch and learn.” Barret begins as he gets ready. “I’m gonna jump. Gonna do it. I’ll show you how it’s done!” Barret then jumps out.

Tifa moves to follow but hesitates. “Tifa!” Cloud sees she’s scared to do it. He blocks one of the drones then moves to her. Cloud puts hand on her back giving her a nod and pulls her close as they jump. Cloud shields Tifa from the impact and holds her close as they roll till they stop with Tifa above him.

“You okay?” Cloud asks her when the shock wore off.

“Yeah.” Tifa replies and Cloud helps her up. Drones came down the tunnel as they stand. After dealing with the drones, they heard Barret laughing further down. Tifa says they should find him.

“Hey, thanks. For when we jumped off the train, I mean.” Tifa says to Cloud as they run down the tunnel.

“You're welcome. You’re pretty light, you know.” Cloud lightly jests which she laughs.

“You always know what to say.” Tifa says as they kept running.

Elsewhere in a security control room, Heidegger watching through the cameras with some SF’s. “Well done, well done.” He says after he laughs. “I felt for sure we had them, didn’t you?”

“Sir!” A subordinate responded.

“Born survivors, theses sewer rats. Speaking of where’s the third?” He asks the guard.

“In custody, sir.” The guard replies.

“Return it to the wild.” Heidegger orders. The guard and another do just that. Heidegger returns to the monitors with glee. He can see that this will be another victory for him, as he would be seen as a ‘hero’ to the people for stopping the terrorist from destroying the city. The weapon will make short work with an idiot brute, a pathetic little martial artist, and some wannabe SOLDIER.

“He’s close! Come on!” Tifa says as they hear the sound of his gun and kept running too the sound.

“There! Barret!” Tifa runs up to the fence that shows the other rail.

“Tifa! Could use some help here!” Barret says dodging some drones.

Barret mentions there be some stairs nearby. Cloud sees them up ahead and he and Tifa run to them. Barret just kept screaming at the drones coming at him. Cloud and Tifa eventually made it to the other side and helped him out.

“This calls for a song!” Barret says after they delt with the drones and SFs he starts to sing the victory song.

“That’s gotta be the last of them...right?” Tifa asks but Cloud shakes his head knowing they will keep coming.

“Who cares? We can take them.” Barret says then moves back to where Tifa and Cloud came from to a map. “Now let’s confirm our position and get back on mission! That reactor’s waiting!”

“Looks like it’s going to be plan E.” Barret says as Tifa and Cloud joined up with him.

“And that is...” Cloud says being the only one who doesn’t know the plan.

“Plan A was if everything went off without a hitch.” Barret begins to explain. “From the station, it would have been a straight shot to the reactor. Didn’t work out, be we knew we would have to have backup plans. From closer in to out-B, C, D, and so on.”

“And that leads to what?” Cloud asks.

“To E.” Tifa answers.

“Great. Lucky us.” Cloud says crossing his arms.

Barret gives a laugh. “You’re damn right!”

“Anyway, we were riding the train between Sector 4 and the main pillar we had to bail.” Tifa says looking to the map. “And we ended up on the adjacent line, which should take us up to Reactor 5.”

“That’s right. So now we follow the tracks.” Barret says, unknown to them a camera was listening in. “But not too far. Gotta switch to a different route before the station.”

Cloud takes a look to the map. “And you can bet that it’s going to be crawling with security-all on high alert.” Cloud knows that all too well, he can’t even imagine what else kind of upgrades they gotten from the last five years.

“Let’s move.” Tifa says breaking his thoughts.

“Our friends in Sector 5 marked the route, so don’t worry about getting lost.” Barret then does a dramatic pose. “It’s a straight shot o victory, people. All we gotta do...is take it.”

Back in the security control room, Heidegger was on the phone with the president. “You have nothing to worry about, sir. Preparations for the grand finale are proceeding without incident.”

“I have the utmost confidence that everything will play out as you intended...” He stops when Shinra speaks. “Yes, of course. I will not fail you, sir.” He hangs up the phone and then listen to one of his men reports about the analytics and then about the casualty rate, which he groans in annoyance.

“Remind me what your jobs is. Is it to question the wisdom of your superiors?” When he didn't answer Heidegger continued. “Casualty rate? You think I care about the casualty rate?” He says in complete coldness.

“Their pawns in a greater game. If your stock runs low, then go round up more from Sector 3 or wherever else.” The guard still hesitates to answer. “Use your head and bring me solutions instead of problems for a change, yes?”

The guard responds then leaves. “It’s so hard to find good help these days.” Heidegger says to one guard on the side. “Which is why the president ought to count his blessings. What would he do without me?” He then started his signature laugh that annoys everyone.

As the party continued down, Barret says when they have to make that turn, they have to find a graffiti of Stamp’s nose to where it’s pointing. He mentions that Biggs is nearby and he might need help. Barret points to the graffiti after making some distance while dealing with security. They follow the nose that points up the stairs.

“What’s that?” Tifa asks looking to something sticking to the stair trails.

“Nothing good.” Barret replies.

“Guys...I think it might be a nest!” Tifa says felling disturbed.

“All kinds of creepy-crawlies make themselves at home in the plate, then get messed up even more by the mako.” Barret once more rants on his view point.

“Mako did this?” Tifa asks.

“No not mako. Shinra.” Barret says certainly. Cloud just sighs and rolls his eyes at his comment, moving on while ignoring Barret question on what’s his problem. He can live in his black and white world all he wants, Cloud would just figure what he’ll live in.

While Avalanche continues onward, Heidegger keeps watching them while they dealt with more of his men and monsters making nest in the tunnels. They came to a stop at another map of the tunnels and revel a secret passageway. His men return and speaks up.

“We’ve compiled our report on Avalanche’s combat capabilities and are-” He stops when his general slams his hand.

“Report, report, report! What good do you think a damn report will do!?” Heidegger starts to rant. “Have you already forgotten the war with Wutai?” He gets up and face his men. “An enemy spared is an enemy who will repay your ‘kindness’ with blood.”

“We must crush them-thoroughly and completely, without hesitation or mercy! Shinra cannot and will not settle for anything less. Will you!?” He asks tapping the one who spoke.

“But...sir.” He tries to say but is lost, Heidegger continues.

“If so...I can assume that you men no longer wish to serve in your current positions. Is that right?” Heidegger asks and they freeze knowing what he means of what would happen.

“We’ll prepare the prototype in in Section E for immediate deployment.” The SF speaks up, then shouts to his men. “Right now!” And leaves to do so.

“Another day, another victory! I don’t know how I do it!” Heidegger laughs again.

Avalanche resume the run down the tunnel, heading for the old trailway to the secret passage which Stamp will point with its nose.

“Gotta love the irony of Shinra’s loyal lapdog leading the way to its master destruction.” Barret says as they pass Stamp.

“You really don’t like Stamp, do you Barret?” Tifa asks him his dislike of it.

“It’s not that I hate him.” Barret begins to explain. “What I hate is that they took a loyal animal like that for their propaganda.”

“Poor old Stamp.” Tifa says with a slight jest.

“It reminds me on one of Marlene’s picture books. The one with nothing but mazes.” Barret says.

“Think you’re making progress, till you hit a wall.” Tifa replies till Cloud spoke up.

“Get down.” Cloud says and moves behind a container.

Tifa and Barret follow him and see guards at the gate. They had no choice but to go through them to get the passage way, they delt with them and missile launchers. There was no way through the gate but there was a stair way they could get through.

“We should be reaching that secret passage real soon.” Barret begins as pass through doors. “Knew plan E wouldn’t fail us. Shoulda called it ‘plan excellent’!” Barret looks to Cloud giving a smug look. “Whatcha think, Mister Ex-SOLDIER?”

“Biggs made the plans, right?” Cloud says knowing Barret is not one for thinking.

“I provided some input.” Barret says, but knows he’s got nothing.

“Hope not too much.” Cloud remarks.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Barret asks but is stop by Tifa. They eventually came to the old trailway. They start to look around for Stamp for the passage way. Cloud finds it at back on a container.

“This it?” Cloud calls out, Tifa moves to see but stops when she sees something under a tarp. Cloud feeling his senses going up warns her. “Get back!”

But what’s under it comes online reveling a mech. It activates its weapons and begins to fire. Cloud dashes toward Tifa and shield her from a few bullets that hit the back of the sword. Barret takes cover behind a container.

“That all you got!?” He shouts at machine that just shoots at him again.

The party just get ready as the crab like machine moves to get an angle at them. Tifa asks what they should do, Cloud suggest to aim for its legs to bring it down. Barret thinks it will be easy do to it being slow but gets reminded that it can hit hard. They manage to knock it back after damaging a leg and hitting its heart, but stop when drones show up and shield it. Barret aims his gun to deal with them while Cloud and Tifa deal with the crab. After dealing the drones and damaging the remaining legs the crab is knock back and goes offline.

“That it?” Barret asks, but the feeling of victory lives short as it comes back online going haywire. It started to speed right at them causing them to separate. It turns and sets its sight on Tifa as she starts stand and goes right for her. Cloud seeing this, gets up faster than Barret and before the crab moves and rushes to her.

“Tifa look out!” Cloud shouts as he got close and shoves her out the way as the crab hits him and knocks him into a container.

“Cloud!” Tifa shouts as Cloud flies into container and moves along with Barret to help him but crab blocks them from helping.

Tifa and Barret try to find a way to beat the mech but with no way of knowing its weakness they dodge every attack it makes. Just when the crab corners them and about to finish them debris hits it and they all turn to the source. They see Cloud in a now destroyed container and glowing in a flame of blue covering his body and sword. He then rushes right at the mech and attacks all around it, moving faster than a blink of then an eye. Cloud finishes it going right through causing it to explode.

Cloud lands and the glowing aroura around him vanishes and he sinks down to his knee. Tifa rushes to him with Barret in tow. “Cloud?” She asks as she as gets on her knees at his side.

“I’m fine...” Cloud says catching his breath.

“Damn, I’ll admit that was impressive. SOLDIER Boy.” Barret says jabbing his shoulder. Cloud himself is confused as to how he did that as he never saw Zack do it before. Even as he was 1 st  class and was also experimented on when they were captured.

“Let’s go.” Cloud says standing up putting the sword on his back. Giving Tifa a look telling her he’s fine.

“Alright, this way.” Barret says moving back to the passage way with the others behind him.

“This won’t do.” Heidegger says as he watched the fight. He watched as Avalanche were pushing the weapon back and cause it to malfunction, till he watched with glee when it knocks the wannabe SOLDIER away and was about to kill them. The dismay returns when the ‘wannabe’ suddenly burst out glowing and destroy the weapon and the cameras go down.

“Sir, analytics reports that the feed went down...after an anomaly was registered during the test” His men report.

Heidegger mostly listens to him as it was pointless to try to intimidate him for what he would consider his failure for preparing the weapon. As it was all for nothing for someone with the skills of the SOLDIER program. His thoughts are interrupted when another of his men comes up to him.

“The president.” He says holding the phone to him that he takes.

“Yes... Yes...” He replies and listens to him. “Everything is fine sir. Better even- there's been a development.” He tries to say but stops when the president brings up the ‘development’.

“Yes... Understood sir.” Heidegger hangs up.

“We know where they were heading.” Heidegger speaks to his men. “If the armor is intact then you better determined the nature of the anomaly soon.” He says instructing them for their back up plan.

“Yes sir.” He responds and begins to move to follow his orders but Heidegger stops him.

“Also, search the records on our, ‘SOLDIER’ here. And report back to me before they get to the reactor.” He says as he turned and standing up walking to him.

“Should you fail to do so, you will deal with our intruders personally.” Heidegger threatens him if he fails any of them.

“...Y-yes sir.” He responds timidly.

“Don’t worry I treat my people more than fairly.” Heidegger putting a hand on his shoulder. “So, don’t disappoint me.” He reminds how he deals with anyone who does, or when he feels like it. Heidegger does his laugh as he leaves.

“The passage is beyond these shipping containers. Let’s slip through.” Barret says as start to squeeze through.

“Talk about a tight squeeze...” He says having trouble going through.

“You okay?” Tifa ask behind him.

“Yeah...” He says as he groans till he got through.

“So, you bump into any giant robots like that back at Reactor 1?” Tifa asks as she got through with Cloud behind her.

“Yeah, except the bastard looked like a scorpion!” Barret says climbing down a latter. “Speaking of... what would that last one look like?” He asks on what they think it was.

Tifa gives an unsure answer. “Looks dead now.” Cloud says moving the subject along. They follow the passage to a lift at the end and got aboard it and Cloud hits the button.

“Just so you know it’s not going to get any easier.” Barret says that to Cloud as they go down.

“When did it ever?” Cloud asks the million-gill question that many have been denying when they look to Shinra.

Chapter Text

After riding the lift for some time Cloud, Tifa and Barret find themselves just on the underside of the plate. After getting off the lift Barret and Tifa move up to the platform railing and look around.

“Through here and straight on to Reactor 5.” Barret says like it will be easy for them.

“You make sound like it’s so simple.” Tifa says, not believing it will be easy.

“Only ‘cause it is.” Barret begins to say then points to the large structure that reaches the slums. “That there’s the reactor support pillar.”

“So, what’s next?” Cloud asks.

“After plan E comes F, G and H!” Barret says which confused Cloud.

“Wasn’t E supposed to be the last?” Cloud asks, Tifa answers for him.

“This here is Section F.” Tifa says and points to the sign up ahead.

“We cut through Section G and H. A cargo platform will bring us closer to the reactor.” Barret explains.

“Biggs should be somewhere over there.” Tifa says then looks down to the slums. “Looks like the sun is going down.”

“Alright. Double time!” Barret orders then smiles with glee. “We got a date with the Reactor.”

Cloud shakes his head, then follows as they head to the ladder to side and slides down to a walkway. They stop after seeing most of the walkway is a catwalk. Leaving them to cross it carefully.

“Nothing but air below us.” Barret says with a little fear trying to hide it but fails as he goes first.

“Oh yeah, that’s a LONG way down.” Cloud says tauntingly not going to pass up this kind of chance.

“Interested huh?! Why don’t you take a dive?!” Barret shouts a clear threat he’ll throw him down.

“Knock it off both of you!” Tifa says giving Cloud a look to which he gave a halfhearted shrug. They make it across and head to a gate that leads to Section G. Cloud press the button but it won’t open.

“It needs power.” Cloud says after doing it twice.

“That looks like what we need.” Barret says pointing to a door way accessible by a ladder.

“A control room...” Cloud theorized.

“Let’s take a look.” Tifa says and they head for the ladder. “Does anyone still use that entrance?” She asks as there isn’t anybody around.

“I get the feeling no one’s been down here in a long time.” Barret says seeing a lot of dust as they approach the ladder.

“Not even ‘plate inspectors?” Tifa adds at how Shinra is expecting everything to go the way they design it to.

They climb the ladder and Cloud approaches the main counsel and hits the button. “Error. Insufficient power.” The computer VI says and doesn’t explain how they can fix it.

“Just great.” Cloud says speaking the same thoughts as Barret.

“Hey guys, look at this.” Tifa draws their attention. “Instructions for dealing with power shortages.”

“We kill the lights, and free up power for the gate.” Cloud says seeing what the instructions says.

“Sun Lamps’... You think these are the plate suns?” Tifa asks while looking. “The ‘closest’ thing we have for the real one.” She adds a bit bitterly.

“Gotta put out a night lamp to open the gate.” Barret says with no issue in doing it.

“But if we go through with it, the grounders in Sector 4 will suffer.” Tifa says with concern of their actions. Cloud gives her a sympathetic look.

“Now or later-sun's going out for good when we blow the reactor.” Barret says with what they’re about to do soon.

“That’s true.” Tifa said looking down with feelings of guilt coming up.

“C’mon, let’s go.” Barret says and heads back down.

“All these lamps... You’d think they would have balanced the load by now.” Tifa comments.

“Maybe, if the maintenance guys or whoever weren’t playing hooky.” Barret remarks on Shinra leaving things half finish.

“The lamps are important, but when you think how much mako it must take to keep them running...” Tifa says the conflict is evident in her voice, but stops when they now see the lamp in front of the gate.

“That’s gotta be one. Man, look at the size of it.” Tifa says amazed they didn’t really notice it till now.

“Is that a console I see near the top of the ladder?” Barret asks pointing to it. And speaks in a slight nervous tone. “A, uh, pretty tall ladder.”

“I’ll go check it out.” Cloud says giving a chuckle, which Barret almost throttles him but is stopped by Tifa.

“Okay. We’ll wait down here.” Tifa says heading to the gate.

Cloud heads to the lamp and climbs the ladder. Once at top he looks to the console but only sees a lever and a red light. Cloud pulls the lever and the lamp goes red. “Emergency power supply confirmed. Disengaging locking mechanisms.”

“Okay.! That’s that.” Barret says over the results.

“Great job, Cloud!” Tifa calls out to him as he makes his way back and hits the button.

“Next stop: Section G” Barret says in enthusiasm as the gate begins to open.

“Yep! And after, Reactor 5!” Tifa says but not as enthuse as Barret. As the gate fully opens, they see the creatures from the tunnels.

“Not again.” Tifa says, unease from before returning.

“Great. I’m sure those things’ll welcome us just as warmly as before.” Barret complains then scoffs. “Tell you what, the rot runs deep in this damn pizza.”

They pass through the gate and start to look for a way for Section H. Along the way they deal with the creatures, and notice some sentry ray offline which makes one less thing to deal with. They then see some kind of fish flying through some smog coming out the fans. Barret ranting again about the monsters with the mako and leading back to Shinra. After going around a bit they go to the upper level of the Section to get their bearings.

“We’re still in G, right?” Barret asks as they look around.

“Yeah. And to reach Mako Reactor 5, we gotta go through Section H.” Tifa replies as she looks around then looks to Cloud and Barret.

“Unfortunately, I didn’t spot a connecting catwalk to Section H, did you?” She asks either of them.

“Well, we could always go another lap.” Barret says.

“Go for a hundred, why don’tcha.” He says at how Barret would go on when they make the lap.

“The only other route that I could think of would be...” Tifa begins as she takes Cloud’s hand walking away, and Barret clenched his fist.

“Along the wall.” Cloud said as he sees what Tifa is looking at.

“Up for giving it a try? It might not work out, but it’s the only idea I’ve got.” Tifa says hoping they’ll agree.

“It’s not a bad one.” Cloud says agreeing with her plan.

“So we’re shooting for those giant fans way over there?” Barret asks pointing to them then remarks. “At lease we’ve got a clear landmark to guide us.”

“Those ventilation fans?” Tifa asks taking another look.

“Keeping the plate’s air clean by pushing the smog into the slums.” Barret says they make their way. “Whole system’s designed to make shit roll downhill faster.” They make their way taking a slight detour and dealing with some monsters.

“You know the best way to not get lost is to believe that you’re not. Mind over matter.” Barret suddenly says after dealing with the monsters, causing Cloud to be confused.

“Isn’t that from one of Marlene’s books?” Tifa asks Barret and answering Cloud’s confusion.

“Yup, one of her favorites! Loves it when I read it to her before bedtime, doing all the voices.” Barret says while thinking of times he’s does with a smile.

“Life in the Endless Maze,’ am I right? I remember” Tifa replies remembering those stories.

Cloud looks down in thought. Despite the action of Barret’s cell Tifa still made a life with them. Cloud feels he may have ruined it by showing up after seven years, five lost to him because of his capture. He still doesn’t know what he’ll do as he hasn’t had the chance to think about it. Being drag from one situation to the next. He knows it will not be safe for him in Midgar, considering what Shinra might think of what he may or not know.

He knew he couldn’t just ask her to leave with him when he has to leave. She couldn’t leave her friends as that would just bring her pain Cloud didn’t want force her to feel. Cloud wished he knew what Zack’s reasons for coming here were. Why coming to the heart of Shinra’s empire was worth the risk?

“Cloud?” Cloud is broken out of his thoughts by Tifa’s voice as he looks to her and Barret looking at him for zoning out.

“Sorry. Got lost in thought.” Cloud says to Tifa then starts to walk. “Anyway, let’s go.” They continued on till they got close.

“Hey, look” Tifa speaking up little over the fans and pointing what’s along the wall. “I think we can climb onto that pipe!”

“Looks like it.” Cloud said seeing it will work.

“Dammit.” Barret says to himself of having to cross it.

“I feel no fear...yeah, no fear...no fear...no fear...no fear...no fear-little fear!” Barret says as he climbed the ladder and stand at where the fans blow, with Cloud and Tifa behind him.

“Hey guys, uh...you know these fans are really loud and...” Barret begins but is lost for any more words.

“You chickening out?” Cloud pokes at him enjoying it.

“Hell no!” Barret shouts at Cloud then adds. “I’m just worried that your bony ass is gonna get blown off the side and shit-”

“Enough! We gotta keep moving!” Tifa says stopping them from getting into a fight.

“O-okay then! Follow me!” Barret says putting his tough mojo back on however he can. He takes a few steps forward but the air from the fan causes them to lean on the rail close to the edge. “No worse than a windy day, huh?”

“One with a tornado warning.” Tifa replies as they make their way across. “Don’t look at the fan! Whatever you do.”

“Right.” Barret replies and makes it through the first fan with the middle one broken. They kneel down to make it across the third one having no rail to lean on. After passing it they climb down the ladder at the end.

“Made it through in one piece.” Tifa says sighing in relief.

“Think that took a couple years off my life.” Barret says but then tries to reverse it. “I-I mean, uh, not really! Couple seconds maybe. Three tops!” Tifa shakes her head and Cloud tries not to laugh.

They continued on and spotted Section H’s signs up a head, after passing a catwalk they come up to the cargo platform.

“This is it. The cargo platform Biggs was talking about.” Barret says looking it over then to Cloud and Tifa. “Let’s not keep him waiting.”

Cloud types in the command, but all it did was beep. “Error. Insufficient power.” The announcement on the computer said.

“You’re kidding me.” Barret said in exasperation.

“It needs three lights worth.” Cloud says after looking at the display on the monitor.

“But’s that’s...” Tifa begins to protest and looks to the remaining lamps. “That’s all of them, isn’t it?”

“All or nothing...” Barret replies.

“Let’s regroup here if we get lost.” Tifa says then looks around and points. “Remember the H 1 sign.”

“Right.” Cloud acknowledges.

“Lessee now... Closest light ought to be...” Barret said looking around.

“That one.” Cloud said seeing it on the next platform.

“By the light of these magnificent lamps...” Tifa says in like some divine voice and a bit mockingly. “we shall lead our brothers and sisters of the undercity to a brighter future.”

“Say what?” Barret says confused by her speech.

“It’s from a speech President Shinra gave talking up the importance of the sun lamps.” Tifa replies of what she was saying.

“Brighter future my ass.” Barret begins scoffing and in disgust. “Shinra’s leading us down a one-way path to darkness and death.” He adds with certainty which Cloud rolls his eyes. As if his one-way to dealing with Shinra is just going to lead to a few deaths.

The party make it to the first one and turned it off. But by doing so they have turned on the security systems. They deal with them and monsters as they head for the next lamp. After shutting off the second one they head to a small lift that leads back to the first one.

“You think they’ll miss those three plate suns?” Tifa asks as they ride back.

“I say the real sun’s the only one we need.” Barret says as if his thoughts weren't obvious enough. “To hell with Shinra and their night-lights.”

They make it back and spot the last one across a gap with another small lift. Tifa and Barret talk about how they had wander around a lot. Barret replies on how they don’t have any Stamp graffiti or Jessie and Wedge. Tifa asks what they should tell Biggs about them as she does not want to worry him. The conversation stops when they reach the last lamp and shut it off.

“When do we link up with Biggs?” Cloud asks as they ride back on the lift.

“Soon enough, don’t worry.” Barret replies but not as dismissal as Cloud would have thought he would have been with him.

“He knew we might be late, so he came up with a few ways to kill time.” Tifa adds.

“We ought to reach him long before he dies of boredom.” Barret says and Cloud hopes it’s close by.

The lift arrives back to the H-1 platform and head back to the cargo platform and type in the command. The gate for the lift opens and they make their way across.

“Wonder what the reactor’s like.” Tifa says as they boarded. Cloud freezes as he feared that the feelings she would have when they enter the reactor.

“Dark. Dismal. A slaughterhouse where they butcher the planet.” Barret replies, Cloud was close to shouting at him. “Then there’s the smell. The mako. Be ready for it.”

“Right...” Was all Tifa said. Cloud felt like talking to her, but knew he couldn't say or do anything. As he can’t talk her out of it, and can’t relate due to him not saying anything about him being there. They move after reaching the next platform before they can go further, they spot sentry rays and missile launchers they have to go through. After dealing with them they climb the ladder that leads to a duct.

“Almost there.” Barret says after crawling through. Tifa gives a heavy sigh.

“Tifa?” Cloud said putting a hand on her shoulder.

“It’s nothing. Just thinking about the next step.” Tifa says, but looks down. “Didn’t think I be this nervous.

“Some things you never get used to.” Barret said with experienced.

“Yeah” Tifa replies looking solemn. They approach a storage room at the end. Cloud felt someone was near, quickly drawing the sword he holds it at their throat. Only to stop to see its Biggs.

“Mercy!” Biggs says raising his hands in fear.

“Wait... Cloud?” Biggs relaxes upon seeing him as he sheathes the Buster sword, then asks. “Where’s Jessie and Wedge?”

“Report.” Barret orders walking up to him.

“Topside’s going nuts after some terrorists jumped off a train.” Biggs begins. “Nice and quiet here, though. So quiet I had no trouble securing your route into the reactor.” He says pointing to the open-air duct.

“You magnificent son of a bitch, bring it in!” Barret says, actually going to hug him. But Biggs dodges him moving to Tifa.

“So-where are the others?” Biggs ask her while Barret grumbles.

“Jessie got hurt and couldn’t make it.” Tifa replies.

“Bad?” Biggs ask all too worried.

“Not so bad she couldn’t get this guy.” Barret says pointing to Cloud.

“Thanks for stepping up.” Biggs says giving a look that Cloud knows what else he’s referring to.

“I’m here for my own reasons.” Cloud replies, Tifa looks down knowing she’s the reason.

“I get it.” Biggs says understanding why then adds. “While Shinra scours Sector 4, after picking that train you did. You can waltz right on into Sector 5.”

“It’s a bit of a squeeze, but it ought to get you where you need to go.” Biggs said standing next to the air duct.

“Little dark and foreboding for my taste...” Barret comments.

“Beggars can’t be choosers.” Biggs says then remembers something. “Oh-and you’ll be needing your grappling guns, of course.” Biggs holds a bag with them, which Tifa takes.

“Hey Cloud, here.” Biggs says handing him a blue materia. “It’s a Magnify Materia. Link that to any of your magic ones, will be twice effective.”

“Thanks.” Cloud says and links it with his fire materia in the slot on the Buster sword.

“All set?” Biggs asks them.

“Ready to take on the world and then some!” Barret says all too ready.

“Make sure everyone gets clear, okay?” Tifa asks Biggs.

“Will do!” Biggs replies moving to a hatch opening it and using a grapple gun to repel down as Barret closes it behind him.

“Okay y’all. Keep these grappling guns close.” Barret begins as Tifa hands him one. “Secure them to your belt or whatever so you don’t lose ‘em.”

“When we’re done, we’ll be using these babies to get down safe.” Barret explains attaching his to his belt.

“All of us.” Barret adds looking to the air duct, making seem like it will.

Back in the Shinra building, preparations were being made for the event when Avalanche reach the reactor. Heidegger was making his way to the President’s office for the main event, while also waiting for the officer to show up with that report on the SOLDIER. Before he enters the elevator the officer returns.

“About time! Where’s that report?!!” He shouts as he comes up fidgeting.

“S-sir. T-t-there's no record I could find on him-.” The officer says.

“What??!” Heidegger shouts. “Are you that impotent that you can’t complete a simple task?!!!”

“N-No sir. There’s no record of him in SOLDIER, even among the classified files.” The officer begins to explain. “But we did a wide search and found a match, but it’s a high level 1 classified file by the board, sir.”

Heidegger is silent after that, then takes the tablet that the officer was holding. He sees that he was correct at the clearance he would have needed. Heidegger types in his code and reads through. At first, he was confused and annoyed by what was there at the beginning but after scrolling through and found out why. He knew that it was not going to sit well with the President. Taking the report, he enters the elevator and heads for the office with dread at what the President’s response will be.

Chapter Text

In the President's office, Shinra troops and news cast were getting everything ready for the main event. Shinra sat at his desk while his underling's prepared, and some staff help make him presentable.

“Quickly now. Quickly!” Heidegger shouted out to everyone to move. Of course, that’s just him trying to make up for his failure. A staff had just finished fixing his tie and he watches on the monitor as the terrorist have reach the reactor.

Barret crawls out the air duct and looks around the reactor along with Tifa and taking sniff. “That’s it. That’s the smell. This place reeks of mako.”

“Looks like we made it.” Tifa says. Barret moves to the railing.

“Layout’s the same as Reactor 1?” Barret asks looking to Cloud as does Tifa.

“Looks like.” Cloud replies looking over the edge, seeing it looks like Reactor 1.

“Let’s move.” Barret says. But as they look for a way down, there didn’t seem to be a way to the lower level.

“I’m not seeing a way down...” Barret says as they look around.

“Here maybe?” Tifa says looking to a large pipe that leads to another one next to it.

“Well now! That could work.” Barret says as they could slide down.

“I’m next.” Barret says as Tifa starts to go first. After he goes, Cloud follows behind him.

“Kinda scary, huh?” Tifa says to Cloud as he landed next to her and Barret moved ahead.

“Only in the mind.” Cloud replies.

“Hey! Check it out.” Barret calls to them looking to some kind of mech then comments. “They sic this big boy on us, we’d be screwed six ways from Sundays.”

“Units like these were designed to take out giant monsters. Probably a new prototype.” Cloud said, he seen a few mechs in his time in the infantry, but not one like this.

“If they do decide to employ it, then anyone’s best bet would be to run.” Cloud adds as the few stories he heard of the Weapons designer Scarlet, she has a thrill for the mass destruction her mechs bring. No matter who was in the way.

“Then let’s hope he sleeps through the explosion.” Barret says hoping it will.

“Where is everybody?” Tifa asks as they head for mako storage.

“You mean Shinra?” Barret asks her and scoffs. “Got spooked and cleared out, is my guess.” He adds that they ran for their lives.

“Oh yeah. That’s exactly what they did.” Cloud replies sarcastically. Though as they pass through the door for the core, they got attacked by Monodrives.

“You happy now?” Barret asks Cloud after they fought them. Cloud shakes his head then sees Tifa climb down the ladder and follows her. He slides down ladder to see Tifa looking over the railing.

“The smell... It takes me back...” Tifa says, remembering the worst night of her life.

Cloud had to resist every fiber in his body to pull her in and tell her it’s okay. But he knew he would just confuse her and she would ask him how he knows. Which would have him turning away with no answers. Cloud decided when they get back, he would ask her to the apartment and tell her everything. Meaning from when he left, to Nibelheim and his capture. Even though it will be painful to talk about it, Tifa deserves to know.

The group continued on after Tifa regained herself. They dealt with more mechs and turrets, until they reached the last ladder for the reactor core floor and Tifa ask a question.

“So...it was like this last time?” she says as to what they went through in Reactor 1.

“Little more chaotic-ain't that right?” Barret replies to her and asks Cloud.

“Yeah.” Was all Cloud replied not wanting to remember what they did. They make it to the bottom and walk to the core. But Cloud stops feeling the headache return and another vision.

“Sephiroth... SOLDIERs”

Cloud hears a voice as he sees he is in the Nibelheim Reactor, he looks up to see Tifa over the body of her father. But Cloud never saw this happen, with him just making his way behind Zack as he ran after Sephiroth.

“Mako... Shinra...” Tifa continues clutching onto her father.

“I’m sick of this. I’m sick of all of this!” Tifa shouts and buries into her father’s chest and cries. Then he sees her stand, taking Sephiroth’s sword and goes after him with every attempt to kill him.

“ Hey! SOLDIER Boy!” Barret calls out to Cloud, as he and Tifa gather around him when he stopped and holding his head. Tifa was concern when Cloud was holding head from that unknown headache again, after a moment Cloud started to relax and looks to her.

“Tifa-” Cloud said with concern but says nothing else.

“What?” Tifa ask confused as to what’s gotten into him. Cloud shakes his head, rubbing a hand over his eyes looking like he just woke up from a nightmare.

“Well, when your done fooling around, let’s go.” Barret says as he walks to the core. Cloud and Tifa follow behind him, when Cloud was able to move again with Tifa looking at him.

“How much time we got?” Cloud asks Barret as he pulls out the bomb.

“Got all the time in the world.” Barret replies and shows him when he gave a confused look. “This one comes with a remote detonator.” The small screen displays “remote” instead of numbers.

“Courtesy of Jessie.” Tifa says holding the detonator.

“We withdraw to a safe distance-than...kaboom.” Barret says in a dramatic flair.

“Safe distance?” Cloud asks him as to what happened last time.

“What no such thing?” Barret says, actually making a joke with him. They make their way back to the ladder, but as they got close the ladder retracts.

“What the- Where you going?” Barret says as it retracts up.

“Oh no” Cloud says as he realizes why it’s been a little easier when they entered the Reactor. As they step away from the ladder the bottom door opens and out comes drones circling them. Four of them came close then split across displaying a holographic person laughing.

“Greeting, my dear sewer rats!” The figure on the hologram who Cloud recognized as none other than Heidegger.

“As architect of our populace engagement campaign, I, Heidegger, head of public Security... bid you welcome.” Heidegger says bowing.

“The chief warmonger.” Barret comments on his reputation.

“You should be flattered. Right now, you command the undivided attention of every soul in Midgar.” Heidegger gestures to drones displaying the Shinra logo.

“What is this?” Tifa asks as to what they are showing.

“Breaking news from Mako Reactor 5.” The announcer on the news begins. “Shinra has confirmed the reactor to be the target of the bomb threat issued by the terrorist group Avalanche.”

“Members of the group were observed entering the facility, and security is currently sweeping it for explosive devices.” As the announcer speaks the video shows Jessie, Biggs, Barret and Wedge entering as they said, but they show them entering Reactor 1. “We now go live on the scene...”

“I’m here in the Sector 5 undercity.” A reporter in the Sector 5 slums says as it switches to her.

“Having to confirmed the terrorist target...the Shinra Emergency Operations Center has issued an evacuation advisory.” She says as people around her are shouting.

“Residents are outraged that the tragedy of Mako Reactor 1 was only the first attack... in a campaign of violence.” She says as people protest about the bombs.

“President Shinra has issued a statement providing assurances that the terrorist will soon be brought to justice.” The announcer says as the vid returns to him, and Heidegger speaks up.

“And so, to a people beset by chaos and uncertainty, we will offer the finest comfort: bread and circus!” Heidegger says and the drones display the mech they passed.

“The big boy!” Barret exclaims.

“I give you Shinra’s latest triumph of technology! The airbuster! Your executioner!” Heidegger says as the mech ‘fires’ at them but nothing happens, and Heidegger laughs in amusement.

“Engineering on the line.” Someone behind Heidegger speaks up. “Currently, the airbuster is only sixty percent operational. The estimates were optimistic...”

“I’m on air!” Heidegger shout at the guy for slipping and shuts of the hologram, and goes on the Reactor’s speakers.

“To the imbecile in charge down there-you are hereby ordered to seize those intruders and bring them to me!” Heidegger shouts and Shinra shock troopers come through the doors.

“Come quietly or they’ll be trouble!” An elite trooper warns.

Barret puts a finger to his mouth shushing them, then all hell broke loose. As they fought Heidegger left the speakers on as he yells at his men over the status of the airbuster. Which is still sixty percent, Heidegger threatens to throw them over the plate if they failed to get ready.

“Shut the hell up!” Barret shouts at the speakers when they defeated the shock troopers.

“I don’t believe it... We played right into Shinra’s hands!” Tifa says as to how they were fooled.

“Yeah. And their bullshit news is already peddling their false narrative.” Barret says.

“So we’re screwed.” Tifa said.

“No no no no no! Hell no!” Barret retorts that they are not. “Listen! They wanna turn this into a spectacle! I say let’s give ‘em one.”

“Let’s take down Shinra’s big-ass mech in front of everybody!” Barret suggest at what they could do to get back at them.

“Are you serious?” Cloud says to Barret at his short-sightedness.

“We show the people what they truly are!” Barret says defending his idea.

“The only thing we’ll show is ‘our’ bloodlust for destruction!” Cloud said as that is all they will show to people.

“Enough! We gotta go!” Tifa says cutting them off in a morality battle. Barret grumbles and Cloud just moves to the door. They find it leads to room B8 with security moving components around till they came in.

“All clear! Now let’s see what these bastards were up to...” Barret with every intent to proceed with his idea.

“Barret, Cloud! Over here!” Tifa called them to the monitor displaying the airbuster. “It looks like a few of its components are still in transit...” She adds like she’s supporting Barret’s idea.

“We’ll see about that!” Barret says giving a smirk to Cloud, which he glares.

“Cloud, I know you don’t like this... but if we don’t try to sabotage it, we won’t make it far.” Tifa says to him, and he reluctantly agrees.

“There should be a console somewhere...” Cloud says as to how they can tamper with it.

“This the console you talking about?” Barret says having to already looked around. “Think you can get it to work?” Barret asks Cloud when he and Tifa join him.

“It needs a keycard.” Cloud said as it’s blocked.

“Well, let’s find it then!” Barret says as he starts to look around. They look around till Cloud found it on a box and heads back to the console.

“M units’ huh? I’m guessing that’s some sort of component?” Tifa says, asking Cloud on what they are for.

“I think it’s an enhancement power by liquefied materia.” Cloud says another piece of Zack’s knowledge running through his mind.

“Sounds bad.” Barret said not liking the sound of it.

“I think I can divert it to disposal.” Cloud said and types in the command, Cloud only hopes it will be disposed. After disposing it they head for the door.

“You think they’re watching us? Even now?” Tifa asks as she looks around.

“Probably.” Cloud replies.

“Nothing we can do about it...’cept smile for the folks at home.” Barret says in dismissal not seeing it as a problem. They continued on and came to B7 like B8 with SFs trying to get everything ready.

“Looks there’s two consoles this time.” Tifa said after the skirmish with the SFs.

“Hah! Double the sabotage!” Barret says.

“ IF  we find the cards for them.” Cloud reminds him it's not simple. They look around and found two of them and head for the consoles.

“What does an ‘AI programming core’ do?” Tifa asks when they approach the first one.

“It basically makes it move pretty quick.” Cloud says sparing the designs details.

“A ‘real quick’ giant robot, huh? That doesn’t sound good.” Tifa comments and she’s right. It would be difficult for her and Cloud to hit if they fight it. Cloud hits the disposal button and moves to the next one.

“Console talks about big bomb shells. You acquainted?” Barret asks Cloud as he read it.

“BBs for short. One’s enough to blow you to hell and back.” Cloud replies.

“Great! Diverting them to give it less shots at us.” Barret says and Cloud diverts it.

“Heidegger’s not going to like that.” Tifa comments on his reaction.

“So, where did we send the discarded stuff?” Tifa asks as the components head for disposal.

“To a storeroom for defective equipment.” Cloud says remembering the times he had dealing with equipment that were defective.

“That so...” Barret begins giving a mischievous look. “You think these defective shells and programing cores might be valuable enough to warrant a little... detour?” Cloud doesn’t reply and heads for the door.

“What? We can grab them on the way out.” Barret said.

“We don’t have time for a heist.” Cloud reminds him. Cloud gets to the console for the door and opens it, as he does Barret starts clearing his throat.

“Okay! Listen up, y’all!” Barret begins looking at nothing but the room. “Everything Shinra has told you is a goddamn lie! Mako is the lifeblood of our planet” Tifa and Cloud watch him giving each other a look, Tifa is baffled, while Cloud gives a dumb face. “Those greedy bastards are bleeding it dry! Y’all gotta rise up-”

“Barret!? Who are you talking to?” Tifa says, stopping him looking like an idiot.

“The people! Put me on TV, I’mma drop some truth!” Barret replies that he’s trying to get to the people.

“They aren’t broadcasting the sound.” Cloud said knowing they wouldn’t be that stupid. They came to third room loading more components but found only one card for three consoles. After using it on the AI core they open the door.

“I tell you what, I ain’t looked forward to an execution more in my entire life!” Barret comments.

“You don’t say.” Tifa remarks.

“We’re about to make fools outta Shinra while the whole damn city’s watching!” Barret replies, while Cloud shakes his head. The only thing they’ll do is put fear into people with another war. And embrace Shinra more. Cloud gets pulled out of thought hearing Barret laugh.

“Times like these you gotta savor!” Barret adds looking at Tifa who backs up at what he means.

“Oh no- if you’re about to ask me to dance, then don’t.” Tifa denies.

“C’mon don’t be shy!” Barret implores her but she shakes her head. “How ‘bout you, Cloud?” Barret actually imploring him.

 “Don’t dance. Never had, never will.” Cloud replies as now was not a good time to look like an idiot doing it for no reason.

After adding that they go up to the last component ready room and use the last two cards for AI and BBs for disposal. Tifa asks if they’ve done enough to the robot, Cloud says all they could. Barret just imagines taking the stage from Heidegger before getting serious.

“We’re coming up to the exit. Tifa-detonator still in range?” Barret says and looks to her.

“We should be good.” Tifa replies with a hand on it.

“The moment big boy goes down, hand it to me and I’ll hit it.” Barret said as Cloud opens the door.

Back with airbuster, engineers were trying to get it ready but were short on components. They tried to find replacements but were short on time. But as they tried to the terrorist arrived halting them further. The security teams tried to hold them back as the engineer officer reports to Heidegger. Heidegger orders the airbuster to be deployed even if it’s not fully ready.

“Y’all never had a chance!” Barret begins to celebrate after beating them.

“Hey, guys.” Tifa calls as she looks to the monitor displaying the airbuster. “Looks like a performance assessment. Reduced response time... Should work in our favor.”

“For real though, we need to talk about victory poses. Something coordinated for the live, on-camera finish!” Barret said like that’s the most important thing to discuss. “Could blow up big- start a new trend!”

Tifa looks to Cloud who gives an exasperated look, which Tifa smiles and shrugs. They look for a way up as the stair way to the elevator is blocked and there was no way they can climb up the pipe. As they think for something else, there was a noise coming from the blocked stair way. A Shinra cutter mech comes jumping out surprising them. Which Barret rewards with an energy blast from his gun, they ran up the stairs and reached the elevator.

“We’re gonna get through this. We’re gonna make it home. All of us. No exceptions.” Barret says looking to Tifa and Cloud.

“Right. We don’t wanna disappoint Marlene.” Tifa replies then looks to Cloud.

“That goes for you too, Cloud.” Tifa said to him then asks Barret. “Right?”

“You better give her a big ol’ smile this time.” Barret said while he smiles instead of frowning or rebuffing like Cloud thought he would have with him being near the kid.

Cloud looks unsure as he didn’t think he would ever speak to kids despite with Betty but Tifa did most of the talking. “We’ll see...” Tifa and Barret just smile thinking he’s nervous. The elevator stops and they reach the entrance.

Cloud moves to the console and tries to open the door, but it beeps red. “Damn.”

“What? Open it already!” Barret said impatiently.

“It’s locked down.” Cloud informs him.

“Is there any way we can open it?” Tifa asked.

“Yeah. From that security room there.” Cloud replies pointing to window showing it and opens the door.

“Why does everything have to be so damn complicated...?” Barret complains.

“Let’s just get it done and get out of here.” Cloud said and walks into the room.

“So how do we do this?” Tifa asks seeing 2 consoles with 4 levers each.

“It’s simple. We move the levers at the same time only once.” Cloud replies on what they do. They each take a lever. Tifa takes the two in the middle, Barret takes left, and Cloud takes right. Cloud mentions they got to sync their movement to make it work following Tifa’s lead. After Tifa counts they move the levers smoothly and they open the door.

“Hell yeah!” Barret cheerfully exclaims.

“We really did it!” Tifa cheers as well high fives with Barret then moves to Cloud. “Great timing-right on the money!”

“Yeah...” Cloud replies hesitantly high fiving back. After they finished celebrating, they head for the exit and follow it to the three-way walkway.

“Alright, time to get out of here!” Barret says as they were about to leave when there was a noise.

“Look!” Tifa points to more drones and forming up to display another hologram. But instead of it being Heidegger as they thought it was none other than the president.

“President Shinra?” Barret actually surprised he’s showing himself. One drone looks to all three of them but stops at Cloud.

“Oho. The eyes of one who has bathed in mako...” Shinra begins with the drone zoning in on Cloud. “Which would make you... a SOLDIER?” He asks giving a look that sends a shiver down Cloud’s spine. But instead off answering he just draws Zack’s sword in front of him.

“Accelerated cellular degradation being the most common cause of death for SOLDIERs by far.” Shinra adds causing Tifa to look to Cloud with concern, while Cloud never heard of it before, but felt it was familiar.

“I assumed you knew that, Cloud Strife?” Shinra says and Cloud tenses.

“Oh yes, I know who you are. And I must say I’m disappointed.” Shinra said in a mock betrayal. “We have given you everything you had wanted after you had proven yourself.” Cloud’s anger grows with what he says, mocking what he went through, being tortured, experimented and lost five years of his live. Tifa and Barret listen, though Barret mostly listens as he wants to have some words but stops when Shinra speaks again.

“What would Zack Fair say?” Shinra said.

“You have no right to mention his name!” Cloud yells. Tifa looks to Cloud at his outburst. But her mind only focused on one thing,  Zack.  Did he mean a SOLDIER named Zack? Tifa looks to the sword, she saw it before but figured it was a standard but realized it’s one of a kind. But all thoughts were stopped by the sound of a gun.

“Think you forgettin’ someone?” Barret said after destroying a drone. Even as he listened to the last bit, he couldn’t hold back any more. Barret shoots at the hologram to further get his attention.

“Would that I could. You strike me the type to go on without end.” Shinra replies after the drones reformed again. “And interrupts others conversations.” He adds with a drone coming up to Barret.

“I’m sure you can continue it later. And there ain’t enough hours in the day to hold you account for all your crimes!” Barret replies, he can hear whoever they were talking about when they got back. But Barret was not going to let this pass.

“And what a wasteful indulgence it would be even if there were.” Shinra said in disregard at what Barret is referring to.

“Oh, okay then... Let’s talk about wasteful indulgences.” Barret begins grabbing the drone and looks right at its eye. “What is mako? The lifestream! The life blood of the planet- our planet!”

“But Shinra keeps slurping it up like a thirsty dog!” Barret continues. “Whadda think’s going to happen if you don’t stop, huh!?” he asks looking back to the hologram.

“We do indeed keep on ‘slurping it up’ as you say... But...for whose benefit, I wonder.” Shinra begins. “The true nature of mako is known to one and all, yet the people willfully turn a blind eye to the cost.” He adds to the fact of how people take mako for granted for a better life and luxury. “As you must be aware?”

“Don’t you dare try to put this on us!” Barret slams the drone. “If anyone’s going along with your plans... it’s ‘cause you brainwashed ‘em!” Barret shouts in a futile effort of putting all the blame on him.

“Such methods are beneath me. As are you, my fateful sewer rats.” Shinra goes live dropping the conversation. “Henceforth allies of wicked Wutai, our sworn enemy. Thank you for stoking our people’s patriotic fervor.” He says and the hologram disconnects with him.

“Wutai? The hell we are!” Barret says as the drones forms another hologram and Heidegger returns laughing.

“You still don’t understand your role in this.” Heidegger remarks and another group of drone's forms and show others messing with the bomb.

“What are they doing!?” Barret asks.

“Don’t you see? You fools were never in control.” Heidegger responds.

“Never anything but pawns in our plans to sell great and glorious war to the people.” Heidegger explains and holds a detonator. “And your instruments of insurrection will detonate-when we so chose!” Heidegger hits the button and the bomb counts down.

Tifa pulls out their detonator and goes for the abort. “Tifa no!” Cloud stops her knowing there’s no point. Tifa looks to Cloud and he looks back knowing there’s a feeling she’s having over this revelation. Cloud looks down in shame and guilt knowing he will have a lot of explaining for his secrecy.

“Goddammit!” Barret swears at being played for.

“Now let us raise the curtain on our main event!” Heidegger says and the group look up hearing a helicopter to see it with the airbuster. They drop it between them casing them to separate. Cloud on one side, Tifa and Barret on the other.

“The trail of the eco-extremist group Avalanche.” Heiddeger begins back on air. “Terrorist who conspired with Wutai against Midgar! Your guilt is undeniable! Your punishment: death!”

Tifa walks up to a drone in front of her and kicks it to the hologram of Heidegger. “I’m sick of this. I’m sick of all of this!” Cloud’s vision of her kneeling over her farther returns with the headache.  It’s just like...like when I failed you.

“Cloud! Get your head in the game!” Barret shouts, seeing him zoning out again. “We’re counting on you, man.”

The headache fades and Cloud focuses again as the airbuster begins to attack. The group attacks back but not much damage due to its heavy armor. As they fought, Heidegger continued to smear them as Wutai pawns and posing them a danger to the city. The group manage to destroy some of its armor off, but as they did, it went airborne destroying the bridge to the reactor core. Barret aims for the thrusters causing it return at low position at the bridge.

“My dearest Avalanche. “My apologies, but it is time we parted ways.” Heidegger says no longer on air. “This footage will prove invaluable in raising the morale of our Shinra rank and file.” He gives the whole bad guy laugh, but adds one last thing with a smug look. “And do give my regards to Fair, will you Strife?”

 Cloud throws a fire spell at the hologram and the fire spreads to the drones, thanks to the new materia he got from Biggs. He focused back on the mech and attacks with a lot of rage. After dealing it with a lot of damage, the airbuster explodes knocking everyone back.

Tifa and Barret are knocked back together, but don’t see Cloud. Tifa runs back to the now destroyed bridge in half with Cloud on the other side hanging on sword in hand, causing Tifa to tense.

“We don’t have long to get clear!” Barret said when he came up. And the reactor was close to explode.

“Take Tifa, and get out of here!” Cloud tells Barret to forget about him and get Tifa to safety. Knowing she would not leave.

“I... I was wrong aboutchya_” Barret begins to give the regret speech, but Cloud didn’t care about it.

“Forget about it, go!” Cloud urges them, bullets go right past him as more drones show.

“Cloud!” Tifa makes a desperation attempt to reach out to him but it was futile. Drones shot at her and Barret and another at Cloud.

“C’mon!” Barret said grabbing her and putting her on his shoulder. Tifa struggles to get out of his grip as he runs.

As they leave the bomb explodes causing Cloud to lose his grip and fall. He sheathes Zack’s sword, grabs the grappling gun and shoots to the bridge. He slows down after it hits, but the pressure of it is too much causing it to snap and Cloud to continue to fall and everything went black.

Chapter Text

Cloud feels himself falling very slow through nothing but darkness. Then felt light was below as he falls and the ghosts circle him, and then...flower? Cloud then felt he was sitting down with no one around.  

“ Hey, buddy. You doing okay?”  A voice next to him ask and sounded familiar.  

“Zack?” Cloud said.  

“ You made it through worse than this back in the day.” Zack  continues.  

“What?” Cloud asks confused.  

“ Never mind about that. Right now, you gotta focus. Move something.” Zack  implores. And Cloud does just that, slowly moving his head. “ Good. Easy does it. Slow and steady buddy.” Zack  says putting a hand on his shoulder. Cloud puts a hand on his in desperation that he doesn’t fade again.  

“Hello?” Another voice calls but it wasn’t Zack.  

“Who was-” Cloud said than felt the hand on his shoulder go cold. “Zack!?”  

“No.” Sephiroth begins. “I am... your everything.” Cloud begins to panic.  

“Hello in there!” The unknown voice calls out again and pulls him away from Sephiroth.  

“Oh, Cloud. There’s still so much to be done.” Sephiroth said as he faded once again.  

Cloud slowly opens his eyes to see a roof with a hole in it. Cloud shots right up, surprised he somehow had miraculously survived the fall. He starts to look around and sees someone next to him.  

“Maybe you’re  not  okay...” Cloud sees it’s the flower girl he ran into in Sector 8. They were in a small flower bed. “Ah, he lives! Finally awake, are we?” She interrupts his thoughts lightly leaning close to his face when he looks around. Cloud stands up, grabbing Zack’s sword that was next to him and puts it on his back.  

“You’re...” Was all he said.  

“Aerith. It’s Aerith. And you are?” Aerith introduces and ask him.  

“C-Cloud...” Cloud replies.  

“Nice to meet you again.” Aerith says and Cloud gives a confused look. “What? You don’t remember?” She gestures to the flowers. “What about the flowers?”  

“No I... I remember.” Cloud immediately responds. “It’s just... Where are we?” Cloud asks looking around.  

“An old church in the Sector 5 slums.” Aerith explains looking around. Cloud felt as if he had reached something. Like something was here.  

“You came crashing through the roof without so much as a ‘look out below’.” Aerith pulls him out of his thoughts again, and points to the hole where he fell. “Fell right into my flower bed. Lucky for you. Like, really.”  

“S-sorry I-I didn’t mean to-” Cloud stumbles on his words getting off the flowers.  

“Don’t worry about it.” Aerith reassures. “They’re a lot tougher than they look. This place... It has a kind of power.” Aerith then holds out a materia to him. “Before I forget-you dropped this when you landed.”  

Cloud checks to see one materia missing and takes the one she’s holding. “Thanks...” Cloud said putting it in his pocket.  

“I’ve got one too.” Aerith said and turns her head, showing her pink ribbon.  

“You and everybody else.” Cloud remarks to the number of people who’s got one.  

“Not like mine, no. It’s special.” Aerith responds. “Mine’s not good for anything at all.” She adds walking past him and stands near the flower bed.  

Cloud feels the headache again with a vision as he looks to her. He sees a woman holding her hands together, like she’s praying and a materia falls into water at the bottom. Cloud is confused by what he saw, wondering why he’s seeing something that is not caused by Sephiroth, or Zack’s past blurring into his head.  

“Though, I might not be able to use it, I don’t mind.” Aerith continues. “Just having it is enough. It was a gift from my mother.” She strokes her hair, then looks back to him. Cloud gets the feeling he had when he met her on the plate, but still can’t understand why.  

“Pretty crazy, huh? Us meeting again like this. You should stay awhile.” Aerith says. Cloud is baffled that she’s inviting him to stay, considering he just fell through the roof.  

“Sorry, I have to go-” Cloud says awkwardly, looking to the door.  

“And just when I had finished tending the flowers here...” Aerith says kneeling down to the flowers. “Gotta start over... Just me, myself and I...” She adds giving a teasing accusation.  

Cloud doesn’t know why she’s insisting it considering he just fell through her roof without asking how or why it happen. He wanted to get to Sector 7 to make sure the team made it, and explain to Tifa why he didn’t tell her anything. But with the feeling Cloud had that is telling him to stay. “I can...stick around, but just for a bit.” He says the feeling winning over getting back.  

That seemed to rejuvenate her. “Really!? You will!? In that case...” Aerith begins but stops when someone barges in from the door.  

“I’ll see myself in, thanks.” A red hair man in a suit with a baton in hand and three guards said walking in. Cloud tenses recognizing that he’s one of the Turks, back when he met Zack and he was with one of them named Tseng. And vaguely remembers them chasing him and Zack when they escaped.  

“And who are you?” The Turk asks Cloud as he just noticed him. And Cloud gives a confused frown, as he thought he was here for him. Thinking Shinra would want his body to confirm he’s dead.  

“He’s my bodyguard. And a SOLDIER. Pretty cool, huh?” Aerith said behind him, which he looks to her confused.  

“A SOLDIER?” The Turk asks looking to Cloud as he looks back. “Well, whaddya know, you got the eyes at least.” He adds seeing the glow in them, Cloud frowns not sure what to say.  

“You don’t mind, do you?” Aerith comes up next to him. “Bodyguard work’s not too different from merc stuff, right?”  

Cloud looks to her confused, not sure how she can know that. “Uhh...I guessed! From the sword!” Cloud tries to respond but stops when she steps closer. “Just do this for me, okay?” She adds almost desperately. Cloud stares at her then the Turk who’s smirking.  

“Fine, but it’ll cost you a lot.” Cloud said putting on the tough merc act, knowing he can’t walk away from this and not wanting this guy to report him. And will want an explanation as to how they seem to know each other.  

“A  lot , huh?” Aerith says thinking, then adds. “One date ought to do it.” Cloud looks to her with a baffled expression. Who would offer that as a payment after landing in front of them?  

“Huh. Well, you’re weird enough to be one...” The Turk remarks then asks. “What class?”  

“Like you would care!” Cloud replies drawing Zack’s sword and lunges at him, striking down only for him to dodge and kick with Cloud blocking with the sword. Cloud motions Aerith to get to cover.  

“Hey! Watch the flowers!” Aerith calls out to all of them.  

“You heard the lady.” The Turk said with the SFs coming up and start shooting as he jumps up high. He remarks that he’s Aerith’s ‘bodyguard’ too. Aerith says that first she’s known about it, with the Turk saying it’s classified. Cloud deals with the three SFs who was with him, which causes him to jump down to do ‘clean up’. Cloud is surprised by this guy’s speed that he thought he was a SOLDIER without the enhancements, and he didn’t see Tseng do this when they work together since he used a gun. But despite it all Cloud manages to keep up and eventually knock him back.  

“You’ve got it all wrong, man.” He said as he tries to get back up but falls back to his knees. “I just wanted to-” He adds seeing him approach and stops when Cloud raises his sword to kill him.  

“Cloud!” Aerith said running up to stop him. Only for him to be block by the ghosts from before. They fly right at Cloud and Aerith and pull them to the back of the church and shut the doors as more SFs arrived.  

“Sir!” One of the SFs kneels down to the Turk. “Are you hurt!”  

The Turk just shoves him away. “I’m fine! Go get the girl.” Two nod and run to the door.  

The ghosts drop Cloud and Aerith when they shut the door. “The hell?” Cloud said confused as to what these are.  

“Weird. They’re not attacking.” Aerith says as the ghost circle them. There’s banging on the door from the SFs trying to get in, but the ghost blocked. Aerith takes Cloud’s hand and leads him up the stair, she leads up one level and points to a ladder they can use to get to attic. Aerith almost falls but one of the ghosts saves her, they continued up till they came to a wooden plank Cloud go’s first to make sure it's safe.  

“Come on.” Cloud said to Aerith after crossing and holds out his hand. Aerith crosses and was about to take his hand when the other door opens and the SFs look for them. One sees them and starts to shoot.  

“Hey! No shooting!” The Turk said to him being helped by another guard. But the bullets hit the plank causing it to break and Aerith slides down on some debris to the bottom.  

“Aw, man...” Aerith said on the landing.  

“You okay!?” Cloud calls still up top with a great concern he doesn’t know why.  

“Probably!” Aerith replies, but looks to see the ghost around her. “Or maybe not.”  

“If there’s so much as a scratch on her...you’re done.” The Turk says to the guy who shot at her. “We bring her in in one piece.”  

Another SF tries to approach her but unbeknownst to them, the ghost blocks him from getting close. “What now?” The Turk asks seeing him stumble back.  

“Run!” Cloud shouts to Aerith. She tries to run but a gun goes off in front of her making her stop.  

“Move and I’ll shoot!” The Itchy trigger finger grunt warns her.  

“Oh no, you won’t!” The Turk warns him again that no harm will come to her. Cloud looks for a way to help her as they argue, he sees an old chandelier right above the grunt. Cloud uses wooden monkey bars on the ceiling and makes it to the chandelier and cuts it down on the grunt. Aerith runs after he gives her an opening, and meets up with her and head to the attic.  

“They’re in the attic. Should we pursue?” The Security officer ask the Turk after they couldn’t get up the steps.  

“Nah. Leave ‘em be.” The Turk says and heads for the chopper. The officer tries to argue but the Turk shuts him down. “Partner’s got it. We. Are. Out.” He holds his side feeling pain when he empathized. “Beginner's luck.”  

Cloud and Aerith made it to the attic still surrounded by the ghost. They cross some blanks over the Turk and SFs as they leave. After they so too did the ghost, Aerith and Cloud exit through another hole that leads to the roof tops.  

“Okay. Up for crossing the rooftops?” Aerith asks Cloud then points. “See that pillar over? There’s a station right by it. Shall we mosey on over?”  

“Yeah.” Cloud simply says and start making his way followed by Aerith.  

“So... what’s next for you?” Aerith asks.  

“Finish up bodyguard work. After that, back to the Sector 7 slums.” Cloud replies, wanting to get back as fast as possible.  

“You know how to get there?” Aerith asks again.  

“I’ll ask for directions when I’m done.” Cloud says then asks her a question. “That suit, he was one of Shinra’s Turks. What’s a Turk want with you?”  

“Dunno.” Aerith replies and asks another question before he can. “Hey, don’t Turks keep an eye out for potential SOLDIERs and stuff?”  

“That, and other bad guy motives.” Cloud replies a little annoyed at being dodged. “Back to my question what’s he to you? Looked like you knew each other.”  

“Maybe he thought I can be the greatest SLODIER yet!” Aerith jokes dodging the question again. Cloud sighs and decided to drop it. The pair arrives at a rusty ladder, Cloud goes first to see how steady it is.  

“It’s pretty old be careful.” Cloud tells Aerith as she climbs.  

“Okay.” Aerith says and almost slips.  

“Careful!” Cloud said.  

“You worry too much. I’m not some princess who needs to be coddled.” Aerith said and the ladder breaks as she was at the ledge. “Shit.” Aerith lightly jumps and hangs on the ledge, Cloud grabs her hand and pulls her up.  

“Whew, that was unexpected! Thank you, Cloud.” Aerith says then notices the wall. “Ah, there’s the wall.” She adds after turning.  

“You know, I thought about leaving once... But... in the end, I couldn’t.” Aerith said.  

“Too dangerous?” Cloud asks as to what’s out there.  

“Too much. A whole world, bursting with life...” She replies almost scared. “Maybe more than I can handle, I think sometimes... Evan now” Aerith looks back to the wall then back to Cloud. “People hate the steel sky, the slums...but I don’t. How could I?”  

“All that passion, all those dreams... Flowing and blending together into something greater.” Aerith adds and Cloud shakes his head. Only ones here having their dreams is Shinra. They continued on till they reached the end that led to the main road.  

“You good?” Cloud asks Aerith after he jumps down.  

“Of course!” Aerith replies and gets ready to jump. But as she gets ready birds fly right by her and falls. But instead of hitting the ground, she is caught by Cloud. “My hero!”  

“Never a dull moment with you.” Cloud blurts out.  

“That a compliment?” Aerith asks. Cloud stutters and realized he’s still holding her and puts her down.  

“If you want it to be.” Cloud replies. But stops when she runs in front of him.  

“Thanks anyway!” Aerith said holding a finger up and winks. “So, Cloud you don’t know the slums that well, do you?” She asks after they started walking.  

“Compare to you? No.” Cloud replies. “Country sides... That’s the world I know.”  

“You sound proud of that.” Aerith remarks.  

“Yeah, well... I’m a backwater expert.” Cloud replies remembering what Zack said when he met him.  Me and Cloud here are both backwater experts.  They make it to the station to see it crowed of people.   

“Popular place.” Cloud remarks.  

“Yeah, well, it’s got a good view of the reactor.” Aerith says gesturing to it, still on fire.  

“It’s not a show.” Cloud says seeing people trying to get a look.  

“They know that. They’re worried.” Aerith says as they navigate through the crowed. Only to stop to see a Shinra helicopter landing. After the occupants disembark and passed the gate, it reveals another Turk whose bold headed and has shades.  

“Not another one.” Cloud groans, seeing this guy is more level headed than the red head.  

“A real man on a mission.” Aerith remarks.  

“More like on the hunt.” Cloud corrects on what the Turk’s doing.  

“For me? Or you?” Aerith ask.  

“Both of us. Probably.” Cloud replies as the new Turk heads down the street for the town. Cloud didn’t feel like following behind him, luckily Aerith had an idea.  

“Then, lets stick to the backstreets?” She pulls him to it but stops. “There will be monsters.”  

“Better than Shinra.” Cloud says and pass through some crates. They make it half way fighting monsters as Aerith said, then spot some of the town's buildings.  

“Still a fair ways off.” Cloud comments at how far it is and having to find another way when something was blacked.  

“Well, we did take a detour. Getting tired?” Aerith said.  

“No.” Cloud replies.  

“Me, I’m feeling a bit hungry. How about you?” Aerith asks.  

“Amazed...” Cloud says a bit exasperated.  

“You’re in for a treat when we make it back.” Aerith said inviting him for a meal.  

“Thanks, but no.” Cloud said not wanting take too long to get back.  

“You’ll wanna make time for my mom’s cooking.” Aerith said and Cloud lightly frowns, considering the way she spoke about the materia she’s got was the last gift she got from her. “And that’s the final word on it! We’ll get home quick and eat ourselves stupid!”  

They continued on through the back way and eventually made it to the town. Aerith ran up ahead to the slums TV, which is pretty big. It crowded by people watching the news reporter who is in Mako reactor 5. He reports on the aftermath on the bombing, then turns the camera on Scarlet, Shinra’s weapons director. He tries to interview her but she brushes off at first till he asks again.  

Scarlet says the Reactor is ‘temporarily’ shut down, the fires are out, and shows the team entering from Reactor 1 adding they are hiding somewhere in the city. The reporter asks can the terrorist be stop. And Scarlet’s anger flared, knocking the camera man to ground and saying Shinra will keep Midgar ‘safe’ and leaves. Aerith grabs Cloud’s hand and leads him to her house when the tv shut off.  

They get greeted by a café owner who knows Aerith asks for her help, but she kindly refused. They got stopped by a boy named Oates who was trying to get a view on the reactor. Then they met up with other kids who said the teachers at the Leaf house, an orphanage for some kids were looking for Aerith. They followed the kids meeting up with a doctor, who thanks Aerith for the herbs she got for him.  

Then made to the Leaf house with the housemother outside. She asks Aerith for some flowers, with the news going on she wanted to cheer some people. Aerith aggress and says she’ll be back. “So, Cloud, what’s your favorite flower?” Aerith asks him.  

“They’re all the same to me.” Cloud says simply.  

“You sure you want to say that to a florist?” Aerith says slightly mocking.  

“Better than lying.” Cloud states.  

“Okay, then what’d you do to the flower I gave you?” She asks and he goes quiet. “You give it away?” He still doesn't answer.  

“Ooh! To who? Tell me!” Cloud sighs looking away not wanting to discuss it. Tifa would probably throw it away after telling him to leave if she doesn't want to hear his excuses. Aerith lets it go and continued down the path to her house. After passing a corner Cloud is surprised to see the house is a complete garden house with a waterfall.  

Aerith approaches the door and opens it, and walks in. “I’m home!” Aerith calls out to her mother.  

“Hey baby.” Aerith’s mother calls from the kitchen. “Been up to no good? Rude came by-” She stops when she sees Cloud.  

“So, this is my mom, Elmyra.” Aerith begins the introduction. “And this is Cloud. My bodyguard.”  

“Uh...hi.” Cloud greets wondering why he feels himself shrinking so nervously under her gaze.  

“Take good care of her?” Elmyra says putting on a smile.  

“That’s my- was  my job...” Cloud said correcting himself.  

“Yep. Thanks.” Aerith said, but before Cloud says bye, Aerith speaks up again. “So, Cloud, you gonna head back to Sector 7?”  

“Uh... Yeah...” Cloud replies and before he can say anything else Aerith beats him again.  

“Then I’ll show you the way.” Aerith said and moves to the door.  

“Then why’d you have me bring you here?” Cloud stops her and reminds her. “And what about the Turks?”  

“It’d suck, but I’ve dealt with them before.” Aerith said confidently. “Honestly, I’m much more worried about you?”  

“What if the Turks find you? You said yourself, they’ll hunting both of us.” Aerith said on his statement.  

“Which you haven’t explain to me why and what they want with a flower peddler.” Cloud says still confused as to what they want from her.  

“Hey, mom?” Aerith turns to her mother and Cloud gives an annoyed sigh at being dodged again. “I’m gonna go take Cloud over to Sector 7, okay?”  

“Okay...” Elmyra says sighing and adds. “But why not wait until tomorrow? If you head out now, it’ll be dark when you get back.”  

“Better to rest up here and make the trip first thing in the morning.” Elmyra continues putting her hands on Aerith’s arms. “When you’ll have daylight to spare.”  

“That’s true. She’s got a point, Cloud.” Aerith says agreeing with her.  

“Hold up.” Cloud begins to argue but is stopped again.  

“Oh, yeah!” Aerith turns to her mother. “I still need to deliver some flowers to the Leaf House.” She adds on the house mother asking her for some flowers.  

“Since we have time before dinner... You should come with.” Aerith invites him.  

“I can’t. I have to go.” Cloud says almost begging.  

“You want to leave now? Even though you got a  priceless  reward coming your way?” Aerith says causing Cloud to go stiff.  

“Why are you insisting on this?” Cloud asks not understanding with this girl.  

“Do you know what I promised him?” Aerith says to her mother.  

“Alright! Alright!” Cloud said as he can’t seem to get out of it and not wanting to face her mother’s wrath.  

“I’ll go grab the baskets. Be right back!” Aerith says give a smile of victory and heads up stairs.  

“That Aerith, she’s a handful, isn’t she?” Elmyra said when Aerith was out of sight. Cloud just sighs in response. “Must be tough... No never mind.” Elmyra says but stops and moves to the table.  

“What?” Cloud asks but Elmyra just hums and sits down. Cloud just stands by the windows and waits.  

“Found ‘em!” Aerith said coming down the steps fast and comes up to Cloud. “You take this one.” She holds up a basket. “Take it.” Aerith adds as he hesitated, then takes it.  

“Right. Off we go!” Aerith said cheerfully and heads for the door with a reluctant Cloud. After waving to her mother, they head for her garden. Aerith shows Cloud her ‘babies’ and asks which ones to pick. Cloud says any of them, but Aerith wasn’t going to pick any till he did. Cloud picks three different ones as Aerith explains them, after picking them they head for the Leef House.  

Aerith opens the door as Cloud walks behind her. “I’ll wait out here.” He says handing the basket to her not being one for kids.  

“Okay.” Aerith takes the basket. “I might be a while. Why not check out the town.” She suggests and goes inside. Cloud does a bit of exploring he runs into Chadly who invites to a portable simulator, the checks the shops. Cloud spots the boy Oates by one of the shops who turns seeing him.  

“Oates, what are you doing here?” Cloud asks.  

“Looking for Aerith. You know where she is?” Oates replies.  

“The Leef House.” As soon as Cloud said that Oates makes his way there. Cloud follows shortly after he rounds the corner to see him with Aerith outside. “What’s wrong?” He asks coming up.  

“Nothing too big. But sounds like something scared the kids.” Aerith said on what Oates is telling her.  

“Yeah, two of ‘em disappeared.” Oates begins to explain. “They ran away after this creepy guy wearing black clothes showed up.”  

“A Turk?” Cloud asks Aerith.  

“I thought at first, but no.” Aerith replies.  

“It’s this guy who’s always stumbling around town in a dirty robe with holes.”  Oates describes who they’re talking about. “They say he’s sick or something. Oh, and he’s got a number tattooed on his arm.” Cloud tenses after hearing that, knowing who it is. But not understanding why he’s here.  

“I don’t like the sound of this. I’m gonna check it out.” Aerith said concerned for the kids.  

Cloud almost told her not to. But with the short time he’s known her it won’t work. “I know someone who looks like that. I’ll come with.”  

They followed Oates to where Marco is. Oates leads them to the kid's hideout which Aerith mentions is ‘off limits’ to grown-ups. They meet up with the other kids, but Marco had vanished before they arrived. Aerith and Cloud pass through a fence and entered an abandoned lot full of monsters, they came to a bridge and spot the kid's cornered on some planks floating in the water by monsters. Cloud and Aerith run to them and Aerith pulls out a staff she had and uses magic infused with materia.  

Aerith runs to the kids after they defeated the monsters but the boy stops her. “Stay back!” What remained of a bridge breaks apart as Aerith steps back to Cloud.  

“Watch out! The ground’s really shaky!” The girl with the boy says.  

“It’s cause of the reactor. You can’t trust your feet!” The boy says.  

“Nice going Barret.” Cloud mutters, but focus on getting the kids. Cloud jumps to the kids on the planks and grabs them, then jumps back. They start to make it back fighting old machines on the way.  

“That’s so cool!” The boy says seeing Cloud fight them.  

“How did you get to be so strong!?” The girl asks but Cloud doesn’t answer.  

“Well you see, Cloud used to be a SOLDIER!” Aerith says. Cloud almost rebuffed it but the kid's questions continued.  

“He was?” The boy says in amazement.  

“Did you go fight in the war?” The girl asks.  

“No.” Cloud simply says not wanting to discuss it.  

“I’m gonna grow up to be a SOLDIER like you!” The boy says. Cloud stops looking troubled, causing the others to stop and look with concern.  

“SOLDIER is like a den of monsters.” Cloud said after a moment then looks to the boy. “Don’t go inside.” Cloud walks again with them following, as the kid’s give confused looks while Aerith looks at him in thought.  

They are close to the kid’s hideout the two kids run up to reunite with their friends. Cloud stops, getting another headache seeing the girl turn into Tifa when she was young and her friends Emilio, Lester and Tyler following her while calling to her.  

“Tifa...” Cloud said.  

“Tifa?” Aerith asks and moves next to him. Aerith sees the look on his face that she had before. “What’s wrong?” Aerith asks.  

“Nothing.” Cloud replies pinching the bridge of his nose.  

“Is Tifa like... your girlfriend?” Aerith asks again.  

“No.” Cloud says all to quickly causing Aerith to laugh.  

“But she’s someone special.” Aerith said.  

“It’s not- It's complicated, okay?” Cloud said and moves away ending the subject.  

“I see.” Aerith said a bit teasing and follows. They meet up with Oates who thanks them and says they are welcome to their hideout anytime. Just as they were about to leave, they hear the kid’s scream and turn to see the robe man.  

“Don’t worry. It’ll be okay.” Aerith reassures the kid’s that ran behind her.  

Cloud steps forward slightly, hand to Zack’s sword. “Marco?” He calls but instead of answering he collapses and Aerith runs to him. “Aerith!”  

Cloud kneels down with her but sees it isn’t Marco. “This isn’t him, but he looks the same.”  

“There’s the number...but why ‘2’?” Aerith says leaning over to see it’s on his left arm.  

“I don’t know...” Cloud says, now wondering how many of these guys there are. But before he can think of anything else, the guy grabs Cloud’s wrist and the headache returns.  

“The reunion...” Cloud sees Sephiroth again in place of the robe guy. Cloud flings his hand off and backs up and tries to draw Zack’s sword, “is nothing to fear.” Cloud holds his head as the headache gets worse. The pain stops and Sephiroth is gone, the guy stumbles out of the hideout.  

Cloud looks to his hand still shaking only to see hands grabbing his getting his attention. “Cloud?” Aerith says concerned. “Get it together. Come on.”  

Cloud sees him round the corner and go wherever he stumbles. “Damnit! Why do I keep on seeing him?”  

“Huh? See who?” Aerith asks as to who he’s talking about.  

“Sephiroth.” Cloud responds then wondered why he just told her.  

“Sephiroth, the war hero?” Aerith says, knowing who he is. “I know he died in an accident five years ago. They said so on the news.” Cloud didn’t look so sure he did. “You don’t think he did?”  

“No. He did.” Cloud said. He saw him fall down the reactor and into the Mako, no way he could survive that.  

“Oh...right. C’mon let’s go.” And just like that she walks away ending the subject. Cloud would have asked but decided to drop it.  

Before they can leave, they were stopped by Oates. He asks them if they could help for people who have some trouble. Cloud felt they didn’t have the time but Aerith ‘gives’ him permission to help out. Oates gives him a list of who needs help. The first was helping a man who saw five of Shinra weapons with floating eyeballs, that went into the backstreets. Cloud and Aerith went to and saw one of them, it looked like a Moondrive but bigger. They found all of them in different spots then returned to the guy after beating them. He thanks them and asks if they could help an old guy who’s by one of the shops that might need help.  

“I see you’re working hard, mister merc.” Aerith says before they can look for the old guy.  

“Yep.” Cloud replies.  

“So whaddya gonna do next?” Aerith said.  

“Keep on working.” Cloud simply said.  

“As you always do, I’m sure.” Aerith comments.  

“Well, this is how I plan on making a living.” Cloud said on Zack's business he had planned.  

“Huh? Really?!” Aerith asks surprised. “I thought you were just doing it for fun!”  

“I guess some people do.” Cloud said.  

“Hello! I’m some people. Nice to meet you!” Aerith said cheerfully.  

They found the old guy by one of the shops. He asks if they could visit his wife’s grave on the anniversary of her death. He would have gone but there were some creatures around it. After helping him they met one of the Leaf House teachers who was looking for some of the kids who were on their patrols. The kids were easy to find since they had homemade swords on their backs. After finding them, they checked to see them with Ms. Folia who was about bring them in when another kid comes running up.  

He says that a ‘toad king’ was back and was near the hideout. Cloud thought they were just imaging it but the kids say it’s like the toad creatures in the back streets. The kids ask Cloud if he could deal with it, but Cloud wasn’t buying it till a look from Aerith made him reconsider. They found it just as the kid said where it was. After beating it and returning to the Leaf House, the kids thank them and invited them to a game event they do, then went inside when Ms. Folia told them to finish a lesson. She mentions on how she wants to help the kids future and live up to her predecessor who is Biggs.  

“It feels good to help people out, doesn’t it?” Aerith asks Cloud when Folia left for something.  

“Yeah.” Cloud simply says.  

“You having fun yet.” Aerith asks.  

“Heaps.” Cloud replies.  

“Then you can’t be afraid to show it more. Don’t forget it’s all about service and salesmanship.” Aerith said.  

“I’ll leave that to you.” Cloud says.  

“All right, but don’t think you can rely on me forever, mister.” Aerith lightly warns.  

“Wasn’t planning to.” Cloud said.  

“That’s good ‘Cause I command a very good salary.” Aerith said.  

“From selling flowers?” Cloud asks and Aerith just smiles.  

Before they left Oates came by and said there was a guy who might need help. It turned out to be a news reporter named Damon for the Daily Buzz. Aerith says  how they print awful rumors about the slums. Damon says they try to make awareness and make a better future for everyone. He asked them to help them find the notorious Angel of the Slums who steals from the rich and gives to the poor. Cloud tries to deny but Damon kept insisting, Cloud then charged him 3000 gil which he agreed reluctantly.  

Aerith says to asks around the community center. They ask some people most don’t know or think ridiculous things of what the Angel is. Cloud was about to just give up when Aerith spoke to someone.  

“Good to see you again, Mireille.” Aerith says to an elderly lady near a door.  

“Good to see you too, Aerith.” Mireille greets back and looks to Cloud. “I’d heard you found yourself a funny new friend.”  

“Cloud meet Mireille. She knows everything there is to know about the slums.” Aerith while trying not to laugh too hard at the look on Cloud’s face. “Mireille, meet Cloud. Mr. Pouty face.”  

“Pouty face indeed.” Mireille remarks laughing a little. “The kids have been talking about you. The defender of the secret hideout.”  

“And now the Hero of the Leaf House is helping the Daily Buzz look for the Angel of the Slums.” Mireille adds.  

Cloud was surprised she knew, but she said she the reporter can’t shut his mouth. She offers to tell them but with the reporter. Cloud and Aerith went back to Damon and told him Mireille. Damon said that the ‘old bird’ was dodging him when he asked her. The ‘old bird’ said she had a change of heart when she came up. When he asks on what she knew she said that the Angel had a base at Lookout Point, that no one goes too much. But warned that it was protected by a large fiend. Damon asked Cloud to deal with it, and Cloud charged another 1000 after a reluctant sigh.  

Aerith and Cloud head to Lookout Point to see a giant steam machine guarding it. After beating it they look around to find a card from the Angel. They returned to Mireille and Damon to hand over the card, which was a threat to Damon. They heard people saying the Angel is planning to steal from Don Corneo, and Damon ran to them without paying Cloud. Mireille hands him his payment saying it ‘slipped’ out of his pocket. Aerith says it’s time to head back to her house with it being sunset. They pass the house mother who showed them a floral they made from the flowers they got and said some guy in a suite walked towards her house.  

They walked down the path to Aerith’s house and see the Turk feeding some birds. “Hello, Aerith.” He said after standing and turning and flicked his shades.  

“What do you want?” Aerith says knowing him too.  

“Haven’t seen him before. He your new boy toy?” He says walking up a little, which causes Aerith to step closer to Cloud.  

“He’s my bodyguard, if you must know.” Aerith says annoyed.  

“Wait a minute... Those eyes...” He says seeing the glow in Cloud eyes. “Is he the one who beat up Reno?”  

“Nice name.” Cloud said drawing Zack’s sword and slices at him. He jumps into an open area from the narrowed path and Cloud follows him into it.  

“Cloud leave him be.” Aerith says grabbing his arm. “Rude’s not a bad person. Really.”  

“No, I’m not bad.” Rude says turning to face them. “But like it or not... I sometimes have to do bad things.” Rude tightens his gloves and stands in a defense to offense stance.  

“Don’t take it personal.” Rude adds and charges. He and Cloud trade blows, till Rude knock Zack’s sword from his hand causing him to go hand to hand. Cloud uses whatever instincts that comes up to match him. Aerith helps out with her staff to help out pushing Rude back for Cloud to grab Zack’s sword.  

“Please. Just leave us alone.” Aerith says pleadingly.  

“You know I can’t do that.” Rude replies he gets ready to attack again, but his phones go ff. He answers but doesn’t other than uh. “Understood.” He says and hangs up.  

“Got somewhere else to be?” Aerith asks.  

“Apparently so.” Rude replies, a helicopter appears and lowers a ladder. “Go home and stay there.” He tells Aerith.  

“You know I can’t do that!” Aerith mocks and Rude stutters as he flies away. Cloud and Aerith walk back to her house, but Aerith stops him and leads him to her garden kneeling down and looks like she’s talking to them.  

“Are you...” Cloud tries to say but Aerith shushes him and looks back them.  

“Let’s go. Shouldn't keep mom waiting.” She said after she finished talking to the flowers.  

“Why were you talking to them?” Cloud asks.  

“Nothing really, just...” Aerith tries but shakes her head. “Never mind. You probably wouldn’t believe it.”  

Cloud thought he wouldn’t have but decided to hear it anyway. “Tell me anyway.”  

“Really?” Aerith asked surprised and he nods. She says on how the flowers have something to say to them. But something had to happen, otherwise they won’t hear them as she thinks. Aerith felt she should give up.  

“Could’ve fooled me.” Cloud begins. “From what I’ve seen, you’re no quitter.”  

“Well today’s special! That’s why I’ve been working my butt off!” Aerith says as to why.  

“Why is it special?” Cloud asks as to how it is with the Turks, monsters, and running around.  

Aerith just looks to him almost wanting to say something to him but laughs at the end. “Okay, time to go!” She says and heads to the house and Cloud follows after a second. They open the door and walk in.  

“Where have you two been?” Elmyra says looking to Aerith. “I’ve been worried sick!”  

“Sorry. We got a little sidetracked.” Aerith vaguely says on their day.  

“Dinner’s ready, in case you’re wondering.” Elmyra says after moving to the table wiping it down.  

“Ah, great!” Aerith says and moves to help set the table.  

“But before we sit down.” Elmyra stops her. “I want you to make up the guest room.”

“Gotcha!” Aerith moves to the steps. “Take a load off, okay?” She says to Cloud and runs up the steps with Elmyra watching till she was out of ear shot, then turns to Cloud.

“Judging by those eyes, I’m guessing you’re a SOLDIER?” Elmyra says hands on her hips like she’s judging him. Cloud looks away never going to hear the end of it. “Well?” She adds not too aggressively but still wants an answer.

“It’s complicated, alright.” Cloud snaps and looks away.

Elmyra looks at him a bit upset at him for snapping at her. But the look in his eyes tell her it’s not a choice he made. “I’m sorry.” Elmyra says and adds. “And I hate to asks, but would you leave tonight? No questions?”

“Let’s just say, it will be best for all of us if we don’t speak to each other again.” Elmyra says, before Cloud can asks why Aerith comes back down stairs.

“I’m back!” Aerith says cheerfully.

“Good. Now I hope you’re hungry.” Elmyra says and moves to the kitchen.

“Starving. Right?” Aerith says and looks to Cloud who is slightly frowning at Elmyra. Aerith looks between them hoping nothing bad was said or another thing.

Sometime latter Cloud opens his eyes to see himself sitting at a table but not at Aerith’s house, but his old home in his old infantry garb. “I’ve never been so proud.” Cloud hears his mother, Claudia by the counter say. This is when he returned home after two years.

“The man you’ve become... Women must be hounding you day and night.” Claudia teases.

“Only to complain.” Cloud said on the grunt's life.

“You know there’s all kinds of temptations in the big city.” Claudia says cleaning a dish. “I feel a lot better if you found a good girl-one who’d make sure you didn’t get into trouble.” She adds to his habit into getting into fights.

“Mom...” Cloud says at her embarrassing him again.

“A young girl with beautiful red eyes that could keep you on the straight and narrow. And to tell you when you’re being a silly goose.” Claudia goes on. “That’s the perfect type for you I say.”

Cloud just groans at who she’s talking about. Claudia laughs seeing a bit of red on his face, Cloud looks to the window that shows the house that belongs to the girl in question.

Cloud opens his eyes and sits up surprised he didn’t hear anything that didn’t involved Sephiroth. Cloud hangs his head remembering his mother. What would have been a nice reunion turned into a disaster. And resulted in her death in every painful way possible. Cloud gets up grabbing Zack’s sword and heads for the door to get back to Sector 7.

“You’re leaving?” Cloud sees Elmyra at the table having to wait for him.

“How do I get to Sector 7 from here?” Cloud asks for which way to go.

“It’s simple enough. Just cut through Sector 6. Head for the towns tv and you’ll see a path as you face it.” Elmyra instructs on where to go. “You might have to asks someone in Sector 6 in case you can’t find your way.”

“Thanks.” Cloud says and moves to the door but is stop by Elmyra.

“Promise me. You’ll never talk to Aerith again. Please.” She says which got her a confused look from Cloud. “Not to mock or anything. But it’s complicated for us too.” Cloud almost frowns but didn’t want to waste any more time and leaves heading back to Sector 7.

Elsewhere in an office Rude and Reno were in front of Tseng as he was going over with their new assignment.

“That’s what they want us to do?” Reno asks in disbelieve.

“Yes, that is.” Tseng replies with no emotion as always.

“Understood.’ Rude says.

“Once everything is ready. You’ll be deployed with the tasks force.” Tseng adds.

“Ugh, I rather be babysitting the girl.” Reno says.

“Not with her  bodyguard  in the way.” Rude says and looks to Tseng as he slightly closes his eyes having to already been briefed about it. “You sure you want to keep quiet about this?” He asks him. “If he’s spotted again, we may have to deal with him.” Rude adds after being told what he suspected as to who he was.

“If he is, we’ll deal with him. Now get ready.” Tseng says not wanting to discuss it. He and Reno leave with the latter complaining that he got beaten by a weak grunt. Tseng watch them go and looks out the window remembering the news he received when Heidegger gloated about having to killed the fugitive 1 st class SOLDIER. He would have thought about the same for Cloud but then saw him on news in Reactor 5 with Zack’s sword. Tseng decided to keep quiet about his survival from Shinra hoping to repay for his failure to save them the first time. Tseng moves to get ready for the mission hearing Zack’s voice telling him not to do it. But as always, he does his duty.

Chapter Text

Cloud makes his way down the path that leads to Sector 6. Before he passes, somebody or rather someone pops her head out.

“Well, look who it is. Talk about a coincidence.” Aerith says mock surprised.

“What are you doing here?” Cloud asks, why and how she’s here.

“Waiting.” Aerith simply replied.

“Why?” Cloud asks again.

“Because I'm not sick of you yet.” Aerith says coming up to him and leans forward causing Cloud to back up.  Cloud gives a confused frown and Aerith just smiles. “Anyway. No time to waste, off to sector 7!” She adds and leads the way.  

Cloud starts to follow after sighing but stops with the headache returning. But no vision or Sephiroth come up, it’s just nothing. When it stops Cloud feels a tear roll down his cheek. It felt like someone died, but it didn’t feel like his mother dying, his hometown burning or Zack’s death.  

“Cloud?” Aerith calls out to him seeing stop again. “What’s wrong?” She asks after running up to him.  

“Nothing.” Cloud said and walks past the entrance to Sector 6. “You can see the sky.” Cloud said looking up to see it through a half-completed plate.  

“They’re still working on the new plate. I don’t like this part of Midgar.” Aerith says looking up then to Cloud.  

“Back when they were still building the city, there was an accident, and the plate fell.” She explained as to why its half-finished. She said that people only started to move in so there weren’t to many who died when it fell. They spotted the town for the sector glimmering with neon lights.  

“That the town?” Cloud asks seeing it in the distance.  

“Yep. The underside of Sector 6. ‘Wall Market’ a real special place.” Aerith said and it reminded Cloud about the goons who were looking for Barret. “Though... You already knew that, right?” She asks.  

“No. I had enlisted the moment I got here.” Cloud replies and. “Don’t really know anything about the slums.” He adds as he never took anytime to explore the slums other than being assigned to them.  

“Well, it took a lot of people to build Midgar. They all needed to blow off steam.” Aerith begins to explain. “So some traders built in an entertainment district. Inns, shops, bars, the works. Folks started pouring in from all over. Business was booming, money was flowing...” She pauses for a moment. “Which attracted the attention of some guys who...didn’t much care for the law.”  

“Which means Shinra just walled it in.” Cloud said at Shinra ignoring the problem.  

“And that is how Wall Market began. ‘Out of sight, out of mind’, as the old saying goes.” Aerith says. “For the folks in charge, there’s no better way deal with it.”  

“More like to shove to the side with a ‘nice’ warning.” Cloud said walking again.  

“Yeah. Wanna see what’s behind it?” Aerith says following him.  

“Just want to get through it.” Cloud replied not interested.  

“That’s good-’cause I know another way to Sector 7.” Aerith said grabbing his arm pulling him to a tunnel.” One that doesn’t go through Wall Market. And it’s just through this tunnel here.” She says pointing to it. “At least it was, back when I was a kid.”  

Aerith leads him down the tunnel leading to a collapsed expressway, that’s been the way it is since the plate fell. And is only inhabited by monsters. They came up to an old robot arm for construction purpose. Cloud uses it to get Aerith up and lower down a ladder so they can get through.  

“You did it!” Aerith said to Cloud after climbed up. She holds her hands up which only confused Cloud. “Alright, good enough. Let’s keep on truckin’!”  

Aerith noticed a route she planned to take was blocked by someone, so they took a different route. They found their route blocked by a container and another ladder up. They found the controls for another arm above them. Cloud moves to it and operates it.  

“Not half bad!” Aerith comments and asks. “So, do you moonlight as a crane operator or something?” Cloud just gives a small smile in response. “Yeah?” Aerith holds her hands up again, but he just stares at her again. After another awkward moment, operating the crane and lowered the ladder they continued on till they came to a camp fire.  

“Anybody around?” Aerith calls out. “Guess it’s just us.” She remarks when no one responded.  

Cloud hums in response then kneels down next to the fire place. “Still warm.” It couldn’t have been out for more than a few minutes.  

“Should we relite it? Have our own camp fire?” Aerith asks kneeling next to him and looks to him.  

Cloud hates the feeling that comes up when that happens. “I need to get back. And...” Cloud begins to say while standing up till someone interrupts.  

“Lookie here, boys! Caught us some burglars!” Aerith and Cloud turn to see three guys with masks over their face, as a clear sign to being thugs.  

“That’s bound to happen.” Cloud remarks.  

“Comin’ to our homes and stealing our shit-doin' crimes!” Another one says as they circle around each other.  

“I’d say we’re owed ‘compensatory damages’!” The guy who interrupts spoke again.  

“Yeah! Complementary-uh, composite- Uh, I don’t get it!” The short one of them says not understanding what he’s saying.  

“How stupid can you be? It’s crazy simple!” The first one says shoving him. “Compensatory damages is like, uh... It’s like compensation...” He stumbles. “For damages!”  

“Oh yeah! That’s what you get when...no, when somebody else uh...” The second guy said but does not get it either.  

Cloud rolls his eyes at having to deal with these idiots. “Look moron’s, we haven’t done anything.”  

“Yeah. We’re just passing through.” Aerith said.  

“Ooh? A likely story.” The second guy said in mock surprise.  

“Okay, what do you want?” Aerith asks and Cloud looks to her. Baffled that she’s entertaining them.  

“Nothing but our due recompense-that's all!” The first guy says.  

“Wait... what?” The short one says when he realized he didn’t get it. “Do wreck-em-pants?” He asks to what he said.  

“No shit-for-brains! ‘Due recompense’! It’s like...uh” Cloud facepalm at their stupidity. “Compensatory damages!” The guy finished.  

“Oh! So damage is recompense! I get it!” The short one said as he and the other guy cheered.  

“Simple as that!” The guy said and moves to Cloud and Aerith.  

Aerith draws out her staff, but Cloud doesn’t draw the Buster Sword. He just moves to them while they draw their knives. He twists the first guy’s out of his hand and delivers a kick in his gut knocking him out. The second runs up Cloud kicks the knife then his knee and Aerith whacks him in the head. Cloud walks up to the third but he just throws the knife and ‘plays dead’ with the other two. Cloud and Aerith kneel under rubble and enter an old pipe hearing the idiots shout and run.  

They came to two more robot arms and a ladder up now knowing it was done by thugs. Cloud operates the arms while Aerith goes down. Cloud moves containers and gives Aerith a lift to each of them. He drops her off at the last spot and she lowers the ladder. They meet up with Cloud almost high fives as she almost did but lowers her hands which surprised her. They moved on fought through another group of thugs and reached the exit where they both high fived. Aerith and Cloud walk back out of the express way and spot the wall between the slums.  

“Alright, there it is. The gate to Sector 7.” Aerith said when they approach it next to an old park.  

“Looks shut. How do we open it?” Cloud asks.  

“More importantly, how about we take a break?” Aerith said looking to an old children slide shaped like a cat.  

“No. I need to-” Cloud begins to say but Aerith interrupts.  

“Up there looks nice.” She moves to it and starts to climb. “C’mon!” Cloud sighs, sarcastically coming to the realization that he will always be dragged into everything and follows. “You know, a long time ago, I used to sell flowers here.” Aerith remarks sitting down.  

“Oh yeah?” Cloud said as he climbed up. Once he was, he takes the Buster Sword off his back sits down with it in his lap. Aerith scoots over a little closing the small distance between them.  

“So, Cloud... Were you a SOLDIER 1 st class?” Aerith asks.  

“No.” Cloud said gripping the handle lightly. “Why are you asking?”  

Aerith hesitates for a moment. “I was-wondering if you were the same rank.”  

“As who?” Cloud asks.  

“The first guy I ever loved.” Aerith replies looking down.  

“You loved a SOLDIER?” Cloud asks surprised considering the life style they have, Aerith just nods. Cloud lightly scolded himself for just asking that.  

“Sorry I-” Cloud starts to apologized.  

“It’s fine.” Aerith said still looking down. Cloud looks down too and when he laid eyes on the sword and he froze. And it made him wonder if it was.  

“What’s his name?” Cloud asks using all of his will power to not go hysterical. Aerith doesn’t respond and Cloud thought he might have pushed it, but he wanted to know if she knew...  

Zack  

Zack stands by Cloud who lays on a bed pulling out a small piece of paper. “Cloud. I have to go to MIdgar.”  

Zack holds up a letter reading through till his expression turns to shock and a bit hurt.  

“What do you mean final?!”  

Aerith  

“Cloud?!” Cloud opens his eyes and finds himself on the ground and holding his head from the headache, and sees Aerith leaning in front of him. “You, okay?” Cloud stared at her in shock.  

“Y-you knew...” Cloud tries to say but is lost for words.  

“You know him?” Aerith asks him but he just keeps staring. “We’ll so did I. But...it’s been years.” She says sitting back.  

“He went on a mission five years ago and...” Aerith holds her breath and claps her hands. “And he didn’t come back.” Aerith remembers the promise he made that he would. “I waited for so long but...as time went by, I think he might have found someone else.” She says standing up and turns.  

“No!” Cloud said standing up fast.  

“Then...where is he?” Aerith asks slowly looking at him pleadingly for an answer. Cloud’s gaze falters from her, at the news he would have to give.  

“He’s...he’s gone.” Cloud says closing his eyes and lower his head. Cloud looks up to see Aerith holding her hands to her chest, eyes closed. She’s had five years of mourning that Zack won’t come back this just confirms it now.  

“When did he...” Aerith says but couldn’t come to finish the sentence.  

“A week ago.” Cloud said and Aerith looked to him in shock and confused.  

“How?” Aerith asks voice almost breaking. Cloud hesitated but forced himself to respond.  

“I-I was with him, on that mission, but it went to hell.” He holds his breath thinking of one who caused it. “We...were betrayed by another member on the team, a SOLDIER.” Cloud clenched his hands. “We were able to deal with him but, we were injured. Shinra came, but they just stuffed us in a lab for-a long time. Zack was able to regained conscious and busted us out. And started to come here, but the army was chasing us till they cornered us.” Cloud closed his eyes. “And they killed him.” He finished looking to her. Aerith shakes and tightens her hands together.  

“I’m sorry. It’s my fault.” Cloud says looking down.  

“Don’t blame yourself. I sure you did-” Aerith begins but Cloud stops her.  

“No, I didn’t.” Cloud says and Aerith looks to him. “I’m the reason he’s gone.” Aerith looks to him wondering what he means.  

“I wasn’t a SOLDIER. I was an infantry grunt.” Cloud begins. “I was suffering from mako poison, from the lab. And because of that...I slowed Zack down.” Cloud tightens his fist. “We were just at the outskirts Midgar when they caught up. Zack faced them alone and I didn’t do anything to help him.” Cloud closes his eyes remembering that day.  

Cloud hears gunfire and shouting from the infantry as Zack fights them off. He tries to move but no matter how hard he tried his body just barely moves. What felt like hours he manages to get on his stomach and look at the cliff, he sees Zack cornered wounded and surrounded by three soldiers. Cloud reaches out as they open fire on him showing no mercy. Cloud tries to call out to him but still no words came out of his mouth. He feels a kick to his side by one of the grunts he didn’t see approach.  

“What about this one?” One of them ask their superior.  

“Leave him. He’ll be dead without his buddy to carry him.” The officer said and leaves with the other two behind him, both making remarks as they follow.  

Cloud didn’t know how long he lay there but he found himself able to move crawled to Zack. He hears a faint grunt from Zack and crawled as fast he could even as it started to rain. “Zack...” Cloud said having to get into his vision seeing blood coming from his forehead. Zack grunts fighting off the pain and once more gives an assuring smile to Cloud.  

“For the...both of us.” Zack said.  

“Both of us?” Cloud asked confused.  

“That’s right...you’re gonna...” Zack tries to say but stops from the pain.  

“I-I’m gonna..?” Cloud waits for him to tell him what to do to help. Instead of answering Zack puts his hand at the back of his head.  

“Live.” He says lowering his head to his chest. “You’ll be...my living legacy.” Zack lets go of his head and Cloud looks to him.  

“N-no, no...” Cloud shakes his head at what he’s telling him.  

“I... it’s alright, Cloud. I know... this isn’t easy, but... You have to.” Zack said. Cloud shakes his head and feels tears coming out. Cloud tries to get him up and get him help, but Cloud doesn’t have the strength. Zack gently takes his wrist causing him look to him. “You can... do it. I know you can... I believe in you... little brother.”  

Zack looks to the Buster Sword and drags it in front of him. “My honor, my dreams, they’re yours now.” Zack brings his hand to the hilt and has him grip it and lightly pushes it to him.  

“Z-Zack...” Cloud tries to beg him not to go but it’s too late, with the last of his breath Zack closes his eyes and dies with a smile. Cloud shakes then he cries out to the sky, then he gripped Zack and buried his head in his chest. He stays there till the rain stops but doesn’t pay any mind to it, making up his mind to stay and die himself. But he suddenly feels movement from Zack and looks as he’s being lifted by an invisible force. Cloud tries to pull him back but as if he’s alive turns and smile that makes him lose his grip and fades. Cloud stares in disbelieve then pounds the ground and just lay there over his failure.  

Cloud opens his eyes and looks to Aerith. “That’s why it’s my fault.” Aerith stares at him and Cloud prepares for any rage she has, he knows well enough he deserves it. But instead of a yell or a slap Aerith throws her arms around him.  

“We both know, that Zack would never forgive himself if he ever abandons someone he cared about.” Aerith states then looks Cloud in the eyes. “And that he would never cast blame.”  

“He should be here with you.” Cloud said after all Zack went through.  

Aerith puts on a smile than reaches down and picks up the Buster Sword. “He is here.” She grabs his hand and pulls it to the hilt, holding his hand to it. Cloud just looks between her and the sword then looks away.  

“We gotta look forward, not back.” Aerith adds to him on not letting the past hold him back. But Cloud gives an uncertain look that he’ll be able to. “Come on. Let’s get a move on.” Cloud wanted to say something but Aerith took his hand and led him to another slide.  

“This won’t take long.” Aerith said and crawls underneath and revels a secret passage way. “Want to get to Sector 7 in style? This is it.” Aerith says as Cloud knelt down than crawls out and both she and Cloud both stand in silence.  

“So...” The both say but stop.  

“You going to be okay getting home?” Cloud asks after another moment of silence.  

“If I said I wasn’t?” Aerith asks, wondering what his response is.  

“I’ll help you back.” Cloud immediately began to walk back to Sector 5.  

“But don’t you need to get back?” Aerith stops him and he looks conflicted. “Don’t worry. I have back up routes for emergencies. Safer too”  

“But...” Cloud tries to argue but doesn’t know what to say.  

“Like I said. Not a princess who needs to be cuddled.” Aerith reassures. “But hey, when you can drop by the church sometime. We can trade stories on Zack.”  

Before Cloud can respond the gate to Sector 7 opens. They look to see a carriage being pulled by a chocobo. Cloud looks to the passenger area and is surprised at who he sees. “Tifa!” Cloud runs to catch up to see where she’s going.  

Tifa sits in the carriage in her blue dress she would have worn with her night out with Cloud, but that is not the case. Instead, it has to be used for her infiltration to the scummiest person in the slums. Tifa’s thought trailed off when she saw someone from the corner of her eye run up.  

“Cloud! You’re alive! I thought we lost you!” Tifa says relieved to see him alive.  

“What’s going on?” Cloud asked jumping on the back of the carriage.  

Tifa held a finger to her mouth to keep quiet and replies. “I’ll explain latter. But now I’m going to see Don Corneo.”  

“What?” Cloud almost shouts.  

“Like I said, I’ll explain later. For now, head to Seventh Heaven, and wait there.” Tifa said wanting to not get caught by the driver.  

“I’m not-” Cloud tries to say but Tifa cuts him off.  

“Cloud.” she looks away for a moment afraid at what she’ll say next. “We’ll talk later.” Cloud froze at that and Tifa lightly removes his grip from the carriage and sits back giving him an apologetic look as she turns around the corner.  

Cloud stands there hurt but not blaming her for what she said, he knows he deserves it. He felt he should run after her and stop her, but he knows she would be persistent on doing whatever she’s planning. Before he ponders further Aerith comes up in front of him.  

“What are you waiting for? Go after her.” Aerith said, but Cloud just kept standing there still not sure what to do. “It doesn’t matter how strong or smart you think you are, Corneo will turn it against you.” She explains how dangerous it is trying to go against him.  

“And where’s she going? A mansion full of his goons.” Aerith continued looking to where she went. “You are worried what might happen in there?” The gate to Sector 7 begins to close causing Cloud to look, only for Aerith to grab his hand. “Come on!”  

With that, Cloud decided to go after and stop her from making a big mistake. “Alright. You go on home. I’ll handle this.” He said going down the path to Sector 6.  

“Oh no, I’m coming with you.” Aerith said, Cloud was about to argue but she stopped him. “You’re going to need help and if Zack had any influence on you, someone is going to need to keep you in check.” Cloud almost asked what’s that supposed to mean but she just grabs his hand again and drags him along.  

Cloud and Aerith make to one of Wall Markets entrance to see the chocobo stables. They spot the carriage but Tifa wasn’t on it or anywhere near it, they ask the stablehand on where she went.  

“Hey there, you two heading somewhere?” He asks as they walked up tending to the chocobo.  

“You gave a ride to a girl earlier. Do you know where she went?” Aerith spoke first before Cloud did.  

“No, and if you don’t need a ride then get the hell-” He replies annoyed and turns back to the bird, Cloud is flumed out of patience with douche bags, he grabs his shirt and shoves him against the carriage.  

“You got two choices here.” Cloud says. “You can either tell us where she went and we walk away nicely. Or I’m gonna to angrily beat it out of you, and leave you with broken arms.”  

“What’s all the ruckus out here?” A man with cowboy accent and clothes asked hearing the commotion. “I don’t know and I’d appreciate it you let him go.” Cloud just glared at him so Aerith decided to be the diplomat again.  

“We’re looking for a girl who took one of your carriages. Can you help us find her?” She asked.  

“Depends if you’re friend here will lets him go.” He says looking to Cloud. Aerith also does and he lets go the guy thanks Sam and leaves. “Thank you. Now what d’you want with this girl of yours?”  

“Guess we want to save-” Cloud begins to say but Aerith cuts him off.  

“Save her from a life without this handsome guy!” She said not wanting him to tip off Corneo.  

“So that’s how it is, huh? We’ll I get a lotta customers. Hard to keep track of ‘em all.” Sam says. “This girl, what she look like?”  

“Black hair, red eyes one of a kind.” Cloud says as far as he knows. He always thought Tifa and her mother Ms. Thea were one of kind. Sam gives it some thought, and Cloud hoping she’ll never hear this. “And she’s in great shape.” He adds for his language.  

“Is that really important?” Aerith asks looking at herself.  

“Wait a minute, you’re talking about Tifa?” Sam asks.  

“Yes!” Cloud said annoyed.  

“Well, gotta say, not many people would explain her the first way you did.” Sam said on how it would have been explained. “Hate to break your heart kid, but it’s gonna be a long while before she sees the light of day again.”  

“What!?” Cloud said alarmed and concerned.  

“She’s a real pretty girl.” He remarks and Cloud was about to pound him but Aerith holds him before he grabs him. Sam backs up a bit before he explaines Tifa was chosen for the title of ‘Ms. Corneo’ that Corneo holds every year. He adds that it’s unlikely that Tifa would ever walk out.  

“So where do we find Corneo?” Cloud asked impatiently.  

“Hey, you do what you gotta, but leave me out of it. I told you what you wanna know-now take a walk.” Sam said and walks back into his office.  

“And there goes our best lead.” Aerith says sighing then turns to Cloud. “Come on, let’s check out the town.  

Aerith and Cloud entered the town to see bustling with lights and loud music. They ask where Corneo’s mansion is but mostly got ignored. Cloud sees someone run by muttering to himself, he realized it was Johnny much to his annoyance. Aerith asked if he knew him Cloud said an idiot you don’t want or need to know. They found the mansion in question for Corneo, they crossed the bridge and entered it to see three guys guarding the inside door set.  

“Not so fast buddy. Back it up. Got no need for pretty boys here.” The guy in the middle said as they approached.  

“Well, I'm looking for someone.” Cloud said frowning at him.  

“Lemme guess. First time in Wall Market?” He asks. “Well guess what, no can just walk through here. Especially men.”  

“How ‘bout me then? Can I go inside?” Aerith raised her hand.  

“Aerith!” Cloud exclaims.  

“Maybe, but you’re gonna wish you didn’t.” The guy says, surprising warning her for her safety.  

“Y’know, Leslie, she’s kinda cute. Homely, but cute.” Another says looking at her.  

“Excuse you?” Aerith said offended.  

“Kinda cute’ is not gonna cut it.” Leslie says.  

“Come on, can’t you help us out?” Aerith asks.  

“Do you have any idea what you’re getting yourself into?” Leslie said actually trying to get her reconsider.  

“Seriously les, she’s not half bad! With a little work-” The other guy remarks as well, but stops with a sword at his throat.  

“You guys want to lose your eyes?” Cloud threatens not going let them ogle her.  

“Take it easy pretty boy. You don’t want to do anything while in the Don’s home.” Leslie warns. He then explains that if they wanted in the audition, they need approval from the Trio. There was Chocobo Sam who they spoked to, Andrea Rhodea that owns the Honeybee Inn, And Madame M who owns a massage parlor. With that knowledge they leave.  

“Aerith. You don’t need to do this...” Cloud begins to say.  

“Do you have a better idea?” Aerith asks if he got a better one.  

“I thinking of busting my way through.” Cloud replies but before Aerith can reply a voice interrupts them.  

“So that’s how it is, hmm?” They turn to see Johnny standing at the other end of the bridge. “Tifa’s been invited into the don’s estate...” He says causing them to be confused at how he found out.  

“But! To earn such a privilege, you must first win the approval of the Trio. Right?” He says doing dramatic poses. “Meaning! I know what I must do to save her! Stay strong, Tifa! Help is on the way! Johnny’s coming baby!” He runs off to the Trio.  

“Not the sharpest tool in the shed, is he?” Aerith asks Cloud with his hand over his eyes.  

“Nope.” Cloud replies. They went to Madame M’s but the parlor was closed, so they went to Andrea while seeing Johnny walked out fazed.  

“Let me handle this. You wait here, okay?” Cloud said  

“And why would I do that? No, I’m coming with you.” Aerith stubbornly denies.  

That’s not...” Cloud tries come up with an excuse but couldn’t.  

“You got many talents, but talking isn’t one of them.” Aerith remarks on one of his major flaws.  

They walk in seeing employees and patrons going about their business. They walk up to the receptionist and ask to see Andrea. But in order to see him they needed an appointment and the next one was three years. Another way was to get his attention was to impress him. They went back to Sam’s who wasn’t happy to see them and passing Johnny, Cloud let Aerith do the talking.  

“You want in now? No can do, sweetheart. I already recommended Tifa.” Sam said after hearing what she was asking for.  

“How can you be sure he’ll pick Tifa? You never know, he might pick me.” Aerith said and Cloud felt like that was insult despite the circumstances.  

“Damn, you really want in, don’t you?” Sam asks.  

“Sure do!” Aerith shows enthusiasm.  

Then how’s about we play it?” Sam holds out a coin. “Call it, heads or tails. Guess right, and I’ll grant your wish. Wrong, then leave me in peace.” Sam flips the coin. Cloud watches it and as he does, he felt time was going slow and sees two sides were the same. The coin lands in his hand. “Call it.”  

“No deal.” Cloud replies.  

“Not much of a gambler?” Sam asks.  

“No, not when-” Cloud begins to say but Aerith cuts him off.  

“I am! Heads!” She guessed and Cloud couldn’t stop her.  

“Tails. You lose.” He says showing the coin. “Hey don’t look so glum. You’re a pretty enough gal, just not quite Corneo’s cup of tea.” He says about her appearance making her look down slightly. “If you still want to get in, try convincing one of the other two. That’s why it’s the Trio and not just the me-oh. Now skedaddle.” He goes back to his office.  

“Wait.” Cloud stops him. “Mind if I see that coin?” Sam looks to him smiles then tosses the coin to him. Cloud looks at it and sees he was right. Aerith takes the coin and sees it has the same side. “That’s what I was going to call him out on.”  

“That’s cheating!” Aerith calls out at Sam who’s already back inside.  

“And that’s Wall Market’s way. Lesson learned.” Cloud remarks on how to survive this town’s lifestyle.  

“Still cheating.” Aerith said still upset. After that they went back to Madame M. too hear shouting then seeing Johnny run out likely having to anger her. They enter after giving her a minute.  

“Welcome, welcome. Just the two of you. Step right up.” Madame M. says standing behind a desk in a kimono robe.  

“Now then, what manner of massage do you desire?” She asks as they walked up.  

“Say what?” Aerith asked confused.  

“This your first time?” Madame M. asks and Aerith hums in response. She explains the about the parlor and relieving patrons of tension and what better than a professional. “Now that we understand each other, what manner of massage do you desire?”  

“We’re not customers.” Cloud states.  

“Then you are?” She asks to who they are.  

“Unfortunately, what that last idiot was probably was trying to ask-” Cloud begins to say.  

“Oh for the love of- Say another word and I’ll shove this fan right down your throat!” Madame M. warns causing them to be quiet.  

“This is the last thing I need.” She says coming out from behind the desk. “You’re young and stupid, and I suppose that means you think I’ll let you off easy.” She walks around them. “So you want what? A favor?”  

“Well, here’s the thing... This is a massage parlor-a respectable establishment. But if you don’t require our services...” She continues standing back in front of them, then snaps. “Then tell me! Is there any reason I shouldn’t have you dragged outside and shot for wasting my valuable time!? Well!?” She gets right in Cloud’s face finishing her rant.  

“A favor for a favor. What do you want?” Cloud said not wanting to waste any more time. Madame M. looks at him backing up, but instead of snapping she puts her fan at his chin.  

“Name?” Was all she said.  

“...Cloud.” Cloud replied confused.  

“Hand.” She said after staring at him for a moment causing him to be confused even more. “Give it to me!” She snaps again. Cloud slowly brought his hand up and she grabs it. Cloud thought she would break it but ends up squeezing it. “The strong, firm hands of a fighter...yet they possess a certain elegance and grace.”  

Cloud snaps his hand away annoyed by the psychic reading on him telling her she couldn’t be more wrong. Madame M. looks at him after snapping his hand away and frowning. Aerith looks concerned but luckily, she lets it slide. But before she asks what they want she wants to know what Cloud is made of. So, she asks what massage course he’ll take which he almost lost it. But if that is what will get them the approval, he’ll do it. So, he picked the luxury hoping it would win her favor, the price was 3000 but luckily, he had the money for it.  

Aerith waited at the desk holding Zack’s sword Cloud asked her to watched over while going to the back room. After thirty minutes Cloud came out looking dazed and going to the back wall and leans back. Madame M. came out and asks him if he’ll make a habit of it. Then she moved back to her desk and waited for them to tell her what they wanted. Aerith asks Cloud if he was ok handing the sword back and said yes, after that Aerith went to the desk.  

“You’re one of the Trio, right? I want to get into Corneo’s next audition.” Aerith tells her what they want.  

“And why in the world would you want that?” Madame M. asks amused but gave it a hum before Aerith responds. “Okay.”  

“Really!?” Aerith asks surprised and... happy.  

“But. You cannot go dress like that.” M. said before they get too excited. “I could never send Corneo a candidate wearing such a plain looking getup. Doing so will call my position as one of the Trio into question.”  

“Is something wrong with my outfit?” Aerith asks Cloud standing next to her.  

“I-it- It's okay... I’m mean it’s a nice dress... Uh....” Cloud stutters not having a clue on what to say.  

“Oh you.” Aerith laughs “Thank goodness Zack didn’t pass that on to you.” She adds and removes it from her worry list.  

Madame M. brought them back on track not wanting to witness that. Aerith asks what she should do with her dress, but she wouldn’t have to. Madame M. promised to put her in a dress that will get her in, but the problem was it cost a million gil. Fourteenthly Madame M. has something in mind. If they enter in Corneo’s cup a colosseum underground as her champions and win the grand prize she will give them her approval. After agreeing they make their way to the colosseum.  

“You’re here to compete?” A staff asks them sees Madame M’s signature. “Hope you know what you’re doing. So, you two a team?”  

“No just-” Cloud begins to say.  

“Yes! The two of us are a team!” Aerith interrupts. “I need to get into that audition, but I won’t let anyone else fight my battle for me.” Cloud moves to argue but Aerith stops him. “That includes you mister.”  

How did you manage with her Zack? Cloud thinks to himself looking to the sword. They enter the elevator and go down to the waiting room. In the arena two guys were emceeing to the audience. The Trio have a VIP balcony for them to watch. Cloud was bewildered to see Johnny who stupidly entered, he tried to get them to pull out but they weren’t going to. The announcement called them out for their turn.  

“For our next match, we welcome two fighter’s-a young couple no less!” One of the emcees named Scotch tells the crowed.  

“Talk about a bad date!” The other Kotch remarks.  

“This is their first tournament!” Scotch comments.  

“A bad first date!” Kotch retorts.  

“And most likely their last, inexperienced as they are-or are they!? Give it up for Cloud and Aerith!” Scotch says and Kotch gives a sarcastic negative remark. Cloud and Aerith walk out to the arena after the doors opens and are being laughed at. But mostly at Aerith due to her appearance and her staff.  

“Okay. Now I’m mad.” Aerith says by the remarks.  

Their first opponent was a Beastmaster who two brought animals with him. Cloud drew the animals towards him giving Aerith time to hit them. The Beastmaster was easy target since he never fought ‘man to man’ before. After the fight the specters were mostly quiet, Cloud and Aerith went back to the waiting room. Aerith was enthused by their win but Cloud was concerned by the rules and expected the worse to happen. After a few minutes they called back to the arena.  

Cloud and Aerith walk back hearing Scotch and Kotch speaking out to the crowed. As they walked out, they are booed for ruining their bets from the first round. Their next opponent is a team called ‘Beck’s Badasses’  

“Hey, it’s those guys.” Aerith says as the door opens to revel the three idiots from the underpass.  

“Hey... It’s those guys!” The second guy recognizing them too.  

“Hot damn! Been fixin’ to feed you two your just desserts!” Beck says. “So open wide, ‘cause we’re gonna serve up a heapin’ helpin’!”  

“Hey, what do ‘just desserts’ taste like?” The short one asks confusing everyone.  

“Like justice! Like payback!” Beck shouts annoyed.  

 Aerith looks confused while Cloud has his face in his hand. “More of them?” Aerith says as five more guys walk out weapons drawn. “Hey that’s cheating!” Aerith says after they weren’t being called out. Though it didn’t matter as Corneo ‘granted’ his approval on the screen, since there were no rules.  

Two of the Beck’s gang with guns started shooting at them. Cloud used the sword to shield them as Aerith used her staff casting magic at them. With the gunners down Cloud moves to rest with melee weapons. He swings at two knocking them back while delivering a powerful kick to the short one sending him to the wall. Aerith sends a wind spell to the rest sending them flying face first to the ground knocking them out.   

“That kid’s really something.” Sam comments after the match ends, impressed at how Cloud fights.  

“Well, of course he is. I did give him a massage.” Madame M. says standing up. “It’s funny. His palm tells he’s cheated death more than a few times, but his eyes tell a different one.”  

“Well, have the people in this town have. No matter what their tale is. Anyway, we’re both still alive.” Sam replies then holds out his trick coin. “Call it?”  

“There you go again. One of these days your ‘luck’ is going to run out.” Madame M. says waking to him and putting a hand on his shoulder.  

“When I fall from grace, maybe I’ll land in your parlor one more.” Sam reminds about their past while taking her hand. Madame M. snaps her hand away and sits back down.  

“That is one mistake I will never repeat.” Madame M. states.  

“You gotta admit Andi-the way he moves is totally amazing!” One of Andrea’s honey girls says about Cloud. And she’s right with how he moves, quite impressive.  

Cloud and Aerith wait for the final round. Aerith would have thought Cloud would have been happy though he was thinking of the next match. Their conversation was interrupted by the announcement calling them for their final match. As they walked out, they’ll being cheered instead of booed or insulted. Most likely being betted on for their pockets.  

“The electric executioners... Chocobo Sam’s Champions...” Scotch says as he and Kotch explain their opponents. “Cutty and Sweepy!” The doors are burst open by two machines.  

“Robots!?” Aerith states in surprised.  

“More like Shinra armor.” Cloud remarks drawing the sword.  

“More like cheating!” Aerith complains drawing her staff.  

After Scotch and Kotch finished emceeing, the matched begins. Cloud draws Cutty towards him as Aerith fights Sweepy. Cloud matches the robots speed as it swings its chain saws at him. Aerith uses a ward materia to block Sweepy’s bullets, she cast lighting at its guns destroying them, then she casts a beam at it destroying it completely. Cloud destroys Cutty’s chain saws then swings overhead and defeats it. With that over they were declared winners of the cup.  

“My condolences.’ Madame M. says to Sam in fake sympathy. Sam just hums in response. “You’re taking this rather well. I was looking forward to a little temper tantrum.”  

“When you bet it all on a toss, sometimes you get burned by lady luck. Every coin has two sides.” Sam says tossing his coin then stands to leave.  

“You’re right of course-even if they are both the same.” Madame M. states on his lady luck. Sam gives a smile pats her shoulder and leaves to check on his robots. “And now, I believe I have a prize to collect.” Madame M. stands to leave to collect.  

“Sorry-the madam will have to wait.” Leslie stops her. “The don’s demanding that we tack on one more match, it seems.”  

“What?” Madame M. asks annoyed.  

“If they win, then you get paid in full.” Leslie informs which doesn’t sit well.  

“Now hold on just a goddamn minute!” Madame M. begins to threaten.  

“His call, not mine.” Leslie calmly explains. Madame M. scoffs and leaves to deliver the bad news to Cloud and Aerith.  

“Now that’s over, we can go save Tifa!” Aerith says to Cloud as they returned to the waiting room.  

“We should get back to M’s, and get to Corneo’s.” Cloud said hoping to make it in time. Aerith nods but Madame M. walks in.  

“Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. But...you still have one fight left.” She informs them.  

“What do you mean?” Aerith asks for the both of them. M. says how the crowed placed a lot of bets on them, and due to that Corneo was going take advantage of it. If they beat Corneo’s choice of fighter then they will win. “Hey! That wasn’t the deal!”  

“Don’t you think I know that!?” M. snaps and scream a bit. “You greedy bastard! Scum-sucking piece of shit festering asshole!” M. calms down and says Corneo’s the one who makes the rules.  

“That’s it. I’m busting my way in!” Cloud moves for the door, but M. stops him.  

“You do that. And Corneo will place a bounty on your pretty face and your friend here.” M. informs on what will happen. With that statement and a look to Aerith whose face went to concern and fear for her mother Cloud has no choice.  

Aerith and Cloud walked back to the doors hearing the commotion for the bonus match by Scotch and Kotch. They walked out for the specters to cheer and to get their attention but they just ignore them. “And now, the secret star of Don Corneo’s stellar stable. Enter” the Hell House!”  

Aerith and Cloud looks to the doors but instead of them opening the circle in the middle of the arena opens to revel their opponent. “It’s just...a house.” Aerith says over their confusion. The ‘house suddenly bursts into flames and legs coming out from under it.  

“It’s no ordinary house.” Cloud remarks drawing the Buster Sword.  

The match begins and Cloud and Aerith attack the house with everything they got. At first the house is slow but it surprises them almost sucking one of them in it, spouting monsters, bombs and magic at them. But despite its tricks, it proved to be and almost easy opponent. But that changed after dealing with some amount of damage. It began to transform shooting out arms, a head, two extra arms at the roof one with a sword like and rockets behind it, making it twice as tough. And uses a barrier materia to block their attacks.  

Cloud and Aerith continue to attack and dodge its attacks. Though it was difficult, with it being able to fly. With it flying Aerith was the only one who can hit it, Cloud blocked whatever was being thrown at her. Aerith unleashed lighting and destroys its right arm knocking it down. Cloud charges and destroys its remaining arms knocking it further back to the doors. Just as Cloud was about to finish it started to shoot out spells all around some heading to the crowd. Aerith blocks the spells from hurting anyone, Cloud charges at the house jumps high and stabs it in the head and the house explode.  

There was silence for a moment before the crowed started to cheer and confetti poured into the colosseum. “We did it!” Aerith smiles and she and Cloud both high five over their victory as they are declared winners of the match. Back in the Vip balcony Madame M. also cheers at their victory. Andrea impressed by Cloud skills makes M. wonder what he’ll do. They return to the parlor to find M. already there.  

“You’re here, good. I have everything I need to get started.” M. says as they walked in. “Just one thing before we do. You’re the Cloud, right? Cloud the merc?” She asks him.  

“Yeah?” Cloud says awkwardly and concerned but relaxed when she smiles.  

“I’m told you did a wonderful job helping the people of Sector 5 and 7. You have a very impressive work ethic.” M. praises. “I’m going to put Aerith in a most gorgeous dress you’ve ever seen. It’ll be a real jaw-dropper.”  

“All right then. Let’s get started. Beauty takes a lot of work and preparation, far more than you’d know.” M. adds but says with the time she spends getting Aerith ready she says he can get out and enjoy the town. Even had Sam help him out. Cloud tried to deny not looking to waste time but M. just insisted that he man up. “Alright, that’s enough of that. Aerith come with me.”  

“Oh boy, I can’t wait to see the dress!” Aerith said excited.  

“The dress is part of it, sure...but we’ll also need to do something about that plain-Jane makeup and hairdo. This is gonna take some work.” M. says on the work they’ll have to do.  

Ouch! Well, see you later Cloud.” Aerith says and follows M. to the back.  

With that Cloud makes his way to Sam’s not having any other choice. He meets up with Sam almost looking like he’s not thrilled either, but know M. it was her idea. So, he gave him a short list of things to do. First, he went to a workout gym and met Jules wanting to teach his guys something. So he did some squats with them, Cloud knows how Zack always did it every time he seemed restless and encouraged him to do it. After that he went to a shopkeeper who was waiting for his dad that went to get drunk. Johhny having too stuck his nose in it ran into Cloud and showed him ‘the ways of Wall Market’.  

They found the father in a bar having to drink after losing his ‘inspiration’ in a card game. So they ran all over town trying to get it first from the guy, but had to get some sauce that they fuse over only to learn after he gave it away to a restaurant owner. They make to the restaurant but had to help with how he cooks, Johhny takes a bite but ends up running almost about to throw up. After getting it and chasing Johhny and helping a local doctor they went back to the bar. When the father appeared to be a little sobber Cloud learns his ‘inspiration’ was a VIP to the Honey Bee Inn. Johhny plans to join him while Cloud decided to go back to Sam.  

Along the way he saw Mirelle arguing with another Sam’s stable hand. Cloud goes over and learns that someone stole a shipment for the Leaf House and the guy believes it’s the Angel of the Slums. Mirelle says she saw three shady guys going to Evergreen Park near Sector 7’s gate and asks Cloud to investigate. Cloud follows the path and finds Beck, his morons and a big guy with them and with the shipment. Cloud makes short work of them and beats them for a third time and brings them to Mirelle. Cloud brings them back and the stable guy knows them and takes them away. Mirelle thanks Cloud and takes the shipment to the Leaf House.  

Cloud decided to go back to the parlor having to wait long enough for them to finish. Cloud was about to go in when there was a cry. “Nooo!” Cloud turns to see Johhny running up.  

“Cloud! Finally! Tifa! She-I- Sh-she's-” Johhny stutters.  

“What!?” Cloud shouts annoyed.  

“I heard Corneo was gonna audition new girls soon, and Tifa’s- I don’t know what to do!” Johhny says.  

“Well I do.” Cloud says and makes his way to the mansion having to been given M.’s approval. As he goes Johhny follows and goes on how he appreciates he’s looking out for Tifa. And says how he wished he can fight like him and be like him. Cloud stops tells him if he wants to be useful, go back to the parlor and tell Aerith to wait for him there. Johhny runs to do that and Cloud walks into the mansion. He tried to get in but Leslie says only women can enter and warns if he plans to cause any scene, they’ll be trouble for anyone paying the price for his actions especially Tifa.  

Cloud walks out frustrated and concerned. He doesn’t know how to go through with this. He fears he can’t save Tifa and Aerith, and he doesn’t want to send Aerith in alone. Not without help. Before he can ponder further there was a commotion and people running to see something. Cloud sees Johhny in the crowed pushing people away and behind him is Aerith in a red dress. Though Cloud just stares and as M. had said it was a real jaw-dropper. Johhny rolls out a red carpet and Aerith walks down it up to Cloud.  

“Heya.” Aerith greets.  

“That’s-” To say Cloud is lost for words is an understatement.  

“Yeah.” Aerith said looking over herself. “Corneo’s got certain...tastes. This dress is so gaudy and impossible to move in...” She says over its design, though Cloud just kept starring. “Cloud!?” She walks up to him.  

Cloud stutters for a second, then without even thinking hits the Buster Sword. “Knock it off Zack!” Then he realized what he did and sees the amused look on Aerith’s face.  

“And you thought I was strange talking to the flowers.” Aerith laughs.  

“Wait! Wait! Did Johhny forget to give you my message?” Cloud got back on track.  

“The one asking me to stay put? No, I got it. I was worried about you.” Aerith said.  

“Well bad news is I can’t come with you. So there’s no way in hell I’m letting you go in there alone.” Cloud says concerned over her safety.  

“By myself? Don’t worry, I wasn’t gonna. Come on.” Aerith pulls him along telling him that he caught the eye of someone. She leads him to the Honey Bee Inn.  

“What are we doing here?” Cloud asked confused.  

“To see Andrea. And convinced him to give you his stamp of approval.” Aerith says.  

“Big flaw with that idea. Only women can go in. And I’m not.” Cloud says on the major flaw on it.  

“Well, with Andrea’s help, you can join me.” Aerith says holding something back. “It’ll be fun! And honestly, I think you’ll look cute in a dress.”  

“What!?” Cloud shouts in surprise. Aerith says how it’s rare for Andrea takes an interest in someone according to M. “Where does that result to wearing a skirt!?”  

“C’mon. Don’t you wanna save Tifa?” Aerith said and Cloud just stutters again. Aerith said this is the plan and to suck it up. She says Andrea gives anyone a fair chance if he walks up and explain it might work. Cloud looks between her and the inn not wanting to do this but Aerith brought up again on wanting to save Tifa.  

I’d rather be mako poisoned again. Cloud thought to himself and with a heavy sigh he walks in.  

The reception welcomes him and knew his name, obviously been expected. He’s told to walk to the back and meets some of the girls and being led to the back. Someone tried to take Zack’s sword though he refused to let be taken, Aerith takes it instead. Cloud is pulled to a stage seeing Sam and Madame M. the latter in a teasing surprise to see him there. Cloud is sat down and told to wait for the show to start then take up with Andrea. Eventually the lights go down and music and stage performers start to dance. The show goes on till the lights come up and Cloud is pulled up to the stage and a flower like pops up and out comes Andrea.  

“Welcome to the Honey Bee Inn...Cloud.” Andrea greets and walks up and circle him. “You seek my approval, do you?” Cloud tries to respond but Andrea holds a finger to his mouth.  

“I understand.” Andrea walks back to the center stage. “But those who crave my favor must first prove that they know how to move.” With that he begins to dance then beckons Cloud to do the same. Cloud’s statement to Barret comes back bite him. He tries to leave but is blocked and dragged back. He sees Aerith at the table he was at and teasingly cheers him on.  

“Look, can we just talk about this?” Cloud says almost begging. Andrea’s only response is point with a spotlight to the spot next to him. Cloud sighs knowing he can’t get out of this. And I thought fighting Sephiroth was something I wouldn’t end up be doing. Well, fought-ish.  

Cloud walks to the spot and the dancing begins as some light bulb flies around. Andrea takes the lead and Cloud tries his best to keep up. All the while Aerith cheers and tell him to work it. For the most he is able to keep up as some moves make it seem likes he’s fighting an opponent. Eventually he is able to sync his movements with Andrea as they closed with knee, head down and arm stretched out. Cloud pants, never would have thought that would take so much stamina.  

“Honey...I’m in love.” Andrea says drawing his attention. Cloud is amazed he managed to impress him. With that said Andrea will “transform him into vision of beauty.” They sat him down on a chair still on stage and begins to change him. After some time, they finished dressing him up in a dark blue dress and raised him for all to see. He covers his faced completely embarrass by this whole thing.  

Aerith waits outside and sees Cloud walk out head low and moving past any one complimenting him. Aerith follows to a spot he stops at. “Not. A. Word.”  

“Not even one?” Aerith asks.  

“NO!” Cloud said.  

“But you’re so pretty” Aerith says completely liking his new look.  

They make their way to the mansion to find Tifa and get out. Aerith did the talking showing the approval from Andrea and Madame M. Leslie showing concerned though looks like he recognizes them he lets them in instead of calling Cloud out. They are directed up the steps to the far doors and walk in. But the room looks like a dump and no sight of Tifa. Suddenly the room is being filled with pink mist and Cloud realized it’s knock out gas. The doors are shield shut preventing them from getting out, then everything went black.  

Cloud comes to and sees Tifa above him. “Hey, can you hear me?”  

Cloud shoots up causing her to jump back. “Tifa!?”  

“Yes...?” Tifa says confused how ‘she’ knows her.  

“You okay?” Cloud asks and she nods. “Good.” Cloud says shaking of the effect of the gas.  

“Wait a minute.” Tifa says looking at him then gasps. “Cloud!? Is that you!?” She says realizing its him. “Oh my god, that makeup! And that dress!” She says likes that’s the most important thing in the situation.  

“Nailed it. I know. Thank you. Moving on.” Cloud not wanting to hear it but figured its better than the other thing. Cloud hears moaning and looks to see Aerith coming to. He gets up and help her up “You okay?” He asks her.  

“Yeah. Bit woozy, but I’ll manage.” She replies then sees Tifa and walks up to her. “Hey Tifa. How you doing?”  

“Okay...” Tifa replies confused on who she is.  

“Oh right-I'm Aerith. A friend of Cloud’s.” She introduces herself. “We were worried and thought we come and help out.”  

“Thanks...?” Was all Tifa said.  

“Look we need to get out of here. Now.” Cloud said wanting to get out before they’ll called in.  

“No! Not until I got what I came for.” Tifa says not ready to leave yet.  

“What?” Cloud said. She went on how after they got back some guys were asking questions about Barret. So she did some digging and learned they were Corneo’s men. But she couldn’t find out why and thought she ask the big man himself.  

“Seriously?” Cloud says bewildered that she thought that. “Wait where are the others?”  

“Barret didn’t think it was worth the time.” Tifa replies and Cloud growls at his stupidly. “Thought if I got some one-on-one time... But then I realized I be one of three candidates. And if he didn’t pick me, it would’ve been for nothing.”  

“Then your worries are over.” Aerith says walking next to Cloud. “Because the other two candidates are right here. Right?” She looks to Cloud who gives a dumb face but walks off shaking his head.  

“I dunno, Aerith. It feels wrong getting you involved in all this.” Tifa says not wanting to drag someone into it.  

“Don’t even bother trying to talk her out of it.” Cloud says on knowing all the times he tried.  

“Aww! Cloud gets me! Took you long enough. Zack would be proud.” Aerith says tapping his shoulder only to stop to see his eyes widen and hears a gasp from Tifa. Tifa looks between her and Cloud then looks away.  

“Tifa... I-I can explain-” Cloud tries to begin but stops when there’s a bong going off and someone calling them to make their way up for Corneo. Tifa focusing on her mission makes her way and gestures them to follow.  

Walking up and instructed to form a line from Kotch, who almost recognized Cloud and Aerith but with a shake from the latter he forgets about it. He then goes on and introduces Corneo, who pops his head out. Cloud sees he’s what he would suspect fat, short, loud mouth and perverted. He looks between them setting his sights on Tifa as she looks to be the most uncomfortable.  

“Today’s bride to be is...” He says causing Tifa to flinch.  

“Today’s’?” Aerith asks on what he means.  

“And tomorrow's or the day after’s-if the don takes a shine to you.” Kotch says on how it goes.  

“Pathetic.” Cloud says out loud.  

“Hey, which one of you said that?” Corneo says walking to Cloud. Cloud for his part just glared at him and gets ready to strike if he tries anything.  

“Ohhh, you got a mouth on you! I’ll enjoy breaking it in!” Corneo laughs and purrs. “Today’s winner is the big boned girl.” He takes Cloud’s hand and tries to pull him, but Cloud’s strength is better than his. But after another comment and pull Corneo takes him to his room and leaves Tifa and Aerith to his goons. Cloud just leans against the bed frame ignoring Corneo but forced insult him to keep him occupied and figure out what to do. Tifa and Aerith are led by Kotch to another room which is the lackeys hang out. Aerith sees Scotch who asks them if they’ll ready.  

“Guess I am.” Aerith says and looks to Tifa. “How ‘bout you Tifa?”  

“Four guys between us...” Tifa says which got them excited. “Okay. Let’s not keep Cloud waiting.” She adds wanting to save him quickly. Aerith nods then looks back as Scotch looks more closely at her.

“Wait...I know you... The colosseum!” Scotch realizes to late as Aerith kicks him below the belt. And Tifa kicks him the face. The other guys react, one charging with Tifa telling Aerith to duck and kicks him in the face too. Another comes up, Aerith sees he’s stepping on a rug that she tugs and makes him slip. He looks up as Aerith found a chair and hits him with it. Tifa dealt with the last one and knocks him out.

“Good job, Aerith.” Tifa praises.

“It was nothing compare to you!” Aerith says and they both high five each other. Their moment was interrupted when Leslie came in. But he was on their side as Andrea filled him in, he gave them their gear. Aerith and Tifa change then take Cloud’s gear and go to Corneo’s while Leslie deals with their handy work. They make their way back where they were led out and deal with Corneo’s men guarding his bedroom.

Back with Cloud he was still dealing with Corneo. “Don’t stop, keep going!”

“You depraved bastard.” Cloud said and moves to the door.

“Yes! Yes, I am!” Corneo says then moves to jump Cloud. “Here I come baby!” He shouts. Cloud was able to kick him in the gut and knock him back. “You... You... One of you get in here and teach this bitch some manners!” He shouts for his lackeys. Cloud stands defensively for them but relaxes when it’s Tifa and Aerith.

“Sorry, but... Your boys had to learn some manners too.” Tifa says to Corneo.

“Cloud! Your clothes!” Aerith says handing his clothes. Cloud takes them and gets behind something and quickly changes then comes out and takes back Zack’s sword.

Corneo is baffled by the fact Cloud’s a guy. “So you’re a man, huh? What are you three up to?”

“We’ll ask the questions.” Tifa emphasizes. “Like: why’d you have men in Sector 7 asking about Avalanche?”

“Huh? Dunno what you’re talking about.” Corneo says playing dumb.

“Don’t play dumb with me.” Tifa warns “Let’s try again. Why did you have men in Sector 7 asking about Avalanche? Spill the beans or...” Tifa looks to Cloud.

“I’ll cut ‘em off.” Cloud says ready about to pull the Buster sword.

“Alright! Alright! I’ll talk! I’ll talk!” Corneo said shielding himself. “Some guy with a gun for an arm-I was paid to find him!”

“Paid by who?” Tifa says wanting to know.

“I can’t tell you that! They’d hunt me down like a dog!” He replies.

“Well you better... ‘cause if you don’t...” Tifa says but this time Aerith answers.

“I’ll rip ‘em off!” She threatens. Corneo tries not to but ends up spilling.

“It was the director of Public Security! Heidegger! It was Heidegger!” He reveals.

“Shinra!?” Tifa surprised but demands. “And what were they planning?”

“Some things are better left unsaid, ya know!?” He still tries to resist.

“See, I’m not so sure they are. Better keep talking.” Aerith says and Tifa puts her boot on the edge of the bed.

“Or I’ll smash ‘em.” Tifa threatens. Corneo tries again but drops the whole weak moment.

“Alright, you got me. I could never say no to a sexy girl.” Corneo says then explains. “Since Avalanche blew up two reactors, Shinra’s decided they ought to stamp them out, home base and all. And I mean ‘stamp out.’ By targeting the support pillar and blowing it up.”

“The pillar?” Tifa says shocked by their idea.

“Did I stutter?” Corneo asks. “The plate will come crashing down. It will be Sector 6 all over again. I’m sure you seen there and see the wreckage for yourself. So you know exactly what Sector 7’s gonna look like!” He says looking gleefully at the idea.

“They wouldn’t...” Tifa says terrified by the thought.

“Come on, guys! We gotta go!” Aerith says and they begin to leave.

“Before you do!” Corneo says stopping them.

“No.” Cloud says tries to move but got held back again.

“Please! This won’t take long!” Corneo begins to explain. “As everyone knows villains only divulge their plans in a certain situation. But what is that situation?”

“When they lost their minds?” Cloud says on his mental stability.

“Close but no cigar!” Corneo says. “You’re parting gift. Is in the sewers.” He pulls a switch and they end up falling a secret hole to the sewers. “Enjoy the sight and smells!” Corneo laughs and hopes he’s saved his skin from Shinra’s wrath.

Chapter Text

In President Shinra’s office, Shinra sits at his desk as two of his directors stand in front. Heidegger and Reeve Tuesti head of the Urban Development. “Are we on schedule?” He asks Heidegger.  

Heidegger does his laugh again and answers. “The Turks are on top of it.” He says with glee. “There will be no delays.”  

“Please Mr. President! I am asking you to reconsider” Reeve speaks up trying to avert this plan. “The Sector 7 undercity is home to more than 50,000-”  

“Director Tuesti.” Shinra interrupts annoyed while he groans, a clear sign that he does not care for the lives of others.  

“At least let us issue a warning, sir” Reeve still tries to save the slums.  

“The stench of the director’s cowardice fills the room yet again.” Heidegger says in disgust and mockery.  

“Reeve.” Shinra draws Reeve back to him. “Progress requires sacrifice. Learn to live with it.” He says leaning on his desk. Reeve looks down in frustration then turns to leave. If he can’t convince him, he’ll try to stop them. Time to use his little project.  

In the sewers of Midagar, Cloud comes to and starts to get up. He looks to see Aerith and Tifa still unconscious. He moves to wake them but hears some rumbling and almost pulls the sword but still sees nothing. He then moves to Tifa checking her first. “Tifa?” He shakes her slightly and she comes to.  

“Cloud...” Tifa takes a look around then looks worried. “We have to get back to the slums-right now!”  

“We will.” Cloud says trying to ease her. Then looks to Aerith.  

“I didn’t want to drag Aerith into all of this...” Tifa says feeling guilty.  

“It was her choice.” Cloud says knowing she insisted on coming along.  

“How- How do you two know each other?” Tifa asks.  

Cloud hesitated not wanting to have this conversation now, but knows he has to explain. But decided to explain that part later and give on how they did meet. “She was the one who gave me the flower after Reactor 1. Then we met again after I fell from 5.” He says standing while offering his hand to help her.  

Tifa takes his hand then asks again. “And by you two knowing someone?” She says but holds no resentment in her voice, merely wanting an answer she asked before. Before Cloud can respond Aerith begins to stir and they both move to help, putting the conversation aside.  

“You okay?” Tifa asks helping her up.  

“Uh. Never better.” Aerith says.  

Then there’s a loud growl and thuds, something was coming to them. They look to the hole and see some kind of boar like face, arms, goat legs, horns at the top of its head and a long tongue. The thing jumps out and gives out a roar making Cloud and Aerith draw their weapons as Tifa readies her fist.  

The beast jumps at them making them dodge. Cloud charges first and makes a strike at it. But it surprises him that it can move faster than it look like it could. Tifa comes up delivers a few kicks before it knocks her away. Aerith cast fire at it stunning it for a moment but it jumps right in the water and uses it to move around. Then it jumps out and lands on Cloud. Cloud uses the sword to block its first strike till Aerith and Tifa got it off of him. They stunned it then Cloud slashes of its right horn, the beats growls from the pain then charges through them and makes another hole and leaves.  

“There it goes...” Tifa says as they relax from the fight.  

“Do you think it lives down here, or...?” Aerith says wondering what its purpose was.  

“Was probably Corneo’s pet. And we were its dinner.” Cloud says on would have happen if they were helpless. Aerith gives a disturbed humming sound.  

“Hey... You don’t believe that crazy story of his, do you?” Tifa asks Cloud on what Corneo said.  

“Shinra wouldn’t sacrifice a whole sector just to take out Avalanche, would they?” She goes on. “Destroying part of the city-killing all those people just to get at us?” Cloud thought about it, and he hoped he was lying. But his gut told him he was telling the truth. Corneo might be a scumbag but with Shinra, they do just about anything to get what they want.  

“He may be a dirt bag... But we know Shinra would do anything to quill any resistance.” Cloud said and Tifa looks down knowing he’s right.  

“Then...we should go.” Aerith gets their attention. “And if it turns out he was lying, then so what? Right?” They both nod hoping so, Tifa looks to the hole seeing something and runs to it.  

“Tifa!” Cloud calls out but she keeps going. Cloud chases after Aerith already chases her too. “What is it?” He asks as Tifa looks at the tunnel floor the creature walked down from the hole.  

“I knew it. These tunnels are all connected.” Tifa says looking around. “I’m pretty sure we can use these tunnels to make our way back to Sector 7. The sewers under Sectors 6 and 7 should be connected. ‘If you get in trouble, just follow the stench’.”  

“What does that mean?” Cloud asks at what she’s saying.  

“It’s an Avalanche saying. We use them to move around the undercity. In emergencies.” Tifa explains.  

“You sure we’re not lost?” Cloud asked Tifa hoping she knows the way.  

“Positive.” Tifa replies. “There should be a big waterway just up ahead. Let’s find that first.”  

“Lead the way.” Aerith says walking next to her as she starts to follow the tunnel. They follow down the tunnel, climb up a latter and found a canal. Cloud pulls a lever and drains the water allowing them to cross. They continue on, running into monsters that live in the sewers and came up to two dark hallways.  

“Is it safe to go through here?” Tifa asks a bit nervous.  

“It’s really dark.” Aerith also remarks and nervous.  

“I’m sure we’ll be okay. Come on.” Cloud says walking down first.  

“Hey, Cloud... Assuming Corneo was telling the truth...” Tifa says. “What do you think Shinra is really up to? I mean they got to have an endgame. But I can’t imagine what it is. Destroying a part of the city just to get back at us doesn’t make any sense.”  

“It will cost them a fortune to rebuild.” Cloud explains. “But it won’t matter to them, as long as they get people to believe their story.” He adds at who they use as their scapegoat, and how most people will believe them. Tifa looks down again knowing he’s right again. After that they went silent till they managed to find a light area and a door and a Stamp painted next to it.  

“Why is that here?” Cloud asks.  

“Sorry, I should have told you. It’s for the skeleton key Jessie made for the door, which is locked.” Tifa says remembering why it’s down here.  

“Does it mean it's in the water?” Aerith asks looking at it.  

“Should be. And it should also be nearby.” Tifa said but remembered the hallway is pitch black.  

They found another door and found a very old generator, most likely built before the reactors. Fortunately, there was still power and turned the lights back on. They went back the way they came first and drained the canal’s water. Cloud searched through it but found nothing, after heading to the other canal they spot Stamp and Cloud grabs the key. They get back to the door and open it a found a waterway.  

“This is it.” Tifa says running up to a broken catwalk. “Sector 7 should be just on the other side.  

“So this is where Sector 6 ends?” Cloud asks.  

“And where Sector 7 begins.” Tifa replies. “Once we cross over we can start looking for a way back to the surface.”  

“That might be hard...” Cloud said as knowing their luck maybe slim.  

“Let’s just try to make our way down this tunnel. See if we can’t use those gates to clear a path. We can do this. We’ll figure it out.” Tifa says determined to find a way no matter what.  

“Yeah, for sure.” Aerith tries to be optimistic as well. They navigate through the water gates while draining the water, fighting monsters along the way, till they reached a gate blocked but had some planks they can use to cross. After climbing back up Cloud pulls the lever and water pours in and the planks rises.  

“I’ll go first.” Cloud says making sure they wouldn’t sink.  

Tifa and Aerith watch him. But Tifa keeps thinking about what they were told. “Dammit. I can’t stop thinking about what Corneo said.” She says looking to Aerith.  

“I know... Me too.” Aerith says also not wanting to believe it.  

“It’s got to be a trick. There’s no way they go that far.” Tifa says not wanting to believe it despite what Cloud said and knowing they would do anything. “We have to get there in time to stop it. We have to.”  

“Right.” Was all Aerith said looking down. Tifa felt that Aerith was holding something back.