Disclaimer: I do not own FFVII

Warnings: None for this chapter

Mindless Babble: Inspired by the movie "Black Hawk Down". Plato said, "Only the dead have seen the end of war". Another wise unknown person said, "The only future peace has to offer is war". Whether these statements prove true remain to be seen, although they do seem to be holding their own.

"Kinda a slow night, huh?"

Tifa nodded absently as she washed one of the few glasses that had gathered. She looked at the man standing next to her. "Thanks for the company, Cloud."

The blond shrugged, smiling back at her. "No problem. I said I would protect you even if it just against boredom."

Tifa gasped. "A joke from you? Who are you and what have you done to my Cloud Strife?"

Cloud laughed and was about to reply when the door to Seventh Heaven slammed open. A familiar man in unfamiliar clothing strode in. He looked around at the few patrons that dotted the bar.

"You all have two minutes before this establishment is closed," he said, his voice like a razor.

It actually took only a minute for the place to clear out. Even now, the Turks were something to be feared.

"Why the Hell did you do that for, Tseng?" Tifa yelled at the black clad man. It was strange to see the Turk in formfitting body armor instead of the usual dark blue suit. The pistol at his side didn't fit with the man either.

"I'm sorry, but President Shinra has business with you and your friends."

"Well, maybe next time he can call or come himself. Unlike him, I still need the money this place brings in, no matter how little!" She added that last part when an eyebrow shot up on Tseng's face.

"I'm sure that what I have to offer will be worth more then what you would have lost tonight." The smaller honey-blond man stepped through the door. He was dressed in black as well, though not in body armor. More like the clothing one would wear to a funeral.

"Rufus! What… Why…?" Cloud's mind refused to form a complete sentence.

"I have need of your services," Rufus said, quietly. "Will you come with me, please?"

There was something in his voice, the way it wavered at the end, which convinced the two former Avalanche members to go with their one-time enemy.

Rufus and Tseng led the pair into the Shinra building which had since been rebuilt and to an elevator. Tseng keyed for the 68th floor, the one just below the president's office and living quarters. The ride was done in silence, each lost to their own thoughts.

Once the doors slid open, Cloud and Tifa were met with a pleasant surprise. Barret, Cid, Vincent and even Nanaki were standing there with Rude and Elena in front of a triangular column.

"What are all of you doing here?" Tifa exclaimed, hugging Barret and Cid.

"We were told that there was a matter of importance involving all of us," Vincent replied, his voice barely above a whisper. "They hinted that one of us was being threatened."

As one, the group turned to face Rufus and the three Turks. That was when they noticed two strange things. For one, the Turks were all wearing the same black armor. And two, one of them was missing.

Rufus held up his hands to stop the questions before they started. "First order of business is my request; I need you to guard a very special person."

"There ain't nobody I'd want to guard if they work for Shinra!" Barret exclaimed, crossing his arms over his massive chest.

"But I don't work for them!" countered a squeaky voice. Suddenly, the big, dark skinned man found his arms full of a bouncy Materia thief named…

"Yuffie!"

Cloud returned his gaze to Rufus. "Explain."

"A civil war has broken out in Wutai," the young president started. "A small but powerful warlord forced the Royal Family out-"

"He means me and my dad!" Yuffie interrupted, the happiness that had been there since she had first caught sight of her friends had faded somewhat, though she tried to keep the smile up.

Rufus cleared his throat before continuing. "My forces aided their escape and they have been in hiding here while we try to restore order. While Lord Godo doesn't mind taking sanctuary here, Lady Yuffie is a bit lonely and rather restless. I can't afford to use my men to be her bodyguards so I was hoping that I might be able to employ the six of you to watch over her for a while longer. We are at a stage where we should be able to restore Wutai to its proper rulers soon."

"PLEEEEEESE?" The young girl was practically begging them.

Tifa smiled and replied, "I guess we can figure something out."

"YES!" Yuffie whooped and jumped into the air. "Tifa, you rock!"

"Where's Reno?" The laughter was cut short by Cloud's question. "And what's with the body armor?"

The three Turks looked away, attempting to hide the pain that played over their faces. Rude visibly flinched, as if hit. Rufus swallowed and motioned to the hall behind the pillar, his own eyes darting everywhere but at the assembled group.

"Let us move to a more comfortable location."

This floor was the Turk's domain which included a lounge, dojo, shooting range, gym, medical facility, and a briefing room. Soon the group was sitting in a room full of cushy couches and chairs and elegantly carved coffee and end tables. The three Turks made sure that everyone was comfortable before leaving, practically fleeing the room. They had lived this story and once was enough. Besides, this room held a sacred memory that was still too fresh in their minds to stay for long in the company of outsiders.

Rufus began the tale…