Meaning of Life

By: A'den Neytiri Kad

Author's Note

Yet another request by my friend. This one's a bit longer than what I normally write, but I really like it. I hope you enjoy it. In case you didn't see the summary, this takes place in an alternate universe. Some of it's the same as the original, but some of it's my doing. Why? Because I like it better.

Psst... This is part one of my series, yes a series, called Reality Disturbed. All the titles will be those of Disturbed's songs. They're going to be AU and in a differnet order. This concerns Crisis Core. The sequel will be about Dirge of Cerberus. The third, and final, part with deal with Advent Children. So please, keep that in mind. Thanks!

"My honor, it's yours now," Zack whispered, thrusting the long handle towards him. He closed his azure eyes for the last time, his body going limp.

"Zack…" Cloud muttered, looking up to the dark, swirling clouds above him as the rain descended. You were the only one who could help me remember… He stood, swaying as he lifted the great sword off the blood-soaked ground. He let it drop, falling to his knees. "You… you can't die on me. Not yet." He hoisted his fallen comrade up, slinging of his arms across his own shoulders. He started to lumber toward the nearest road, dragging the sword behind them with his other hand.

Barret hummed along with the radio, smiling down on his little girl. "What? You don't like my singing?"

"No, Papa!" Marlene giggled, switching the radio station.

Barret chuckled, glancing along the long expanse of land around them. "I can't wait to see Tifa," Marlene started to chattering, twirling her braid between her fingers.

"Whoa! Hang on, Munchkin!" He slammed on the brakes, cursing under his breath. "You boys alright? Marlene, stay here." He hopped out of the old, rusty truck and took the raven-haired man from Cloud. "Where y'all headed?"

"Anywhere but here…" Cloud whispered, still lugging the sword behind him.

"Your buddy here looks like he needs some help. We can drop you off at the hosp- "

"No."

"Why not?"

"What do we look like?"

"Good point. Well… I know someone who might help. Climb in back, and don't worry. I won't let you guys be seen. Just don't scare my daughter, a'ight?"

Cloud nodded, clambering onto the truck bed. Barret gently sat Zack down in the bed of the truck. He climbed back into the cab and gently eased it back onto the road.

Marlene peered through the window, watching the ex-SOLDIER curiously.

Cloud hunkered down, settling Zack's head in his lap. He started to rub Zack's face with the hem of his soiled shirt, attempting to wipe the dried blood off.

"Daddy?" Marlene whispered, turning to her adoptive father. "Where are we taking them?"

"To Tifa's. She's seen plenty of wounds like that."

"She has?"

"She wouldn't admit it, but she's like our own personal medic."

"Wow…"

"Just don't told her I told you that, 'kay?"

"'Kay," she replied warmly. "But… wouldn't people see them?"

"Not the way we're going," he muttered, skirting through the outer sections of Edge. "No one'll see them."