I do not own anything nor do I make any money from this story. All rights apply.

Crossover between FFVII, FFVIII and FFX. I'm going to assume that if you are reading this story you know what the characters look like and have played the games or know the stories. Set days after FFVII AC, forgetting FFVII DC. I have taken some liberties with stories and settings.

ALL THAT IS LOST

ONE

Squall had lost track of time. The endless wasteland that spread before him had remained unchanged for so long. He was tired and thirsty but continued to walk forward in the waste. His rational mind told him that he would end up somewhere; he just had to get there. After an unknown amount of time he spotted something in the far distance, he couldn't make out what it was but it was there. Having a destination he managed to pick up his pace and made his way toward the blur on the horizon.

XXX

Tidus swam lazily toward the surface, he could see sunlight playing on the water above him. Breaking the surface he did not find himself on the beach as he had anticipated instead he found himself in a church. A very abandoned church, the roof had collapsed in some places and flowers had taken over most of the floor. What furniture remained was broken and tossed about in a haphazard way. His feet also touched the bottom of the pool he had been swimming in. He stood for a while swirling his hand in the quiet water before turning to leave the pool and find out where he was. He stopped, however, when he saw a young man watching him. He had blond spiked hair and violent blue eyes, he was studying Tidus with open hostility. Tidus lifted his hands in a non threatening way,

"Could you tell me where I am?" he asked with a friendly smile.

The man said nothing but slowly got to his feet; he moved in a way that reminded Tidus of Auron.

"Where did you come from?" he asked. He eyes darting around the pool before resting on Tidus.

Where did he come from? Tidus wasn't sure he knew. As far as he knew he had never existed so where had he come from? Was this where all the Fayth had gone? Or rather where they had been as they slept? Was he even in Spira?

"I'm not entirely sure," answered Tidus going for truth.

"Have you come from the lifestream?" asked the man.

"Lifestream?" asked Tidus not familiar with the term.

After studying Tidus for a few minutes he reached forward and offered his hand.

"My name is Cloud," he said.

"Tidus."

Tidus truly hadn't expected Cloud to be so strong. He thought the hand offering was a token gesture but he actually pulled Tidus out the water.

"You are in the abandoned city of Midgar," said Cloud as he started out the church. He didn't think anyone hostile would appear in that pool and judging from the newcomer's appearance and attitude, he wasn't a threat of any kind but he would keep an eye on him.

Tidus had been about to ask why the city was abandoned but stopped once he saw what lay outside. It reminded him of Kilika after Sin had passed through and he wondered what could have done so much destruction.

"Hey," called Cloud as he sat on his bike. He saw, briefly, great sadness in Tidus' eyes as he looked about Midgar but it disappeared as soon as he came back to the present.

"Get on," said Cloud indicating that Tidus should climb up behind him.

"Is that from the Al Bhed?" asked Tidus studying the bike.

"The what?" asked Cloud not sure he had hear correctly.

"Al Bhed, you know, the machina people," said Tidus.

"No," said Cloud answering all Tidus said, "just get on."

Tidus hung his head – so like Auron. But climbed up anyway.

XXX

Squall had made his way to the center of the abandoned city. He could see why no one lived there; it looked like a bomb had gone off close to the city borders and the rest of the city had fallen into ruin. Squall guessed that it had happened a few years ago judging by the plant growth. There was one section, however, that looked like it had been recently torn apart. From it position and size he guessed it to be a government building. He was no longer in the wasteland but he wasn't sure if he was better off.

He found what looked like the remains of a shop though he didn't recognise any of the brands but he did find a newspaper – Midgar News. It was mostly about a company called ShinRa and mako, there was also mention about Turks but as to what they were - nothing. Squall dropped the paper and headed out again. Looking up and down the road, he made up his mind. Find a road that leads out and follow it to the next town. But as he went he found that the rumble slowly turned into homes and then houses, shops and businesses. Many of the people moving around didn't even give him a second glance – if they looked his way at all. There were quiet a few trucks around; rubble filled some while others had building supplies. If he had to guess, these were probably the previous inhabitants of the city he had just made his way through. He was about to ask where he could find a place to stay and a way to back to the Balamb Garden when people started running and screaming. Immediately he started toward the source of the commotion, looking for a weapon as he went.

XXX

Usually Rude drives but today Reno was driving, this meant lots of swearing was happening – from everyone. Reno wasn't a bad driver as such he just didn't always look where he was going. This time almost hitting people hadn't been his fault – they had run out of a side street and into, sometimes over, the car. It didn't help that he stopped, forcing still more to stream along the side of the car in their rush.

"What is going?" demanded Reno as he fought to get his door open and out the car.

Once out, he managed to grab someone but all he got was the word 'monster'. He turned to Rude, who shrugged. After recent events, Reno's mind jumped to some particular people and their 'pets'. His mind also jumped to Cloud and some how this was his fault. If someone wasn't blaming him, then it was Cloud's fault. It was a reasoning that worked well for Reno.

Reno and Rude fought their way to where the people were running from, the road was soon clear and they continued in silence. Carefully rounding the corner, they found… nothing. The intersection was clear of people, cars and monsters.

"Damn," said Reno, "it heard we were coming."

Even though his tone was light, his eyes didn't stop scanning the area, looking for anything out of place. There were signs of people leaving in a hurry but he knew that much already, but as to what they had been running from there was nothing. The roof tops showed nothing either.

Reno rested his electromag on his shoulder and he moved around kicking bits of debris over and generally taking note of the area. The people had been scared so something had been there. If it had been one or two people he wouldn't have bothered but the street had emptied – quickly.

A hot breeze blew across the side of his face and neck but stopped just as suddenly as it started. Reno stood still, it happened again. And again.

"Rude," called Reno looking around for his partner.

Rude looked across at Reno and froze. Behind the Turk a creature was revealing itself in a kaleidoscope of moving colours. It was lizard like in its immediate appearance but its back and legs were covered in hard scales and horns that looked as if they had been forged from steel, it had long sharp talons of the same material. The head was not covered with the armour nor were the neck and underbelly. Its tail worried Rude the most, it had a hammer like end that it waved about effortlessly.

Reno saw the look on Rude's face and guessed right. Rude slowly reached for his gun; Reno kept very still as Rude aimed for the creature behind Reno and fired. The creature reared in pain and anger as Rude's bullet hit it in the base of its neck. Reno dived out of the way as the tail came crashing to the ground. As Reno got to his feet he hit the creature with a full change of electricity. The effect was fantastic as electricity arced between the horns along its back as the creature reared in pain. It slashed out blindly but Reno managed to dodge easily. Rude aimed for the neck again and fired causing a repeat performance. The Hammertail, as Rude dubbed it, came charging toward the source of pain only to change direction as Reno discharged his electromag into its side. The Hammertail reared and turned, it started to leave the immediate area. Both Turks knew they had to keep it contained to prevent further damage; there would be explaining, there would be paperwork. Rude fired again but the bullet was ineffective against the creature's steel hind. It was only on the third shot that it turned its attention back to the Turks but made no move to attack, it appeared to be unsure of its next action.

Reno glanced at Rude. Neither wanted to resume the fight against the creature but at the same time they couldn't just let it be. The Hammertail solved the problem by attacking in an all out blind frenzy. Reno and Rude moved around the Hammertail alternatively attacking and defending. There was the distinctive sound of an empty gun as Reno ducked under slashing claws and rolled towards Rude.

"How much longer do you think it will last?" panted Reno.

Rude studied the Hammertail, it was bleeding from two gunshot wounds and had had two full charges from the electromag. Ordinarily, things would have been down by now. Unlike the Turks, it showed no sigh of letting up. Reno kept it busy while Rude reloaded his gun but momentary distracted the Turk didn't see the incoming tail.

XXX

Squall came round the corner at a jog and saw two men fighting a large lizard, it looked like something out the training ground at the academy. As he made his way toward them the creature's tail swept round and caught the one and sent him flying, the redhead attacked while the creature's attention was diverted and electricity laced across it. The creature casually swung out its arm and caught the redhead across the chest and sent him to the ground. Looking around Squall saw a length of steel pipe, the end was cut off at an angle that allowed for a passable weapon. Picking it up Squall ran into the fray.

XXX

Reno landed heavily but managed to roll out the way of the slashing tail but it meant he rolled into the path of the racking claws, all the creature's attention was now focused on him. With nowhere to move to, he shut his eyes and waited for the pain which didn't come, only the sound of metal against metal. Opening his eyes he saw someone standing over him with a steel pipe, he was dress in black pants and white t-shirt along with a light grey fur collared jacket. The man was pulling the steel pipe back from its sound landing on the creature's claws that had driven them into the ground. The creature leapt back, pulling itself free and howling in rage. Reno scrambled to his feet and was surprised to see that the man who helped was younger than himself – a teenager! He'd been saved by a child; he was annoyed but couldn't disregard the fact that he had saved his life.

Introductions would have to wait as the creature charged again. Reno glanced to where his electromag lay, it was too far away for him to quickly grab. If he went for it, he would have to leave the newcomer to face the creature alone. Reno hadn't counted on Squall having a plan of his own and was surprised when he felt himself being grabbed and pulled to the ground.

"What the hell…" he started but lost his train of thought when he saw Squall was down with him. And the creature was bearing down on them. Reno swore and tried to get away but was being held in place. The creature roared again and Reno felt its hot breath rushing across his face. The little shit was actually trying to get them killed thought Reno as hot liquid fell all over him and the metallic smell of blood filled his nostrils. Reno waited for, yet again, for the pain which didn't come. He, unfortunately, gave a start when he did open his eyes for the creature's jaws were hanging over him. As the creature had dived for them, Squall had planted the pipe in the ground and used the weight of the creature's attack to drive the pipe though its mouth and into its brain. Killing it before it could land the attack.

Reno jumped to his feet ready to give the kid a mouth full when he heard the distinctive sound of Cloud's bike. Turning toward the sound he saw the man in question coming to a stop staring at the impaled creature, there was another young man on the bike with him. Reno couldn't help staring at him, he wore brightly coloured clothing and had a even tan. He also didn't appear to be practically hung up about the fact that everyone was staring at him either.

Cloud made is way over to the dead creature, he frown slightly when he noticed Squall but said nothing.

"Look familiar?" asked Reno.

Cloud shook his head.

"Where did it come from?" he asked.

"No idea – literally appeared out of nowhere," said Reno.

Cloud gave Reno a look.

"It's true," said Reno trying to straighten his soaked shirt. "I was talking to Rude and next thing it was behind me. I think it was invisible because I felt its breath on my neck."

"Invisible?" questioned Cloud looking suspect. "Where is Rude?"

"He'll tell you the same thing," said Reno as he turned and started making his way towards the spot where Rude had landed.

With Reno out of earshot Cloud looked at Squall who scowled back.

"Can I guess you are not from around here either?" he asked.

Squall's frown deepened.

"What makes you say that?" he asked.

"You may fit in slightly better than him," said Cloud pointing at Tidus who was checking out the dead creature, "but you still stick out. I'm Cloud, what is your name?"

Squall looked slightly disbelieving and said,

"Squall."

Cloud wondered for a moment is Squall was making a joke about his name.

"All we need is Rain and we'd have a Storm," said Reno as he came up behind Cloud, a slightly dazed looking Rude in tow. "Your name's not Rain is it?" he asked Tidus.

"No," said Tidus.

"It's Tidus," answered Cloud.

"Do you have a lot of fiends?" asked Tidus pointing at the dead creature.

Every one turned to look at Tidus.

"You know what this it?" asked Reno.

"It looks like a fiend," said Tidus with a shrug.

"A fiend," said Reno. "What is a fiend?"

"When someone dies they are sent to the farplane to rest. The unsent spirits become hateful of the living and turn into fiends and prey on the living," explained Tidus thinking he did a good impersonation of Lulu.

"You seem to know a lot about them," said Reno suspiciously. "This thing appears and suddenly you come along knowing all about it."

"I don't know what it is," corrected Tidus. "I said it looks like a fiend."

"Let's call it a fiend for now," said Cloud; he looked at Reno, "you said it was invisible?"

Reno nodded, Rude followed suit when Cloud glanced at him for confirmation.

"How did you know it was here?" asked Cloud.

"We were driving back to … driving and suddenly people were running across the road in a panic. We went to the source of the panic and found an empty street. While we were looking around it suddenly appeared and attacked," said Reno.

"And you helped Reno kill it?" Cloud asked Squall. He hadn't missed Reno's hesitation.

"Yeah, by almost getting us killed," said Reno remembering his earlier intentions.

"Whatever," said Squall.

What Reno was going to say was cut off by his phone ringing, he answered without looking,

"What? Sorry sir." Pause. "Yes, we'll be there shortly," he said before hanging up.

Rude raised an eyebrow and Reno nodded.

"Time to go," said Reno by way of explanation.

"Where are you going?" asked Cloud. "What about this fiend?"

"It's dead," said Reno ignoring Cloud's first question.

Cloud watched Reno and Rude leave clearly not happy. He looked back at the fiend then as Squall and Tidus. Not knowing what else to do he decided to take them to Seventh Heaven, Marlene and Denzel were currently with Barret so there were spare beds. He couldn't take them both on the bike so they were going to walk – he would fetch the bike later. But first things first, he turned to Squall.

"Where are you from?" he asked.

"Balamb Garden. I'm with SeeD," said Squall hoping to sort things out quickly.

Cloud had never heard of the place or the organisation. He turned to Tidus.

"It's complicated but you could say I'm from Zanarkand and I'm a Blitz Ball player," said Tidus.

From Squall's frown, he was as clueless as Cloud.

"Okay," he said. "This is Edge and that -" pointing "- is Midgar."

Tidus didn't looked particularly worried over being in a place that he hadn't heard about. But then again his first encounter with Cloud had been to ask where he was

"What is ShinRa?" asked Squall.

"They used to run Midgar until two years ago," said Cloud currently going for the simplest explanations. "They are still around though not as big as they were."

"And Turks?" asked Squall.

"How do you know all this?" interrupted Tidus.

"I found a newspaper in Midgar," said Squall annoyed at the interruption.

"Turks work for ShinRa," said Cloud. "Those two guys in suits earlier – they were Turks."

"What happened two years ago?" asked Tidus.

"Someone tried to destroy the… Midgar and some other cities," finished Cloud. It sounded too ludicrous to say someone tried to destroy the world.

"Was it someone from ShinRa?" asked Tidus.

"Yes." It was easier. Cloud also added that there were very few people who liked ShinRa, Turks or SOLDIER so it was best to avoid conversation about them. If they had any questions they should ask him and not tell anyone that they were not from this world.

"Just say you are not from Midgar and leave it at that," said Cloud.

"What is SOLDIER?" asked Squall.

"Part of ShinRa," said Cloud. "Anything else before we go?"

"One last thing," said Tidus after a moment.

Cloud nodded.

"Why do your eyes glow?" asked Tidus.

Squall looked up as well, he had obviously noticed but chose not to say anything.

"It's complicated," said Cloud.

"You are not going to die are you?" asked Tidus looking worried.

"What? No," said Cloud frowning.

"That's fine then," said Tidus with a grin.