A/N: If you have not read the rewrite of chapter one, please do so now. As always, please review or else I'll forever stalk you and also make sure to alert. Thanks. Chapter did not really come out as I wanted it. There's so much dialogue; it's probably making up for the lack of it last chapter. Is Marlene in character? Also, Cloud wouldn't respond well. He turned into OriginalShyAdventIntroverted Game Cloud. I really don't know. sadlyfe.
Warning: Possible unlikely situations and original game Cloud.
Cloud Strife, second in line to the throne, was dressed as inconspicuously as possible, wearing the blandest of clothing that he could find in his regal closet. It had a slight sheen to it that hinted at silk and details that seemed to belong to nobles, not princes. He had to thank his friend later, but he had to focus right now. He was currently hiding near the kitchen behind a wall, making sure that there was no one in sight. During the time, a few people had walked past him, not questioning him for his appearance made him seem like a visitor. After the hustling and bustling of people combined with the clash of pots and pans had disappeared, he stealthily entered the cooking quarters, unintentionally taking a big whiff of the baked goodies currently in the oven and placed on the counters and tables. He was tempted to stay when he heard his stomach growl in hunger, but he had an important mission to accomplish at hand. Well, if he could even start it.
The spiky-headed prince hastily looked for a back door or window that he could easily escape through and quickly found one. Before escaping the kitchen quarters, he looked over his shoulder again to ensure that he was the only occupant in the room. After being completely satisfied, the runaway proceeded to enter the other side of the opened door. Yes, he was finally free! Almost. A frown scarred his face as he stared at the tall walls surrounding his grand home. Maybe, just maybe there was a conveniently placed vine that could support him or a hole large enough for his broad body, but that was just asking for too much. He desperately yet meticulously scanned the tall blocks for anything.
Feeling desperate, his eyes close and his lips move as he says a silent prayer to the gods in hope of receiving any help. When his sapphire eyes open after a few quiet moments, he spots some vines out of the corners of his eyes that were definitely not there before. He then quickly sent a thank you. The blue-eyed man grabbed and tugged at the greens to see if it was sturdy enough to handle his not so delicate weight. After a few satisfied twists and pulls, he hefted himself onto the trailing plant and climbed, but not after another scan of the secluded area of course. He's climbing and climbing until he reaches the very top, able to see a vast expanse of land that he had always called home on one side and a land on the other that he had yet to fully explore. After descending onto the other side, he gracefully jumped and landed on his two feet.
Yes, he can finally taste and smell the sweet air of freedom! But, his eyes quickly narrow in suspicion. That was easy, too easy. Sure, it wasn't exactly the most brilliant or well thought out plan or idea, but it was at least something. He had thought of possibly telling a lie to his mother, saying that he had needed to visit or receive something in town, but he would have had to be escorted with a guardian and be placed inside a carriage. It would have been quite hard to look normal and blend into the common folk with a man chasing you throughout the kingdom. But still, he was either being paranoid or over thinking everything.
Sigh, whatever. The conflicted figure shook his head and started jogging towards the nearest village, for there were mostly trees and nature surrounding him besides a road that he could not take in fear of being spotted. Along the way and upon arrival, he sees things that he's never really noticed before. There were lots of peasants, most of them kids, dirty and doing odd jobs just to help support their family, while the rich and noble would look the other way in ignorance or repulsion. The appearance and sanitary conditions that people, whether rich or common or poor, were not very desirable. He would say it was not something you would see in his home, but no one seemed to mind it. Plus, the social classes seemed to avoid each other as if the common flu had turned into an epidemic. There were also other things that puzzled him, but he's trying not to focus on the negatives since this was his real first time out here. The finally freed man should at least try to enjoy this trip.
He's casually strolling down the market streets when he notices that there are weird looks thrown his way as he's walking and examining, and he wonders why. A nonchalant roll of his shoulders, and he sees a man in front of him with an odd look on his face as if to say, 'run!' His mouth was about to open to ask the man a question when he hears horses and men behind him, but that should be perfectly normal, right? He turned around to see what was starting the uprising commotion and saw the cause of it coming his way. To answer his previous question, it was not since it had seemed they were chasing... him. Realization hit him as if a nasty stench had suddenly shot up his nose, and he ran. He ran as much as his legs could bring him, noticing that they did not have a close advantage nor were they far away, taking left and right turns and jumping over people and things. Sorry's were thrown around, but people were just raising their fists and cursing at him. Damn, he didn't even really get to do anything before they realized he was gone. Another desperate turn is taken when the sound of hooves nearly thunder through his ears. Suddenly, there's a hand that grabs him although it feels quite smaller than his, but that thought didn't have time to clearly register through his mind. Oh shit, I'm done. I'm done.
"It's okay. I've got you. C'mon, pick up your pace, slow poke!"
Wait, what? Did he just hear a female voice? An unfamiliar female voice that sounded impossibly close to him and was probably the owner of the hand that was tightly grasping his? His eyes instantly shoot down to his hand that was being tightly gripped, and his line of vision follows the stranger's hand, up a slim arm with a pair of shoulders, and a delicate neck up to a pale face. Well, this was rather new and strange. Did villagers often help each other like this in time of need, or was this just a very kind person eagerly helping him regardless of whether she knew who he was? His legs pick up faster after her casual insult clicked through his mind.
His legs are aching, for they have ran quite a distance. When he feels a sharp tug to indicate which direction to run towards, he starts to see a seemingly secluded place, possibly where the poor lived, seeing the undesirable and terrible living conditions and poorly dressed people. Is this where the supposedly kind lady resided? Their previous fast running pace slowed to a casual walk after entering one of the filthy alleys. The soft yet slightly calloused hand releases his, and he resists a frown on his face from the lost heat. The girl seemed to be looking out, possibly making sure the pursuers had stopped or at least lost them during their heated chase throughout town. Meanwhile, he noticed she was barely panting, while he was almost doubled over, haven't had to run to such extent in awhile, even during training. For some odd reason, his head seemed to feel rather breezy. Did he happen to lose his hat...? Hands instantly came up to feel fabric but felt a full head of hair instead. Aw, fuck.
"Hey, I think they're gone. Are you alright?" With a swish of her hair and turn of her body, she faces him, and all he can see are her eyes. Those red eyes that he can easily drown himself into. And he can actually see her now, actually see her whole form. A waterfall of dark hair, wine-colored eyes, delicate facial features, and a well developed physique. It was hard not to notice, and he wonders why a beauty like her is trapped here in this dump.
"Uh, yeah. I'm good. Thanks, by the way." His hand is rubbing the back of his neck, a nervous habit that he had developed since young.
Her hands are laced behind her back, and the distance between them seemed to shorten. "Oh, it's no problem really. I like to help people, and obviously, you were in quite a big mess. So, why were there people chasing you, exactly?" Her head is slightly tilted on the side in curiosity.
Oh. She didn't know who he was. That was... strange. His eyes widened as realization hit him. Of course, there weren't any "accidental" touches, flirtatious looks, or suggestive comments. It was just simply a man and a woman doing one another a favor and talking. This was certainly new. Women always seemed to be entranced by him, recognizing and easily falling for the handsome prince. Maybe this was good, good that this stranger didn't recognize him. Yeah... A part of his mind is whispering liar, clearly seeing the kind heart and beauty in this woman.
"I was just, uh, escaping." A sheepish expression appeared on his face.
"So, I just rescued a runaway, eh? Maybe I can receive a pretty hefty bounty for turning you in." Her body was lightly swaying from side to side, and the corner of her lips were lifted into a smile.
"Well, I can't let you do that then, can I?" His body is nearing hers, almost trapping her slim form into the wall behind her. He can easily play her game, he thinks with a smirk that appeared on his face. Suddenly and unexpectedly, his arm is painfully locked behind his back, his wrist in her tight grasp. He thinks that he heard a giggle escape from the nameless beauty.
"And now you're my prisoner." He was shocked to say the least; he had never met a woman that knew of combat combined with her looks. Things could be quite interesting if he had equipped his sword, but he certainly didn't want to hurt this poor woman.
"Okay, I surrender! I learn not to mess with fragile looking women." She released his wrist, and he immediately brought his other hand to rub it.
"I am not fragile looking!" Her tone sounded quite offended, and he's not sure why. Wasn't being considered fragile a good thing? That was something a man of this century and society seemed to want.
"Yes, a woman with a great physique and looks that could rival princesses across the land is definitely tough and strong. How could I ever mistaken you for Venetian glass?" He's trying to keep his face devoid of any emotion instead of smiling at the cute, frustrated look on her face.
Her face seemed flushed, cheeks slightly reddening. He decided it looked quite nice on her. "Pfft, yeah. Of course." There's an unladylike like snort that didn't lessen his attraction to her, and she seemed to be walking in a certain direction, possibly trying to ditch him and leave him behind.
"Wait! I didn't even get your name!" He ran up to her, hoping and trying to receive all of her focus and attention.
She turned around, walking backwards, seemingly unperturbed that she could easily trip and fall. "Tifa, Tifa Lockhart." Tifa turned right back.
"Hey, aren't you going to ask for mine?" He wonders if she can feel his eyes boring into her back, silently willing her to keep him company for the rest of his adventure. He's telling himself it's because she possibly had lived here for many years and could give him a private tour. His mind is whispering liar.
"Okay. What's yours?" A frown marked his face when she wouldn't turn around to meet his.
He wondered if he should tell her his real name; it seemed pretty harmless. After all, she didn't seem to recognize him, right? But, would she recognize his name? "Cloud Strife."
Her gait seemed to slow down just a bit, not so noticeably, and he wonders if he was suppose to see that. "Oh, that's an interesting name." She didn't turn, nor did she indicate any clue of identification. He wasn't sure if he was disappointed or if the strong feeling in his gut was from exhaustion and not from her.
O O O
He woke up with a start. He had actually seen the girl's face, and it boggled his mind. Why did it take him so long just to see it? Was she of some big importance? Was this a sign to indicate that he would meet her soon? Ugh, his hand covers his eyes. No need to get so worked up over some possible figment of your wild imagination, Strife. He had a more important task at hand, escaping retirement and possibly meeting the irate face of a big, black man. That was absolutely something that he wanted and needed to do so early in the morning alright. When a certain smell reached his nose, a rush to the shower came to mind and the deserted clothing from last night flashed in his eyes. Cloud Strife, previous assassin with a kick ass sword, got slightly worked up over sanitary and cleaning issues. What a rather amusing thought.
Shower is soon done and his usual dark-colored clothing, complete with his knitted top and dark trousers, are topped with his standard combat boots. Hands enter leather, and a sword enters a harness. Breakfast consisted of a plain piece of toast and a glass of milk. His big appetite causes him to hope that there would possibly be breakfast served at the bar, that is, if he didn't wimp out. Keys are picked up from the kitchen table, tossed randomly so it would seem like a game of throw and catch. A door is opened and then closed; keys are turned through the lock for security. Legs take him to his garage, and an engine is turned on. An image of a man riding a motorcycle was what a random passerby would see.
He's speeding down the roads, enjoying the wind rustle through his hair and the adrenaline running through his body. As planned, directions flashed through his mind from the previous night, and he's well on his way. There are several sharp turns and blocks before he reached his destination, Seventh Heaven. A poorly built building with a huge sign that contained its name appeared in his vision. Fenrir is parked, body is at the door, and the man is finally in. It is bright inside, and a bell dings at his arrival. He is suddenly the attention of several pairs of eyes. Two unfamiliar men and a woman quietly eat while he's being stared down by a pair of dark, angry ones. The feel of discomfort immediately creeps up his spine, and the awkward silence seemed to cut through the air.
"So, Spike's finally back, eh?" The man with a gun for his arm went around the bar, finally in front of the spiky-headed man. Cloud's not sure if he should speak, so he nods affirmatively.
"Why are you here?" Blunt as ever. Big, burly arms are crossed, paired with a menacing gaze, and the man seemed to tower over him.
"Need a job." He's trying to keep his eyes focused on his, determined to not falter his intense gaze.
"As I recall, your spiky-assed self wanted to quit long ago. You really think Imma just hand one to ya?" Actually, yes. Yes, he did, but he wasn't going to voice that thought out loud unless he wanted bullets up his ass.
"And now I'm back. Is there a problem?" He crossed his arms too, daring him to defy him.
"Yes, because I have no offers." An unexpected big grin broke out on the bigger man. Well, that was surprising. "Y'know I can't deny you! No one has made me any more money than you and kill off so many fucktards. I say, welcome back." Even more surprising. Was this another trick played by his imagination? Because, he was pretty sure Barret never liked him.
He's staring at his new boss, not knowing how to make of the situation. "Why are you staring at me like that?" Stare, stare.
"Is this a joke?" Stare, stare, stare.
"Do ya think I look like I'm joking? Wait, don't answer that. I don't need some smartass remark from you." That actually earned a grin from said smartass.
A loud growl escaped from his belly. Awkward. "Can I have some food?" A roar of laughter is heard, and he can feel his body being pushed towards a stool. Oh my gods, so much food on one little plate. His mouth is suddenly really dry, eyes silently asking the obvious question when looking at Barret.
"Yeah, man! You gotta gain some weight. Your skinny little white ass is lookin' skinnier than before." Okay, should he feel offended or...? Never mind. Cloud hungry. Food good, food important.
Pancakes are scarfed down. A glass turned clear as orange juice is drunk away. Plates contained of greasy marks as bacon is devoured. That was some nice food. He's not sure when he last had so much food and actually felt full. The strangers looked and stared at him silently. Maybe they were in this business too. This was still weird. Stare, stare, stare, stare. Was there some staring contest that he was out on? Muffled footsteps are heard as he was thinking of the current situation.
"Cloud!" Did he just hear a high pitched voice that belonged to a little girl that also happened to be his boss's daughter? A pair of arms wrapped around his too full stomach, and it gives him slight discomfort. Oof, yep it's her, Marlene.
He turned around to ruffle her hair. "Sup, squirt." Her eyes are lit up, and her smile seemed to lighten the room even more. Quickly, he is confronted in the best way a five year old could.
"I missed you! Where have you been? Daddy said you had to go somewhere. But I was, like, nooooo because you said we'd play tomorrow. And then you never came ever. And, and, I just really missed you, and I think Daddy did too." A look in the direction of a certain someone seemed to confirm her statement when he was met with an angrily eating Barret. Ha, the old man missed his money making machine and part time bouncer, eh? How interesting. Poor little girl, he didn't think she'd missed him that badly. She'll probably force him to make up for it by playing castles and dragons or playing dress up or dolls, but he wouldn't mind since he missed the little figure filled with energy and excitement too. Maybe he'll get her a chocobo since she liked it when he would playfully say, warkk!
"So, you missed me? I didn't know you liked me that much, cutie." That earned a slightly abashed Marlene.
"Maybe." Her tongue is stuck out, and she's running towards her dad who was silently fuming but turned soft when met with his daughter.
So, let me get this straight. Okay, so he's here in a bar eating breakfast with his current boss, his daughter, and three strangers. He just ate a ton of good food for free. Barret acted like he liked him. Marlene is still, well, Marlene. Three strangers staring at him "discretely" and has not said a word, not even one, and he still isn't introduced or have any knowledge of any changes whatsoever. What the fuck?
"So, am I going to get introduced here or what?" Eyes appear emotionless.
"Yeah! That girl is Jessie; she's a really good cook. She makes all of our breakfast and lunches and dinner, and she's smart too (she hears a 'That's great, sweetie, but please continue). And that one, the one on her right is Biggs! He likes to throw the bad guys from the bar out when they're being big meanies and always helps Daddy with whatever he needs because they said I'm too young and weak, but I'm strong (there's a 'Princess, introduce the last one or else he'll get sad). Sorry, ooh. And the one on the other side of Jessie is Wedge! He usually stays around the kitchen because he's always hungry, but he's really nice. He likes to help Biggs too." Her arms are on her hips in pride and accomplishment, and her chin is high up in the air in confidence.
Cloud examined the group: the stocky one on the left, the petite brunette in the middle, and the the lean man on the right. They seemed to be close friends or siblings possibly, all of them having brown hair and brown eyes although Jessie's were much lighter and seemed quite close with one another. "Thanks, girly," he said with an extra ruffle to her hair, which earned an excited squeal. His attention reverts back to the triplets slash three musketeers. Maybe he'll call them that.
"Cloud Strife." He received a friendly 'hey, I'm Wedge!', a shy and giggly 'I'm Jessie', and a blunt 'Biggs.' Interesting, very interesting. If these three were of any importance to the man in charge, he'd be quite intrigued by their ability and capability.
"So, Barret, this your gang or something?" His elbows are leaning on the counter.
"Somewhat like that. What's it to you?" A dark eyebrow arched.
Shoulders shrug. "Nothing, just wondering."
"Sure, you were, spikey. Make sure you don't bring any of your crap here; I have enough on my plate, and I don't need my baby girl to be in any sort of danger."
Really now? Living in the slums and running a little organization was dangerous enough, hypocrite. He bit his tongue. "You kiss your little girl with that mouth?" A smirk was intact.
Glare.
"My bad, my bad. I'm sorry. No hard feelings here." His hands were up in mock surrender. Things are quiet, although not in an awkward way as before. Quite fine, really. Time to ruin it. "So, now that we're all acquainted and well here. Do any of you know a Tifa Lockhart?"
Barret's eyes slightly widened, obviously not intentional, possibly in recognition. "No."
What a dirty liar.
