Sanctuary, Part 4
When they awoke the next morning, dawn had just begun to lighten the sky. Phaedra awoke to find Vincent's head resting next to hers on the bed, and she smiled to herself before she realized someone was pounding on the door.
They both rose quickly to find Cloud and Tifa at the door, looking worried. "Barrett just called and said Shinra is sending more troops out to look for us", Cloud said. "We have to leave. Now".
"The skyboards won't be able to get us back to Edge", Vincent said. "They don't have enough power left".
"Barrett's bringing a truck", Tifa said. "He said he'd be here within the hour".
The trio made it to the edge of the village just as the truck drove up. "Come on!" Barrett barked from the driver's side."There's not much time. Get the gear in the back and get in!"
Tifa looked at Phaedra. "Come with us", she said. "You can stay at the 7th Heaven with us".
Phaedra shook her head, smiling. "No", she said. "Someone has to cover your escape". She helped them get their gear into the truck and then put a hand on Vincent's arm, stopping him before he could get into the truck. She looked up and said quietly, "when you need me, call. I will come to you". She stretched up and used a finger to lower the cowl on his cloak, then kissed him softly. "Go", she said. "Be safe".
When they were all inside, she looked at Barrett. "Drive fast", she told him. "Don't stop and don't look back". She slapped the driver's side door, and Barrett gunned the engine.
They had driven some distance when Tifa asked, "How is she going to find us? We didn't even exchange phone numbers".
"She's a mage and a healer", Cloud replied. He looked out of the windshield. Large raindrops were beginning to fall. "I think she'll be able to find us".
Vincent said nothing, staring at the rain now falling heavily on the windshield. They drove on in silence, watching for pursuit that never came.
They reached the city, driving down back streets until they reached the safety of the 7th Heaven. The bar was relatively crowded, with people finding ways to pass the time out of the rain. After a brief meeting with others from AVALANCHE, the trio split and went their separate ways, agreeing to keep in touch should any more trouble arise.