AN: Well, for a one-shot this is pretty damn long. Lol. Anyway, I hope you enjoy this chapter, despite its angstyness.

Part Four

Seventh Heaven looked closed but Reno didn't think about that as he dropped Cloud to the floor and knocked on the door. It took a while but eventually the door opened a crack and he saw a slither of Tifa's face appear. "Hello? Oh, Reno!" She opened the door fully and was about to speak when Reno lifted Cloud up in his arms, wincing as his muscles cried out in protest.

"I got a delivery for ya." He grunted and pushed his way inside, Tifa moved out of his way and followed him around the bar and up the stairs. She guided him to their bedroom and Reno set Cloud down on the bed. He took a breath and stepped away.

"Cloud?! Cloud! What happened?" Tifa said as she ran to Cloud's side and began checking him over, it was then that she noticed the black stains on his skin, her hand froze as she was about to touch him, her eyes widened and slowly she turned to Reno. "He...has the Stigma?" She whispered fearfully.

Reno nodded. "He didn't wanna tell ya." He said and rubbed at his head uncomfortably. "Sorry."

Tifa didn't seem to hear him as she moved the black sleeve away from his arm and stared at the mark there. "Why didn't he say anything?"

"No idea...anyway, I'm gunna go-" He slid to the door but Tifa halted him.

"You knew?"

"Uh...well...ya'see, it's kinda...stuff happened and I-um...yeah." He flinched as she stood up, her hands clenching into fists but he realised she wasn't even looking at him, let alone about to hit him, although he likely deserved it.

"R-Reno..."

Both of them looked over at Cloud who had moaned heavily, Reno automatically moved forward but Tifa put a hand on his chest, the gesture delicate but with a tiny hint of a threat. "Why did he ask for you?" She asked.

Reno slowly drew out a bottle of the medicine and showed it to her. "I've been givin' him the Presidents personal medicine...to help with the pain, yo."

Tifa took a shaky breath before stepping aside. "What's in it?"

Reno moved to Cloud and sat on the bed, he pulled the lid off of the vial before pressing it to Cloud's lips. "The tails from Nibel Bears, Mako and some other stuff." He watched Cloud drink the potion down and when it was empty he pocketed the bottle and looked back at Tifa. "It's based around the recipe of a Hyper, given ta SOLDIER when they went into battle."

Tifa nodded stiffly, she moved to Cloud's side and took his hand in her own, slowly his eyes opened. His unfocussed gaze moved to Tifa and then to Reno before he blinked. "Nng...what...happened?" He moaned.

"Reno found you unconscious. He gave you some medicine." Tifa explained as Cloud sat up, one hand to his head.

Cloud nodded and looked down at his hand, it curled into a fist as it lay on the coverlet. "I see. I suppose I owe you my thanks."

"Nothin' to it, yo. Jus' keep an eye on yourself, Cloud. I gotta go, was expected back a while ago, Tseng'll have my neck if I don't get back soon." He moved to the door and looked back, Cloud's eyes bore into him but he looked away and left them to it.

XXX

"For me to return ShinRa to the power it once held I will need to find the remains of Jenova." Rufus said, looking intently at his Turks as they all stood in a line before him. "The cells may help our scientists to uncover a cure."

"That sounds all good when ya say it like, President, but where the hell even is Jenova?" Reno asked.

"Our first port of call will be the northern cave, naturally."

Reno sighed. "Wha' if there's nothin' left of it?"

"I'm certain there is." Rufus replied. "Tseng?"

"Sir?"

"I want you all to search the Northern Cave, it is imperative that we find any sign of Jenova."

"I understand sir, we'll leave right away." Tseng turned and left the room, Reno put both hands in his pockets and looked at Rufus for a while in silence.

"Sir?"

"Reno, are you still here?"

"Sir, is this really a good idea, yo? I don't like it."

"It's the only option we have, the Stigma spreads and we still are no further forward in our research. I believe Hojo's experiments may hold the key."

"Still...it sounds like you wanna re-start SOLDIER, yo."

"Reno!" Elena said in shock. "You can't talk that way to the pre-"

"He is quite correct, Elena." Rufus said, stunning Elena into silence. "I do intend to rebuild the army, however, continuing Hojo's experiments is quite obviously out of the question. Reno, I need a favour of you."

"Anythin', yo."

"Bring me Cloud Strife." Rufus turned to the window, his back to Reno.

"Why sir? What do ya want with him?"

"I think he could be an asset in our work, Reno. I think we need him."

XXX

Cloud was at the Church, not that Reno was surprised. He stood at the door, watching as he sat by the flowers, seeming not to be aware of his surroundings. Finally Reno moved, Cloud looked up and blinked at him before dismissing him. "You're gettin' predictable, yo." He said as he reached Cloud's side.

"What do you want?"

"For once i'm here on official business." Reno said, smiling. "The President wants ta see ya."

"No."

"You don' even know what he wants, yo." Reno replied, a little stung as Cloud stood up.

"He's the President of ShinRa."

"Yeah, a new ShinRa! We can change, Cloud, we're tryin' ta change!"

"I said no." Cloud walked towards the door, frowning and refusing to look at Reno.

"We might've found a chance at a cure." Reno said suddenly, making Cloud stop and turn his head a little.

"A cure?"

"Yeah. We're lookin' into Hojo's old research."

Cloud shuddered and his hands clenched into fists as he looked away again. "And you want me for what? A lab experiment?"

"Well...I'm not entirely sure, yo. I'm sure Rufus'll fill you in."

"I won't become an experiment again." Cloud said softly and began walking away again, Reno hurried after him. Outside Cloud's bike stood, glinting in the sunlight, he walked over to it and made to climb on but Reno halted him again.

"Look, man, I'm sure you won't be! Rufus is done with all that, we jus' need ya to talk." Reno put a hand gently on Cloud's arm.

"Reno?"

"Yeah?"

"Get your hand off of me."

Reno frowned and released him. "You know you could be the only person on the planet who could help us with a cure, it'd save lives. Even the life of that kid you got back at the bar."

Cloud finally looked at him, his eyes glowing menacingly but Reno held his ground. "What do you think will happen once Scientists get their hands on me?" He asked in a dead sounding voice. "They'll take samples. They'll lock me up again. I'll be worse off than before. I'm not putting myself in that position, ever. Now, go away before I run you through."

"Even at the cost of innocent lives? Maybe I'm wrong but I didn't take you for a coward, yo."

Cloud froze, he turned around in a swift movement and grabbed Reno by the throat in one gloved hand. "Don't you ever call me that!" He hissed, eyes flashing dangerously. "Do you even understand the danger the world would be in if they were to discover how to bring him back?! I've fought him once. I can't do it again...not like this."

"Ya mean...you hold the key to bringin' Sephiroth back?" Reno asked, eyes wide as Cloud released his throat and turned back to his bike.

"I think so. I've been doing some research myself. Rufus will have to do without my help...I'm sorry."

"Cloud, wait!" Reno grabbed him and slid his arm around his stomach, causing his breath to hitch. He smirked into Cloud's neck. "Ya'know, we could rebuild ShinRa with your help, yo." He whispered, easing his hand down Cloud's stomach to his groin where he squeezed gently, enjoying the soft hiss of breath that Cloud released. "We're gunna do it regardless, maybe if you helped we'd stay on track an' not turn against our new ideals...what do ya say, Cloud? Wanna make a better world?" He ran his tongue over the shell of Cloud's ear and felt him stiffen as he continued to rub at his burgeoning erection. He pushed his hips against Cloud's arse, moaning a little at the friction. "Fuck..." He cursed and kissed Cloud's neck hungrily. "With your help we can find a cure, we'd be heroes, yo. All we'd need is a bit of your genetic code...you aint the only one whose been readin'."

"B-But I..." Cloud gasped, his eyes closing as he leaned against Reno. His hand dropped down to cover Reno's and he pushed his hips against them. "I...can't...not again..."

"It won't be like last time." Reno insisted gently, already hearing victory in Cloud's panting breaths. "I promise I won' let them hurt ya."

"R-Reno I-" Cloud tensed, biting down on his bottom lip as heat stabbed viciously into his stomach. "Oh...nng..."

"You wanna help, right?" Reno insisted, tightening his grip on Cloud as he tried to struggle free. He pushed him against his own motorbike and continued his slow massage of Cloud's erection. He could feel him slowly losing himself, it made thrills shoot down Reno's spine and he swallowed. "You're gorgeous, ya know that right?" He muttered, leaning down and nipping at Cloud's neck, making him buck against his hand harder. "You gunna come?"

"R-Reno...please...I-I..."

"It's good right? Just let go."

Cloud's breathing became harsh, his hands curled into fists as he pushed against Reno in regular thrusts, slowly gaining speed. He seemed lost in pleasure as he pressed his forehead against the cool metal of his bike.

"You wanna do it then? Join us, Cloud. We'll make a better world together."

"I-ah-Yes!" He tensed then and Reno felt him coming, he hissed air through his teeth, feeling his own erection twitching excitedly against his trousers. Finally Reno pulled away, adjusting himself as he watched Cloud shuddering, still hunched awkwardly against his bike. Finally he brought himself under control and straightened up, he turned fiery eyes on Reno and pushed him against a nearby wall. Reno, who expected to be attacked, gasped in shock as Cloud's lips crashed against his. He bit down hard on Reno's bottom lip, drawing blood and finally stepped away, panting and glaring at him. "I'll go see Rufus but I won't promise anything else."

XXX

Reno knocked on the door before pushing it open, Cloud stood behind him awkwardly. "Sir, it's me. I got him."

"Ah, welcome, Cloud."

Cloud stepped into the room and stared at Rufus. "What do you want?" He demanded.

"No greeting then? I see. Well, straight to business. I have asked you here to make you a proposition." Cloud shifted and folded his arms over his chest, waiting silently for Rufus to continue. "In the wake of Meterofall I have been researching the Geostigma, it seems that it was not, as we first thought, created by the planet."

"Then...what is it?"

"We believe it is the legacy of Sephiroth, he has infected the lifestream, turning it against us. Through our research we have discovered that perhaps the only thing that can help us now is Jenova...or its cells." He smiled as he watched Cloud digest this information.

"So...you want me to...what?"

"We only ask for a few samples to continue our research, we have Hojo's notes from Nibelheim...we know what was done to you."

Cloud stiffened. "Then you know why I can't accept."

"You would abandon all those innocent people?"

"No. I just-"

"Cloud, come on, man...you'd be doing the world a favour." Reno said gently.

Cloud spared him a brief glance before focussing once again on Rufus. "What do you want me to do?" He asked hesitantly.

"We only need a little blood."

A door opened at the other side of the room revealing a man in a white lab coat, he looked nervously from Rufus to Cloud and back again. "Sir, you called for me?"

"Ah yes, this is Cloud, the one I told you about."

Excitement flashed across the man's face, making Cloud's hand reach for his sword. "The one with Sephiroth's genes?"

"Yes."

"I'm not-" Cloud began but Reno once again put a hand on his arm, Cloud stilled but the tension remained.

"Now, if you'll come with me." The scientist said, walking back to the door he had just come from. Reno nudged Cloud in the direction, and smiled encouragingly. Cloud went reluctantly, feeling Rufus' eyes on him. He found himself in a small lab, sterile white walls and a cold metal table where he was forced to sit. Reno had followed them and was now stood by the door, leaning casually against the wall and watching intently. "I will need a few samples, a little blood and perhaps some of your hair."

"Why?"

"Because I must isolate the Jenova-Sephiroth gene." The scientist said irritably. "Hold still."

Cloud stiffened and kept his eyes glued to Reno who smiled back at him, the scientist took a needle, pushing back Cloud's sleeve and, ignoring the dark bandage, slipped the needle into a vein. Cloud winced and gritted his teeth. He felt a strong sense of deja-vu, as if he'd been there before. Pain washed through his head as long forgotten memories began pushing themselves into the forefront of his mind. He remembered the smell of the lab, the dust, the cloying sense of dread as he had woken once or twice to find himself trapped. He was strapped to a table, no way of escaping as a man with horrible laughter and glasses hunched over him.

"Interesting, very interesting."

"No." Cloud hissed, pulling his arm from the scientist and sliding off the table, he shook his head and backed away. "I can't..."

"Cloud, it's all right, yo." Reno moved to block the exit.

"You don't understand!" Cloud said vehemently, his hand going to his sword. "I can't do it. Not again. I'm sorry."

"We already have the blood." The scientist said indifferently. "Hojo truly was a genius." He looked at Cloud curiously. "I've seen your files, young man. You're a very fascinating subject."

"Stop it! I'm not a subject! I have a name! I'm a human being!" Cloud had backed into a corner, looking for all the world like a cornered animal.

"Come now, you've already come this far."

Reno looked from one to the other before sighing. "I think that'll do for today, yo."

"The president said he wants all samples." The scientist said.

"He aint up for it, yo." Reno insisted.

"Hojo was a fool for not giving you a number."

Cloud's hands went to his head, he shook it violently. "Just shut up! Shut up!"

"You are a perfect Sephiroth clone, and he was too blind to see what he had created. You won't ever degrade! You've inherited a large portion of Jenova's power! Don't you see?"

"My name is Cloud Strife!" Cloud hissed, his eyes opening to reveal furious blue-green. "I'm from Nibelheim, I tried to get into SOLDIER and failed! I was best friends with a man named Zack Fair! I am not a clone! I'm a person!"

"Pah." The scientist waved a dismissive hand. "You're far more than human, boy."

"Hey, hey! Cut it out, yo! He's had enough!" Reno said, stepping between Cloud and the scientist, his EMR already in hand as he tapped it against the man's chest. "Jus' leave it."

"But Rufus has given me orders..."

"Yeah, an' I'm giving you more." Reno said, matching the man's glare with one of his own. "That's en-"

"Reno."

Reno turned to see Tseng standing in the door, he had his arms folded and a stern expression on his face. "Chief?"

"Come here, the president has orders for you."

"But-"

"Now, Reno."

Reno looked at Cloud who stared at him with wide eyes. "I'll come back, yo." He said softly and put his weapon back on his belt. He followed Tseng out of the room and saw Rufus sitting before the window again, gazing out and seemingly deep in thought. "President?"

"Reno, I want you to fly Farely to the Mansion in Nibelheim."

"Sure thing, yo. What about Cloud?"

"He will be going with you."

"What?!" Reno's eyes widened and he turned to look at Tseng. "You gotta be kiddin' me, yo! You can' do that to him!"

"We can and we will. What is to be done here far outweighs the will of one man, this is essential to the survival of thousands." Rufus said, turning to look at Reno sternly.

"But-"

"Reno." Tseng said sharply and beckoned Reno away, they stepped out into the corridor and Reno followed Tseng to the stairs that led down the cliff.

"Chief...I...I can' do it." Reno said softly, moving so he was leaning over the railing, staring down into the valley.

"You're going to refuse direct orders from our President?" Tseng asked.

"Yeah, I reckon I am, yo." Reno hung his head and closed his eyes. "I'm not goin' ta destroy Cloud."

"Perhaps he is stronger than you think."

Reno laughed coldly. "He's barely hangin' on to his sanity as it is, yo. We can' let him go back there, it'd kill 'im."

"Like the President said this is no longer about one single man, Reno. You need to let go of your feelings and do your job."

Reno squeezed his eyes shut tighter and gritted his teeth. "Maybe...maybe I don' wanna be a Turk anymore." He breathed. "Maybe it's too much. My conscience can' take no more! I've got a lot of sins to make up for, startin' by sending Cloud to insanity aint the way ta go about it. That man's as bad as Hojo! You remember what we did back when Sephiroth burned Nibelheim to the ground, yo?"

"We refused orders."

"Yeah..."

"But the situations are utterly different, that was the lives of many this is one man, Reno! The information Professor Farely extracts from Cloud could save lives, do you not understand that?"

"I do! But Cloud saved us all! He nearly gave up his own life to stop Sephiroth from destroyin' everythin'! Without him we wouldn't even have a world left to save!" Reno put his head in his hands and shook his head. "I can' do it! I-I refuse."

Tseng was silent for so long Reno thought he had left, but then the soft click of the safety being released on a gun rattled through his head and he stiffened. "You are a Turk, Reno."

"Yeah, I know." Reno stared blindly out over the valley, eyes wide as if they were trying to see everything all at once in a vain attempt to record it before they saw their last.

"You do not leave the Turks."

Reno took a shuddery breath. "Then do it."

"Reno, I have no wish to take your life."

"It's the rules."

Tseng sighed heavily and lowered the gun. "Not anymore." He said.

Reno turned around and stared at him. "You remember what I did to Sector seven, yo?" He said in a cracked, tired voice.

"I ordered it."

"Yeah...but I pushed that button." He shuddered as he heard the screams inside his head again, he pushed his hands into his hair and tried in vain to shut them out. "I killed countless people."

"That blood lies on my hands, far more than it does yours."

"Bu' I coulda refused. I could've said no!"

"You would have been tried and executed."

"Yeah, I should have died, Tseng." Reno looked at him desperately. "Don' make me do it! I can' force Cloud to go through that again, it's too cruel!"

"The reason I and the President asked you to be escort is only because you care about Cloud's welfare more than anyone. We're sending you to protect him."

Reno swallowed the lump in his throat and closed his eyes again, hanging his head. "I did enough of that back before Meteorfall, remember Azul an'...an' Deepground?"

"Sh!" Tseng's eyes widened and he glanced behind him towards the open door, he kicked it closed and shook his head. "You know not to speak of that!"

"What's the point in not mentionin' it now, yo? It's probably been destroyed. All those people..." He gazed despondently down at his hands and shook his head. "They aint people anymore because of us."

"Rude, Elena and even the President don't even know about that place, it's best we keep it where it belongs, in our memories. They were true monsters..." Tseng trailed off and shook his head. "You were told because you are my second in command, you had to know but please, don't speak of it to anyone else, ever again."

Reno smiled weakly. "Sure thing, Chief."

"Good. Now, prepare the helicopter, we have a subject to transport."

"No. We have a man to transport." Reno corrected softly and walked away, his gait heavy with guilt.

Tseng watched Reno go and reached into his pocket, he brought out his phone and dialled.

"Chief?"

"Rude, I have new orders for you. I want you to go to Nibelheim with Reno."

"...why?"

"He's not in his right mind, I need you to keep an eye out for him."

"Yes sir."

Tseng hung up and looked up at the clear blue sky, his own heart heavy with the weight of his own sins.