Chapter Eight: The Battle Begins
Marena slowly opens her eyes and takes a deep breath. She tries to sit up to look around, but there is a weight across her stomach and a leg pinning her legs in place. She turns her head to the left and sees a mass of blonde hair in front of her face.
"Cloud..?" Marena calls and immediately regrets it.
Her throat is sore, and her lips and cheek throb in pain. The memories of her last shower come flooding back in her mind, and she realizes her older brother almost killed her again. Marena wonders why she was unable to catch her breath and how she was able to breathe again. She suddenly remembers Cloud's warm lips pressing against her mouth, and his tongue forcing her to open her mouth to let him breathe oxygen into her constricted airway. Her face turns red as she remembers the embarrassing moment with Tifa pinching her nose and Cloud holding her naked body covered only by a small white towel.
"Why do people keep attacking me in the shower?" Marena thinks as she tries to figure out how Cloud came to be sleeping in her bed, and who dressed her?
Surely Cloud wasn't the one who dressed her. Tifa must have done it. She was there after all. Marena puts her right hand over Cloud's arm which is draped over her stomach, clinging to her side tightly. Who would have thought Cloud was a cuddle bug? She starts shaking his arm, trying to wake him up and wondering how long he's been asleep in her bed. Cloud moans in a questioning tone as he looks up into Marena's blushing face. He looks back down and realizes he fell asleep and is clinging to Marena like a monkey.
"Crap..!" Cloud gasps as he sits up, removing his arm and leg from Marena's stomach and legs, "Marena, I'm so sorry! I was just… You're lip was bleeding and… I must have fallen asleep since I couldn't sleep last night! I'm sorry!"
Marena blinks up at him; her cheeks still red, and she shakes her head at him as she touches her throat.
"Oh, I'm sure your throat is sore. Your airway was constricted when Tifa found you. I was able to breathe into your mouth and get oxygen in your lungs, but you passed out before we could ask you what happened," Cloud explains as he stands up and sits on the bed across from Marena's bed.
Marena frowns when she realizes she liked Cloud beside her. She grabs the glass of water on her nightstand and takes a few swallows of water before trying to speak.
"Trae attacked me in the shower. He was warning me that he'd kill my friends if they tried to stop him," Marena whispers softly, still having trouble with the pain in her throat.
"Why do your enemies like attacking you in the shower? Dante did the same thing," Cloud says as he crosses his arms.
Marena shrugs with a blush and says, "Maybe it's the only time I'm alone behind a locked door. I don't know."
"Well, next time you go to the bathroom, take Tifa with you or call on me and I'll stand outside the door. I don't want you to have a single moment alone where there is a possibility Trae could appear and try to kill you again. I called Barret earlier this morning and asked him to gather everyone to meet here tonight after closing time for the bar. We'll have a strategy meeting and figure out how to stop Trae. Reno and Rude will be here too. They had an encounter with him in Junon right after you called them. Trae isn't wasting any time to destroy Shinra," Cloud says.
Marena sighs and says, "I can't believe I can't even use the bathroom without someone trying to kill me."
Cloud laughs and says, "Well, at least you have me and Tifa here. Are you hungry? I can bring you something if you're too weak to move."
Marena shakes her head as she puts her feet on the floor and pushes herself to her feet. She sways slightly before getting her balance and smiling up at Cloud.
"I'm all right. I just need to move around. I'm so stiff from all the sleeping and bruises. I am hungry though," Marena says as she walks with Cloud downstairs.
Tifa is moving around the bar, preparing to open for the lunch shift. Marena had slept the whole morning away. Cloud sits on a bar stool and watches Tifa prepare lunch. Marena joins Tifa behind the bar and starts preparing the dishes for the children.
"Marena, how are you feeling? You don't have to help me today if you aren't up to it," Tifa says as she starts piling food on the plates Marena had set out.
"I'm all right for now. I just need to move around a bit. I don't mind helping," Marena says as she starts taking the full plates to the long table in the back.
Once the table is set with plates of food and cups of water, Tifa calls for the children to come downstairs and has Marena get the children from outside to stop playing and wash up. Once all the kids are eating, Marena and Tifa prepare a plate for Cloud and themselves. Tifa asks about the shower incident, and Marena explains to her what happened.
"Wow, what is up with you and the shower? Your enemies really like to jump you in there," Tifa states as she takes a drink of water.
Marena shrugs as she takes a bite of her sandwich and glances over at Cloud who is eating silently. He looks up when he realizes Marena staring at him and smiles at her. She blushes and looks down at her food, taking another bite. The children finish eating before them and go outside to play. Marena finishes before Tifa and Cloud and starts taking the children's plates to the sink, dumping the uneaten bits into the garbage. She starts washing dishes and soon, Tifa joins her to help by drying and putting the dishes up.
Cloud stands up and says, "I guess I'll start making some deliveries before it gets too late. I had to delay three days worth of work while we were gone. If I get anymore calls to make deliveries, tell them we're closed for the next three days. The recommendations list is in the top drawer of my desk if they don't know who else to call. There are probably two or three good ones on that list. I'll see you two at dinner. Don't forget about the meeting after the bar closes."
"Alright, be safe, Cloud," Tifa says as she puts away some of the dry dishes.
"Leave it to me," Marena says with a smile.
"Later," Cloud says as he walks outside.
Marena finishes up the dishes just as the first customer enters the bar. Tifa goes ahead and takes their order while Marena cleans up the sink and dries her hands. The bar has a steady flow of customers for lunchtime, but it starts slowing down after two o'clock. This gives Marena time to catch up on the dirty dishes piling in the sink as Tifa takes care of the last of the lunch customers.
"I'm so tired!" Marena says as she collapses onto a bar stool while Tifa cleans up the tables.
"Go ahead and take your first break. I'll finish cleaning," Tifa says as she takes the garbage out.
Marena gets a glass of water and drinks it slowly. Her throat still sore and dry from taking customers' orders all day. The phone in Cloud's office rings, so Marena runs to answer it.
"Strife Delivery Service; you name it, we'll deliver it. How can I help you?" Marena says into the phone.
"Yes, I need some parts delivered from the Midgar store to my store in Kalm. Is there any way it can be delivered tomorrow by noon?" a male voice says.
"Unfortunately our delivery schedule is booked for the next three days. I do have a list of other delivery services you can use if you'd like," Marena says.
"Sure, that'd be great," the man says.
Marena reads the list to him and he thanks her, hanging up before she can respond. She shrugs as she sits down in Cloud's chair, resting for a few minutes before her break is over.
Returning to the bar to help Tifa, Marena notices Tifa having trouble with a man toward the back of the bar. He has quite a few empty glasses on his table which means he's had a lot to drink.
Marena approaches them and asks, "Is there a problem here, Tifa?"
"I was just telling this guy that I can't give him anymore to drink. He's already at his limit. If I give him anymore then he won't be able to drive home," Tifa says as she crosses her arms.
Marena looks down at the guy who she recognizes as one of the guys she has had problems with before.
"Look, I don't know why you think you need to drown yourself in anymore alcohol, but you can't have anything else but water. I'd be more than happy to make you some coffee to help you sober up, but you already look like you are unfit to drive. We'll have to take your keys from you if you want more to drink," Marena explains calmly.
"Whatever, I'm not giving my keys to someone I don't know! I just want another beer, lady," the guy says with a slur.
Marena sighs and says, "Like I said, you can't have anymore alcohol. If you don't calm down, I'll have to ask you to leave, sir."
The guy snorts and says, "I pay good money and for what; shitty service and two sluts that don't put out?"
He reaches out and grabs Tifa's chest with a grin. Tifa gasps and grabs the guy's wrist, twisting it back angrily.
"Alright, buddy, get the hell out of my bar!" Tifa yells as she yanks him up and drags him to the door.
"Let me go, bitch! You're hurting my arm!" the guy yells.
Tifa shoves him out the door saying, "Gladly..!"
When Tifa comes back in, Marena is already clearing away the table.
"He did pay his bill, right?" Marena asks.
Tifa nods and says, "I always take up the money when I bring them the drinks. What have you been doing?"
"I normally give them the check when they're done," Marena shrugs as she takes the empty glasses to the sink.
Tifa sighs and says, "Well, from now on start taking the money when you give them the drinks. We can't risk something like that happening and not getting the check paid."
"Sure," Marena says as she washes the dirty dishes.
Tifa goes to check on the other patrons which are just people hanging out and drinking. The lunch hours are over, so she won't be making anymore food until dinner.
Cloud comes in just as people start ordering from the dinner menu. He sits at the bar and Tifa sets a glass of water in front of him.
"How many people have called today, Marena?" Cloud asks.
"One, I told him to call another store since our schedule is full for the next three days. Did you finish today's deliveries?" Marena says as she sets a plate of food in front of him.
He nods and says, "Yeah, I managed to deliver a few orders early, so there won't be so many tomorrow. I might finish before the third day unless we decide to go after Trae tomorrow. If that's the case, then I'll finish the deliveries the day after tomorrow."
Marena nods and says, "That's probably what will happen. We'll talk later. I have to get the children their food."
"Sure," Cloud says as he digs in.
Marena sets out dishes for the kids, and Tifa fills the plates like they did at lunch. Once the kids are finished, Marena clears the table and washes the dishes. The kids go outside, and Tifa tells them to be home by dark. The rest of the dinner shift goes by smoothly, and people start leaving with their bellies full and a smile on their faces. Cloud goes to his office to answer the phone, and Tifa and Marena clean up the bar, turning off the open sign. Thirty minutes later, the Avalanche crew shows up along with Vincent. They gather around in the basement meeting room and greet each other.
"Marena, we heard what happened! How are you feeling?" Yuffie asks as she hugs Marena gently.
"I'm fine now, just a little sore. How are you guys doing?" Marena asks everyone as she returns Yuffie's hug.
They all have positive responses as Tifa passes out some drinks.
Cloud stands up and says, "Alright, you all know why we're here. Marena learned about a lost older brother, and he is bent on destroying Shinra and all who stand in his way. Marena is almost fully recovered. This is her fight, but Trae is too strong for her alone. We all need to work together to stop him."
"He nearly killed Marena the last two times they met, and we all know how strong she is. If she couldn't kill him, then we will all have trouble," Tifa says as she sits next to Yuffie and Marena on the couch.
"Do we know what his weaknesses are?" Vincent asks.
Marena replies, "He tends to use lightening materia, so water and earth materia will be effective. Earth will negate the electric current, and we all know water and electricity don't mix. He has a bad temper, so it's easy to enrage him enough that he reveals his blind spots. He uses Sais like mine and wears knuckle busters. His armor seemed to be made of leather, but he might have had a plate under it to prevent bullet penetration. If you try to shoot him, it would be best to aim for his head, arms, and legs. He's super fast and good at taunting."
Everyone looks thoughtful as they take in this information, trying to think of ways to fight him.
"I'm really good at stealth and speed, but I also have a lot of materia we can use," Yuffie offers.
"Barret and I can aim for his arms and legs to slow him down with our guns," Vincent says.
"Yeah, it might be difficult to hit his head when he might be expecting it. I might be able to penetrate his armor with my heavier bullets, but I can't promise anything," Barret says.
"Close combat would be quite effective if the armor becomes a problem," Red says as he licks his paw.
Cait Sith says, "I can come up with a few bombs to slow him down!"
Cid nods and says, "Yeah, and I can locate him for ya! If he uses a blade he might just cut my staff in half."
"True, these things are all helpful, but we have to think of his speed. He can easily dodge bullets, but instant detonation bombs would be effective along with the materia," Tifa says, "If I can get close enough, my super powered punches can hurt him a great deal."
Cloud looks thoughtful and says, "These are all great ideas, but we need a strategy. We can't just jump into battle without a plan. He might use shadow monsters or summons."
Marena looks up and says, "I can absorb the shadow monsters with my mist, but I haven't seen him use any summons. He could have been hiding his full potential."
"First, we need to distribute the materia properly. We don't want to use electricity. He might be able to harness it to heal himself. We also have to think of the possibility that fire and ice will work. I have plenty of healing materia stocked up," Yuffie says as she rubs her hands together excitedly.
"That's perfect, Yuffie!" Marena says as she turns to her.
Cloud nods and says, "I still have my Ultimate materia. We could use it to weaken him considerably. If I can get close enough to him, I can fight with my sword."
Marena nods and says, "He will probably try to concentrate on me. If I appear first, he might think I've gone alone to fight him. If you guys can hide your presence long enough for me to start fighting him close up, it will be easier to hit him directly. I might even be able to get close enough to hold him down."
"But if you're too close to him, we might hit you, kid," Barret says.
"I'll be sure to stay out of the way. I also know what kind of attacks you guys have, so I will know what's coming," Marena says with a smile.
"Okay, so the plan is to send Marena out first. We can all wait for our chance on the ships outer deck. He doesn't know about Cid's airship, so he won't be looking in the sky. He'll be expecting us on land," Cloud says, "We'll each take turns revealing ourselves, but once one person reveals themselves, he'll be expecting more. We need to figure out the order."
"Well, the weakest should attack first. He'll think we will send out the strongest first, won't he?" Tifa asks.
"Yes, that's a good idea. Whoever has the least experience in battle will be considered the weakest…" Vincent says as he looks at Yuffie.
"Hey, what are you looking at me for!? I'm pretty strong you know!" Yuffie says as she glares at Vincent.
"Well, you are the smallest besides Cait Sith, and he has bombs that will be good as a surprise," Barret says.
"Aw, fine..!" Yuffie says with a pout.
They discuss who is stronger for a while before finally agreeing on a plan.
"Then we'll attack tomorrow. Do you have a location on Trae yet, Cid?" Cloud asks.
Cid nods and says, "I got a hold of a very strong signature earlier near Junon. I've been tracking it ever since."
"Great, then everyone get some rest tonight. You can use the bunks down here or you can use the cabins on the airship," Tifa says as she clears away everyone's drinks.
While everyone decides the sleeping arrangements, Marena sits in silence. Yuffie approaches her and grabs her hand.
"Hey, girl, you look like you could use some of this," Yuffie says as she puts a healing materia in Marena's hand.
Marena smiles and says, "Thanks, Cloud has been out of materia since I was in the hospital, so I've just been letting my body heal itself."
Marena activates the materia and it heals her wounds and pains.
Yuffie smiles and says, "No problem. How about we bunk together tonight since you have an extra bed in your room?"
"Sure, that'd be fine," Marena agrees as she stands up, stretching her newly healed body.
Everyone disperses as they head to their desired beds. Yuffie and Marena bunk together, while Cloud and Tifa go to their rooms and everyone else go to the ship's cabins except Vincent who stays in a bedroom in the basement with Red.
The next morning, everyone gathers in the bar for breakfast, dressed in battle gear. Tifa and Marena prepare breakfast for everyone including the children. Marlene and Denzel are left in charge of the other kids while Tifa is gone with the others. After breakfast, they go over the plan again.
"We'll be on the airship, while you ride your motorcycle to Junon. Cid has put a portable tracker on your bike with Trae's position on it. This way you won't have to rely on us to direct you since that could give away our position," Cloud says to Marena.
Marena nods and says, "Okay, I'm ready to go when you guys are."
"Alright, let's get going!" Barret says as he jumps up and heads for the door.
Everyone follows him except Marena and Cloud. They stand beside Marena's motorcycle watching everyone go to the airship which is parked outside the Midgar gates.
Marena looks up at him through her white bangs and says, "I wanted to tell you something before we go since it's possible one of us might get killed."
Cloud looks confused and says, "No one is going to get killed. I'll make sure of that."
Marena shakes her head and looks down saying, "You don't know that for sure, Cloud. Trae is unpredictable. He has already admitted that he'll kill my friends and me. He will stop at nothing to destroy Shinra. You know this…"
Cloud sighs and says, "I will do everything I can to ensure the safety of our friends and you. You know this, too…"
Marena looks up at him and says, "I still have to tell you this though. If I do die or you get killed, I want you to know that I…"
Cloud looks at her questioningly, and he steps closer to her.
"What is it?" he asks curiously.
Marena looks into his eyes which match hers, and she says, "I think I love you, too…"
Cloud's eyes widen in surprise at her statement and he opens his mouth to say something, but Marena interrupts him.
"Don't say anything, Cloud. I said I think I love you. I'm not sure if what I feel is love or not, but every time we touch I feel so warm. Like, there is this weight on my chest and butterflies in my stomach. When you kiss me, I feel like we're the only two people in the world, and I want nothing more than to stay like that forever. I've never felt this for anyone. I'm still not sure what love really is, but I want to find out with you, Cloud," Marena says with red in her cheeks.
Cloud blushes as he takes her into his arms, embracing her tightly as if he never wants to let go. Marena grips his shirt and rests her head on his chest. Cloud runs his hand through her white hair and pulls back enough to see her face. He leans down and kisses her lips gently, pulling her close at her waist. Marena closes her eyes and kisses him back, pressing her lips against his. Her hands grab his neck, pulling him down to her level so she isn't on her tiptoes. Cloud is surprised by her sudden display of affection, and he slowly pulls away, ending the sweet moment. Marena opens her eyes to see him looking down into her eyes as well. They stare into each other's eyes for a moment, before hugging tightly.
"I'll be watching to make sure you're all right," Cloud says as he releases her.
She nods and says, "I'll do my best. Thank you, Cloud."
"For what?" he asks.
"For all the help and support you've given me. I wouldn't have been able to do this without you and the others," she says as she holds his hands.
Cloud squeezes her hands and says, "There's nothing I'd rather do than be by your side and help you, Marena. Now, are you ready?"
Marena sighs and looks toward the airship saying, "Yes. Let the battle begin."
