Disclaimer: Characters are (c) Square Enix, I merely use them for my own purposes.
AN: A lot more happens in this chapter! Sorry if the fight scene isn't very good, I hadn't tried writing one before.
Reno could hear the lift doors open, and closed his eyes in fear.His face was soaked by tears, and he whimpered softly.He felt his consciousness slipping away from him, and laid still, lost in a faint, his chest rising and falling slowly under the swathes of bandages, every movement causing more pain that luckily he wasn't aware of at the time.
Cloud stepped out first, sword drawn.He could see some scientists moving around at the back of the labs.The figures stopped moving and turned to face the man.As they saw the sword, and recognized the man, they froze.One of the older scientists came to his senses and ran towards the emergency alarm, stopping only when the tense silence of the room was disturbed by the click of the safety being removed from Rude's gun.The scientist backed away, assembling with the others in the corner as Rude signaled.
Rude was relieved that they seemed to be willing to surrender without a fight.What he hadn't realized was that there another security button in the corner. As soon as the scientist reached it, he slammed his palm against it and throughout the building sirens started howling.Cloud turned to him; sword raised, walked forwards and pushed the man back against the wall.
Rude stood at the elevator door, blocking the one entrance to the labs.His gun was drawn and he stared straight ahead, determined to get Reno out safely.
"Valentine, hurry."
Vincent didn't need the instruction, but he followed it anyway.He walked over to the unconscious body of his friend, and carefully slipped the wires from his body.He had experienced similar things himself, so knew which order to remove them so that it wouldn't cause more harm.He grabbed a cotton pad to wipe away the blood he was sure would well up and glisten on his pale skin, but none poured from the wounds.He undid the bonds, pulling Reno to his chest.He turned to Cloud and Rude.
"I have him." Cloud walked over to him, placed a reassuring hand on Vincent's arm.
"Rude, call the lift, we are going to get out of this hellhole." He had his own memories of the science labs, and he wanted out.Now.He quickly grabbed the notes by Reno's head.Whatever had happened to Reno would be in these, and it might give them a way to help.
The doors opened, luckily free of armed enemies, and Vincent rushed in, holding Reno to him, whispering under his breath to him.Cloud followed, shoving the notes into Rude's hands.
"I will fight, the sword's better than the gun in situations like this."
Rude nodded once, not bothering to argue.
The doors opened and they came face to face with a group of armed SOLDIER.Cloud ran out with the sword, slashing left and right in a desperate attempt to clear a path.Vincent stuck close to him, determined to get Reno fired shots at those who came too close.They had to get free.
They saw the exit, and it renewed their efforts.Badly injured men were left in their wake, bodies near broken in Cloud's determination to free the man he had promised protection to.Gunfire echoed off the walls from the other men.Cloud howled as a bullet ricocheted, hitting him harshly in the arm.A group of SOLDIERS ran forwards, targeting the injured blonde took the chance, running towards the now clear doorway and pushing it open, fleeing with Vincent into the outside alleyway.Cloud hadn't followed them.
"Get him to Tifa's. I'll get Cloud"
Vincent was about to protest when he realized he would be of no use in a fight at the moment, with both his hands full, and that he couldn't put Reno down.So he ran onwards, racing back towards the bar, and muttering a silent prayer to everything he could think of that the others would be alright.
He burst into the house, and panted out a report to the anxious Tifa.
" Reno…was experimented on… we got him, taking him… here, Cloud got in a fight…Rude's helping him…they'll be here soon."Tifa paused for a second to consider.
"Vincent, take him upstairs, he can have the spare room.I'll go and help the others.Stay and look after the children."With that she ran from the house, pulling on her gloves, ready for a fight.
Vincent carefully carried the unconscious man upstairs. He opened the door to the spare room, and laid Reno down on the bed gently. Reno whimpered softly under his breath, and Vincent sat down next to him. Reno squirmed slightly in his sleep and he lowered himself to the bed next to him, wrapping his arms around the other man. Reno's ponytail was sprawled along the pillow, whilst the man himself curled closer to Vincent's body.It made him feel safe.Vincent held him tightly, letting him sleep in his arms.