I do not own anything nor do I make any money from this story. All rights apply.

[A/N There is an end in sight... What sorrow awaits the hero.]

The Price of Freedom – The Mako City

Crossing from the Woodland Area to the mainland presented a problem. The mainland was actually rather close and had Zack been in a different situation, he would have swum across. But he was in this situation so he now had to think of a different solution.

He and Cloud sat on the shore and looked over at the mainland. Well, Zack looked. He wasn't sure what was going on in Cloud's mind. It had been a day or two since their encounter with Genesis but Zack got the idea that Cloud was restless. He had a slight frown as if he was thinking about something, and he would occasionally give a deep sigh.

Zack wasn't overly worried about him - his eating was still good and he slept well enough. He hadn't woken screaming in weeks and seldom did he wake Zack with crying or moaning. Now that he thought about it, Cloud had been sleeping really well the past few nights.

He was optimistic that is was another improvement in Cloud's condition, and while he was pleased, he wasn't completely gripped by all encompassing joy, feeling that Cloud would suddenly stand up and run around. He had learnt over the last few months that recovery was a slow process, and mako poisoning wasn't something to be got over once removed from the tank.

Zack turned his attention back to the problem at hand - crossing the water. The afternoon sun was giving the water a silvery effect. He wondered how Aerith would react to the sea. Would she find it frightening? Or exciting? They could take a boat and do a coastal tour. Thinking of boats reminded him of their journey to the Woodland Area. It hadn't been very pleasant, but better than trying to cross that vast expanse on a raft – not that any raft could have been made. Needed trees for that sort of thing.

Trees…

Zack shifted his gaze behind him. There were tree here. A huge amount of trees, in fact.

"What do you think, Spiky?" he asked turning his attention to Cloud. "Do you think a raft would work?"

Cloud wasn't looking forward anymore, but rather, he appeared to be watching something on the ground. Zack couldn't see what it was from where he sat, and a little part of him suspected that it might only be something Cloud could see. But he checked anyway and was glad to see Cloud was watching something – bugs in the sand. Obviously he had been running his fingers through the sand again, but this time he had disturbed some sand critters. Zack had noticed that when he left Cloud in one place for a while he had started to dig his fingers into the ground, or run his hands across it. It was like he was trying to remember.

"Well, I guess I'd better get to work," said Zack leaping to his feet. He did a couple of squats as a warm up and looking for wood. To build a raft. With a large grin he entered the surrounding trees.

XxX

Making a raft turned out to be a lot harder than he thought. Finding the wood wasn't really a problem, the problem was that he didn't have anything to tie the wood together. He'd heard of people who had made rope out of leaves and vines, but the Woodland Area wasn't a jungle – it didn't have vines and big leafed plants. It had tall wooded tree and bushes with flowers.

He thought about cutting up the backpack but they still needed it for their dangerously low supplies. Another thing he needed to think about. He wanted to skip Junon at all costs. He didn't even want to go near it which meant they had to land on the easterly side of the inlet. The nearest place to find supplies would be Fort Condor. There would be troops milling around but nothing compared to the masses that would be stationed at Junon. Going to Junon essentially meant handing themselves over.

Though the same could be said for going to Midgar, but Midgar had the slums – anyone, everyone, could get lost in the slums. You could live there for years, right under ShinRa's nose, and they won't know. That and Aerith was there so it made logical sense to head for Midgar.

In the end, Zack decided to use the straps of the backpack to secure Cloud to a cut down branch and swim across. It took hours, and unlike the boat, Cloud didn't seem to mind being in the water. He made no protest the entire journey, instead, he appeared relaxed, floating happily while Zack did all the hard work.

Not that Zack actually minded – he saw it as a test of his old skills, his stamina and his strength. And was greatly pleased when they arrived on the other side to find that while he was tired, he was not exhausted or shaky as he had been when they first broke out the mansion. He reckoned a couple more weeks and he would be back to his top form.

But he was not there yet, so they rested the night where they had landed and set off early the following day. That morning Zack had gone through their supplies and money. They were coming to the last of their cash so he had to be careful what he bought. While he was sorting out supplies he thought about the best route to take to get to Midgar. Going straight up from Fort Condor would be quickest but also riskier. The ground was quiet open and there would be less cover the closer they got to Midgar. They would breeze past Fort Condor and make their way up along the mountain range. It was quite green so food and water, as well as cover, wouldn't be a problem.

Another thing that Zack had noticed, was that Cloud had started to recognise when Zack packed up camp, and would seldom be distracted by whatever had caught his attention. He would wait, watching Zack until they were ready to go.

Today was no exception. Zack smiled as he slung Cloud's arm around his neck. He was starting to appreciated Cloud's constant behaviour and saw it as a true sign of his recovery.

XxX

Taking Cloud into Fort Condor wasn't an option – they would draw way too much attention and people would ask questions. There were too many infantrymen just milling around looking for something thing to do, and the last thing they needed was a bored infantryman spoiling for a fight. As much as he didn't like it, he had to leave Cloud behind.

On the outskirts of Fort Condor, Zack found a storage area behind a small hanger. There were three tarpaulin covered trucks on the left and a pile of packing crates backed up against the hanger. Zack didn't have much time to scout out the area as they were in the open so he had to chance it. He moved quickly to the gap between the parked trucks and the packing crates. He sat Cloud down so he could rest against the crates if he so wished.

"Okay," muttered Zack with a quick look around. "I'm going to be really quick, okay?"

Unfortunately, Cloud seemed more interested in the crates. He was looking at them with some interest. They were unlike anything he had seen so far.

"Cloud." When he didn't respond to Zack's call, Zack turned his head so he could look Cloud in the eyes. "I will be back."

Cloud looked at him for a second but then the tarpaulin caught his attention. Zack supposed he should be pleased that Cloud was paying attention to his surroundings but it left him feeling more worried about leaving him alone. What if while he was away, Cloud became aware enough to realise he was in trouble and call for help not realising he would actually be endangering himself.

With an uncomfortable feeling, Zack stood and pulled the top crate off the stack and placed it in front of Cloud. Cloud had turned at the sound and focused his attention on the crate that now blocked Zack from his view. Zack ignored the sudden frown that creased Cloud's brow and the way his eyes darted around looking for Zack. Time was short, he had to move quickly.

He stepped back roughly and rolled his shoulders a few times as he walked to the main thoroughfare. He knew the trick was to walk like he knew where he was going but there were two problems, one – he didn't know where he was going and two – there were so many infantrymen around and he had spend the last few months hiding from ShinRa, his instinct was to try and sneak through the crowded area.

But luck was kind enough to throw him some crumbs, he spotted a store soon enough that it didn't look like he was walking aimlessly. And he only had to angle his walking slightly to make for the store. Unfortunately, there were two infantrymen inside – a veteran and a youngster. Both were engrossed in a conversation with one of the store attendants over a dagger. The second store attendant was sitting idly by the till. Zack scanned the items behind him, and keeping in mind the amount of cash he had he placed an order.

While the store attendant set about getting his items, Zack was painfully aware that the conversation next to him was winding to a close. The youngster had decided to buy the dagger and while he did so the veteran was studying Zack.

Zack kept his face neutral as he watched the attendant get his things, he resisted the urge to look round but couldn't ignore the man when he spoke.

"I didn't know they had sent any SOLDIERs here."

Zack threw the veteran a quick smile with a nod as he paid for his stuff.

"They don't really send SOLDIERs down this way," continued the veteran. "And the SOLDIERs don't buy food."

Zack took a moment to pack his stuff and sling the pack onto his back before he turned to face the infantrymen.

He could see recognition in the veteran's eyes, the older man just couldn't place him.

"Zack Fair," interrupted the youngest holding out his phone to the veteran. "He's wanted by ShinRa."

"That's my cue to leave," said Zack and bolted from the store.

He didn't quiet run but made sure he was walking really fast when he bumped into a random infantryman in the street.

"So sorry," he said as he spun the man round so he was between him and the store. Before the infantryman could say anything, the veteran threw open the door with a yell. This caused the infantryman to turn round and Zack slipped into a side ally. He didn't waste any time climbing onto the roof and looking down on the scene unfolding below. The veteran was describing Zack to the infantrymen in the street, and just as Zack had hoped, the one he 'ran into' pointed in the direction he had seen Zack go.

Zack watched the ShinRa infantrymen run in the direction he wanted. Once the immediate area was clear, he dropped down to the ground, backed tracked quickly while still keeping an eye to make sure they continued in the wrong direction.

Cloud was still where he left him, looking at the ground in front of him. As Zack pulled the crate free, Cloud's head whipped up to look at him, relief flooding his eyes – he drew breath and Zack was sure he was about to say something. But nothing passed his parted lips. Zack glad to see the recognition in Cloud's eyes. Cloud was happy to him, to see Zack.

As much as Zack wanted to savour the moment, ShinRa was looking for them, and they now all knew who he was. It wouldn't be long before the Turks descended. Quickly, he slung Cloud's arm round his neck and hoisted him to his feet. Before he was fully upright, Zack had them moving. Zack managed to move a couple hundred meters but was forced to slow as they approached an open area between hangers. With a quick glance round he set off. Unfortunately, Zack forgot that Cloud won't know to hunker down as they ran across the open ground. So when Zack started moving and Cloud couldn't walk as he was used to, he didn't walk at all.

Zack found himself tangled with Cloud as his sudden weight pulled them to the ground. He recovered quickly and pulled Cloud back behind the hanger. Zack was further surprised when he noticed Cloud was glaring at him, almost as if he was asking Zack what he was doing pulling him around like that. After so many months of having Cloud stare at him with blank expression he had worn for so long, Zack was slightly unnerved by the intensity of Cloud's gaze – but he was also immensely relieved.

Zack found himself smiling as he hoisted Cloud over his shoulder, he made a grunt that sounded suspiciously like a protest but Zack didn't have time to waste. Once the coast was clear, he took off quietly, leaving the chaos of Fort Condor behind them.

XxX

Zack didn't stop for many hours. He wanted, and needed, to get as far as possible from Fort Condor as quickly as possible. After a couple of hours of running, he set Cloud on his feet and continued at a brisk walk. By now he knew the Turks would be in Fort Condor questioning and intimidating. They would be looking into possibilities, directions and destinations. He couldn't fret about it now, the closer they got to Midgar, the higher the chance of a run in with either ShinRa or the Turks.

And now they had had that run in so all that was left was to get 'lost' again. The best way to do that was to get as much distance as possible between them and the Turks.

Zack didn't stop pushing them until they were well into the mountain range but even then he still had them moving at a brisk pace from early in the morning till late into the evening. He kept going until Cloud's feet started to drag. They were so close to the end now, and after a number of hard days they reached the end of the mountain range. Zack made camp in the last of the trees that edged the mountain range and set about looking for a river. This would be the last time they would be able to freely get water and have a wash. It seemed like a funny thing but he didn't want it to look like they had been on the run for months when they entered Midgar, it would make them stick out more than they already would. As it was Zack had set aside a small amount of cash to buy some clothes so they could blend in better. He slightly regretted tossing the clothes Aayuni had given him when they entered Gold Saucer. But that too was done. Zack had to only think of the future now – things he did or didn't do in the past couldn't fill his thoughts now. They had to move forward.

As they were making their way back to camp, Zack thought he heard voices from the direction they were heading. He paused to concentrate on the sounds – he could make out two voices. Quietly, he lowered Cloud to the ground, making sure he was hidden from view and moved forward. As he got closer he could make out odd words, but what actually set his nerves on edge was that he recognised the one voice. It was Reno.

He moved a little further to their camp and through the trees Zack got a clear view of the two Turks. Zack didn't recognise Reno's partner. He was looking round the camp while Reno was looking round the surrounding area with such intensity, Zack could almost imagine he was able to see through things. He was also holding their pack in his left hand.

"Zack!"

His partner jumped slightly at the sudden yell, but Reno ignored him.

Zack remained where he was, wondering how the hell they had found them. Reno pulled a phone from his phone and dialled.

"They are in the mountains," he said after a moment. "I've found a camp, I think they are still in the area."

He paused.

"Send me an area map, make sure it includes any rivers or bodies of water."

Zack's heart sunk even lower. He didn't want to fight the Turks, but it was obvious they knew he and Cloud were in the area. Zack weighed his option – one, attack the two now and run or two, try and leave now or three, wait them out and only attack if found. He dismissed one even as he thought of it. Undecided between two and three, Zack ghosted his way back to Cloud.

The blond's eyes were closed when Zack dropped down next to him. But he opened them as soon as Zack touched his shoulder. It was the first time Zack noticed how tired Cloud looked. He had been pushing them hard since they left Fort Condor and since Cloud hadn't, couldn't, protest the pace, Zack had just kept going. In his desperate flight, Zack had forgotten that Cloud was still suffering from mako poisoning – he was better than he had been but he was still not well.

And that's when he decided on three – wait them out. Hunkering down, he pulled Cloud closer to the ground and moving him slightly under a shrub. Unlike the last time he had hidden Cloud, this time Cloud showed his disapproval with a frown but thankfully didn't make a sound. He lay the Buster Sword within reach and peered through the branches.

It wasn't long before the two Turks came into view. Reno still had their pack in his hand, his phone in the other.

"There's a river just through here," he said pointing with his phone. "It's the last one before the wastes that surround Midgar. This is their last place to get water."

"I didn't see any water containers at the camp," said the other Turk.

"Which is why we didn't find them at the camp."

"D'you think they'll by the river?"

"Nope," said Reno. "They've ducked. But they'll be easy to follow."

"Yeah," drawled the other Turk. "You can't move fast hauling around dead weight."

They had reached the river and Zack could no longer see them, but he could still hear them. They were talking about which direction Zack would have gone. The other Turk pointed out that their footprints lead back into the copse but Reno dismissed it.

"Zack's taking them to Midgar."

"Midgar?" asked the other Turk.

"Midgar," confirmed Reno.

There was quiet for a long time then Zack heard a helicopter. He hid himself further as the wind from the blades stirred up the leaves and trees. He remained that way long after the sounds of the helicopter had faded. In the shadows of his mind, he had hoped to get to Midgar without any hassle and without anyone knowing where he was. But that hope was now lost. He was going to have to be extra vigilant if they wanted to get them into Midgar. The Turks were going to searching the wastes for them but Zack had a different idea – he was going to use the road. While the Turks wasted their energies on caves and crevices, he was going to walk in the front gate.

He glanced at the sleeping Cloud.

"Sorry, buddy, it's going to be a rush from here," he said. "Our time is shorter than I expected.

XxX

They left the foothills the previous afternoon. Zack had tried to stay among them for as long as possible but they had to start their westward journey to Midgar. Ahead of them stretched the vast wasteland that surrounded Midgar. This was their last stretch – their home run. Their most danger fraught section and Zack was going to go along the road. He knew he was taking a huge gamble but it had reached this point, there was no other destination.

They had been on the road for all of last night and a large section of the morning when Zack heard the truck. His first instinct was to hide but he adjusted his hold on Cloud and continued. He was surprised when the truck pulled up next to him.

"Need a lift?" asked the driver.

"You heading to Midgar?" asked Zack.

The driver chuckled.

"Where all roads lead. Jump in the back."

"Thanks," grinned Zack.

Maybe their luck was changing after all.