Cloud looked at his PHS and sighed, the area where Lucrecia's cave was located was remote enough to keep their PHS's from working properly. Cloud had wanted to call and tell Cid that they didn't need extra time.
They currently had a fire going, and Sephiroth was roasting a wild boar that Vincent had shot earlier. Vincent was in the tent with Lucrecia's sleeping form.
"You've been pretty quiet since the cave is everything alright?" Cloud asked Sephiroth.
"I don't know, I got the impression she really didn't want to see me." Sephiroth said staring at the fire.
"From what Vincent says, she doesn't really want to see anyone. She blames herself for everything that happened to you and to him." Cloud told him.
"I want answers, I always have." Sephiroth said leaning the stick he had been using to tend the fire on his shoulder. "But I'm afraid of asking her. Though the people who can give me the answers I really want are dead, and I wouldn't trust them anyway."
"Thinking of what happened in Nibelhiem too?" Cloud said quietly.
"Yes, what you told us earlier. It's still hard to believe. I knew Hojo was a sick twisted man, but I didn't think President Shinra was that callous, greedy yes but not callous. It makes me sick thinking of every time I was in the same room with him. The fact that he sent his son to die, condemned an entire town, and sent me as the executioner. I loyally served the man all my life. " Sephiroth said staring into the fire.
"I keep forgetting you weren't aware for a lot of the things we found out throughout the years. " Cloud said with a sigh. "I've known for a lot time what old man Shinra was like. Rufus started out down the wrong path, but after Meteor he pull himself together. " Cloud said looking over to Sephiroth.
"How are you able to take everything so calmly?" Sephiroth asked honestly.
"I don't know, I guess I just accepted a few years ago that I was the fate's whipping boy. That and it I've had to rebuild myself so many times that it feels like it happened to a different person." Cloud admitted. "Besides all of the negative parts are over and done with. I almost physically can't dwell on the past anymore. The only thing that currently affects me is the fact that Rufus is my brother.
"I suppose I can't stop dwelling on it, because it's all I have and since I still have no idea what I'm going to do when this is all over. It's hard to think about something else." Sephiroth acknowledged.
"You should come work for Rufus, if your still interested in fighting that is." Cloud offered. "There is still a place in this world for warriors. "
"Work for Shinra again?" Sephiroth looked over to Cloud.
"It's not the same company, you've seen that. Rufus cares, everyone cares, we really are trying to help the world. The people." Cloud had to laugh at the irony of giving Sephiroth a semi-recruitment pitch for Shinra.
"What do you do, when you're not trying to take out evil alien parasites?" Sephiroth questioned, a bit of his rare humor showing through.
"Mostly monster hunting, escorting caravans through dangerous trade routes, and stomping out bandits. " Cloud said looking back to the fire himself. "I don't get out as much as I'd like. Shinra is still a company, and there is still a lot of paperwork, but it can be pretty rewarding work."
"I suppose it is something to look forward too, when this is all over." Sephiroth said with a bit of a sigh. "I just wonder if anything will ever be normal again."
"It can seem that way sometimes. Something happens and it seems like nothing could move on again. The world just has to stop. But Gaia is resilient. She keeps spinning and so you just have to keep moving if you don't want to get swept up. Then you eventually realize what you've been doing has become your new normal." Cloud looked back over to Sephiroth. "We'll send Jenova packing and then we can focus on finding a new normal for you."
MAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKO MAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKO MAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKO MAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKO MAKOMAKOMAKOMAKO
Zack ran through the streets, Aerith close behind him. They had managed to get out of the building and Zack had help defeat the summon. They hadn't seen either Loz or Yazoo but had heard from others that the silver haired demons were behind the attack. Someone had spotted Loz summoning Ifrit, then heading for the hospital. In Zack's mind that could only mean one thing.
On the way however they passed by Seventh Heaven, who looked like it had been part of the war zone, as much as the Shinra tower ever had. Zack stopped, he knew he needed to check on Tifa and the others, but the children.
"Go, I'll check on things here." Aerith said placing a hand on his arm, knowing his internal debate.
"I don't want to leave you alone, especially if those hell spawns are about." Zack said looking at her.
"I can handle myself, at least well enough to get away from them, and I have a few other tricks up my sleeve. Go I'll be fine." She said giving him a reassuring smile.
"Alright, you best be safe." He said leaning over and giving her a quick kiss, before he returned to his sprint towards the hospital.
Aerith just turned back to the bar and started making her way through the debris. She saw the shattered mirror before she saw Rude lying unconscious on the floor, Tifa was nowhere in sight but there was a lot of blood.
Aerith gasped and ran over the man's body, praying she wasn't too late. She sighed in relief when she felt a small life force still left in the man. She immediately began casting spells. "You best be alright, you've got a baby to take care of." She said as her magic flowed into him.
MAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKO MAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKO MAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKO MAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKO MAKOMAKOMAKOMAKO
Zack ran through the hospital halls, ignorant of the looks he was getting. The lights flickered as he moved closer to his goal, he threw the door open to find the room empty.
"No, no, no, no, no!" Zack screamed near tears.
"I'm sorry sir, he took them. If we would have tried to stop them he would have killed us." Said a nurse picking up a few things that had fallen.
"I know, I know, Damnit." Zack said kicking the door. It nearly flew off its hinges.
"I have to find them, do you have any idea where they went?" Zack asked.
"No, he left his note on the counter, saying it was for General Strife." The nurse handed it to him with a shaky hand.
Zack ripped it open in a flash and read the note.
Dear Ni-San,
We've been trying to set up a play date for so long! You keep avoiding us though. Mother doesn't like that you won't come visit, so we thought we'd borrow some of your toys. If you want them you'll have to come find us! I love games.
-Your little brother Yazoo.
Zack nearly ripped the note in two before stuffing it in his pocket.
MAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKO MAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKO MAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKO MAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKO MAKOMAKOMAKOMAKO
Reno carried Rufus, through the building. He was relieved to find out the man was just sleeping. He didn't have anything that could break the spell he was under however. Reno stepped out of the Shinra building, not trusting the structure at the moment.
"Reno!" Tseng yelled running towards him."What happened." he said looking Rufus over.
"He's just asleep thankfully." Reno said with a heavy breathe. "That bastard Yazoo was trying to kidnap him. Something about Cloud's toys." Reno growled out.
"They couldn't know." Tseng whispered to himself,
"Couldn't know what?" Reno said raising an eyebrow.
"Nothing, at least not that I can tell you at the moment." Tseng cursed Reno's improved hearing. He would have to remember it.
"Get him to the hospital. Loz was reported there, but he's long since gone." Tseng said. "I need to see what I can do to restore order here, and contact the others."
"Yes sir," Reno said before taking off towards the hospital.
MAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKO MAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKO MAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKO MAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKO MAKOMAKOMAKOMAKO
Aerith sighed as she wiped her brow. She knew Rude needed further medical assistance but he would be fine for now. The fact that Tifa was nowhere in the build however didn't sit well with her.
She heard heavy footsteps approaching outside and hide behind the counter. "Aerith!" She heard Zack's strained voice and sighed in relief.
"Oh thank Gaia I was afraid they'd taken you too." Zack said hugging Aerith.
"What happen Zack, are the kids ok?" Aerith said hugging him back. It was a little tight but she wasn't going to complain.
" No they aren't. That bastard he took them." Zack said almost wanting to sob. "Loz, he left a note for Cloud." Zack stepped back and handed it to her.
"Oh no." She said bringing her hand to her mouth. "Tifa's missing too, and Rude needs to get to the hospital."
"I'll take him." Zack said bending down. "Then we are going to hunt that bastard down and make him pay." Zack swore, as he lifted Rude up.
MAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKO MAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKO MAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKO MAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKO MAKOMAKOMAKOMAKO
Cloud had taken up watch as the sun set in the sky. The wild boar had been a decent meal, and getting the chance to ask Sephiroth to come back and officially work for Shinra had been nice. He had been meaning to breach the subject, they could really use him, but hadn't found a good time. When he mentioned his unknown future it again, it had seemed like the right time.
Currently Sephiroth was sleeping in the tent, and Vincent was doing his meditation thing that Cloud refused to call sleep. Vincent seemed to be aware of what went on around him and could respond in a moment while in that state.
Cloud was startled however when he saw the Shera approaching. They weren't due back until morning. Instantly he knew something had gone wrong. He shot up and went into to the tent. He knew better then to touch either man. "Wake up." Cloud yelled, and Vincent's eyes snapped open. Sephiroth started to sir.
"What's wrong Cloud." Vincent asked standing. Sephiroth had managed to sit up on his cot.
"The Shera is closing in fast, something must have happened." Cloud relayed.
Sephiroth stood and slipped his coat on. As Vincent leaned down and picked up Lucrecia.
They stepped out in time to see Cid land the airship. The ramp was barely open when Yuffie came bounding out. "It's horrible Cloud!" She said burying her head in Cloud's chest.
"What's wrong Yuffie." Cloud said and calm yet demanding tone.
Genesis just made his way down off the ship. "Edge has been attacked."
"They took Tifa , Jadak and Angeal!" Yuffie whaled.
Cloud cursed and walked past them on to the airship. "You can explain on the way." he said and the others followed him on.
Nanaki just turned to them as they entered. "I'll go inform Cid you're on." and bounded off towards the man.
"I'll find a place for Lucrecia to rest then I'll rejoin you." Vincent explained slipping off to other parts of the ship.
Cloud and Sephiroth were left to get answers. "What happened?" Cloud finally said looking at the two before him.
"We should find a seat, Cid's been running top speed." Genesis offered, before making for the briefing room. He continued to talk on the way. "We were investigating Modeoheim at your request, when we received the call. All we knew at the time was that Edge was attacked. We left as soon as we could, and headed your way." Genesis explained, opening the door to the room.
"Then they called back and told us what happened. They summoned Ifrit who attacked the Shinra building. They attacked the bar, and Rude was seriously injured, and Tifa was gone. Same with the kids, though apparently Loz just walked in and took them." Yuffie said trying to explain part of it herself.
"They apparently also tried to take Rufus, but Reno managed to stop them." Genesis interjected at the end.
"Any idea what they want?" Cloud said, he sounded calm, but he was the closest to raging he had been in a long time.
"You apparently." Genesis said , "Zack said he received a note left for you at the hospital. Since they couldn't contact you they sent me a copy." Genesis explained handing Cloud his phone
Dear Ni-San,
We've been trying to set up a play date for so long! You keep avoiding us though. Mother doesn't like that you won't come visit, so we thought we'd borrow some of your toys. If you want them you'll have to come find us! I love games.
-Your little brother Yazoo.
Blazed across the phone and Cloud almost wanted to crush it in his hand. "Any idea where they are."
"I don't know if they returned there but, they definitely had a camp in Modeoheim. You were right." Yuffie offered.
"Then we're changing course right now." Cloud said turning to leave the room.
"Wait what if it's a trap?" Yuffie said trying to stop him.
"Then they messed with the wrong prey." Cloud said before slipping out the door.
"Still think they are worth saving?" Sephiroth asked Genesis.
Genesis just turned his head away. "You were apparently."
Sephiroth didn't have a response to that.
MAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKO MAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKO MAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKO MAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKO MAKOMAKOMAKOMAKO
After convincing Cid to change coarse back to Modeoheim he pulled out his phone and dialed Zack's number.
"Cloud!" Zack practically yelled. "Do you have any idea what in Gaia's name is going on." The man demanded.
"Only what Genesis and Yuffie explained to me." Cloud responded. "We are currently on our way back to Modeoheim.
"You best not be taking down those bastards without me! They took the kids." Zack exclaimed.
"Zack, time is key. We would lose almost a day if we came back. Grab a helicopter and come meet us if you can." Cloud offered.
"You know as well as I do that it will all be over by the time we get there." Zack said in huff. "But your right, and the kids and Tifa are the main priority right now. Just bring them back safe." Zack pleaded.
"I'll do my damn best I promise." Cloud acknowledged.
"Alright, " Zack replied and the conversation was over.
Next Cloud dialed Tseng.
"Cloud, all hell has broken out here." Tseng exclaimed.
"I'm aware. I'm currently on my way to Modeoheim, thanks to Genesis's party we have reason to believe that's where the remnants are head." Cloud explained.
"They tried to take Rufus." Tseng said. "I could be any number of reasons, but you don't think they could know?"
"Only people who know are you, Rufus and the people on this ship." Cloud explained.
"It still would explain why they went after him. There had to be easier targets." Tseng stressed.
"I imagine they still have a grudge against them. I mean he was pretty successful at hiding Jenova's head right under their noses." Cloud countered.
"I just can't shake the thought that the know when they shouldn't." Tseng stressed. "I should ask though how your original mission went. I imagine it's even more relevant now."
"She's out of stasis, but still asleep. Vincent is certain she just needs rest." Cloud explained.
"I suppose that's at least some good news out of this." Tseng said honestly. "I should get back to getting things under control. Any particular orders you want me to issue?"
"Nothing other than the obvious assistance." Cloud said. "Good luck."
"Good luck to you as well, I fear you need it more." Tseng said before ending the conversation.
MAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKO MAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKO MAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKO MAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKO MAKOMAKOMAKOMAKO
Tifa started to come around in a make-shift cell. Her head had been bandage but as she sat up she felt a bit dizzy.
"Tifa!' She heard a child's voice.
She carefully looked up to see Angeal standing over her "I was afraid you weren't going to wake up." The boy admitted.
"How long was I out." She asked as Jadak crawled in her lap.
"Long time." The small child said.
"At least a couple of hours." Angeal elaborated.
"Have they said anything to you?" Tifa asked.
"They keep calling Jadak a traitor, it was scaring him. " Angeal said. "I couldn't stop them, but they left saying something about getting ready for Brother's visit."
"Cloud." See said and winced as a pain shot through her head.
"Cloud's their brother?" Angeal said wide eyed.
"No, at least not anywhere but their twisted head." Tifa said. She needed to get out of here, but she didn't know what she dared do with a head injury and the two children. She desperately prayed that her baby was alright. Her stomach felt fine though so she took that as a good sign.
"He and Zack will come save us right? That's what they do." Angeal asked sitting next to Tifa himself.
"Yah sweetie, they will." She said kissing his head. She just hoped it would be in time.
MAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKO MAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKO MAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKO MAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKOMAKO MAKOMAKOMAKOMAKO
End of chapter 25 hurray!. Oh and for anyone that thinks Rude may have gotten taken down too easily, you have to remember he's still recovering a bit from that nasty poison.
I also had it pointed out that I've written quite a bit of myself in to Genesis, and I have to apologize. I have similar issues to his, and when writing him it's easy to let it slip through. I'm going to try and make sure I separate him and me a bit more, and the friend who helped point this out to me has promised to help keep me in line.
I've also got a few questions about the alternate Yaoi version of the story I intend to post. I still plan to do it, but I am going to finish the regular version of Full Circle, then edit in the relationships. A bit of the plot might change, but I will be posting it all at once, when its complete.
Anyway as always thanks for reading/following/favoriting and especially reviewing.