Pookyilicous, Kisdota-The Freak Gamer, Tiny Cherie, celticskyedancer, Nobody-XV, MinnieMouse8990, mystery science seed 3000, Pyra Sanada, Bmonti, oodball167, vLuna, Angee, Vanilla Raindrops, Portrait of a Scribe and silverdigger(I think we missed mentioning you last chapter, sorry!) Thanks for all reviewing!

Also apologies for how long this has taken to update, but we've both been MAJORLY distracted for the last week mostly because of some random game that was released last week :3 Must say FFXIII is pretttty good.

Warning! Would just like to warn any...sensitive (?) readers of a use of profanity on Reno's part in this chapter.

E S C A P E

Chapter Twenty Six:

Unlikely Heroes

The room in Shinra HQ was basic, two couches opposite one another and a coffee table in between. There was a single long wide window opposite the door that looked across Midgar and straight into the distance although the smog still clouded part of the view. The smell of coffee hung in the air and a radio in the corner of the room was on. The white washed walls were clean and the floor shone from the light that hung from the ceiling. The smoke from a single cigarette rose into the air and the smell blended with the smell of coffee.

Reno put the cigarette out in the small dish on the table and returned his arm behind his head. He sighed loudly as he stared at the pale white ceiling before glancing once at his partner, Rude who sat on the opposite couch, his coffee hung loosely between his fingertips as he stared into the wall across from him.

The flight from the Gold Saucer to Midgar had taken its toll on Reno and he was ready to throw himself into the first bar he came across and lose himself. The whole tracking down Avalanche had been enough and he made a mental note to make sure he got his extra money for all the overtime he'd done. From going to Nibelheim with the silent but deadly General, who was actually yet to get back from the damn town and then from there to the Gold Saucer had been enough for the Turk. His green eyes watched the trails of smoke disappear into the air before he looked outside the window and at the smog filled sky.

What if the girl was right?

Reno rubbed his nose wincing at the small ache that was still there. That woman sure packed a punch! The Turk shifted his weight on the couch and carried on looking out of the window. Aerith seemed pretty sure she was right.

The thoughts of the helicopter ride from the amusement park had been continuously running through his mind over and over again, too much for him not to notice much more.

Aerith had begged and pleaded for them to take her back, he'd never seen the normally confident and smiling Aerith like that. Tears had formed in her eyes as she cried out for them to stop and to let her go and Reno couldn't help that behind the small smirk he'd felt a pang of hurt.

Reno looked to his partner, wondering if the man felt the same as he did.

Aerith had even begun crying out at how the planet was dying, that it would soon crumble to nothing and every living thing on the planet would perish. If anyone else had said that, Reno would have turned to them and laughed before grabbing them by the collar of the shirt and throwing them across the street. But Aerith wouldn't lie like that and if the planet was going to die the one person who would know, would be the Ancient.

Reno sighed loudly and threw himself upright. "What's up with you?" Rude asked quietly, bringing the steaming coffee to his lips and drinking it slowly. Rude had been watching his red headed partner and knew the normally vocal young man was deep in thought. Rude had been quick to guess what was on the other Turk's mind and believed it to be Aerith and her words. They struck a chord with him as well, remembering her shining eyes as she begged for him to let her go. Those beautiful green eyes shone so brightly as she looked into his face and begged for him to see reason.

Rude subconsciously adjusted the neck of his tie before looking to his partner who was still silent. "Think she's right?" Rude called quietly, placing his empty coffee cup onto the table and leaning into the cream leather couch, bring his arm up to rest on its back.

Reno shrugged once, his eyes still fixed on the window. He'd never got so mixed up in his thoughts before and was trying to make sure that this wasn't going to be a beginning to his downfall of a Turk. He was a good, no, a great Turk and he knew it, he did what his orders were and did them better than anyone else here could.

But as he had held tightly on Aerith's wrist as he pulled her through the Shinra building and felt her squirming and pulling as much as she could, he had hated his job for a single second. He'd looked into her pale, tired and tear strewn face and felt an emptiness well up inside of him. She gave up crying out and begging and instead gave him a stern stare that cried out for help. Her emerald eyes held so much emotion that for a moment he'd stopped and stared back. Besides Reno was waiting to be on the end of Fair's gigantic Buster Sword sooner or later.

What the hell are you thinkin', you wouldn't be able to get the girl outta there Reno! He screamed at himself and his protesting thoughts.

Reno swung his legs off of the couch and sat up right. He dug his hands into his pockets and brought out his packet of cigarettes and fumbled for one. He quickly lit it and placed it between his lips before falling back into the couch. Rude gave him a hard stare that shouted them're-going-to-kill-you-one-day. The red head blew smoke up into the air and let out a relaxed sigh. Now he knew why he was a Turk and not in Tseng's position, he just did what was asked and didn't give it a second thought.

He glanced to his partner and they held each other's gaze for a moment, both of them thinking the same thing. "For fuck's sake." Reno stubbed the cigarette out and stared at his friend. "We can't do anythin'!" Reno cried to Rude shaking his head whilst grumbling under his breath.

"What if she's right?"

"And what if she's not?!" Reno shouted back. "What if there's fuck all wrong?" Reno was sure he could see Rude's eyes roll behind his shades. "What if she's just makin' all this shit up so we'd let her go?" Reno shook his head again, his red bangs falling into his eyes. He pushed his goggles further up his head to push away his falling red spikes. He could see Rude's gaze still on him and stared back up.

"What if she's right?" Rude repeated a final time.

Reno sighed loudly. If she was making this all up, then nothing would happen and everything would be flowers and butterflies. But what if she was telling the truth, that those tears weren't fake and her pleas were as strong as anything else she'd ever said. What if she was right that the planet was dying and everything on the planet would crumble along with it?

That emptiness inside of him began to swell again and it felt like someone had placed a heavy weight on his shoulders. Reno ran his fingers through his spikes and along his long red pony tail. He was a Turk! He didn't decide these kind of things!

If the planet crumbled and everything fell to pieces he was sure as hell, even if he didn't want to admit it, he'd blame himself.

If they did this, they were turning their backs on Shinra. They would be hunted down just like Avalanche.

Reno looked a final time to Rude and grumbled loudly. "Alright." He paused once, to look out of the window and at Midgar. Everyone out there would die and disappear; maybe it wouldn't be so bad to be the hero for a change? "But you better damn well know that this is your god damn fault!"

Cloud lifted his calloused hand and wiped at the steam filled mirror. He stared at his reflection and let out a heavy sigh. His mako eyes burned right through him and he couldn't help but think that Zack was staring right back.

Zack shouldn't have left. Zack was the one who kept them all going and gave them all a smile, he was the one who believed in what he was doing and made everyone else around him so confident. Above all else Zack was their leader.

And here he stood, the quiet pessimistic Soldier, who couldn't turn around and promise everyone that everything will be fine. The only people he'd ever had to lead was a group of Shinra cadets, who he didn't know their names and wouldn't recognise their faces if he ever saw them again. Now he might have to lead this tiny group across the planet and make sure they were safe.

He clenched his fists and rested his forehead against the cool mirror, this was all wrong.

There was a loud bang on the door that brought him back to reality and it was followed by Barret's booming voice ordering him to get out. Maybe Barret would take over now? Although Cloud wasn't sure he'd trust the man's judgements, then again he wasn't even sure of his own.

After dressing he threw open the door and an angry Barret stormed in. Cloud paused to watch the door slam in his face and turned to Tifa. Her long dark hair fell down her back and shined through the sunlight of the window. She seemed to realise his eyes were on her and she turned round and smiled at him.

Her smile could make him forget all the terrible things in the world and if he could he'd take her hand and run away together and he'd protect her right until the planet falls. She spoke his name softly and he nodded to show he was listening.

If it had been Tifa that was caught by the Turks, he would have gone running full speed until all his energy left him and he fell to the ground completely exhausted. He guessed Zack was going through that right now.

Her deep brown eyes were still locked on him and her bright smile was still there as she simply watched him. "I need to go and get some things." He mumbled quietly, checking his pockets for the remaining gil. Tifa nodded before standing up and brushing her black vest and shorts down.

"I'll come with you." She answered as she walked to the bathroom door and called out to Barret as to where they were going.

What if Tifa was their leader?

Everyone loved her, it was impossible not to. She seemed to make fair decisions and her heart was defiantly in the right place. But no, she seemed contempt in standing on the side lines, ready to catch anyone as they fell.

Cloud smiled softly as he headed towards the door with her behind him. He felt her fingers entwine with his and he gripped them tightly. As much as he adored Tifa and as much as he wanted to spend every moment of the day with her he was still reluctant to shower her with affection. What if something happened to him and then she'd be alone? Sometimes he wondered if it would be much better if he kept her a good distance away then if anything did happen it wouldn't hurt her so much.

Her melodious voice snapped him out of his dreary thoughts and he decided that the time they had together he'd make sure they were the best time they had. He stared into her porcelain face and smiled, there was a faint bruise across her skin, where he was sure Reno had struck her. His anger boiled up inside of him, knowing if he ever saw the red headed Turk he would have to control himself from slicing the man in half.

He'd promised to protect her and instead she'd been punched and kicked by the red headed Turk. He turned away from her and followed the path, what if she gets hurt again and even worse?

"Cloud?" Tifa asked quietly, watching him slowly begin to space out. His mako eyes swivelled onto her and she smiled back. She needed to make sure he didn't fall into any guilt pits along the way. He led the way to a small corner shop and she let his hand slip from hers as he wandered around the busy shop.

Tifa stared round the various objects not paying all that much attention. I wonder how Zack's doing? She thought to herself. She had no idea how the young man planned on getting to Midgar as he'd refused in taking the truck that had got them here so far. She couldn't believe him walking or running the distance at all, although she wouldn't put it past him. The man was practically full or energy, so much so, he would most likely be able to run right across the planet and not break a sweat. The idea made her smile.

Tifa spun on her heel at eyed at the blonde who was still standing not doing much, his head tilted up as he looked at the top shelves. He clearly was lost in his thoughts and not thinking about what needed to be done. She frowned when she was sure something caught her eye and took a few steps forward into the crowd. Tifa frowned at the small gloved hand that was diving into the blonde's back pocket and wondered why the man hadn't realised or let alone felt it at all.

"Cloud!" Tifa instantly called and the blonde swivelled round as the small hand snatched something out of his pocket. The crowd split for a moment and Tifa caught sight of the teenager who'd been standing close to him, in her hand was two glowing small balls and her brown eyes widened for a moment as she stared at the blonde she was pick pocketing.

Tifa wondered if the teenager was actually stupid for trying to steal off of a SOLDIER or just fancied her luck, surely the girl must have noticed the gigantic sword across his back? The teenager suddenly darted through the crowd with Cloud on her heels. Tifa frantically chased after the brunette as she burst out of the shop. Tifa skidded to a stop and stood on her tiptoes, able to just make out Cloud's blonde hair disappearing through the street.

The martial artist ran down the street following her childhood friend as she pushed past people in the street. She could just make out Cloud's roaring voice, ordering the girl to come back with his materia. Although the fact that thief had managed to steal something off of Cloud was terrible Tifa couldn't help but smile at the fact that he hadn't realised!

Tifa came to a slow stop as she saw Cloud's blade and stood beside him. In front of her stood Barret and in his hand he held the teen as she struggled in his grip. "Hey, finders keepers!" She cried as she clawed at Barret. The man let out a booming laugh and he turned to the blonde.

"It wasn't there to find in the first place!" Cloud seethed. He reached forwards and his leather gloved hand curled round hers and tightened forcing her to release the two small glowing orbs.

"What happened to please?!" The teenager instantly replied as she snatched her hand out of the Soldier's. Tifa couldn't help but let out a small laugh at the young girl's reply to the Soldier.

Barret let go of the girl's short black jacket and she fell in a heap on the floor. She quickly jumped to her feet and spun round to face them. Tifa had barely had time to notice the boomerang like object on her back. It had four sharpened points and almost seemed far too big for her to wield. She promptly dusted off her short green shorts before standing up straight.

"What do you think you're doing anyway, attacking the great ninja Yuffie like that, you're defiantly going to regret that later you know!" She jabbed her finger into Cloud's solid chest and earned a glare in return. Her wide brown eyes narrowed slightly as she stared up into his face before taking a step back. "Whoa whoa whoa, you're that, soldier guy, that leader of that group, although you don't really look like some leader, more like a chocobo breeder to be honest, you really need to work on your apperance..."

Tifa turned to the blonde and knew her words most likely cut deeper than she realised. "I'd be quiet if I was you kid." Barret rumbled patting the girl's head. The three stared at the girl a final time and Tifa briefly wondered why a teenager would be here at all and by the looks of it alone.

The girl, Yuffie so she'd proclaimed herself rocked back and forth on her heels her hands behind her back and a mischievous smile across her face. "Shinra's sucking the planet dry, right, that's what you guys are going on about isn't it?" She asked suddenly. The three froze and turned to face her. She stood with her hand on her hip and a smirk across her face, pleased that she'd caught her attention. "How about you hand me your materia and I won't tell them that you're here?" Tifa let out a small laugh at the girl's brashness.

Tifa had to stop herself from reaching out and grabbing the blonde as he reached his sword, but instead just rested his hand on the hilt, like it was a threat. "I doubt it." Cloud muttered before turning and heading away. Tifa paused and watched as the girl frowned.

"Don't think I will Soldier boy? And was that supposed to be some kinda threat, because that really sucked, I've seen five year old kids make better threats than that!" She cried suddenly a triumphant smile across her face. Tifa couldn't help but smother her smile, the girl sure had guts to carry on shouting at a SOLDIER.

Cloud stopped suddenly and turned and faced her, he looked her up and down and watched the girl tilt her head to the side with a single eyebrow raised. "Because it's quite obvious you're from Wutai." Cloud turned away and made to continue. Tifa gave the girl a short smile and Barret let out a laugh before following the SOLDIER.

Tifa looked at the teenager a single more time and at her short black hair, brown eyes and pale skin and wondered why she hadn't noticed from the start. "Ah, so you know all about me!" The girl bounded after them a bright smile across her face. "The great ninja Yuffie Kisaragi the single white rose of Wutai." The girl cried, her face triumphant, she waggled her eyebrows as she muttered single and got a long sigh from the SOLDIER. "Well lucky for you, I guess I can help you guys out. Looks like you're gonna need a ninja on your side to take down this company."

Tifa looked to Cloud and at the self proclaimed ninja. Was she offering to help them? In a roundabout way.

The blonde turned round and faced her. "Go home." Tifa saw the fury build up in the girl. "This isn't your fight." The blonde added quietly. Tifa wondered for a moment if he was actually trying to make sure she wouldn't get hurt, by the looks of it the thieving ninja was going to run into some bad luck at some point.

"Fine." The girl muttered, bringing herself to her full height with her hands on her hips and her chin tilted up in the air defiantly. "Well I'm going to go now!" She cried, her brown eyes narrowed as she glared at him. Cloud didn't answer and simply turned ready to leave. "I mean it; you'll never see me again!" She cried eyeing them all a final time.

"Go ahead." Barret mumbled receiving the glare from the teen.

"You'll never see me or my ninja skills ever again you know!" Tifa gave the girl a small smile before turning to leave with the two men. "Or is this that old reverse psychology thing? Where you're just pretending you don't need me when you actually do...?"

"No, that's not it." Cloud mumbled with a snort.

"Okay then you spiky-headed jerk, you asked for it!" Tifa smiled at the Yuffie's reply and turned to watch the ninja reach for her four pointed shuriken. "Yeah, you better run away!" The girl cried after them.

Cloud pushed his way through the crowd with Barret and Tifa following. "She sure has a screw loose." Barret mumbled with a smile.

"Hey, I heard that!" Everyone came to an abrupt stop when the dark haired girl appeared right before them. "Alright, I'll help you guys, as it's pretty plain you're going to need my skills." She sighed as she brushed her short bangs out of her face. Cloud rolled his eyes before stepping past the girl. "In return, I think I better keep-a-hold of your materia right there buddy." The girl prodded at Cloud's pocket again making the SOLDIER brush out of her way.

Tifa briefly remembered them speaking the previous day, how they needed as many allies as they can get and she turned and looked to the ninja. Yuffie certainly didn't look like she worked for Shinra and seeing as she was from Wutai that was extra evidence that she wasn't with Shinra."She can help!" Tifa cried instinctively. She caught Cloud's bare arm and squeezed it slightly. Tifa looked to the ninja and saw the smile across the girl's face. Surely any help they could get at the moment would be a bonus? Yuffie seemed like she genuinely wanted to help.

"Listen to the lady." Yuffie smiled as she swung her shuriken onto her back. Cloud turned to Tifa and stared with a pleading look.

"We need all the help we can get." Tifa smiled with a shrug. Cloud turned and kept walking with Barret besides him. Tifa turned to Yuffie.

"Tough crowd huh?" Yuffie stretched and followed the two men. "I'm sure they'll warm up to me."

Reno threw open the science lab doors, he turned to Rude and got a single nod as they crossed the room. A sterile smell hung in the air, threatening to suffocate anyone. Reno wrinkled his nose at the smell as he scanned the room.

His eyes finally landed on the pink clad woman sat in what was normally used as a mako pod. "The cameras are all off." Rude muttered as he glanced to the few cameras set up in the corners of the room.

"Hojo is going to be pissed." The red headed Turk muttered as he walked to the glass. He tapped it lightly watching Aerith's green eyes flash up to his own. In truth the pure satisfaction of annoying the horrific scientist was one of the greatest things in the world and Reno would be more than happy as saying this was his excuse why he broke the ancient out, but of course that was only if they got caught.

Rude had set about disabling all the cameras in the area whilst Reno had checked that there were no staff in the area and made sure their helicopter was ready to go as soon as they got out. It was going to be tight, Reno knew it and if they got out without being seen would be a miracle. But if what Aerith was saying was true, they could risk it.

Aerith's confused stare made him pause for a moment, as he search for the latch that would open the glass pod. He eventually flicked the switch and the glass door slid open. "What are you doing?" Aerith asked quietly as she stood up straight and looked at the two Turks.

Reno smirked. "We had a change of heart!" Reno reached for her wrist and made to pull her out before she threw her arm out of his grasp.

"Not without Red!" Reno spun round and faced the Ancient in utter confusion. The woman pointed defiantly at the glass pod besides her and he stared at the bright red beast.

Reno took a step back as the beast glared at them from behind the glass. Was this another of Hojo's experiments? What was there to say that the moment they opened the pod that the wolf/lion thing would lash out at them. Aerith raced forwards and quickly opened the cage to allow the monster out.

Reno looked to Rude who shrugged. "We came to save you, and just you, not a-a pet, yo?!" Reno cried, rolling his eyes as he realised Aerith was paying him no attention.

"Thank you." It said peacefully looking up at Aerith who smiled in return and couldn't help but run her hands across the beast's red fur.

The red furred animal slowly walked away from the glass cage, shaking its entire body and stretching it's back legs. Wait a minute. Reno thought. That thing just talked! Reno looked to Rude and saw the equally confused frown across his friend's face. The animal turned and stared back up at them, it's dark eyes boring into theirs with a look of impatience.

"Well!" Aerith cried suddenly staring at the two Turks that had brought her here in the first place. Reno opened his mouth to argue but watched as Aerith stormed past and headed out with the red beast besides her. Reno glanced to Rude once more before they raced after her.

Reno gripped onto the woman's bare arm and quickly pulled her along. "Whoa whoa whoa, what do ya think you're doin'?" Reno cried. It wouldn't be long before someone came down here and realised that not just one but two of the specimens had gotten out and by then Reno wanted to be as far from Midgar as possible.

"We have a helicopter outside." Rude began, glancing from that red beast that ran on its all fours besides them and to Aerith.

Reno stared at his partner and stuttered. Hadn't Rude just heard what he'd said?! They were taking Aerith, not some animal from the zoo! Rude stared back and waited for the Turk to continue. "But-but-we're gonna-we're..."

"Well get you to Junon but then you're on your own." Rude added, ignoring his once lost for words and stuttering partner. Reno sighed loudly and shook his head before racing down the white hallways checking that there was no one waiting round the corners. Rude gripped on to Aerith's wrist and began pulling her along, with her red furred companion bounding along at her feet.

The three stopped when they caught up with the bright red head who turn to Aerith. "There's a guy in Junon who's pretty pissed with Shinra and he might give you a ride." Reno paused once more as he checked a corner in the mass of corridors before looking back to the light brunette woman. "He might just need a little, er persuading."

Aerith looked to him, wondering what kind of persuading Reno meant. "Who?" She asked, her other hand subconsciously touching Red's soft fur.

"Cid Highwind."