FAR FROM THE TREE CHAPTER 18

Authors' Note: Sorry we are late. Both of us have been dealing with illness (no, not Covid). We weren't really feeling up to par over the weekend because sometimes, life likes to throw things at us at the worst time.

To answer the Guest's question: No, Mako baths do NOT freeze you at a specific age. For Shelke, the experiments from Deepground froze her body's development at nine years old. It is being submerged in mako that keeps Shelke alive. Also, while Shelke may be stuck physically at nine years old, her mentality still matures. She is basically an adult trapped in the body of a child (shudder).

Please, keep the reviews coming. We appreciate every single one of them.

-FLOWERS IN THE CANYON-

Deep within the underground structure of the hidden lab the room flashed and sparked with the energy of high voltage electricity as Licer stood there, his back turned to the torture as he glared down at both Kane and Powell. Finally, when the screams grew weaker, Licer shut the system down and the unfortunate soul stopped moving, as his body steamed. Licer then shoved Sanders out of the chair, letting him tumble to the cold, hard floor.

"Now, run this by me one more time. You left off at the part where you told the hero that I wanted him, and then you fled for your failure? Is that correct?" Licer demanded.

Sanders whimpered weakly as he raised his hands in defense. "Please, not the chair again, we'll make it up to you! He won't escape again, I swear it!"

Licer didn't give his final verdict on the matter as he turned his attention next to Kane. "And you... you failed again. I do not see the hero sprawled at my feet, pumped full of the serum I carefully made for you. Your skills should be more than enough. Why did you fail?"

Kane stared up at the doctor, his body still tingling from the shocks.

"They knew we were coming," Kane reported wearily. "The sub-commander has been captured. I saw them dragging her along. And the girl keeps reviving people to help her..."

Licer rolled his eyes. "If she's so incompetent that she can be captured, then I don't doubt that she would give away information to keep herself alive, if those spineless chivalries even have it in them to kill outside the heat of battle."

He folded his hands behind him as he paced, not caring that he stepped cruelly on Powell's hand. He then stopped and addressed Kane without turning. "That girl is getting too liberal with her powers. Reviving useless failures who should remain dead. I found the file of that ex-SOLDIER, and it was no wonder Shinra failed… promoting fools like that."

He turned to look at Kane fully. "Who did she revive this time?"

Kane looked at the doctor. "Sephiroth. The girl revived Sephiroth."

Licer's eyes flashed dangerously at the realization.

"Hojo's ultimate prize?" He turned then, not wanting his highest-ranked warrior to see the absolute glee on his face. If he could get his hands on Hojo's pet, he could finally set out to achieve what he started so many years ago. Sanders looked up and his face paled when he saw the doctor's expression. Licer's face then returned to normal.

"You say he was the one who stopped you from taking Strife and he offered the hero his aid?" Licer summed up.

Kane nodded. "Yes, he is working with the hero."

Powell curled up on the floor, cradling his hand. "They've got powerful friends."

Kane flashed a glare at Powell. "Yes, and thanks to your big mouth, the hero knows we aren't trying to kill him."

Sanders glared over at Kane, wanting to protect his only friend from anymore unneeded cruelty, he tried deflecting the blame.

"Oh, and you have room to talk. Why didn't you kill that ex-SOILDER before we were deployed? The reports from the retreating Harkons who lived said you stopped a perfect opportunity to finish him off before Strife even showed up! Is the mighty Kane getting soft, or has he taken one-too many jolts to the head!"

"Quiet!" Licer's glare was deadly and Sanders immediately shut his mouth with a whimper.

"The fool does raise a good question, Kane," Licer revealed. "Why didn't you kill him? I hope you're not holding onto anymore of that honor nonsense. He is an enemy and if he falters you are to take every advantage. Should I sit you back in the other room to ensure that lesson is hardwired to your very core?"

Kane bristled. "I'm not holding on to anything. I knew the possibility for victory no longer existed, so I planted a tracker on him. I mentioned that in my report. "

He spoke calmly and hoped that his tone conveyed a lack of fear.

Licer rolled his eyes as he turned his back towards all three of them. "I don't want excuses; I want results. I also am presented with a difficult choice. currently this facility only has enough resources to accommodate the girl and the hero. I would love to add the general to my collection, but having both the hero and general confined together, even under Mako sleep would be dangerous. The power required to keep up the demand for the output flow would compromise the entire system."

He began pacing, still voicing his thoughts aloud. "I could change the plans and have the prize taken instead, but that leaves the hero loose, and able to rally his allies. He has more than the general, and they trust the hero more, making him the better catch..."

He turned to his commanders then. "Get up. You have work to do. The plans haven't changed. I want Strife and the girl. Hojo's prize was a failure, so I don't need him alive, just plenty of DNA samples."

He then turned and sighed, looking at the file of Belladonna. "As for the sub-commander, she was instructed to search for the other specimen, but she was captured in the vicinity of your mission. She defied orders and I've grown tired of her attitude and disrespect. When you see her, dispose of her."

"Very well," Kane replied, sneering at the two on the floor. He almost walked out the door before stopping and turning to face the doctor. "You could turn him into a sub-commander, doctor."

A thousand possibilities rushed through Licer's mind at that statement, but he focused on only one decisive result; one that would allow him to get both. "Perhaps there should be a change in plans. Since most of my assistance is a joke, I do require someone who has proven his worth. Indeed... I think I may spare the hero a fate on the table and instead give that honor to the prize."

He approached Kane then, the look in his cold eyes warned him not to fail. "When you return with Strife, make sure he is brought to the other room. I shall take over from there. And make sure you are unseen during your mission. This is your last chance Kane."

*FFTT*

The choppers landed among the flat plateaus of Cosmo Canyon. The winds kicked up orange dust clouds in their wake as the blades slowed to a stop. The group emerged and welcomed the site of such a warm and familiar place. Sephiroth seemed impressed with the atmosphere as he took it all in.

"The air is so...clean here."

"Yeah, isn't it great," asked Zack, who was clearly excited. "This place is awesome!"

Cloud emerged next and smiled at what lay before him. "Come on, let's-"

"Mosey?" asked Reno who was standing behind him.

Cloud shot him a glare. "Go."'

Angel stepped out of the chopper, staring out at the Canyon, her eyes full of amazement at the view.

"So beautiful!" she gasped.

"It is, isn't it?" Aerith agreed, grasping Zack's hand as she also stepped out of the helicopter.

"Ugh... lemmie outta here!" Yuffie groaned, pushing her way through, knocking Angel into Cloud. Angel squawked in surprise.

Cloud chuckled as he watched the ninja princess.

"Oh right, I forgot she gets airsick too," he said, smiling down a Angel. "You're gonna love it here Angel. Just wait until sundown. Our meeting will be around the Cosmo Candle, and it's like a giant bonfire."

"Someone misses his cub scout days," Reno uttered to Rude, but the blond still heard him.

"Reno, I will chuck you over this cliff."

Belladonna chuckled as she stepped out into the fresh air.

"Something tells me you get a lot of threats," she smirked at Reno.

Tifa followed everyone, uncharacteristically quiet.

Zack snickered at that. "Well if he'd quit diggin' his own grave."

Cloud led the way down the winding path. When he got to the top of the steps he was met with the guards into the village. They were nervous and rightfully so. Turks, ex-SOLDIERs and even Sephiroth were among them, but a friendly howl behind them changed the mood entirely.

"Cloud, friends, welcome!"

Cloud's smile only brightened. "Nanaki, you old furball!"

The warrior and the lion-wolf rushed each other, the creature lifting his front paws onto the blond's shoulders and pretending to act like he was trying to maul the warrior while offering a chuffing sound in greeting. Cloud in turn went along, ducking the blows in the mock fight. When they were finished, Nanaki got back onto all fours and nodded to everyone.

"It's so good to see everyone again... it can't be..."

Cloud smirked knowingly as the creature slowly prowled towards the group and walked up to Aerith. He leaned his head against her dress like an affectionate cat as tears began to stream down his furry face. "How...?"

"Oh, Nanaki!" she smiled, "It's so good to see you!"

She crouched down and gave him a hug, stroking his fur lovingly. After a moment, Aerith drew back and looked into the great cat's eyes.

"We have some new friends to introduce," she told him, wiping the tears from his eyes.

His expression brightened as he turned to look up at the group. His eyes widened and his fur bristled slightly at the sight of Sephiroth, but he was polite enough to hold back his instinctual growl.

"Reeve informed me of his return, but..."

He turned then to look at Cloud who shrugged.

"I didn't believe it..." he turned to face the general then. "Why would the planet choose to save him?"

"Well, the planet didn't really choose to save him," Aerith explained, "It's a little more complicated. Sufficed to say, this man standing before you has not gone mad nor does he have any memory of it."

Nanaki took in her words carefully, while never taking his eyes off the man who had been a threat to the planet. He took a careful sniff, and he listened for something unheard by anyone else. He then decided to stop staring him down like he was about to maul someone for real.

"My apologies, but I'm sure you're used to this sort of greeting by now."

Sephiroth took no offense to it. "I understand. I'd be more alarmed if you welcomed me openly."

Nanaki smirked at the intelligent answer before directing his gaze to the others. "You can introduce the rest along the way to the candle. Reeve would like to hold the meeting now rather than later I'm afraid. We're just waiting for others to arrive."

The group ascended into the canyon, greeting various people as they passed by. Arriving at the Candle in the center of the village, many of them began sitting down around it.

"Is this the bonfire?" Angel asked, pointing.

"Yes, it is," Aerith answered. "The locals call it the Cosmo Candle... it's their guardian fire and burns forever."

Angel then watched the flames with curiosity.

"Cloud!" called a familiar voice belonging to none other than Reeve.

The blond blinked, turning towards the voice that wasn't laced with a thick accent and saw the man standing there. "Reeve, in the actual flesh? This is an occasion."

Sephiroth also took a step forward. "Reeve Tuesti?"

Reeve stared at Sephiroth for a moment, shaking his head.

"Sorry, Sephiroth. They told me you were back, but it's still a bit of a shock," he smiled. "That's right. Reeve Tuesti."

The general offered the man a nod as well as his hand. "Chaos and annoyances kept me from having the pleasure, but I've heard of your work before and regret not meeting you sooner, even if we were employed at the same time."

Zack pouted as he took a step. "Hey, what about me? I was there too. I must've cause some kind of chatter around the water coolers with how fast I rose in the ranks!"

"Sure, you did," Reno added, nudging Rude. "Let's see, what was my favorite Zack Fair prank... was it putting super glue on Heidegger's seat? The bleeding pen you left in the science lab, or maybe it was that story you never showed me proof of when you said there was a wild chocobo infantry division started up?"

Cloud's head jerked up at that and he turned, the fog lifting to show a glance at a memory of him waking up to see his hair with yellow feathers stuck all in it. He then remembered chasing someone down, wielding his rifle like a club. He turned to glare at Zack and the ex-First chuckled nervously.

"So, uh, who else are we waiting on? I can't wait to get started on that meeting! Come on, Aerith, let's grab a good seat!"

The glare intensified, noting it was clever he was using Aerith as a shield against his wrath.

Aerith giggled furiously, and Rude cleared his throat. Reeve took the general's hand, grasping firmly.

"Ah, yes," Reeve confirmed the memory of Zack Fair and then stopped. "Wait, I thought you... Ah, so you are also among the revived."

Zack offered the man a lazy salute as they took their places around the candle. "Sure am! I like to think of it as a special elite club. After all, you gotta fall under someone's good graces to be a member... well except for Seph, which we still don't understand yet."

At this Sephiroth quirked a stern brow at him.

Zack chuckled nervously, "It's not a bad thing! I mean, how awesome have you been since you got back? Just like the good 'ol days!"

Reno chuckled as he sat down, under Tseng's instructions that the Turks follow all customs, including paying proper respect to the guardian candle. "Look whose diggin' his own grave now!"

"Oh, go play with a light socket... oops, too late," Zack shot back. Cloud took his seat with Angel on one side of him and he left a spot open between him and Aerith for Tifa, inviting her with an open look for her to join him, yet she sat in another open spot.

"It's a little strange, though," Aerith spoke up, "With so many being pulled from the Lifestream, I would think the Planet would object to it. Yet, I've heard no objections from it."

"The Planet feels that it... is restoring..." Angel spoke up, pausing to find the proper word. "...balance."

Her voice captured Reeve's attention. "This must be Angel. I didn't have the opportunity to meet her in Costa…"

He looked to Cloud for confirmation, and the warrior nodded in acknowledgment.

Nanaki got the attention of the group by sitting between Reeve and Reno. He listened to both Zack's amusing tale and then listened carefully to Angel and Aerith's explanation, trying to compare the two.

"Hmm... balance. The planet has been humming a bit more calmly lately. I assumed it was the natural recovery gaining traction, but perhaps there's more to it. Enlighten me," he asked, glancing over the ones who had been revived. "Do any of you know what this connection is that granted you such an honor?"

Aerith nodded. "It all ties in with Cloud. Angel says she wanted to heal his heart."

Angel smiled, watching Nanaki with fascination.

"I am... still learning to... speak properly... so forgive my... inadequacies..." she stopped, glancing at Sephiroth for his verification that she was using the correct word. The general nodded to her. "The Planet... feels like... these deaths... were because of..."

Her expression became confused as she spoke the last word. "Calamity?"

At this revelation Nanaki perked up.

"Ah, that explains quite a bit when put that way," he focused on the blond leader then and offered a grin, showing a few fangs, "It explains his more cheerful mood, forgoing that reserved demeanor he usually carries."

He then glanced at the three sitting there that had been brought back. "We were all affected greatly with Aerith's loss, but it hurt him the most. I sense it was not just because she was a dear friend and part of the group, but his past connections with another that evoked such powerful emotions."

He then turned to the source of that connection. "The warrior that saved him and gave his life so he would have a chance, but he always cursed himself for weakness and self-doubt."

The beast then laid his eyes on the general. "You are the one that confuses me."

He looked over and silently apologized to the blond who had cast his glance to the side, his old brooding expression returned with the memories being brought up.

"You were our enemy, adding more fuel to the fire after the tragedy in the ancient city, and yet, before you had lost control and perhaps years before that you were considered a hero. Sure, not everyone felt that way," he added, looking over at Yuffie, "but to a certain boy you were a role model he looked up to and strived to be like."

"Nanaki," Cloud shot him a warning glare, to which the great cat sighed.

"I am sorry. I know you confided in me to keep it between the two of us, but in matters of the planet, truth must be complete and open."

"Sooo, Cloud was a Sephiroth fanboy," Reno surmised. This earned him a small rock to the head as it was thrown hard enough to crack one of the lenses of his goggles. "Aw man! That was my favorite pair!"

"It makes sense, then," Aerith smiled, "In essence, Angel gave Cloud back his hero…"

The big cat sighed before returning his focus to the mystery. "I would like to dive further into this, but I can sense a change in air pressure and can only assume it's Cid arriving in his airship. He'll most likely be bringing the rest of our group; we should wait for them."

He then noticed something odd. "Tifa, are you alright?"

Tifa stiffened a little and then showed Nanaki a smile. "I'm fine, Nanaki. It's just been a rough few days."

"CLOUD," a pair of young voices shouted and before Cloud knew it, he was getting bulldozed by Denzel and Marlene. Their pure joy brought him out of his previous mood, and he couldn't help joining in the elation of their reunion. It was quite the heart-warming sight, seeing them laughing together.

"Who's the one with super strength?" he chuckled, sitting back up.

Still giggling, Marlene and Denzel made their way to Tifa, hugging her warmly. Way back in the distance, Mrs. Strife walked along with Cissnei and four other Turks, slowly advancing towards everyone at the Cosmo Candle. Tseng stood up, walking towards Cissnei, most likely for a report. Marlene and Denzel then converged on Angel, both wrapping their arms around her, which she reciprocated in kind.

Sephiroth watched the display before looking back up at the other Turks returning with another blond.

Nanaki blinked at her and sniffed the air.

"Familiar scent..." he looked to Cloud. "A relation?"

"My mother," he replied.

"Sorry we're late, Fools!" came a booming voice up the path as Cloud and the others turned to see Barret stomping his way over with Cid bringing up the rear. "Space boy had to park the flying taxi on a bigger cliff!"

Cid bristled as he followed Barret. "Quit your bitchin'! I told you she needs room to breathe. Don't like it, take a train next time!"

The pilot grabbed a cigarette from behind his ear, placing in his mouth and lighting it up.

Reeve's phone suddenly rang, and he withdrew it from his pocket, flipping it open and walking away from the commotion. A few minutes later, he returned.

"Vincent is going to be late and said we can fill him in later." Reeve informed everyone.

"Typical Vinny," Barret huffed as he glared at Cloud who rose to meet him. The two stared each other down before offering their hands in a handshake. Nothing happened at first, but then both men began flexing their muscles. Barret, trying to add pressure on Cloud's hand while the blond did the same. Sephiroth was intrigued with the power clash and wondered what the point was.

"A rivalry?" asked Zack. Nanaki smirked. "Indeed. Barret was the leader of AVALANCHE before Cloud took it over. Don't be alarmed, they're strong friends, but they have a pact. Unless in battle, whenever they meet there will be a test. The one who loses the show of strength hands over leadership of the group. Cloud has never lost."

And to prove this, Cloud exerted just a little bit more strength than his friend to make the grizzly of a man wince.

"Okay, you're still in charge," Barret said, which was more dignified than crying uncle. He then looked around. "Now, where's my precious..."

He stopped then as he eyes widened.

"SEPHIROTH?!"

He aimed his gunarm at the general, but Cloud shoved it back down towards the ground.

"Wait!" Cloud hollered.

Barret gave him the most alarmed look. "Spiky, what the hell is goin' on?"

"The planet is trying to fix calamity's mess by giving some people a second chance while we face another serious threat. That's the fastest way to sum it up," he told him.

"You mean like restarting a new video game," asked Denzel.

Cloud thought about it before nodding. "Yeah, actually that's a good way to put it,"

"But it's different though, it's not from scratch," Zack added. "New game plus maybe?"

Cid scoffed. "Like a sequel? Bah, they always suck!"

"Prequels are fun though," Zack mumbled as he sat there watching his sweetheart reunite with her friends.

Sephiroth shrugged. "Even if it's a shame when you know how they have to end."

Zack then gawked at the general. "Wait, you play vid games?"

"Everyone has a hobby," he replied slyly. "Genesis read books, Angeal preferred meditation when not babysitting you, and I tried a number of things. Games were among the more interesting."

The pilot took a drag off his cigarette before his eyes widened upon seeing not only Sephiroth but Aerith. "Is this some kind of sick joke or..."

For once, the pilot was at a loss for words. The cigarette dangled off his lip as his mouth hung open.

"Hello Cid... Barret." Aerith greeted them, standing up and walking towards them.

"Well, shit, little lady!" Cid exclaimed, his expression actually brightening. "Ain'choo a sight for sore eyes." He laughed for a moment, thumbing the incessant itch on his nose before sweeping Aerith up into a hug and then quickly setting her down.

"Look at'cha!" he smiled. "Hey, big guy! Look who it is!"

Aerith turned to Barret, practically beaming with excitement.

Barret's reaction stole their attention. "Is it really you, doll?"

He asked as he rushed to her, eyes shimmering with something.

"Are you crying daddy?" Asked Marlene as she appeared right next to Aerith, looking up at her father.

"No, sweetie, I got some rain in my eyes."

"It's me, Barret," Aerith reassured him, throwing her arms around him, giving a hug whether he wanted it or not.

He wrapped his giant arms around her. "I don't care how, I'm just glad you're back!"

He then looked over and glared the mother of all daggers at Sephiroth. "Don't think this clears you! I still hate your guts! The only thing keeping you from lookin' like swiss cheese is the fact that Spiky didn't let me fire." He turned to glare at the blond, angry. "And I can't understand why."

Cloud sighed and facepalmed. "This is going to be a long day."

Marlene jumped into her dad's arms then and he lifted her up before bringing her in for a snuggle. "My sweetheart! I hope ya been good while I've been away!"

"Now that we're all here, perhaps we should start the meeting," offered Cissnei."

Reeve nodded as everyone took their seats around the Cosmo Candle. "Yes, let's begin the meeting. Perhaps, you can start by filling us in, Cloud?"

Cloud nodded, still not understanding why Tifa chose to sit beside Barret instead of him, and Mrs. Strife took the open seat next to her son.

"We already went over some of it, but to sum it up as quickly as possible... We have a new situation. This girl next to me is Angel, and not only can she revive the dead, but she can connect with people, sharing memories and emotions. She's heavily connected with Jenova, which is why, I believe she connected so strongly with me... enough to revive the people I've lost."

He sighed then... "There is a catch to this miracle. She was cruelly experimented on and escaped from a man named Licer. And he wants her back at all costs. He's tried several times, sending in an army called Harkons. They have orders to take her and kill everyone else who knows about her... except for me."

"What makes you so special," asked Barret.

The blond replied. "Does it really matter why?"

"It does," Sephiroth replied. "If Licer is curious about what makes you tick then he will pull you apart piece by piece in order to find out what Hojo did. He's probably curious as to what makes you a more worthy victor over myself."

"Ignoring the fact that Spiky beat Seph before he was enhanced like all stupid scientists," Zack mumbled. "Why can't they pull their heads out of their textbooks long enough to realize that there's more to life than a science explanation? A person's will power can't be measured by stats! That's why it pissed me off that they failed Cloud twice when he tried out for SOLDIER. It didn't make sense!"

Cloud shrugged his shoulders. "There is a problem. These Harkons have commanders that lead them and report to Licer. Two of them are old enemies of mine, long before Sephiroth was a threat, and the third was a former First-Class SOLDIER."

"So, summing up," Cid repeated in short, "These Harks are comin' for you and that girl over there. We're gonna kick their asses."

Aerith looked at Zack for a moment then said, "Did we want to take this Kane alive?"

"Hmph, good luck with that," Belladonna snorted.

"Who's that?" Cid asked.

Tseng looked at Cloud questioningly, most likely asking how much of it they should reveal.

"She was a Harkon," Tifa answered, "and now, apparently, she's turned on them."

"An' what about ole' Sephiroth, over there," Cid piped in, "Can he be trusted?"

"We are taking Kane alive," Cloud confirmed, to which Zack tried to hide his relief. Cloud then looked over at the whole group.

"Look, I'm only going to say this once. After everything that's happened, I trust Sephiroth. He's fought with us, offered valuable information and..." he swallowed his pride and hatred in one go, which nearly choked him, "he saved my life. So, he's part of the team now. If anyone has a problem with it, I'm sorry, but tough luck."

There was a long silence as everyone absorbed Cloud's words.

Finally, Cid shrugged. "Works fer me. So what's the plan?"

Cloud honestly had no idea, but his friends were smart. He knew it wouldn't take all of them long to come up with a solid plan of attack... attack...

"We should strike first, before they try again." he said, looking then at Belladonna. "You know how to get to Licer's lab and the inner layout, right? If you can work with Cid, Tseng and also Vincent when he gets here, we can have a layout and form a proper strategic attack then. We also need an idea of how large a force the Harkons are. I'd like to hope we've taken out a good chunk, but with crazy scientists you never really know."

"There are six labs," Belladonna informed them, "If you have a map, I can point out where they are. Getting in will probably be difficult. They all have top-of-the-line security."

"I might have someone who can get us past the security," Reeve volunteered.

"You thinkin' Shelke?" Yuffie asked, to which Reeve nodded.

"I can also try to draw a map of each one, but I don't draw very well." Belladonna continued.

"I can draw," Denzel spoke up.

"He's really good, too," Marlene vouched for him.

For the first time since any of them had met her, Belladonna smiled at the kids.

"I'll bet he is," she said, kindly, to them. "Then we'll count on your skills."

"Are you sure we should attack?" Aerith asked. "I mean, they don't know where we are. Is it wise to... poke the bear... so to speak?"

"The bear is already coming for us," Belladonna informed her, "If they don't know where we are already, they will find out. What they won't expect is an attack from us."

"Are you certain she can be trusted?" Tifa questioned, indicating Belladonna.

"You weren't in that interrogation room," Zack said with a chuckle.

Sephiroth nodded in turn. "Ms. Lockhart, was she not honest when Strife needed assistance at the Turk's base? He might not be here otherwise."

"Tifa brings up a good point," Cloud offered. "But…"

He turned to meet the young woman's gaze. "A promise is a promise. You've held up your end."

He looked to everyone then. "When we do strike, we'll be well equipped, and we'll move in teams with different skill sets, that way we have a better chance of meeting whatever is thrown at us. Each team should consist of a powerful warrior, someone skilled with stealth, a long-range fighter, and someone good with hacking systems and decoding computers."

"Wait, what about those who can't fight," asked Zack, "Where will they be?"

"Right here," Cloud said. "Cosmo Canyon is well protected and the people here are better prepared than you think. Why else hasn't Shinra tried to take it over in the past?"

"Because they failed," Nanaki replied with a proud rumble in his chest.

"And," Cloud continued. "Should we fail, then we'll fall back and retreat to Wutai. I'm sure the emperor would be more than willing to help us, especially if his daughter was threatened." Which had already happened, so he didn't doubt the proud man's devotion to his daughter.

"Of course my father will help," Yuffie confirmed.

As the battle tacticians began planning, Tifa stood up. "I'm gonna give the cooks some assistance at the pub. They're cooking for so many people, and they're not used to it."

"I'll help, Tifa," Aerith volunteered, joining the brunette.

Angel scrambled to her feet. "Me, too?"

"Sure, Angel," Tifa nodded, gesturing for the girl to join them.

"Tifa," Cloud called after her as she headed off to the pub. "I'd like to talk to you later about something important."

Tifa nodded to Cloud with a smile that only he could tell was forced. "You know where I'll be."

He then turned his attention back to Reeve. "Can we count of the WRO for support if the Harkon's numbers get out of hand?"

"If I may," Sephiroth cut in, "I'd also like to offer attack plans and maneuvers that have worked well in the past for both covert and large-scale operations. Once the boy is done with the map I can offer strategic places to implement them."

Cloud nodded then turned to Denzel. "Hear that? You're the official map-maker."

Denzel appeared to be very pleased and puffed up his chest a little. Marlene stood up and walked towards Cloud, tugging on his shirt.

Quietly, she asked, "Can I talk to you a second?"

Cloud tried to mask the confusion he felt towards Tifa as she turned and headed off, and even though he knew he was needed for the meeting, he also knew Marlene didn't just pull him to the side for no reason.

"Tseng, you Zack and Nanaki can take over the battle plans. I'll be back shortly."

As he got up to leave, he heard Reno protest. "Hey what about me, yo? I'm an excellent tactician!"

"The only tact you have is the box rattling around in your empty head," Barret boomed.

Cloud let Marlene lead him somewhere away from the group and leaned against the rock wall.

"What's wrong Marlene?"

"Something... happened at the safe house," she began, her face betraying her worry, "but no one will listen to me. They think that Denzel was sleepwalking, but... but I know there was something wrong."

The girl shook her head, determined. "Earlier that day, there was a little bird who flew down and took Denzel's pencil."

She looked up at him. "Then, later, I heard Denzel get up in the middle of the night, and go downstairs, so I followed him. I asked him where he was going, and he said he had to go outside."

She shuddered a little. "I tried to stop him, but... when he turned around, there was... that little bird on his shoulder. Both his eyes and the bird's eyes were glowing."

Her expression showed her desperation for someone... anyone... to listen. "I don't remember much after that. I woke up on the couch the next morning. I heard some of the people in suits say that Denzel was sleepwalking and that they found him outside."

The desperation turned to resolve. "But if he was just sleepwalking, how did he make it by those people without anyone seeing him. Cloud, I know I wasn't dreaming. Please, believe me!"

She reached up, curling her hands in the bottom of his shirt, a gesture she had only done once before: when she escaped from Kadaj.

"It's alright," he said in a gentle voice, to calm her down. "We both know you wouldn't make up something like that. The Turks don't know you like I do. And they missed a key detail. If you were dreaming, then how did you know he was sleep-walking at all?"

Something else bothered him too. "Marlene, the bird's eyes, did both of their eyes look cat-like?" He knew it couldn't have been Angel, but he also knew that there were others in Licer's lab. Who's to say they didn't have other powers?

The girl thought back and nodded. "It was like when Denzel drank the water in the Forgotten City," she confirmed. "Denzel says he doesn't remember getting out of bed or going outside. He told me that I must have been dreaming and that birds' eyes don't glow."

She looked down. "I know he wasn't trying to be mean or anything. I just thought at least he would listen to me."

Cloud nodded. "Maybe that's part of it too. Whoever used that bird to get to him might have forced his subconscious to forget what happened, to cover up their tracks."

He placed his hand reassuringly on top of her head and smiled at her. "You're both alright, though; even if there's a mysterious threat out there, we can deal with it."

He was glad she wasn't afraid to come to him. "Maybe we should put you in charge of the battle plans; you have a lot more sense than half the guys in that circle put together," he joked.

She smiled, shaking her head and giggling a little. "No way! You're doing such a great job. You make a really good leader, Cloud."

She placed her tiny hands on her hips. "And don't you go doubting yourself, either."

She waggled a finger at him.

"And suffer another bluntly honest lecture from the Mighty Marlene? No way! Sephiroth's intimidation has nothing on you," he replied in mock fear before throwing her a wink. "Maybe after the meeting is over, you should ask Belladonna about this incident. She might know who was behind it. She seems to have a soft spot for you and Denzel, and it might help her fit into the group more if you two help her out."

Marlene nodded resolutely. "Okay."

She threw her arms about him and hugged him. "I really missed you, Cloud. I don't like having to split up our family."

Cloud returned the hug and smiled. "You know... I've been meaning to ask Tifa something... but I haven't said anything to anyone else. Can you keep a secret? This doesn't go any farther than us until it happens, okay?"

He reached into his pocket and grasped the small box still safely tucked within. Marlene's eyes brightened as she saw the box.

"Is that... a ring?" she asked.

Cloud's smile only grew. "I think it's time I put all that dilly-dally to rest once and for all, don't you?"

Marlene nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, I do!"