Here we go again with a new chaper. Also to the guest reviewer asking us a question. No Zack did not tell Tifa about Nibilhiem being rebuilt. He left that part out cause he had a feeling it would be too sensitive. Plus he did say he told her the gist of it without going into much detail.

Chapter 31

"Well, I guess that's that, huh?"

"I guess so. But, Zack, aren't we rushing things a bit much?"

The elevator to the bar clicked suddenly and stopped, making them aware they reached the top again. It was a short ride after all. The two boys stepped off into the bar area, where it was barren for the moment. Zack stepped in front of Cloud to direct them to the nearest table to take a seat.

"I don't think so. Think about it, we wanted to be mercs, so this is how we do it."

"Just seems odd… stealing from Shinra, being against them now."

"Remember Cloud. They turned their backs on us, so they don't want us anyways. Besides, this is a good way to get back at them for all they've done. Don't you want that as well?"

"I do, but… I just didn't know what all would be involved. But I'm ready. Just had to ask anyways…" the blond trailed off and glanced down towards the floor.

Zack chuckled. "Don't worry about it. It'll be fine. Now… I guess we just wait for the others to get done with whatever they're doing."

"Yeah, for now at least," Cloud started but then stopped his words. He glanced around the bar, looking for something that might catch his eye. But it was mainly just an ordinary bar with not too much going on besides the music playing in the background from the jukebox. When Cloud glanced over to it, he then saw what was on the wall next to it and it gave him an idea.

"Hey, Zack, wanna go a round in darts while we wait?"

"Huh, what do you mean? There's not- Oh! I see it now. How did we miss that before?"

"Not sure, but it seems like it could be fun."

"Sure thing. Might as well do something at least."

Both of them rose from the table and walked over to where the darts were placed on the side. Zack picked up one set as Cloud picked up the others. Looking up at the scoreboard, they saw several names listed on there, some of which were quite familiar.

"Hey, Tifa's pretty good at this apparently," Zack commented as he pointed to the board, where she was listed as number two.

"Wow, that's pretty good. Wonder if either of us can get that high."

"Guess we'll have to find out then."

They both took turns playing for quite some time, but not for too long though. Eventually, both of them had a higher score than the top spot, but neither had scored perfect yet. Once they did stop, it seemed as though almost a quarter of an hour had passed. Before either one of them could comment on it, they both turned towards the sound of the elevator activating again.

In a few minutes, Tifa appeared before them alone. "You boys entertaining yourselves?"

"Yeah, for the most part. Where's the others?"

"Still discussing some finer details on some… other endeavors."

"You can't tell us anything?" Cloud interjected.

"Afraid not. You boys still have to pass Barret's test. He'll be back up in a moment to tell you all about it, 'kay?"

Tifa then scurried off to the bar area and went through the door behind there. She proceeded to make herself some form of drink and poured a couple glasses of it. Zack and Cloud moved towards the bar as well and took a seat right beside each other.

Whatever had happened down there must have made her anxious for her to suddenly do something like that without a word. Cloud had known her for a while, and even though it had been five years, he felt like he still knew Tifa well enough to remember her mannerisms. He wanted to comment on it, but decided to keep his thoughts to himself.

Zack looked over at Cloud and noticed his expression. "You okay?"

Not expecting the sudden question, Cloud turned around to Zack, startled. "Uh, yeah, I'm just thinking."

"About what?" Tifa asked as she approached the bar, having apparently overheard him. "Maybe you two want something else to drink huh? It will be on the house still," she finished and winked at them.

The elevator started moving again shortly after Tifa spoke. Within a few more seconds, the rest of the troupe was back up top with the rest of them. Barret stepped off the floor first and marched up to the bar.

"All right you two. We've got your mission for you."

"Oh really? Well then, let's hear it," Zack answered back rapidly, not missing a beat.

"We still need some supplies to be able to do a mission that we have later. Can't tell y'all yet cause you're not part of us. Can't have shit leakin' out."

"Okay. So what is it then?" Cloud followed up.

"I'm gettin' there!" Barret started. "You'll be accompanying Jessie, Biggs, and Wedge here to a Shinra camp to steal some materials that we need. I'll be going too. Since you claim to know Shinra places inside and out, then put your money where your mouth is."

The big man then leaned in closer to their faces. "That is, unless Stamp is scared to bite the hand that fed him."

"Already told you I don't have any love for Shinra any more. Neither of us do. Don't worry, we'll do your mission. Piece of cake!" Zack retorted without hesitation.

The two stared at each other intently, neither one letting up.

"Wow, never knew someone that wasn't too intimidated by the boss," Biggs commented.

"Guess that's a 1st Class SOLDIER for you," Jessie replied.

Tifa let out a sigh. "Just don't get too riled up."

Barret finally backed off while letting a grin cross his face. "Nah, I think we're good. I think this one gets it. We'll see how you do on this mission though merc."

"I guess he's not gonna bother learning our names," Cloud stated.

"Right now, you're just a couple of mercs to me. If you prove yourselves, then maybe," Barret answered swiftly.

"Right. So then, what about payment?" Zack inquired.

"What about it? We'll see after your mission, if you earn anything."

Zack saw there was probably no point in arguing with the big guy. After all, he was the leader and seemed to be quite resolute on his stances. Zack knew he and Cloud could handle whatever was put in front of them anyways, so it wasn't something he was too worried about.

"Well, I guess that's something," Cloud added sarcastically, clearly not pleased with the response.

"Cloud it's fine. We'll take care of it," Zack replied.

He then turned his attention back to Barret. "Well, when are we gonna leave then?"

"Right now. So get your asses out there with the three of them and prove I didn't make a mistake trying to bring you on. I'll be right behind you."

Zack and Cloud both glanced back at Tifa, who only shrugged her shoulders. "Well, guess you'll have to get those drinks later. Don't worry, they'll still be here."

"Right. Well, I guess we're off then," Cloud directed towards Tifa as he stood up.

"Yep, thanks for the help Tifa. See ya later," Zack added as he jumped up from the bar.

He took a moment to do some squats, which is what he always did in preparation for anything. It also served as a stress relief for him too, which he did need occasionally. Once he was done with that, he led the way with Cloud following behind him as they left the bar to catch up with Jessie, Biggs, and Wedge, who had already exited. Finally, it would be their first step in being able to get back at Shinra for everything they had done.

After his squats were over he was ready to head out of hte when he heard something coming from further back in the bar. Turning around he saw a small little girl running out and over to Barret. She wore a little pink dress and had a short bob haircut. "Daddy you're back!"

She had such a large grin on her face and seemed quite happy. It made Zack smile back to see such cheerfulness as he stood there.

"Aww, I'm sorry honey, but daddy's having to leave right now. Got an important job to do," he said as he squatted down and patted her on the head gently.

"Already? But didn't you just get here?" The little girl asked.

"Been here for a little while, but you were napping. Daddy didn't wanna bother you. Now, you'll have to be a good girl for Tifa again okay?"

"Cloud look at that. Isn't she cute?" Zack said with a smile still on his face.

"Mhm. Seems the big guy has a soft spot," Cloud interjected albeit quietly.

The little girl turned her head to see Cloud and Zack, who she had never seen before. Letting out a short "eep" she immediately ran behind Barret's legs.

He looked at her, and then over at where the others were standing near the door. He gave them a glare, which was obviously directed towards Zack and Cloud, before turning back to Marlene.

"It's all right honey. They're just some new people that are supposed to help us."

"Strangers?" She asked quickly.

"Yeah, nothin' you need to worry about. Now come on, give daddy a hug before he goes."

"Okay!" the girl grinned before giving her dad the biggest hug. "See you daddy!" After that she ran past the tables and went over to Tifa, who was still behind the bar.

After that the group headed outside and Cloud and Zack followed after Barret. "So," Zack said, trying to start up a conversation. "Do we at least get to know her name? Can't just go to say 'Barret's daughter' after all."

Barret stopped. "Now why would you wanna know that?"

"Just trying to be friendly," Zack answered with a shrug.

"Hmph. You seem like an all right guy, but you're still strangers to her. I don't need any of you scaring my daughter."

"How about this. When we complete this mission successfully, you'll introduce us as a new part of your group."

The other three turned to look back, a look of worry crossing Wedge's and Bigg's faces. Jesse didn't seem too worried though, and neither did Cloud, who proceeded to just stay quiet.

"Well ain't you cocky. Fine! I'll hold you to that, merc," Barret answered with a sly grin.

Zack nodded in response. When Barret turned back to the rest of the group, he saw them all standing there.

"Well y'all gonna stand there and gawk, or we gonna get this damn show on the road?!"

A few hours later

Barret knew that he and the other three could have secured the materials they needed for the job just fine. However, having a SOLDIER and another Shinra trooper proved to make the job a cakewalk. Instead of it taking several hours as he expected, the journey only took a couple. He had plenty of time to reflect as they were wandering back into the entrance of the Sector 7 Slums. It was almost like they had hardly left.

"Well, how 'bout it then?" Zack asked suddenly.

Barret looked over at the SOLDIER. "Have to say, you did hold up your end. Both of you." As he finished his words as he glanced quickly at Cloud.

Cloud nodded his head, but didn't have anything to really add to the conversation. It wasn't too troublesome of a mission at least, though Zack did most of the hardest stuff.

"So, do we get to be friends now?" Zack asked as he smiled.

"I would go that far, merc," Barret grumbled. "You still gotta lot to do to prove yourself."

"That's fine. I get it, but do we at least get a proper introduction to your daughter now?"

"Maybe. Depends on how I feel. And if she likes you or not. Don't get too cozy with everything yet," Barret warned.

"All right," Zack shrugged. "You're the boss after all."

They walked for a few more minutes through the winding alleys of the Sector 7 Slums. Eventually they made their way to the large opening where Seventh Heaven stood, it's lights illuminating the area around it as night had already fallen. Of course, the bar was already closed to the public, and most of the people were inside anyway. But when they drew closer, Tifa was sitting on the edge of the steps along with Marlene.

Barret walked a little bit faster. "Hey hey, there's my little girl!"

"Daddy!" the little girl grinned happily. She jumped up to her feet and reached her arms upwards towards him. "You're back again!"

He reached down and scooped his daughter into his arms swiftly as she threw her arms around his neck. "Yes I am," he chuckled aloud.

"So things go okay?" Tifa asked.

Zack was within earshot when she spoke. "Yep, we did just as we said we would."

Cloud walked up, drawing Tifa's attention to him. She smiled at him quickly, causing him to fluster a bit. But after a few seconds, he threw a small grin back to her as well. "Yeah, we did fine. Was pretty easy knowing our way around already."

"See?" Tifa started towards Barret. "I told you they could be trusted."

"Yeah yeah, I know ya did. Let's talk about it inside then away from prying ears," he stated as he led the way through the front doors of the bar.

As he walked up the steps, his daughter, who was sitting up on his shoulder, looked back at Cloud and Zack. She didn't look as afraid, but this time looked more confused or perhaps curious. The rest of the group followed Barret inside after that and Tifa made sure to close the door behind them once they were all inside.

"So how about those other drinks?" Zack asked before stretching his arms. "Something nice and refreshing sounds good after doing some sneaking around."

"Sure, I'll go and get those ready then," Tifa said before heading over behind the bar.

She then stopped quickly and turned back to them. "Actually, you never told me what you wanted. So what'll it be?"

"Hmm… maybe this time… let me think," Zack stated.

"Some drinks do sound good," Biggs announced, being closer to the others.

Barret walked towards all of them and stood in the center. "Tonight, we did what we set out to do. We took from the ones that are always taking from the Planet. It may not be much, but it'll make a difference later!"

Everyone seemed intent on letting the big man speak, so he continued. "Big part is thanks to these two right here," he directed towards Zack and Cloud. "They proved they're not loyal so those Shinra dogs anymore."

"Yeah!" Wedge shouted in agreement.

"Way to go boys," Jessie said approvingly

"So, think they're staying on, boss?" Biggs asked.

Barret paced for a moment, his daughter still situated on his shoulders. "I was unsure at first, but after tonight… I think we can count on these mercs for help, and they might even be members after the big job comin' up!"

"Glad to hear it," Tifa said towards Barret before her vision turned back to the boys seated at the bar.

All the attention was on the two of them now.

"We'll do our best. I have no love lost for Shinra anymore," Zack asserted.

"Uh, same. We'll just do our job like we're asked," Cloud added in.

Barret almost seemed to crack a smile. "Ha! Good to hear. Now, why don't we celebrate with the house special! Tifa, you know what to do."

"Sure. Seven Cosmo Canyon's coming up," she said as she started to grab the ingredients that she needed.

Jessie, Biggs, and Wedge made their way to a high table close to the jukebox machine where they engrossed themselves in some conversation. Barret took a seat right beside Zack at the bar, with the little girl sitting right beside him.

"Well, I guess the drinks were decided for us," Cloud pointed out.

"Yeah, but it's fine. I'm sure it'll be good," Zack answered back.

"If you say so," Cloud responded bluntly.

"I heard that you know," Tifa snapped back. "You've never had anything like this before, I promise," she continued as she winked at Cloud, who turned away.

Barret couldn't help but notice and turned to Zack. "So, those two close?" he asked the Ex-SOLDIER.

"Yeah. Close friends who've just been reunited. Though…" he reached over and grabbed Cloud. "I bet Cloud could tell you about it better!" Zack laughed.

"Huh? Tell what?"

"About you and Tifa."

"Um, uh, well you see… We're, um…" Cloud stumbled across his words.

This drew a laugh from Barret and Zack, but drew a flustered glare from Tifa at Zack, who decided to not say anything more. He didn't have to though as Barret decided to talk anyway.

"It's easy to tell without you saying a word. Huh, makes me even believe more that this was all meant to be then."

Zack was about to answer him, but he noticed the little girl peeking around Barret's arm at him. Once he turned towards her, she hid back behind his arm. Zack couldn't help but chuckle.

"Seems like the little one was curious," he said directly.

Barret felt a tug on his shoulder before he was able to answer Zack. "What is it honey?"

"Are they gonna be with us now?" she asked quietly.

"Yeah, looks like they are. Do you wanna meet them?" Barret asked cautiously. If his daughter still seemed to still be afraid of them, he knew there would another time. His daughter always came first after all and her feelings were what mattered most.

She looked thoughtfully before peaking out to look at Zack again. He grinned happily and waved to her and she could see how warm and friendly that smile was. "So who are you?" she finally asked after a few moments.

"I'm Zack, it's nice to finally meet you properly, uh…"

"Marlene!" the girl shouted proudly.

"That's a nice name! So, you wanna know about my friend here too?" he asked, pointing towards Cloud, who still seemed a bit flustered and was being quiet.

"Nah, maybe later. He's real quiet. But you have a lot of energy," she laughed.

"Hmm, it's been a while since she's taken a liking to anyone that quickly. You must not be so bad after all," Barret answered, at his attempt at some sort of compliment.

Zack snickered. "Well, I used to have a nickname… kind of silly but I guess it's how my old mentor saw me."

"What is it?" Marlene asked with wide curious eyes.

"He called me 'Zack the puppy'... and he even told all his friends and even his mom!"

Marlene started to giggle and even Barret chuckled. "No wonder the name Stamp suited you."

"Hey! Just cause I was called a puppy doesn't mean I want to be called that," Zack said as he pouted slightly.

"Aw now you're a pouty puppy!" Marlene giggled as she pointed to him.

"And maybe I shouldn't have said anything," Zack muttered now realizing he just told a little child something really funny that she wouldn't probably forget for a while.