A/N: Big thanks to ATK1734 and Lumina for reviewing as always! I feel greatly motivated to write because of your encouragement. Thank you so much! ^^ The mystery continues, and our boy Yazoo is still doing his best T^T Cloud and Lightning are reunited, phew! My ship continues to sail at full speed ahead XD I'm excited to get back to university life from Light's POV in the next chapter (and return of Caius the dildo XD *shudders*, but here's chapter 33 for now. :)

CHAPTER XXXIII.

The Chase

Lightning

I realized Cloud was hurt… he had been hurt by what had happened to me. More like… my recklessness that led to this situation in the first place. All this time I was out, I felt like I had been suspended in water… at sea. And waking up now felt like emerging from it. My mind felt light, but my body was incapable of floating. It felt like it was sinking. I could still smell the ocean, and hear the laughter of my parents in the distance somewhere. It was confusing, but I tried my best to blink away the myriad of thoughts that came flooding to my mind. Cloud was stiff, and his grip on my hand was gradually tightening. He had lowered his eyes to the bed, and said absolutely nothing.

One word from him… and it felt like he was going to break right there and then. I hated how I had made him feel, and I tried to say something, but felt a sharp pain running through the side of my head. My free hand snapped over it, and Cloud's panicked eyes looked at me, frantic.

"Should I call the doctor?"

"No…" I finally managed to say. "Strife… I am sorry."

Cloud tensed, reaching towards the back of my head with his other hand. Our foreheads came together, and he closed his eyes, breathing deeply. "Farron… never do that to me again. Please." His tone was pleading, so removed from the anger I thought he deserved to unleash on me at this moment. "I thought I lost you."

I didn't know what to say. It had been… difficult, even for me. The way that wedding ended… after all the love we had all poured into it. "Zack!" I remembered, and my shouting startled the blonde enough to let me go.

"He's fine. Aerith, too. Thanks to you."

I closed my eyes in relief, leaning back in the hospital bed. I hated everything about hospitals… My last memory of them was the day my mother died. The sounds… the lights… and especially the scent. When I opened my eyes again, Cloud was still in front of me, patiently holding my hand. He brought it to his lips and kissed it, letting them linger against my skin. "Farron-"

"Time for your check up Miss Farron!" A bubbly nurse slid the door open loudly, cheerfully entering the room with a wheelchair. Cloud immediately released my hand.

"I can walk," I told her, trying not to sound as annoyed as I was feeling. No way I was getting in that thing...

"Farron, don't push it." It was a request, even if it didn't sound like one. I had gotten really used to Cloud and his eccentric way of speaking - not that it was really all that different from my own.

"It's fine. Help me up," I replied with a request of my own. Cloud nodded worriedly, and I moved my legs towards the floor. I thought I was a lot faster, but everything was happening at a much slower pace than I had imagined. I managed to get on my feet, but wobbled instantly, falling backwards. Cloud caught me, both arms secured around my waist as he tried to help me straighten up. My hands instinctively gripped his shirt, and I mumbled my thanks quietly. The nurse's girlish scream made us both jump. Her face was red, and both of our faces picked up the same color very soon after.

Cloud cleared his throat awkwardly, and I held onto his arm with both hands. "Just until I get used to walking again…"

"As long as you need." He patiently guided me out of the room, and every step I took felt like it was trying to drag me down to the floor. My spine hurt from the effort, and I hated feeling this weak. I swore to myself I'll push myself harder until I can move around like I used to. The health check took a few hours, and by the time I got back to my room it was already late afternoon. The nurse helped me back into bed, adjusting the headboard and mattress, so I had some support while sitting up. She hurried out of the room after.

"I called your sister. She said she's on her way," Cloud's expression was unreadable as he stood next to the bed, and I reached for his hand. It softened as our fingers interlaced, and he closed his eyes, furrowing his eyebrows.

"What is it?"

"Sorry… I just… Give me a bit."

It was strange. I had a near death experience, but I wasn't scared. Zack and Aerith were fine, and Cloud was right here, in front of my eyes. "Strife…" Our eyes met again, and Cloud sighed sadly, sinking onto the space next to me. He leaned close as our eyes locked.

"This is all my fault… You were happier before you met me."

It was my turn to furrow my eyebrows. I growled softly, tugging on his hand to bring him closer with whatever little strength I had. My other hand held onto his arm, and I lifted my chin up so our lips could come together. I had forgotten this warm feeling, and as it spread over me I couldn't even feel the fatigue anymore. Cloud was holding back, but I melted into the kiss. He began responding, his free hand gently sliding between my locks, bringing my head closer. "Farron-" He tried to break this kiss, but I wouldn't let him. I pushed harder against his lips, feeling the heat rise in my cheeks. When we finally parted for air, the blonde was staring at me with an unreadable expression again. I almost couldn't recognize him right now.

"Hi, stranger," I smiled slightly, watching his frown turn upwards into a small smile.

"Hi, stranger…" He leaned in and kissed me again. I moaned against his lips, but he ended this kiss early. "You promised me no reckless behavior, Farron…"

"And you promised me no sacrifice, yet, here we are."

The blonde looked confused. "What do you mean-"

"Felt like you were trying to break up with me a minute ago." I lowered my eyes to the bed and felt the muscles in Cloud's arm tense in response.

"I almost got you killed."

"You would've done the same for Zack and Aerith," I reminded him and he exhaled deeply. He knew I wasn't wrong, and there was nothing he could have said to convince me otherwise. "Strife… it's not going to be easy. You think I didn't know that before getting in a relationship with you?"

"But it should be. And it will be, with a guy who doesn't have the same… baggage."

"Please. I chose you, and it's either you or no one. Well, that's how I feel. Feel free to break up if you want," I muttered angrily, and Cloud gave in. He shook his head hurriedly, caressing my lips with his thumb softly.

"You're right. I am sorry. It's just been hard… sitting here everyday, thinking you wouldn't wake up."

"Death's gonna have to try a lot harder," I joked but Cloud growled and I quickly regretted my words. "Right… too early for jokes?" He nodded, leaning closer, his gaze burning into my eyes, lighting me up. I parted my lips, and Cloud did the same.

"Welcome back, Farron."

"Good to be back, Strife."

"LIGHTNING!" Serah's voice made us both recoil, and my sister tackled me as soon as the blonde moved away.

"Hey," I patted her head gently as she sobbed against me, squeezing me in the hug.

"H-hey?!" That's all you're going to say?! Do you know how worried I was?! You don't care, do you?! The hell you put me through!"

I chuckled, shaking my head. I kissed her forehead, sighing against her in the hug. "I am sorry. That's what I meant."

"Yeah you better be sorry! Listen to me, you pull off ONE more stunt like that and I- I!" The sobs transformed into full-fledged tears, and I tried my best to comfort Serah. There was a knock as Aerith popped her head in, smiling at me, also teary eyed.

"Welcome back, Light!"

"Thanks," I smiled, my eyes trailing to the tall blue haired male next to her. Seeing him, I struggled to hold back my own tears. Serah let go of me, and Zack threw his arms around me in a bone crushing embrace.

"Welcome back, Light…"

"Zack… I'm so glad you're here." I hugged him with everything inside me.

"I wouldn't be, if it weren't for you. I am so, so sorry, Light."

"Don't be. But Zack… you're…" I struggled to breathe in his death grip. "You're killing me, buddy."

"Oh." Zack released me from the hug, and I chuckled loudly as I patted his shoulder.

"No injuries?"

"None," Zack smiled proudly, kissing my forehead softly. "Thanks to someone who really risked her neck out there for us. But you look like you could use some serious feng shui."

"Yeah, that's exactly what I need," I laughed, the all too familiar happy feeling surging inside me. "I'll be back in no time."

"Take it easy. We're all waiting for you," Zack smiled even wider, holding out his fist. I bumped it with my own, and the door slid open once more. Vanille, Fang, Noel and Yeul all took turns to hug me, their energetic chorus of "welcome back" breaking all hospital rules.

"It's pretty rowdy in here, huh?" Hope sighed happily, walking over to me and pulling me against his chest in a tight hug. "I knew you'd come back."

"Thanks," I replied, patting his back comfortingly. Vincent and Snow waved at me from the corner and I waved back. The cute nurse from before rushed in, crossing her arms.

"Excuse me! Only two visitors at a time!"

I sighed disapprovingly at the gang's total disregard for the hospital, including Hope and Cloud who were going to be doctors themselves one day. None of them moved, so I cleared my throat loudly. "Alright guys, get outta here." There were complaints, but everyone eventually cleared out, albeit not without making a fair bit of noise. Cloud hesitated, staying back. "Go back and get some rest. I am fine now. I'll do the same."

"I'll come back in the evening-"

"Just come back tomorrow. I'll be fine. And I can text you."

"Alright…" he agreed reluctantly, staring at the nurse who didn't look like she was going to move anytime soon. His cheeks burned, but he leaned down to peck my lips in front of her. "See you tomorrow."

"Y-yeah," I replied awkwardly as he picked up his things. The nurse's dreamy gaze followed him out, before she walked over to me. She lowered the headboard so I could rest. Taking the empty seat next to me, she fidgeted nervously in it, like she was trying to start a conversation.

"T-that's your boyfriend?"

Wow, that was unexpected. "Uh… yeah," I replied, not sure where this exchange was heading.

"What about that tall, handsome guy with the blue hair?"

I thought about it for a second. "Zack? He's married."

"Oh…" She contemplated quietly. "Ah! What about that model with the long silver hair?" Model… who was she talking about? I stared at her in confusion, and she quickly clarified. "He looks like a character from The Matrix or something."

I chuckled at her description, but the image it painted was very helpful. "Yazoo?"

"If… you don't mind, could you introduce us?" My eyes widened, and I thought back to Yazoo. Imagining him in a relationship was difficult. An image of the cute nurse and Yazoo together flashed in my head, escaping from a bunch of assassins as they pelted his silver Porsche with bullets. Yeah… not a great idea.

"Um… he's pretty reserved…" Also he gives people guns and explosive earrings for birthdays…

"I d-don't mind!" She insisted and I caved in. She kinda looked like Serah, so I decided to help her.

"Sure, I'll put in a word for you."

"Thank you so much! I am sorry to bother you! Well, call me if you need anything!"

"Thanks…" I replied as the door slid shut behind her. I slept for a few hours, and was woken up by the doctor.

"Good evening, Miss Farron. How are you feeling?"

"Fine," I replied, sitting up in bed as the nurse from earlier adjusted it for me.

"Do you remember what happened that night?" He asked me carefully. Another migraine came on as I tried to recall the exact details. It's not like I didn't remember anything… but some of it was still fuzzy. The doctor realized it as I held my head in my hand. "Don't strain yourself."

"I am sorry, I don't remember much." Thankfully the doctor didn't press for more details.

"Please take your medicines and rest well. We'll have the test results tomorrow morning, and we'd like to keep you here another week for rehabilitation."

"Actually… I already missed two weeks of classes so, if you don't mind, I'd like to be released as soon as possible." I requested, hoping that he would let me get back to university. It's not like staying in this depressing place was going to help me recover any faster.

"In that case, I will have you sign a 'discharge on patient request' form. If the test results come out okay, you're welcome to go home as early as tomorrow afternoon."

"Thanks, I appreciate it." Dinner came in after the doctor left, and it was a relatively quick affair. I read through the group chat quickly, before going through course guidelines uploaded online for each of my courses. Making a list of the topics I had missed since the start of the semester, I tried to think of a study plan to catch up, but thoughts of the attack continued to distract me. The medicines were also making me drowsy, and I struggled to stay awake.

I must have fallen asleep while sitting in bed, but the unmistakable scent of black coffee jerked me awake. Yazoo strolled in, carrying two cups of the steaming holy liquid I so desperately craved right now.

"Oh god… yes," I took one of the cups, opening the lid and inhaling the scent. "Thank you, seriously."

"Had to smuggle it in," he told me, unbuttoning his long coat and sitting on the bed.

"Breaking rules wherever you go," I joked, taking a long sip of the coffee. "I feel so much better already."

Yazoo removed his shooting gloves, surprising me. He reached for my free hand and held it gently, staring down at it. "I'm glad."

I blinked slowly, and our eyes met. He looked like he wanted to say something, so I stayed silent out of courtesy. But he didn't say anything… never breaking eye contact. I felt a strange tension between us for the first time, and quickly withdrew my hand from his grip. "Right, um, are you seeing someone right now?" It was probably not the best timing, but might as well get it out of the way.

Yazoo tilted his head to the side, thoughtfully gazing into my eyes. "No."

"Thought so. There's a really cute nurse here, and she's into you."

"Not interested," he replied in a manner identical to the blonde.

I chuckled. "Why not go for it?"

"I have someone I like."

Wow… even someone like Yazoo has romantic feelings. Well, why wouldn't he? He's only 20, after all. I nodded, taking another sip from the warm cup. "Too bad, I guess. I'll let her know." I remembered what he said a minute ago, trying to kill the sudden awkwardness between us. "Why aren't you seeing the person you like?"

Yazoo sighed exasperatedly, reaching out for my hand again. In a bold move, he slipped his fingers between mine, leaning forward.

"That's unfair of you."

My brain blanked for a second, and I inched away from him as soon as I realized how close his face was. The comfortable feelings I had around him felt challenged by some alien force, and whatever happened just now made me nervous. Cloud was the only person who had held my hand like this before, so naturally my eyes lowered to observe our joined hands. Yazoo's fingers were slimmer and more slender, compared to Cloud's. His skin was also paler. But his hand was much bigger than mine. I was suddenly aware of the fact that Yazoo was also a guy, even though I had been unconsciously treating him as Serah's male counterpart, a little brother who always got into trouble. I tried to slip my hand away from his, but I didn't yank it away like I would have usually done. It felt different than holding hands with Zack, or casual, harmless intimacy with any of my other male friends. Yazoo's hand twitched slightly, and he respectfully removed it from mine.

He warmed his hands with the cup, holding it up to his lips with both hands. We both avoided each other's gaze, and he spoke while examining the door. "Do you remember what happened?"

"Actually, yeah. Most of it, at least. I just didn't tell the doctor because I was sure he'd call the police."

"The Turks took care of the evidence, so as long as you don't tell him anything, everything's fine."

"Wouldn't involving the police actually help?" I asked, observing Yazoo's long silver locks sway with the wind. He shook his head, but that simple movement was graceful, somehow.

"No. Our family has complete control over the police. Sephiroth is the prime suspect, so I don't want him alerted in any way. Best if we investigate covertly."

"Prime suspect? Wait, there is more than one suspect?" I remembered Aerith telling me about her ties with the military, but I wasn't sure if that was something I could share with Yazoo.

"You know, he won't hesitate a second to pull the trigger if Mother asks him to."

Cloud's warning came to mind. I glanced towards the elegant male in front of me, looking aloof as always. "Yazoo?"

"Hmm?" He faced me, cocking his head. This simple action made me nervous again, and I wondered why. I cleared my throat, staring right back into his emerald eyes.

"Would you really shoot Strife if your mother asked you to?"

"Of course," he replied without a second's hesitation. I glared angrily at him, but it wasn't because of what he had said. He was confusing me. Was he an ally or an enemy? I couldn't tell anymore. "More importantly… I need to ask you something."

"What is it?" I had to be on guard, even if I didn't want to be.

"Do you remember feeling sick after eating something at the wedding?" Yazoo asked, placing his empty coffee cup on the table next to the hospital bed. I followed suit, folding my hands in my lap. No more sudden hand holding, please...

"No… but when I saw Zack and Aerith off in the limousine, I had a really bad migraine."

"What did you eat right before that?" He seemed a bit on edge, and it was making me panic, too.

"Why are you asking me? I am starting to get worried."

"They found mako in your system."

This revelation hit me hard, and I gripped the hospital gown with both hands. My body was trembling, and I didn't even know why the news affected me this much. I was panicking, and I reached for my phone quickly, turning it around to examine my eyes in the reflection of the transparent case. "Don't worry. It takes a lot of mako to change your eye color."

"Right…" I felt stupid as I set my phone down. "You have it inside you too, don't you?"

"You noticed." Cloud always sounded sad when he spoke about it… but Yazoo's matter-of-fact tone made me feel worse. It was almost like it was a small life detail, one that he had accepted - or resigned himself to. "I'll tell you about it over a drink sometime."

A drink?

Was it okay for me to have a drink with Yazoo? I didn't know if we were friendly enough to get drinks together. We only hung out because of circumstances before.

"Yeah, okay," I answered, against my better judgment. "Wait… I remember something..." Yazoo looked expectantly at me, so I continued. "I didn't eat at the wedding at all, but I had a final glass of champagne before seeing them off."

"Perfect." Yazoo seemed pleased at this tiny bit of information. "That's a promising start."

"Happy to help… is there anything else I can do?" I asked as Yazoo began buttoning up his long coat. He stretched his fingers inside the shooting gloves, not answering my question for a few minutes.

"Yes. Stay safe," he said simply as he stood up and was out the door as quietly as he had come in.

"Right…" I said to myself after he left, and the hospital room returned to its former silence, save the beeping of machines and the occasional sounds of staff's squeaking shoes outside.. I lay awake, staring at the ceiling long after the lights were out. Someone actually drugged me… but why? Was it to get back at Cloud? But why were they after Aerith and Zack?

I hoped that I would be able to get some answers tomorrow. I turned to my side to fall asleep, noticing the two empty cups of coffee that sat on the side table instead. What was all that unfair business about? Maybe he wasn't into the nurse… but his words just hung in the air over me ominously, bothering me. I decided to let it go for now, and maybe I could ask him to explain it to me another day.

Sleep, yes. Sleep was important, and I needed every bit of rest I could get. Work was waiting for me when I got back to campus. And of course… Caius Ballad.

Yazoo

My feet were moving, a little slower than a full run, but at a faster than usual speed nonetheless. As I slid into the driving seat, I covered my mouth with the back of my hand. Staring out the window, I watched the bokeh of city lights, floating like infinite fireflies… aimlessly adrift. They were so similar to me… lacking purpose.

How dare I… With big brother not next to her as usual… I completely lost my cool back there, and let my irritation show. How can someone be so smart and so clueless at the same time? She pushed me over the edge by trying to set me up with some stupid girl, even when I had been by her side, almost every day. Weren't my affections obvious? Or were they in friendly territory?

I recalled how the pink haired girl smacked Kadaj's hand away, but mine… she didn't seem to hate my touch. The thought made me hopeful, and I hated the warmth spreading over my cheeks. I was fine just being by her side and protecting her. So why was I now beginning to hope?

Not to mention if big brother read my intentions… I shuddered at the thought of his fists raining down on me, mako strength and all. But he had at least warned her about me. As expected of him... Why else would she ask me that question?

"Would you really shoot Strife if your mother asked you to?"

At one point I was sure I would. But now… I didn't know the answer with the same certainty. Could I really shoot at my brother in cold blood, knowing that I never missed? Kadaj and Loz could do it, sure. But Cloud and I had never gotten into a confrontation in the past. He tolerated me, and I afforded him the same. There had been no conflict between us thus far to merit the use of weapons.

Big brother's feelings for Lightning were crystal clear. Watching the wedding's CCTV footage left no room for doubt. Every second she wasn't with him, his eyes unconsciously scanned the room for her. When they were together, they became lost in each other. And meeting him everyday in the hospital… I knew that his attachment to her surpassed infatuation… or plain attraction. I hated to admit it but…

He was in love with her.

And she was probably in love with him… too.

My stomach felt like it was flipping, and I felt physically sick. Why something that I already knew affected me this much - I did not know. But maybe I had never spelled it out this way before. Was it really alright for me to want her? My ringtone snapped me out of my thoughts, and I boredly held it to my phone, leaning against the steering wheel with closed eyes. "What?"

"Where the fuck have you been these days?" Kadaj's voice sounded annoyed, and I quickly copied his tone.

"Guns."

"Jeez… how many does a man need?! I get you're a shooter, but-."

"What is it?"

"Sephiroth's coming back soon, so Mother wants you to escort him home from the airport."

"Done."

"Where are you right now?"

"Guns," I repeated myself, wincing as I tried to cut this conversation short.

"Are you coming to Pulse tonight?"

"No."

"Fine. Suit yourself." The line went dead, and I thanked my family's extraordinary level of dysfunction for the patience I currently possessed. I pocketed my phone, and both of my hands gripped the steering wheel. The car was quiet, and so was I. Even breathing felt like work on some nights.. And this was one of those nights. With Sephiroth moving into the family home… everyday was going to be a chore. Shoot this, shoot that… like I was a dispensable killing machine and nothing more.

"You're not irrelevant."

I always sound solace in Lightning's small piece of kindness. Maybe I was mistaking it for something else, but I didn't care anymore. I took my time, driving slowly and taking the main road instead of the shortcuts that cut through the streets I knew so well. When I finally made it home, I took my time in the bath. Cid's knock came in time with the moment I stepped out. Securing the bathrobe around me, I grunted softly and the old man entered, removing his hat as he bowed.

"Cid… please." I hated when he did this, especially when it was just the two of us. "What is it?"

"Master Yazoo… I am sorry to bother you. Will you review the footage again?"

"Yeah. I think I have some clue what to actually look for this time," I told him and he nodded understandingly.

"Very well. Shall I prepare some coffee?"

"No… just ask the butler to get me a bottle of Hennessy and a glass on your way out. You're dismissed for the night."

Cid didn't say anything, but his worried gaze always made me flip. I wasn't a child anymore, and I hated that he still treated me as one sometimes. At least his concern was silent, and he tried to keep it to himself as he left me alone with my thoughts.

My phone rang, and if this was Kadaj again I was going to smash it to pieces. "What?"

"It's Tseng. The enhanced photo just came in. You were right."

"I usually am. Send it over to me." I hung up, throwing my phone on the bed. It landed softly there, and I stared at it for a few seconds. At least this call brought some good news with it. Flipping my laptop open, I waited impatiently for the email to come in as I took a seat on the leather armchair. There was another knock and I grunted again, as loud and unfriendly as I could manage. Our butler scurried in, poured me a drink, and quietly set the bottle down next to the glass before disappearing out of the room.

Come on...

The photo finally popped in between my mail, and I quickly zoomed in. The reflection was of a male figure with light hair, but the details of his face were shrouded in the darkness. Now I knew exactly who to look for - and while there was no guarantee he was at the wedding - I was going to assume that he was. If there was one thing I had learned, it was that people lurking in the shadows often loved to appear in plain sight. Pulling up the CCTV footage, I leaned back in the arm chair, downing the entire glass of the cognac. I poured myself another glass, forwarding past the start of the wedding. I didn't want to see big brother and the pinkette together - it was painful enough as it was.

The male didn't appear in the first half of the wedding, and I began doubting myself. Maybe I had been too quick to assume. Maybe he was only present at the shooting itself.

I replayed the end of the wedding, sleepily. Another glass, another replay. How long has this been going on… I did not know. I leaned close to the screen, hitting the pause button when I spotted a white haired male in the caterer's uniform, passing Lightning a glass of champagne.

This! This was the last drink she had. I noticed her drink it all at once, and he stood behind her, waiting. Receiving the glass, he moved swiftly towards another table, abandoning the tray with other glasses on a buffet table. He only took Lightning's glass with him, glancing around once before disappearing into the back of the church.

Found you, you little piece of shit.

"CID!" I thundered over the phone, and I was glad that the old man answered the phone at this godforsaken hour. "I found the person responsible for drugging her. I am sending you screen grabs from the wedding's CCTV footage. Hunt him down at any cost."

"Certainly Master. I will begin the search at once."

I leaned back in the chair, shutting my eyes tightly. There was no comfort for me, not when I knew this asshole was out there somewhere. In the early hours of the morning, my phone woke me up. I groaned, answering it dully. "Yes?"

"Master Yazoo!"

"Rocket…" I yawned as the dealer recited rehearsed apologies. I was frowning, even though I knew I had given him an enormous task.

"I have been asking around but… none of the foreign dealers know about the bullet. My best guess is that it's not commercially available…"

"Huh…" I rubbed my eyes, glancing at the clock. When did I fall asleep? It hadn't been that long. "Did you check the black market?"

"Of course, Master Yazoo."

"Well, look again." My frustration was growing, and I knew it was unfair but I felt like I was being cornered by whatever coward had planned this. "Reach out to the worst of the worst. Bullets don't fall out of the fucking sky. Someone must be selling it, somewhere. Find it for me. I don't care how. Just make it happen."

Rocket gulped loudly at the other end of the phone. "I will contact you when I find out more!" I ended the call, tossing the phone angrily on the sofa. Even though things hadn't panned out exactly as I had envisioned... There was some progress. If Cid could find the male from the photo, I could get to the bottom of this. And we had to get to him before the Turks did.

If the culprit is Sephiroth… I'd have to think of an explanation - and a good one - detailing the reason for my… active involvement. I dreaded it, but it didn't matter as much as understanding the event that had left Lightning in… that condition. But if the culprit was someone else… where were they hiding… and how far was I willing to go in their pursuit? Eventually Loz, or worse yet, Kadaj would start questioning my constant absence. I had little time until Sephiroth returned - and when he did - it would become even harder to leave the house for long periods. My movements would become more monitored, especially with the eldest brother breathing down my neck all the time.

I was on a time limit.

The sky was grey and heavy rain poured down without end. Everything about this morning was foreboding. Maybe I was reading too much into things, but there was something eating me up on the inside and I knew only a certain girl's face could fix this feeling.

I tried my luck with Cid, but he asked for more time to locate the white-haired asshole. It was a quick drive to the hospital, and the pink haired girl had just finished meeting up with the doctor. She was surprisingly on her feet, appearing much better than yesterday. Her recovery was insane, and I wondered how she managed it.

"Hey," she greeted me with a nod. I answered it with one, walking over to her with hurried steps.

"Should you really be walking around like this?"

"Wow, didn't know you could worry," she smirked, signing some forms at the front desk. "Test results came in and I'm good to go home."

"Should I drive you?" I offered hopefully, disappointed when she shook her head in response.

"I, uh, Strife's coming to get me."

Of course he is…

"Actually… I was hoping to have a chat with you. Got a sec?" Her invitation made me feel lighter, and I agreed with a silent disinterest nod - the opposite of how I actually felt. I followed her to the green lawn, where a few nurses guided or accompanied patients for their morning walk. I waited until she had propped herself on the benches, before joining her. The rain had finally stopped, the the grass was wet under our boots. "What… happened to me?" She asked, turning sideways to face me. It was hard not to return her earnest gaze.

"You were drugged, and then shot. I wasn't there, so I am sure big brother can tell you a lot more than I can." She fell silent as she looked down at her hands, and I wanted to reassure her somehow. "Don't worry. I have been looking into it."

"Looking into it, how?" She asked in a small voice so unlike her.

"You know me. I have my ways." Every attempt at reassuring her was backfiring.

"I don't want you getting too deep into something like this." She snapped her head up to meet my confused gaze. Her beautiful aqua irises were burning with a fiery determination. "Especially if Sephiroth is involved."

"What?" I barked, feeling agitated by her reaction. "Who do you think I am?"

"You're… you. What kind of a question is that?" She seemed even more annoyed than before.

"I appreciate the concern but-"

A soft growl interrupted me before I could finish. "You're always in the middle of some… sort of...situation." I could tell she was struggling with choosing the right words. "There's people always chasing you. How am I supposed to feel?"

"Yet here we are. Look at you, and look at me without a scratch," I boasted unfairly, and she tore her eyes away from me, examining the neatly moved lawn.

"You're not invincible, Yazoo. You said it yourself. You're a shooter, not a fighter."

I could feel the back of my throat run dry. I was losing my cool all over again, and the situation this time wasn't even pleasant. "No offense, but no one's ever been able to touch me."

"How long before someone does?" She shot back, and I took a deep breath to calm myself. Clearly this argument wasn't going anywhere.

"Do you have the same concerns for big brother?"

"Ha?!" She shouted, but I refused to back down.

"Of course not…" I said bitterly, too bitterly. "The mighty Cloud Strife. You don't go off lecturing him too, do you?"

"Yazoo, it's not like that…" I hated her tone, like she was talking to someone younger, weak, someone that needed her protection.

"Well, save your breath. I am really close, and I am not abandoning the search." Because I am never going to let anyone lay their dirty hands on you again… I couldn't say that, but that's what this was really about. "I'm leaving."

"Yazoo… wait!" She called out from behind me but I was already walking away. Why I had gotten this worked up over her words… I didn't know. But I was going to prove that her worry was unwarranted. Everyone from Sephiroth to Mother relied on me. And I was feared in every circle I moved in. I had been soft… too soft in front of her. It was time to show her what I was capable of.

And more importantly… keep her safe.

?

"What are you going to do, Roy? Seems like he's looking for you." I sipped on the delicious wine, admiring the exquisite aftertaste it left behind, lingering on my tongue.

"Don't worry, boss! I'll pay him a visit real soon." The white haired male chuckled, zipping up his bag and swinging it over his shoulder. He lifted his passport out of his pocket to show me, grinning cheek to cheek.

"It's not an exaggeration to say that he might be the world's best shooter," I reminded him coolly, but the male smiled even more. His expression regressed into more manic - until he appeared to be completely deranged. "I hope you know what you're doing." I returned the glass to the table beside me, crossing my legs as I leaned back.

"What's a shooter without his hands?" He smirked, saluting at me. "I'll take care of him first, and then get you what you want."

"I'm counting on you. Now go."

A/N: Surprise POV at the end! Not naming it yet. XD Anyway, hope you enjoyed today's chapter. Until next time! ^^