Chapter III
"Wow, I look freaking great! And my skin is all nice and clean!" Zack exclaimed as he fastened the gold buttons to his silver pin striped vest over his dark gray long sleeved shirt. He did a few twist and turns in the mirror before slipping on his black, oilskin duster coat that had a standing collar and gray fur lining the end of his sleeves.
"You look just dashing, Mister Fair! Oh please, here! This bandana will give it the finishing touch!" The aged tailor said as she quickly measured his neck with her makeshift measuring tape. She then grabbed a black, triangular bandana from the display table next to her and wrapped it around his neck. She nodded in satisfaction to Zack, pleased with the look she created.
"Are you enjoying yourself?" Cloud asked with a snarky voice as he shaved the last bit of the stubble on the side of his face in the mirror next to him.
"Everything fits like a glove! Now, Cloud…" Zack smiled playfully at his reflection. "You know, you might have to protect me from all the ladies once I step out."
Cloud rolled his eyes as he dripped water from his water canteen onto his knife to shave.
This guy seriously cannot be a 1st Class Shinra SOLDIER…
"Uh, sir…errr, you can't shave here…this is a clothing shop?" The little shop owner explained as she adjusted her bifocals.
"Sorry…" Cloud said as he wiped his hunting blade clean on his black poncho and placed it away on his black leather gun belt.
"Can you two idiots hurry the hell up?" Angeal's booming voice suddenly erupted in the small shop. He had his head sticking out of front door and was impatiently waiting for them just outside.
Cloud hurriedly strapped on his dark brown leather chaps over his black trousers and rolled up the long sleeves on his dark blue collared shirt before hurrying out the store door. He could hear the loud clanks from the metal spurs of Zack's boots behind him.
"So tell me, Angeal. How did you guys know we were hitting up Kalm? We're usually pretty good at keeping our trace clean." Zack asked as he and Cloud caught up with the silent man.
"That's classified information."
"Hey, it's okay! We're on the same team now, right? Com'on now, eh? Ehhh?" Zack gave him a second to see if he would respond. But of course, the bitter man remained in his tomblike state. "Weeeell, I'm just gonna go ahead and assume that you guys have a little rat running around Shinra. And that's fine because, you know…we're WRO agents now…"
"Zack…" Cloud said and gave him a look.
Does this guy ever shut up?
The dark haired gentleman sighed like he was bored, but quickly found his next distraction. His blue eyes were glued on two young women walking by in their fashionable dresses. He tilted his black, brick styled cowboy hat to them as he passed by.
"Ma'am…and ma'am." Zack greeted with a cunning smile. Their cheeks turned a bright red, and they giggled at him in return. He continued to do this while trailing Cloud and Angeal.
Cloud sighed at his friend. It wasn't even a full day yet, and he was already growing tired of Zack. He just couldn't believe that this guy–this womanizing, happy-go-lucky guy was freaking 1st Class. He speculated on how a man like that could reach such a high rank. He wondered what his former colleagues thought of him.
Cloud left his friend to his gawking and walked up next to Angeal.
"So what are we doing here in Edge?" Cloud asked the brute as he looked around the busy town. He was surprised at how eventful the streets were with farmers and salesmen beckoning customers to visit their product stands, people bartering and walking down the streets, and plentiful WRO officers and lawmen looming on every corner. He even saw construction going on for what looked like a new power source building. It looked like the town was going to become a major city soon.
"Heidegger came here a few days after the raid in Kalm to get some supplies and more horses. You're going to Edge's horse ranch to try to get information on his whereabouts. It's our only lead on him right now." He then stopped is momentum down the dry, dirt street and turned to look at Cloud.
"Unless you two know where the hell he's off to next?"
The blonde shrugged and scratched at his spiky hair underneath his pinched and front styled cowboy hat. The information Reno gave him was the Kalm assignment and nothing more.
Zack shook his head as he settled back into the group conversation. "They don't tell SOLDIERs anything. We're just the muscle. I thought you knew that?"
Angeal glared at him.
"You were obviously a 1st Class SOLDIER. It's a kinda hard to hide it." Zack folded his arms against his chest, and he tilted his head a little. "What made you leave?"
Angeal held his deathly stare and replied in a tense voice, "I left after I stopped doping up on Blue Jet and when I found out what they were doing to the Planet."
What are they doing to the Planet?
Cloud looked over at Zack, who was looking down at his polished dark brown cowboy boots. He had that strange look on his face again and let out a soft 'Oh…' and by the look on his face, Cloud guess Zack understood how the brutish man felt. He wondered if Zack did the same thing with Blue Jet–constantly doping up and letting the Mako bleed through his veins and sink into his fleshy muscles.
"We want you to kill Heidegger first since he is the closest…well we assume he is the closest. We suspect that he's headed to Fort Condor Mine to probably make up for the Mako loss in Kalm. Make sure you talk to the rancher about it to confirm."
"Wait, make up for the Mako loss?"
"Yes, Shinra is in constant need of Mako to make their Blue Jet. They give it to new and current SOLDIERs. That's why they are regularly raiding towns and cities for their reactors. They also want to take over all of Gaia's Mako supply to become a monopoly and make life a living hell."
Angeal then turned and pointed towards large two story ranch house, just off of the hectic main street. There was a tall and large overhead sign standing at the entrance of the grand house saying 'Lockhart Horse Ranch.' The house had an antique feel to it, like it was built many years ago with all of its intricate details in the wood work. But the fresh white paint and gold trim made it look fresh and upscale. The house had a welcoming porch and had a matching white picket fence just around the perimeter of the property. "That's where you two are headed. Once you finish speaking with Mister Lockhart about the Heidegger mission, he'll give you two a new supply of weapons and horses."
"You're not coming with us?" Zack asked as he placed his hands in the pockets his navy blue trousers underneath his brown chaps.
Angeal shook his head. "No."
No? What do you mean no?
We can't do this ourselves!
Cloud looked at Angeal like he was imprudent. Did he really think just the two of them could take on Heidegger by themselves? Did he have any idea how many men were with attached to his side? Was this man still high on Blue Jet?
This is insane…
"So you expect us to complete this assignment by ourselves?" Cloud fumingly questioned as Angeal turned away to depart. The gruff man didn't answer him and continued his pace away from them. Cloud irately pulled out his large hunting knife from his black leather belt and attempted to chase after Angeal, but Zack was quick to grab his shoulder to stop him.
"Hey, it's alright. They're just testing us out, that's all." He stated.
"This is a death sentence…" Cloud muttered as he looked down at his black western boots.
"Cloud," Zack stepped in a little closer to him. "You forgot that we have 1st Class Blue Jet inside of our bodies and in our DNA."
"Yeah, but Angeal took us out like it was nothing. We're not that strong…at all."
"Well, that's because Scary Face is a 1st Class freak of nature. Heidegger doesn't have men like Angeal with him. Rufus likes to hog them up for himself."
Cloud's ocean eyes glanced up at him. "But what makes 1st Class Blue different than the Jet all the other Shinra guys are given?"
Zack drew out his sigh as a dejected look tainted his jolly visage.
"It's got this stuff in it called Jenova cells. It alters your genetics a little bit and makes you stronger and faster. Your body can take bullet wounds like their nothing…to a certain extent. Even your wounds and cuts heal faster."
The blonde's brows furrowed in perplexity.
What?
He shook his head in disbelief and brushed off Zack's hand from his broad shoulder. "Why was I given this shit?"
"Shinra doesn't want a few 1st Class SOLDIERs anymore. He wants the entire SOLDIER force to be 1st Class."
"So…are these Jenova cells…are they bad or something?"
The black haired gentleman scratched at the scar on his cheek. He put off Cloud's question and wrapped a chummy arm around his friend's shoulders. "Look, let's just put a cork in this one for now, 'kay? We need to get going on this Heidegger mission. Now let's go!"
Cloud watched as his fervent friend dash towards the majestic abode. He wanted to know more about this whole Jenova and Mako process Shinra did with their SOLDERs. He thought it was aberrant on how Zack would frequently avoid conversing about Shinra and Blue Jet. He was one of their top and most zealous SOLDIERs, and it seemed like he had loyally fought for them for several years.
Cloud shook his head before he jogged after Zack to catch up with him. He got the feeling that he was masking something and it wasn't good.
By the time Cloud had caught up with Zack at the front entrance, he had already knocked on the door. As Zack adjusted his thick duster collar and his gold WRO pin at his chest, a man opened the door. He was of average height and wore a fancy white, swallow-tail coat and khaki colored britches. His dark brown hair was neatly cut and his parted bangs framed his friendly, clean shaven face. However, on the right side of his temple was a fresh and enormous scar that looked like it was still healing. The skin around his dark eyes wrinkled as he displayed a wholehearted smile.
Cloud gazed at the man before him for a moment. His face and eyes looked familiar like he had seen them before…
"Oh! Salutations, gentlemen! Such a lovely day, isn't it?" The man spoke with a cultivated voice. His eyes flickered between the two gold WRO pins on both of the men. "Ah! You two must be the WRO agents Hollander was talking about. I'm so glad you two took his offer up. The WRO is a wonderful organization."
Cloud gave a deadpan look and didn't speak to the man. He looked over at Zack and waited for him to say something. He figured he should leave all the talking to him. He seemed like he was good at it.
Zack cleared his throat before speaking. "Yeah the offer was, um, quite a bargain. Are you Mister Lockhart?"
"Ah yes sir, I am! I apologize for not introducing myself. Please, call me Daniel. And you two are…?"
"I'm Zack Fair, and Spikey over here," Zack pointed over towards Cloud. "His name is Cloud Strife."
"Well, welcome Mister Fair and Mister Strife. Please, do come in!" Mister Lockhart moved to the side to let them in.
The inside of the extravagant residence was just as lovely as the outside was. Beautiful dark green wallpaper covered the walls of the home. They had white shelves that were full of old books and little collectable horse figurines. Sophisticated burgundy carpets covered the polished wooden floors and red long drapes of thick fabrics framed the windows. Two vintage white couches stood across from each other in the middle of the living room with an elegant, crystal coffee table sitting between them. The home was so proper and spotless that Cloud was nervous to touch anything.
"Welcome to my abode, gentlemen!" Mister Lockhart motioned over towards the white seats as he strolled over to his crystal bar cart. "Please, take a seat! Would you two like a drink?"
Zack exchanged glances with Cloud before shrugging. "Sure! I'll have some Scotch!"
"And for you, Mister Strife?" Mr. Lockhart asked as he poured out the rich amber liquid from its glass decanter into a matching whiskey tumbler.
"Oh I don't–"
"He'll have one too," Zack interrupted.
Cloud shot him a glare as the two sat down next to each other on one of the couches.
Since when are you making decisions for me?
Zack rolled his eyes and leaned over to whisper to him. "If a man like that offers you a free drink, you take it."
He gave Cloud a quick wink before settling himself back into his seat as the graceful man came over.
"Scotch is an excellent choice. It is truly a gentleman's drink." Daniel stated as he placed the two drinks down on the coffee table and took his seat across from them. He serenely crossed his legs and formed a steeple gesture with his hands. The expression on his ecstatic face suddenly turned businesslike. "Now, shall we talk about this Heidegger business?"
"Yes, we heard from Scary–er–Angeal Hewley that you recently came in contact with Heidegger a few days after the Kalm incident, correct?" Zack questioned as he took a savory sip of his alcohol.
"Yes. He rode into town at night and raided our gunsmith before stopping here. He looked rather frantic when he came to the ranch, and he was low on men. Some of them were severely injured. He held my daughter and me captive as his men gathered up some horses from the stables." The ranch owner then lowered his head a little. "We were quite scared and he almost...um…took advantage of Tifa…"
Zack raised an eyebrow. "Is she alright?"
"Yes, she's fine. She–"
Suddenly they heard footsteps approaching. A dark haired woman strode into the room and Cloud's Mako eyes widened in consternation. His mouth was agape as he feasted on the beauty before him.
Shiiiiiit…
It's that girl from Kalm!
He forcefully ripped away his ogling eyes from her and timidly adjusted the black bandana hanging around his neck. The room was becoming unbearably hot, and he could feel his palms get clammy. The blonde felt completely embarrassed. He couldn't believe that he almost stole a horse from Mister Lockhart's daughter. And now he was sitting there as a WRO agent trying to get help from him.
Cloud pulled the brim of his black western hat down in his face, in a sad attempt to conceal himself.
"Father, I'm heading out to find some stallions to make up for…" The woman stopped herself as he looked up from fiddling with the lasso in her hand. She pulled off her hat and let it hang behind her to get a better view of the guests in her house. Her brown eyes glanced between a beaming Zack and a wary Cloud. Her face immediately warped in repugnance as her eyes burned into Cloud's tan flesh.
"Speaking of the devil, this is my daughter, Tifa." Daniel said.
"Dad…what the hell are they doing here?"
Her father frowned. "Tifa…your language…"
"These idiots are from Shinra! And this one…" Tifa pointed a gloved finger at Cloud. "…this is the jerkface who tried to steal Stella!"
Cloud tried to sink deeper into his cushioned seat like that would somehow swallow him. Zack glanced over at him, with a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. Cloud could tell he was holding back a snicker as he continued to blissfully sip the last bit of his drink. His friend was clearly entertained by what was going on, and it only made Cloud feel even more humiliated.
Gaia this is awkward…
"Well, they are no longer part of Shinra's gang, dear. And I completely forgive Mister Strife for his actions, and you should too. Now please go pour me a glass of Scotch, and let us continue with our business in peace." Mister Lockhart requested firmly. Tifa responded with an angry fit as she stomped her black boot down. She grabbed chunks of her brown colored long skirt in both her hands and twisted her head away in abhorrence before hurrying over to the bar cart. As she poured her father a drink, Cloud promptly took the extra glass of Scotch on the table and drank it like it was water.
Daniel grunted as tried to get comfortable again. "I apologize for my daughter's rudeness…she's not very hospitable with visitors." He paused as Tifa gave him his glass of Scotch. He muttered a simple thank you and took a large swallow of the liquor before speaking again. Tifa, upset at her father, planted herself behind him and rested her hands on the gold frame of the couch.
"Now, I believe the last thing I talking about was the night Heidegger was here…"
"Yes," Zack nodded and kicked his feet up on the coffee table. "Please continue."
"Heidegger nearly killed us when he was here. But I persuaded him that he needed us alive and unharmed so that Tifa and I could give him our best horses. He agreed and we did as we promised. While we were out getting the horses out for them at the stables, I overheard a man whispering something about an underground reactor and Fort Condor. I don't remember much after that, since Heidegger gave me a good whack in the head before heading out." Daniel pointed to the red scar on his head for proof.
"Yeah. We spoke with Hewley before we got here, and he and Hollander suspected that Heidegger would be heading there. He also said something about a Mako mine or whatever." Zack replied.
"Yes. Shinra has control of that area as far as I know. There was a battle there some years ago where the WRO lost the Mako reactor and the land against Shinra's forces. I heard most of the reactor was damaged during the fight, but I guess they recently got it back running again. But I'm not entirely sure, as this was just a rumor that's been spreading around." Daniel explained.
Cloud spoke up after gulping down the last of his drink. "Why didn't Heidegger take the Mako here?"
"Edge is a dry town," Tifa said as she relentlessly stared at the blonde.
"She means that Edge has little to no Mako. Our reactor was shut down and removed. Most of the town has converted over to solar energy thanks to the WRO."
"Well," Zack stretched out his arms and placed his feet back on the ground and stood up. "I guess we're heading to Fort Condor then. Thanks for all the information, Daniel." Zack held out a hand for a handshake, and Mister Lockhart stood up and shook it. Cloud sighed as he got up on his feet. His eyes strayed off towards the floor to avoid eye contact with Tifa.
"Fort Condor is a long way south from here. Why don't you two stay the night and head out fresh in the morning?" The ranch owner offered.
Cloud gave a quiet groan. He already knew what Zack's response would be.
Zack gave a shrug and smiled. "Okay!"
"Good! Tifa and I can help you two get your supplies and horses for the rest of the day, now won't we Teef?"
Tifa rolled up the sleeves of her white Victorian blouse before placing her hands on her prominent hips.
"Sure," She snorted.
Cloud's gaze finally met with hers. He could see the red hue in her eyes flare out from her pupils like scorching flames.
She's gonna kill me in my sleep tonight.