Observing the movement of his creation, he walked up to the next subject's containment.
The older man fixed his glasses and grinned, "Excellent… Take this one to test room 3. Bring Subject XIII there as well."
Another scientist nearby nodded, "Right away Professor Hojo. Should we call the troops to restrain both subjects?"
Hojo nonchalantly waved his hand as he kept examining his creation, "That won't be necessary, just bring them in for cleanup afterwards."
"Yes Professor," the scientist went off to notified the rest of others about Hojo's order.
Then, Hojo preceded to exit the room and walked towards the elevator.
Haa, a mere subject to pass the time. My amusement with Subject XIII is running low as well. Its longevity can't be put in applicable use if we don't have the Ancient to study. The dead one won't be any use either. Unless we find the living Ancient soon, my research cannot proceed any farther. A shame. He presses the button of floor to testing room. The door shuts while the elevator preceeds to the testing floor. He rubbed his chin. Hmmm… what about that subject?... S2 was it. That failure of a mutt experiment. Yes… S2's capture can possibly solve the problem. If those Turks haven't eliminated yet, then maybe… He grinned. Yes, maybe that genetic mutt can solve the missing genome link, a good medium to start. The elevator stopped and the doors opened, he proceeded to exit and enters the viewing room.
Another scientist greeted him, "Professor Hojo, everything is ready to start."
Professor Hojo smirked, "Excellent. Also, send a message to President Shinra. There is an urgent matter that needs to be discussed."
"Right away."
Hojo viewed the subjects in the cells, the alarm sounded.
[COMMENCING TEST]
He gradually broke into a maniacal laugh.
~7~
The running water and the jukebox playing filled 7th Heaven with a relaxing atmosphere. Tifa stood behind the counter washing shot glasses. At the counter, the little girl humming along to the tune while she continued to draw her new friend. Tifa heard the doors opened, she turned to see Wren entering the Bar.
Tifa greeted, "Welcome back Wren." Then blinked when she noticed the girl covered in monster guts. She chose her next words carefully, "Um… How did it go?"
Wren wiped some of the guts off her face and in a flash, she reflected on the monster hunting jobs around Sector 7 Tifa got her, "Er- Thanks… It was-"
One of her jobs was killing a group of Whole Eaters from a scrap yard pile:
"Ha!" She impaled the blades into the Whole Eater parasite. It squealed in pain before falling limp. Another latched on behind her. There was a rocky wall where she rammed her back to, killing the parasite as it exploded on her.
Another job had her go against a pesky Lesser Dragon at the train graveyard:
The Lesser Dragon roared in the air and dived at her, Wren dodged, "Waah!" She jumped onto the beast while using her blades to latch herself on it, "Yah!" She held on as it flew up, she managed to slice a wing off and both fell on the rough ground. "Ugh…" She managed to get up and finish the monster off. The blade's force caused blood to be splattered on her.
Her last job had her in an alley yard against massive wererats:
Among the pack of dead wererats, the last one headbutted her. She recovered and jumped behind it to deal the killing blow. The rat's gut spilled on her legs. "Ew… Does everything explode on me?" She tried to shake off the sticky goop substance.
"-an experience." Wren finished; I really wanted to go blow up private property with brother though… Adults suck…
Tifa gave a sympathetic smile, "I see… There is a shower upstairs. I have some spare clothes you can use while I washed your other ones."
Wren nodded, "Okay."
Then, the little girl sitting at the counter gets down with her drawing in hand. She made her way towards the older girl, "Wren you're back!"
Uh…this kid…I don't know how to handle her; Wren sweated and took a step back from the bright little girl, "Er- Marlene, um… Yeah." She lamely said, why does she like me for no reason? Is it because I said I like her drawings? I was just lying before to not make Marlene cry.
Marlene tippy-toed to show her drawing, "This is for you. I made it!"
She is too much for me… it really was the drawings… Wren shifted a bit while looking at the drawing, a bunch of lines and squiggles. She can only make out what she thought was her, Marlene, and possibly Tifa, "It's… unique."
'Wren is so cool like Tifa!' Marlene's smile brightens.
Oh, so she is awkward around other children like Marlene, Tifa giggled at the girls' interaction, "Marlene, you can give it to Wren after she washes up." She signaled Wren to make her way to the bathroom. Wren mouthed a 'thanks' and headed up. Once Tifa viewed that Wren left, she turned to Marlene, "Why don't we make Wren something to eat? I'm sure she is hungry after all that work."
Marlene jumped in glee, "Okay!"
When Wren returned and dressed in some of Tifa's old clothes, she was shocked to see a nice warm meal waiting. Tifa was stacking the glasses back on the shelf while Marlene was next to the jukebox dancing to the song playing.
Tifa noticed Wren blankly staring at the food, "Oh, you're out. Here you go, thank you for your hard work." She encouraged Wren to sit and eat dish she made for her.
"…" Wren blinked once, then twice, to really see the food in front of her, its homemade… and it's for me…
Tifa looked at her in concern when Wren lightly biting her lip and her eyes moist, "Are you okay? What's wrong?" She approached Wren quickly to check her.
She looked at Tifa, who had lower herself to her level and had placed a hand on her shoulder, 'Did I do something wrong? Why is Wren so sad?' She heard Tifa thoughts.
Wren realized she is on the brink of crying in front of Tifa, "Ah… um… No, I mean…" She used her arm to wipe away the oncoming tears before diverting her eyes, "Er- Sorry, I… I'm fine… I never really had someone made me something like this… in a long time." She quietly muttered the last part and quickly pulled away from Tifa. Wren went to sit at the counter and quietly took a bite of the food waiting for her, "It's good."
She must be lonely, Tifa eyed the girl quietly eating at the counter, I wonder if Cloud knows this. Maybe, I should ask him to talk to her? But… She is a growing girl. I wonder if Cloud understands her… Tifa thoughts were cut off when she heard people hollering outside the bar, "Huh?"
Marlene also took notice of the noise, she took some steps to peek outside, but Tifa stopped her.
"I will check outside. Can you do me a favor and keep Wren company?"
The little girl's eyes sparkled, "Okay, I can do that." She quickly made her way to the seat next to Wren which practically made the older girl jump out her chair.
Tifa chuckled a bit, before checking outside.
When she stepped outside, she saw the locals gather around the television at a restaurant nearby. She managed to read the header.
[BREAKING NEWS: SECTOR 1 REACTOR DESTROYED]
So, they were successful in the plan. I knew Cloud could do it. When the television flashed between scenes of devastation, Tifa eyes grew concerned on the amount of destruction the bomb had caused, from cars to buildings to streets to people. Almost everything had a casualty.
She heard people voicing concerns, "What monsters would do this?" She heard one person said.
"What if that explosion had caused the plate fell on the sector?" She heard another said.
Was it really necessary to do all of that? Tifa lowered her eyes to the ground and her shoulders dropped, I know we are making Shinra pay, but not like this… She thought back to the promise Cloud made to her, I wonder if he was actually there five years ago, would he be able to do anything to stop the incident? He said was, but… I never saw him. Then would I still be here with AVALANCHE if I met him before? Would he stay after this? More people began to crowd around the screen.
The crowd continued their comments, "What will Shinra do?" and "What if we are next?"
Tifa ignored the comments and shook her head, what am I thinking… I know that something is not right with Cloud when we met again. She also remembered her first meeting with Wren. The girl's close interactions with Cloud was interesting, but she took note that the girl's attitudes shifted between nervous and uncertain to bold and outspoken when Cloud acted as if nothing ever happened to him. Even if Wren is with him, what Wren said about Cloud's condition doesn't make sense. I haven't heard of monsters giving someone a mental ailment around here. Tifa noticed the time that was shown on the television screen, roughly 30 minutes past, "I should head back."
When Tifa returned to the bar, she walked in on Marlene teaching Wren a dance. Wren twirled to finish the dance with a pose while smiling, but instantly her face flushed when she saw Tifa. Marlene was cheering for Wren until she saw Tifa. The little girl went up to hug Tifa but she only reached to the young woman's leg.
They were so cute, Tifa held her laugh, "Seems you two are getting along."
Marlene smiled, "Yeah! Wren is so fun to play with!"
Hoo boy… I hope she doesn't tell brother… This is too embarrassing, Wren face felt hot while she tried to look anywhere but Tifa's direction.
Seeing Wren's flustered state brought Tifa relief, Marlene must of help Wren forget her loneliness for the moment. She reflects on Wren's sad expression after she showered, I guess deep down I want to help both Cloud and Wren in the end. The both of them must of went through something they can't really say, and maybe… they really just don't know how to say it… "Oh right, why don't you two help me set up a bit? I have a feeling some customers will coming. Everyone will back soon too, they finished the job they were working on."
"Daddy will be home soon?" Marlene jumped in excitement.
Wren just nodded, "Got it."
Later in the night, the bar was filled with customers. Tifa made the drinks while Wren helped served the customers. Marlene was told to stay in her room. When suddenly, a big tall man with a gun arm runs in, followed by shooting blank shots at the roof, which scared the customer.
"Everyone get the hell out! Bar 's closed now!" The gun-armed man yelled. The customers bolted out the door while the man continued to chase them all outside.
"Wren can you pick up all the dishes and put them in the sink? I have to make sure Barret hasn't hurt any of the customers." She quickly said before she rushed out.
"Okay." Wren did what she was told.
After she put the dishes in the sink, Tifa reentered with three adults. From what Wren remembered, they were called Jessie, Biggs, and Wedge. The three of them seated themselves at the table to take a breather while Tifa walked behind the counter to do the dishes.
"Thanks Wren, I can take it from here." She said.
"No problem," Wren exited the counter and sat herself on the stool.
Marlene heard the bar doors open just as she entered the bar from the back room, "Papa!" She ran up to the person that enter. She greeted not her father, but a tall blonde spikey hair man. She blanched, instantly running away to a corner of the bar.
Wren looked over her shoulder to see Cloud. Cloud gave an acknowledging nod and Wren approached him. Tifa must of have let her borrowed some clothes, Cloud stared at her, "Did you finish your jobs?" He asked.
He doesn't have a scratch on him… Lucky, I guess it there wasn't any monsters where he was at, Wren nodded, "Yeah."
She noticed he had a flower on him, but before she asked, he rested one of his hand on her head, softly patting it, "Good job." Wren heard her heart thumped as she felt a warmness spread through her chest; she found the hardwood floor more interesting. Kid is tough, but a merc job with AVALANCHE is on a different level, he did the gesture for a few seconds. "What were the jobs?" he asked.
Wren eyes sparkled, "Well… I fought monsters."
Tifa just finished the dishes. She noticed Cloud and Wren interaction. Wren's bright expression and Cloud's stoicism made her heart squeeze, I guess I had nothing to worry about… Tifa noticed Marlene in the corner, she quickly connected the dots, Oh, she must of thought Cloud was Barret. She went over to the shy little girl, "Marlene, aren't you going to say anything to Cloud?" Marlene hid behind Tifa as she walked up to Cloud and Wren, "Welcome home, Cloud. Looks like everything went well. Did you fight with Barret?"
Cloud and Wren looked over to Tifa, "Not this time," He answered.
Tifa giggled, "Hmm. You've grown up. When you were little you used to get into fight at the drop of a hat." She teased and noticed the flower, "Flowers? Huh, that's so nice. You almost never see them in the slums?"
He picked out the flower, "This is…"
Tifa felt her heart skipped a beat, "But… A flower for me? Oh, Cloud you shouldn't have…"
Wren noticed Cloud's eyes and heard his thoughts, 'Why does she want this flower?… Oh right… Tifa likes flowers ... She smiling… It's a nice smile, like always…'
Then give it to her, Wren's eyebrow twitched and she put her hands on her hips, "Well obviously it's for-"
"-Marlene." Cloud finished as he outstretched the flower to the little girl behind Tifa's leg.
Wren peeked over at Tifa's eyes, 'Oh… It wasn't for me… I guess he has changed…' and then she blankly stared at Cloud, Brother… that was a wrong move…
Cloud silently made his way to the tables near the door and Wren closely followed behind him, "Why did you give the flower to Marlene?" She said in a hushed voice, "I thought you really wanted to give it to Tifa?"
Cloud raised an eyebrow, "How did you-" He shook his head, "It doesn't matter. We leaving after I get paid."
Now Wren raised her eyebrows, "H-huh?... W-well, if that was the case. You should of gave the flower to me."
Cloud blankly, "You like flowers?"
Wren puffed her cheeks, "I'm a girl too…"
Cloud lightly poked her forehead, "Next time." He crossed his arms and leaned against the wall. He shut his eyes to get some rest.
Wren felt her forehead, I'm not use to this, she sat down on the seat across from him, though I don't hate it. She smiled in content.
"Marlene!" The gun armed man rushed inside.
"Papa! Welcome home!" Marlene ran to him and he puts her on his shoulder.
Barret noticed the flower in his daughter's hand, "Huh? Where'd you get that flower?"
"Cloud gave it to me."
"Oh…" Barret looked over to where Cloud and Wren are, "Did you thank him?"
Marlene paused before turning to Cloud, "Thank you Cloud. We'll take care of you."
Tifa smiled at Marlene's gesture and Barret soften his eyes at his daughter, "You all right, Barret?" Tifa asked.
"Great!" He responded, "Gett'in here you Fools!" He hollered at the three other AVALANCHE members, "We are starting our meeting!" Barret walked over the Pinball machine with Marlene still in his arms and pressed the switch to go down to the base. Jessie, Biggs, and Wedge followed him shortly after.
Oh right, Wren's clothes should be dried by now. Maybe I can talk to Cloud while she's gone… Tifa turned to the girl,"Ah Wren, your clothes should be dried by now, I have them in Marlene's room."
"Thanks, I will go change into them then." She went off to Marlene's room, leaving Tifa and Cloud alone in the bar.
In Marlene's room, Wren changed and fixed her hair at the mirror. She noticed her blades on the bed in the reflections. Kai's Kukris… She paused.
She sadly kept looking at the reflection, her memories of him teaching her how to fight, the tactics he showed her in the terrain, and the skills she will need during their visits to the village. Why were you always sad looking at me? She remembered the looks he give her when she did something well, the simple gestures of a patting her head, the rare smile when he had showed her the star. Do I remind you of someone Kai?
"Don't be a nuisance."
Her mind drifted to Cloud doing Kai's mannerisms, she unconsciously put her hand where Cloud ruffled her hair, how am I suppose to leave him? I was suppose to ditch him when I got into the city… These past few weeks were… she remembered Tifa's kindness, Cloud's stoicism, Marlene's brightness being all directed towards her like she was always part of their daily lives. Like a family... He didn't mind being called brother, I wouldn't mind staying with brother then… even if it's a lie, it's okay…right?
Her mind flashed to Kai's glaring expression on his death bed, 'I hate you. I want to die. You should have died. S2 you freak.'
Did you really hate me Kai? Wren noticed a tall figure standing behind her. Instantly gasping, she turned around. No one was there. The only noise she hears is her speedup heartrate. That look like… the same person when I found brother… She took a moment to catch her breath.
Once she calmed herself, a hand grabbed her shoulder, "S2." She felt the husked voiced whispered in her ear.
Wren eyes widen. She flailed her arm away from the hands grip and she fell on her butt. Her eyes caught of the figure. Black boots, a black trench coat, long straight silver hair, but she couldn't make out the face. The only thing she could make out was a shadow of a man's face. She was breathing heavily, her body petrified in place, and she squeezed her eyes shut, Is he still there? She gulped and took a peek at the figure. There was no one there. She clumsily got herself up to grab her blades. She tripped on herself, but managed to equipped the blades on her back, "I need to get out of here." She bolted out the door while her heart raced, what was that?
When she arrived downstairs, Cloud had his back to the doorway. She saw Tifa was discussing something with him, but Wren didn't catch the conversation.
She quietly took deep breaths, I must be tired, that's it… tired… that was weird…
Cloud sighed, "I'm not a hero and I'm not famous. I can't keep… the promise." He noticed Wren had come down, but saw her with a worried expression, somethings wrong…
Tifa put her hands on her hips, "But you got your childhood dream, didn't you? You joined SOLDIER. Come on! You've got to keep your promise…" She hugged one of her arms with discontent eyes.
I'm not that person Tifa… Cloud diverted his eyes, and look over to where Wren was, "Wren, let's go."
Wren flinched at Cloud's voice but quickly went over to him.
Tifa noticed Wren flushed face, "Wren are you okay?" She approached Wren to check her face.
The girl stepped slightly away from Tifa's gesture, "Yep, I'm really fine." She saw Tifa flashed a hurt expression. Wren felt a pang in her heart, but shook it off as she remembered the borrowed clothes, "Oh yeah, I left the clothes on Marlene's bed."
She was unaware that Cloud took note of her avoiding Tifa's concern.
At the same moment, Barret came up from the secret base, "Wait a Sec big-time SOLDIER! A promise is a promise! Here!" He begrudgingly tossed the money to Cloud.
Cloud check the gil. It was 1500 gil, "This is my pay? Don't make me laugh."
Tifa let out a small gasp, "What?" Then you'll…!"
Cloud shrugged his shoulders, "You got the next mission lined up? I'll do it for 3000."
"What!?"
Tifa went to Barret and pulled him a bit back, "It's ok, it's ok." She whispered to Barret, "*Psst* We're really hurting for help, right?"
Barret grunted, "That money's for Marlene's schoolin…" He walked to the secret base entrance, "2000!" He goes back down to the base.
Tifa turned to Cloud and smiled, "Thanks Cloud."
Cloud merely shrugs.
Later in the night, Tifa let Cloud and Wren sleep in the secret base.
Cloud counted the gil they have, while Wren began setting up their bed rolls.
Cloud finished counting, "After the next job, we will leave for sure."
So we are still leaving… Wren nodded while setting up her bed roll, "okay."
Cloud looked over to Wren and saw her made the same expression earlier, "What's on your mind?"
She was taken aback, "Er- It's nothing. It's just your imagination hehe." She faked a laugh.
She's lying to me now, Cloud was unamused, "Wren."
She finished setting the other bed roll before sighing and sitting herself down, "It's… hard to say." She hugged her knees to her chest.
Must be something big, Cloud sighed and sits himself next to her, "I'm listening."
Is it okay to say? Wren curiously stared at him, will you really care…? "Um… I… was scared… earlier."
'I'm here. I'm listening.' Cloud watched her silently, patiently waiting for her to finish.
Slowly she couldn't hold in her real feelings when she heard his thoughts, "I feel trapped… like I can never runaway… that I'm someone I'm not… and…I will be alone… again." Wren felt her throat dried, "I don't want to be alone again." She confessed. She looked away and her hair hid her glassy eyes. She felt ashamed.
Someone I'm not? Cloud grabbed his head for a moment. Wren's words resonated a familiar feeling within him, but he couldn't remember why. He shook his head, "Wren. It's okay to be scared."
She looks back at him.
'Shit, what else am I suppose to say?' Cloud kept his stoic face, "Keep moving forward." He diverted his eyes elsewhere and rubbed the back of his head, hoo boy…
Wren heard his awkward thoughts and his gesture made her smile, "Is it okay to still be with you?"
Cloud saw her hoping eyes, 'Oh so that what it,' He ruffled her hair, "We're mercenaries, so naturally we're partners. You got a lot to learn Wren."
Wren couldn't contain her giggle, "you promise?"
A younger Tifa giggled, "Hey, why don't we make a promise? Umm… If you get really famous and I'm ever in a bind… You come save me, alright?"
Young Cloud eyes widen, "What?"
"Whenever I'm in trouble, my hero will come and rescue me. I want to at least experience that once."
"Huh?"
"Come on~! Promise me~!" She said with a smile.
He shrugged, "All right… I promise."
That precious memory flashed to him, just like Tifa… Cloud stopped ruffling her hair, "Promise." He smiled.
Wren saw his rare smile. She couldn't contain her happiness building inside of her and she hugged him, I can stay… brother is kind… he is like a hero, she felt shy but she really wanted to let him know, "Thank you, brother…" She genuinely smiled at him.
This kid…Cloud stiffed, "Alright, go to sleep now. We have jobs to do." He lightly pulled her off of him.
Wren saluted him, "Yes sir!" Then, immediately tuck herself in for the night.
~7~
Investigating the lead his boss gave him around sector 7, Reno directed the two Shinra soldiers to check the local shops. He scanned the area while ignoring the people whispering of his suspicious presence.
Boss said the capture target should be in the lower plates. He should've said it will take days to comb through every Sector! He sighed, "It's like a needle in a haystack." He straightens himself and rolled his shoulders, "Well, he did say to find Kai's weapons."
Then, he sees a girl walking in the distance. He squints his eyes and sees Kai's blade strapped on the girl's back. I found you~ Now for the fun part, He grinned as he discreetly made his approach. He hid out of view in the shop she entered, so this is S2.
Apparently, the girl was taking a payment from the shop owner.
"Thanks kid, you really helped out an old fella."
Her eyes sparkled, "No problem. I am a mercenary, it's what I do."
Reno hummed, A mercenary huh…
Their conversation was quick and simple. Then, he watched S2 exited the place. He followed her for a bit, and watched her mannerism. She was in high-spirits as her walk had a skipped and her hair lightly bounced with every step.
She's kinda cute for a kid, she looks like a shaggy puppy walking around, he snickered at the thought while he heard her humming. Reno noticed that the girl was exploring as she would scan each shop and even messing with some trinkets on display. The opportunity presented itself to him. A naïve child with no sense of danger that lurks close by.
Might as well do it now, the kid obviously is distracted, he caught up to her, "Where ya heading kid?"
The girl freezes on spot. He is the one I heard from Kai's cabin, she came face to face with the voice and blankly stared at him, "Er-Nowhere really…"
'What a funny kid,' He grinned, "Gotta name yo?"
Does he know me? His thought don't show it, she internally debated with herself before diverting her eyes away, "I'm not suppose to talk to strangers." She quietly said.
Too easy, she's really cautious right now, he hummed, "Name's Reno. Besides we are not strangers, I'm sure of that."
She gave him a confused look, Huh?
'Hook, line, sinker.' Reno rubbed the back of his head, "Well, let's say I'm an old work buddy with Kai."
He does know… she felt her jaw locked while her hands became clammy, "W-who's Kai?" She lamely said.
He noticed her hesitation. He took the opportunity to grabbed her wrist with a solid grip, "Let's go and I can explain." She tensed in his gripped and he bent down to her ear, "You don't want to cause a commotion, now would we S2? I wonder what accident could happened if we did?" He whispered.
She stiffed and slowly complied with him, "Fine…"
Mission accomplish; Reno dragged her towards the appointed location where the two infantries finished their search. They were near the gate of sector 7.
"Let's go!" Reno commanded.
"Sir!" They responded.
He pointed to one of them, "Give me the shot."
One of the infantry soldiers gave him the syringe of poison, "Here."
Reno looks at the glaring girl, so she is feisty, well that's cute. He smirked, "No hard feelings, just doing my job." He bends down to give her the shot.
However, S2's senses kicked in and she punched Reno in the face when he bent down. He grunted in pain and fell over, losing his grip on her. The two infantry soldiers were dumbfounded by the girl's power. S2 took the opportunity to run towards the gate up ahead. The soldiers gain their senses and point their guns at the running girl.
Reno barked at the two Shinra infantry, "Don't shoot! Just catch that kid!"
The two soldiers chased S2 towards the gate of Sector 7 with Reno following closely behind.
"Close the gate!" Reno yelled.
"Sir!" One of them said and they radio in the command.
The sector 7 gate began closing. Instead of slowing down, Reno saw the girl put all her strength into her legs. Running at an inhuman speed. The door inched closer and closer to shutting. She threw herself into the small opening and made it to the other side. The soldiers could not continue their chase.
Reno clicked his tongue as he caught up, "Shit…" He rubbed his jaw and felt it becoming sore, what a punch that girl had. Inhuman strength and speed huh… He remembered the glare S2 gave him, they were normal when she was walking around happily, but he took note that the moment she felt threaten they changed to be more feline like. He ordered the soldiers to return to HQ.
Useless… Reno watched the soldiers leave, and once they were gone, he pulled out his phone, "Well, should call the boss." He dialed the number. There were a few rings before the line picked up.
Reno greeted, "Sup boss."
Tseng responded, "Reno, any update."
"Yeahh… about that…"
He heard Tseng let out a small sigh, "S2 got away."
Reno faked a chuckle, "Well, she had a punch."
"She's twelve."
"Hehe, I guessed I teased her too much."
Tseng grunted, "Luckily for S2, orders from the higher ups directed for her capture, not elimination."
"Ooh~ The kid will be glad to hear that, if she doesn't attack me the next time. She is pretty feisty. The girly booked it the moment she found an opportunity."
"Which is why I specifically told you to not under estimate her."
Reno sweat dropped, "Whoops."
"Be on standby. We are more likely to be sent to retrieve the Ancient soon too."
Reno hummed, "Is that so? Got it Boss." He hanged up the phone. Now, his jaw ached and he clicked his tongue, "I need some ice…"
A/N: Sorry I took longer than expected. I had a bit of writer's block and on top of that I had gotten sick. I was out of it for a few days to recover. Hope you enjoyed the chapter. I hope Wren is a believable character and her relation with Cloud is believable. Leave a comment if you have any feedback. Until next time~ (-^u^-)y