Aerith found Wren past some colorful market stands. She saw the girl's eyes sparkled at everything she passed.

Aerith giggled at the girl's antics, like a cat curiously playing in a flower field.

However, Aerith noticed some men nearby eyeing the child like prey. Without a second thought, she took Wren's hand into hers.

"Let's do this, so I won't get lost. Beside I'm sure Cloud's up ahead so I won't hold it too long." She said innocently, 'There are dangerous men nearby. I'm sure we can take them, but I rather not find out. We should catch up to Cloud soon…'

"Hmm… I guess." Wren said, Ah! I got distracted with the market stands that I lost sight of brother. She puffed her cheeks while side-glaring at the young woman; you win this time woman…

Passing the many colorfully lit shops and building hand-in-hand, Wren lightly peeked over her shoulders to see the men lightly trailing behind. I think I ran through here before… Wren took notice of the woman's hand gripped tighter on her. I think woman knows those creepy guys are following us. Are they with Reno? Did he find me?... I can do those punches Tifa taught me… Wren sighed, "You know, I can beat those guys."

Aerith coyly smiled, "I'm sure you can, but how can we save Tifa if we get distracted?"

Wren shrugged, "I can manage."

Aerith giggled, "You sound like Cloud." She noticed Cloud up ahead, "Speak of the devil." She sprinted ahead slightly dragging the younger girl over, "Cloud wait up!"

Cloud turned at the direction of the girls. He noticed the men that were trailing them. He glared at them and they backed off.

Aerith sighed in relief, "Thanks bodyguard. They were following for a while."

Wren muttered, "I could of handle them..."

Cloud patted Wren's head, "Wren, you have to be patient. Not everything is solved with fists."

Wren remembered her run-in with the red head Turk; I guess I am being paranoid... Should I tell him about Reno?... Maybe after we save Tifa… The child nodded, "Fine..."

Cloud smirked, "Good."

Aerith smiled at the pairs exchanged before coughing into her hand, "I don't want to interrupt, but did you find any leads Cloud?"

Cloud memory of a few moments ago came to him.

After the blonde paced away from the two girls in embarrassment, he wondered through the streets.

'Tifa is just a friend. I'm just keeping the promise I made to her,' He continued to pass the shops and random stalls, "I have to hurry."

He came across a flamboyant establishment. Cloud noticed some girls in bee costumes entering while the bouncers kept the thirsty patrons at the door.

'I can try…' Cloud slightly shifted, 'I feel dirty for asking…' He approached the man, "Hey, has you seen a girl call Tifa here?"

"Hmm? TIfa?" The bouncer rubbed his chin, "Oh yeah! Word travels fast. She's the new girl. Naw, she's not here. She is at the Don's mansion doing an interview."

"What?"

"Oh yeah, you know the Don choses a new bride before they come here. So, she there right now. Come back another day. I will be sure you are one the first to get her."

Cloud clenched his fist, "Thanks." He dryly said before walking off.

Cloud took a deep breath with a slight frown, "Don's Mansion."

"Mansion?" Aerith point to the building up ahead, "You mean, that one up the stairway?"

Cloud saw the building, "Probably."

Wren mouth agape, "Wow! So big!"

Cloud huffed, "Come on."

The group walked up the stairs to the front of the mansion.

The guard stopped them, "This is the mansion of Don Corneo, the most powerful man in wall market." He briefly viewed Cloud, "Look, the Don's not into men." Then he noticed Wren, "Or girls not in their prime yet. So don't let me catch you both around here again…" Lastly, he noticed Aerith, "Hey. You got another cute one with you!"

The three took a step back into a mini group huddle from the guard's rash comments

Aerith smiled at Cloud and Wren in confirmation, "Hey, this looks like the Don's mansion."

Wren titled her head a bit, "What does that guy mean by 'girls not in their prime'?"

She's too young to know, Cloud shook his head, "The guy doesn't know what he is saying. Don't worry about it Wren."

Aerith nodded in agreement, "Cloud's right. Anyway, I'll go take a look. I'll tell Tifa about you."

Cloud eyes widen, "No! You can't."

Aerith blinked, "Why not?"

Cloud pinched the bridge of his nose, "You do know… what kind of… place this is, don't you?"

Wren looked between the two adults, "What kind of place is this?"

They failed to noticed the child's question. Wren puffed her cheeks.

Aerith put her hands on her hips, "Then what am I supposed to do? You want to go in with me?"

"Well being a man, that'll be pretty hard. Besides, if I bust in there, it'll case too much commotion..." He paused.

Aerith looked away giggling. Wren raised her eyebrow at her. Aerith smiled and whispered her idea into the girl's ear and they both giggled.

Cloud continued his thoughts, "But, I just can't let you go in alone… Oh, man…." He rambled, "First… we need to find out if Tifa is alright…" He finally noticed the girls snickering. "What's so funny you two?"

Aerith grinned, "Cloud why don't you dress up like a girl? It's The only way."

Cloud took another step back, "What!?"

Wren sparkled in excitement, "Can I join?"

Cloud deadpanned, "No."

Wren's cheek puffed, "I can handle myself."

"No."

"But Aerith is going. That's not fair."

"She's an adult."

"But-"

"Stop being a nuisance."

The air stiffed.

"Oh…" Wren stopped and looked to her feet with glassy eyes.

Shit… Cloud eyes twitched; I didn't mean to get mad… He comb his hand through his spike, But it's for her own safety.

Aerith inwardly sigh, I should help them out. She quickly goes up to the man, "Just wait. I've got a cute friend I want to bring." She ran back to Cloud with a disheartened Wren.

Cloud frowned, "Aerith I can't…."

"You are worried about Tifa, aren't you?"

"I am…"

"Then come on, Hurry!" Aerith pulled his wrist to guide him to market place. She looked to Wren, "Let's go Wren! We have to help Cloud get the things he needs to save Tifa!"

Wren nodded, "Okay."

"Let's mosey!" The excited flower girl declared as she pointed to the vibrant market place.

~7~

At Shinra HQ, Tseng sat in his desk glaring at the paper assigned to him.

Unfortunately, I anticipated this. The order to seize the Ancient came. He examined the paper again as his memories drifted to the promise he made to certain SOLDIER.

They were at the playground in Sector 6 slums. He watched the couple attempting to sell flowers to any person walking by. He came out of his hiding spot which his 1st SOLDIER friend notice. His already knew the meaning of Tseng's presence, his next assignment.

"Don't worry about Aerith," The turk nonchalantly said, "Protecting the subject is part of surveillance duty." Tseng can see the worriedness in the SOLDIER's eyes when looking back at the Flower girl a.k.a. The Ancient.

He remembered the seriousness of the SOLDIER's voice, "You're the only one I can depend on."

All of this for a girl, Tseng laughed. His first genuine laugh in a while.

The SOLDIER was taken aback by his friend's behavior, "Hey, why are you laughing!"

Tseng turned back to him a sympathetic look.

The SOLDIER contemplated for a moment before he began walking off, "I'm counting on you."

His heart heavy, best to associate her as the Ancient than her name… just like S2. Better to be call it the experiment than a child. Tseng knew that man would spew his SOLDIER honor to protect Aerith at all cost. If he was still here, would he have the heart to get rid of S2? Highly doubt it. Always trying to be the Hero.

Tseng paused and opened his desk draw to pull out the file on Kai's medical record. He inspected the photo closer.

Kai was recruited by Veld. He was considered a skilled and level-headed operative. A rival, a comrade, a friend…

Tseng stood in his superior's office with another young man, "Tseng, this is Kai. He is another recruit. You guys will be on a few missions together." His superior, Veld, codename Verdot, said.

"Kai." "Tseng." The two young men greeted each other.

Verdot gave an approving nod, "I have to report to the president. I will be back shortly. Be on stand by for your next assignment."

"Sir," the two said.

When Verdot left the office, Kai turned to Tseng.

"How long have you been here?"

"A week before you showed up."

"Got a story?"

"Do you?"

Kai shrugged, "Fair enough. I don't feel like sharing."

Tseng smirked, "Our pasts should not have anything to do with us now so there's no point in asking."

"Guess you're right in some way, but I will challenge that. The past always comes back when we least expect it."

"You speak from experience?"

"Nah, a hunch. Their usually right."

"Is that concern for me? Hope you won't be a headache."

"Tsengy, don't be a sour sport. I won't be here if that was the case."

"It's Tseng."

"Heh." Kai looks around the office and starts opening file cabinets.

Tseng tensed, "What are you-"

"Nothing bad." He rummaged through other things in the office while Tseng cautiously watched.

I feel like he will be a headache, Tseng quietly thought to himself.

"You can stop judging me."

"You can state your motive clearly."

Finally, Kai found the item he was looking for, "Jackpot. So he wasn't lying…" He pulled out a whiskey bottle.

"Going through our superior's desk for alcohol?"

"Tsengy-"

"Tseng."

"Live a little."

"With alcohol…?"

"You said it not me."

"Drinking on the job." A voiced said. The young men briefly flinched and were greeted with their superior. Verdot eyes trailed to the Whiskey Kai was holding, "On your first day?"

Kai grinned, "Well, I won the deal we made."

Verdot shrugged, "I will let it slide for today." He went next to Kai and opened another draw to pull out 3 shot glass. "Welcome to the Turks, Tseng, Kai."

Tseng, Kai, and Verdot cheered their glasses together before downing the shot.

It feels like a lifetime ago, I thought of those memories. Tseng wondered, Dying of an unknown illness, the discovery of S2 being a mere child, the scientist, Professor Reyleigh, who was redacted from company information. Professor Reyleigh was targeted by AVALANCHE for carrying classified information on SOLDIER. Last seen six years ago, Kai stopped reporting seven years ago. More questions than answers. None will be answered any sooner if S2 is still on the loose.

His phone rumbles and he viewed the message he received.

[Tseng,

The capture of S2 piqued my interest. Send me information regarding S2 status when it's captured before reporting to my father. Keep an eye on it. Do not let it into Heidegger's or Scarlet's hand. Monitor Hojo's time with it.

-V.P.]

Tseng checked the time.

[Copy.

-Tseng]

Now is time to carry out the next mission. He dialed his subordinates.

After a few rings the other line picked up, "Yo Boss."

"Reno. Progress Report."

"Well, not gonna lie. Haven't found kid yet."

"Last known location."

"Same place. Sector 7 before she sprinted with inhuman speed through the closing gate."

"You didn't mention the speed in your last update."

"My bad, update; she got away with inhuman speed."

"And the Ancient?"

"Oh, the sis? Yeah, she got this new bodyguard."

"Bodyguard?"

"Do you know any 1st SOLDIER named Cloud?" Reno sarcastically said.

"Fits the rumors that AVALANCHE hired a SOLDIER mercenary."

"Yeah, they probably be at Sector 7."

Tseng sigh, "Plan to Destroy Sector 7 is set in place, orders to capture Aerith actively and finding S2 is now imperative."

"Got it, maybe I shouldn't have teased the kid too hard then."

"Since we are in a time constraint, I will go out to retrieve the Ancient and S2. Rude and you will carry out the destruction of Sector 7."

"Right. Right. You got it boss."

~7~

In the dressing room, Cloud scowled, All the run arounds just for a disguise like this… He looked at the mirror to be greeted with the 1st Class SOLDIER now a 1st Class Woman.

"Ok Cloud. Come out and show us what you have?" Cloud heard Aerith cheerily said.

"Brother, did the dress not fit?"

"Impossible. I tailored it to his measurements." The Tailor huffed.

Cloud sighs, Well, here goes nothing… For Tifa.

Cloud opens the curtains and walked in the purple dress and wig barely concealing his spikey hair. He had makeup done by Aerith beforehand which brought out his mako eyes.

Aerith beamed from ear to ear while Wren dumbfoundedly stared at the site.

"Hmm, not bad. This might be a new business for me." The Tailor smugly said.

"Yeah, you're right. Should we try it?" The Tailor's son agreed and turned to Cloud's group, "Thanks for showing us something new. My father got his motivation back now. So, the dress is on the house."

Aerith smiled, "Thank you so much." She noticed Wren's stare, "What to do you think Wren?"

'For Tifa… This is for Tifa… To Save Tifa…' Wren heard Cloud reasoning with himself.

The child attempted to hold her laughter, "Pfft," but the laughter escaped and she turned away. "It's… pfft… Hahaha!" It was the first time she genuinely laughed. Cloud really does pass off as a woman.

Cloud turned his head away, his ears gone red and his face flushed. He tried to walk in heels, but it was more masculine than feminine.

Aerith put her hands on her hips, "Walk more nicely like… this. Miss Cloud." She displayed her elegant walk.

Cloud eye twitched, "What do you mean 'nicely'?"

"Oh you're so cute, Miss Cloud." She turned to the Tailor, "Aaah, I want one. Do you have one that'll look good on me too?"

Tailor's Son whipped out a dress close to him, "How's this?"

Tailor followed by whipping out another dress, "How about this one?"

"Father, what are you talking about this one's much better," The son argued.

"No, what are you saying? this one." The tailor rebuttal.

Aerith goes to a different rack and pulled out the dress that caught her eye, "I want this one." She quickly grabbed another one for Wren, "And this one for Wren."

"Huh?" The father and son said.

Wren's eyes sparkled in anticipation, "Really?"

"Oh, we don't sell one in children sizes ma'am. This is Wall Market." The tailor quickly clarified.

Wren's sparkles quickly died, and put a fake smile, "It's okay. I'm fine. I didn't want it."

Those men have no class… Aerith huffed at the men's comments. "Fine then, I'm going to go change." She took a few steps before turning to all the men in the store, "No peeking!" She gently pulled wren to the entrance of the changing room, "Wren, keep watch while I change."

"Yes ma'am" Wren puffed her chest seriously.

Aerith smiled contently at the child cuteness, "I will be quick." And Aerith was quick to change. When she exited the room, she was in a beautiful red dress that accentuated all the right areas.

"So, how do I look?" She asked.

"Pretty." Wren said and turned to Cloud, "Brother?"

'It's looks nice…'Cloud shrugs.

Aerith huffed, "Oh you're no fun." Again, she gently guided the child with her, "Come on Wren."

Cloud was left behind. He quickly followed them out of the shop after quickly thanking the tailor.

The group made their way to the mansion again. Before nearing the entrance, Cloud stopped with the girls. He turned to Wren.

"Wren stay here and keep watch." He sternly said. 'It's for your own safety.'

Wren blinked, "But-"

"If we don't get out in two hours, go to Sector 7 and get Barret. Got it?"

"But-"

"This is something only you can do. Can you do it?" Cloud looked into her eyes, 'Wren. Please, it's to keep you safe.'

Wren felt her heart clenched. I want to go, but if brother said so then it must be dangerous… She looked to the ground and nodded.

Cloud petted her head, "Good girl."

Wren felt her cheeks warmed and smiled contently, "I still have to say sorry to her from the other day." She admitted, "I was mean to her…"

Cloud just nodded at the child's confession, "Will do."

Aerith warmly smiled at the pairs exchanged, they really do act like siblings.

Cloud turned back to Aerith, "Let's go."

Aerith nodded.

Wren waved as they walked away before going to a small alley to wait.

~7~

Two hours passed.

To Wren's dismay they haven't returned. Her stomach growled and she held her stomach.

The girl looked around, "I should get some quickly food before I go to Barret."

She felt a presence behind her. Wren rapidly turns around. There was no one. She released the breath she didn't know she was holding. She heard explosions in the distance.

"It's just my imagination… I'll skip food. I should go to Barret." She told herself as she exited the alley way.

Unbeknownst to her again, the silver-haired man watched the girl leave.

Wren briskly walked down the stairs through the streets, ignoring the flashing lights and chattering crowds.

She heard the men that followed her and Aerith earlier.

"Hey girl, where's your sister?" She heard one of them said.

Wren briefly looked over her shoulder to see them walking up to her. "Um… Working…" She continued her walk and turned into another alley way.

"Where are you heading?" One of them said.

"Entertain us while we wait for your sister, yeah?" Another said.

Wren hit a dead end, Hoo boy… She turned to face the men that followed her.

The men grin devilishly, 'Her sister has to listen to our demands if they want the kid back.' 'She won't be the same once we are done with her.'

She heard their sinister thought, "You should leave if you don't want to get hurt." The girl slowly unsheathed her blades.

The men laughed at the child's threat, "Please, your butter knives can't do anything."

Wren gripped her blades tighter, "Well, these cut more than butter. It's your last chance…" She prepared herself for battle.

The men ignored her comment as they slowly walked closer to her to fulfill their desires.

Suddenly, shots were fired from behind them. The men dropped dead in front of her with revealing holes in their skulls. Her eyes trailed to a suited-man with his gun drawn out. She could tell it was this gun that killed the men with the smoke seeping out of the barrel.

Who is he? Wren kept her stance, "Thanks… Stranger."

So, this is S2… The man smirked as he hosted his gun and politely bowed to her, "Hello S2. My name is Tseng"

He's a Turk… Wren stiffed, "I don't know who is S2. I'm waiting for my sister."

'You have a sister now. What an interesting story to fabricate.' Tseng held his smirk, "Oh I know you read my thoughts. You are well aware you are no ordinary child. I apologize for my colleague's brash behavior earlier, but know that your elimination is postponed. Now then, I will give you two choices."

Wren swallowed hard while a small drop of sweat trickled down her face, "What choices?"

"Come quietly, or I will use force."

What would Cloud do? Wren frown at the ground. She heard louder explosions in the distance and looked up.

"It's begun." Tseng said.

Wren's eyes widen at the man, "W-what?"

"The destruction of Sector 7."

"That's-"

"You actually made your choice earlier with Reno. You forced our hands. Avalanche had S2 in their possession. You. A property of Shinra. A dangerous threat to the company. Therefore, Sector 7 with AVALANCHE will be eliminated."

B-but Barret, Marlene, and everyone… Brother- Cloud needs to know! Wren lip quivered slightly, "Y-y-you're lying…"

"Am I?"

She could see his eyes. She couldn't tell. His thoughts were certain and unwavering. She gritted her teeth as she looked away to the ground. What should I do? What can I do? Aerith, Cloud, Tifa, everyone…

"Time is running out S2."

No, I have to help them… I won't let him take me. She clenched her blades, "No…" her eyes flared as she met Tseng's, "No!"

She charged at Tseng.

"Your choice." The man dodged. He countered with a kick to the child's stomach.

Wren grunted but quickly recovered. He won't escape! Her senses mapped his being, He's going to move right… She attempted ending the man again, "Haaa-!"

"Too easy." In one swoop, Tseng out maneuvered Wren by going left, giving him an opening behind the child. He injected a syringe into her neck. He disarmed her and pegged her to the ground.

Her vision spun as her head hits the ground, No… Cloud… I'm sorry… I couldn't… Her vision went black.

"Sleep tight S2." Was the last thing she heard.

Tseng observed the subdued experiment.

Impressive, S2 fought like Kai… though she lacked the control. The Turk pulled out his phone.

[S2's capture is success.

-Tseng]

It didn't take long for Tseng to receive a response.

[Excellent.

-V.P.]

Tseng put away his phone to lift the unconscious child. He made his way out of Wall Market. He saw the chopper with Shinra Soldiers on standby.

"Prepare for takeoff." Tseng said as he entered the chopper.

"Sir!" They said.

Now then, Tseng laid S2 on the chopper floor to grab a suitcase. He took out a straitjacket with mako sedatives and meticulously strapped S2 in. This monster caused Kai's demised, it would've died by my hands if the older orders were active.

One of the soldiers hesitantly spoke up, "Um, sir, are you sure the child can be restrained in that type of-"

Tseng puts his gun at him, "Chose your next words carefully or you will be part of the damage control."

The soldier reluctantly back down, "Sir."

Tseng continued to adjust the restraints, If S2 was an ordinary child, this would kill it. However, orders stated it will subdue S2 until we arrive back to HQ.

Once he finished, he turned to the pilot, "To Sector 7."

"Sir!"

The chopper lifted into the slum air.

Tseng stood up to observe the horizon towards Sector 7 plate tower, All according to plan.

A/N: Hope everyone enjoyed the chapter. (-u-) Sorry for the long wait, a lot of things happened in IRL. To be honest, I didn't expect to write Tseng having a bigger role in this chapter, it just happened. The Turks are actually an interesting group of characters. Lol. I have a lot of things planned to write for Wren and her relationship with other characters. Leave a comment if you have any feedback. Until next time~(-u-)y