FF7:Long Time No See
By:Degenerate_100
Disclaimer: This is a non-profit fan fiction.The Final Fantasy 7
characters.items,weapons, and the places in this story are property of SquareSoft
Chapter 6:
An Edward Ripto Annoucement
"Well I'm going to watch some T.V. now that my stomach is full.Great dinner as usual mom,"said Zack Strife as he walked out
of the kitchen.Truda looked up from her plate and called ,"Kiss up," but Zack was already out of the room."I heard that,"called Zack from the
other room.
Zack sat down on the living room couch and looked around quickly for the remote control finding it right across from him on the
small coffee table.Picking it up he switched the T.V. on flipping though the channels.
"Geez,you can't even find a good T.V. show now a days,"said Zack looking directly at the T.V."Maybe the Midgar news will
have some excitment."
Flipping to the right channel he sat back seeing it had something to deal with the president of Midgar."Mr.President,what is
your next project now that the new part of the Shinra building is built,"asked a lady reporter.
"To tell you the truth I'm not real sure myself but my job is to do whatever I can for the city and the planet,"replied the
president,Edward Ripto.
"There are rumors that you may start the soldier program again.Is a possible project maybe the dangerous Jenova
project,"said the same reporter.
"No I wouldn't endanger Midgar or its people with that project,"replied Edward.
Zack starred wide-eyed at the mention of the Jenova project.He had heard about it from his parents and friends.After all
the trouble it caused it was still shut down.The very word Jenova was only spoken in the stories told but never in a normal conversation.
Zack was told how his father went to join soldier but ended up in the Jenova project thanks to professor Hojo. Zack hated both the
project and the mere thought of soldier.
Lost in thought, Zack didn't notice his sister sneak into the room.She tackled him and was surprised Zack didn't dodge.
She knew she wouldn't be able to do that if he wasn't distracted in some way.She got up and looked at him confused.He too got up but
didn't look away from the T.V.Truda was about to ask something when he silenced her with his hand one finger up inches from her face
then he pointed to the screen.She looked over to see what he was watching.
"What about the soldier program?You going to restart it after it was stopped so long ago,"asked the reporter.
"Whatever is best.Still I do not think I can restart it without mako and you know that doesn't exist right now,"answered
Edward.
Zack could sense that something was fishy about what Edward had said.Then it suddenly hit him.The scorpion,lifestream,
and Edward Ripto himself all fit together in some way.
"What is it Zack?"asked Truda bringing him back to the real world.
"It's trouble,"replied Zack.
"Yeah,that's just as I thought.Do you have an idea why its trouble Zack because I mean there are no mako reactors
here,"said Truda also troubled by what Edward had said.
"Remember the scorpion that attacked us,"questioned Zack.
Truda nodded and answered,"Yeah,but we know there are no mako reactors here in Nibelheim and I doubt any of
mom and dad's friends know of any in their towns."
Zack just shrugged.After a moment of silence he added,"There are some towns that Avalance don't have control of
such as Midgar.Maybe that's where the mako reactors are."
"So what can we do about it,"asked Truda.
Cloud's voice came from the doorway of the living room where he stood catching them both by surprise,"Both of
you will stay here and be safe.I heard the broadcast and you two's conversation.I will not allow you two to get into any trouble."
"We have to do something.For some odd reason I just never trusted the Midgar president,"said Zack.
Tifa came up beside Cloud and brought herself into the discussion."You're right about it being suspecious but you
two will not be going."
"Why not?"questioned Truda looking confused towards her parents.
"Your mother and I will go,"said Cloud.
Cloud walked to the fireplace in the living room to where the Ultima Weapon hung. Zack jumped in front of him with
a serious look in his eyes.
"I want to go especially if you and mom are going,Dad,"said Zack.
"Even if you want too I can't let you Zack.It's my job to protect you so if there is something wrong it'll be us and not
you involved,"said Cloud walking past Zack.Zack watched as Cloud pried the sword off the place where it hung.
Truda was the next to speak,"I guess this means you're going to see if Edward Ripto is starting soldier again,right?"
Tifa walked down the steps from the main bedrooms with the Premium Heart on hand. Over hearing this she
remembered a few of Kell's words'I couldn't kill or capture those weak kids of yours so my boss will kill me anyway'. Immediately
stricken by those words she pulled Cloud into the kitchen with her shutting the door behind them.
"What was that all about?"questioned Truda.Zack only shrugged both waiting to find out what it was that caused their
parents to do that.
Cloud also confused by the sudden action.After they were far enough in the kitchen he asked,"Alright Tifa,what's
bugging you?"
"Cloud,you remember what Kell said right,"asked Tifa with a light concern.
Cloud nodded."That's exactly why I want to pay a visit to Mr.Ripto."
"So you also think he was trying to capture Zack and Aeris to put mako into their bodies,"said Tifa surprised that
Cloud had the same feeling she did about what Kell said.
"Yeah,but trust me we'll make sure he doesn't lay a single hand on them if that is what he is up too,"replied Cloud.
Cloud walked back to the door when he felt a gentle grip take his hand.Tifa put her mouth to his ear and whispered,
"Maybe we should leave our stronger weapons when we leave so Zack and Truda can handle it if something happens while we're gone."
Cloud nodded."You always seem to know what I'm thinking.Something I love about you."
Tifa smiled,"Well, I love everything about you."
Cloud smirked then decided to get back to the matter at hand.Pulling Tifa with them they went back to the living room
where Zack and Truda sat quietly.
Zack looked to see them come back."So what's up,"commented Zack.
"Yeah for some reason you ran off pretty quick and didn't answer my question,"said Truda.
"Just needed to discuss something,"replied Tifa ruffling the young teenage girls hair.
"We'll try to find out if that guy is up to something then come back,"said Cloud leaving off the hopefully at the end.
Truda concerned asked,"But what if neither of you come back.I don't want to end up being an orphan this early?"
"Neither of you will become an orphan.Stop trying to forget who we are Aeris,"said Cloud.After a laugh he added,
"I'm not that old yet."
Tifa giggled at that remark."Even if you were that old I'd be less than a year behind you.Besides I'm starting to feel
old with both my children almost old enough to move out."
"Really.I didn't think you looked or acted old at all,"said Cloud with a grin.
Truda sighed,"A typical male Strife manuver I think."
"Hey,"cried Zack feeling a little offended,"I don't say anything like that very often.In fact I don't recall ever saying
stuff like that."
"Oh yeah,"said Truda.
"Yeah,"replied Zack.
"What about tonight at dinner and three years ago at the high school prom when one of my friends who liked you
were around,hmmmm?"said Truda trying to corner him into guilt.
Zack bowed his head down knowing that she caught him.Cloud saw this and said,"I guess you cornered him,
Truda.Don't worry, Zack, girls are always good at catching you and trapping you into confession."
"Both of you had better get some sleep.Oh and by the way if something happens grab the Ultima Weapon and
Premium Heart for fighting if you need it,"said Tifa opening the door to the armory in the living room.
"Wait a minute.Dad you've got to take your sword,"said Zack becoming immediately alarmed that his parents
were leaving their most powerful weapons behind.
"Yeah Mom,you two might need to fight something,"said Truda just as confused as Zack was.
"We're taking one of our first weapons.You two will need the powerful weapons more if something was to happen.
We handled Midgar before with our first and second weapons so that's all that we'll take,"said Cloud then he followed Tifa into
the armory down the stairs.
Zack ran to follow while Truda stood there too shocked to move.Zack didn't like the idea of his parents not taking
their best weapons and was almost as shocked as Truda but the excitment of thinking he will soon be able to handle the sword his
dad used so many times kept him from standing still.
"Mom,Dad.It'll be crazy not to take your best weapons.There's no possible way you can be serious,"cried Zack
watching his parents equip themselves with everything needed.
"It's just Midgar Zack,"said Tifa as she finished tying the manerva band to her wrist.
"It's Midgar controlled by a wacko,"responded Zack.
"We don't even know if he is behind something yet.He won't be president anymore if he is,"said Cloud.
Truda came walking down the stairs with someone behind her.It was a young lady of 24 whom the three already
in the room knew quite well.
"Well if it isn't Marlene Wallace,"cried Tifa when she saw who it was that stood behind Truda.Marlene walked
up to Tifa to give her a hug.Tifa hugged her back.
"So Marlene what are you here for.Does Barret need help to move around since he's too stubborn to use a
cane,"said Cloud jokingly.
"No actually.HEY wait a minute Uncle Cloud why are you and Aunt Tifa got your weapons?Monsters around
or something,right,"said Marlene seeing both have themselves prepared for battle like the Sephiroth chase always had them do
20 years ago.
"We're paying Midgar a visit.That leads me to a favor I need to ask you Marlene,"said Cloud.
"Sure anything,"replied Marlene.
"Keep Zack and Truda here.If we don't have someone to watch them I know they'll try to follow us,"said Cloud.
"That would make them a lot like their parents except you two didn't have a babysitter but yeah I'll do it,"
said Marlene.
"Actually Cid and Barret always watched over us so you might consider them adult sitters,"said Tifa.
"Give me a break.She won't be able to stop both Truda and me,"said Zack.Truda nodded agreeing with Zack.
"I don't think you can stop us from letting her do whatever she has too or the three of us will tie you two to the
beds or whatever else that will keep you in this house,"explained Cloud.
"No need for any of that Dad.I promise to stay if you and mom don't leave until tomorrow morning,"said Truda
looking over at her father.
Zack wasn't sure if he agreed but his parents would stop at nothing to make sure he and his sister would be
safe or in other words keep both him and Truda at home.
Cloud looked over at his 19 year old son and asked," What about you?"
Zack nodded slowly.Even if he didn't fully agree it was the best bet.
"Alright that's settled.it's getting late so let's all head off for bed,"said Tifa before she started to walk up the
stairs.Cloud began to follow but stopped and turned to look at Marlene.
"If you would like to Marlene there's a guestroom upstairs to the right.It's the third door down the hallway.
Zack or Aeris should help you find it if you forgot where it was and get comfortable,okay,"said Cloud.
"Thank you Uncle Cloud.I think I'll do that,"said Marlene with a smile.Cloud smiled back before being dragged
up the stairs by Tifa's hand.Marlene turned to see the Strife teenagers argueing with each other about whose turn it was to
escort the guest.She shrugged then began up the stairs.She knew the house reasonably well but the reminder still helped.As she
opened the door she began thinking that even though she was only a few years older than the two she got to play babysitter.She
thought another reason she was asked to babysit was because she acted her age or over most of the time while David Highwind,
Zack Strife, and Truda Strife each acted below their age or if you're lucky act their exact age.That was one reason Doug
Highwind and Marlene Wallace got along so well.If there was one thing that surprised Marlene it was a well-behaved and mature
Highwind.She hoped that the Highwind's 10 year daughter ,Deseraie, will end up like Shera or Doug.
Marlene looked at the room.It was little changed from the last time she was there.The king-sized bed stood
horizontally with its head board against the left wall.The large window at the back of the room was closed with its forest green
curtains laying still.The curtains matched the comforter on the bed and the two large pillows on it.A large closet was right next
to the bed. The oak dresser stood along the wall right beside her.She could hear the soft ticking of the clock on the wall to her
right right above a oak chest that went well with the dresser and bed. It smelled like the sweet morning air in the spring.The
Strife mansion had the best guest rooms in the world.That also made the two hotels of Nibelheim some of the best. They
always looked and were very comfortable.
After one final look around the room Marlene slipped into bed and was asleep within minutes.She knew Zack
and Truda would keep their promises and stay in the house at least until morning.Before she was completely asleep she used
the other pillow to put over her head so she didn't hear the sibling arguement.
"It's your turn to show the guest to their room, Truda,"cried Zack Strife glarring at his younger sister.
"You said you would make it up to me so its your turn,"replied Truda Strife starring right back.
"You're going to use that excuse every time you don't want to do something, right," accused Zack folding his
strong arms across his chest.
"It's not an excuse and even if it was it wouldn't matter because its your turn anyway," retaliated Truda doing
the same with her arms.
"IT IS NOT MY TURN LITTLE SIS,"yelled Zack.
Truda although shocked by the upper level of his voice continued defending herself with her voice almost a
whisper," If you shout any louder your going to wake up mom or dad then end up doing it anyway."
"Oops,"whispered Zack.He looked around to see if either of his parents were down there anywhere.He didn't
see either of them however he noticed something else missing.Or more like someone else."Where's Marlene?"asked Zack.
"Probably in bed and its your fault that neither of us helped her like Dad wanted us too," said Truda accusingly.
"You always blame me for what happens.I should have stopped argueing knowing you would keep it up,"
replied Zack.
"You're the one who wouldn't quit telling me it was my turn,"cried Truda.
"No,you said that,"retaliated Zack.
"Yeah right,you did."
"Nope you did."
"You did."
"You did."
Before Truda continued they both heard a loud yell coming from their parent's room.It was Cloud's voice."Zack.
Truda.Get to bed and go to sleep now before I make you."
Truda and Zack began to their rooms.Truda turned her head to her older brother and said,"Now Dad's mad at
us and its your fault."
"Don't start that again especially if you think its my fault when its actually yours,"replied Zack.
"It's your fault,"cried Truda.
"Nope,its your fault,"said Zack getting pulled right back into the arguement.
"Yours."
"Yours."
"Yours."
"It's going to be both of your butts if you don't shut up and go to bed,"rang Cloud's voice from upstairs.With
anger in his tone it made Truda quickly run up the stairs then opened the first door to the left.She quickly slipped into her
light-blue nightgown and into bed.Both embarrassed and impressed she went to sleep.
Zack ran down the hall and into his room leaving the door slightly open for Shade when he was done patrolling
the house.Zack got changed then slipped into bed falling a sleep while thinking how interesting his life was and how the most
recent events could effect it all. Who knows how much one annoucement can change Zack Strife's life.
End of Chapter 6: An Edward Ripto Annoucement
By:Degenerate_100
Disclaimer: This is a non-profit fan fiction.The Final Fantasy 7
characters.items,weapons, and the places in this story are property of SquareSoft
Chapter 6:
An Edward Ripto Annoucement
"Well I'm going to watch some T.V. now that my stomach is full.Great dinner as usual mom,"said Zack Strife as he walked out
of the kitchen.Truda looked up from her plate and called ,"Kiss up," but Zack was already out of the room."I heard that,"called Zack from the
other room.
Zack sat down on the living room couch and looked around quickly for the remote control finding it right across from him on the
small coffee table.Picking it up he switched the T.V. on flipping though the channels.
"Geez,you can't even find a good T.V. show now a days,"said Zack looking directly at the T.V."Maybe the Midgar news will
have some excitment."
Flipping to the right channel he sat back seeing it had something to deal with the president of Midgar."Mr.President,what is
your next project now that the new part of the Shinra building is built,"asked a lady reporter.
"To tell you the truth I'm not real sure myself but my job is to do whatever I can for the city and the planet,"replied the
president,Edward Ripto.
"There are rumors that you may start the soldier program again.Is a possible project maybe the dangerous Jenova
project,"said the same reporter.
"No I wouldn't endanger Midgar or its people with that project,"replied Edward.
Zack starred wide-eyed at the mention of the Jenova project.He had heard about it from his parents and friends.After all
the trouble it caused it was still shut down.The very word Jenova was only spoken in the stories told but never in a normal conversation.
Zack was told how his father went to join soldier but ended up in the Jenova project thanks to professor Hojo. Zack hated both the
project and the mere thought of soldier.
Lost in thought, Zack didn't notice his sister sneak into the room.She tackled him and was surprised Zack didn't dodge.
She knew she wouldn't be able to do that if he wasn't distracted in some way.She got up and looked at him confused.He too got up but
didn't look away from the T.V.Truda was about to ask something when he silenced her with his hand one finger up inches from her face
then he pointed to the screen.She looked over to see what he was watching.
"What about the soldier program?You going to restart it after it was stopped so long ago,"asked the reporter.
"Whatever is best.Still I do not think I can restart it without mako and you know that doesn't exist right now,"answered
Edward.
Zack could sense that something was fishy about what Edward had said.Then it suddenly hit him.The scorpion,lifestream,
and Edward Ripto himself all fit together in some way.
"What is it Zack?"asked Truda bringing him back to the real world.
"It's trouble,"replied Zack.
"Yeah,that's just as I thought.Do you have an idea why its trouble Zack because I mean there are no mako reactors
here,"said Truda also troubled by what Edward had said.
"Remember the scorpion that attacked us,"questioned Zack.
Truda nodded and answered,"Yeah,but we know there are no mako reactors here in Nibelheim and I doubt any of
mom and dad's friends know of any in their towns."
Zack just shrugged.After a moment of silence he added,"There are some towns that Avalance don't have control of
such as Midgar.Maybe that's where the mako reactors are."
"So what can we do about it,"asked Truda.
Cloud's voice came from the doorway of the living room where he stood catching them both by surprise,"Both of
you will stay here and be safe.I heard the broadcast and you two's conversation.I will not allow you two to get into any trouble."
"We have to do something.For some odd reason I just never trusted the Midgar president,"said Zack.
Tifa came up beside Cloud and brought herself into the discussion."You're right about it being suspecious but you
two will not be going."
"Why not?"questioned Truda looking confused towards her parents.
"Your mother and I will go,"said Cloud.
Cloud walked to the fireplace in the living room to where the Ultima Weapon hung. Zack jumped in front of him with
a serious look in his eyes.
"I want to go especially if you and mom are going,Dad,"said Zack.
"Even if you want too I can't let you Zack.It's my job to protect you so if there is something wrong it'll be us and not
you involved,"said Cloud walking past Zack.Zack watched as Cloud pried the sword off the place where it hung.
Truda was the next to speak,"I guess this means you're going to see if Edward Ripto is starting soldier again,right?"
Tifa walked down the steps from the main bedrooms with the Premium Heart on hand. Over hearing this she
remembered a few of Kell's words'I couldn't kill or capture those weak kids of yours so my boss will kill me anyway'. Immediately
stricken by those words she pulled Cloud into the kitchen with her shutting the door behind them.
"What was that all about?"questioned Truda.Zack only shrugged both waiting to find out what it was that caused their
parents to do that.
Cloud also confused by the sudden action.After they were far enough in the kitchen he asked,"Alright Tifa,what's
bugging you?"
"Cloud,you remember what Kell said right,"asked Tifa with a light concern.
Cloud nodded."That's exactly why I want to pay a visit to Mr.Ripto."
"So you also think he was trying to capture Zack and Aeris to put mako into their bodies,"said Tifa surprised that
Cloud had the same feeling she did about what Kell said.
"Yeah,but trust me we'll make sure he doesn't lay a single hand on them if that is what he is up too,"replied Cloud.
Cloud walked back to the door when he felt a gentle grip take his hand.Tifa put her mouth to his ear and whispered,
"Maybe we should leave our stronger weapons when we leave so Zack and Truda can handle it if something happens while we're gone."
Cloud nodded."You always seem to know what I'm thinking.Something I love about you."
Tifa smiled,"Well, I love everything about you."
Cloud smirked then decided to get back to the matter at hand.Pulling Tifa with them they went back to the living room
where Zack and Truda sat quietly.
Zack looked to see them come back."So what's up,"commented Zack.
"Yeah for some reason you ran off pretty quick and didn't answer my question,"said Truda.
"Just needed to discuss something,"replied Tifa ruffling the young teenage girls hair.
"We'll try to find out if that guy is up to something then come back,"said Cloud leaving off the hopefully at the end.
Truda concerned asked,"But what if neither of you come back.I don't want to end up being an orphan this early?"
"Neither of you will become an orphan.Stop trying to forget who we are Aeris,"said Cloud.After a laugh he added,
"I'm not that old yet."
Tifa giggled at that remark."Even if you were that old I'd be less than a year behind you.Besides I'm starting to feel
old with both my children almost old enough to move out."
"Really.I didn't think you looked or acted old at all,"said Cloud with a grin.
Truda sighed,"A typical male Strife manuver I think."
"Hey,"cried Zack feeling a little offended,"I don't say anything like that very often.In fact I don't recall ever saying
stuff like that."
"Oh yeah,"said Truda.
"Yeah,"replied Zack.
"What about tonight at dinner and three years ago at the high school prom when one of my friends who liked you
were around,hmmmm?"said Truda trying to corner him into guilt.
Zack bowed his head down knowing that she caught him.Cloud saw this and said,"I guess you cornered him,
Truda.Don't worry, Zack, girls are always good at catching you and trapping you into confession."
"Both of you had better get some sleep.Oh and by the way if something happens grab the Ultima Weapon and
Premium Heart for fighting if you need it,"said Tifa opening the door to the armory in the living room.
"Wait a minute.Dad you've got to take your sword,"said Zack becoming immediately alarmed that his parents
were leaving their most powerful weapons behind.
"Yeah Mom,you two might need to fight something,"said Truda just as confused as Zack was.
"We're taking one of our first weapons.You two will need the powerful weapons more if something was to happen.
We handled Midgar before with our first and second weapons so that's all that we'll take,"said Cloud then he followed Tifa into
the armory down the stairs.
Zack ran to follow while Truda stood there too shocked to move.Zack didn't like the idea of his parents not taking
their best weapons and was almost as shocked as Truda but the excitment of thinking he will soon be able to handle the sword his
dad used so many times kept him from standing still.
"Mom,Dad.It'll be crazy not to take your best weapons.There's no possible way you can be serious,"cried Zack
watching his parents equip themselves with everything needed.
"It's just Midgar Zack,"said Tifa as she finished tying the manerva band to her wrist.
"It's Midgar controlled by a wacko,"responded Zack.
"We don't even know if he is behind something yet.He won't be president anymore if he is,"said Cloud.
Truda came walking down the stairs with someone behind her.It was a young lady of 24 whom the three already
in the room knew quite well.
"Well if it isn't Marlene Wallace,"cried Tifa when she saw who it was that stood behind Truda.Marlene walked
up to Tifa to give her a hug.Tifa hugged her back.
"So Marlene what are you here for.Does Barret need help to move around since he's too stubborn to use a
cane,"said Cloud jokingly.
"No actually.HEY wait a minute Uncle Cloud why are you and Aunt Tifa got your weapons?Monsters around
or something,right,"said Marlene seeing both have themselves prepared for battle like the Sephiroth chase always had them do
20 years ago.
"We're paying Midgar a visit.That leads me to a favor I need to ask you Marlene,"said Cloud.
"Sure anything,"replied Marlene.
"Keep Zack and Truda here.If we don't have someone to watch them I know they'll try to follow us,"said Cloud.
"That would make them a lot like their parents except you two didn't have a babysitter but yeah I'll do it,"
said Marlene.
"Actually Cid and Barret always watched over us so you might consider them adult sitters,"said Tifa.
"Give me a break.She won't be able to stop both Truda and me,"said Zack.Truda nodded agreeing with Zack.
"I don't think you can stop us from letting her do whatever she has too or the three of us will tie you two to the
beds or whatever else that will keep you in this house,"explained Cloud.
"No need for any of that Dad.I promise to stay if you and mom don't leave until tomorrow morning,"said Truda
looking over at her father.
Zack wasn't sure if he agreed but his parents would stop at nothing to make sure he and his sister would be
safe or in other words keep both him and Truda at home.
Cloud looked over at his 19 year old son and asked," What about you?"
Zack nodded slowly.Even if he didn't fully agree it was the best bet.
"Alright that's settled.it's getting late so let's all head off for bed,"said Tifa before she started to walk up the
stairs.Cloud began to follow but stopped and turned to look at Marlene.
"If you would like to Marlene there's a guestroom upstairs to the right.It's the third door down the hallway.
Zack or Aeris should help you find it if you forgot where it was and get comfortable,okay,"said Cloud.
"Thank you Uncle Cloud.I think I'll do that,"said Marlene with a smile.Cloud smiled back before being dragged
up the stairs by Tifa's hand.Marlene turned to see the Strife teenagers argueing with each other about whose turn it was to
escort the guest.She shrugged then began up the stairs.She knew the house reasonably well but the reminder still helped.As she
opened the door she began thinking that even though she was only a few years older than the two she got to play babysitter.She
thought another reason she was asked to babysit was because she acted her age or over most of the time while David Highwind,
Zack Strife, and Truda Strife each acted below their age or if you're lucky act their exact age.That was one reason Doug
Highwind and Marlene Wallace got along so well.If there was one thing that surprised Marlene it was a well-behaved and mature
Highwind.She hoped that the Highwind's 10 year daughter ,Deseraie, will end up like Shera or Doug.
Marlene looked at the room.It was little changed from the last time she was there.The king-sized bed stood
horizontally with its head board against the left wall.The large window at the back of the room was closed with its forest green
curtains laying still.The curtains matched the comforter on the bed and the two large pillows on it.A large closet was right next
to the bed. The oak dresser stood along the wall right beside her.She could hear the soft ticking of the clock on the wall to her
right right above a oak chest that went well with the dresser and bed. It smelled like the sweet morning air in the spring.The
Strife mansion had the best guest rooms in the world.That also made the two hotels of Nibelheim some of the best. They
always looked and were very comfortable.
After one final look around the room Marlene slipped into bed and was asleep within minutes.She knew Zack
and Truda would keep their promises and stay in the house at least until morning.Before she was completely asleep she used
the other pillow to put over her head so she didn't hear the sibling arguement.
"It's your turn to show the guest to their room, Truda,"cried Zack Strife glarring at his younger sister.
"You said you would make it up to me so its your turn,"replied Truda Strife starring right back.
"You're going to use that excuse every time you don't want to do something, right," accused Zack folding his
strong arms across his chest.
"It's not an excuse and even if it was it wouldn't matter because its your turn anyway," retaliated Truda doing
the same with her arms.
"IT IS NOT MY TURN LITTLE SIS,"yelled Zack.
Truda although shocked by the upper level of his voice continued defending herself with her voice almost a
whisper," If you shout any louder your going to wake up mom or dad then end up doing it anyway."
"Oops,"whispered Zack.He looked around to see if either of his parents were down there anywhere.He didn't
see either of them however he noticed something else missing.Or more like someone else."Where's Marlene?"asked Zack.
"Probably in bed and its your fault that neither of us helped her like Dad wanted us too," said Truda accusingly.
"You always blame me for what happens.I should have stopped argueing knowing you would keep it up,"
replied Zack.
"You're the one who wouldn't quit telling me it was my turn,"cried Truda.
"No,you said that,"retaliated Zack.
"Yeah right,you did."
"Nope you did."
"You did."
"You did."
Before Truda continued they both heard a loud yell coming from their parent's room.It was Cloud's voice."Zack.
Truda.Get to bed and go to sleep now before I make you."
Truda and Zack began to their rooms.Truda turned her head to her older brother and said,"Now Dad's mad at
us and its your fault."
"Don't start that again especially if you think its my fault when its actually yours,"replied Zack.
"It's your fault,"cried Truda.
"Nope,its your fault,"said Zack getting pulled right back into the arguement.
"Yours."
"Yours."
"Yours."
"It's going to be both of your butts if you don't shut up and go to bed,"rang Cloud's voice from upstairs.With
anger in his tone it made Truda quickly run up the stairs then opened the first door to the left.She quickly slipped into her
light-blue nightgown and into bed.Both embarrassed and impressed she went to sleep.
Zack ran down the hall and into his room leaving the door slightly open for Shade when he was done patrolling
the house.Zack got changed then slipped into bed falling a sleep while thinking how interesting his life was and how the most
recent events could effect it all. Who knows how much one annoucement can change Zack Strife's life.
End of Chapter 6: An Edward Ripto Annoucement