The beginnings and endings of life
Mind and soul, heart and body…
All come into conflict.

Genesis
Prelude to Vengeance
by Jess Angel

6i

The streets of the newly improved Wall Market in Sector 6 held only a few clusters of Neo-Midgar inhabitants. It was late in the evening and everyone was preparing to head home. In half an hour, a handful of individuals would be left scattered among the market place avenues.

Tifa, Cloud, and Vincent drifted amid those gathered, observing trinkets and greeting a few 'fans' along their way. Tonight, they would be eating out rather than with Reeve, who was swamped with newly proposed plans and other rising concerns involving the new city.

As the three companions entered the building, Tifa found herself thinking back on her first meal there.

It was hard to believe this was the same place they had eaten at during AVALANCHE's first months of rebellion against Shinra. Like most of the new buildings, it was relatively larger than it had been, a necessity for the growing population. But it was the restaurant's brand-new look that set it apart from its days of old. It was state of the art, casting off its once hut-like and worn appearance in trade of the best there was to offer.

It was the perfect example of Neo-Midgar itself: a city being renovated not only on the surface, but also within.


Their hunger now sated, the trio rose from their seats. Tifa had decided to order a meal to go, for the busy Neo-Midgar president, and stood patiently waiting for the 'Today's Special'. Casually, her eyes wandered to the left where Vincent was paying for their meals. The female waitress at the cash register giggled and batted her eyelashes coyly at him.

Tifa held back a chuckle, while she watched. Vincent averted his eyes, pointedly ignoring the woman's advances. He then gave the waitress a quick thank you and walked back towards Tifa, a few slips of paper in his right hand.

He held them out stiffly to her.

…Coupons?

Looks like they still gave those out.

Tifa let out a laugh, shaking her head, "Sorry, Vincent. You keep them, I don't have any pockets." She touched her black skirt for emphasis.

His good arm remained stretched out before her, as if holding an offending garment.

It was only a few slips of paper… Why was he being so difficult?

"Okay, I'll hold them," she seized the white strips from him, her laughter rekindling. She just couldn't get the little scene out of her mind.

Cloud emerged from the restroom. "What's so funny?"

"Nothing," Tifa clutched her side and shook her head.

He raised a golden eyebrow and turned to Vincent, but the dark-haired man offered no explanation.

"Miss, your food?" The three turned their attention to the cook.

The smiling brunette reached for the plastic bag, "Thank you."

As they exited the eating establishment, Tifa turned to witness the waitress gazing dreamily at Vincent's back. The martial artist almost let out another chuckle, but repressed it and directed her attention to the coupons in hand. As she examined them, she noticed curvy handwriting on the back of one. Cecile 320-5983. The woman had not only hit on Vincent, she had left her name and number as well.

Tifa felt an odd pressure in her chest, but grinned anyway. It was rather comical… someone trying to get a date with Vincent. Most women couldn't find the nerve to even approach the man. She guessed she should be proud and thankful for the slight ease she had developed with the untouchable Mr. Valentine. The martial artist dropped the coupons into the plastic bag. It wasn't like they really needed them, anyway. Reeve could keep them.

Tifa smiled, strangely satisfied.

Well, she had better get going or she'd be left behind. The young woman lifted her ruby eyes to the exit… It looked like it was too late for that. The brunette resumed walking out the door.

Tifa let out a breath in relief. Fortunately the distance between them was visible. She quickened her pace towards the backs of the two standing men.

At least they had noticed her absence.

Tifa stopped a little ways behind them. She wondered. What exactly did boys talk about alone together anyway….

"So…" Cloud gave a slight cough, followed by a quiet clear of the throat. "So Vince. That question I meant to ask," blue eyes shifted to the man on the left. "You wouldn't mind… you know." The swordsman attempted to gauge any reaction from his companion. "Keeping an eye on her?"

There was a frown.

Vincent looked at the younger man. "…On whom?"

Make that two frowns.

"Vincent, you know on whom." Cloud tried to keep his tone neutral. "Whom- who else? Tifa, of course."

The martial artist's mouth parted in shock. She could not believe she was hearing this. "I do not need a babysitter, Cloud Strife!" The swordsman jolted obviously surprised.

"Tif!" He turned and quickly countered, "I was kidding… just kidding."

Her hands went to rest on her hips.

"Look," the blond continued, "I'll be back in twenty. I'm going to drop by the gym."

Oh no, he wasn't. "Clou-"

"All right," Vincent answered, cutting off her reprimand.

Tifa's lips fell into a frown, as she looked to the dark-haired man. Vincent met her eyes. The martial artist looked back at the blond and sighed. She supposed she'd let it go this time. "We'll be looking at the shops."

Cloud attempted to appease her further with a smile. "Okay." In a familiar gesture, his hand went to scratch the back of his head. "Then I'll see you both later."

Before disappearing off into the distance, the swordsman had to allow one last glance at the two. He inwardly scolded himself and forced his eyes to look away. Then, the spiky-haired hero continued on to his destination.


Minus their 'health-fitness' bound swordsman, a gunslinger and fist fighter stood alone together. Both seemed to be caught in thoughts that appeared to be spelled out on the ground.

Pushing aside the bizarre conversation she had intentionally overheard, Tifa decided to put an end to their riveting game of 'let's stare at the floor' and began with the ill-fated word, "So…"

Vincent's gaze no longer tortured the earth beneath his feet.

"Weapons Shop?" Tifa fidgeted with one of her suspenders.

She was truly a sight that would soften the hardest of hearts.

"Weapons Shop." The brunette grinned at his approval.

Vincent looked away.

…Not that he had a heart to soften like the rest of the masses.

Once inside the store, the couple drifted to their own preferred sections. His, guns and hers, gloves.

Her spirit lightened, Tifa admired the new models through the glass. She really shouldn't buy another pair. She had plenty in her collection, including her pride and joy the 'Premium Heart'. Oh well, looks like she'd just have to be content with window-shopping today. She tucked a strand behind her ear not at all disappointed.

Tifa momentarily glanced in Vincent's direction. He seemed entirely occupied with several of the firearms set in display cases. The workings of a smile graced her lips. Boys and their toys. She turned wandering eyes to the window. The sight of a familiar face outside caught her eye. It was no mistaking who that flaming red hair belonged to.

She glanced at Vincent again.

He was still studying the pricey looking rifles. Tifa eyed the plastic bag in her possession. She'd only be a minute. Might as well take the opportune moment. Tifa slipped out the door and made her way towards the bodyguard.


As Tifa crossed the street, the blue-suited Turk took notice. Still, Reno's form remained in its classic informal stance. Back leaned against a wall accompanied by one foot casually stamped on the building's brick. The nightstick in his left hand continued its swing from side to side.

"Why, hello there, Lockheart." He gave her a lazy smirk, a toothpick dangling precariously at the side of his mouth. "Brought me a present?"

The brunette rolled her eyes at him. "Would you please give to this to Reeve." Tifa held out the white plastic bag that contained the food.

"Why? Your two little boyfriends can't do it for ya?" he replied but took the bag anyway.

"Shut up." She gave him a slight glare and added, "Thanks, Reno."

The nightstick waved carelessly in the air. "Yeah, yeah. Just don't get used to it. I'm not your lapdog…"

Though the 'Saviors of the Planet' weren't exactly chummy with the Turks, the animosity between them had died down. When the rest of AVALANCHE heard that the secret police group was willingly working for Reeve, they had been skeptical. But over time, the Turks proved loyal to the Neo-Midgar president, and a cautious alliance had begun to form.

There was a curl at the right side of his mouth. "Unless…" A mischievous glint sparked in his green eyes.

"Lay off her, Reno." Elena gave the red-haired man a little smack on the shoulder.

"Elena!" Tifa smiled.

The martial artist and young Turk had become particularly close. Since both women were usually surrounded by male companions, they found great relief in having another female around.

"Hey, Tifa! What're you doing here?" Reno rolled his eyes.

"Well, the guys and I went out for dinner," the brunette began to answer.

"Hey… I want to go out for dinner." Elena turned to her fellow Turk. "Reno, why-"

"Elena, Elena." He smirked. "I knew you'd come around."

"In your dreams, Reno," she retorted.

"You want me that bad?"

"Shut the hell up, Scarface, you're interrupting Tifa." The blonde continued, "And I meant all the Turks. Me, you, and Rude. I was going to say why don't we all go out for dinner." Elena's face took on a more pleasant expression. "Sorry Tif, you were saying?"

The martial artist held back a laugh. "Anyway, right now Cloud is at the gym, so Vincent and I are browsing around until he gets back." Elena nodded. "I was just giving Reno some food for Reeve since he's busy at work."

The young blonde smiled at Tifa's sweet gesture. "Don't worry, I'll make sure the President gets it." Elena shot Reno a look.

The nightstick stopped its swaying. "What the heck is that supposed to mean?"

"Just making sure you're on your toes, Reno."

He scoffed, "Like he-"

"Well, I better get back to Vincent. See you two later." Tifa made a hurried exit before the two blew up into full-scale war.

Elena looked on sadly, as her friend left and sighed. "See, look what you did." She glared at the red-haired Turk.

"What?" He was about to wring this little rookie's neck. "What I did?"

The blonde felt a little smug at the red making its way up Reno's face. "You scared Tifa away with that ugly face of yours-"

"Why you-"


Author's Note: I decided to separate this chapter into two parts instead of overwhelming you with the whole thing; Part II is next. Also, I lack in Turk writing experience. Forgive me, if I messed up any characterization. Everyone, thanks for reading. -Passes out Vincent cookies- My muses love you.