Beyond The Northern Skies

Disclaimers: This is a AU FF7 fanfic. FF7 characters do not belong to me.

Author's note: This is a shounen-ai fic. As previously mentioned.. You've been warned.

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"How on earth did I get myself into this mess?"

The young blond man passed by sector 3, wanting to take a walk to think things through. Barrett had just finished the plans for the next reactor bombing. He had to admit, the big guy had brains. As soon as he got the money from this mission, he would leave, no matter how much Tifa begged him to stay. 'And what makes her think she has the right to ask me to stay? It's not like we were close back then. And besides…' he stopped in front of a weapon shop. 'Besides… I hate Midgar' He had wanted to buy new accessories for the next week's big mission, but decided to leave it for tomorrow, and he kept on walking. 'I don't really have to do this. I can just walk away, walk away from this mission… and walk away from her…' But he needed the money Barrett was offering.

He wasn't sure how long he had been walking for, but suddenly found himself back at the Seventh Heaven. He sighed in defeat and walked inside. The bar was full with clients, the place suddenly too crowded and noisy for him. He passed Tifa as she passed by with a tray full of alcoholic beverages and she smiled up at him. With no way to go down to the basement at the time, he walked up the small flight of stairs and into Wedge and Biggs' room. He laid down on the room's sofa and closed his eyes, blocking all the noise from downstairs, wanting to rest.

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"Why do I have to go?"

President ShinRa growled for the hundredth time that morning.

"Because you're the Vice President of this company and because I damn well say so!"

Rufus sat heavily on his chair. And ran his hand through his hair.

"I don't like to go down there"

"You have no other choice, We can't refuse Don Corneo's invitation, and I you have to be there. Today at 6, be ready at 5. I want to get this over with as soon as possible"

"Yes sir"

President ShinRa walked out of Rufus' office slamming the door behind him. Rufus sighed and sagged into the cushion of the chair. He disliked the underground sectors. They made him feel as uncomfortable as being where he was right now. He looked at his watch. Thinking it was much too early to be getting prepared, he decided to retire to his quarters and get some more sleep. God only knew, he was tired.

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Wall Market wasn't one of his favorite places to be at. The corners all full with people willing to sell their bodies for whatever pity of gil. Non stop shoppers, full time workers hurrying to get somewhere. The news came an hour ago that the Presidential family were attending a dinner at Don Corneo's Mansion.

The Town people were preparing for the welcoming of the President. They were all standing on the sidewalks with banners glorifying ShinRa as their Life. Cloud could see Jesse from across the plaza, very well disguised as a poor slum girl, begging in a corner for gil. Tifa close to her as a Prostitute ready to take anyone for a ride. Barrett, Biggs and Wedge playing cards on the city sidewalk with other citizens. And Cloud, was leaning against the wall, acting like a tough street kid with no life of his own, with shades covering his eyes even though the slums didn't have the sun. The goal was to get to the president, and kill. The president and vice president were to walk through the sector's streets. Surrounded by heavy guards, Turks and SOLDIERS. Nothing he couldn't take care of.

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Rufus could see Scarlet talking with his father as they stepped out of the limo in front of Wall Market's entry. He looked around to the crowd of people that were obviously waiting their arrival. Tseng walked to his side and placed a hand oh his shoulder.

"Stay between me and Reno, in front of Rude and behind your father. We're here so you won't need to worry about keeping your eyes open. Just act as if this is a walk through the beach."

Rufus looked at Tseng with annoyance.

"And I suppose you'll stop every bullet that comes my way?"

"I will… If I have to"

They all started walking through the streets of Wall Market. People were applauding, yelling for the success of ShinRa. Happy for what ShinRa has given to them. 'They are fools, to think that ShinRa has given them anything.' Rufus almost laughed. 'How can people be so blind?' He walked with indifference. Not waving like a fool like his father was doing. Not smiling like his mother.

And he didn't see it coming, didn't see the second people were throwing themselves to the ground at the sounds of gun fire. A second people were cheering, the next, they were screaming out of fear. He didn't even realize he was under a heavy weight until he saw Tseng on top of him. Shouting orders to everyone. Asking him if he was alright. But he was too shock to answer, and Tseng's weight was making it hard to breathe, he turned his head to the side and only saw the face of chaos that has fallen on them. Everything was happening in slow motion, no sound at all… just chaos. He felt someone put a hand on the side of his face and slowly turn his face to look into Tseng's concerned eyes. He tried to speak, but no voice came to him. No air went into him.

"Tseng…n't… breathe…"

He wasn't sure if Tseng heard him or not, but he felt the weight lift up, looked up as Tseng pointed his gun somewhere and shoot, he tried breathe again, but failed. He gasped as Tseng's body crumbled to the ground next to him. His vision was beginning to blur. He heard a distant tire screech as a car left the site. But he didn't have time to register it all. And suddenly felt a shadow fall over him and a blurry figure closing in on his face. And he gasped as he recognized the deepest glowing sapphire eyes he has ever seen. He reached for the face.

"Cloud…"

His hand went limp and fell back to his side, as he felt the darkness closing in. And for ones, he wasn't afraid of the darkness.

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Author's note.. Well this Is the second part. I hope ya like it. I know its an odd way to make them meet and all. But I sweat it'll get better!

Please review