Stained Souls

Chapter 21: Kadja's Interruption

Cloud ran straight down Wall Street which was the bridge between the Slums and the Heights of Midgar's structure. He wanted to stay there and wait for Tifa to wake up, however; the messenger who sent the bribed assassin was known well enough by Cloud that he would attack again in a different spot. Luckily the Mercenary knew where that spot was.

If he knew where to attack first then it's definite that he was following me for a good while. By know he knows where I stay at and who I stay it with. Unfortunately those who were shoved out of Cloud's way would never know his reason and curse him loudly after he ran past all them. But their curses were deaf to his ears since his head was too stuffed with worry and questions. No question filled his head the most then one he was thinking right now: How did I come to know his name without being told?

The ex-solider couldn't explain why he even came by the name Kadja. It was never heard before until it randomly popped into his head. But Cloud had a distinct feeling that it was the name of his enemy.

The apartment building was fine, no screams or medic around the area; everything was sound. But he wasn't in the apartment yet. Cloud, to anxious to wait for the elevator, climbed all 44 stair levels until he came to his and Reno's door. His past training in SOLDIER guaranteed that he would never go tired of stairs which was true. He fumbled for his keys until he flew through the entry way. At first no one was home.

"Reno!" He yelled and instantly was pummeled to the ground by a large bat. Rude was the one that gave him to blow. Before the Turk could strike again, Cloud scrambled to his feet and out of harms way. Rude advanced quickly on Cloud and turned into swinging position but was stopped when Cloud flung a near lamp towards his head. On instinct Rude smashed the lamp to pieces before it touched his face.

Meanwhile, Cloud ran to the desk searching frantically for mantria but only found papers. He looked up into the reflection of the silver key bowl to make sure Rude wasn't coming at him again. But Rude's self didn't catch his eye; someone else was inside the room aiming a gun at him. Cloud ducked just in time but not Rude who was not hit but scraped across the shoulder and knocked out by its powerful blow.

Cloud's blue eyes ran from Rude's broken form to Kadja who shot the blow.

"Kadja!" He cried in disgust pulling the silver man's mouth into his known smirk.

"Follow if you can Cloud." He bolted straight toward the wall sized windows and broke through its glass, plummeting safely on his feet 44 stories down. He looked up in amusement, catching a glimpse of Cloud peering over the edge before he jumped on his motorcycle and riding off before anyone could dial an emergency number.

Cloud was about to storm out of the building to following him until he heard a pained grunt in the bedroom. Reno! The ex-soldier shoved the door open and found the bedroom in ruins. The mattress was off center and its sheets ripped off. One of them was wrapped around Reno's form as he crouched in the darkest corner. His bloodied state brought out a pained whimper from Cloud as he rushed to his side.

Reno was seemed torn and tattered like a ragged doll that was just thrown away. Deep cuts sliced through his open skin, marking him on his lip, above his eye and chest. But bruises were mostly seen on his body along his neck and Cloud could guess where others were hidden under the sheet.

"Don't touch me!" Reno screamed as tears dripped out of his shut eyes. He couldn't handle being in this state and it was unbearable for him that Cloud knew, almost embarrassing. But Cloud ignored his protests and forced Reno into his arms. Now the blonde was weeping with muffled tears.

"I'm so sorry for leaving. It was my fault." He sobbed. Reno didn't have the strength to say 'shut up' but kissed Cloud passionately to show him it wasn't his fault. All Cloud could taste in Reno's mouth was blood and knew he had to call help immediately unless Reno would bleed to death. "I have to call paramedics." He whispered as he got up, but the broken youth pleaded him to not leave again.

Cloud hushed him and picked him up gently with him into the main room. He laid him down on the carpet with the bookshelf as a post. While the blonde went to call help Reno found the gun not lying far away. Immediately he grabbed the weapon and locked just incase his attacker would rise again. After Cloud was done he went back to the redhead.

His fingers glided across Reno's bloodied face, roughing over the bumps and cuts. The Turk's green eyes went over to the broken window and motioned over to them.

"I'm going to take care of him." Cloud knew Reno understood his answer. The blaring sirens that both were listening for came and Cloud knew Reno was in good hands. "I have to go and stop him." He sang gently. Reno panicked and took Cloud's hands but the ex-soldier's calm tone settled him down. "They are coming to help you. I won't be long, I promise." The blonde softly kissed Reno before leaving him.

Those that were coming up with medical supplies and guns didn't notice the blonde rushing past them. Everyone's eyes as Cloud went outside focused on the spot of the building with the busted window. So the mercenary found it easy to steal an officer's car. Without notice Cloud left the scene undetected and following Kadja's trail.

The action is intense! Wait until next chapter! Promise there's gonna be sexual tension, action, heavy dialogue, and a good bitch slap at the end. Please, ALL REVIEW!