The Seventh Heaven bar was silent save for the soft footsteps meeting the rather loud wooden floor every now and down. Somehow, the creakings provided a sort of comfort for Cloud in a strange way. He had some rhythm to focus on to prevent his thoughts from wandering back to her. After wiping the last set of dishes, he washed his hands and shook off the excess water dripping from his fingers. He walked to the other side of the counter and took a seat. He allowed his gaze to wander across the bar. He never took a really good look at it when he entered because his primary attention was on the female. Now that he had a chance to relax a bit, he tried to absorb in the little details and major efforts that Tifa had tried so hard to weave into the Seventh Heaven.

The bar wasn't much different from the old one except the old pinball machine was gone. They didn't need it anymore but Cloud wished it was still there. Who knew that little area could contain so much memories? A small smile brushed across his lips as he remembered the time he had to sleep right next to the brunette. Just being next to her presence brought him peace but it was unfortunate that Barret's snoring kept him awake all night. That was okay though. For that whole night, the only thing he did was watch over the tranquil female. Even though his mind was a mess at that time, the promise that he made to her years back was still fresh and because he would never break that promise he made, he watched over her like a hawk since that night on.

He tried his best to make sure that she was safe. Too bad he never saw the emotional side of her. He couldn't tell when she was hurt, jealous, angry, or depressed. Why? Maybe it was because his attention was also focused on Aeris. He had a duty to her too. He was suppose to be her bodyguard but in the end, he failed.
After failing to protect her, the whole world around Cloud shattered. Everyday he was worried about failing Tifa. He didn't even have the courage to tell her that he left in the first place to seek forgiveness from the flower girl. Obtaining that forgiveness would be a way of repenting for his foolishness that costed the life of one of his closest friends.

No. Instead he left Tifa without a word and if she had been killed back there, it would be his fault. Cloud shuddered at the thought of Tifa lying dead in his arms. He still recalled her pale complexion as the color drained quickly from her face. He blinked hard in an effort to try to shove the image away. He should just be grateful that something like that didn't occur. He reminded himself that she was upstairs resting. She's fine now and she will be fine later on. Right now, he had to focus on finding Barret's little girl. If word got to him that Marlene had been kidnapped right under his nose, he was sure that Barret would most likely shove his grafted gun right into his face and he'll never see the light of day again. Also, he had to do this for Tifa. He knows Tifa adores the little girl and he did too. If he hadn't left them vulnerable in the first place, this would not have happened.

He was about to pull out his world map to search for the most probable location where Marlene was being held but his action was interrupted by the knocking on the door. Cloud frowned. There was a sign outside that said that the bar was closed so who could be on the other side? He remained at his seat hoping that the whoever was outside would go away if no response was won. However, the knocking only grew more urgent. Sighing, Cloud walked to the door and carefully opened it. The first sight he came in contact with were the striking red locks that was loosely tied in a ponytail of a young man dressed in a formal navy uniform. Behind him was a bald young man clad in a similar outfit with black shades over his eyes. The young mercenary shook his head in disbelief.

What the hell are you two doing here?I could say the same for you Strife. Haven't seen you around for two years. Where did you go? You went back to raise that dead girl? Reno smirked.

Cloud felt his anger boiling at his words. There was no way he was going to let them disrespect Aeris in her death. She was the very reason that this idiot in front of him was still breathing. Shut the hell up Reno. He grabbed the Turk roughly by the collars demanded an answer. What are you doing here? he repeated again.

Whoa, calm down Spike boy. With an equal amount of brute force, Reno slapped his arm away and fixed the wrinkled collar of his suit. He motioned for Rude to step up. The man stepped up beside him with his hands clasped behind his back. Cloud couldn't tell if it was just his gesture or if he was hiding something back there.

We're here to see Tifa.Like hell you are. Cloud grabbed the hilt of his blade, ready to unsheathe the weapon anytime.

Heh...looks like you haven't changed at all. Look, we just want to inform her of something that she will be very interested in. Hey Rude, maybe if you're lucky, she'll give ya something special in return for the info we're about to give her. He gave his friend a dirty wink but before he got a chance to burst out laughing, his jaw was met by Cloud's fist.

If you so touch her, I will make sure both of you will die... This time, Cloud fully unsheathed the buster sword. The threatening weapon laid casually by his side as his fierce Mako eyes glared with hatred at the two man in front of him.

Hey relax Strife. I'm only kidding...but seriously, we do have some news to inform Miss. Lockheart, replied Reno while gingerly touching the side of his mouth. He was relieved to see that there were no blood.

I don't care. Go back to ShinRa or whatever is left of it. I can see that you're still loyal to that company... Cloud observed by looking at the uniforms they were wearing. He was about to close the door on them when Reno's hand caught it tightly.

Oh you will be interested in what we have to say as well.Cut the crap and get to the point Reno.We know where Marlene is. He responded in shock. He ceased from closing the door in on the Turks. Instead, he just stood there motionless. How did he they know were Marlene was?

Reno grinned and widened the crack between them. He allowed himself to step into bar with Rude following closely behind. I thought you would interested in this little ordeal. The cocky flaming red headed man shoved the blonde roughly aside as he kicked the door closed behind him. Moving behind the counter of the bar, he poured himself a glass of strong liquor and offered a glass to his partner who simply shook his head to decline the drink. Reno shrugged and chugged down the liquid. Wow, this is some good stuff! You sure you don't want any? What about you Cloud?Man, you really need to get laid. You're so damn stiff.Where is Marlene? he responded coldly.

Reno waved a hand at Rude and at the gesture of his partner, he dropped what seems to be a black communication device on the table. The red head walked over to the small device and started fidgeting around with the buttons until he received a signal. Voices could barely be heard through the sharp statics but two coherent words caught their attention: Ancient City

Ancient City... Cloud whispered. He felt cold blood running through him at those words. Feeling numb, he gripped the side of the counter for support as his eyes unconsciously gazed off into the distance as memories of the flower girl came rushing back once more. Reno looked at him strangely and shrugged while Rude simply remained stoic in the shadows.

Uh yeah...the Ancient City. Guess who dropped this? We found that silver hair dude speeding off on some weird vehicle with Marlene. This must have fell out of his pocket... stated Reno. He finished the last bit of his drink before casually tossing it into the sink.

This doesn't make sense. What is this whole Ancient City thing about? Cloud asked. He took the device into his own hands and examined it closely, hoping to receive some answers other than those two haunting words but all he got were some static buzzing through the small machine.

I guess that's where they are headed... answered Rude.

That's my guess as well, agreed Reno.

Cloud handed the device back to Reno. None of this makes sense. Why would they bring a little girl to the Ancient Forest and who is this silver hair man anyway? More importantly, why are you trying to help us? We're AVALANCHE and you're Turks. We've been enemies since the beginning so why would you be showing this to us? Are you trying to set some trap for us?Hey, a lot has happened. ShinRa is gone and I guess you can call us roamers now. We thought that there would finally be peace after Meteor was destroyed but now it seems as if we got a new crisis at hand with this Geostigma and these mysterious Sephiroth look alikes.

Cloud watched them suspiciously from the corner of his eyes. Something was telling him that this was too good to be true. Just a few minutes ago, he was struggling with where to start the search for Marlene and now he found his answer. The problem was that he had no way of verifying if the former Turks were telling the truth. If they weren't, he could be leading himself and Tifa into more danger and he couldn't put Tifa in any more harm. So what's in it for you?Excuse me?Come on. We all know that you wouldn't give a damn unless there's something in it for you. Reno, spit it out.

Giving another one of his trademark smirk, he shrugged and pulled out his nightstick. The weapon easily balanced on his fingertips as he haphazardly twirled it around for entertainment. Well, if you must know...there has been news flooding all over the place about some mysterious man in some wheelchair. The thing is that we want to know who that person is.Yeah, I've heard about that too when I got to Midgar but why do you want to know about that person?We have reasons to believe that this person may have connections to ShinRa.

Cloud's Mako blue orbs widened. What? So you're saying that man in the wheelchair could be someone we all know like Hojo or Sephiroth?Probably. Not only that but we also want to know the connection between him and the silver hair men. Rude and I have been doing our own investigation and it turns out that there are three of them. So far, we only spotted one and that was the one who ran off with Marlene.That was the one who attacked Tifa. Reno frowned. How is she? he asked sympathetically. He had previously thought that Tifa was off somewhere neglecting the children but Cloud's statement definitely made more sense.

She's upstairs resting. I should go check on her soon.Why don't you do it now? You can fill her in on the good news along the way.Maybe...I should. He thought for awhile while peering up the stairs. There was silence. He wondered if he would be interrupting her sleep if they all barged in but he also knew that Tifa would want to be alerted with any news regarding Marlene as soon as possible. Fine, but just be quiet. He led the other two behind him up the stairs.

Hm...this is a cozy little place, commented Reno as he looked around. His grin returned as he caught the pictures pasted on the walls. Yup, that one sure looks like Strife! He couldn't help but suppress his laughter.

Cloud rolled his eyes. He couldn't believe someone as immature as Reno made it into Turks. More importantly, he couldn't believe that he was actually working with one of his past enemies. If Barret was here, Cloud realized that he would be rammed in the face with his gun twice. He approached the room and brought his knuckles to the door and gently knocked.

Tifa, you're up?Yes...you can come in.

Nodding, he opened the door and was shocked to find her dressed in her navy fighting dress rather than her pajamas. She finished pulling up her fighting gloves when she flashed Cloud a small smile. Her smile waned when she spotted the two men behind the door.

What are they doing here? she cried angrily with both hands on her hips. Cloud! What is it this? she demanded.

Tifa, let me explain. Cloud moved over to her and pulled her to the corner. Tifa never took her dark eyes off of the two Turks as she was being led to the corner.

Remember that man who attacked you? Well it seems those two picked up something he dropped. It was some radio device and the man on the other line said something about the Ancient City. Tifa whispered through her teeth. Are you sure they are not lying?I don't know but we got no other leads except for the Ancient City. If we want to find Marlene, I think that would be the best place to start.What if they are leading us into a trap?I thought about that too...and...I guess it's a chance that we have to take.

Tifa shook her head. I still don't trust them. I thought we would never have to see them again.Me neither. That's why I want you to stay here. Listen, I'll go and see if they are really at the Ancient City. You should stay here and rest up... he whispered back. Cloud looked Tifa straight in the eyes with shimmering concern. He tugged on her arm to lead her back to bed but she pulled back.

Cloud, I can't...sleep anymore. Please, I want to go with you. I'm fine now. If you're going to bring back Marlene, I wanna come.But it's too dangerous!

Tifa gave a small grin. It's okay. I grew up in the slums, I'm use to danger. She hoped Aeris's words would have the same effect on him. Right now, she just needed to get out of the bar and to look for girl.

Oh god... Cloud groaned. Now I see that there isn't anyway of talking you out right? Tifa exclaimed. So please, let me come with you.

The blonde remained silent for a moment to try to decide whether or not this was a good idea. Being the leader, he had to make the best judgment as possible, which unfortunately was something that he was not skilled at. He took another look at the female. The red marks and swellings seems to be decreasing and her face regained its healthy natural glow again. Are you sure?Yes. Cloud, you owe me this much...

He took that comment to mean that she was still upset with him and he didn't blame her. He abandoned her before but he will never do it again. Fine...but just stay close to me, all right?

She nodded and walked back to the two men waiting patiently at the door.

Miss. Lockheart, looking lovely as usual! Reno whistled.

You had better not be leading us into a trap.

Before any of them got a chance to respond, a crescendo of crashes filled the room followed by a scream from a young boy. The screams eventually faded into light muffles as the sound of glass and wood shattering clearly became evident. Tifa's heart skipped a beat as she rushed out of her room and headed towards the door that led downstairs. She pulled on the doorknob but cried in frustration when she found it to be locked from the other side. Cloud rushed beside her and tugged hard too but to no avail. He furiously turned his head to Reno and Rude. Is this part of some plan of yours?

The muffles faded into the distance and were now replaced by the roaring of an engine. Tifa froze. It was the same sound of the engine she heard when Marlene was captured. she screamed in between her poundings at the wooden barrier.

Move back, Cloud ordered. He brought out his buster sword and with a vertical slash, the blade glided through the door sending splinters all over the place. He pulled Tifa down beneath him and towered his body over her form to prevent the sharp splinters from digging into her skin. Reno and Rude ducked near the bed and coughed as the air was filled with dust. As soon as it cleared, Tifa jumped from Cloud's arms and hastily rushed down the stairs and out of the door just in time to see an unconscious carrot top boy being carried off in a strange vehicle with another silver hair man.

she cried as she ran after the vehicle that now speeded off into the distance. Cloud burst through the door and wrapped his arms tightly around the female to prevent her from going further. He hugged her close and stroked her hair to soothe her as she collapsed against him with fresh tears pouring from her eyes. Shh...it's okay...we'll find them. I promise.