The bar was strangely silent although it was being inhibited by four members who were so diverse with clashing personalities. One would think that there would be at least some commotion, especially with the wise crack Reno around but no one spoke a single word. Cloud went behind the counter and placed a cup on the surface while his other arm reached for a jar of water. He poured the content into the glass and handed it to Tifa but she politely declined the drink. With a sigh of defeat, Cloud gazed hopelessly through the window panes. Small rays of sunshine streaked through the pains and diffracted into the rather gloomy Seventh Heaven.
Reno and Rude constantly exchanged glances. Neither of them knew what to do in a situation like this. Reno was ambivalent about whether or not he should try to cheer the woman up or come up with a plan to chase after the mysterious silver haired man. He gave Cloud a side way glance. The blonde left the counter and wrapped one arm around Tifa. He knelt down in front of her as his arm trailed down her own. He squeezed her hand for reassurance. She did not look well. Her eyes were red and puffy. Her orbs sparkled with fresh tears that were ready to spill at any moment. Long locks of raven hair cascaded over her firmly shaped face as she bowed her head in lament.
What are we going to do? she whispered. She squeezed her eyes shut and rested an elbow on the counter top. She shook her head in frustration and anger. This is all my fault.Hey, don't say that. Cloud stood up and brushed away the fresh tears with his rough fingers. He tilted her chin towards him and replied in his softest voice, I promise we'll find them.But what if we can't? Tifa challenged. She stood up as well and walked towards the window. Her brows furrowed as she silently traced the steps the silver haired man took. How could she have been so slow?
Rude sensed the two needed some time alone. He looked in Reno's direction and the red head nodded.
We'll be outside if you need us, stated Reno. He retrieved his idle nightstick and tossed it casually across his back. Rude adjusted his black shades and solemnly followed his partner out of the room, leaving the two AVALANCHE members alone.
Cloud was slightly taken back by their actions. He didn't expect Turks to be sympathetic and considerate. Maybe two years can really change a person. The main question is: Did HE himself change as well?
There was no time to think about that now. He could always contemplate his own inner turmoil another time. The floor creaked as heavy black boots treaded across the room. The blonde placed a gloved hand on the female's shoulder. She responded slightly to the touch although he couldn't tell what she was feeling. Perhaps she was still angry with him? Maybe it was for the best if he just gave her some peace of mind. There's already enough troubling her. Cloud withdrew his hand. Tifa turned around and faced him. Her tiny smile faded, almost as if she was disappointed at having the touch of comfort taken away.
So what if we can't find them? Tifa repeated again. I mean...you never found what you were looking for...
He clearly understood what she was talking about. His journey to find his dead comrade, or at least...some spirit of her ended in a disaster. In the end, he was only left with heart ache. The worst part was that he nearly lost another comrade because of his foolishness. Yes, he was a fool to venture into the world hoping to find the Promise Land' when he didn't even know what the Promise Land was. It could have been something physical, something mental, something unreachable.
You were looking for her...but you never found her, did you? The brunette clasped her hands behind her back, her eyes gazing into the far distance as if deep in thought. Her heart bleeder whenever she thought about their lost friend. Of course she wished that Aeris would have still been alive but the thought of a deceased woman having more influence over Cloud made her envious. A memory will never fade. SHE will never fade from Cloud's mind, and possibly...his heart.
This was all too complicated to put together. He was unsure himself why he left everyone to find her but the vivid images burned his eyes. Nightmares attacked him every day when he slept. The sound of the masamune blade cleanly cutting through flesh burned his ears and the sight of it made him nauseas. He was the one who failed her. He stood paralyzed as death swarmed her being. In a single instant, her life was over. Her vibrant emerald eyes stared into his own eyes one last time as they closed forever.
I don't understand...any of this... muttered Cloud.
Why do we have to lose out to a memory? Tifa uttered under her breath.
A dreadful silence loomed in the air, leaving the two in a rather awkward moment. Tifa could feel the thick tension building up. She watched Cloud from the corner of her eyes and found that he was also struggling for the right words to say.
Reno burst into the room with a lopsided grin. He stared at the two and realized that he had indeed interrupted an important moment. He gave an apologetic smile and made his way into the bar again despite Cloud's angry glare. Look, I'm sorry to intrude like this but this is important.Is it Denzel? Tifa spoke with a spark of interest.
Um...no...but you got a very special visitor. Cloud and Tifa both said together. They looked at each other in surprise..
Reno's grin widened. He hoped that this formal member could cheer up the brunette. Rushing to the entrance, he pulled the door to the side to allow a tall man clad in a torn red cloak and black attire to enter. Reno pretended to dip an invisible hat, formally welcoming in the special visitor.
Tifa cried. She ran up to him and wrapped her arms around his form, softly embracing the man. Cloud followed closely after her. He grinned, pleased to see his former ally but the grin masked slight envy. Why couldn't his reunion with Tifa be the same.
Valentine, long time no see. What brings you here?
A single golden clawed hand wrapped around the female's waist as he replied, There was something I had to tell Tifa but I didn't know you were here Cloud. It's very nice to see you again too.
Tifa departed slightly from the hug. Her curious black orbs searched the gunman's face, wondering what he wanted to tell her. She was surprised to see that Vincent hadn't change at all in the past two years. He was still a handsome man with long silky raven strands held in place by his red bandana. His attire was still the same although his red cape seemed to have lacerated even more.
"I'm very pleased to see you too Tifa. It's been awhile everyone...OH! This is just OH SO touching! Reno snickered as he leaned against the door way. Inside, he was truly glad that things weren't as sullen as before. He grinned at Rude who closed the door behind them. Heh...wouldn't it be nice if we could also have this sort of reunion?It would.. agreed Rude.
Think about it...it would be me, you, Elena...and maybe even Rufus ShinRa. Reno sighed. In truth, he really did miss the President and even the blabber mouth Elena. Things just weren't the same without them around. Elena departed from the team shortly after ShinRa was destroyed. Neither him nor Rude had heard from her since. At this point, she could very well be out of Midgar and as for Rufus...well, he just prayed that some miracle is waiting right around the corner. There were no evidence that he was dead and his body had never been uncovered after Weapon destroyed the ShinRa HQ. Reno was a stubborn man. He refused to accept anything without solid proof. Seeing is believing was one of his favorite lines.
He motioned for his partner to join up with the other three who seemed to be talking feverishly in the corner by themselves.
Hey, mind letting us in on what you're talking about.
Vincent nodded. I saw the silver haired man carrying Denzel off into the direction of the Ancient Forest. I believe they are heading for the Forgotten City because I have reasons to believe that is where they are congregating all the children.So then...Marlene is there too? Tifa exclaimed.
Most likely.All right, I'm going. Cloud picked up his armors and expertly equipped them on to his body. He grabbed his buster sword and headed for the door.
I shall accompany you... Vincent stated. He pulled out his Death Penalty gun and loaded it with fresh ammunition. If we hurry, we should be able to catch up with them. Tifa called out after him. I'm coming with you too. She straightened her gloves but Cloud roughly grabbed her arms.
Tifa, no. Vincent and I will go. You stay here. I promise I will bring back both Marlene and Denzel for you.What? I want to go too! Why can't I go? Cloud warned sternly. We don't know what's going on in the Forgotten City. It could be dangerous! It would be safer if you stayed here and keep an eye on things here. What if they counter by attacking Midgar if we all go?Spike has a point there, Reno said thoughtfully. Who knows when more of these loons will be back. I think it would be best if we stay here and guard the city in case something funny happens.
For once, Cloud was pleased with the Turk's decision.
Tifa looked conflicted about the situation. One part of her wanted to help save Denzel but another part of her knew that Cloud was probably right. If she left, the city would be left defenseless if a crisis should occur.
All right... she finally decided. I'll stay and wait but I'm not gonna wait forever! If you don't make it back within a certain amount of time, I'm coming!I'll contact you if anything happens, okay? Cloud sighed and took one of Tifa's hand into his own. Be safe okay?You too...don't die on me now.
Cloud grinned. I'll try not to!Cloud! I'm serious... Tifa smiled. She could feel her face heating up in embarrassment. Her crimson cheeks were an obvious give away that she truly meant her words.
I won't...I promise. He glanced at the two Turks beside him. Can I trust you two to take care of her?Heh...you can count on me Spike, Reno said sincerely.
Thank you...
With a silent exchange of good bye, Cloud and Vincent dashed out the Seventh Heaven.
Author's Notes: I know, it's been awhile since I updated but now with school out of the way, I definitely have more time. As always, thanks for reading and please leave a review.