Disclaimer – I don't own FF7

Coeurl

By Crimson Skies

Chapter Fourteen – Farewell Friend

This was ridiculous, Vincent decided. It had been nearly a year since he'd started searching Midgar for Cloud. Nearly a YEAR! And he had yet to find any leads on the boy, other than a collection of wanted posters from various dates. Vincent had no doubt in his mind that somehow, one of the thieving pair was Cloud. Of course, Cloud would be particularly cautious about being identified, since he and his partner were wanted for various cases of theft. And Cloud of all people knew the consequences of Shinra catching him.

It was enough to make him nearly lose hope – nearly. The truth of the matter? It was proof for him that Cloud really was alive. And as long as Cloud was alive, well, that was reason enough to keep him going.

It was reason enough.

COEURLBYCRIMSONSKIESCHAPTERFOURTEENFAREWELLFRIEND

"So kid, do we have an understanding?"

"Yeah. I'll go. Just give me time to take care of a few things."

"Fine. Be here the same time tomorrow."

"Sure," Reno mumbled.

Without another word, the man departed. Reno watched his form disappear around the corner. No doubt about it. Cloud was not going to be happy about this. But really, there was no choice. To protect Cloud, Reno would cooperate with them. Of course, they didn't know how important it was to Reno to keep Cloud away from Shinra and Reno intended to keep it that way. The less they knew about Cloud the better.

COEURLBYCRIMSONSKIESCHAPTERFOURTEENFAREWELLFRIEND

Sephiroth was feeling somewhat relieved. He'd just received word that the 'Warehouse Theft Case' had been dropped. At that very moment, Zack burst through the door.

"Hey, did you hear? They finally dropped the 'case from hell'! Thank Gaia!" Zack cried. Indeed, Zack had reached his wits end in regards to that case. He'd been working on catching the culprits for a year and had no results.

"I got the report," Sephiroth replied evenly, not betraying the real relief he felt. Zack, of course, sensed it anyway.

"I'm relieved too. I have to admit that I'm a bit curious though. Why did they suddenly drop it, I wonder? Did they find out who did it?" Zack questioned as he plopped himself down into a chair.

"Apparently the Turks took care of it," Sephiroth informed him.

"The Turks! I can't imagine things ended well for those kids if they were involved. The big wigs must've gotten really pissed off if they asked the Turks to take care of it," Zack said with a grimace.

"Not necessarily. My guess is that people with those skills would be considered possible recruits. They were probably coerced into joining," Sephiroth shrugged, almost imperceptibly. "Or they're dead in an alley somewhwere."

"That's cold. Really cold."

Sephiroth gave him a look that plainly said "And I care…why?"

COEURLBYCRIMSONSKIESCHAPTERFOURTEENFAREWELLFRIEND

"WHAT!"

"I said that I've been recruited by the Turks," Reno said in exasperation.

"Oh no, I heard you. I was thinking more along the lines of 'what's the big idea?'" Cloud spat. "What were you thinking, agreeing to join Shinra!"

"I don't have a choice, damn it! They know who we are! That guy gave me an ultimatum. Join the Turks, or be turned over to other authorities. Apparently they're looking to recruit people with our skills," Reno explained.

"I can't join the Turks! There's no way. Somebody will recognize what I am! I can hide my abilities, say I used materia, but I can't do anything about my eyes, not to mention the tattoo!" Cloud protested. He stood and began pacing the room like a caged animal.

"I know," Reno said quietly. "I took care of it. You don't have to join. As a matter of fact, they're going to ignore you entirely."

"What?" Cloud came to a halt. A jolt of dread coursed down his spine. "What did you do?"

"I convinced them that you were my back-up. I told them your job was to be lookout and to help carry back the loot. I downplayed your part in everything. I think they believed me because it was all at least half-true. It's hard to pull one over on a Turk," the red head explained.

"I know. But why will they leave me alone?"

"I said that you were my friend, and that I would agree to go willingly and work for them if they left you alone," Reno said, grinning. "They don't think you're that important, so they probably will keep to their end of the bargain. Just try not to draw attention to yourself."

"Reno…"

"Aw, don't worry about me. I'll be fine. Besides, I know you're capable of getting by without me."

"You don't have to…" Cloud protested, but Reno cut him off.

"I do. I won't let Shinra get you Cloud. You've done too much for me. And, you're like family, ya know? Families look out for one another," Reno said with a grin. "Besides, I'm sure Vincent will come looking for you soon!" Cloud was silent.

"I can't stop you, can I?" Cloud said, finally.

"No"

"I…thank you." It was obvious that Reno wouldn't be talked out of it.

COEURLBYCRIMSONSKIESCHAPTERFOURTEENFAREWELLFRIEND

The next day, Reno stood outside, staring at the shack he'd called home. His small sack of possessions was slung over his shoulder. Cloud had disappeared after their talk the night before, mumbling something about needing to think. He and Cloud, they had been together for two years now. He had wanted to say goodbye, but…

"Reno!"

He turned just as a teary eyed Cloud flung himself at him. The blond boy hugged him tightly before finally letting him go. Stepping back, Cloud reached for the dagger hanging from his belt and unclipped it. Somberly, he held Vincent's dagger out.

"I want you to have this," Cloud declared firmly.

"That's…"

"The dagger Vincent gave me. It's the only thing I have worth giving away," Cloud explained. "My hope is that it protects you like it has me," he finished.

When Reno opened his mouth to protest, Cloud cut him off.

"Please accept it. This…is all I can do," the blond teen pleaded.

Reno nodded wordlessly. Taking the dagger, he tucked it into the waistband of his pants. He stretched his right arm out, a sad grin on his face. Cloud reached out and grasped his forearm tightly, grinning back.

"You know, it was fun," Reno observed.

"It was," Cloud agreed. "But this isn't the end, is it?"

"Not for us."

"Never."

"I suppose I should go. See you around, I guess…" Reno let his hand fall and turned to walk away. He'd gotten halfway down the alley when Cloud's voice stopped him.

"Hey Reno! Promise me that if you're going to be a Turk, you'll at least be the best of them!" Cloud called.

"Of course!"

"Kick ass," Cloud whispered as the other teen disappeared from sight.

And then he was alone again.

COEURLBYCRIMSONSKIESCHAPTERFOURTEENFAREWELLFRIEND

Vincent paused when he heard a voice call out from somewhere nearby. The voice had cracked a few times, it was obviously changing, but it was still very familiar.

"Hey Reno! Promise me that if you're going to be a Turk, you'll at least be the best of them!"

His heartbeat sped up suddenly. He was positive. That was Cloud's voice! Without hesitation he took off as fast as his feet would carry him.

ENDCHAPTERFOURTEEN

Well, what did you all think? I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. The plot's starting to move forward. I had a bit of trouble with this chapter, but I'm pleased with how it turned out. Please tell me what you thought of it.

Thanks to:

Cendrillo, RuByMoOn17, MajinBakaHentai, LoversPastForgotten, dimonyo-anghel, Kaoru, rurouniturtle, sehv, firedraygon, Shiri Matakami, miss.maniac, Catalina Tavington, maleficus-lupus, Reina-183, Toki Mirage, dogcollar, and Lady of the Phoenix

for reviewing. I really appreciate all of your opinions and support. Thanks much.