Disclaimer – I don't own FF7
Coeurl
By Crimson Skies
Chapter Fifteen – Bonds
Cloud blinked rapidly, determined not to cry. First his mother, then Vincent, and now Reno were all gone. He was completely alone. With a desolate look on his face, he sank to the ground with the alley wall at his back. He tried to calm himself as he buried his head in his arms. He really, really wished that Vincent was here. Just his presence would have been enough.
"Cloud!" a familiar voice echoed down the alley. The blond boy looked up through blurry eyes and saw a haunting figure standing stock still twenty feet away, staring with something in his eyes that he couldn't quite place. Cloud glared at the illusion in sudden irritation. Scowling, he glared at the vision. "Now I'm seeing things. I've really gone of the deep end this time, haven't I?" He buried his face again, willing the daydream to disappear.
"You and me both," the figure answered.
"And now it's talking to me," Cloud muttered. "I shouldn't be surprised, right? I mean, I have every reason to be insane at this point, right?"
Had his head been raised, he would have seen the person blink, startled. Cloud's words cured Vincent of his paralysis. Swiftly approaching, he crouched in front of the disgruntled teen. For a moment he soaked in the sight of the most important person in his world. He reveled in the fact the Cloud was here.
"I don't suppose imaginary things can touch you as well," Vincent asked softly, voice cracking with suppressed emotion. Cloud looked up at him with wide eyes. Realization was slowly creeping into them. Vincent reached out slowly and gently laid a hand on top of Cloud's head, squashing the yellow spikes. The face in front of him had changed. Cloud was beginning to grow up, and Vincent had missed part of it. For a reason he couldn't quite fathom he felt a pang in his heart at that thought. It was a fleeting one however, overpowered by the fact that Cloud was right in front of him, at this very moment.
"Vincent? It's really you isn't it? I…you…Vincent!" Cloud grinned, even as tears poured down his face. Launching himself at Vincent, he caused the gunner to land on his rear, sending puffs of dirt into the air. "You're here. Right now. You're here. You're here. You're here," Cloud mumbled into his shirt, arms wrapped awkwardly around his torso. Vincent was as a loss. He didn't know how to act. Tentatively, he raised his arms to return the embrace.
"I'm here. I'm not going anywhere," Vincent promised Cloud. And he knew it was a promise to himself as well.
Never again.
COEURLBYCRIMSONSKIESCHAPTERFIFTEENBONDS
"You broke into a Shinra warehouse…" Vincent deadpanned. Cloud winced at the tone.
"The security wasn't that tight! We weren't going to get caught!"
"…to steal materia…"
"It's not like we had a choice!" Cloud hastily interrupted.
"…for a crime lord…"
"Yeah, about that…"
"…because he caught you sneaking into his underground arena…"
"Um."
"…in order to watch the fights?"
"Are you going to yell at me now?"
"You're in luck. I happened to stumble upon a certain wanted poster and was fairly certain you were involved. I was going to skin you alive, but since you've given ample reason, I'll have to consider a lighter punishment," Vincent mono-toned. Cloud winced noticeably.
"It's not like, that is, I…" Cloud choked suddenly, mid-mumble. He carefully studied Vincent's face. "You're joking! You think it's funny!" he exclaimed.
"Not entirely, but yes. It's rather amusing. That doesn't mean I'm not upset. I can count on trouble to find you."
"Or vice versa? You'd be more upset if I were dead, or hurt, right?"
Vincent nodded his affirmative. "I'll just have to train you better," he said with a glint in his eye. It was at that point Cloud decided a change in subject was needed.
"…So Reno is going to be a Turk now," Cloud began. He turned his gaze to their fire, reassuring he was a safe distance away. He much preferred a small campfire to the cold darkness, but that didn't mean he would go nearer than necessary. "There's nothing we can do now, is there?" The realization was bittersweet. He'd regained only after having lost another.
"Unfortunately, you're right. By now he'd definitely beyond our reach. Trying to get him would mean penetrating the heart of Shinra itself. As things stand…" There was no need to say more. They both knew it was out of the question. "Fortunately, he's not in any more danger than a recruit would face. We have a few years."
"What do you mean? With the way things are…"
"We will train," Vincent interrupted, "And if, when you're ready, an opportunity presents itself, we will go look for your friend."
"Even if that means returning to Midgar?" Cloud inquired hopefully. "You think we could do it?"
"Yes," Vincent hesitated only a moment before answering. "I owe him." Vincent was thankful he didn't have to elaborate. Cloud filled in the blanks on his own. It was incredible really. They'd just been reunited yesterday, and already they were falling back into old patterns. Yet, at the same time, things were different, even though he couldn't quite place the exact way.
"Where will we go then?"
"Wutai, I think, for a couple of years at least." Vincent was silently for a moment, contemplating what he would say next. "Cloud, I think you should be aware of something."
"Huh?" Cloud looked at him in confusion. Vincent seemed tense for some reason. The blonde's lines of concern appeared on his forehead.
"There is a good chance that…Reno will choose to remain with the Turks. Shinra is corrupt, it's true. But Turks look out for each other, almost like family. The bonds he forms will be very strong," Vincent explained as gently as he could.
Cloud went very quiet. He stared into the fire, deep in thought. "I…I don't really understand. It's hard to think that anyone in Shinra could be good."
"Reno is in Shinra now."
"But Reno was…!"
"Forced into it? Others have been as well. Sometimes people join Shinra because it's their only hope of obtaining a decent lifestyle. Who really wants to live in the slums? Sometimes when people with inherent talent are scouted they're bullied into it. They'd be putting their families in danger by refusing," Vincent informed him. It was important that Cloud realize this now, instead of at a critical moment.
"I guess we'll have to wait and see what happens," Cloud said doubtfully. The gunner wasn't quite satisfied with the answer, but it would have to do. They could always address the problem later. Meanwhile, there were more pressing problems.
"Cloud, it didn't occur to me until now to ask, but what on Gaia are you wearing?"
"This is my best stuff!"
"We're stopping at the very next town to get you some new things."
"Why not just go back into Midgar?"
Vincent's baleful glance towards the city was answer enough.
COEURLBYCRIMSONSKIESCHAPTERFIFTEENBONDS
Things had settled down considerably since the theft case had found a resolution. Sephiroth had discovered that one of the brats had been taken by the Turks and the other had been discarded. It was a surprisingly happy solution for all parties as it did not involve dead bodies. Of course, considering that the thieves were children, it hadn't been very likely things would come to that.
Personally, he rather enjoyed simple routine. While a challenge was welcome, it never seemed to be the kind of challenge he wanted. Deskwork, though he was perfectly capable, didn't suit him. It had been a long time since he'd been given a mission, let along one out of the city. He was also aware of the cause of this. Not only did Hojo like keeping him nearby, but so did the brass. The simple fact was this: he made them nervous. The higher ups wished to keep a close eye on him. He wasn't entirely sure whether to be flattered or not. In the end, he settled on indifference.
Either way, he sorely wished that a problem would surface requiring his specific skills. Eventually they would give him a mission just to keep him from getting restless, Sephiroth knew, but it wouldn't be enough. One of these days he was just going to up and walk out on them. He'd just call it an extended vacation. At least for now he had Zack around for entertainment.
"Hey, Mr. General Guy!"
…speak of the devil…
ENDCHAPTERFIFTEEN
Well, what do you think? Kind of short, I know. By the way, in case you haven't been keeping track, Cloud is fourteen (almost fifteen) at this point in the story. Ha! Bet you though that he'd meet Sephiroth when he was in Midgar, didn't you? Sorry to disappoint, but it's too early. That encounter won't take place for a couple chapters, over the course of which a few years will elapse (once again). Then of course I'll be able to get into the real story and I won't have to skip entire years anymore. Sorry this took so long! I hope this chapter was enjoyable!
Thanks to:
MajinBakaHentaigarnettvii, Kina-chan, dimonyo-anghel, Toki Mirage, firedraygon, dogcollar, Catalina Tavington, LoversPastForgotten, kikira-san, Centrau guardian, Kaoru, Shiri Matakami, Elf Fanatic Lark, RuByMoOn17, Kitsuri-chan, Bob the Almighty, Falling Right Side-up, Michiyo, rurouniturtle, Yami Arow, Cendrillo, Koril Dragonic, SarsMortis, Chocola, Molly-Chan the AnimeGame Fan, BlissfulIgnorence, Emily, Nicole, KiokuYume, HolyMistress, Vincent-Strife65, Unseen Watcher, Akegata, AE5Runner, Heima, fans4fun
For reviewing. I appreciate all the support. Not only have I gotten past my block, but I finally fixed my computer by wiping it clean completely and reinstalling all the programs. I appreciate your patience.