Chapter Eight – Plan In Action

Denzel reached the floor with a soft thud; he used his hands to push himself back onto his feet before waving at Marlene in a gesture. The little girl was only able to stare wide eyed at the boy who was a few feet below, waving his arms furiously at her, signalling her to jump. The image of Denzel barely reaching the floor in one piece replayed in her mind and she was a little petrified of how she was to get down. If Denzel had struggled to safely reach the floor, what reassurance did she have that she would reach the floor with all her bodily parts intact?

"Marlene!" Denzel half called, but controlled the volume of his voice so that he wouldn't get caught by Tifa.

His eyes averted to face his partner and he spotted the uncertainty and terrified expression on her face. It was true that he had some difficulties getting down, but it was still early in the morning, and his brain was still in 'snooze' mode. Sighing, Denzel brought his hands out in front, palms up; his arms bent at the elbows, as if he was carrying a tray. Nodding his head at Marlene, a solemn expression was etched on his face.

"I'll catch you," he explained and waited for a response. When he got none, he glanced up at her. "You can close your eyes if you're scared." He added.

Marlene stared at Denzel with wide eyes in disbelief. If he was Cloud's size he would be able to catch her with no problems, but Denzel was barely half of Cloud's height and it made her feel worse as he kept persisting her to jump. When Denzel called her name again, Marlene shook her head in refusal but then regretted it when his arms fell limply to his sides.

"There's really no hope is there?" He said in a barely audible tone, as a frown overtook over his youthful features. "Tifa and Cloud are always going to be mad at each other." He finished as he sat down onto the damp grass.

Hearing his short statements, Marlene began to feel the frustration Denzel was experiencing. She turned away from the sight, her eyes locking onto the bedroom wall, spotting two old drawings of Cloud and Tifa. It was hanging on the wall, in plain view as she gave a soft sigh. Denzel had drawn the drawing of Cloud, and she had drawn the picture of Tifa almost a year ago, when they were together like a family. As a new rush of energy filled her veins, she hoisted herself up onto the chair, throwing her small backpack down as it barely missed Denzel's form. The fall of the backpack caught Denzel's attention as his eyes trailed back up at the bedroom window to discover Marlene sitting with her legs dangling over the window ledge. She appeared to be determined, as she stared at him.

"Don't drop me." She breathed as Denzel got to his feet, giving a nod of encouragement in which he saw Cloud use numerous times.

Taking a final deep breath, Marlene used her arms to push herself off the ledge as her eyes automatically clamped shut. One moment she was in midair, the next, she was sprawled on top of Denzel who was now half lying and half sitting on the grass. Releasing the pent up air within, Marlene grinned in relief that she was still in one piece. Just as Denzel had promised, he had caught her, but in a not so manly technique.

"Oww…" Denzel remarked under his breath, so that Marlene wouldn't hear his complaint. He waited for Marlene to get off of him.

Sitting up, she grabbed her bag which was filled with various snacks they had prepared the night before. "Let's go," Marlene informed to her partner, suddenly filled with courage after hearing Denzel's remark about Tifa and Cloud, and also being inspired with renewed hope after spotting the drawings she and Denzel drew.

Denzel could only gape at Marlene who was heading off without him. He had been the one to make the plan, but it appeared Marlene was the one who had a lot of faith in their plan. With that last thought, Denzel grinned as he trudged behind her.

"Keep walking straight." He directed, as he finally caught up with her. They were heading to their hideout for the day where it wasn't too far from home, but also close enough so that they were able to observe the events that would soon take place.

As the two children kept on hiking, they realised going back was no longer an option. And now that both of them were motivated and determined, it would take more than the world to make them go back. As Marlene took a quick glimpse at her pink wristwatch, she noted that time was on their side, as well as luck since they had encountered no distractions. Now that things were running at a much smoother pace, it meant that the 'family' would be whole again in no time.

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Tifa ascended the stairs, taking in a deep breath. She felt as if she shouldn't intrude, but knew that she had to do something to change the awkwardness between her and the children. After last night's dinner, and not seeing the children for the entire morning, she managed to summon enough courage to face them. Now as she tapped on the bedroom door lightly, she sighed softly before opening the door.

"Denzel? Marlene?" Tifa whispered as their beds came into view. When she saw that not a soul was occupying the room, she let out a little shriek of horror as her heart started racing. Studying the image of the wide open window, and then the missing backpack that usually rested on the chair that was now situated in front of the window, instincts took over.

It was right then and there, that she reacted on impulse, her legs taking her to Cloud's room, her hands outstretched for the telephone. She dialled the one and only number she knew off by heart, and waited for an answer.

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-Ring- -Ring-

Cloud dropped his sword as he reached into his pocket, retrieving his cell phone. Without scanning the name on the screen, he answered the call in one swift motion. Before words could escape his mouth, Tifa's familiar voice interrupted him, sounding very anxious and breathless at the same time.

"C-Cloud!" She sputtered in a panicked tone.

"Tifa?" Cloud puffed in puzzlement, holding his phone closer to his ear. He hadn't expected her to call, not after last night's events.

"Cloud, come home please." She stated shakily and paused to take in a breath, holding the receiver in a vice-like grip. It appeared forever before he heard her next sentence. "The children are gone…"

At those words, his senses left him for a few moments. It appeared things had gone from horrible to worse as he managed to regain his voice to speak.

"I'll be there…" He informed before hanging up and breaking into a run.

A/N: A bit of a bland chapter and I'm honestly sorry about it... This was supposed to be a longer chapter, but I decided to change it into two, otherwise it would have been a drag. I apologize for the delay, but God knows how many times I've rewritten this chapter. Hope you readers enjoyed it though (more emphasis on the kids since I love them!), and I promise the CloTi-ness will be back next chapter! Gomenesai! Keep safe people!

And I have to say thanks to Hipathya for some of this chapter! I just went into the forums and saw the picture you pointed out aboutthe drawings of Cloud and Tifa! I hadn't noticed it, and now that I have, I'm determined as ever for CloTi :D

And I mustn't forget to thank the readers and reviewers for the constant support! Arigato :D