"Not yet sir. The supplies were due to arrive three hours ago."
For three days, the presence of the red-cloaked man graced the soldiers in the outpost. Vincent came to oversee this project of Reeve and his general officers. Well actually, it was a project of the general officers. Seeing nothing much to do, he decided to stay for a bit and probably even train the soldiers in marksmanship. Seventeen men have already learned much during the course of Vincent's stay and their skills greatly improved.
More and more soldiers turned to Vincent for assistance in having much better accuracy. And soon enough, the ex-Turk bacame the talk of the town. He was already a respected leader and a role model for some younger soldiers. And to think that it would be difficult for him to mend together his broken past and move on.
He dwelt on the past for too long, blinding his eyes towards the future.
Now, he needed to focus on the present. Gunshots crackle inside the firing range, reverberating around the concrete buildings. Some of the occupants did not complain about the noise for they knew far too well that this would benefit them for their safety. They however, are baffled as to why the firing range must be erected near their peaceful dwelling place. For Vincent, his ears readjusted themselves to hear the sounds as a normal traveller would. Years of hearing gunshots for almost everyday became uncommon for his ears and he too began to wonder. 'These people have a point though.'
He entered the tent. A rack of practice rifles was neatly hung on a wooden plank to his right. Twelve aisles were arranged parallel to each other to his left. Four of the soldiers he trained yesterday were there, practicing. Seven more recruits lined up the rest of the aisles, firing away to their hearts' content. Vincent walked further inside and stood back, watching the men. There were many different wooden targets, the shape of the upper half of a human, placed on the two hundred-yard grass. 'Sitting ducks' he thought.
Instead of killing his time on doing nothing, he retrieved a rifle from the rack. He then went to the table and picked up two magazines. He went over to the last, empty aisle and set the rifle to semi-auto. He loaded one magazine and switched the safety off. He took aim and fired at the eight targets closest to him. Eight targets, eight shots, eight headshots. It was far too easy for the skilled marksman.
He focused his attention next on three targets which were at the farthest end of the field. He did not need to calculate anything. First, he estimated the distance of each target, then he estimated the wind speed and direction. After that, he adjusted his aim accordingly. He fired, hitting the first target on the chest. He did the same for the second target and the bullet went a bit higher than the first. The last shot hit the third target's head.
For a man with his skill, even a pistol can turn into a deadly sniper rifle in his hands.
Vincent heard a familiar beeping melody coming from his pocket. He switched the safety on then unloaded the magazine from the rifle. He neatly placed the rifle and mag on the table in front of him and stepped out of the aisle. He fumbled in his pocket for his PHS and answered it. "Hello?" he greeted blankly.
The voice on the other line responded but due to the noise the gunshots were making, Vincent was not able to hear it. He left the firing range to escape the unnecessary noise interrupting his call. He spoke again into the receiver, "Hello?"
"Been in the firing range now, did we?" a man's voice greeted from the other line.
A faint smile crossed his lips, "Hello Reeve."
The man chuckled, "Ah Vincent, I knew it. Anyway, I believe that we have a shipment of munitions en route to Raven. Have you received word of its arrival?"
"Yes, I am aware of the shipment however, I have received no report regarding its present location."
"Okay. Just hours ago, I lost contact with the convoy and I do not know what happened to it."
"It's normal. The weather conditions in the area they are travelling is a big hindrance to communications. Probably, they were just delayed by minor difficulties."
The line was silent for a while before Reeve started to speak. "Alright, you take care of yourself. Contact me when they arrive. Good day."
"Good day to you too." with that, he shut the phone, placed it in his pocket, and re-entered the firing range.
A slight breeze greeted the ex-Turk, grabbing on to his red cape as it passed through. The cape was so light that it flutters even at the slightest of breezes yet it is hard enough to withstand bullets. He returned to his aisle only to find it occupied. A young man, roughly around sixteen years of age, with blonde hair and blue eyes, and wearing Avalanche military lower fats was practicing his aim. The red-cloaked man peered over to the boy and found the rifle he used to be untouched. He then watched intently as the boy reloaded then fired at the targets which were hidden behind obstacles.
The marksman watched as all of the shots missed, yet it didn't discourage the boy. The boy kept on firing, hoping to improve his missed shots. Vincent smiled and remembered the story of a once sixteen year old boy who joined SOLDIER to prove his worth and protect those he loved... and to protect a certain fifteen year old girl whom he cared deeply for.
Vincent approached the young man. Without saying a word, he helped the boy in holding the rifle properly. After the boy was settled with the unfamiliar feel of the rifle's new position, Vincent began to patiently tutor the young man.
A few moments had passed before the boy got the hang of it. Eventually, his accuracy had improved. The boy thanked his mentor before practicing some more. Vincent gave the boy a light pat on his back, satisfied with what he's done. He left the range and began to walk to the supply warehouse. It was a short walk, probably five minutes away from the firing range.
Dusk was arriving soon and the activity of soldiers and jeeps around the outpost slightly diminished. He walked alongside the long, high-security fence and watched the view beyond it. It was a marvelous expanse of nothingness. He watched as the sun gleamed brightly into his eyes, low enough to touch the tallest building in the outpost. He shifted his gaze on the path he is traversing, catching a glimpse of two military policemen halting a SUV containing atraveller and his family who were seeking refuge in the outpost.
Vincent continued to walk in silence, hearing the engine of the SUV and the sound of rubber crushing small rocks on the asphaulted road as it made its way towards the lodging area.
Finally, he arrived at the supply warehouse. Four soldiers were there, doing an inventory check. He attracted the attention of one of the guards and asked, "Still no word?"
The guard simply shook his head and looked down at the ground, "They should've been here hours ago sir. We fear the worst."
Vincent frowned, "It is quite unusual, a trip from Kalm to here would usually take four hours."
"And this is way too long to be a delay sir," the man replied.
Vincent turned and left. He knew what to do.
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"Tifa, when is Denzel coming?"
Tifa was washing some of the dishes she and Marlene used when they ate lunch. She barely noticed the presence of the young girl.
"Tifa?"
"Oh, sorry Marlene, um, what were you asking again?" she stopped and looked at the child.
"I was just wondering when Denzel is coming. Tifa do you know?"
Tifa looked at the child's eyes. It sparkled with anxiety and joy, "I just spoke with his grandfather. He said that they will be coming in an hour."
Marlene sighed.
"Can't wait?"
The little girl nodded. Denzel has been with his grandfather for over a month already and she missed him. They all missed him and she knew that Denzel missed them just as much. They were already his family.
"He'll come soon, just be patient for a little while longer, okay?" Tifa knew that it was utterly impossible to ask for 'patience' from a child of Marlene's age since their little bodies are full of unused energy.
"Okay," Marlene murmured then left the room with heavy footsteps.
Tifa smiled and returned to her work. The feel of running water on her skin soothed her tensed muscles, making her hands feel fresh. After cleaning up the area and washing her hands, she lightly brushed them against each other. She smiled as she remembered how Cloud loved her hands. She would catch him looking at them or trying to touch them. Secretly, she would allow him to do so. Cloud never knew of this.
Yet again, heavy footsteps could be heard approaching her, "Teefaaaa, what time is Denzel comeeeeng?"
"Sooooon, sweetiee." Tifa replied, mimicking the girl's voice.
"But they're taking so looong!" she whined.
"I told you Marlene that he'll arrive in about an hour. Only fifteen minutes have passed."
Time slows down if you are not enjoying. For Marlene, her enjoyment is to see and play with Denzel again. She figured that Tifa can do nothing more so she left the room with a sigh and with heavy footsteps- again.
Tifa smiled inwardly and took a seat on one of the chairs. She wondered if she too was as impatient as Marlene whenever Cloud is gone. She blushed when she thought of herself acting almost the same way. She hoped that it wasn't true for if it was, she would've been making a fool of herself. 'Well, friends know you more than you do...' she blushed even more as she remembered that Cloud is her friend. As a matter of fact, a childhood friend.
Time slowed down for Tifa as well. Her enjoyment was to be with her Cloud...
She stood up and left the kitchen. He peripheral vision caught a glimpse of a small figure sitting on the stairs, staring at the window.
She felt the figure look at her and she immediately spoke before the figure could utter a word, "Denzel will arrive shortly Marlene, just wait for a while longer okay?"
"But you already said that ages ago!"
"No I didn't!" she smiled, turning towards the figure and placing her hands on her hips. "I said that seven minutes ago."
"No, it was ages and ages ago! I've been waiting and waiting and waiting for years!"
"And I've been waiting and waiting and waiting for an hour!" she smiled.
Marlene poked her tongue at her. "Beh!"
Tifa did the same to Marlene, rolling her eyes.
The little girl found it amusing and giggled, "Do that again!"
The older woman crouched in front of the little girl and did it again.
"That wasn't as funny as earlier Tifa." the girl snorted, trying desperately to contain her laughter.
"Oh yeah?" Tifa made another face. Marlene broke and burst out laughing.
She then attempted to copy the face Tifa made. She instead, made a much funnier face. Both girls laughed.
"Here's... something... funnier.." Tifa spoke in between laughs. She then positioned her fingers on her face but had to stop when a short laugh escaped her lips. After that, she proceded to do the 'ultimate' face.
Marlene laughed hard. Tifa looked like a puppy with a sagging face. "That... was so... was so... fun..ny! Teach... teach me... to do that!"
The opening and closing of the door interrupted their enjoyment. They instantly stopped, looking at the man standing beside the doorway. He was somewhat shocked, with one raised eyebrow. He was gaping at the two.
Tifa blushed furiously when she realized that she was caught wearing 'The Face' and she immediately looked away.
The child perked up a little and ran towards the man, "Cloud!"
"Hey, Marlene, hey Tif," he spoke monotonously, catching the child in his arms.
"You should have seen Tifa, Cloud!" she giggled, "She was funny! Especially with all those cool faces she made! You should've seen them!"
"Marlene!" came a squeal from the stairs.
Cloud slowly smiled at the little girl, "Yeah, so I've known..." he then released her. "Let me show you something..." Cloud joined in, and made a face of his own.
The child giggled, "Nah, Tifa's are much funnier."
The shadows covering Tifa's face masked her blush from Cloud. She chuckled at the face the blonde made. It was one of those rare Cloud moments.
Marlene pulled Cloud towards Tifa, asking her to show Cloud those faces again. Tifa of course, replied with no's.
Before Marlene could protest, the door opened and closed again, inviting two people into the bar. "Denzel!" the child dropped everything and ran towards the newcomers, hugging a small boy.
Denzel grinned. He was overjoyed to see his Seventh Heaven family again.
Cloud and Tifa stood up straight and greeted Denzel's grandfather. The old man greeted them back. He let Denzel stay in Seventh Heaven for a couple of days and be with the people in here. Cloud came over and picked up Denzel's bags and excusing himself, he brought them to the children's room.
Tifa invited Denzel's grandfather to stay at least for dinner.
He accepted after his grandson forced him to stay.
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Vincent walked through the desert. Somehow, he sensed a disturbance somewhere out there, beyond the horizon.
He travelled for more than thirty minutes on foot yet fatigue, hunger and thirst have not yet begun their assault. After a long and uneventful walk, Vincent found a large boulder sitting on the middle of the land. It could serve as a good vantage point to hopefully scan for the missing men and supplies. It took him only three minutes to get to the boulder yet for him, it seemed like an eternity.
He climbed the boulder with no difficulty, searching for its tallest point. He stood there, looking around, observing. It was then that he noticed that the sky had a reddish-orange tint and half of the sun is peeking over the horizon.
He needed to seek refuge fast; deserts have a nasty habit of turning dangerously cold at night. Due to the slowly enveloping darkness, Vincent saw nothing that would help him in his search. He will wait until morning comes before he resumes.
For now, he must find a place to stay for the night. He dropped down from the boulder and was fortunate enough to find a hole on it, large enough for a human to crawl through. It was surprisingly cozy inside and it was barely illuminated. Vincent leaned on the round wall and covered himself with his cloak. If the men were still alive, they would have adequate equipment to keep themselves warm.
He kept watch for a few minutes and when he decided that it was safe, he closed his eyes and drifted to sleep.
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In the warmth of the dining table, five people ate, enjoying each others' company as well as the food. Roast chicken was usually not on the daily menu but since it was a special dinner with a special guest, it wouldn't hurt to have a special meal as well.
Everyone didn't speak much for they enjoyed the good food.
The eldest among the five spoke, "I really appreciate everything you've done for Denzel."
The woman replied, "It's no problem, Denzel is a strong boy. It's hard to believe everything he's gone through though. For a boy his age, they usually would have lifelong traumas after everything that has happened."
The blonde haired man added, "Me neither," putting a piece of the chicken and some mashed potatoes in his mouth.
The old man looked at the two children. They were starting to play with their food. The little boy had a grin on his face for all the compliments he's received.
"Hey you two, stop playing with your food!"
"But Tifa, we won't waste a single tiny piece. It's really good! Denzel loves it too, isn't that right?"
"Yes Tifa. It's good so, so you shouldn't worry about us wasting it."
Tifa sighed, 'These kids are cajoling me...'
A hand was gently placed on her shoulder, "Don't worry Tif. The food is really good."
"Yes, Ms. Lockheart. This is quite exceptional cooking. I've never tasted chicken this good since... well, since..." the old man's face fell, "since my wife passed away..."
The table fell silent. Only the tiny giggles of the two children could be heard.
"Oh, I'm terribly sorry, I wish I knew..." Tifa sympathized.
Cloud also apologized softly.
The man smiled again, "Ah, nothing to be sorry about, folks. In fact, I should be thanking you, Ms. Lockheart. Because of you, I know that my wife is around here, with us. And she made herself known by helping you in your cooking."
Tifa flushed and was slightly uneasy. Having a ghost beside you as you were all alone cooking is pretty unnerving. She changed the topic, "Well, I'm just glad that Denzel has found a surviving relative. He doesn't have to feel lonely anymore."
Marlene spoke, "Hey! How about me? I've been with Denzel all this time, helping him." she frowned.
Tifa smiled, "Yes, you've been a great help to Denzel too. And don't talk with your mouth full! It's unethical."
"What's unethical?"
"Rude."
"Rude's unethical?"
"Well, the term rude is unethical but not Rude, as in Rude, the guy with the shades." Tifa made two circles with her thumb and forefingers and put them over her eyes, trying to make them look like some sort of spectacles.
"Oh... So is Rude rude?"
"I honestly don't know sweetiee."
"Okay."
The old man chuckled, "You'd make a good mother, Ms. Lockheart."
"Yes, Tifa is like a mom to Marlene and myself grandpa."
"Thank you Denzel."
"The four of you make a good family." The old man spoke. He turned to Cloud, "Mr. Strife,"
Cloud looked up into the eyes of the aged man.
"keep your family together. You will have no one but each other to hold on to and love. Being the patriarch of the household, keep them safe and take very good care of them. Never let it fall apart. Protect them."
"I will... I promise..."
Tifa put up a sweet smile, 'Finally, he's really made peace with his past...'
Everyone was satisfied with their supper and they continued to chat away. Only when the two children yawned did they decide that it was late.
Once again, they forced the old man to spend the night with them. Even Denzel's plea to let his grandfather stay for the night was met with rejection.
With one last attempt, Cloud spoke, "Sir, it is way too late in the night. At this time of the hour, there are numerous unknown dangers out there. Denzel needs you. He has lost a lot of people in his life already and he does not want to lose the only biological relative he has left. Please.."
After pondering for a moment, he finally smiled and agreed, "Oh, alright. But do not make breakfast for me tomorrow. I've asked too much from you already."
"Well, that's what family is for right?"
The old man nodded.
"You may use my room for the night." Cloud then escorted the man into his bedroom and allowed him to lie on his bed. "I'll just sleep downstairs so don't worry about me." and with that, he left, shutting the door gently behind him.
Cloud lazily descended the stairs. Tifa had bought a comfy sofa and he planned to sleep there. He stopped when a figure suddenly blocked his path.
"Cloud! What are you doing down here? I thought you were sleeping!" the soft voice spoke.
"You know, I was about to ask you the same thing."
"I was cleaning the dining table, if you wanna know."
"I made gramps use my room for the time being so I'm going to sleep on the sofa you bought."
"Oh..." Tifa approached him, "I've missed you so much Cloud," she whispered. "I'm glad that you're back."
Cloud smiled and accompanied her to check on the children. After being satisfied that the two were already asleep, Cloud brought the yawning Tifa into her bedroom.
Tifa sat on the edge of her bed and motioned for Cloud to come over. "Cloud, how long are you going to stay here with us?"
"It depends... I hope I could stay for a long time. It really depends on the job orders." Cloud examined her, "You're way too exhausted Tif."
"Been stressed lately."
Cloud sighed. He wanted to do something to relieve her stress. A thought crossed his mind but he was unsure as to how Tifa would react. Right now, he didn't care. All he wanted was to make his bestfriend feel better. 'Here goes nothing.' he sat beside her, turned her back to him and began to give her a massage. "I'm sorry, hope this would help though."
Tifa didn't reply. Her relaxed breathing and soft moans told Cloud that he was doing a good job.
After his work, Cloud examined the face of his childhood friend. It showed more signs of relaxation. He tucked Tifa into the bed, "There, hope that will give you a good sleep."
Tifa smiled. She hoped that Cloud will always be with her like this.
Cloud leaned in to plant a kiss on her forehead but much to his dismay, Tifa tilted her head upwards. Cloud stopped in mid-air, their faces close to each other. "What's wrong?"
Tifa didn't say anything. She simply stared into Cloud's eyes.
"Tifa?" he stared back into her eyes. There is a look of longing in them.
What Tifa did next totally shocked Cloud. With lightning speed, she pecked him on the lips, covered her head with the blankets and turned her back to him, blushing madly.
Like a zombie, the wide-eyed Cloud stood slowly and started to walk out of the woman's room.
He was about to reach the door knob when a soft voice stopped him, "Cloud,"
He turned back at the young woman. She was still curled in a fetal position, her entire body and head were covered in the blanket.
From under the sheets, her voice found its way out, "Stay with me..."
He turned back to the door, his eyes on the doorknob. He heard the ruffling of the bed sheet behind him and sensed the girl sitting up, looking in his direction.
"Please... I.. Don't want to be alone... Cloud..."
Cloud closed his eyes. After a while, he opened the door, "I'll be right back." he then stepped outside and gently shut the door behind him.
Tifa smiled, anxiously waiting for the door to open.
She waited and waited and waited, but the door did not open. The smile started to fade from her face.
Just when she has given up hope, the door slowly swung open. She grinned in excitement. Cloud did come back but this time, he was carrying a pillow, a blanket, and a sleeping bag.
"Sorry, to keep you waiting; I couldn't find my sleeping bag."
"It's alright."
Cloud then walked over to the side of her bed and set up his makeshift bed on the floor. Once he's settled down, Tifa frowned. She hoped that Cloud would stay beside her in bed rather than have difficulty sleeping on the floor.
"Cloud," she spoke.
"Yes Tif?"
Tifa opened her mouth but nothing came out. She wanted Cloud to sleep beside her but she felt apprehensive. Cloud might leave her if she asked. "Goodnight and sweetdreams."
The blonde looked back at her, and smiled. "Goodnight and sweetdreams to you too."
Tifa sighed, she had to be contented. At least Cloud was with her. She closed her eyes and began to drift into one of the best sleep she's had in a long time.
Suddenly, her roommate woke her up, "Don't let the bed bugs bite!"
"Huh?"
"Well Tif, you're so sweet and all, so, there's no question that bed bugs may find you to be a tasty treat."
Tifa grew slightly mad that her inconsiderate roommate would wake her for nothing. She immediately grabbed a pillow beside her and tossed it with force towards the man lying on the floor. She did not bother to look as the pillow hit the poor man with crushing force.
"Augh!"
That was all she needed to hear. She smirked and closed her eyes.
"Thanks for the pillow Tif.. Smells good too..."
"Shut up and go to sleep Cloud." She smiled, gently touching her lips.
This time, she finally drifted into the best sleep she's had in a long time.
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A/N Characters seem OOC to me though, I apologize for that. Anyway, please read and review. That's all I ask in return. Hehehe. Enjoy.
Oh and I did not give Denzel's grandpa a name. IF just in case, in future FF7 stuff by Square, Denzel really has a grandpa, then there is a big chance that the name I'll give is totally different from the name Square will give. I'm just trying to be on the safe side. There you go, so please R and R.