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Eyes opened slowly. A blurry vision of whiteness came into view. This encompassing white shroud grew brighter and brighter as the eyes fought to ward off the heaviness.
They lost the battle and the eyelids shut however, the consciousness remained present. Soon enough, the eyes struggled once again and won. There were some traces of heaviness in them but they were easily ignored.
A continous beeping sound greeted the ear as its nerves began to function. Soon, the ear adapted to its continuous pestering.
Then the hands began complaining about an unfamiliar weight on them. In response, they were given the energy of movement. They found themselves resisted by a strange apparatus that seemed to have penetrated their skin.
The head turned to one side. A green tag on the wrist of one hand caught the eyes' attention. On the tag, a barely legible handwriting printed these characters in it: "Patient no. 668143-R"
Two figures staring out a window caught their attention.
The mouth soon had its taste of conscious movement. "Marlene? Denzel?"
The two figures turned and made eye contact. In unison, they exclaimed, "Tifa!" followed by loud thumping and a torrent of hugs.
The brunette couldn't help but smile as the two creatures snuggled in her arms. "Hey you two, how have you been?"
"We're alright, now that you're awake!" replied the little boy.
Marlene hopped on the bed and spoke, "Guess what?"
"What?"
"Papa came and visited us."
"Oh really? Barret came?"
"Mm-hmm."
"He went out though," Denzel spoke. "He said he'll be back in a short while."
"Where's Cloud?"
"He left to take a job for Reeve." the boy answered.
"But he appointed us as your personal bodyguards while he was away!" Marlene added, "So, it's our turn to protect you." then she mimicked one of those punches she saw Tifa do to a drunk guy trying to hit on her.
Tifa chuckled in amusement despite the incorrect form, "Yes, I'm sure you will."
"Oh, we almost forgot, Vincent's here." the little girl pointed at a red-cloaked man slumbering on the corner of the room. His cloak was intended to wrap around him but it now began to slide off his body, partly exposing his golden claw. He continued to sleep in that little corner.
"He brought these," Denzel went over to the desk and retrieved seven get well soon letters and handed them to Tifa.
She opened one with a picture of the tropics in front and read it. She knew by then that the letter came from Yuffie.
"Anyway, what happened to me?"
Neither of the two answered her.
Tifa understood, "It's alright, you don't need to." She continued browsing through the numerous get well soon cards. A small card caught her attention, one which was made out of paper. She opened it and a stick figure drawing of four people greeted her. There were three children in the drawing and one adult woman with long hair.
The woman held a wine glass and a bottle of wine. She stood beside two of the three children. The two children held each others' hands. One of them was male with somewhat unruly hair, while the other was female and had a red ribbon on her head.
The third child was male and rode a stick figure-like motorcycle. He had spiky blonde hair on his head. Tifa chuckled at the drawing of this familiar-looking guy. What made him look like a child was the way he was proportioned while on the motorcycle.
Behind them, a large house with the sign, "Seventh Heaven" stood. The house was oddly a little bigger than the drawing of the woman with the wine glass and the wine bottle.
Below the drawing, words were scribbled, "Get well soon and come home with us. We love you. by: Marlene and Denzel." Tifa can't blame them for the incorrect proportioning of Cloud and the house but the picture touched her heart. She hugged the two kids watching her.
"I love you guys too." Tifa spoke.
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At the other side of town, a figure slammed a door open. This man ran upstairs to the different rooms of this empty home. He entered the first room he could enter: His room.
The man grabbed a large travel bag and started stuffing clothes in it. Then he began stuffing the essentials he might need as soon as the ordeal starts. In his mind, one thing remained: the survival of his family.
After he was done, he carried the travel bag outside the room. He then entered the next room. This room had a more childish feel to it. This was proven true due to the two occupants staying in this room.
The man grabbed for another travel bag and began stuffing it with clothing. Luckily the clothes were small in size and there weren't much since the occupants were being trained not to be spoiled. He was surprised when he found out that all their clothes fit inside the bag. Now there was enough room to add any miscellaneous objects they might need or want.
Since he had not enough time to think about it, he placed the most important and favorite things of the room occupants. He then closed the bag and carried it outside.
The man took a moment to peek outside the window. Army trucks passed through the main roads, carrying fully equipped troops. Some soldiers began shouting out to the civilians to evacuate. Time was much too short.
He went to the last room in the house. Violating any moral values, he entered the room. This room had a very familiar feminine feel to it. The man hesitated for a moment before continuing his resolve. He opened the different closets and drawers and produced another travel bag from one of them. On the closet, he picked out the most decent clothes he can find and jammed them all in the bag.
He browsed the room and threw all that he think are essential in the bag. He found it extremely difficult to put the right stuff in since he could not tell between what this woman really likes and really needs. The easiest thing he did was put what he thinks she needs and zipped the bag shut.
He browsed around the small home and grabbed whatever they might need. Packs of food, water, toothbrushes, toothpastes, towels, PHS, etc.
The man carried the bags outside and loaded them at the back of his bike. As he placed them neatly in the compartment, more and more army trucks passed. The civilians however, were completely oblivious to what's happening around them and merely watched the parade of troops.
The man however, knew all too well what is going on. He had seen it with his own two eyes while on his job.
As soon as he mounted his bike, a deafening alarm rang throughout the city. He started the engine and sped towards the hospital.
As he rode, he could see people running to their homes. Loud speakers announced a startling statement in the city, "All citizens of Edge. You are requested to calmly take whatever essential needs you have and evacuate the city. This is not a drill. I repeat, all are requested to remain calm and evacuate the city carrying all your essential needs. Please be calm, the national guards are here to assist you."
As soon as he reached the hospital, he jumped off the bike, letting it fall on its side and ran towards the lobby. There was an increase in activity of field medics in the hospital and he could see through a glass door, hundreds of ambulances waiting.
Patients were brought to these ambulances and accompanied by nurses and staff, the ambulances sped off one by one. Some friends and family even accompanied these ambulances.
"All civilians are requested to evacuate the city as soon as possible. Relief centers are being set up in Kalm and await your arrival." the loud speakers announced again.
As he ran towards the elevator, he almost bumped into a nurse. There was no time for them to apologize to each other and they continued running towards their destinations.
The man entered the elevator and immediately pressed the button with the number 3 on it. Though it was a short ride, the sloth-like movement of the elevator and the slow opening and closing of the doors irritated him. What irritated him more was when the elevator stopped on the second floor to allow passengers to enter it.
Most of the people around him in the cramped vehicle were nurses and medical technicians carrying mobile beds. They were going to evacuate patients on the upper levels.
Finally, the door opened at the third floor. The man sprinted towards room 326, avoiding hits from those who were running around as well. Soon enough, he arrived at room 326. Without knocking, he opened the door.
Then, he stopped.
On the bed, three people lay. All three of them were sleeping soundly.
"What the 'ell is goin' on?" someone growled. The sounds of heavy feet began to thud towards him.
The man looked at the fourth person in the room, "Barret!"
"'ey there spike! Good 'ta see 'ya!"
"Listen Barret, there's no time for pleasantries and whatnots." Cloud panted. "Shinra has somehow gained its might. One whole regiment is heading this way!"
"What did ye' jus' say!"
"Shinra's at it again, much stronger than before. We need to evacuate the city; They're going to take it!"
"Dammit! So, Shinra's at it again eh?"
"Yeah. We need to leave... Now."
As if in a battle, Cloud had the large man's full cooperation. "Hold on, lemme call someone. We can't jus' get Tifa out like this." with that, Barret left the room.
Cloud walked towards the three sleeping people. He could see Denzel and Marlene had snuggled on either side of Tifa. He was a bit apprehensive of this action since Marlene's hand was dangerously near the dextrose wire on Tifa's hand.
But, he couldn't blame them- They love each other.
Cloud saw the figurine he left behind on Tifa's tummy. Apparently, it fell off her hand during the sleep. Well at least, he now knows that Tifa had woken up earlier. Cloud picked up the figurine.
As much as he hated to ruin the moment, he had to save them. He laid a hand on Denzel's shoulder and gently shook him, "Wake up Denzel."
The little boy stirred and opened his eyes. "Wha- oh, you're back!"
"There's no time. Wake up Tifa and Marlene. We need to go." Cloud took the handful of get well soon cards and placed it in his pocket. Then he began opening the different drawers and closets to inspect anything that could be left behind.
"Cloud, what's wrong?" the boy asked.
The blonde did not answer. He opened one closet and saw the clothes Tifa wore during their date. Since it was pretty decent clothing and it may be used, he pulled them off the hangers. He brushed off some of the dirt before putting them in a plastic bag. He didn't even bother to fold them.
By now, the two children were awake. Cloud stopped for a moment and watched as the commotion woke Tifa up. The blonde was overjoyed to see her move. The panic completely escaped him and his worries suddenly disappeared as soon as the woman smiled at him.
But soon, the smile faded and turned to concern, "What's wrong? Tifa asked,"
"Shinra's back." was all he said. "We're leaving towards Kalm."
Tifa's face turned from concern to shock.
"A'ryt," a voice growled, "We've got someone to bring her."
Cloud nodded.
A male nurse with a mobile hospital bed entered. Cloud handed the plastic bag to Denzel and went over beside the bed. Together, he and Barret lifted the sick woman from her bed and transfered her to the mobile bed. The nurse switched off and disconnected the heart monitor and transfered the dextrose to the mobile bed.
Cloud accompanied Tifa and the nurse towards the elevator while Barret and the two quiet children trailed closely behind. As they rode the elevator, Cloud took the moment to speak to Barret, "Did you bring a car?"
"Yeah, a small van."
"I'm going to put our bags in your van. They contain our clothes and all other essential needs. Denzel has a grandfather living in Kalm. Bring them there."
"How 'bout ya?" Barret asked.
The elevator door suddenly opened, exposing them to the confusion on the lobby. Barret gave Cloud the keys to his van. The blonde ran outside to his bike to transfer the travel bags.
Barret and the two kids accompanied Tifa to an ambulance waiting outside. The number of these vehicles reduced drastically but they were fortunate enough to receive one.
As the medical personnel began preparing the ambulance to load the mobile bed, Cloud arrived.
"Thanks," he spoke, and handed over the keys to Barret.
The blonde knelt beside Tifa, "Hey Tif,"
"Hey, she spoke softly. I'm alright now, Cloud. Don't worry."
The blonde forced a smile. "You sure?"
Tifa chuckled and flashed him a sweet smile.
"I've been waiting for that."
"And I'm still waiting for yours."
"As long as you'll take care of yourself and be okay." then, he smiled.
The smile faded from the young woman's face, "What do you mean?"
"I mean what I say. You guys be careful now, okay?"
Tifa's heart began to pump faster in anxiety and worry, "Cloud, you're coming with us right?"
Cloud leaned closer and held out a small object. He placed it in the woman's hand and closed it. "I am not going to break this. Keep it for me." before he stood, he leaned forward and planted a kiss on her forehead.
"Barret, take care of them for me. I'll help hold Shinra off for as long as I can. Stay with them. They'll need you."
The big man nodded.
Marlene and Denzel gave Cloud a hug which the blonde responded to with a hug of his own and gentle pats on their heads. There were tears on Marlene's eyes while Denzel remained strong. The two did not protest; it was probably due to the shock of what was happening around them right now.
Cloud also heard no protests from Tifa. When he looked at her again, he saw her eyes were full of hurt and worry.
She was then loaded into the ambulance. After she was in the vehicle, Tifa met his gaze. "Don't worry, my clothes are in Barret's van." he said to her.
The young girl's lips twitched upwards before the doors closed.
"Promise us you'll come back okay?" a boy's voice spoke.
Cloud faced Denzel and nodded. "Tell you what," he spoke, "Since you two had done a great job of watching over Tifa, why don't you two guard and watch over my clothes so that when I come back, I'll have something to wear. Deal?"
Both kids looked up at him. Denzel smirked while Marlene tried to prevent her tears from falling but to no avail. "Yeah, you can count on us Cloud."
"Jus' make sure those clothes will still have someone to use 'em, a'ryt?" Barret interrupted. He held both kids and prepared to bring them to his van.
Cloud nodded. "Oh, one more thing," he pulled out the cards from his pocket and handed them, "These are Tifa's."
Barret took them and placed them in his pocket. "'Ya take care of yourself now, Cloud." he said, before he and the kids turned and walked to the front of the ambulance. The big man spoke to the ambulance driver, "Go ahead, we'll meet 'ya outside." before jogging towards the van.
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In the ambulance, Tifa opened her hand. Silver gleamed by the light in the ambulance. The figure of an armored man on an armored chocobo stood proudly.
The young woman wrapped her hand around the figurine and held it to her heart. Then, tears began to fall.
Sirens blazed as the vehicle began to move. Behind them, a black van followed closely.
The masses of cars intensified and smooth traffic flow bacame scarce. Even the highways were jam-packed with vehicles of all sorts of shapes and sizes.
They had a feeling that this is going to be a pretty long trip.
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Cloud arrived in the town square of Edge. There he saw an officer, possibly a Colonel, directing orders on a map to his lower ranking officers. As this process moved on Cloud shut the engine off his bike and pulled out his sword from its holder. He strapped it onto his back and approached the officers.
Being a senior member of Avalanche, the men respected him as such. The colonel saluted him while he returned the gesture. The other officers did likewise.
"What do we have?" Cloud asked.
"What we have here is an unexpected turn of plans. We've had reconnaisance this morning regarding the assault force and based on this, we had plotted that their course is heading towards Midgar. In response, we were able to mobilize our defense forces to defend Midgar. It was just this early afternoon when the Shinra army had suddenly redirected its assault to Edge."
"They are trying to draw out the heavy garrison in Midgar." Cloud analyzed. "Since Avalanche was given ample time to prepare for the attack, by now, our forces heavily garrison the city. An attack on Edge will commission some of the men in Midgar to defend it."
"Divide and conquer... Sadly, we are too late. Our forces are already deployed around the city."
"That's okay. Edge is an important city for Avalanche." Cloud commented. "Anyway, do you have a plan?"
"It's nothing much. The only way to the city," the colonel lectured, "is through this gap between building 10741 and 9700" he pointed different parts of the map. "We had placed trenches and metal barricades at the front of the gap, overlooking the plains. From there, we will whither them down."
THe colonel pointed at different encircled points on the map. "Here are our regrouping areas. Once it is clear that we can not hold the gap, we will organize a retreat to these locations, regroup, then position on various choke points here, here, and here. In these points, we will continue our assault."
"Can we contact Midgar and see if it can deploy covering troops around. If we can not hold Edge, we must retreat as soon as possible to Midgar. There, we restock and resupply before defending ourselves there."
"I'll see what I can do."
Cloud looked around him. There were no more civilians around; only soldiers and equipment. The blonde looked at the map and studied the layout of Avalanche's defenses of the city. He memorized the placement of the various machine gun teams to fall back to. "What are our assets?"
"Well, we have six hundred men. Of these, we have fifty mortarmen, thirty field medics, and twenty machine gun teams. The rest are regulars. We only have six tanks, three twenty millimeter light tanks and three AA tanks."
"The vehicles we have are not enough to hold of the attack."
"But still, we have to make do with what we have."
"Why not make more traps?"
"Exactly what kind of traps?"
"Mine the area, set up roadblocks and ambush them."
"Mines are out of the question; we have no supply of them. But we may consider other traps." the colonel smiled.
There were soldiers walking to their positions. Sandbags have been set up and barbed wires are being unloaded. In an hour, everyone was ready. Cloud hitched a ride on one of the trucks to the frontline- the bulk of the defenses.
When he arrived, an officer handed him an extra rifle and six clips. He jumped down the trench, and hunkered down beside the nervous soldiers. They waited and trembled.
Sandbags covered the front of the twenty millimeter-equipped light tanks to protect them from armor piercing rounds. Two machine gun teams set up their machine guns on the side of the trench. The trench in itself was ingenious. It was built in such a way that tanks would drop in and have a difficult time getting out.
Cloud laid a hand on the trembling soldier beside him. He was so young, probably in his late teens and it was his first time, an unexpected time, in a fight for their lives. "We'll be okay."
The soldier said nothing. He glanced at Cloud for a short while before returning his gaze on the expanse of land in front of him. The boy pushed his helmet even lower down his head, but his trembling and fear had somewhat lessened.
The defenses are ready, the men are prepared, and the enemy approaches.
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There you go. Please R and R!