No Forgiveness

By: Wildfire Sky

Hum…not as big of a response for the first chapter…but that's to be expected considering I'm not even known in the Games section. Oh well, at least I've gotten two reviews, means it's worth something to someone.

No Forgiveness

Chapter Two

Fenrir thundered across the desert ground outside of Midgar, kicking up a trail of dust from its overly enlarged tired. It carelessly bounded over the rough terrain, its sole occupant easily riding it as though they were on even ground. Cloud glanced at the carrying bag slung over one shoulder, wondering about the strange looking box inside. When he'd picked it up, an old man wearing glasses had answered the door, his body bent and gray eyes down cast, unable to make contact. Cloud had immediately had a strange feeling about him, especially when the old man spoke and he didn't recognize the voice as that from the phone call. But the package had been handed over without confrontation, the payment given in full for both the pick up and delivery. In all honesty, he could dump the package right now and claim it'd been stolen…but such dishonesty couldn't be found within his heart.

So now, here he was, on a weeklong venture to a place known for extreme danger and violence. It was a good thing he'd been trained so well.

Cloud had been tempted to ask who or what in the Outer Banks was so important that the old man was willing to throw away the safety of a complete stranger in order to have it delivered…but the man didn't look like he was willing to give up any information voluntarily. In fact, as soon as Cloud had been handed the package and payment, the door slammed closed and was locked from the inside, the overhead porch light snapping off in a signal for him to leave.

Overhead, the moonlight beamed down, illuminating the desert floor over which he drove. He would drive straight through, not stopping for anything. He could eat and drive at the same time; he'd done it before. Cloud revved the throttle, kicking the bike into a higher gear.

The tiny container bounced against his side, safe from the wind, dust, and bugs, drawing his thoughts back to the old man. For some reason, he seemed very familiar…like they'd met somewhere before. But where, or rather, when had it happened? He had a knack for remembering faces and places, so the realization that he couldn't place this one unnerved him.

Engulfed in his thoughts, Cloud's mind wandered from the road, and he never saw the old truck until he was mere feet from hitting it, its headlights engulfing him in its bright rays. They both swerved, the truck slamming on the brakes and skidding to one side, while Fenrir toppled on its side, depositing Cloud to the ground at top speed, the young man's body bouncing across the ground before they both came to a stop.

For a moment, there was no movement. Cloud lay on the ground shaking off the impact, the driver of the truck remaining inside. Finally, the truck door was kicked open and a large bearded man stepped forth, his muscles rippling as he slammed his door closed and approached the grounded Cloud. Slowly Cloud rolled over into a sitting position, wiping the dirt from his face and searching the ground for his riding goggles. Standing up, Cloud glanced at the towering man as he lumbered over, his face hard and angry. Trying to avoid a pending confrontation, Cloud hoisted Fenrir upright, casting the still approaching man a quick nod.

"Sorry about that."

The man snorted angrily. "Damn right you are, kid. What the hell is wrong with you, driving like that at night?"

Cloud frowned and turned away, checking his bike for damages. "I said I was sorry. No one was hurt, right? So let's just leave it at that."

The large bearded man cocked an eyebrow, curious at Cloud's calm state of mind. With a shake of his head, the man clamped a hand down on Cloud's shoulder, feeling the boy give a slight jerk. The blonde head snapped around, leveling a hard glare at him. Slightly fazed, the large man bent down and picked up Cloud's traveling pack. But when Cloud grabbed for it, he didn't relinquish his ownership immediately.

"Look kid, I don't know where you're going in such a hurry, but if you're not careful, you're liable to get someone killed." He leaned forward menacingly. "And I suggest you put off that cocky attitude of yours. Someone might not take it so lightly next time, got it?"

Cloud easily held the man's stare, holding out an impatient hand. "My pack, please?"

Eyes narrowing, the large man retreated a few steps, still holding the bag. Curious as to what the boy was carrying, he flipped open the top flap and began to reach inside, eyes never leaving Cloud's face. As he began to open the pack, a strange smell rose to his nostrils. Bending closer, he inhaled slowly and deeply, trying the place the odor. A powerful burst caused him to snort in agitation a burning, itching sensation washing over his sinuses.

Suddenly, he found himself on his back, the wind knocked out of him. The large man stared up at Cloud in shock, his chest heaving as he gulped in air. "What…the hell…kid?"

Cloud snatched up his traveling pack, striding back to his bike. "This isn't yours to snoop around in, sir." His step wavered slightly as the strange odor hit him as well, his eyes watering and nose burning. Shaking his head, Cloud tried to ward off the feeling to no avail.

"I don't think you should be carrying that around, kid." The man rolled up, his eyes wavering on the traveling pack and then moving up to Cloud's face. "It's not safe." Cloud frowned again before turning and straddling Fenrir, throwing the bike into gear. The man struggled to his feet, his hand outstretched in an attempt to stop him. "Wait a minute! You shouldn't…"

But Fenrir was already gone.

With a sigh, the man slumped back down, his body tired. "Son of a bitch…" he grumbled. Casting about a short glance, he came to his feet once more, slowly dragging his exhausted body back towards his truck. Leaning heavily against it, he wondered briefly at this sudden fatigue, quickly attributing it with the vicious punch delivered by the boy. Pulling open the truck door, he started the engine and laid back in the seat, closing his eyes for a brief reprieve. What the hell was wrong with him? He'd been in fights before, but none had left him feeling so worn out!

The man sucked in air, filling his lungs with precious oxygen. He opened his eyes and gave a short start, looking down at the dashboard. Everything was a blur…he could barely make out the brightly lit numbers and symbols. Blinking rapidly, the man brought up a hand to his eyes, trying to wipe away whatever was affecting his vision. But nothing seemed to work.

"Doctor…" he mumbled, his words coming out slow, "I need to see a doctor…"

Putting the truck into gear, he pulled away from the rocky outcroppings, slowing making his way towards the bright lights of Midgar. "No more drinkin' for me!" he joked to himself with a tiny laugh. Trying to squint through the haze, he silently hoped he'd be able to make it home safely.

The next morning, the 7th Heaven was shockingly full…something that rarely happened on a weekday. Recruiting the help of Denzel and a young female neighbor, Tifa struggled to make her way through the flood of loud, rambunctious men who filled the bar to near capacity. Balancing a tray of drinks on one hand, Tifa expertly scooped up a pile of gils and moved aside as Denzel quickly bused the table, picking up the glasses and wiping it down moments before another group of men sat down. Right behind him came her hired help, taking their orders and moving back to the bar to fill it. Placing down her drinks, Tifa smiled at the men as they thanked her.

"I guess there must be some sort of celebration today." She said, trying to strike up conversation. It may be a full house, but there was no reason for her to go around without some idea of why. "So what's going on? Birthday party…wedding…"

One of the men blinked at her. "Ain't you been listening, Tiff? It's all over town!"

Tifa raising an eyebrow. "No, what's happened?"

Another of the group spoke, his face disbelieving. "The Shin-ra Company…they're starting to hire men for hard labor jobs, you know, construction and stuff."

Tifa felt her blood go cold. Shin-ra…

"Yea, I hear that they're paying three hundred gil a week!" the other said, his face full of excitement. "A week! That would bring Midgar out of this hell of a depression, don't you think?"

"Worst one in over sixty years. Planet did it, ya know. Ruined everything, even our lives, am I right Tiff?"

But Tifa was lost in her own world. Moving away from them, she walked back to the bar deep in thought. The Shin-ra Company…Reno had said they were going to rebuild again, but she'd thought it was nothing more than a ploy to get Cloud to agree to become another hired gun. She'd hoped it wasn't true. So much evil had been associated with them…so much pain and heartache. In her mind, the resurrection of such terror should be hated, not embraced, by the people…and yet, here they were, hundreds cycling in and out of her bar, celebrating the revival of her misery.

What had gone wrong with the world?

The bell rang again, a familiar sound at this point, yet this time a round of cheers accompanied it. Glancing up from the bar counter, Tifa's gazed locked on to a familiar, beaming face as he moved through the crowd with a half-smile. Approaching the counter he sat down in front of Tifa, giving her a tight nod.

"Mornin' Tifa." He said, scratching at his dark beard, "The usual please."

Tifa set it on the counter, having already prepared it as soon as she saw him. "There you are, Barren. How's things today?"

The large man smirked, raising a hand to scratch at his eye. "Ah…could be better I suppose. Nearly ran some kid over last night and my eyes were really bothering me…could barely drive yesterday night." He lowered his hand with a tiny smirk. "But it's better now, see? Things are still a little fuzzy but, heh, whatever. You probably don't want to here about this anyways."

In all honesty, Tifa really didn't. She hadn't been listening at all, being too busy with the other customers and keeping an eye on Denzel as he darted from table to table. She'd specifically told Marlene to stay upstairs while business was so heavy, but there was always a slight chance the young girl would ignore her and come down anyways, simply looking for company. Company Tifa couldn't offer right now.

"Attention boys!" came a call from the center of the room. Everyone fell silent, turning towards the speaker who now stood on top of a chair, half full glass in hand. "I would like to recognize a very important person here today…a man whose 'wonderful' personality…" this got a few laughs, "…has given all of us the chance at a new life by taking on the Shin-ra Company and getting us all great new jobs. Here's to you Barren, the toughest bastard among us!"

There was another loud uproar of cheering as Barren stood to acknowledgement, raising his own glass to the whoops and yells of his companions. As he moved into the crowd, Tifa absently noted the slight sway in his step, not unlike a small limp. As he turned round to shake hands and toast with his friends, she saw that his eyes were taking on a red hue, specks of discharge forming at the corners of his eyes. She blinked. Had she made the drink too strong? Even if she had, a few sips should have had such a sudden affect on a man like Barren.

Tifa's hired girl was pushed into Barren's arms, a small, forced smile on her lips as she was pressed against him. The large man grinned as his hand slipped towards her bottom and gave a squeeze. The girl's smile dropped from her face and she sent a pleading look in Tifa's direction before she was engulfed by the laughing men surrounding her. Shaking her head, Tifa sighed. Leaving the poor girl out there with Barren was a bad idea…leaving her out there with a horde of drunken men as a worse idea. Desperate times called for quick thinking.

"All right guys!" she called out at the top of her lungs. "Let her go and drinks are on the house!"

Almost instantly, the young waitress found herself at the bar, nearly thrown over it as the men cheered wildly. Tifa glanced at the clock. Only four more hours of this…

"Tifa!" there was a gasp as Denzel literally popped out from between the legs of men, scurrying over to where his caretaker stood behind the safety of the counter. "Tifa, this is crazy!"

The young waitress nodded her agreement. "What's got them so excited, Tifa?"

Tifa shook her head again. "Apparently Shin-ra is rebuilding again and they've hired all of these men for hard labor."

"Really?" the young girl glanced at the crowd. "How much are the paying?"

"Three hundred gil a week."

The girl's eyes went wide. "Three hundred gil a week? My goodness…I'd be excited too!"

Denzel nodded his head rapidly, tossing his towel onto the back counter. "I'm going to sign up with Shin-ra, too, Tifa! See ya later!"

He barely got two steps before he was hauled back by the cuff of his shirt and deposited next to Tifa. "Not a chance, Denzel." She stated firmly, with a glare. "Why don't you go upstairs and keep Marlene company until we're finished?"

For a moment, it looked like the young orphan was going to protest, but another harsh glare in his direction cut off all arguments and he truffed his way back through the crowds and up the back stairs. Barren pushed back to the front of the bar, smiling oily at the young waitress and then turning to Tifa.

"Mind fixin' me another drink, Tiff? I don't know what you put in the last one, but damn was it powerful!"

Tifa furrowed her forehead. "Barren, I didn't do anything different from any other time."

"Aw, don't be so modest, sweetheart! You make a kick ass drink, that's why I come here all the time. That and your beautiful face."

"Don't you have a wife?"

"Please. You call that raging bitch a wife? I'd associate her more with the devil than anything else. Here, fix me up alright, kiddo?"

Tifa looked hard at him. Sweat was beginning to run down the sides of his face, his collar soaked in the fluid. His eyes were now a dark red, the discharge visibly growing in the corners of his eyes even as he wiped it away. His chest was heaving, the thick veins in his neck popping out and pulsating with his rapid heartbeat, and his face had become pale. Barren ran the back of his hand across his eyes again, sniffling.

"Jeeze it's hot in here, Tiff…might turning up the fans for me?"

The fans were already at full blast. Barren stood up from the bar, pulling at his collar. It may have been a trick of the light, but it looked as though a dark bruise was forming around Barren's neck, rapidly spreading before her eyes.

"Barren…" she started, coming around the bar, "Are you alright?"

The large man sent her a dazed look, his body swaying from side to side. "Tifa…don't know what wrong…head hurt bad…" his words were slurred, unintelligible, "Sit me down…drink need more." He stumbled again, this time backing into a table and knocking off the contents. The owners jumped up, turning an angry look on Barren.

"Hey!"

Suddenly, before Tifa could move, Barren pitched forward and threw up all over the floor. The people around him scampered back, staring as Barren hurled violently, his body shaking with every vicious heave. Tifa held a hand to her mouth and nose, the smell was powerful…even overwhelming. Instantly, the men in the bar rushed out in panic, leaving their drinks behind as they backpedaled outside. Barren continued to throw-up, his eyes and face tight with pain as red, frothed liquid came pouring from his mouth. He wasn't throwing up food or drink, Tifa realized in horror. He was throwing up blood…nothing but blood.

The pool was spreading around him as Barren collapsed to his hands and knees, blood starting to stream from the corners of his eyes, nose, and ears. Even as the flow of blood pouring from his mouth abated, Barren began to cough, sending small flecks of blood into the small pool before him. Tifa turned to the terrified looking helper. The girl was wringing her hands anxiously, her body held in a stance that signaled a wanting to bolt for the door.

"Quickly, go find a doctor." Tifa ordered, relived that her voice wasn't shaking as badly as she expected. "Barren needs medical attention, right now!"

The girl glanced at her and then at the kneeling Barren. "But…I don't know any…"

Tifa glared at her, grabbed her arm and nearly throwing her towards the door. "Go!"

As the girl scampered towards the exit, Tifa felt a hard tug on her pant's leg. Glancing down, she saw Barren's blood soaked hand wrapped in the material, pulling at it insistently. He lifted his head, his face laced with pain as he struggled to breath. "Please…help me…"

Tifa knelt down so she was eye level with Barren. "Don't worry, we're getting help Barren. Just hang on, alright?"

There was a noise behind her and Tifa turned, spotting Denzel and Marlene standing just inside the stairwell doorway. Marlene was cowering behind a shocked Denzel, her own face squished in confusion and disgust as she stared at the large Barren. Slowly, Marlene's brown eyes slid up to Tifa's face, seeking explanation.

"T-Tifa…"

Her name spurred Tifa into action. Sending a sharp look at Denzel she barked out: "Get her upstairs!"

Denzel's eyes snapped upright, staring at Tifa in brief confusion. He wasn't registering what she was saying…he was in shock.

"Denzel!" Tifa said again, her voice sharp in her attempt to break through to him, "Denzel, take Marlene upstairs and keep her there!"

Denzel flinched, his eyes wide. "But…Tifa…"

"Denzel, do not argue with me." She wanted to stand, but Barren's iron like grip kept her exactly where she was. His hands were clenching against her black clothing, leaving dark streaks against the leg and running down the front of her leg as his hand slid down. Tifa shivered, trying to adjust her leg away from him. Barren groaned again, crimson blood dripping from the corner of his mouth. He looked up at her, a tiny, pained smile crossing his features.

"S-Sorry about your floor…Tiff…"

And he passed out.

"Well, to say the least, he's lucky Tifa."

The old man pushed up his tiny, spherical glasses further up his nose, his small eyes darting back and forth as he turned towards where Tifa stood just inside the entrance of 7th Heaven, her arms crossed in front of her anxiously. Denzel, Marlene, and the young hired girl stood just behind her, watching as a group of medics picked up Barren's unconscious body onto a stretcher and lowered it into the back of the medical truck. The old man shook his head as the truck sped off towards the clinic.

"He's in a very sorry state." The doctor shook his head again. "Very very sorry…a few minutes longer and I dare say he wouldn't have made it." He smiled gently at Tifa's stressed expression. "Don't worry my dear. A few days under my care and he'll be right as new!"

Tifa released the breath she'd subconsciously been holding. "You're sure?"

The old doctor reached out, giving her arm a small pat. The man was a full six inches shorter than her, barely coming up to her chest. His wispy gray hair fluttering in the wind, as it wasn't kept back in its usual ponytail. Doctor Artese, who preferred not to be addressed by his title, but just his name, had assisted Tifa with the orphans whenever they became sick or injured. He was a saint to her, and to most of the children, seeing as he brought candy with him every time he paid a visit. Although Tifa usually didn't have enough money to pay him in full, he had a running tab at the 7th Heaven, so in the end, everything worked out for the both of them.

But right now, nothing seemed to be working in Tifa's favor. The ambulance long gone, Tifa moved back into the bar, Denzel and the others quickly scooting apart to let her through. Artese quickly followed, his short legs rapidly moving across the floor in what can only be described as short sprints (although he insisted he was walking) as he approached the countered and lifted his short body onto one of the stools. Tifa absent-mindedly took out a glass, preparing to pour his usual cold beer until he held up a hand.

"No no, my dear…not this time. I'll have water, if you will." Artese had a particular, proper way of speaking. Even when the children were misbehaving he remained calm and quiet, simply asking that she or Cloud assist in holding the children down while he administered whatever care was necessary. He was…something else…

Tifa placed the order on the counter, leaning against it and watching him. Something was always bothering Artese whenever he ordered water. The old man was an alcoholic through and through, but thankfully, he knew when to quit for a moment.

"Tifa…" he said, taking a sip, "There was something very…peculiar about Barren's case. I didn't want to discuss it outside, or in front of your children…"

Tifa glanced over to where Denzel and Marlene stood. At a nodded to the young girl, they were shuffled outside, out of hearing distance. Artese waited until the door was firmly shut behind the group before speaking again.

"There's something very wrong with mister Barren, Tifa." The old man sighed, closing his eyes. "And I fear its reappearance. For such a disastrous thing to reappear after so short awhile…the turn around was quicker than any professional scientist or doctor could ever predict. Worse, if it was evolved, the ramifications…"

"Wait a minute," Tifa interrupted, "What are you talking about?"

Artese looked up at her, his eyes piercing. "I'm talking about, my child, the very disease you and master Cloud seemingly vanquished nearly six months ago…the same disease that was so close to taking young Denzel's short life and the life of Cloud."

Tifa felt cold all over. It couldn't be…"That's impossible. The water…"

"Water is not a cure." Artese frowned. "But I'm afraid it's true. Barren, I'm not sure how or when he contracted it, but the signs of advanced geostigma are there and clear. The vomiting and release of blood through openings in the skin, fainting, dizziness, blindness…it's as clear to me as anyone else. Geostigma is what's killing Barren."

She couldn't believe what she was hearing. Geostigma? But with the destruction of Sephiroth and Kadaj, all of that should be no more than a terrible, distant memory. But here Artese, a man she'd trust with her own life as well as the lives of her orphans, was telling her that Barren had contracted geostigma.

"But you said he'd be fine…" Tifa whispered, her eyes locked with Artese's. "Just now."

"Would you have me proclaim to all of Midgar that geostigma was back?" Artese snorted into his cup, taking another drink. "I think not. I only said that so as not to frighten the people and the children. By the way, did Barren show any signs of geostigma?"

"No."

"No scarring? Rashes on the skin? Periods of sudden illness?"

"No. No. No." With every answer, the headache Tifa was feeling grew.

"What about traveling? Has he gone anywhere in the past month or so?"

How was she supposed to know that? She didn't live with him!

"Um…he left to Healin last week and just got back last night." Tifa pondered absently. Had he met Cloud on the way back in?

"Healin, eh?" Artese nodded to himself. "Interesting. That used to be where geostigma sufferers used to stay. What business did he have in Healin?"

Tifa sighed, folding her elbow on the counter and placing her chin in an upturned hand. "To speak with Shin-ra about the new construction project."

"Ah yes. Their 'resurrection'…" Artese shook his head. "Terrible business if you ask me." Pushing the now empty glass across the counter, Artese stood. "Well, as far as I know, Barren probably contracted geostigma while at Healin. Unfortunate for him, very unfortunate. I find it quite curious, however, that the disease advanced so quickly…usually it takes much longer than a week, three at the least, before any real signs become apparent." Artese turned, walking towards the door. "I'll keep you updated on Barren's progress, my dear. Let's all pray for the best, hum?" He turned, tipping his head in her direction, and then was gone.

Tifa stood behind the counter of her now empty, dead silent bar. Her body still trying to recover from these multiple shocks. Shaking her head, only one thought managed to make it through the fog that was now her mind.

What the hell just happened?

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