No Forgiveness

By: Wildfire Sky

Alright! Now we're getting somewhere! I guess with enough begging and enough pleading, people eventually respond! Thanks to everyone who reviewed, it really means a lot to me. But please, now that you've started don't stop! Also, one thing to address…I was questioned on why Cloud was bleeding from the geostigma. He hadn't before. It's because, as I said, it's a new, more potent strand that's different from the one in the movie. You'll soon understand.

No Forgiveness

Chapter Four

When Cloud opened his mako-blue eyes, it was to the dim flickering and popping of what sounded like a fire. For a moment, he laid still, his mind struggling to take in his dark surroundings and remember exactly what happened. He could smell moisture, the atmosphere was thick with it, and something cooking, although what it was he couldn't determine. He was on his back, laying on something hard and rough, stones by the feel of it. Far above him, the firelight cast shadows against a far wall, shadows of the long jagged slabs of rock that suspended from the vaulted ceiling above. He rolled his head to one side, trying to find the source of the light, when he was met with two large, piercing black eyes.

Cloud jerked his head back in surprise, causing the black eyes to retreat, their owner hissing at him angrily and barring a mouth full of sharp-looking fangs. Its body arched up along the spine, the tiny scales that lined its body quivering violently and filling the air with a rattling sound, the tail streamlining out directly behind the creatures slim body. Hissing again, the creature's eyes flashed in the firelight, giving them a golden look for one brief moment. Cloud reached for his always near sword, his heart stopping when he grabbed air. The creature hissed again, rearing back, fangs dripping. Suddenly, it lunged at Cloud's face, mouth open wide and teeth glistening.

Cloud snapped his eyes shut against the impending attack, waiting for the pain of fangs ripping through his flesh. But it never came. Instead he felt a body on his face and the distinct crunching of bones. The body above him jerked a few times before the creature retreated, a long body caught up in its mouth. Cloud blinked as the tiny lizard sat back on its haunches, gripping the snake's body in its forepaws and beginning to eat, tearing at the still spasming body. The tiny creature continued to watch him, not with so much menace, but more keen interest and curiosity.

"I see you've met my little friend, there."

Cloud looked up and over at the voice. A figure stood in what looked like the entrance to the cave, his body wrapped in a yellow cloak with the hood thrown up over his face, casting a dark shadow over it. In one hand he held a sack, and in the other…

Cloud inhaled sharply. His Buster sword. Whereas most humans could barely lift it, this man held the massive weapon as easily as Cloud did himself. The man simply stood there, ignorant to the increasing tension in Cloud's body. The lizard darted away from Cloud, leaving behind the half eaten carcass of the snake as it clambered up onto the figure's shoulder. Behind them, Cloud could see the darkness of night, the black sky punctuated by stars and the entrance to the cave bathed in moonlight. It was so dark…the last thing he remembered was the bright, heated mid-afternoon of the desert.

The figure moved into the cave, pulling back his hood. Carefully, Cloud watched him, wary of this stranger who was currently holding him captive. The urge to escape began to well up within him, but for some reason, Cloud just couldn't bring his body to respond to his movements. The man lowered the sword and his sack to the ground before reaching inside and pulling out a jar of something liquid and brown. He glanced in Cloud's direction, approaching confidently as he unscrewed the jar's top. Cloud flinched away instinctively as the man crouched in front of him.

"Calm yourself." The man reproached, dipping his fingers into the liquid. "I'm not here to hurt you, boy."

Cloud continued to watch him. "You have my Buster Sword."

The man shrugged one shoulder. "So I do. Open your mouth."

Cloud kept it shut, refusing to obey this stranger. He took the time to quickly look over the man's features. He was dirty, but not overly so. It seemed that the dust came from whatever venture he'd just returned from, not caked on like the uncleanliness Cloud undoubtedly had. No this man, obviously cared for his appearance. He wore a neatly trimmed goatee, the beard extended just over his strong chin. Piercing blue eyes stared out from the long, spiked brown bangs that fell over the man's brow and ended just over his eyes. Even his desert clothing seemed clean for such a dusty environment. The man had a look of strength about him…his well developed muscles rippling out from the short sleeves of his tunic-like undershirt, his legs formed as he easily squatted in front of Cloud.

Finally, after realizing Cloud wouldn't be cooperating, the man gave a slight nod, wiping his fingers against the jar's lip and giving Cloud a small smirk. "The name's Delevan. And this…" he said, eyes flicking up towards the lizard on his shoulder. "…is Tenki. Don't need to be scared of him, he doesn't hurt humans, only other reptiles and, sometimes, birds." The man stood up, his eyes sweeping briefly over Cloud's splayed body. "If you're wondering as to why you can't move, it's because I gave you a semi-paralyzing medicine."

Cloud blinked, his chest tightening in panic. "For what…exactly?"

Delevan turned away, screwing the jar lid back on. "You're a lucky young man, my friend," he said returning to his sack by the fire and reaching inside again, "very lucky. Had I not been there, you most certainly would have been taken by the Surgeons. And if they had gotten a hold of you…" he shook his head with a small laugh. "Well, let me just say this, don't ever cross paths with a Surgeon unless you're ready to die a very horrible death."

Frowning, Cloud narrowed his eyes. "You didn't answer my question. What was the medicine for?"

Delevan looked up, his eyes piercing. "Do you really want to know? Or can you be satisfied knowing it was for your own good?" At Cloud's failure to answer, Delevan sighed, standing up slowly, a blanket slung over his forearm. "I'll explain everything in the morning. The medicine will have worn off since then. For now, it would be best if you got some sleep and regained your energy."

Despite his internal want to protest, Cloud felt the tell-tale signs of exhaustion hit his body like a train. Already, his eyes were slipping closed, a heaviness falling over his body. Stifling a yawn, Cloud allowed himself to slip into a dreamless sleep.

Delevan stood watching him until Cloud's eyes slipped closed, his breathing evening out, before tossing the thin blanket over the boy's thin body. He returned to his place by the fire, quietly watching the boy sleep. Tenki glanced at Delevan momentarily before flashing down his body and over to where Cloud slept, snatching up his half-eaten meal.

Delevan leaned back against the cave wall, folding his arms across his chest and letting his head drop. "Watch him, Tenki." He mumbled, closing his eyes. "We can't let him go anywhere just yet."

Tifa sat on a bar stool, her leg hanging off one end and swinging carelessly as she flipped through the pages of a magazine she'd happened to pick up on her way through town. She was bored to say the least, her face cupped in one hand, her eyes half lidded as she read. Denzel and Marlene had long ago left to venture out into town, leaving her alone to wait on ay information about Barren. The large man had been under the care of the good doctor Artese for the past four days, and she had yet to hear from him. She was worried.

The tingling of the store bell alerted Tifa to the entry of someone. She didn't turn, thinking that it was only Denzel and Marlene trying to sneak up on her again. Ever since the incident, her bar had been totally empty of customers, even her usuals shying away in fear. She was losing money…and at this rate, if her customers didn't come back she would have to start cutting back drastically on common things…like food and clothing.

"Excuse me, ma'am…" said a gentle voice, causing Tifa to turn in surprise. A tall, pale man stood in the doorway, his strange eyes soft, almost kind looking. He entered the bar, shrugging off his dark, leather coat and placing it on one of the coat hangers by the door. Smiling disarmingly, the man lifted himself onto a stool as Tifa moved behind the counter, already pulling out glasses. The man watched her with a pair of powerful red eyes.

Tifa forced herself not to stare. "What would you like?"

The man laughed. "I suppose you don't remember me then. I used to be able to walk in the door and you'd have my drink ready for me. It was…nice." His smile faded. "Then, of course, the geostigma hit and you were open less and less to care for the sick children." The man's red eyes looked around the large bar. "I was surprised to hear you'd turned this place into an orphanage."

Tifa stared hard at him. "Perhaps we've met before, but I'm not good with faces, I'm sorry." That was a lie. She was excellent with remembering names and faces, it was a survival technique. But this man…she just couldn't place him, and if he came in as often as he said, he should be easy to remember.

The stranger smiled again with a small shake of his head. "I suppose I really have changed. Does the name: Alavar, ring any bells?"

Tifa inhaled sharply. It did ring bells…alarm bells. Alavar had been a frequent (and welcome) customer for years…at least until the geostigma hit and he ran away. She'd heard rumors that he'd joined forces with various "clients", ridding his employers of their annoyances. He'd become an assassin, and a dangerous one at that.

But then again…those were just rumors. Tifa had had a hard time believing the rumors from what she knew about him. Alavar had been very kind, open, and funny, playing with the children whenever he got a chance…he wasn't the man people were describing him as.

Tifa frowned, pouring the now familiar drink and placing it in front of him. "You've changed…a lot."

"Have I?" Alavar laughed, picking up his drink. "I'm afraid that's what happens to people when they leave. It's been so long since I've last seen you, I'm not surprised that you've forgotten me and my--unique--personality."

"I mean physically."

"Ah. Forgive me…looks like I'm just as ignorant as always." Alavar nodded somberly. "Yes, my appearance has changed quite drastically, hasn't it? An unfortunate accident at one of the Mako energy plants I worked at."

Tifa tilted her head in curiosity. "You weren't affected by the geostigma?"

"Nobody was unaffected by that tragic event. Whether you knew someone with geostigma, or you had it yourself…everyone suffered in some way." Alavar downed his drink in one gulp, his eyes downcast as he replaced it on the countertop. "I am no exception. My suffering was…minimal…compared to others, but I still felt the pain of that horrid disease." Alavar looked up at Tifa, a small smile on his face. "Those orphans you took in…did they also have the geostigma?"

Tifa gave a small shrug. "Some did. Most had lost their parents to the geostigma." She removed Alavar's empty glass. "They all have homes now…"

"Accept for Denzel and Marlene. Right?"

Tifa's head snapped up, her eyes narrowing. "How did you…"

Alavar winked, tapping the side of his head. "News travels fast around Midgar. They tell me you live with two small children -- Denzel and Marlene." There was a pause as Alavar considered her with a tight frown. "You don't believe those rumors, do you? That I've turned into some sort of assassin for hire?" He shook his head. "The very notion of it is insulting at best. I've been nothing but kind to the people of Midgar, and for them to treat me as some sort of criminal from the Outer Banks…well, you can imagine my discontent with it all."

Alavar tossed a few gil onto the counter, more than enough to pay for the drink. "Well, I have to be on my way. Do you know if any of the hotels in this area are still open for business?"

Tifa gathered the money from the countertop. "If you want a nice one, you'll have to go out of town…probably near Healin or Kalm. Most business left with the arrival of the depression, so you won't find what you used to."

Alavar let out an exhaustive sigh. "Healin, huh? That's a little bit too far for my tastes. I want to stay in town."

"Are you planning on staying in Midgar permanently?"

"Eventually. Now that the geostigma is gone, Midgar and the rest of the world is safe. I'm thinking of settling in again."

"There are still a lot of people with the geostigma."

Alavar nodded. "I saw the line coming from the church. It's at least a mile long. At least the W.R.O. is there to keep things in order." He removed his jacket from the hanger, slipping it over his body. "Oh, by the way…I understand you had a little accident here the other day. Something involving Barren."

Tifa came around the counter, her eyes shifting towards the stain in the middle of her bar. "Yes, I did."

"Any word back on Barren's condition?"

Tifa sighed, her shoulder's visibly slumping. "Not yet…I'm waiting for word back from Doctor Artese."

"Don't worry," Alavar said with a smile. "I'm sure he'll turn up eventually. Have a good afternoon, Miss Tifa. Tell the little ones I said hello and I'll bring plenty of treats next time."

As he left the bar, the door closing behind him, his happy go-lucky smile fell away, replaced by the cold, calculated glare of a killer.

Artese leaned over the sweating form of Barren, his stethoscope in his ears as he listened to the large man's rapid heartbeat. Not two days ago, Barren had lapsed into a deep coma, one which had an apparent tendency for sudden seizures. They'd happened so often now that Artese had assigned a twenty-four hour watch on Barren so someone was nearby in case of an emergency. Even now, in a seemingly passive time, Barren's body occasionally shook, causing the entire bed to shudder.

His assisting nurse reached over with a small, white cloth, wiping it across Barren's blood covered mouth. It was a useless act, the blood still trickling from the corner of his mouth in a steady stream. The man was lucky he hadn't bled out yet.

Artese slowly put away his stethoscope and picked up Barren's chart from the bedside table. "Give him another dose of antholine and a two milligram shot of thyfuloscine." His voice was its characteristic softness, his hand moving rapidly as he wrote on the chart. He looked up at the emptying blood bag that hung from the tall stand next to Barren's bed. "Also, replace his blood supply; make sure it's A-positive and treated with an anti-viral."

The nurse nodded and the instructions. She hesitated in leaving, staring at the still writing Artese. "Excuse me, sir…what do you think his chances are of survival? After all, this is the geostigma, isn't it?"

Artese sighed audibly, looking over the rim of his spectacles. "The patient's condition is only worsening with you standing there asking these obvious questions. Please, help me help him by doing what you're told as quickly as possible." He looked at the door and then back at her. "Please."

With a short bow, the nurse quickly scampered off to do as we bidden. Artese remained a few moments more, jotting down notes and checking Barren's vital signs before replacing the chart back at the foot of the bed. Wrapping his stethoscope around his neck, Artese quickly left the room, going down and around the hall corner. His eyes on the black and white tiled floor, he never saw the large figure coming towards him until they collided.

"Heavens!" Artese exclaimed, stumbling back and looking up. "E-Excuse me, sir, I didn't see you."

The man frowned at him, his red eyes flashing. "It's no problem, doctor. Really." He quickly brushed past and around the corner.

Artese watched him, frowning, before continuing on his way with a small shake of his head.

Alavar glanced over his shoulder to see if the doctor had followed him. He hadn't meant to make unnecessary contact with anyone until he'd confirmed the status of Barren, but it now it was done and he couldn't do anything to take it back. Better to concentrate on the task at hand. Quietly, Alavar slipped into the hospital room, his red eyes narrowing on the unmoving body before him. Walking over, Alavar snatched up the medical chart, reading the top name.

"Tentula, Barren." He smirked down at the unconscious body. "Well, hello there Mr. Tentula…" Alavar continued to read the chart. "High fever…comatose…possible contraction of advanced geostigma…evidence of exposure minimal." Alavar pulled out his thin, black cell phone, pressing the speed dial for the only number on the phone.

"Tyrell."

Alavar smirked victoriously. "I found him at the local hospital. He has the geostigma as thought."

Tyrell swore. "What's his current condition?"

"Comatose." Alavar glanced at the chart again. "Looks like he slipped into a coma about two days ago. I'm surprised he isn't dead yet."

"I'll spare you the gruesome details," Tyrell growled into the receiver, "Once someone has developed advanced geostigma, the end isn't a short as you'd think. The virus won't devour major organs until last. Does the man look very thin at all?"

Alavar lifted Barren's hospital gown. "He's bone thin. I can't see almost every rib and bone in his body."

"The geostigma is eating away at his muscles; they're the least needed in the body. Then it'll probably advance to the nervous system, then the immune, going from the least needed to the most."

"So what will be the last to go?"

"The heart, brain, and lungs. You can survive, especially in this day and age, without anything else. You're life won't be wonderful -- actually you'll be nothing more than a vegetable -- but you can survive."

"It doesn't look like his doctor has too much confidence in his survival."

"Who is it?"

"A Doctor…Artese." Alavar thought for a moment. "I think I passed by him in the hallway."

"Well, he's a hazard as well. He and his staff."

Alavar shook his head, warding off an impending headache. "Dare I ask why you were screwing around with something like this in the first place?"

There was a short pause. "Those details…" Tyrell snarled, "Are not essential to your mission. You've been given everything you need. Anything else is on a need-to-know basis."

"Fine. What about the primary target?"

"Cloud Strife never arrived at the delivery point. He's assumed dead, either by the geostigma or bandits." His voice was uncaring. "The geostigma has long been dispersed into the atmosphere, so the sample is essentially dead. Complete your tasks and return for payment."

Alavar looked back down at Barren. "Understood." He snapped the phone closed and replaced it, his fingers brushing against the cold metal of his silenced pistol. He'd expected this Barren to be conscious and would have needed a few bullets to put him out of his misery. Alavar moved over to the life support system.

But this will be so much easier…

With a confident smirk, Alavar leaned down and with a powerful yank, unplugged the machine. Almost instantly, a high pitched squeal of warning sounded, but a well-placed punch silenced the machine for good. The body on the bed gave a small jerk and a gasp, his fingers curling as he struggled to breathe. Vaguely, Alavar wondered if a virus knew when it was about to die and if it would fight to survive…much like a human would. Barren gave a final shudder and sighed as his body stilled, the welling blood escaping from the corners of his mouth in a rapid flow.

Alavar stepped back as the blood continued to flow from his body and to the floor in a spreading pool. It was amazing how much blood the human body could contain. Straightening his jacket, Alavar closed the curtain around Barren's bed and left the room, flicking off the light as he went. The young nurse was coming around the corner as he approached her hands full with a tray of needles and syringes.

"Excuse me, ma'am." He said as she passed. The nurse paused to look at him. "I think your patient might be dead." Alavar smiled at her shocked look and walked away.

Behind him, a metal tray fell from suddenly lax hands.

Secondary target eliminated.

"What in the hell is all this crap?"

The group of riders stood around the expansive, empty room, nervously watching as their leader spoke with the large, snarling man sitting before them. His round face was red with fury as he glared down at the various items spread on the table before him. He picked up an empty, cracked container, breaking the tight warning seal and opening it.

"Is this some sort of joke?" he demanded, tossing the empty container back onto the table in disgust. "I pay you a damn good sum of money for you to bring me back things of quality…things I can sell. Now what in the hell am I gonna do with this piece of garbage, and the rest of the junk you've brought here? Sell it for firewood?"

A longhaired brunette shifted nervously, his violet eyes shifting. "But Paulie…"

The large man slammed his fist down on the table causing both the riders and the items to jump. "I hate that fucking name!" He roared, his face turning even redder. "God, I hate that name! And I know that you know that, Red."

Red, the brunette, winced. "Sorry Paul--er…Lucky."

The large man leaned back. Lucky, as he came to be known from his immense luck growing up a criminal, was one of the few warlords that reigned over the Outer Banks. His territory was primarily the outskirts of the region's metropolis, giving him first pick of travelers and their goods before they moved inwards. Once in the city, the influence of The Boss took over, and it was under him that all other warlords fell. Not even Lucky, with all his control over the so-called 'economy' of the Outer Banks, would put up a fight against The Boss.

That man, while never seen before except by his closest associates, was a ruthless killer and ruler. Any one who even preached against him in the streets was found the following day, their body mangled almost beyond recognition and their eyes cut out. It was The Boss's calling card. His own left eye had been cut out long ago in a fight…his initiation into a gang. And if he had to suffer, so did everyone else.

Lucky turned his attention back to Red, his eyes narrowing. "What happened to the traveler? Did you kill him?"

Red shook his head. "No. He left him out there for the Surgeons to pick over. He was sick or something like that. Throwing up blood and shit."

Lucky quirked an eyebrow. "What was he riding? Cocobo? Truck? Motorcycle?"

"Yea. A bike. Real nice one too."

Well, maybe some good could come of this. "Where is it?" Lucky asked, heaving his body up, "I want to see it and evaluate it myself."

Red quickly moved in front of Lucky, his hands up. "Believe me, Lucky, it's a good piece of equipment. Custom made and fast as hell!" He nodded at the smallest rider. "We could barely control the damn thing and not go flying off. And…" Red glanced over his shoulder, lowering his voice to a hoarse whisper. "…and the damn thing comes with swords!"

Lucky eyed Red like he was insane. "Swords?"

"Swords." Red nodded, his expression full of excitement. "Yea…I know. Friggin' crazy right? The thing's a real trip, Lucky, I know you'll like it."

Lucky was silent, continuing to stare at Red. Suddenly, his face contorted and he brought up a hand onto Red's face and gave a vicious shove. "Get out of my face, you moron!"

Red stumbled back, quickly returning to his spot with an apologetic shrug. "Sorry, Lucky. I forgot about your personal space."

"Damn right you did." Lucky growled, lowering his body back down. "Alright, Red. Take the bike around back and get it ready for the chop shop. I want it taken apart by the end of the night."

Another rider stepped forward, remaining a respective distance behind Red. "Excuse me, Lucky, but we won't be able to get to her until later this week…two days from now at the earliest. The shop is still doing the vehicles from the caravan last week."

Lucky frowned, folding his hands. "Is that a fact? Well, then why are you here, instead of getting everything ready to ship out?"

The rider retreated. "You're right, Lucky…my mistake. I'll get right on it!" He, and a few others darted from the room. Lucky looked around, his glare intensifying at the sight of the mulling riders surrounding him.

"Well?" he yelled angrily, "The rest of you can get the hell out to! Go on! Move it!" But before Red could move, Lucky stopped him. "Not you. You stay here."

The riders quickly scampered away, leaving Red and Lucky alone. Lucky stood up and came around the table, leading Red away with an arm around his shoulders. They walked for awhile until they came into a dark corner of the expansive warehouse room.

"Red," Lucky said calmly. "I need you to do me a favor. You said you left the traveler to die right? Did that happen to be at the cliff overpass? Yea? Well, I got word that Delevan is back in town, and I think he might have taken your little traveler friend."

Red blinked, looking over at Lucky. "What? How do you know that?"

"Because the Surgeons called me this morning and complained that we didn't leave them anything. Now, either the boy recovered, or someone took him. I'm thinking the latter."

"What do you want me to do, sir?"

Lucky removed his arm and turned to face Red. "The little bastard crossed the line this time. I can deal withDelevan scavenging what we leave behind, but when he takes something of mine that could really turn a profit…well, it simply pisses me off. Take a group out to his cave, you know where it's at, we all do. If you can, capture him alive and send him and the boy, if he hasn't died yet, to the Surgeons. Tell them it's a buy one, get one half-off deal."

Red chuckled. "I'm sure they'll like that."

Lucky laughed as well, his large eyes twinkling with mirth. "I know they will. They're bargain hunters and know a good deal when they hear one. Now get going. I want this done by tomorrow morning."

"You got it boss."

Uh-oh. Sounds like Cloud's in a bit of a pickle. And a special thank you to my "anonymous reviewer" who left me that excellent review. Thanks so much! You encourage millions…or at least just one, and for some, that's enough. Please follow their example and review! Review like your lives depended on it!