No Forgiveness

By: Wildfire Sky

The next installment in this fic is now up (obviously) and here for your reading AND reviewing.

By the way, I was asked why I titled the fic, "No Forgiveness". In AC, Cloud states that he's seeking forgiveness from Aeries. In my personal interpretation, Cloud doesn't tell Tifa about the geostigma, because he's accepting it as his punishment for failing to protect those he cares for (if you notice, every time there's a reference to his geostigma, it also refers to his belief that he can't protect anyone). Since the geostigma (in my fic) is back…well, I'm not going to ruin the fic. It will all come out soon.

No Forgiveness

Chapter Five

"Glad to see you're finally waking up."

Cloud opened his eyes to the dimming sunlight of dusk falling inside the spacious cave that belong to his strange host. Rolling his head to the side, Cloud spotted the man sitting next to a rekindled fire, polishing a long, twin barrel rifle. Delevan's eyes were lowered to the disassembled wood and metal weapon, his face tight with concentration as he picked up each individual piece and wiped it with calculated strokes. As he finished polishing each piece, he put it aside on a towel beside him. Delevan glanced up at Cloud as he removed the metallic barrel from its wooden base, inserting a long, thin brush into the opening to clean the inside.

"I suppose you've never seen one of these, have you?" Delevan asked, glancing at Cloud.

The blonde tried to shrug, but when his body still wouldn't respond he simply nodded his head. "I've seen a gun before."

Delevan smiled, starting to put the weapon back together. "Ah. But not a gun like this. This is an ancient hunting rifle…I found it on a dig long ago, near the Forgotten Capital. My father taught me how to make bullets, although fashioning these was difficult."

"You're a digger?"

"An archeologist, actually." Delevan put the completed rifle aside and reaching into his pack. "You certainly slept a long time, my young friend. All day you've been lying there, I once feared you for dead." He approached the jar from last night in his hands again. "Seeing as I haven't slit your throat while you slept, perhaps you'll extend me a bit more courtesy this time and let me help you?"

Cloud watched him warily. "I don't know who you are, I've never met you, and I'm paralyzed from the neck down…"

Delevan nodded. "I understand your distrust of the situation, but you have to understand, you're very sick right now. You've been coughing up blood all day. If I hadn't moved your head, you would have drowned in your own fluids." He unscrewed the jar. "Please, my friend, I swear to you I won't harm you. And I honor my word. This medicine will return to you the functioning of your body."

Cloud considered him. He could either remain paralyzed, and end up lying here for all eternity, or he could take the medicine and hope it wasn't poisonous. Either way, if this Delevan wanted to kill him, it wouldn't be hard. Weighing the risks, Cloud slowly nodded, opening his mouth. With an approving smile, Delevan tipped the edge of the jar inside Cloud's mouth, carefully allowing a thin stream of the thick brown liquid to sludge over the side and down Cloud's throat. As the medicine hit the back of his throat, Cloud began to gag, his reflexes instantaneous.

"Easy, boy, easy!" Delevan mumbled, placing a stilling hand on Cloud's chest. "Just swallow it slowly…take your time."

Cloud quickly closed his mouth and, squeezing his eyes shut, slowly forcing the thick matter down his throat. As soon as it passed, Cloud opened his mouth again, gasping for air. Delevan sat back with a short nod.

"There. That wasn't so bad, was it?"

Cloud smacked his lips, his eyes beginning to water. "Dis…gusting…"

A loud bark of a laugh erupted from Delevan's mouth as he stood. "Yes. It is quite disgusting, isn't it? Made from the stingers and fangs of snakes, scorpions, and a few other unpleasant things."

Cloud's brow furrowed in disgust. "Scorpions?"

"You don't like bugs?"

"I hate bugs." Cloud growled, closing his eyes to quell the rising nausea in his chest. "I could have done without those details."

"What?" Delevan laughed again, sitting with his back to the fire, "And let me miss out at the expression on your face? I don't think so." He replaced the medicine and turned his full attention to Cloud. "By the way, I don't believe I caught your name."

"I never gave it."

Delevan frowned at the defensive tone in his voice, his posture stiffening in his own defense. "My apologies. I didn't mean to offend you, my friend…or is calling you 'friend' offensive as well?"

Cloud looked back over at Delevan. The man looked genuinely put off, his eyes narrowed in consideration. He truly was wondering if Cloud was offended. Sighing, Cloud looked back up at the ceiling. "Cloud Strife."

His face turned, Cloud never saw Delevan's body give a small jerk. "Cloud Strife, is it? Well, mister Strife---"

"Cloud is fine."

"Alright…" Delevan smiled, "Well, Cloud, I'm pleased to meet your acquaintance. I only wish it could have been under better circumstances. May I ask what you were doing in the Outer Banks…and without an arsenal of weapons?"

Cloud moved his head in an attempt to shrug. "I run a delivery service. I had a package to deliver to an address in the Outer Banks…"

Delevan quirked an eyebrow. "A legitimate business, I hope?"

"Yea," Cloud answered, his voice offended. "Why would you think it wasn't?"

The older man shrugged one shoulder. "Because nothing in the Outer Banks is. You should have known, especially if you keep up with the news, that this area of the world is off limits to those in the civilized environments who wish to live legal lives. Only outcasts and vagabonds risk trying to assimilate with this backwards society." Delevan nodded towards the cave entrance. "Out there is a city full of people who would slit your throat just for looking at them wrong. But despite their barbaric tendencies, the Outer Banks is more--how should I say this--organized than other societies."

"There's nothing organized about a city of murderers."

"On the contrary," Delevan said, "It's very organized. Successful crime requires planning, wits, and cunningness. Without those, you'll ultimately fail. Every criminal here has those same features…as well as a code that runs amongst them. To break the code is to dishonor your criminal nature."

Cloud stared at Delevan as though the man were crazy. "A code…for crime?"

Delevan nodded, a conspiratory smile on his features. "Oh yes. Actually, it's called the Code of Thieves, but extends to all aspects of the criminal world. In a nutshell, the criminals are loyal to their family and their leaders. To betray either is to submit yourself to a very terrible death. They will never turn in another criminal, nor will they ever refuse one 'sanctuary' should they call for it. Save for the untouchables."

"Untouchables." Cloud was skeptical.

"Rapists, child molesters, and those disloyal to the Code." Delevan quickly explained. "They are killed as soon as they are discovered. No mercy."

Cloud looked back up at the ceiling, his face tight with concentration. "Understandable…"

Delevan didn't answer immediately, instead studied the immobile Cloud from his position by the fire. Finally, Delevan stood, straightening his desert cloak about his broad shoulders. "The medicine will take effect after a few moments and you should get your mobility back soon after. And I highly suggest you don't leave…not until you're better."

"What's wrong with me?" Cloud's eyes were piercing. "Is it the geostigma?"

There was another short pause and Delevan turned away. "Honestly…I don't know."

Red cut the engine to his very impressive prize, running an appreciatory look over the sleek, polished metal of Fenrir. He was right about his assumptions of this bike; it was definitely a one-of-a-kind catch and something that should be cherished. Behind him, the dull roar of his partners echoed against the cliffs that jutted up on either side of them forming a massive canyon that cut through the middle of the Outer Banks region. Fenrir had left them both behind, his partners actually calling for him to slow down. But Red had been captured by the pure, unleashed power that the bike held, cutting through the air like a hot knife. This was definitely his bike now.

The other two riders finally slowed their bikes next to his, the shorter one lifting the visor to his full-coverage helmet and throwing Red a baleful glare. "I guess waiting for us was too much, huh?"

Red smirked behind his own visor, turning towards the speaker. "If you can't keep up, go home and bitch to Lucky."

The other two riders looked at each other.

"That's what I thought." Red dismounted his bike and looked up the towering cliff-face. A long, wide slope fell down one side of the cliff, leading to the opening of an expansive cave. In the dark of night, the light from the fire inside could be as easily seen as a lighthouse beacon. Delevan's residence. Red had often driven by here, usually on a raid for Lucky, and every time he drove by, Delevan would be standing outside on the ledge that jutted nearly seven feet from the cave mouth, hunting rifle in hand. Red hated him.

Slinging his automatic rifle, Red removed his helmet and adjusted his black and red riding outfit. Lucky's colors. Each major gang in the Outer Banks had their own colors, a way for each gang to distinguish between each other and identify the loaners. Motioning with his head, Red unslung his weapon, checking the clip inside and switching off the safety.

"As soon as you see the kid, blast him." Red said in a low voice as they walked towards the slope. "The Surgeons won't care if he's dead or alive, as long as they've got a body."

Shorty raised an eyebrow. "What about Delevan?"

"You leave him to me." Red's grip on his rifle tightened, his eyes narrowing dangerously. "I want to put two bullets in his head myself."

Cloud was just beginning to get feeling back into his arms when the small snake hunter, Tenki, darted into the cave, immediately going for Delevan and shooting up his body to his usual station on Delevan's shoulder. Once again, Tenki had the still twitching body of another reptile within his jaws. The lizard stared at Cloud with its beady black eyes, chewing absently on his meal. Cloud looked away as Tenki tore into his meal, bits of flesh and blood falling to the ground.

Delevan stood up, moving over to where his small pot was suspended over the fire. Two wooden bowls in his hand, he ladled a bit of the pot's contents into the bowls and walked back over to Cloud, crouching down in front of him.

"Do you think you'll be able to sit up?" Delevan asked, "You need to eat something, and I'm afraid you might choke."

Grunting, Cloud nodded his head. It was time to prove to this old man that he didn't need to be coddled. Using his still weak arms, Cloud pushed his body against the cave wall, using it as a brace so he could lift his body up. It was a long process that left Cloud exhausted, but as soon as he was facing Delevan, his body upright, a triumphant smirk crossed his face. A curious look on Delevan's face, he passed Cloud the bowl.

"Impressive." He complimented with a smile. "Very impressive. Don't push it though, your limbs are very weak and if you do too much, you'll break them. Give yourself another day of rest and then you should be ready to leave."

Cloud shook his head immediately. "I can't stay here that long. As soon as I can move my legs, I'm leaving."

"I don't think that's such a good idea…"

"I have to get home." Cloud stated firmly, his intense look leaving no room for argument. "I made a promise and I'm keeping it."

Delevan shrugged, knowing that any argument with the boy would only make his resolve stronger. "Very well. I understand." He lowered his eyes, his voice soft. "I completely understand…"

Cloud glanced in Delevan's direction, his eyebrows furrowing as he continued to exercise his moveable limbs. The tension in the room had suddenly spiked, so much that neither could deny its presence. Even Tenki had slowed his chewing, his black eyes on Delevan's down turned face. And for some reason, Cloud felt he was at fault.

Clearing his throat, Cloud looked away. "I…I'm sorry…if I said something that offended you, sir." He glanced momentarily at Delevan, looking for a reaction.

The old hunter's eyes were still on the ground, but he shrugged one shoulder half-heartedly. "It's no matter. I try not to dwell too much on past events…no matter how pleasing, or devastating, they are." He felt silent again, staring at the ground. On his shoulder, Tenki shifted his food from his mouth to claws, leaning over to nuzzle the side of Delevan's face.

Cloud continued to watch him, trying to judge his strange reaction. "Mind if I ask what happened?" It seemed like the proper thing to say, he'd asked Tifa what was wrong many times before and, most of the time, she would pour out her pains to him. He didn't see why Delevan would be any different.

The older man looked up, a smile cracking beneath his kept goatee. "Actually, my young friend…I do mind." Reaching across his shoulder, he gave the nuzzling Tenki a reassuring scratch and stood. "Your arms will eventually regain their strength; I suggest you work on…"

Delevan suddenly fell silent, his eyes narrowing as he looked towards the door. Instantly, Cloud's body tensed, his instincts firing off like rockets. He could feel a change in the air. The normal desert sounds of night insects was gone. The landscape was totally silent. He shot a look in Delevan's direction, reading his body stance like a book…defensive. He stiffened even further as the quiet sound of shifting rocks reached their ears.

Quickly, yet silently, Delevan turned on his heel, heading straight for his hunting rifle. Slinging it over his back, Delevan bent to pick up Cloud's sword and looked in his direction. No words were needed. He tossed it in Cloud's direction, the ex-SOLIDER catching it with both hands. Biting his lip, Cloud choked back a grunt of pain from the fire that shot up his side. Definitely not healed yet.

Delevan barely paused in his actions as he picked up a bucket from a corner of the cave and tossed its contents on the fire, instantly putting it out. He then moved further back into a section of the cave opposite Cloud, the soft click of a clip sliding home the only sound he made. Cloud tightened his grip on his sword, shifting his body so he was parallel to the cave entrance and therefore a smaller target. Being the closest to the mouth of the cave, should the intruders glance in his direction, he'd be immediately spotted. And in his current state, fending off a group of fighters would be more than difficult.

Cloud shifted slightly, trying to hurry feeling back into his legs.

There was another sound outside and Cloud's eyes flicked towards the star lit opening, narrowing slightly in an attempt to peer through the darkness. There, just barely off to one side, a shadowy form stuck their head around the edge of the cave opening before ducking back. A sound of hurried voices and then silence again.

It seemed to stretch for hours, although only a few moments passed. Every living soul in the area was holding their breath, each side waiting for the other to move. Silently, Cloud gave bitter thanks to the officers who trained him as a child. He hated to admit it, but that training had saved him on more than one occasion and provided the patience that was now being tested. He would not move, at least not until they moved first.

A weight landed on him, and Cloud had to steel his body to prevent it from jerking away and possibly revealing his position. He felt something long and wet slide over his hand and it took Cloud only a moment to recognize the slight weight of Tenki. The little creature had darted forward, attempting to gain on the cave entrance, and happened over Cloud's exposed hand. Taking a mere moment to reassure the young man, Tenki continued forward, his long, thin body snaking over the cave floor and disappearing from even Cloud's heightened vision.

"I don't see anyone, Red…"

Cloud's eyes snapped up as a nervous voice whispered and another answered.

"Well, it's dark, you idiot."

And a third.

"Do you think they left?"

"How? There's only one exit, morons, and we're standin' at it!"

"You don't have to call us morons, Red."

"Yes I do! And shut the hell up before you give away our position."

"You're the one who's yelling…"

Snap!

"Ow! What was that for?"

Cloud shook his head. These guys were all morons. To give away their position like that…obviously they hadn't done this kind of work before or at least dealt with people just as incompetent as they were. He could have taken them down completely blinded with as much noise as they were making.

The second voice, Red, spoke again. "Check it out, Shorty, and report back to me."

"Like hell I will…"

"Now!"

There was a sigh and a shadowed figure slowly made their way around the cave entrance, the polished metal of a weapon reflecting the limited moonlight. They were true amateurs. Any second-rate soldier knew that you rubbed down your weapon with some sort of anti-reflectant to keep it from reflecting whatever light there was. Their attackers probably grabbed their weapons and marched out the door without a second thought. A foolish, and deadly, mistake. Delevan patiently waited as the figure cautiously came through the cave entrance.

Checking his weapon, Delevan slowly lifted the rifle and closed one eye in aim.

Red sat down on the ground outside the cave entrance, waiting for Shorty to return from his exploration of Delevan's cave. Reaching inside his pant pocket, his removed a half-lit cigarette, bringing it to his lips and lighting the end and taking a slow pull. He expelled the smoke into the air with a sigh, watching the faint wisps of smoke lift into the air before dispersing into nothing. He hated doing Lucky's dirty work…the slob never wanted to get his hands dirty, even in a town where any form of law enforcement was bought and paid for. It was beyond pathetic in Red's mind…

Red took another drag, his eyes closing in pleasure at the smooth feeling in his chest. He needed this time to relax…to be away from that over bearing, lack-luster leader of his. Once he was finished here, he had an appointment with another gang leader, one he hoped would be more beneficial than Lucky was.

Red noticed the other rider looking at him, a man nearly four years his senior but completely subordinate. Curling his lip up in a snarl, Red hissed at him in annoyance. "What the hell do you want?"

The rider nodded to the cigarette clasped between Red's fingers. "Do you have any more?"

"Not for you I don't…" Red replied with a sinister smirk, taking a deliberate pull and blowing the smoke at the rider. The other man frowned at Red before turning away with a huff. "Come on!" Red laughed quietly, "I'm just joking around with you. Don't be such a baby."

The rider mumbled something that sounded distinctly like: 'Maybe you shouldn't be such an ass'. Red snapped a venomous glare in the rider's direction.

"Care to repeat that?"

The rider flinched, sending a cautious glance over in Red's direction, trying to figure a safe way out of this. As he was contemplating which would be the fastest route over the cliffs and to safety, when their partner, Shorty, reappeared just outside of the cave entrance. Red was on his feet, arms crossed impatiently as he waited for Shorty to speak.

"Well?" he whispered. "What did you see?"

Shorty shook his head in confusion. "I don't understand, boss. I didn't see any---"

Red jerked back in horror as Shorty's entire chest exploded in an angry, bloody spray.

Tifa sat in the now empty bar, looking out of the darkened window towards the lights of Midgard. Even with the declining status of Midgard's economy -- well, the economy of Edge in general -- it seemed that every night there was some party going on in the streets and buildings of the expansive city. Looking out of the window, aided by the streetlamp just outside, Tifa could see small groups of partiers strolling down the sidewalk, some aided by their friends, other staggering along on their own. Tonight, a special party was happening.

Shin-ra was open for business. That was the word on the streets this morning, and this evening it was confirmed. On the morrow, hundreds of men, and some women, would be leaving the inner city and traveling nearly two hours outside of the safety of their homes in order to begin building what would become the new headquarters of the Shin-ra Company, a project that would take at least a year to fully complete, even with the staggering amount of workers. Beyond that, there were many other construction projects lined up that would keep both Shin-ra and the people of Midgard busy for years to come.

It could be considered a good thing to most, but to Tifa and those who knew what Rufus was capable of, it seemed like Shin-ra was moving right back into power. Even the Turks it seemed were gearing up for the rebirth of the Company, Tifa had seen Reno in town earlier that morning, but avoided him rather than talk to him. She would deal with Reno and the Turks once Cloud got back.

Cloud…

Although it was just over a week, it seemed like Cloud had been gone for months. Maybe because his promise of being back sooner than two weeks was looking to be shattered. Like many of his other promises. Tifa glanced down at the financial papers in front of her, noting the slight increase in her expenses over the last few weeks…the weeks Cloud had graced them all with his presence. It wasn't that Tifa minded he'd decided to stay -- after all, his church haven was currently overrun with those sick from geostigma -- but that it felt like he was only using her as a temporary reprieve. Once everyone had been cured, or died, he would most likely go back to Aeries' church and leave her here to worry.

It wasn't fair at all.

"Tifa?"

The young barmaid jerked in surprise before turning down to look at the tiny Marlene. She'd been so enwrapped in her thoughts that she hadn't heard the young one approach. Putting on a mock-stern face, Tifa glared playfully. "Shouldn't you been in bed, young lady? Don't make me have to put you to sleep again." Tifa usually had to threaten and cajole Marlene and Denzel in to bed, and even then she almost always ended up physically carrying one of the two rascals.

But Marlene wasn't fooled. She put on her own stern face and stared at Tifa square in the eyes. "Where's Cloud?"

Talk about brief and to the point. Tifa winced inwardly, silently regretting having mentioned Cloud's promise. They'd all been so distressed over the sudden departure that Tifa had said anything she could in order to calm the two youngsters. Marlene had been satisfied and gone to bed, but Denzel…

Tifa shook her head, trying to clear the distressing thoughts. "Cloud will be back soon. I promise."

"You said that yesterday."

"One day isn't 'soon', Marlene." Tifa refuted, preparing herself for an all out battle. Marlene was one of the best debaters Tifa had ever known. Given enough facts, and oxygen, Marlene could force an accredited, professional scientist to agree that the sky was actually green, not blue. Arguing with her was a nightmare.

Marlene stood before her, gripping a small blanket in her hands, the ends of it trailing after her. Tifa recognized it…Cloud had brought it back from one of his many adventures as a gift for the small child. Instantly, Marlene had fallen in love with the plush, simple comfort, hugging it tight against her body and then rushing upstairs to show Denzel and put it on her bed. Cloud had an almost proud look on his face when Marlene left, the soft, excited voices of the children muffled by the wood before Denzel came rushing back down and forced a promise from Cloud to stay for dinner. Cloud had agreed, much to the pleasure of all who stood there.

Two days later, Denzel was diagnosed with geostigma.

Marlene squared her shoulders, her bottom lip jutting out in a small pout. "You always trick me."

"Or maybe you always allow yourself to be tricked." Tifa retorted with a smooth wink. "Besides, when has Cloud ever broken his promise?"

The child bit her lip in thought, her head tilting slightly before she conceded. "Never." Marlene lowered her eyes, her cheeks flushing. "But you always say there's a first time for everything."

Tifa froze, her eyes widening ever so slightly as she stared down at the young Marlene. Of all the times for her to actually be listening to me…Tifa made a quick mental note to weigh all of the repercussions of her lectures before giving them. For some reason, they had a vicious way of coming back to haunt her. Falling to her knees, Tifa slowly reached out, gathering Marlene into her arms and pulling her close.

"Don't ever doubt him, Marlene…" Tifa whispered, stroking the girl's soft, dark strands. "Don't ever think Cloud won't come through for you, me, or even Denzel. He loves us too much for that." Tifa pulled back, holding Marlene from her body. "Right?"

"How do you know he loves us?" Marlene asked innocently, tears starting to form in the corners of her eyes. "If he did, he wouldn't leave us so much!"

Tifa winced inwardly. It was starting all over again…the withdrawals, the explanations. Damn it, Cloud…"Doesn't your daddy leave all of the time?" Tifa questioned with a knowing smile. "He still loves you even though he's not always around either."

"But Daddy calls me. Almost every day!" the tears began to slip. "Cloud never calls us…not even you, Tifa, and he has a crush on you!"

Quickly, Tifa reached out, wiping away the tears with her fingers and trying to hide her embarrassment. "That maybe true, but he can't always call. Just like your daddy can't always call."

"But he at least tries!"

Tifa sighed again. This was going nowhere fast. Putting a hand on Marlene's shoulder, she leaned forward to plant a soft kiss on the child's cheek before giving a slight push towards to stairwell. That was enough for the night. If they continued, Marlene would be too upset to sleep. "Go to bed, Marlene. We'll talk again in the morning, alright?"

The child was unsatisfied, but she grudgingly obeyed, climbing the stairs and disappearing into the darkness above. Tifa remained kneeling for a few more moments, lost in her own thoughts. Shaking her head, Tifa stood up, brushing the few specks of dust from her dark clothing.

"I suppose children can be quite troubling."

Tifa bit back a scream of surprise, stumbling away from the voice and nearly toppling over the table. A hand flew out, catching her arm and steadying her before she could fall. With a vicious jerk, Tifa flipped away, her fighting gloves on and at the ready before she even came to a full stop. Dark eyes narrowed, Tifa sought out her assailant, spotting the pale face and red eyes near the open doorway. Her breath caught in her throat, halting her rapid, adrenaline fueled breathing.

Alavar…

The man was bathed in the light from the streetlamp, an apologetic smile on his face. He stood there in his traveling clothes, a long, heavy looking sack dangling from one hand, his other still outstretched from his attempt to steady her. Alavar quickly dropped his sack at the sight of Tifa's offensive stance, holding up both hands in surrender.

"I'm sor---"

"What the hell are you doing here?" Tifa demanded, cutting off Alavar before he could apologize. You don't apologize for breaking into someone's home. You get the hell out.

Alavar blinked, his eyes darting around in the darkness. "Tifa, please…I meant no harm. Really."

"Then leave."

"I can't." Alavar lowered his hands, his face somber. "For your own safety, I cannot leave."

Tifa's eyes narrowed even further at these words. Were they a threat or a warning? Alavar's face seemed sincerely concerned about her, but looks could most certainly be deceiving. "Why not? We're in no danger here." Any threats to her life had been done away with long ago. No geostigma…no Kadaj…no nothing. What could possibly endanger her…

"Tifa. Barren is dead." The words were stated with such harshness that all of the air from Tifa's lungs seemed to whoosh out, leaving her gasping. Alavar's eyes had taken on a distant look, not really seeing her or anything around her. "I'm sorry."

Tifa shook her head, disbelieving. The suddenness of the proclamation was so shocking, so unexpected. "But…but Artese…"

"Tifa." Alavar's voice was firm as he took a step forward, finally staring directly into her eyes. "He dead. The geostigma finished him off before the doctors could do anything…if they could do anything.

Tifa couldn't believe what she was hearing. There was something very wrong with this. Alavar took another step forward, unrelenting.

"There's more, Tifa. The reason why I simply can't leave you and the children here alone." He took another look around, searching the shadows for something, as he spoke. "It seems that Doctor Artese and those assisting him with Barren have been murdered."

"What?"

Alavar flinched, hating every moment of these. "I went in to see Barren earlier, but when I found out he died, I went in search of Artese for an explanation…I found him dead in his office, shot in the head. The nurses were also there…" he took a deep, shuddering breath. "Their throats were cut."

Tifa lowered her hands, shock rocking her already tired body. "What are you saying, Alavar?"

The pale man stiffened, his own eyes narrowed. "I'm saying some one wants anyone who came into contact with Barren dead. And Tifa," he reached out, gripping her shoulders. "That means you too."

Please remember to read and review like a good reader should! And a small note to those of you who've been panicking about the death of Barrett. That's a mistake on my part. Barren and Barrett are not the same people. I wasn't thinking very rationally when I decided on the name Barren for an OC, not realizing that it was so close to the spelling of Barrett. Sorry for the inconvenience, I'll keep that in mind next time.