A/N: Reposting this as the next chapter. I have corrected some mistakes, as well as completed it so it now matches the summary. Sorry if there is any confusion over my... um... haste in posting it before I double-checked it was the right doc file. Forgive me, please?

Summary; Denzel is missing, and Reeve Tuesti steps into the void created by Cloud's absence. Working with Vincent, he begins to uncover clues. But will they be enough to figure out the mysterious disappearance? In the meantime, Cloud and Tifa are given some answers to their own dilemma, and something unexpected is discovered…

Trusting Fate

Chapter Five of the 'Denzel Chronicles'

By Ivy Tanté

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It was Marlene that snapped Kera out of her daze. Roughly slapping the phone back into her hand, Marlene demanded, "Kera, speed dial 7 - its Reeve. We've got to try and find out what happened. Kera, can you hear me? Kera!"

Shaking her head, Kera stared in astonishment at what she had always thought of as Denzel's silly little sister. Nothing of it showed on Marlene's face; she looked resolute and frighteningly like a certain ex-Soldier of their mutual acquaintance that Kera didn't dare call by name. It might cause him to materialize in the kitchen right at that moment and Kera knew she wasn't capable of facing him now. He was as good as a Soldier after all, and might well be able to do something as extraordinary as that, right?

What she did have to face was a young girl whose brother was missing. One that had been with Denzel through far more than Kera liked to remember. So she accepted the phone being shoved at her and hit number 7 on the speed dial.

Half a ring later and a distinguished voice sounded, "Denzel? Where are you? I've been calling for hours! Is your cell phone not working?"

Somehow she forced out, "Mr. Tuesti..."

At first the only sound was an indrawn breath. Then, quietly, obviously speaking to someone in the background, Reeve said, "It's Seventh Heaven, and Denzel isn't there. It's the only reason they would call. Will you go there now? Shelke and I will leave as soon as I've contacted Cloud." A vague murmur was heard, and then Reeve spoke again, "Am I speaking to Marlene or Kera?"

"It is Kera, sir."

"Just Reeve will do, Kera. Will you tell me what you know?" There were noises in the background; shifting papers, closing drawers and doors, the muted swish of footsteps on carpet.

Kera could almost visualize Reeve walking around his office, snatching up this and that as he hurriedly packed whatever he thought might be of use. "He left just before 11:00am this morning. He took a phone call from Harley's Grocery in Kalm, asking that he pick up a parcel at stall 11 in the farmer's market and bring it to him. Denzel expected to be back by 2:00pm at the latest. He did tell me he didn't recognize the voice of the caller, but went ahead since it was Mr. Harley's number. I called the Grocery, and Mr. Harley said a man had come in at 10:30am, asking to use the phone because his truck was broken down. Mrs. Harley let him call, but she said he had an awful voice - all hoarse and rough. That was the man that spoke to Denzel."

"Ah, good, Kera! That gives us something to go on. Now, listen to me carefully. Vincent Valentine will be there shortly. He is the only one I want you to unlock the door for, understand? He'll stay there until I arrive, then he'll ride to Kalm and see what answers he can get. Go ahead and pack a bag for you and Marlene - and get Marlene to toss something together for Denzel as well. I'll explain more once I get there, okay?"

"Yes, sir - I mean, Reeve." Her palms were sweating and shaking so bad Kera feared she would drop the phone. Something of this must have leaked through her control, because Reeve's next words were direct and to the point.

"Hang in there, Kera. We'll find the answers and get Denzel back. There's nothing on this planet we can't face as long as we keep our wits about us, okay?" Another muted voice sounded, this one curiously emotionless, and Reeve shielded his comment from her by putting a hand over the receiver. Then he was back, "Get packed, Kera. Vincent shouldn't be much longer. Go on, get going." The faint click let her know he was gone, and counting on her to do as he asked.

Mechanically laying the phone down, she turned to find Marlene had already acted; the duffle Kera had packed that morning for her weekend with Denzel was sitting by the kitchen table, along with another she didn't recognize. There were scrambling sounds up the stairs to indicating she was working on a bag for Denzel as well.

When Marlene clattered down into the kitchen, Kera was standing by the table, waiting for her. "I never realized before, never really thought about it. But you were there, through everything, weren't you? Avalanche, the reactors, Meteor and Holy - you were actually there. Why did I ignore that? Why did I dismiss it? You're reacting to this crisis as an adult, while I'm fumbling around not knowing where to turn."

The big brown eyes were steady and solemn as Marlene dropped the additional duffle by the others. "I hide it, of course. Tifa and Denzel needed something or someone to lighten their mood after Cloud left during the Geostigma, and I stepped in. It became such a habit and so much fun, that I never stopped. It's one of the reasons I'm not as mad as I should be that Cloud and Tifa didn't tell me what was going on. They forgot how I learned to be so serious." She shrugged, looking down at her shoes, briefly a young girl again. "I like it that way, since I can get away with just about anything. Cloud may look tough, but he's an old softie when it comes to telling me 'no'."

It was all Kera could do to keep from laughing. "And that would be the important part, wouldn't it?" Denzel had spoken of Marlene's legendary talent a time or two - cursed it as well, if she recalled correctly. "It's hard to believe anyone could pull that over on Cloud Strife."

And Marlene shrugged again, "Under it all, he's just a man, Kera." Before she could confront that astonishing statement, a knock sounded on the kitchen door. Cautiously approaching it, Marlene called out, "Who is it?"

A deep, rich voice said calmly, "Vincent Valentine." When Marlene made no move to open the door, the man beyond sighed and stated, "You never did tell me where to get a phone."

Marlene opened the door to glare at the tall, dark and very dangerous looking man standing there. Kera had seen Vincent Valentine on occasion, but they had never been formally introduced. This was the first time she'd been close enough to see that his eyes were indeed blood red, as Denzel claimed.

He stepped inside, closing and locking the door at his back. Then he did something that shocked Kera. Sinking to his knees, he gathered Marlene to him and just held her, rocking back and forth as the young woman burst into tears and clung tightly. "As soon as Reeve gets here, I'll take Fenrir and try to find some answers, Marlene."

Gathering her courage, Kera grabbed a handful of tissues and offered them to Vincent. He accepted with a nod of thanks, and then dried the tears streaking down Marlene's face himself. Suddenly realizing just where Denzel had picked up all his sweet mannerisms made her smile. Strange his family might be - surrounded by unusual characters they indeed were… But she didn't think any of them could possibly be more human.

"Will you tell me what you know?" Marlene asked, voice wavering as she tried to get herself under control.

"Little, I'm afraid. There was a group - a remnant of Deepground, all which remained of that heinous project. We've found evidence confirming their continued existence. We don't know if they even have a name for themselves, but the leader is a former scientist of Hojo named Bergstein. He's an expert in genetics and gene manipulation, and has considerable experience in Mako injections. We think he is the man Denzel spoke with." Rising, Vincent paced quietly back and forth, arms crossed, head down. The high collar of his tattered red cloak hid so much of his face all Kera could see was the red headband wrapped around his forehead. "He's old; old enough that he worked with Professor Gast and even Lazard for a time."

Surprised that he would speak to Marlene so casually, Kera determinedly kept her mouth shut. She wanted to ask questions and wasn't sure how to phrase them. Denzel had been as thorough as possible about Cloud's past but couldn't possibly remember everything; so Deepground had been mentioned, but not in detail.

"Experiments?" Marlene gasped, latching herself to Vincent's arm. "Like what made Cloud what he is?" There was fear in her eyes, and Kera suddenly felt as though the world was spinning madly.

Vincent nodded, "There have been disappearances, Marlene. Denzel is only the latest, but they follow a pattern. Most of the missing was contacted from a place of business they were familiar with and asked to either deliver something, or come and render assistance. Most were waylaid before they arrived at their destination."

"Vincent?" A voice called out.

Reaching out, Vincent opened the door to admit Reeve Tuesti, head of the World Regeneration Organization. Kera had seen him before as well and even be introduced; he was a handsome man of medium height, with dark waving hair, mustache and beard. A small smile flickered over her face. Reeve was her father's employer, so she was sure her parents were already aware of what had happened.

"Thank you," Reeve told him, and received a nod. "You'd better be on your way. I've got a transport waiting in case we find Kaumafon." Another nod then he was gone with the flick of the red cape.

Marlene came forward, and Reeve caught her hand in his. "We should go." Glancing up, Reeve gestured to Kera with his free hand, "Kera, I presume. I've spoken with your parents so they know the situation, and they've given their permission for the WRO to guard you. If you'll follow me, I'll try to fill you in as we go." He surprised her by taking her hand as the three of them headed out the door. A trooper hurried through after them, and returned quickly with their duffels.

A small transport waited outside. Reeve didn't release either girl until they were safety inside the vehicle and on their way. "Now, what did Vincent have time to tell you?"

It was a shock to hear Marlene repeat, verbatim, everything Vincent said. Reeve didn't seem at all surprised by her recall and nodded. "There is more, of course." Gathering his thoughts, Reeve continued, "The one thing that links all the victims is the fact that every one of them suffered from Geostigma, and was cured by either by Aerith's healing rain or the pool in her church." Expression grim, eyes fixed on the road leading to the Headquarters of WRO, he voiced Marlene's silent fears, "We believe they are searching for traces of Jenova."

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Racing at breakneck speed through the desert canyons surrounding the ruins of Midgar, Vincent Valentine searched for traces of the missing child. And as the whistling wind competed with the roar of Fenrir, he struggled to stay objective least he overlook the smallest hint of Denzel's fate.

In his heart he ached for Cloud and Tifa, loyal friends and devastated parents. He ached for Marlene, who despite his best efforts had pierced his shell and made him love her. He even ached a bit for Reeve, who believed his inability to stop the disappearances had caused this tragic situation. Quite a turn-around from his former life, when the only ones he ached for had been himself and Lucrecia...

But Vincent could not let any of that distract him from his search. Like Cloud, he had found himself unexpectantly part of a family he had never envisioned. That family was now threatened by outside influences. And Vincent knew that as much as Cloud's loyalties torn at the very fabric of his being, Cloud wasn't capable of comforting Tifa and searching for Denzel at the same time.

So his family was stepping in.

A glint off to the side caught his attention, and Vincent brought the bike to a sliding halt. Dismounting, he carefully traced his way over to where Kaumafon lay on its side in a circle of scorched earth. There were signs of hurried displacement from further up the way, dropped items and spent shells flowing toward where the bike was left. Judging from the tire tracks and jumbled footprints visible, a carefully planned ambush had been foiled by the observant teen. Shotgun shells littered the area around Kaumafon, and splashes of blood decorated the rocks here and there along the path. Vincent inspected each one carefully, noting the height and direction of the splatters. To his immense relief none smelled of Denzel. A grim smile of pride crossed his face as he touched one of the stains - Cloud's son had gone down fighting for all he was worth.

Finally reaching the bike, Vincent ran his hands over it carefully, noting little nicks and dents marring the finish. From the leatherwork he could smell Denzel's anger and determination - but no fear. He'd been well and truly pissed over the attack, but not afraid. He would be sure to tell Cloud of the courage Denzel showed. It would not lessen the hurt, but it would offer some comfort.

Vincent righted the bike and found the shotgun beneath it. A dart was lodged in the butt; he had no doubt it contained a powerful tranquilizer. Carefully removing it, he placed the evidence into a small bag and tucked it securely into a hidden pocket of his cloak. Walking back to the road, he pulled out the phone Reeve had pressed into his hand earlier and dialed.

"Reeve," was the immediate answer. "Did you find anything?"

"They have him," Vincent told him. "But he took down several of them first to judge by the bloodstains. Denzel wasn't afraid of them, just angry over the ambush. I found Kaumafon, and a dart embedded in the butt of his shotgun; I'll bring the dart back for analysis."

"Can you tell if he was injured?" Reeve asked anxiously.

"None of the blood smells of him."

"Okay. I'll call Cloud and report. The transport should catch up with you in just a minute or two."

Hearing the rumble, Vincent assured him, "They are arriving now."

"Good work. What are your plans?"

"I will try to track them further. If Denzel injured as many as I believe, they will not be moving fast."

"Then best of luck. Thank you, Vincent."

"Thank me when he's safely home, Reeve." And Vincent snapped the phone shut.

The transport came to a halt beside him, and Barret leaned over from the driver's side to speak to Vincent through the passenger window. "Find anything?" As brutish as Barret could be at times, this wasn't one of them. His voice was quiet and worried, and the dark eyes reflected both.

"Kaumafon and his shotgun. I also found signs he'd busted their ambush attempt, and what I think is a tranquilizer dart. He didn't go down easy, Barret. With all the bloodstains I think he took one or two of them with him." He traded that grim smile of pride with Barret before he gestured to Fenrir. "I've told Reeve I will attempt to track them as far as possible. They may move slower if there are wounded along."

Opening the door to the transport, Barret got out with a grunt. "Find them, Vincent." He paused to rub his gun arm fondly, "And when you do, I have a few bullets reserved special." Glancing over at Kaumafon, he assured the former Turk, "I don't need no help with the bike; you just catch them."

Nodding, Vincent mounted Fenrir and rolled off, his speed slow as he carefully began following the trail left behind by the attackers. And though he knew that Reeve wanted the assailants alive to stand trial, he couldn't find it within himself to be concerned with such niceties.

After all, this was family.

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Weariness filled Cloud Strife as he sat staring out of the clinic window. The scenery was beautiful, soothing. Green woods surrounded the small town rebuilt a short distance from the original site. A surge of Lifestream had destroyed most of Mideel after the attack of WEAPON. Cloud and Tifa had tumbled into the glowing green liquid in what should have been certain death...

And the rest is history, Cloud thought with a bleak smile. A small sound whipped his head around to see Tifa dabbing at her streaming eyes. She looked so forlorn sitting there on the exam table, dressed only in one of those aggravating hospital gowns that tied at the back and still managed to reveal everything they were supposed to cover. Cloud shot out of his chair and gathered her close even as she crumpled completely.

"Cloud," she wailed, head nestled between his chin and shoulder, fingers curled into the fabric of his sweater.

All he could do was stroke her hair as he held her. Reeve's report had been factual and concise, Vincent's more gentle. Denzel had gone down fighting his attackers without fear, without hesitating over returning fire. The ambush had failed because the teen had spotted them first. Cloud was very proud of Denzel, and honored to be the one he called father.

But Cloud was also sick with worry. He wasn't out there searching for his son, and didn't think he could ever forgive himself for choosing one child over another. A hand lifted and rested on Tifa's still-flat stomach as he closed his eyes. This one couldn't fight for itself yet, so had priority. How badly was this going to scar him if Denzel was never found?

There was a soft knock on the door.

"Come in," Cloud called out.

Dr. Dellasega peeked in, carefully closing the door quietly behind him. "Cloud, Tifa. I'd like to say first how sorry I am concerning your son, Denzel. Reeve just informed me about the situation." At Cloud's slight frown, the doctor went on to explain, "Extreme upset or agitation can cause problems during pregnancy. And as this is not a normal pregnancy by any means, Reeve thought it best I know all the details." Stepping up to Tifa, he laid a gentle hand on her shoulder. "I have the results of the tests. And I can't tell you how happy I am that everything seems perfectly normal."

A hard shudder rippled through them both at the words. Mopping at the tears, Tifa managed to get out, "That is such good news to hear," before her throat closed up and she could say no more.

Some of the tension left Cloud's shoulders. "Are you sure?" he pressed.

"As sure as any of us can be." Leaning against the exam table, Dr. Dellasega smiled encouragingly at them. "There are traces of Jenova, S-cells and Mako in the birth fluid, but that's to be expected. I would be very surprised if it wasn't there." And here he began to grin. "Unfortunately, we'll have to do another biopsy on you, Tifa. Seems we missed something on the first scans."

Alarmed, Cloud glared at the doctor and demanded, "What?! You tell us everything looks good and that you just happened to miss something?"

Dr. Dellasega adjusted his glasses and just beamed at them. "The other fetus, of course. The second appears to be a bit shy and is hiding behind their twin." It amused him how close this man, this Cloud Strife -who had saved the world on so many occasions, including facing down Sephiroth a final time while suffering from Geostigma- came to fainting at the information. His face went so pale the impossibly blue eyes seemed almost day-glow.

Tifa laughed, because she realized she was the only thing holding Cloud up since his knees had buckled. "Twins!" she mock protested, hitting Cloud dead center in the chest. "You never do anything by half, do you, Cloud Strife?"

And incredibly, despite the horrible situation concerning Denzel, Cloud found himself grinning. "I love you, Tifa Lockhart. This should be an indication of just how much." He kept right on grinning goofily at the doctor, even though her return punch bruised his arm.

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Where am I? Why is it so dark? What is that noise?

The questions rolled around his befuddled mind. It was cold and dank, with an unpleasant earthy smell mixed with... blood. Blood and sharp chemicals and hot metal and that strange, ozone like stench of Mako. The sound was of mechanicals, of instruments and computers. Denzel Strife forced his eyes open, preferring to face reality to the nightmares that still haunted. But reality wasn't much different from the spectral images woven from his dreams.

A lab. I'm in a lab of some kind. Is this a cage?

His hand reached out and touched the bars of what seemed to be a cell, confirming the solidity of the cold iron. Beyond were tables loaded with equipment similar to what he'd seen at the WRO when he'd taken a tour of their labs. White-coated technicians wandered here and there, gloved hands manipulating the machines, feeding data into computers. On the other side was a line of cages matching the one holding Denzel. Some were occupied, though his vision was too blurry to tell with what.

A tall, almost skeletal older man with a shock of white hair was holding center stage, speaking in a commanding voice that Denzel couldn't understand through the mists filling his thoughts.

That dart. Must have been a tranquilizer. Everything's so out of focus.

Memories of the battle flashed. The anger over the attempted ambush returned, and Denzel gritted out, "Which of you is responsible for the attack on me?" His voice was slurred but strong; everyone present turned to look at him in surprise.

"Well now. You shouldn't be awake yet, lad," it was the older man speaking, and he came closer to lean over the cage Denzel was trapped in. Pale gray eyes studied him like he was an intricate puzzle. "You're the street rat Cloud adopted, aren't you? Denzel, I believe the name is." The man frowned. "We wanted Strife, child. He's the closest thing to a SOLDIER we're likely to get. But you're interesting on your own, aren't you? Tanic says you fought like a demon, and here you are, awake when you should be out for hours more."

"That kid cost us Mabin and Floss," one of the techs snarled. "And Jonsie lost an arm to that shotgun of his."

"All the more reason to get started on him, then. I'm Bergstein, by the way. You won't live for very long, but we'll be very well acquainted before the end." Walking away, he gave an absent-minded gesture. Two burly-looking techs leaned down to open the cage, grabbing Denzel by the ankles and jerking him out.

I'll make it, Denzel swore as they wrestled him across the room. He put up enough of a fight that two more techs were needed to help thrust his hands into the manacles attached to the exam table. There's nothing you can do to me that Geostigma hasn't already done. But dad... I know you're searching. I know you'll come... A hiss escaped as a needle was plunged into his arm and the world started to swim in and out of focus.

Denzel's last thought was a prayer that Cloud wouldn't be too late. Not for himself, no, he wasn't afraid to die. Hadn't been since Marlene had told him his hero had Geostigma too. No, he was terrified his death might be the blow that completely destroyed Cloud Strife...