Summary; Kera watches as Cloud uses all available resources to continue the search for Denzel. Even the Turks are now personally involved, and Tseng offers an explanation of why. But Kunsel discovers that vital piece of information that may finally bring about a rescue. But what will they find during the assault on the lab?

Finally, Hope

Chapter Seven of the 'Denzel Chronicles'

By Ivy Tanté

Kera Shoman sat in the back of the conference room, content to be ignored by all present. Around the table were some of the most powerful people on the planet, all bent over reports and surveys and maps. The muted hum of their voices conveyed their intense concentration as they shifted over every byte of data gathered from all over the world.

Front and center was a man she'd always thought quiet and remote. Over the years she'd seen small flashes of the humor and wit often mentioned by acquaintances, but never enough to actually define his personality to her. No matter how the rest of the world viewed him, he was simply Denzel's father to her. He was a presence to be respected - not for his service to the world, but for the open heart he'd given to his adopted son.

Now Cloud Strife stood as the center of attention, all eyes on him as he outlined the time of events from Denzel's capture. Voice strong and forceful, he pinpointed areas of interest on the map, highlighted the search parameters for the next day. The impossibly brilliant blue eyes never wavered as he named the teams and which part of the grid they were to investigate. None questioned his choices or voiced concerns over his methods.

Not even the Turks.

Previously, Rufus Shinra had ordered his people to provide the WRO with all information pertaining to the group believed to have Denzel. But Kera had pleaded with Cloud to include them in the search for the missing teen. And he had, despite his reservations concerning the Turks and their often shadowy methods. So Reno, Rude, Elena, Cissnei and Tseng stood to the side, faces resolute as they waited for their assignment. She watched as Tseng shifted his stance slightly, then suddenly turn toward her.

For just an instant she saw compassion in the dark eyes, even a flash of understanding. Then the expression was gone and he looked away to study the map covering most of the north wall. It unnerved her just enough that she slid out of her chair and headed for the small refrigerator for a bottle of water. As she unscrewed the top and took a sip, her eyes wandered back over the group as they began picking up their paperwork, preparing to leave on their designated tasks.

Another day was ending, and still Denzel had not been found.

Three months, two days and... Kera glanced down at her watch and saw it was after 8:00 pm. ...nine hours. Never had the passage of time meant so much to her. Every minute that passed lessened Denzel's chances of survival, and no one had ever suspected it would take this long. The group had covered their tracks so thoroughly even Vincent and Nanaki couldn't detect anything just past the ambush site.

A motion off to the side attracted her attention, and she turned to see Cloud gesturing at her. With a nod, she collected her half-done homework and packed up her belongings. Joining him and Nanaki, she silently followed behind as they left the conference room. Kera had grown used to having at least two people with her at all times. It drove her crazy, because she wanted them out looking for Denzel, not guarding her. But her parents were so grateful for the sense of security it gave them that she didn't complain.

Cloud paused just in the lobby of the WRO to speak with Reeve Tuesti and an exhausted looking Kunsel, so Kera took a few steps to the side to give them privacy. Nanaki lightly padded over and rubbed against her side, encouraging her to lean down and gently scratch at the base of his skull. The touch caused his golden eye to slit in pleasure. Of all involved in the search, she was the most comfortable with Nanaki.

When he spoke, his voice was a rumble from deep within his chest, "You must not give up hope, Kera. There is still a chance Denzel is alive." He punctuated this with a soft yip to indicate his confidence in the statement.

Knowing he was trying to make her feel better, she gave a stiff rub to his cheek. "It's the time, Nanaki. It keeps rolling on and nothing is happening. I want him to come home!" Sinking to her knees, she embraced him and buried her face in his fur, soaking it with her tears. As hard as she tried to keep quiet, the sobs only intensified as someone called her name.

As fate would have it, Tseng reached her first, hand under her elbow to gently lift her to her feet. "Come now, Kera. Come with me." Leading her over to a padded bench, he sat with her until she got herself under control.

"I feel so useless," she hiccuped, sniffling into the handkerchief he handed her. And it was nothing more than the truth. For all the work she did conveying messages and information back and forth, it seemed futile. They were no closer to locating Denzel than the day he'd been taken. Why was there no evidence, no trail, no witnesses?

A hand touched hers briefly. "We all feel useless," Tseng murmured softly, surprising her. "Yes," he answered, giving a sad smile, "with all the power in our hands, we've yet to break the wall of silence surrounding this group. It is frustrating. And infuriating as well." Gesturing toward Cloud, he told her firmly, "But he will never give up, Kera. You must remember that. Cloud Strife will never stop searching."

Staring down at her hands, she asked him, "But I thought you were his enemy?"

A slight, one-sided smile appeared. "I think the proper term to use is 'times change'. There is no love lost between the Turks and those who fought Sephiroth, and I have done things within my lifetime that will forever haunt me. But none of us wish to see a resurgence of the evil that created those of Deepground."

"So you're trying to stop whatever they mean to do. Denzel is just your way to find them."

Tseng gave a slight bow at her intuitive guess. "Does that bother you?"

The look she gave the Turk was far too adult for her tender years. "Not if it returns Denzel to me."

"Good, you can be practical about the situation." Tseng glanced around for a moment before turning back to Kera. "Bergstein isn't trying to recreate the past because the past is flawed. He's trying to advance the SOLDIER program using the copying abilities of Jenova."

That made Kera frown, "But Kadaj had the last known piece of Jenova and he used it to become Sephiroth."

A narrowing of his eyes let Kera know Tseng was choosing his words carefully as he replied, "Anyone that suffered from Geostigma could possibly retain the Jenova gene. There are also a number of former SOLDIERs, second and third class, that were never accounted for after Meteor."

"So there are ways around Jenova's destruction."

Tseng looked resigned as he admitted, "There always are."

ab

As he was talking to Reeve and Kunsel, Cloud kept an eye on Tseng as he sat with Kera. Though he didn't want to admit it, he was worried for her. Nothing of her was the same as before; the vivacious energy was gone, and she looked pale and thin. Tifa and Marlene were doing everything they could but the worry was practically eating Kera alive.

And he well understood her fears.

Being strong took all his focus, all his strength. Cloud no longer had time to brood over his feelings of inadequacies and self-doubt. Instead he watched all those around him, trying to keep their frame of mind positive, keeping them busy and occupied. Obviously he hadn't watched Kera close enough if she was so close to the breaking point that a simple comment from Nanaki could set her off.

Making decisions in the blink of an eye was now second nature. Cloud ended his conversation with Reeve and turned to the SOLDIER 2nd class. Kunsel looked ready to drop, and he privately admitted teaming him with Shelke had probably been a mistake. There was little Kunsel enjoyed more than diving for information. Sleeping, eating and taking care of himself fell far short if there was reading and researching to be done. And here he was, holding out a disc with such a hopeful expression on his haggard face. If that look was anything to go by, he'd found something big.

Cloud rubbed at his temples. He was tired and frustrated, with a pounding headache and a nagging ache dead center of his back from doing nothing but sitting in meetings all day. "So, tell me what you found," he asked, hoping his voice sounded encouraging.

Moments later, Kunsel's disc safety tucked in a pocket of his jeans, Cloud made a quick phone call then strode across the lobby, nodding to Tseng when he reached them. "It's time to go, Kera. Thank you for watching over her, Tseng." As always when dealing with the Turks, his words were formal and cool. Most of the information they had was from the database of the former ShinRa organization, and Cloud was grateful they were willing to share their intelligence sources. But he was also wary. Distrust of Rufus' minions ran deep and was hard to overcome.

Nonetheless, Tseng accepted Cloud's thanks with grace. "I was assuring her that you will find him. You have a tenacity that tends to overcome all obstacles." The dry wit in the words made Cloud smile.

"I'd like to think so. Kera, are you ready to go? Reeve is contacting your parents to let them know you're staying at 7th Heaven tonight."

As that was nothing unusual, she merely nodded. Then she surprised herself by leaning over and kissing Tseng's cheek. "Thanks," she whispered, then rose and followed Cloud toward the exit.

The Turk was left behind to wonder what he had done to deserve such gratitude.

ab

Tifa was in the kitchen when they arrived home, stirring a pot on the stove with Marlene and her homework littering the tabletop. "Make a hole," Kera said with a grimace, for two urgent deliveries had kept her from getting her world histories report done at Headquarters. So Marlene scooted some things over so Kera could lay out her own work. She didn't know what was cooking but it smelled delicious. Enough so she wished she had an appetite.

The way Cloud greeted Tifa, snuggling her close to his heart with a soft kiss to her forehead, unexpectedly lifted her spirits. She and Marlene then exchanged a look of amusement as Cloud started kissing Tifa with more intent that simple greetings and Tifa lightly smacked him with her cooking spoon. "Quit that in front of the kids, Cloud Strife. Off to the shower with you, you're covered with half the dust of Midgar. And don't ask!" she snapped out when Cloud opened his mouth to say something. Smirking, he managed to snag a raw carrot on his way out the door.

"That man," Tifa huffed, unconsciously rubbing a hand over the small bugle now evident on her usually flat stomach and silently praised the gods there were still no problems with the precious cargo she carried.

"Don't tell me; he wanted you to wash his back?" Kera asked, then gasped at her audacity to actually voice that question.

And Tifa burst out laughing. It rang in the kitchen, brightening not only the room but their moods as well. "Yes, he did, Kera. Like I have the time to cater to him." Taking the pot off the stove, she checked the casserole in the oven, gave a satisfied smile and informed them, "Dinner should be ready in about half an hour. Since you're working in here, we'll actually eat in the dining room tonight." Since that had happened twice during the nearly six years she'd known them, Kera found herself smiling along with Marlene.

A loud shout sounded from the bar, and Tifa glanced over her shoulder in faint irritation. At their questioning looks, she offered, "Big soccer match on TV. Ben and Tony have a few of the regulars helping them keep order." With everything going on, no one felt Tifa should work the bar as usual. Now four months along, Cloud wasn't willing to take any chances with her. And although Tifa felt it was overkill, she had weekly exams in Mideel with Dr. Dellasega that only confirmed her outstanding health and the completely normal progress of the twins.

Again resting her hand on her stomach, Tifa once more marveled - twins. They didn't know the sex of either yet, and there really wouldn't be a chance to learn for weeks more. But inside she knew. She wanted a son, Cloud wanted a daughter. Something told her they would both have their wish.

Stowing a few dishes into the dishwasher, Tifa looked over at her daughter and asked, "Marlene, will you give me a minute with Kera?"

The hurt on Marlene's face stabbed at her conscious. There was little the two girls didn't share now, and Tifa watched as Kera instantly leaned over to take Marlene's hand. "It's okay, Tifa. You can say anything in front of her. She'll just eavesdrop anyway if you send her out." Sharing a conspiring glance, the two looked back at Tifa with near angelic expressions.

The snort said just what she thought of their attempt. "All right." Taking a minute to arrange her thoughts, Tifa then asked, "How comfortable are you on Kaumafon, Kera? What I'm asking is; would you like to take part in the search tomorrow instead of just running messages?"

Eyes wide, Kera all but pounced on her, "They've found something."

"Maybe." Wiping her hands on a dishtowel, Tifa admitted, "I had no idea there are caves and tunnels in the canyons surrounding Midgar. But Shelke found a partial map of a system not that far from where Denzel was taken. No one knows if those tunnels still exist; Meteor might have caused them to collapse. If any are still open there's bound to be monsters inhabiting them. Cloud thought it might be..."

Shaking her head, Kera raised a hand, "I'll go, Tifa. Barret's been giving me lessons on using Denzel's shotgun for weeks now, and it's about time I put them to good use." In truth, she was spoiling for a fight or a confrontation or even just a little skirmish with a couple of monsters. Anything to release the tension that kept winding inside her, like a spring about to break under the pressure.

Marlene spoke up for the first time, "But you'll be careful, right?" She reached back over the tabletop and grasped Kera's hand again. "You're my sister now, and I can't lose you too." Tears threatened the dark eyes staring at her so solemnly.

The words shook her. "There's... nothing formal between me and Denzel, Marlene," Kera managed to get out, blushing hotly as Tifa dropped her eyes deliberately to the teen's hand. Cloud had wolf rings made for his children once he'd married Tifa and officially adopted them, and Denzel had given his to Kera about a month after they'd started dating. It was one of those things boys did to make their girlfriends feel cherished and special.

Kera knew better than that, of course. She knew what Denzel was saying the day he gave her his ring. Pretending otherwise gave her time to consider all he'd implied when he'd slid it onto her finger and sealed it with a kiss. But Tifa's knowing grin made her instinctively hunch her shoulders under what she privately called 'the mom stare'. Tifa certainly did it better than Kera's own mom, that was for sure.

Of course, Tifa had been practicing it on Cloud, Marlene and Denzel for years now, pretty much in that order...

And right on cue, in walked Cloud. He looked relaxed and refreshed after his shower, and was wearing a worn pair of jeans and a simple white t-shirt. The haphazard spikes of blonde hair were slightly tamed by dampness, but Kera knew that wouldn't last for long. Bare feet making no sound on the tiled foot, he crossed to Tifa and playfully tugged on a lock of hair until she was in his arms.

"Cloud," Marlene started, and the swordsman turned to her. "About the tunnels..."

Releasing Tifa, Cloud padded over and knelt by her side. "What about them, Marlene?"

She couldn't resist running a hand through his mussed hair, causing the spikes to stick out in a weird formation from one side of his head. Giggling slightly at his resigned look, she then asked him, "What if someone could sneak through them first, just to make sure it was safe?"

Kera could see the puzzled expression that crossed Cloud's face. "How could we do that?"

"Cait Sith!" Tifa and Kera answered at the same moment, and Marlene just beamed at them both with pride.

Then she laughed helplessly as Cloud drilled a finger into her ticklish side. "Not one word about the women putting it all together first, squirt." He watched her with a soft, gentle smile as he added, "That is a good idea, Marlene. I'll mention it to Reeve in the morning. Now I think Tifa wants you both to wash up, because dinner is ready and smelling really good. And you had better eat some of it this time!"

ab

The desert canyons around the ruins of Midgar and the city of Edge were chilly in the morning. Kera was sitting on Kaumafon a short distance away from the main group, with her arms wrapped around her for more warmth. Marlene sat behind her, leaning into the older girl, still more than half-asleep. Tifa was beside her with her hand on the bike, listening as Cloud outlined the search parameters.

Tifa could not take her eyes off a slight rise to their immediate left. Rain and wind had scoured the stone, but could not completely remove the charred mark where Kaumafon had been found. Her eyes picked out bullet gouges in the surrounding boulders, and the ever so faint bloodstains that remained. All the shell casing expended during the fight had been collected and analyzed, all the stains swabbed. Little endured to indicate the courage her son had shown during the battle.

People began to move off toward their assigned sectors as Cloud and Tseng approached the group of women. "We'll start looking here," Cloud told them. "Tifa, you and Tseng will examine the area where they originally set up the ambush." He motioned back down the canyon toward a small blue flag about 150 yards from where they stood. Then he indicated another flag -this one green- nearly 200 yards back and closer to the ruins. "Vincent is sure that's where Denzel first spotted his attackers from the skid marks. I want Kera and Marlene with me while I check that out. By backtracking, we should meet were the actual conflict took place. Here is the tunnel complex in this area." Cloud pulled out a map and laid it on Kaumafon. He gestured to their left, pointing to an area of tumbled boulders about 50 yards away. "That was the cave that opened onto the tunnel system. We have to find if there's another way in if the tunnel still exists."

They separated, heading in opposite directions. When Kera, Marlene and Cloud reached the flag, Cloud motioned for them to stand back while he carefully paced the area. Once assured no monsters lurked, he gestured for the girls to come forward.

Feeling out of her depth, Kera nonetheless climbed up the rocks with Marlene and started searching. All three carefully worked their way back until they stood on the last spot Denzel had been. Standing there, in that space, made her heart ache. Pushing it aside, she turned in a full circle, carefully scrutinizing all the rocks and the faint bloodstains. Doing so gave her an idea of where the attack force had been deployed, and how Denzel had defended against them. It was the wire that caught her attention. It was frayed and barely visible against the sand-colored boulder.

"Cloud, what is that?" she asked, pointing to the thin filament in confusion. If not for the metallic flash of the sun against it she would have thought it was just a strand of hair. Tifa and Tseng walked up just in time to hear her question and stopped just behind her. Tifa rested a hand on Kera's shoulder that was tensed in anticipation.

Crouching, Cloud studied it carefully before reaching out to touch it. Whatever compound was used to seal it to the stone was crumbling, and his gentle tug worked it loose. Following its progress down the rocks, he traced it to a particular formation that stood at an angle about thirty yards away. A cautious tap rang hollowly of metal, not stone.

"Cloud," whispered Marlene, inching forward until she could curl her hands around his arm.

And Cloud Strife pulled out his phone. "Reeve," he breathed out, "I need you here now."

There hadn't been any sign of retreat because they hadn't needed to. Denzel had been right there all along.

ab

The world continues to swim, never coming into focus. Lights revolve in his vision as he struggles to comprehend his surroundings. The gentle touch of a hand makes him jerk away. But the voice is familiar - it has helped him in the past, helped him hold onto sanity during all this madness.

"Come on, Denzel. Drink this now, okay?"

The cool liquid is welcome. The taste is somehow sharper than he remembers from the last time, but it doesn't stop him from taking all that is offered. Elixir. He's being fed an Elixir.

"That's really good. You got it all down this time."

Another touch on his brow brings comfort. The hand is cool, soothing as it strokes through his hair. There is so much pain it riddles his entire body, and the fire burning into his flesh never goes out.

"An alarm went off a few minutes ago. They've found you, Denzel. It's going to be okay now."

Must... think. The room isn't spinning so bad. I can feel the hard table I'm strapped to - or was. My hands and feet aren't bound any longer.

Moving brings vertigo, but the small freedom is so wonderful Denzel relishes it. The effort costs him nearly all he has, but Denzel gasps out, "Who?"

Why is there no answer? Must see, must understand. What can I see? An impression of black and white and blue. Rich, glowing blue tainted by Mako green. Dad?

"Cloud?"

"No, I'm not Cloud. Don't waste your strength, you'll need it soon enough. Rest now. Help is coming."

But you're already here, his hazy mind insisted. You've been here all along. Who are you? But just as before, the sense of his presence fades until he finds himself doubting the stranger was ever there to begin with.

The silence is broken by the shrill sound of a siren and sudden shouts of alarm. Boot heels ring on concrete as figures in hazy white stream past. Lights blink red and that voice he hates, the grating rasp of Bergstein, orders lockdown and warns of infiltration. Denzel moves his right hand and touches something cold, hard and sharp. Hope fills him for the first time since the ordeal began as his fingers fold around the hilt tucked at his side.

It isn't over until I kill you, Bergstein...