I'm glad there are some of you that like the story and I hope that this chapter gives you all more of a cause to continue reading. UNTIL NEXT UPDATE!

In several weeks the news of the attack on Mr. Shinra and world savior, Tifa Lockhart had reached every corner of the planet. Barret, Yuffie, Vincent, Red XIII and Cid all turned up in Midgard to watch over Tifa who was still in a comatose state.

"Poor Tifa! This is all Cloud's fault… if he had just been there, Tifa would have never gotten involved with Shinra and she would be fine." Yuffie complained as Cid the others half groaned from the accusation. Vincent looked at the injured young woman lying on the table and frowned.

'Cloud what are you doing?' Vincent thought to himself. He had thought things between the two had gotten much better since DEEPGROUND, but that wasn't so. Cloud had left several months after the crisis believing that if any other survivors from Hojo's experiments appeared they would be after him. 'Cloud obviously forgot that those same people he was trying to protect Tifa from would turn to her first.'

"Vincent what do you think?" Yuffie asked with an angered tone. Vincent was knocked from his thoughts and turned to face the direction of the rest of the group to find Rufus Shinra. Personally, Vincent had nothing against Rufus, but seeing as he was the son of the first Shinra Barret and Cid along with Yuffie still harbored some bad feelings for him.

"I am here to see Tifa… I'm not here to entertain any of you so it would be appreciated if I could see her." Rufus answered calmly as Yuffie nearly jumped on the businessman.

"This is your fault!" Yuffie yelled as she stepped within arms reach of Rufus. He narrowed his eyes and did his best to remain calm.

"The assailant was looking for Cloud… and if he had been there Tifa would be fine." Rufus hissed as Yuffie stepped back and huffed.

█

"Sources say that the attack was not motivated. Eye witness stated that the attacker was looking for the world savior Cloud Strife. His attack upon both Rufus Shinra and Tifa Lockhart was seen two weeks ago in Midgard outside of the Seventh Heaven, Tifa Lockhart's establishment. More on the attack later today…" Cloud was sitting in a tavern several hours from Midgard in shock.

"Tifa…" Cloud said in shock aloud to himself. One of the customers in the bar looked in Cloud's direction and squint his eyes. Cloud's cap and his scarf used to conceal his identity seemed to throw the gentleman off but at the mention of Tifa's name the gentleman decided to come over to make small talk.

"The name is Sherman Oleanders." He held his hand out to shake Cloud's, then looked back at the screen and sighed, "it's a shame that beautiful young woman was assaulted like that… I mean there isn't a single man on this planet that would want to harm a woman like that… but I guess there will always be monsters like that creep. So what's yer name?" Sherman questioned as Cloud looked at him and shook his head.

"It's not important… it never was." He added the last part more to himself. Sherman laughed and then ordered two beers.

"I think I have an idea of who you are but I have no idea on why you are." Sherman said aloud as their beers arrived and he sipped his slightly. Cloud turned his gaze to the man and then to the floor.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Cloud asked aloud as Sherman laughed.

"It means 'Cloud'… that I don't know why you're still here and not with her." Sherman questioned as Cloud only shook his head.

"I'll only get her killed. Whoever this person is they want me and will go through anyone to get to me." Cloud replied simply. Sherman shook his head and sighed.

"Cloud, you saved the planet twice and helped another time from what I was told. The first time, you lost someone important to you, is that what this attitude's about?" Sherman asked as Cloud's eyes turned to him again.

"I thought so… Cloud you can't save anyone if you're hiding. I know not being around your loved ones should keep them safe… but everyone knows you and your pals… Wouldn't it be better to be with your loved ones? At least then you have a chance at protecting them, right?" Sherman asked as Cloud began to stand to leave. Sherman sighed and then added, "what if this guy had killed her to hurt you?"

Cloud stopped in his tracks. He slowly turned to the man and locked eyes with him. Cloud hadn't even thought of it… Tifa could have been killed because someone wanted revenge or wanted to get to him mentally.

"I know that's something you never thought of but with the way the world is, you never know what could happen." Sherman says softly as he looked off into space. "You know, I used to work as a security guard at a local bank… I stopped these two criminals from robbing the place blind… they were sent to prison but somehow they found out where I stayed… while I was doing a double shift… some of their buddies broke into my home and raped my wife and killed my youngest child..." Sherman stopped as tears threatened beneath his now closed eye lids. Cloud nearly gasped but controlled himself. Sherman exhaled and smiled grimly. "Listen; kid… because you're still young, you got your whole life ahead of you… kid don't leave the ones you love because you never know when that goodbye could be the last one you ever say to them." Sherman sighed as he turned back to face the bar and continued drinking his beer.

"I'm sorry…" Cloud started but the elder waved a hand behind him.

"Don't say it, show it." Cloud thought for a moment on the words spoken to him and nodded.

"Right." Cloud quickly exited the bar and mounted Fenrir and took off towards Midgard without a second thought.

█

The seven hooded young adults had all been in the desert near the town of Midgard waiting for any signs of Cloud.

"He should be arriving… where is he?" The black haired youth growled to himself as Avius, too, became irritated. Lexa looked at the two and smirked.

"Calm down you two will get to him soon. Just relax." She grinned as Archia mocked their angered faces. Avius turned on her and grabbed both her arms and shook her slightly.

"Archia do you think this is a joke?" He questioned as she simply nodded with a laugh. Avius did his best to fight the urge to join her but did as well.

"Both of you know he's coming so chill out." Archia grinned and the black haired young man nodded slowly and eased his features.

"I suppose you're right Archia." He agreed as Axel stepped forward.

"I will gladly deliver a message to the other members of Avalanche if you need me to… Tifa was far too easy. I think she and Rufus were too involved with each other to really fight back." Axel grinned as Avius raised a brow.

"Trust me Axel what you did was overkill." Avius commented and continued "So Rufus Shinra has taken a liking to Tifa? I can't wait to use that on Cloud to see his reaction." Avius added with a grin as Cain laughed.

"You know he'll be jealous." Cain calmly added.

"Enough of this I think the guest of honor is coming." The black haired youth smirked as a trail of dust followed a tiny spec in the distance. "I believe tomorrow will be very entertaining." The black haired youth turned to the six others and nodded, "let us prepare." He then disappeared followed by the others.

In the distance Cloud was revving his bike to the max in hopes of reaching Tifa as quickly as possible. He no longer cared if his stalker was waiting for him he had to get to Tifa.

As Midgard came into view Cloud smiled slightly to himself and nodded in confirmation of what was needed to be done. The entire five hour trip from the small town between Fort Condor and Midgard was filled with thoughts of Tifa and her condition.

"I have to get to her!" Cloud declared aloud as several monsters swarmed in front of him. He took out his First Tsurugi and sliced the monsters in half with little difficulty.

Unknown to Cloud, Avius was watching in the shadows as he ran to keep up with the speeding Fenrir. Avius's enhanced speed made his task fairly simple but he also had to make sure that Cloud never became aware of his presence. Avius wanted to test the blonde before him in order to report back to the group and give them an analysis of the warrior's skill.

After several more monsters summoned and slain, Avius stopped his actions as he grinned as Cloud rode on into the outskirts of Midgard.

"Well at least he'll be a challenging opponent… I hope." Avius sighed to himself as he disappeared into the darkness.

█

As dawn came the next day, Rufus had stayed by Tifa's side the entire time despite nurses and doctors threatening to call police if he hadn't left when visitation hours were over. Due to his influence and money he was allowed to stay with Tifa through the night.

Yuffie, Cid and Barret arrived the moment the hospital allowed visitors and were shocked to see Rufus still by Tifa's side.

"What are you doing here?" Yuffie questioned angered as Rufus ignored her.

"At least he'll stick by her side unlike that damn spiky head jack-ass!" Cid growled as he went over to Tifa's bedside. Barret sighed and followed him as Yuffie did the same.

"The doctors say that she should be coming around in a day or two… but they aren't a hundred percent sure… I've called a few specialists and they are on their way as we speak." Rufus stated as he brushed a strand of hair out of Tifa's face. Cid gave Barret a look and nodded.

"We're going to get something to eat, come on Yuffie." Cid called out as Yuffie glared at the two and then Barret yanked her out of the room with them.

"Yuffie maybe Rufus is different… maybe he's the one Tifa needs. Let's give the guy a chance… he did aid in the destruction of DEEPGROUND and with Kadaj and his gang. Give the guy a chance and if he hurts Tifa… then we'll pound him." Barret said as they walked down the hallway, unaware Vincent had heard the whole conversation.

"So they're willing to trust a Shinra after all?" Vincent peered through the glass and into Tifa's room and watched as Rufus held Tifa's hands.

"It's a shame…" He thought aloud as he left the hospital quietly. Vincent knew something bad was going to happen soon but he couldn't find any trace of information against the attack on Tifa and why anyone would want Cloud. Vincent looked to the sky and noticed how the dark clouds began to swirl together rather quickly.

"Just like that day Sephiroth took Kadaj's body…" Vincent trailed off. He jumped to the sky and landed on a building and jumped to another. He had to find who was affecting the whether so strangely. Vincent climbed several more buildings and looked around the city.

"You know Vincent you shouldn't be too concerned with the whether." A hooded female said with a smile in her voice. She lifted her hands upwards and two handguns materialized into her hands. "This is where you run." She smirked as she jumped from the building and vanished. Vincent braced himself as he waited for her first attack but it never came.

"What is going on?" Vincent asked and as he was about to return to the hospital a large beam of energy sliced through the building causing it to collapse. Vincent jumped from the building and landed in the street and looked up as the building came down on itself.

The young hooded woman laughed as she then aimed her guns at Vincent and fired them both simultaneously. Together the guns created the large beam of energy that struck the building moments ago. Vincent dodged the attack at the last second and dashed towards the woman while drawing his weapons.

"Not yet…" She grinned as she vanished in a dome of darkness. Vincent stopped just feet away from where she once stood and looked at the destruction her second shot had created. Behind him was a massive hole through several buildings, the ground was shredded and smoke rose from the destruction. Vincent narrowed his eyes as he began to head back to the hospital to warn the others.

As he left he noted that it had begun to rain intensely.

█

Archia was applauded by Axel when she returned from her encounter with Vincent. Avius had ordered her to distract Vincent due to the fact he had came too close to their area and needed to be handled.

"I must say Archia that was certainly worth a ten in my book. You scared him shitless!" Axel laughed as Cain only sighed.

"Vincent wasn't rattled at all… he is simply going to explain what has happened to his friends… We have much to do or have you forgotten?" Cain questioned as he lifted a brow and faced Axel.

"Why is it I can never have any fun? Cain, you're getting on my nerves!" Axel growled as he materialized his two spears in his hands and faced the brown haired young man. Cain laughed at Axel's anger and materialized two large battle axes in both hands and took a fighting stance. The black haired young man appeared between the two instantly and spoke with an anger neither wanted to feel.

"If the two of you continue I will draw my weapons and I doubt either of you will like that at all!" He threatened as Lexa sighed and then came towards him.

"Relax okay… everyone just calm down." She says with her soothing voice as she rubbed his shoulders.

"Brother, make sure that he is on his way. We need to make sure everything is in place." Avius nodded to his brother and instantly took his leave.

█

Cloud had entered the city several hours before dawn and rested in a hotel. He was on his way to the hospital when he noticed the destruction recently caused. Cloud stopped his cycle and surveyed the damage. With the rain and destruction Midgard looked dreary and more depressing than ever before. He made his way towards the hospital thankful that nothing had gone wrong here.

"Cloud… long time no see." Vincent said as he appeared beside Cloud. Avius, who had been following Cloud, vanished to report back to the others.

"He won't like this…" Avius said quietly as he reappeared next the Cain and Axel. Neo approached the second in command and stopped him from continuing forward towards a door.

"I wouldn't disturb him, because Lexa is in there and you know that those two can get heated… if you know what I mean?" Neo grinned. Avius patted his blue and white hair and pushed him aside.

"Cloud has met up with the others." Avius informed as he advanced. Neo cursed aloud as Archia did the same.

"Hell, what is wrong? Axel's attack on Cloud was to draw him to his friends. We're still on schedule." She exclaimed but Cain answered for Avius who nodded for the brown haired male to continue.

"Cloud is important but we have yet to locate Dr, Lacrosse and the essence of Jenova. Until then we have to make sure Cloud and his lackey's don't find the doctor." Cain finished as Archia nodded.

"Right we do need Jenova's essence in our possession before we try anything." She agreed as Avius continued towards his brother and Lexa's position.

█

Cloud had been informed of the attack on Tifa from Vincent and about how the others were taking it. Vincent also described the assailant that had attacked him and recently destroyed that area of the city. Vincent however left out Rufus Shinra's involvement completely, but Cloud did not let that slip either.

"Why was Rufus with Tifa? Did he have something to do with this as well?" Cloud questioned as Vincent held his hand up.

"Listen Cloud… things have happened that I know you're not going to like…" Vincent started as Cloud looked at him to continue. "Tifa and Rufus are involved… romantically." Vincent concluded as Cloud's heart pounded in his ears.

'I'm late again.' Cloud thought to himself as he tried to maintain his calm façade. Vincent sighed lightly and looked to the hospital building and back to Cloud.

"The others are furious with you each of them believe that it's your fault Tifa's in the condition she's in. Cid and Barret even believe Rufus is the emotional support she needs. Cloud… I know you came to see Tifa… but I doubt it will do you any good with the high amount of negativity surrounding you." Vincent said and Cloud reluctantly nodded disappointed that he had let everyone down.

"How's Marlene and Denzel?" Cloud asked as Vincent shrugged.

"Barret left them with a baby sitter because he didn't want the two to see Tifa in such a state."

"They probably blame me too." Cloud reasoned ashamed even further. Vincent turned to the hospital and glanced back at Cloud.

"If she wakes anytime soon, I'll tell her you stopped by and I'll have her call you… whether by free will or force." Vincent called behind him as Cloud smiled softly.

"Thanks Vincent."

"Be careful Cloud. Stay out of sight also." With that Vincent disappeared behind the hospital doors away from the pouring rain.

█

Lexa laughed in delight as she saw the events between Cloud and Vincent. The black haired young man nodded in approval of the events while Avius only shrugged the event off as luck.

"We need to locate Lacrosse now… Lexa can't you just use your powers to find him… I mean I doubt there is a place the elements can't reach." Avius questioned as Lexa thought for a moment.

"We have sent Cain, Axel, Archia, Neo and you out to all of the places I have yet to check with the elements… the only place that fool could be is underground and…." Lexa froze as all three smirked.

"I have an idea of where our young Dr. Lacrosse maybe it's a hunch but its something." Lexa grinned as she and the two males dispersed themselves through a dark portal.

Cain, Axel and Archia overheard the conversation and informed Neo, who was next to watch Cloud and make sure he, stayed away from his friends. Neo grinned slightly before a dark dome engulfed him and he vanished to do his mission.

█

The spiky white haired young man had finally arrived in the city of Midgard and once he saw the destruction in part of the city, he instantly narrowed his eyes.

"Cloud he must be found before it is too late… I must reach him before all is lost!" The young man then turned to a hospital were he felt several familiar presences. He jumped to the top of the twelve story building and entered. He made his way toward the familiar presences and as he came upon them he grinned happily.

Vincent was the first to take notice of the young male down the hall staring at them. He tapped Cid who took noticed and soon Yuffie and Barret all faced the young man, who seemed to be around nineteen or twenty. His baggy pants hung in his boots and a black and white fire design covered his vest.

"Who the hell is that kid staring at?" Cid asked impatiently as the male approached them quickly.

"Where is Cloud… he is in danger and I am here to ensure his safety." He stated as Yuffie looked at him weirdly.

"Wait who are you?" She asked as the white haired youth grinned.

"I am Seriphron"

SO WHAT DID YOU THINK?

I promise the story gets alot better in later chapters... If I get at least 10 reviews total I can promise the next chapter will be out within 2 days (because I'll be so motivated to stay up late for your benefit)... so everyone if you want to know what happens sooner than later... REVIEW.