AN: Thank you to those who have favorite and reviewed my story. Also I have edited my first two chapters so that they flow better and has a little extra nice-ness to it. ENJOY!!!!

Disclaimer: I do not own Final Fantasy... this kind of gets depressing after you say it enough times. BUT I DO OWN VIXEN!!!!!! YAY

'Blah' Thoughts

"Blah" Speaking

Chapter 3 To Protect What is Important

"I'm sorry, Vix," spoke Cloud as they headed back to Aerith's church, "If I had known he was there I would have never gone."

She smiled at him fondly, "It's not your fault. You didn't know." She rubbed her head reassuringly against his leg while he petted her head.

They soon came upon the old church that Aerith had planted her flowers that Vixen now looked after. As she pranced happily at Cloud's side she froze when she caught sight of the open, church doors, "Something's wrong."

Cloud cautiously stepped forward and looked into the church.

Vixen did the same as she tested the air attentively, which caused her eyes to widen in fear, "Cloud, it was one of Kadaj's gang!"

A groan startled both of them as they spun to stare at the lily patch. Lying in the center was battered Tifa Lockhart.

"Tifa!" cried Cloud as he and Vixen ran to her side. He carefully cradled her limp form shaking her urgently, "Tifa, Tifa?!"

Vixen nudged her cheek gently when the girl groaned, "Too late..."

"Who did this?" asked Cloud angrily.

She shook her head weakly, "He didn't say." She lay quiet for a minute before shooting up, "Marlene?!"

Cloud quickly caught her when she fainted in his arms. Vixen stiffened while she looked around in worry, "Where is she?"

Cloud clinched his fist, "No...Ahhh!"

"Cloud!" gasped Vixen as he grabbed his arm, 'No, the Stigma is attacking his body.' She stared in horror when he collapsed, "Cloud, no!" She nudged his chest before pressing her ear against his chest listening. It was faint but it was there, 'Please, Cloud, don't leave me!' Then she felt them. Two spirits were watching over Cloud and Tifa, "Aerith?" She didn't receive an answer, but knew that Cloud and Tifa would be okay. Her sense told her that the spirits were pure and would do no harm to her two human companions. Then with great care the silver fox moved them so that they lay comfortably against her side with her tails draped over them for warmth. With a sigh she rested her head on her paws while her sapphire eyes flashed in worry for her friends.

Hours passed until the sky grew dark with the only light coming from the moon and the stars above.

"Vixen?" inquired a voice from the shadows.

She lifted her head with a menacing growl when she spotted Reno and Rude at the church's entrance. Carefully so as not to wake them she rose to stand over them protectively. Baring her teeth she snarled threateningly.

"Hold up there, Foxy," said Reno putting up his hands in submission, "We're just here to give you and Cloud some info about Kadaj and the missing kids, but it seems that he is down and out."

Vixen lowered her head readying herself to charge them. Her tails fanned out in an intimidating display behind her.

"Easy, I promise all we want to do is talk," pleaded Reno nervously while he stepped back giving the fox some space.

Vixen gave them a once over analyzing their true purpose, "Is that so?"

Reno gave her a goofy grin nodding as he did, "Sure thing, Foxy. Now why don't we help you get these two home."

She frowned at the suggestion, but nodded her head before she allowed them to approach. Carefully with Reno and Rude's help they laid Cloud onto her back, while Rude carried Tifa. Vixen firmly wrapped her tails securely around Cloud to hold him in place as she led the way to Seventh Heaven. Once they neared the bar she turned an icy glare on them, "Watch yourselves if I catch you doing something, I'll kill you both."

Both nodded while she pushed open the door, but she didn't miss Reno's comment as he whispered, "She is one creepy chick." She smirked evilly, but refrained from saying anything when Cloud shifted on her back. Slowly she led them to Denzel and Marlene's room where they could lay them down.

Vixen gently nudged Cloud's hand onto the bed before she turned to face the two Turks, "So… what is this information you speak of?"

Reno seemed to hesitate as he glanced at Rude but nodded, "We have traced the whereabouts of Kadaj's gang."

She nodded slightly showing that she was listening while her tails weaved together then separated in contemplation, "Continue."

"They're at their base at the Forgotten City," replied Rude in a monotone, "From an eye witness it has been confirmed that they're rallying up the children that have been affected with Geostigma."

'Denzel!' thought Vixen in panic as she bolted from the room and dashed from room to room searching for him, 'They took him too.'

"Didn't you have a couple of orphans living with you?" asked Rude when she returned to the bedroom in silence.

Vixen barely glanced at him as she went to stand besides Cloud's bed. She stared at him while she pulled her upper half onto the bed and laid her head on his chest. She exhaled quietly when she closed her eyes drawing comfort from his solid presence.

"So what are you going to do?" questioned Reno from behind her.

Vixen opened her eyes to gaze at Cloud's sleeping face, 'He looks so peaceful when he sleeps.' She quietly lowered herself completely to the floor, "I'm going to get the children back. Tell Cloud when he awakens."

Reno blinked in shock when she moved to leave, "Are you sure you should go alone?"

Vixen stopped at the door as if in thought, but continued onward. It was night now and the city was quiet, but she had a purpose firmly set into her mind. With a toss of her majestic head she took off at a fast sprint, determination beating in her heart.

AN: I hoped you enjoyed it and yes I know it is short but this is leading up to a turning point in Vixen's mind. So stay tuned for the next chapter.

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