Just Keep Smiling
The Unspoken Conundrum
Her face was buried in her hands Marlene answering the door as each member arrived separately. Tifa was hugged her arms raising automatically yet she didn't speak; his face cold and emotionless it left her speechless and as each person threw their questions she raised her hand a pleading with her eyes for them to stop.
"Wait till the rest arrive."
The voices had died down; hushed whispers and obvious glances at Tifa; she paid them no mind. Cid and Barret were at the bar a beer in hand the two communicating wordlessly as they two glanced from each other then to Tifa. Nanaki had curled up by her legs his fur provided the comfort she needed and Yuffie was sitting crossed leg on the ground playing 'I spy' with Marlene who cuddled the little doll, Cait Sith, that Reeve spoke through, but Vincent was no where to be seen.
"Her body is gone."
The red caped ex-Turk always had a knack for theatrical appearances. Tifa had been so consumed by her memories and attempting to make sense of it all she only glanced up from where she sat her mind racing to their deceased friend Aerith. Tifa sprang up to her feet, Nanaki jumping back startled by the sudden movement.
"Cloud is missing too."
Her head spun, she felt nauseous... was Cloud bringing their friends back? He wouldn't turn them into the abominations that 'Zack' was. Her mind began forming wild conclusions some not even remotely plausible, but her mind went to the worst; a selfish thought came to her mind 'He wants her back.'
"What!"
Shouts from all corners of the room were thrown at her, Barret questioning her about her lie, Vincent's brows furrowed in concentration, while the others looked around at each other baffled.
"But you said he was sick!"
Denzel had been listening he stormed down the stairs eyes wild with worry and... rage. Tifa had been feeling bad, but the look in his eyes made her want to break down. No, she was stronger than that she had to be... for him and the sniffling Marlene who was now clutched in Barret's arms.
"I didn't want you to worry, I'm so sorry! I thought he..."
She couldn't continue, Denzel' turned his head away, face screwed up in concentration. 'He hates me'. The thought was a stab of guilt; how much more pain would she have to put these kids through? Had they not witnessed enough in Midgar? 'Just keep smiling Tifa'.
"Then we have to be strong! For Cloud!"
As the words left Denzel's lips Matt poked around the corner holding two miniature cardboard cut out replica's of Cloud's sword. The two ran back upstairs followed by Marlene; she seemed to understand that the adults needed to speak.
They waited for the door to slam shut; Tifa rubbed at her temples.
"It's no coincidence that Cloud's missing, Aerith's body gone and-"
"I apologize I did not elaborate. Aerith's body remains where it was; Lucrecia's body is missing..."
Vincent's voice cut through her words, the corrected piece of information made everyone more confused.
"The hell you two keepin that all quiet for? Missin' woman? Missin Cloud? So what some son of a bitch has been kidnappin?"
Cid took a long drag from his lit cigarette pushing himself off the bar; Barret seemed to be too busy eying Tifa's wrapped hand... she hadn't even gotten to that part yet.
"We were also attacked."
She took a deep breath before continuing.
"By Zack, but he was different, mutated. His fingers they were like tentacles... it reminded me of weapon, ruby weapon."
When it finally dawned on her at that precise moment that his attacks were similar to the weapons; uneasiness washed over her Tifa's face growing paler by the minute.
"Da fuck is goin on? This Zack weapon shit tried ta touch ma baby that foo..."
Barret swore loudly banging his metal hand on the table. With every hit she flinched; Yuffie clapped her hand on her ears.
"Hey! Maybe that was the spiky haired cloaked figure that passed Wutai a few days ago! I thought it was Cloud and I was kinda mad because he didn't say hi, but then I remembered I stole his materia and forgave him, but-"
"Shut up kid!"
Cid puffed heavily on his spoke, Yuffie's voice seemed to get higher in pitch as she spoke. The young ninja clasped a hand over her mouth giving the group an apologetic look.
Tifa had recounted the story telling them only when Cloud disappeared and the battle after the park. She considered telling them that she may have saw Cloud last night when she was drunk, but she couldn't be sure if it was a memory a dream or her own hallucination of the one person she wanted the most...
"After Geostigma Cloud would not leave you Tifa unless he believed his presence was harmful."
Nanaki always knew what to say; he was wise and had picked up on her worry since he first set foot in the bar.
"I was incapable of finding any trail. The crystal caves, the forbidden city... nothing. But... "
Vincent looked out the window, his mind somewhere else an almost disturbed look on his normally expressionless face. In a sense... Tifa and Vincent were one in the same. Both had lived with a seemingly unrequited love, both made self sacrifices for another, both were missing the person they held dear... she never realized how similar she was to Vincent; there was a swell of respect for the former Turk.
"But the only common denominator in all of this is Shinra... it always is."
The Cait Sith doll waved it's arms frantically, when Marlene had left she had left it on Nanaki's back, the moogle it used to move left abandoned outside too big to maneuver around the bar.
"Rufus has been missing since Cloud last saw him in Healen. The Turks move from Edge to Midgar, but there are times when they disappear all together."
The night before came rushing to Tifa in a nauseating rush. Her head bowed down as she could remember the feeling of the red haired Turk on her lip; it made her sick, but she was glad it ended when it did.
"They must be in Edge or close by, they drank here last night."
It was all the information they needed to hear. Vincent pushed off from the wall arms crossed and blood red eyes piercing her own wine red ones; they came to a mutual understanding.
"Be careful Vincent."
The rest of the team understood, Vincent was as silent and as deadly as the night. Undetected and well trained; he was perfect for gathering information unnoticed. Had Yuffie been older and less 'annoying' she'd have been capable of helping Vincent, but the man preferred working alone. And just like that he was gone. The corner he occupied was bare, Vincent was as close to a living shadow as one could get.
"I'm going to go back home and get 'Shera', just got'er customized. Tiny Bronco II just aint gonna cut it if we goin to travel. Shera's been chewin my head off about invitin' you and the kids ta dinner."
He waved them off and opened the door turning back to look at them the cigarette burning close to the filter. He pulled it out before taking one long last drag and tossed it out.
"One big fuckin happy family... someone's gotta be in danger ta get together. That spiky haired bastard better be worth the trouble."
With every word a cloud of smoke issued from his lips. Her shook his head and left the door closing it behind him.
"I shall do my own research. Take care of the doll; until later."
The doll slumped forward on Nanaki's back who left to the family room. Yuffie had followed and collapsed on the couch next to him taking the doll in her arms. No one wanted to talk; even the loud mouthed ninja was deep in thought with all the recent information piled onto her.
"Drink Teef?"
Tifa considered it, but she went behind the bar and playfully pushed Barret aside pointing towards the stool across from her. Besides, she wasn't willing to drink after the previous night.
"What can I get ya?"
"Jus a cold beer."
She pulled out a bottle from the mini fridge and popped it open with the table edge handing it over to him. She waited for Barret to take the first swing before she continued to speak.
"I'm sorry I lied."
"Whatcha sorry fo Teef? Ya did what ya had ta do. You've been carryin a lotta weight."
"I didn't want you to think Cloud abandoned us again."
"He's a big boy; he wouldn't abandon ya. Spiky knows I'd have his balls strung up if he tried."
Tifa smirked, Barret always knew what to say to make her laugh... as disturbing as some of the things were.
"I just don't want to doubt him."
Her eyes fell to her fingers drumming them against the counter; she could hear Barret place the bottle on the table and she could feel his eyes boring into the side of her face.
"Ya neva doubted 'im; foo's to busy beatin' himself up bout it ta'preciate ya. Ya a good woman Mom; spiky jus' needs some attitude adjustment."
He held his arm up threateningly, as if he was proposing to do the 'adjustments'. Tifa laughed and slapped his arm. Barret really was a great friend.
"Now, imma go put Marlene and da kids to bed ya should get some sleep."
Barret made his way upstairs the kids had probably already gone to bed it was nearing morning and the silence that followed Barret's departure upstairs made her realize that she was left in the bar alone. Entering the family room her eyes fell on the sleeping form of Yuffie and Nanaki. The young ninja sprawled out on the couch while Nanaki occupied a comfortable corner on the rug. Tifa grabbed throws from the nearby dressed and laid one on both her friends; they all deserved to rest and Tifa had a feeling they would need it.
A remote town:
The young man rubbed at his head, he hated bringing bad news to his boss, but sometimes it had to be done.
"It wasn't easy boss; she had me on my ass before the night even started. Why don't you just ask her to come and bring-"
Reno had eyed Rude; he knew how his partner had a crush on Tifa. If Rude wasn't so quiet and socially awkward he could have been the one trying to seduce her, but it was left to Reno to do the dirty work.
"Rude already told me already and you know she wouldn't come quietly. No matter, I sense that we're too late anyways she's probably already been attacked..."
If Tifa was attacked she would be on her guard; especially with the children. Rufus's hands were folded behind his back as he looked out the window. The town was a dump, a shadow of it's former glory... hard to believe a SOLDIER grew up here, but he was at fault for the towns destruction. Another thing he'd have to right. He turned back to the two Turks in the room Elena and Tseng had gone; Rufus knew Tseng wanted to do that mission personally to right his mistake. Rufus couldn't understand how the man blamed himself for Zack's death.
"And judgin by how she was actin, I'd say Cloud hasn't been gone for long."
Rufus didn't give Reno an answer. However, the piece of information gave Rufus a better ime frame; not that the others knew as much as he did.
"Reno, you and Rude are required to go underwater and seek it out. You're not to be seen or followed; this is our chance to help."
"Help rebuild ShinRa? Or help fix up a mistake? Ya know boss, you can be pretty vag-"
The glare Reno received from Rufus had him shut.
"I mean.. yes boss right away boss. What about the woman?"
"That is none of your concern. Tseng and Elena are investigating it further."
Rufus had made yet another mistake and this time his intentions were to help. He waited till the Turks had left and shut the door before calling out.
"Cissnei they're gone. What's to report?"
The brunette emerged from behind a bookshelf revealing a hidden winding staircase beyond.
"Such a pity he thought you were a failure; I suppose he prefers his experiments lifeless."
Rufus raised a hand and stroked the side of her cheek. He was protective of her, almost like a younger sister. Maybe it was because she had been very helpful and no longer just a skilled Turk, or perhaps it was because she had always been amongst those who knew right from wrong even if it went against her line of duty. Either way Rufus preferred keeping her close and out of harms way; for the time being.
"The extraction is going to take quite sometime, she is heavily encased in the crystal. He should have just returned her to the cave. I'm estimating 5 day's give or take."
She rested a hand on her chin deep in thought. She was disgusted that he would use her old friend as a vessel. Even if it wasn't Zack it was still his being.
"We will stop this Cissnei and you can have your revenge for what he's done."
Her fists balled tightly and she turned back to the bookshelf about to disappear down the staircase. But Rufus spoke up before she could leave.
"Before you continue, I need you to track down old friends. They owe ShinRa and I'm sure the two wont disagree. There's a map on the 5th book from the right second shelf. I suggest you take it with you study it and burn it. You are to be seen by none."
Cissnei gave him an odd look as she pulled the book he spoke of. The book was bound is black leather golden letter sprawled in a foreign language she wouldn't understand. She had disappeared down the stairs.
The young Turk tapped her chin impatiently as their helicopter flew over the western continent. They had been searching for any oddity for hour's but came across nothing. She eyed her partner trying her best to not make it obvious, but he was more perceptive than she thought.
"What is it Elena?"
Her first instinct was to lie, but thought that she would for once take the chance and say what she had been wanting to say since they took off and were finally alone.
"We never did end up going to dinner."
Elena had been debating with herself the whole time. She wasn't sure if it was appropriate to ask him, but she found herself doing it anyways. Tseng glanced at her briefly before returning to scouring the land below. They passed above Cosmo Canyon and he turned the helicopter back making their way to were Lucrecia's cave was. Elena continued
"You never set up a time, place or day."
He still remained incapable of speaking. He wouldn't lie; the only reason was because he had mourned the flower girls loss. Tseng was young when he was recruited as a Turk, his first mission was to watch over a young 10 year old. Aerith was 7 years younger than he was, he had seen her like a little sister. When she had grown up and was no longer a child he began having romantic feeling towards her. If only she had been save by his side the flower girl may still be alive.
When he thought about it, Elena was the same age as the flower girl, but the blond haired Turk had qualities that Tseng found himself feeling more attraction towards his partner.
"How about this. If we both survive... I would like to take you out on a date."
His proposal seemed to stun her into silence; he glanced at her. Her eyes were glazed she was clearly deep in thought. Waiting for her answer he kept his eyes focused ahead still nothing seemed out of place and he passed over the cave once more and took a sharp left turn. Elena who had been unbuckled to get a better view of below had fallen back her back smacking into his chair while the back of her head was cushioned by his lap. Tseng looked down apologetically.
"You could do me no better honor."
"Good because I can think of a place we haven't checked."
Elena had straightened up and returned to her seat as Tseng made his way back to Cosmo Canyon a location came to mind which he thought was ridiculous for him to not think of earlier. The two sat in silence; Elena's face was screwed up in concentration. She took her job just as seriously as Tseng did and it was one of the many qualities he found himself attracted to. She was pleased that she did end up asking Tseng the question which had been nagging her for a while and he felt like he had something to look forward to once this was all over.
"Tseng do you-!"
The nod from his head confirmed that he too saw what she saw.
"You think he's down there right now working on another experiment?"
"I don't doubt it for a second."
The grave look that crosses Tseng's face did not go unnoticed by Elena.
"I'll radio the President."
Tseng knew they would be needing Avalanche once again and even then he feared it wouldn't be enough.
Tifa's eye's fluttered open. She had fallen asleep on the sofa beside Yuffie who was still sprawled out on the couch mouth opened wide; she looked so at peace. Nanaki was still in the same position curled up in the corner his chest rising and falling. It dawned on Tifa that she had only been asleep for a few hours. She pushed herself up and stretched everyone was still asleep. As she made her way to the bar a cloaked figure appeared before her, his gun was raised aiming at the door then window and back to the door.
"We have a problem. Wake everyone up."
A/N: I'm sure you're probably confused; and I don't blame you. I'm being ambiguous because I don't want to reveal the story just yet. Believe me when I say it will all become clear! Now I know I'm not bringing Cloud up very much, but once again all will be cleared up and you'll be seeing our spiky haired hero soon. Review's and criticism is more than welcomed here and I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter! Update on July 14th thanks for sticking around! (Also any more "zomg liezzz this is some RenoxTifa fic" will be met with no response) :)