Time stopped for Wren, This guy is dangerous…

Barret hollered, "You're only President, caus' yer old man died!"

Rufus shrugs again before turning away from them to look at the view of Midgar, "That is right. I'll let you hear my new appointment speech." He turns back to them and slowly walks up around them starting with Tifa, "Old man tried to control the world with money. It seems to have been working."

Tifa kept herself in relaxed defensive position, cautiously watching him.

Then Rufus passed Wren, before pointing to her, "Even Genetic investments, by producing a weapon through a petri dish."

Wren grimaced; He didn't have to say anything. She inched closer to Aerith; I don't like him…

Aerith lightly gripped Wren closer to her as he continued his speech, "The population thought that Shinra would protect them."

Then to Barret he scoffed, "Work at Shinra, get your pay. If a terrorist attacks, the Shinra army will help you." "It looks perfect on the outside. But… I do things differently. I'll control the world with fear. It takes too much to do it like my old man."

Barret grunts, "The hell?! He's the same as 'is old man!"

Rufus walks back, "A little fear will control the minds of the common people. There's no reason to waste money on them."

Tifa huffed, "He likes to make speeches just like his father."

Cloud noticed Rufus lightly put his hand on his shotgun clicking the safety off. Cloud's eyes noticed Rufus glared at the direction of Aerith and Wren. Cloud quickly went in front of the party while drawing the buster sword towards Rufus, "Barret! Tifa! Get outta this building with Aerith and Wren!"

"What?" Barret grunted.

If we wait any longer, Rufus might do something… Cloud gritted his teeth, "I'll explain later! Barret! This is the real crisis for the Planet!"

"The hell that is supposed to mean?"

"I'll tell you later! Just take my word for it now! I'll go after I take care of him!"

"Alright Cloud!" Barret signals the group to follow him out.

Wren took one look at Cloud before continuing with the group, why… why is Cloud concern for me… I'm… not worth it… I can't… not with them…

The group made it down the stairs from the President's office.

"Cloud…" Aerith stopped, "I just thought of something."

Tifa grabbed her shoulders in reassurance, "I'll wait for Cloud. Everyone, get to the elevator!" Tifa glimpses briefly at Wren being distant from the group. She quietly signaled Aerith, "Look after her."

Aerith nodded, "Of course."

They made their way to the hallway, Aerith paused, "Hmmm, It's going to get pretty ugly from here on. We should check on our equipment."

Barret and Red XIII grunted in agreement while the child sighed.

I never found my swords… "But you can kill anything with your hands." Wren shuts her eyes while gripping her head. Shut up!

"Wren, are you okay?" Aerith said.

Wren eyes snapped open and noticed everyone looking at her. She looks away, "Yeah… I'm fine. But…" She showed her materia, "I only have this..."

Aerith observed the materia before softly smiling at Wren, "That's fine, you can stay behind us. Use it only when we really need it. This materia… takes a lot out of you, doesn't it?"

I'm useless now… "You're disposable." Wren frowns still looking away.

Aerith clasped her hands with Wren. Wren forced herself to look at Aerith's warm smile, "It's okay. We will take care of the rest. Right?" Aerith looked over to Barret and Red XIII for reassurance.

Barret huffed, "Those Shinra scums won't know what hit them!"

Red XIII hummed, "Over exertion leads to mistakes, especially when urgency for our escape is at stake."

Aerith nodded, "See~ Don't push yourself too much. Let's hurry."

'You can trust us.' She heard Aerith's warm thoughts. Wren slowly nodded, "Okay."

Then the group made their way to the elevator while fending off rogue experiments. When an experiment got close to Wren, she attempted to fight back. However, the voice haunting her had stopped her from defending oncoming attacks.

Red XIII quickly defended the child, "Look sharp!"

Wren stuttered, "S-sorry."

The beast huffed before hoisting the child on his back, "Stay down and hold on."

Wren meekly nodded.

The group managed to arrive in the elevator. Little did they anticipate a giant Shinra machine in the adjacent elevator attacking them.

Barret gruff, "How the hell that son of bitch not falling through the floor?!" He continues to shoot the machines.

Red XIII and Aerith used the materia they had split while dodging on coming bullets while Wren continued to hold on to Red's back. They somehow managed to defeat the giant machine but were unfortunately greeted by another Shinra Weapon.

Barret hollered, "Eh!? What gives?!" He quickly looked over to the others, "Get ready! This one is flying in hot!"

The next battle ensues. While watching everyone fight hard, Wren's continued to hold on Red XIII back with the immense guilt of being useless building up.

They should of leave me… "But when you fight back, everyone will see the abomination you are." Wren feels the bile in the back of her throat. She gripped Red's fur a little too hard that made him growl. Wren snapped out of her thoughts, "Sorry…"

Still agitated from Hojo's experiment. Red XIII ear twitch, "It's fine."

The battle carried on until they struck down the machine in a collective attack.

Finally arriving at the main floor, the group somewhat straggled out the elevator cover in soot and the smell of smoke on themselves.

Barret grunted, "That's was one hell of a battle."

Aerith sighs in relief, "We made it in one piece."

Red XIII scanned his surroundings, "It seems we're out of apparent danger," the beast let down the child off his back, "Was the ride ruff?"

Wren shook her head, before shyly looking to the ground, "W-was… Was I heavy?" She mumbled.

Red blinked, "My combat prowess is not affected by your light weight."

"Oh," Wren nodded, but refused to make eye contact.

They all heard ruckus outside the entrance door.

Barret signal the others, "I'll go ahead." He charges out the door before charging back in with gunfire, " $#*^%... We're surrounded." He shrugged, "If I was alone, this wouldn't be a thing, but I gotta reputation to protect."

Aerith paused for moment before shaking her head at Barret, "You all get out while you can. It's not you they're after, it's me…"

"And me too…" Wren added.

Aerith sympathetically put her hand on the girl's shoulder.

Barret grunted, "Yeah, that ain't happening. You got caught up in this over Marlene. The shrimp got caught up by being at the wrong at the wrong time! Now, it's my turn to help you both!" Barret took a deep breath and focused his mind, "Ok, playtime's is over jackasses…"

Aerith smiled at him, "Thank you Mr. Barret!"

Barret grunted again, "Who you callin' Mr. Barret? That don't sound right!"

Red blinked, "Well then, if you are through talking, may I suggest we think of a way to get out of here."

Barret huffed, "Huh? Oh, oh yeah… You're cold, man. Just like someone else 'round here I know."

Red quipped back, "Did you say something?"

A moment paused, Barret took a deep breath while running his good hand down his face, "Notta thing. So, what're we gonna do?"

"Barret!" Their head turned to the stairs as the saw Tifa calling out to them. She quickly went down the flight of stairs. Tifa signaled, "Everyone! Over here!"

Barret barked, "Huh? What's up? Where's Cloud?!"

She ran past him and to the exhibit room, "He's coming! Hurry, hurry!"

They heard an engine coming down the stairway while they followed after her.

Tifa found the car, "Everyone get in!"

Aerith grabbed Wren quickly to seat her in the middle between herself and Tifa while Barret and Red jumped in the back. Finally, Cloud arrived on a bike.

"Let's go!" He said as he reeved the engine, he guided them out of the building by breaking out the 2nd floor window and in the highway.

Escaping out of Shinra HQ, the Highway began to swarm while Shinra grunts tailing them. Cloud protects the truck carrying everyone and Barret provided range support with Red's snarky couching. Tifa kept speeding down the highway while Aerith held on to Wren tightly in a protective embrace.

They managed to fend off the Shinra personnel but at the end of the Highway they were confronted again with a Shinra machine.

Barret hops out of the truck with Red to join Cloud in the fight.

Red XIII ear twitched, "Another machine that is bigger than the last two we encounter."

Barret huffed, "Ready to run away from the fight?"

Red stretches himself, "Unlikely. I need to stretch my legs after being hold up in the container for a while."

"Whatever you say," Barret ready his gun arm, "Got a strategy SOLDIER boy?"

Cloud draws his buster sword, "We kill it." Cloud looked back to the girls in the truck, "Tifa get behind the truck and protect Aerith and Wren!"

Tifa nodded and guided the girls out.

All hell breaks loose. Fighting the oncoming attacks with counters of slashes and materia. The girls cautiously observe the situation.

Wren watched Cloud dodging and countering the machine's attacks.

I feel useless… "You're just scared of being the monster you are." Wren looked away grabbing her head, Shut up! Everything around her began to fade in noise while only the voice laughed at her. Her sense of time fades. Suddenly, a comforting hug snaps her back into the moment. Wren terrifyingly looks to the person. It was Aerith.

Aerith warmly reassured Wren, "Wren, everything is fine. You're fine."

Wren's eyes trailed to Tifa's concern face. "You're not human. When they know the truth, how will they react?" An unsettling feeling in her stomach, she looking away she roughly pulled away from Aerith. "I said I'm fine!"

A tense silence passes by while the noises of the battle rages on.

Wren hugged herself gritting her teeth. Taken aback by the child's outburst, Aerith and Tifa quietly looked at each other.

Wren's captivity took a worse toll than they expected.

~7~

Sitting in the former president's chair, Rufus Shinra contemplated his next move. His hound slept next to the desk, while Rufus watched the city. While his father enjoyed being portrayed in the public's eye as good; he, however, prefers to use fear.

Neo Midgar.

The lifelong dream his father craved to achieve, now the pieces are in his hands. The power he can have to rule everything. It was all meant for him to inherit.

His thoughts went to the missing 1st Class SOLDIER, he saw the news articles, the videos, the high praise his father said about the war hero Sephiroth. The same Sephiroth that took away his kill by murdering his father first. There is only one person who knows an idea of his whereabouts it might be-

The door opened with Professor Hojo entering.

"Mr. President." Hojo courteously bowed.

The demented snake, at least he is aware to who is in charge… Rufus acknowledges his greeting before returning to the view, "Is there something you need?"

"Yes, you see." Hojo adjusted his glasses, "The AVALANCHE terrorists took important specimens I was researching. The two that were taken should be an interest to you."

Rufus eyes narrowed, The Ancient and S2. He turned to the professor, "Aside from the two specimen, there is one I want to know more about."

"What specifically you want to know president?"

"Sephiroth."

There was a brief pause of silence between the two.

How fortunate. I guess I can try out my theory sooner than I anticipated, Professor Hojo courteously smiled, "Yes, of course; which is why the two others are important factors."

So he has been withholding information from my father, Rufus smirked, "Then tell me what you need."

The professor grinned, "If my theory is correct then, like rats finding the end of a maze, I wouldn't worry so much of letting them loose for a bit. However, I require another sample of S2's blood."

~7~

After the night raging battle, the Shinra machine is defeated.

Cloud sheaths his sword before checking on the girls, "It's safe now-" He noticed all them fairly quiet with an upset Wren more away from Aerith and Tifa since the beginning of the battle, Wonder what happen?

Before he can question them, he gets distracted by Barret stretching in relief, "Well' what do we do now?"

Cloud looked at the breaking dawn over the horizon reflecting all the events that happened in Midgar, especially the fate of a certain 1st Class SOLDIER, "Sephiroth is alive… I have to settle the score."

Barret raised a brow, "Will that save the planet?"

Cloud hummed, "It seems so."

Barret huffed, "Then, I'm going!"

Aerith overheard their conversation, she chimed in while walking towards, "I'll go too. There are things I need to know."

Cloud looked over to the flower girl, "About the Ancients?"

Aerith remembers her mother during their time in Hojo's lab, "Many things..." She quietly adds.

Tifa also walked up to them, "I guess it's goodbye Midgar."

Red scratched behind his ear, he peered over the child, "Were you able to regain some strength?"

Wren quietly walked towards them not looking at the adults, "Yeah..." She answered.

Cloud scanned the highway to find a crane line that can lower them to the ground level, "Let's hurry before reinforcements come."

The party quickly made their way down until they reached the dry rocky plains grounds. They all took a breather after an eventful night. Cloud took the chance to check in on everyone.

He started with Red XIII, the beast shrugged, "I'm going back to my hometown. I'll go with you as far as that."

Cloud nodded, "Fair enough."

He moved on to Tifa, Tifa sympathetically smiled at him, "I guess this is the start of our journey…"

'Our' journey huh… Cloud paused for a moment, "It's dangerous. You sure you want to go?"

I can't leave Cloud and Wren alone with everything that happened, Tifa thought for a moment, "Hmm… But you know, it should be all right if you keep your promise."

My promise… Cloud nodded, "Right."

He paced over to Aerith who was observing the sky, she forced a small smile, "You know what? This is the first time I've ever left Midgar…"

Cloud tilted his head in confusion, "Really? Are you worried?"

It feels different with the energy... A small whisper… But the sky… I feel sad when I look at it… The sky is scary… Aerith looked to the ground before facing him, "A little… no, maybe a lot. But I have a bodyguard, right?"

She is an Ancient…, Cloud shrugs, "Guess I'm still on the job."

She giggled at his reply.

Cloud then went over to Barret looking back at Midgar, "We told Aerith's mom to go somewhere safe, so Marlene should be safe too."

Cloud nodded, "Yeah, she should be."

Aerith chimed in their conversation, "She said she didn't want to stay in Midgar anymore… Maybe it's for the best."

Barret grunted in agreement, "Don't worry Marlene. I will be back soon."

Finally, Cloud walked up to Wren blankly staring at the distance. He noticed the girl's-tired eyes and haggard appearance, Whatever Shinra wanted with her, they failed if she is with us…

Cloud remembered Tseng's words, "It had always been reading your thoughts. It only wants to survive."

Cloud inwardly grimaced, Wren is S2. There is a lot of questions of what she can really do. Not sure if she wants the answer to any them. Cloud slowly approaches the child, "Is everything alright?"

Wren ignored Cloud's questions.

Hoo boy… Cloud quietly asked, "Do you still want to come with us?"

What choice do I really have? Everyone wants me gone… "Then just kill them." Shut up! Wren slightly frowns before turning her head away and nodding.

I guess that's a start to get her to talk, Cloud sighed before returning to the others, "Then… Let's go."

Barret straighten himself, "We need a leader for our journey. 'Course that could only be me."

Tifa tilted her head in confusion, "You think so?

Aerith cheerily pointed to Cloud, "I think it should be Cloud"

Red XIII barked in agreement.

Wren just shrugged.

Barret sighed, " $#*^%... Alright. Go northeast to a town called Kalm."

Wren's eye widens at the mention of the town's name.

"If something happens, we'll meet up there," He sits on the ground and continued on, "Sides, we can't all be strolling around there. It's too dangerous. Let's split into two parties…"

Cloud nodded, "Yeah, sounds like a plan."

Red XIII walked over to Barret, "I will keep this one out of trouble."

Barret shakes his gun arm at him, "Whad' do you mean, 'This one'?!"

Aerith and Tifa giggled at Red's comment.

Cloud looked to Wren, "Then Wren you will be with me-"

Wren quietly walked over to Red and Barret.

Everyone took note on how Wren didn't even look at Cloud.

Cloud opened his mouth to say something, but Tifa stopped him. She lightly tapped his arm and shook her head. Wren, why won't you talk to me? He inwardly sighs, "Alright, let's get going before we get unwanted company.

Barret briefly peeped over to the child, but she was just not looking at anyone and blankly staring at the ground. He watched Cloud's reaction from the corner of his eye.

So, Cloud took Aerith and Tifa while Barret took Red XIII and Wren with the plan to go off in separate directions so they can come together again when they reach Kalm.

~7~

During the journey in the day, there was no signs of Shinra following them and the only encounters on the path to Kalm were monsters. Barret and Red took care of the monsters quickly while Wren still struggles to fight.

When the night hit again, each respective groups setup camp.

Sitting around the campfire, Barret and Red XIII cooking the stuff hunted while Wren kept to herself. She hugged her legs while staring into the outskirts. She ignored Barret's bickering with Red.

Events of the past few hours kept replaying in her head, S2 is me. Mother and Wren… their… their…

The silver-hair man smirked at her, "We share her blood, of course, you are one of our kind S2. That's why you're here. Searching. Searching for her."

Wren grabbed her face. She saw the maniacal smile and hallowed eyes, "You are doing what mother told you to do!" Wren continued to laugh.

Stop it! Wren shook her head. She gritted her teeth, When we get to Kalm… I'll leave. It's for the best.

"Food looks ready," Barret said proud of his cooking.

Red wagged his tail in content, "The biggest is mine."

"What do ya mean? That's mine."

"The one that did the hunting, gets the first pick. I believe that is me."

Barret grunted, "Hunted my ass…" He looks over to Wren, "Oi kid, what piece ya want?"

Wren's eyes quickly darted to them before looking back to the outskirts before quietly replying, "No."

If it was Cloud or Tifa the shrimp was talking to then that will be it, Barret felt a headache forming, "Yer gonna have 'ta eat somethin'."

Red XIII observed the interaction between the man and child.

Barret noticed Wren knitted her brows together in annoyance, "Not hungry."

Barret raised a brow, "Not hungry? Get your ass here and pick somethin'!"

Wren angrily stood up, "I said I'm not-!" Her stomach growled.

Everyone went quiet with only the fire crackling in the center of camp.

Instantly, she sits back down with her face heating up, "I'll take a little bit…"

I hope Marlene doesn't respond to me like that when she gets older, Barret crossed him arms, "Then sit over here."

Wren frowned again, "I'll eat it here…"

If it was Cloud or Tifa the shrimp was talking to then that will be it, but she talking to me. That ain't gonna fly, Barret didn't budge, "No, you have to sit here and eat."

"Do I have to?"

"No argument. Get your ass over here and eat dammit."

Wren huffed in annoyance. She reluctantly got up and sat with them. She grabbed her part to munch on, focusing on the food instead of looking at her two companions. Wren reflected how she ignored Cloud, Aerith, and Tifa, I'm scared they will leave me… Like everyone before…

The silence of them eating around the fire irritated Barret.

Finally, Barret had enough when Red XIII pawed him to talk to Wren.

This is mutt is getting annoying, Barret huffed, "Listen here Shrimp! Look at me when I talk to you."

Wren begrudgingly looked at Barret.

'The shrimp needs to know that nothin gonna happen to her,' Barret continued, "No one cares about you being a Shinra experiment."

Wren pout grew while avoiding his eyes again.

"Look Here!"

Wren looks back at Barret.

'This kid is testing my patience,' Barret clicked his tongue, "Those two have been searching for you non-stop."

Wren's face dropped, What?

"Tifa had been blaming for herself not keeping an eye on you and Soldier boy was close to chopping up those Shinra goons when they took you away. When we at the flower girl's house, his face said it all."

He remembered quietly entering the bedroom seeing his little girl fast asleep with dolls around her, Marlene!

He sat on the bed and lightly petted her head. Elmyra words rang in the back of his head, "You're her Father?! How can in the world could you leave a child alone like that?!"

Marlene stirred a bit and opened her eyes to see her father, "Daddy!" She bolts up from bed before jumping into his open arms, "Daddy~!" She snuggled into his embrace.

"My little angel… I thought that…" He chocked a bit, he felt a small sting in the corner of his eye, I almost lost everything again…

"Daddy?"

He pulled himself together, "I'm fine." He looked at the dolls, "What you were playing before you fell asleep?"

Marlene beamed in excitement, "House with the dolls Mrs. Elmyra gave me!" She held up a stuff bear to him, "This is you!" She quickly presents him the other dolls of a black and white cat, "This is Tifa, and Wren!" Then a chocobo plush, "Cloud!" And finally, a moogle plush with a flower on its head, "and Ms. Aerith! We are building a new bar!"

His eyes soften, "Is that so?"

Marlene nodded, "I try to be brave daddy… and to stay where I am…" but her expression quickly dropped, "but it was really scary at the bar… Everyone was gone…" He noticed small tears, "I was lonely daddy…"

Elmyra words rang in the back of his head, "You're her Father?! How can in the world could you leave a child alone like that?!" His heart clenched in agony, because of me, Marlene… He composed himself, "No baby girl… its al'ight. You did good…"

"Daddy!"

"Oh Marlene!"

They hugged again.

Finally, his tears tickled down his face, "I'm so glad… I'm so glad you're all right…"

Marlene felt his stubby cheeks rubbing against her, "Daddy, don't cry. Your whiskers hurt!

He didn't realize Cloud stood in the doorway.

When he composed himself, he finally notices the Ex-SOLDIER turning to leave, "Cloud!"

Cloud turns back to him quietly.

It's now my turn to return the favor to the flower girl, He took a deep breathe, "You gonna go help Aerith, right? She's done so much for me…" He banged his chest in determination, "If Shinra is involved, I ain't stayin' here! I'm comin' too!"

"Guess what? Guess what? Aerith asked me lots of questions. Like what kind of person Cloud is I bet she likes you Cloud!"

He noticed a foreign expression as if Cloud was a different person. The Ex-SOLDIER slightly smirked down at Marlene, "Let's hope so."

Marlene giggled, "I won't tell Tifa."

He huffed at the blonde's response, Did he ever come off as a playboy?

Marlene realized something, "Where is Wren?"

Cloud tensed. His words were stuck.

She looks over to her father, "Daddy, where is Wren?"

The shrimp was kidnapped by Shinra! But that gonna make Marlene worry, He shrugged, "The shrimp- I mean, Wren got a bit lost."

Marlene mouth gaped, "Oh no daddy! What if she is looking for home?! She can't find it!" She shakes his arm.

However, he calmly eased his daughter's worry by petting her head, "Don't you worry Marlene. This is Wren, she is a smart cookie and Cloud here is her brother. Of course, thy are gonna find each other, like two peas in a pod."

"Like me and you daddy?"

"Yup, like me and you."

"Okay~" She nodded before yawning.

Hearing Marlene's yawn, he picked her up, "Come on Marlene, let's get ya back to bed."

From the corner of his eye, he saw Cloud's expression become somber before excusing himself out of the room.

After putting Marlene back to bed, he quietly closed the door to see Cloud staring at the floor in thought with the same somber expression.

SOLDIER Boy had been pretty quiet, He straighten himself, "Ya al'ight there?"

Cloud eyes stared at the floor, "I failed Wren…"

At least he has to courage to admit somethings…, Barret scoffed, "Ya? Well, get in line for failed parenting moments. You're gonna keep failing. So many times, I promised Marlene to be there and to do stuff with her, but I kept fighting Shinra for the planet's sake… And I-… I almost lost the person I wanted to protect the most..."

A heavy silence passed them.

"But they're still alive." He added with a renewed determination, "And that's what keeps us going."

Cloud met his eyes, he nodded, "Right."

Barret smirked, "Now let's show those Shinra assholes what Avalanche does when they mess with one of us!"

Noticing the child's face changing to a softer expression, Barret gruff, "Shinra did us all wrong, you ain't alone kid. Pout and grumbled all ya want, but we ain't leaving ya alone shrimp!"

I didn't know… Wren realized she was acting selfish, I guess… I have to say sorry to all of them… She hugged her knees to her chest, Maybe when I see them tomorrow…

Red XIII settled into a more comfortable position, Recovery will be a long road for this pup, he quietly observed.

Barret gets up, "Al'right everyone, gets some shut eye. I will take the first watch."

~7~

At the Turk office, Tseng force relaxed into his chair. He briefly stared at the cell before resetting himself into a professional position. It was one of those rarity not even his fellow Turks had seen. Only two, have seen the man dropped the professional attitude. The commonality between the two he had considered a comrade and friend was that they were, in fact, gone. 'Back to the LifeStream', a phrase he despises. His eyes trailed to the weapons set in front of his desk.

Again it escaped, He recounted the atrocities he done to S2 such as detainment, drugging, and spitefully chucking it against the lab wall; but the right to kill it had escaped him. He rewatched recovered video feed of S2 ending the lives of the scientist. Some of them begging to be spared but they were cut down without remorse. Another Opportunity will make itself for him to end this thing. It wasn't a child; it was a monster.

The looming questions of S2 creation Hojo kept hidden. The veil was slowly lifting, but not fast enough for the full picture. Another frustrated sigh escaped him. His failures tormented him.

Distracting himself with work, he looked over documents concerning his men. Peering over Reno's request reason, Tseng scoffed.

[In order to heal the day-to-day stress.]

Follow by the extra notes:

[Only professionals can forget all about work related crap during their time off!]

Due to his injuries from the Sector 7's plate fall, only this time I'll give him a pass, He approved Reno's paid leave with a Shinra stamp.

The other Shinra employees won't object to a Turk being briefly MIA, especially when the Turks are the shadow that keeps everyone in line.

Moving on, He looked at the next document. The new rookie… Tseng reminisced briefly his first joining the Turks again.

His eyes scanned the new Turk's profile:

Name: Elena [Redacted]

Age: [Redacted]

Relations: Father-[Redacted], Occupation- Shinra Military Academy Teacher; Mother-[Redacted], Occupation- House Wife; Sister-[Redacted], Occupation-Former Turk [Codename: Gun]

Incident report: Kidnapped by the insurgents Ravens however was rescued by the Turks. Due to the incident involving a civilian, the incident was downplayed to the public as a local kidnapping non-terrorist related to avoid public hysteria.

He mused to himself; Being from a military family and a younger sibling of a former Turk does raise her potential to adapt to our work. I recalled Gun mentioning her sister's choice to give up her studies to pursue a more active career in Shinra after high school, much to her dismay. However, it's less of a possibility for the two to encounter since I had ordered the rest to go into hiding after being promptly "fired".

The doors opened revealing Rude escorting the new rookie.

Tseng assessed the rookie as they approached his desk, a spitting image of her sister, Seems she copies her appearance as well.

Rude curtly greeted, "Sir, I brought her in."

Tseng nodded as he left his seat to walk to the front of the desk. He noticed the girl anxiously holding a coffee.

Here I go, Elena stuttered, "I-I- I brought this f-for you sir- Aah!" As soon as stepped forward, her leg slipped. In a flash, the cup flew out of her hands.

When she composed herself, she noticed a large coffee stained on her new superior's suit.

Rude frustratedly sighed.

Tseng blankly stared at her.

I'm gonna get fired now… She kept bowing her head. "I'm sorry sir!" She reached into her pocket for a handkerchief. She attempted to wipe the stain, but she stopped herself; What am I doing?! I can't do that to my boss?! So, she opted to offer her handkerchief instead, "Um- Here!"

Rude unconsciously raised a brow.

Tseng grabbed the handkerchief. He ignored her concerns, "You were brought in due to your encounters with AVALANCHE terrorists in your schools days and your family's history in Shinra."

He knows about that incident? I remembered my sister scolding me for trying to be brave, Elena managed to speak, "T-Thank you sir."

"Turks are the president's shadow. Whatever he needs, we do without question. Someone plans to go behind his back, we take care of them quietly and efficiently."

Sis must've done the same too, Elena slowly nodded.

"We look out for our own. However, if one of our own goes rogue, the question is would you be willing kill them on the spot?"

Silence.

For a moment, Elena thought off her sister. If it was her sister in front of her, would she pull the trigger? She cut off that thought. Can't stutter here, Elena swallowed hard while keeping her composure, "Yes, if need to be."

He searched her eyes to find any lies before grabbing a folder off his desk, "You will be joining us in the search of three particular individuals." He handed it to her.

She opened the folder, before quickly closing it, then opening it again, "S-S-Sephiroth?!" Her composure broke again.

Rude pinched the bridge of his nose again, "Elena, you look at the dossier in your quarters after you are given it."

How did Emma do it? Elena cheeks reddened, "I'm sorry, I mean I only looked at the first one. But-"

Tseng cuts in, "I will overlook it this time. We leave in a few hours. Rude will guide you to the weapon sector to gain access to your weapons."

"Sir." They said before promptly leaving.

Again, he was alone in the office with his thoughts.

Elena's flustered face as she profusely apologizes to him for staining his suit with coffee. The drink which was meant to have a positive impression on her. He looks at the handkerchief in his hand, noticing a cute bear design on it. It amused him. Refreshing even, her untainted moral ethics; but those untainted morals are something this field will quickly tear apart. Living in the dreary shadows does that to a person. For now, he wanted to be entertained by her clumsy behavior a little longer.

~7~

Cloud, Aerith, and Tifa finished eating around the campfire.

Cloud gets up and grabbed his sword, "I'll take the first watch so I'm going to patrol around a bit."

Tifa smiled at him and nodded, "Alright then."

Aerith grinned, "That's fine. Tifa and I want to girl-talk anyway."

Cloud tilted his head slightly in confusion, Huh?

Before he could say anything, Aerith lightly shoos him away, "Come on now bodyguard or else I will take back the one date."

Tifa stiffed, Date? She found the ground more interesting, I'm sure she is just playing right? No, no, no, Cloud has the right to chose who he dates with… She silently sighs and watched the fire.

Unaware of Tifa's reaction, Cloud annoyingly shrugs off Aerith. This is my exit now, He turns away from her, "Whatever, I'll be back."

Aww… He is a bit pouty~ Aerith waved to him goodbye, "See you in a bit~"

After she couldn't see him anymore, she looked back at Tifa, who's glumly staring at the fire.

Aerith smiled to herself, "Hey Tifa?

Tifa snapped out of her thoughts, "Yes?"

Aerith sat down grabbing Tifa's hands, "Answer me honestly. Girl to Girl. Is there something between you and Cloud?"

She remembered the promise years prior, Tifa felt her heart raced and cheeks burned hot, "What?- Cloud and I- I mean- No, no, no-"

Aerith thoughtfully closed her eyes, "Are you sure?"

Tifa words were stuck, but she felt her heart aching; He doesn't see me that way… And I'm not if he is himself lately…

Aerith giggled, "I'm sorry. I made it awkward."

Aerith and Cloud get along well, and we are just friends… How did we become friends?... Tifa shook her head, "No, you didn't. I'm sure you're curious because Cloud and I are from the same town…" She paused briefly as a jolt of memories of Nibelhiem resurfaced; all the emotions: her pain, her anger, her sadness…

Noticing Tifa pause, Aerith put her hand of Tifa, "Are you okay?

Tifa nods with a sympathetic smile, "Yeah."

Lies.

"Wren is someone precious to Cloud. I'm pretty sure she's overprotective of him or was..."

A child that reacted from fear to improvised confidence when Cloud regained consciousness. Was she with him after Nibelhiem? Why is she pushing us away? She keeps wondering and heart spilled out while the Flower girl quietly listened.

"But now, I'm worried… She doesn't want to even be near Cloud."

How did they meet? How long have they been together?

"I know she kept a distance from everyone except Cloud. When she came back from her merc job one day, she looked ready to cry when I made her food. I wondered to myself, 'What happened to her parents?' or 'What made her so sad?' or even 'Is there something I should do to help her be a kid and not a mercenary?' However, whenever I tried… she pushed me away like she knew what I was thinking."

Well, now she knew the reason why Wren acted like she knew with Tseng's words ringing in her head, "It had always been reading your thoughts. It only wants to survive."

"Wren being S2… What Shinra made her go through… How the Turks treated her… I couldn't protect her…"

She couldn't protect the people she loved… She was sick of all of it…

Tifa felt a small tear escape down her cheek, "I feel like I failed her."

Aerith held Tifa hands again, "But you didn't."

Tifa teary-eyed looked at Aerith, "But she-"

Aerith softly smiled, "She just need time." She paused briefly, "If I hadn't met my mom… that day at the train station… I would be very alone too…" She continued, "But mom always made me feel safe even when the Turks came multiple times to try to take me. She always buttheads with them to make sure I was okay even when I got older. She made a fuss when Cloud met her the first time." She giggled a bit.

Remembering the memory of her last goodbye to Elmyra. Her adoptive mother's sobbing stabbed her heart.

Leaving her… It was for the best… She lightly shook her head, "I am always grateful for everything to her. Even if we are not related by blood, she is still my family."

Aerith words resonated with Tifa. She felt warmth. Yes, a familiar warmth she forgotten, the warmth of family. The warmth that she thought was gone when her hometown burned.

Tifa wiped her eyes, "Yeah, you're right." She felt her chest lighter, "Shinra took something away from all of us."

Aerith nodded in agreement.

"I guess that's what brought us on this journey."

"Yeah, I want to know who I am. All of this is because of me… " Aerith confessed.

Tifa sympathetically smile as she put her hand on her shoulder, "You're not alone either in this too."

Both girls smiled and giggled at each other in relief. They relaxed in the peaceful silence while the fire crackling every now and then.

Aerith recalled the incident of them finding the president's body and Wren's state. I don't want to bring it up but I think I remembered him talking about that person before, She peek over at Tifa, who is now enjoying the fire, she debated with herself for her moment but her words came it out, "Who is Sephiroth?"

Aerith observed that Tifa tensed, "He was a 1st Class SOLDIER." A pop of memories crossed her mind, "I remember all the boys in the village would admire him as the hero they wanted to be."

Aerith tilted her head in interest, "Even Cloud?"

Tifa nodded, "Yeah even Cloud." She paused, "I'm sure Cloud will explain everything that happened 5 years ago when we get to Kalm."

I guess that is as much I can get, Aerith nodded, "Okie dokie. Should we get ready for bed?"

Both girls settle down on the ground in the most comfortable position they can find. Both unconsciously look forward to the inn for a nice hot shower and a bed.

Aerith managed to fall asleep quickly, however, Tifa reflected on all the events as she laid on the ground, but then, something nagged at her in the back of her mind that kept her awake.

She can't remember the full incident of Nibelhiem.

I remembered my dad dying and… I remembered Master Zangan at my bed side when I woke up… Was Cloud even in Nibelhiem? What does Wren know? One finally thought plagued her mind before sleep finally took her, Who is the Cloud in front of me?

A/N: Hope you all enjoyed the chapter. Leave a comment if you have any feedback.

Oh yeah, I re-con Wren's origin per say, but it's a small detail change of who she is related to. Small edits will be updated to the past chapter here and there if I find errors. The chapter was going to be up sooner, but I got a new computer so I'm transferring files here and there. Life happened too. It's pretty chunky because I couldn't stop writing lol.

Until next time~(-^u^-)y