Sorry again for the shortness of this chapter, and the sort of pointlessness, but nonetheless I hope you enjoy Chapter Fourteen, Sutoraifu.

Zack had just finished bandaging his shoulder by the time Flint returned, holding a small backpack, filled to the brim with ration packs. Zack put his shirt on, and sifted through the

contents. Mostly dried meat, drink crystals for energy supplements, and a two or three 'energy bars'. It was only enough food for two or three days, but they could make it last if they

were careful. "Good. Go and get the Chocobos ready. I'll be up with Cloud in a minute." Flint nodded and walked up the stairs.

He found Cloud's clothing at the foot of the bed. He was still wearing his pants, as only his chest had been injured, but his shirt was still stained with blood, and covered in holes. He

carefully propped Cloud against the wall and gently tugged the shirt over his head, then bundling him up in the jacket he'd worn on the journey to Nibelheim, pulling the hood over his

head, and the collar up to his nose. He then pulled on his socks and boots, making sure they were tucked in to prevent snow from entering. He gently rolled up Cloud's sleeve, pulling the

florescent tube from his wrist and disconnected the Mako monitor. Cloud let out a soft moan, but other than that, he seemed to be stable. He looked down at the back pack that lay beside

him as he adjusted the hood on the jacket. It reminded him of the backpacks they were given when sent off on overnight missions, in fact, it was one of those back packs- probably

belonging to one of the Crimson Band, before Hojo had wiped their memories. He glanced over at the bodies of the four, suddenly feeling remorse. He gently lay Cloud back on the table

and dragged the bodies side by side, laying their hands over their chests, and one by one, he closed their eyes. He then pulled the dust cover off an old cabinet, covering the bodies

where they lay. "There. May you now rest in peace, dear friends. May you, the innocents find passage back to the Lifestream, and rest in eternal slumber." He said, feeling a little foolish.

He returned to Cloud, stuffing the boy's shoulder guard into the back pack. "Ready Cloud?" he asked, hoisting him onto his back. Cloud gave no response, and Zack smiled, "Yeah me

neither."

Outside the mansion, the winter wind howled mercilessly, and Zack felt the cold seep into his limbs as he went out with Cloud on his back, wearing the only jacket. Zack shook his head as

snow began to accumulate in his hair. He was a SOLDIER dammit! It was only a little snow, nothing he couldn't handle. Flint was bundled in his own jacket, holding the reins of two

impatient Chocobos, hopping from foot to foot to keep the circulation in their feet. Zack reached for the reins of his Chocobo, but Flint gave those of Fenrir to him instead. "Take Fenrir, he's

much faster and bigger, and if you need to run, he's bred from the fastest." Zack took the reins, gently scratching the Chocobo's head and earning a happy wark. "I'm not leaving you if

there's danger. We'll fight the battle together, and-" "And what? Send Cloud off on his own? Zack, you know he wouldn't last more than an hour out here by himself. If you and I both die

or are captured, what'll happen to him? If they send SOLDIERS or minions of Hojo's out here after us, knowing we've got you, Cloud, and Black Mako, they wouldn't come alone. You need

to make sure you, him and the Black mako are first priority, and I'm the last." Zack balked, "But Flint, you're risking your life being with us in the first place, how can you expect me to not

repay you by fighting by your side, instead of running while you fight on your own?" Flint put his hands on Zack's shoulders. "Listen kid, I may not look it, but I've lived my life, I've seen

and done enough, and would be happy to die knowing I died helping friends. Repenting- atoning for my sins. I ask only this favour in return for my help, that you will do everything you can

to keep Cloud and Fenrir safe, and if there is a time where you must choose between my life, and their safety, you must leave me, and save yourselves." Zack stared at him, speechless.

"But Flint..." "No buts. You must promise me this Zack Fair, or I will be unable to help you successfully." Zack stared silently, hoisting Cloud up as he began to slip off his shoulders, his

head lolling to the side. He looked up, into Fenrir's eyes, and suddenly realised how old he was. Lines of silver were beginning to show in his thick brown hair, and his brown mako infused

eyes had a tired, somewhat wise look to them. Zack could see lines he'd not noticed before on the man's face, and watching the faded green flecks of mako in his eyes, he could tell that

Flint was actually quite a lot older than he was. "I- can't..." "Zack." Flint said sternly. "You must do this for Cloud." Zack bit his lip hesitantly-

"Okay, - I promise."

Poor Zack, having to make such a cruel promise. Hope you enjoyed this chapter, even though it was kind of pointless.

Thanks for reading :)

Lucifer