Chapter 2

The rain poured down on them as the squad passed through a thick forest. Seeing no other choice, they decided to take shelter in an abandoned shack, waiting until the storm cleared to continue their journey back to Shinra. Unbeknownst to them however, tensions between the group would change all of their lives forever that night. It was early morning when the rain let up. Thinking everyone to be asleep, Cronus decided to leave the hut to get some fresh air. However, Reaper was wide awake.

"You better think twice about what you're doing." Reaper said, standing up.

"What are you talking about?" Cronus asked, confused.

"I know what you're thinking, and no one deserts Shinra."

"I think your age has affected your mind, Reaper." Cronus taunted. "I'm only going out for some air."

"The hell you are!" Reaper yelled, drawing his sidearm and aiming it at Cronus.

Kali and Sythe were awoken by this, and jumped to their feet, startled by the scene in front of them.

"We miss something?" Sythe asked.

"Apparently." Kali answered.

"You two are just in time." Reaper explained. "He was trying to desert."

"You're insane." Cronus said. "I wasn't going anywhere. Now get your fucking gun out of my face."

"Either way, he's right." Sythe reasoned. "Lower your weapon, and let's find out what's going on here."

"No!" Reaper said. "He's a damn deserter and I won't allow it." With these words, he cocked his pistol.

"Reaper, stop it! They're right." Kali said.

Still, Reaper continued aim his pistol at Cronus, his trigger finger slowly squeezing the trigger.

"Damn it, don't point that thing at my brother!" Sythe yelled as he stepped forward, and grabbed the gun. Panicking, Reaper pulled the trigger. The the bullet shot from the gun, ricocheted off of the frame of the door, barely missing Cronus, and hit Sythe, causing him to gasp. The four squad mates were silent in shock, staring at each other for a moment. Then, Sythe fell, hitting the floor hard.

"Sythe!" Cronus cried, running forward to his brother. Reaper on the other hand, stared at them for a moment, before running out of the door and into the night. "Sythe!" Cronus called again, but his brother was unconscious.

"Cronus." Kali said.

"Stay here with him, try to get him awake." Cronus said as he stood up.

"Where are you going?"

"Where do you think?" Cronus said, running after Reaper.