I'd like to send a special thanks to MakoStorm for agreeing to beta this story especially since she agreed to take it when it was already in progress. Thanks!
"What were you and Tseng talking about?" Callie asked softly.
"About things that happened back then." Zack sighed, "I believe Tseng when he says that he did everything he could to help me. I even remember reading in some of the reports left at Shinra Mansion that a Turk kept pestering them and trying to get in to see me. It had to be Tseng. It's just hard not be angry."
Sighing again, Zack shook his head. "I was so close when they caught up to us. If I hadn't died then Cloud wouldn't have gone through everything he has, Aerith might still be alive, and we'd be together with all our friends. I've forgiven Tseng though because it was never really within his control. Everyone who was really to blame is dead and now I don't have anyone's ass to kick."
"I wish I could forgive as easily as you have," Callandra admitted.
Zack smiled and squeezed her shoulders, "I think you've gotten a pretty good start. Now, come on. We should talk to Cloud about tomorrow some more before we go to bed." Gracefully, the First Class rose and extended a hand down to Callandra.
Smiling back, Callie took his hand and let him tug her to her feet. Silently, they made their way to the edge of the roof and swung back inside. The woman placed the photograph on a small table by her bed before following Zack out into the hallway and down the steps.
The glasses had been cleaned and put away and the group was simply lounging around the bar. Vincent was checking Cerberus while Cloud polished his swords. The blonde paid meticulous attention to the edge on each knowing they needed to be in top condition for the coming trouble.
"I talked to Reeve, Barrett and Red," Cloud said as they came down the stairs, "WRO troops will be here by tomorrow afternoon and so will Red. Barrett will be here first thing in the morning. Reeve's going to do some digging and see what he can find out for us. We have the WRO's backing if we need it."
"That's good to know," Zack said, He leaned against the bar and crossed his arms, "I really hate to take you away from here right now."
"Zack," Cloud chided, "Everything will be fine while we're gone. Relax."
"Speakin' of gone, I'd better run out to the Shera and make sure the crew has her ready for takeoff in the mornin'." Cid said, pulling on his pilot's jacket.
"I'll accompany you," Vincent said, placing Cerberus in its holster, "It would not be wise for any of us to be out alone."
"Did Rufus say what time they'd be here tomorrow morning?" Callandra asked, removing her swords from her back so she could sink down into a chair across from Tifa and Cloud.
"Nope," Yuffie answered, twirling on one of the bar stools next to Vincent, "He just said that he and the Turkeys would be back in the morning."
Cloud lifted his blue eyes to meet Zack's. "I know you have to be in a hurry but I want to wait until the kids have left for school. That way I can say goodbye."
"No problem, Spikey," Zack assured him, "I don't mind. Can you think of anything else we need to do in the mean time? I feel weird just standing around."
"Restless and impatient as always," Cloud grinned, "Always the puppy."
The ex-SOLDIER stuck out his tongue prompting a laugh from his audience.
"You two are welcome to any of my supplies," Cloud said gesturing to the various sword maintenance items scattered about him.
"Thanks," Callie said, "I didn't really have time to pack mine before Koyoto blew up my house, the bastard."
Sighing, Zack shook his head. "Maybe this isn't such a good idea, Cloud."
"What do you mean?" Cloud asked, frowning at the sudden unhappiness clouding his friend's face.
"Maybe I should wait to go see my parents," Zack sighed, "I'd hate to put them in danger because another whacko scientist is after me. What is it with me and scientists anyway?"
"It'll be fine," Cloud soothed, "We'll be able to handle any trouble. I told you to stop worrying."
"They've spent the last few years knowing you were dead, Zack," Tifa added gently, "And by now they know you're coming. I'm sure they'd be willing to accept any danger just to see you again."
Zack hesitated. "I don't know."
"When I remembered . . . everything," Cloud began quietly, "I knew I had to tell your parents the truth. It was the least I owed you after everything you did for me." Zack started to speak and Cloud shook his head, waving his hand dismissively, "I went back to Gongaga and told your parents as much of the truth as I thought they could take. Your father was heartbroken but your mother was completely devastated. You can't let that pain last any longer than it already has, Zack. You need to do this. For them and for yourself."
"We'll protect them, Zack," Callandra promised solemnly.
"Damn right," Cid agreed, "Don't worry 'bout a thing, kid. Any asshole dumb enough to mess with your parents will get my boot up their ass."
Zack rubbed the back of his neck and smiled. "Okay, then. And thanks."
"Don't mention it," Cid said, grabbing the Venus Gospel and heading towards the door. Vincent started to follow and Yuffie jumped off the stool.
"Hey! Wait for me. Ya never know when you might need some super ninja skills," Yuffie said tugging on Vincent's cloak.
Cid shrugged. "Just don't be yacking non-stop the whole damned way there."
"You do realize who you're talking about, Cid? Yuffie can only be quiet when she is attempting to take someone's materia." Vincent reminded him though a subtle edge of affection laced his tone.
Yuffie scowled. "You're never going to let me live that down are you?"
"No," Cid retorted, leading the odd trio out the door, "It was a damned long hike through Wutai without our fuckin' materia."
"Come on, Vinny," Yuffie whined, hanging off his arm, "You know you find my super ninja skills sexy."
Vincent blushed and ducked his head further behind his cape. "I did not know that thievery was supposed to be attractive."
The door closed on her reply and the others chuckled.
"Still a handful I see," Zack said.
"That's our Yuffie," Tifa smiled fondly.
Taking up a cloth Callandra began to meticulous clean her blades leaving Zack no choice but to sink down into the chair next between her and Cloud and do the same.
"It looks good," Cloud observed quietly, "I'm sorry I left it on the cliff but I-I just couldn't . . . I didn't deserve to wield it."
"It's okay, Cloud," Zack reassured him, "And you did deserve to wield it. I wouldn't have given it to you otherwise. But, I understand. Plus it's good as new so no harm done."
"It must have taken forever to do," Cloud tentatively extended a hand for the sword which Zack handed over with a gentle smile. "There's not a mark on it."
"Yeah," Zack agreed, "But I didn't do it. Callie did it while I was unconscious after she saved my ass."
Callandra looked down, porcelain cheeks warming attractively. She shrugged, pretending to be absorbed in rubbing a non-existent smudge from Twilight. Tifa nudged Cloud and gave Zack a look indicating that they should drop the subject.
"So, Tifa," Zack teased, as Cloud handed his sword back to him, "What's the odds of getting breakfast before we go tomorrow?"
"They're pretty good if you wake up when the kids do," Tifa smiled, "Speaking of which, it's getting late. We should all get some sleep."
"Tifa's right," Cloud agreed, reassembling his sword and rising, "Tomorrow will be a long day."
"Do you two need anything?" Tifa asked, taking Cloud's hand as she stood.
"Naw," Zack said, "I'm good."
"Me too," Callie returned her swords to their places on her back. She walked across the room pausing at the foot of the steps. "I'll see you in the morning." With a smile that made her look constipated, she walked up the stairs her footsteps nearly silent.
Zack ran a hand through his hair. "I'd better wait a minute before I go up. Don't want to catch her naked or something."
"That's probably a good idea," Cloud agreed.
The door burst open causing all three to jump. Instinctively, Zack and Cloud lifted their swords. Cid strode into the room, cursing passionately. Tifa gasped when Vincent entered next, cradling Yuffie in his arms. The ninja was unconscious and pale, her shoulder covered in blood.
"What happened?" Cloud demanded tersely as Tifa dashed forward to examine Yuffie's injury.
"She's been shot!" Tifa exclaimed, moving a piece of Vincent's cloak away from the wound.
"That Koyoto bastard is smarter than we thought," Cid growled, "Some punks ambushed us on the way back inta town. They're good. Never heard 'em. 'till they attacked."
"They were mako-enhanced, Cloud," Vincent said in his velvet and smoke voice, "They had SOLDIER eyes."
"What about the one that attacked you?" Cloud growled.
"They will not trouble us further," Vincent said simply.
"The bullet's still in there," Tifa said, "Let's get her upstairs."
"What's happened?" Callandra's voice caused everyone to jump. The woman stood at the foot of the stairs.
"Koyoto's men attacked them outside of town," Zack growled, his eyes anguished.
"They've found us already," Callie whispered as Vincent carried Yuffie across the room followed closely by Tifa.
A childish cry revealed Marlene and Denzel standing at the top of the stairs, eyes widened by shock and fear. Marlene grabbed Denzel's hand. "What happened? Is she going to be okay?"
Shaking himself, Zack moved ahead of the group and sprinted past Callie up the stairs. Gently, he steered the children back down the hall. "Yuffie will be fine. But Tifa needs room to take care of her."
Flattening herself against the wall, Callandra waited as Vincent carried Yuffie past her and down the hall to her room. Tifa followed closely.
Cid remained downstairs, his hands clenched into fists. Once Yuffie was out of sight the pilot's gaze shifted to her. Ashamed, she looked away. Unable to endure Cid's sharp gaze and afraid of what she might see there, she followed the others upstairs. One of the doors stood open and she could hear hushed voices from within.
Stiffly, she stopped just inside the doorway to see Vincent lay Yuffie on the bed in the ninja's room. His face was blank but his eyes reflected his concern. Scowling, Callandra forced her feet to carry her forward. What's the matter with me? I'm a SOLDIER. Standing around with my jaw on the floor helps nothing.
"What can I do?" Callie asked briskly, crossing the room with determined strides.
"Help me get her clothes off so I can see the wound better. Vincent," Tifa ordered, "I think the first aid kit is still in Zack and Callie's room. Bring it to me."
"Bring my bag as well," Callandra called after him, "There's a mastered Restore in there."
Vincent nodded as he quickly left the room, cape snapping behind him.
Together, Tifa and Callandra worked quickly and efficiently to remove the girl's bloody clothes, pulling up the sheet to protect the girl's modesty as much as possible.
"Damn," Tifa said, her voice laced with worry as she wiped at the wound with the bloody bandage, "It's in there pretty deep."
Cloud entered carrying a basin of hot water and fresh bandages and clothes. "I'm going to help Zack with the kids," he said quietly, "They're pretty shaken up. Or do you need my help?"
"We got it, I think," Tifa said absently, as she bent over Yuffie trying to see the bullet lodged in her shoulder.
Nodding, Cloud left quietly as Vincent reentered. The gunman handed Tifa the kit and stepped back staring at the unconscious girl anxiously.
Gently, Callandra took Vincent's arm and urged him towards the door. Vincent let her guide him.
"This is my fault," Vincent said emotionlessly, "Yuffie . . . she jumped in front of me."
"Yuffie will be fine," Callandra said firmly, "Go downstairs, and wait with Cid. We'll let you know as soon as we're done." The redhead shoved him outside and then closed the door behind him.
"I don't know if I can get this out," Tifa breathed, a pair of Surgical probes in her hand. Her fingers trembled slightly around the tweezers-like instruments. "The bullet is so deep. I can't see it."
"I can do it," Callandra said, "I've dug out more than one bullet." She stepped closer leaning down to examine the wound. Her mako-enhanced vision allowed her to detect the glint of metal. She took the probes from Tifa. "Hold her down."
Tifa grabbed Yuffie's arms, nodding to show that she was ready. Callandra took a deep breath. Concentrating, she inserted the probes into the hole until she felt the bullet. Yuffie let out a cry of pain, her body arching against Tifa's hands. "Hold her!" Callie snapped.
Grunting, Tifa held the ninja down. "Got her. Get it out already!"
Blocking out Yuffie's cries of pain, she eased the bullet free of the wound. "Got it." She grabbed one of the cloths Cloud had brought and pressed down firmly on the wound to stem the bleeding.
"Thank the planet," Tifa sighed as Yuffie's body went limp again. She brushed several sweaty strands of hair from the girl's eyes. "Okay, let's get her cleaned up."
Silently, the women worked to clean the wound and then Callie dug in her bag for the Restore materia. She murmured the spell, watching as the healing green energy enveloped Yuffie, healing the wound, leaving behind only the faintest of scars. They washed their hands, both eager to rid them of the girl's blood.
Tifa carefully dressed the girl in a nightshirt. "There. We'd better go let everyone know she'll be all right."
"Why don't you tell Cid and Vincent?" Callie suggested quickly, "I'll let Zack, Cloud and the kids know."
Tifa nodded. Slowly, a soft smile spread over her tired features. "Thank you. We make a good team."
"Yeah," Callie's answering smile was sad, "We do." Turning, she left the room heading in the direction of Cloud's voice.
For a moment, Tifa stared after the other woman in confusion. Shaking her head, she followed the other woman to the door, turning for the stairs.
Vincent and Cid sat at the bar, a bottle and two empty glasses before them. Blue and red eyes darted up as she approached.
"Yuffie will be fine," Tifa said soothingly, as the two men slumped with relief. "Callandra managed to dig the bullet out. Yuffie's resting but you can go see her."
Cid started up the stairs immediately but Vincent only turned his head back to his glass. Concerned, Tifa stepped closer leaning down to see that Vincent's eyes were shut and his hand was clenched dangerously tight around his glass. She ran a hand lightly over his hair.
"It's okay, Vincent," Tifa murmured, "Yuffie'll be fine. Come on. Let's go see her." She eased the glass free of his fingers. Mechanically, Vincent stood and followed Tifa up the stairs.
OOOOOOOOOOOO
Quietly, Callandra eased the children's door open, her heart wrenching at the sight. Denzel sat on his bed, Cloud's arm around him. Marlene was on her bed, curled up in Zack's lap, the SOLDIER rocking the girl slowly. Both of their cheeks were tear-stained. As all the room's occupants looked to her, she forced a reassuring smile to her lips.
"Yuffie'll be fine."
"Are you sure?" Marlene demanded, her voice trembling.
"There was a lot of blood," Denzel added fearfully.
"I promise," Callie soothed, "We got the bullet out and we've Cured her. If you like, you can see her but you have to be quiet. She needs to rest."
"Come on," Cloud stood, keeping his arm around Denzel and extending the other for Marlene, "Let's go see Yuffie."
When Cloud and the kids were gone, Callandra let out a shuddering breath and leaned back against the wall. Her gaze locked with Zack's and his eyes glowed mako green. She knew her eyes reflected the pain in his.
Wearily, Zack stood, his eyes never leaving hers. He could see despair and mako swirling in her eyes lightening the jade until it was nearly silver. Zack could feel the mako pounding in his own veins. There was nothing to say. The two SOLDIERs left the room and walked down the hall to where Yuffie was resting.
OOOOOOOOOOOOO
"She's so pale," Marlene whispered anxiously, looking up at Tifa.
"Yuffie lost a lot of blood," Tifa explained, "But, she'll be as good as new in a few days."
"That's right, squirt," Cid said, his rough voice soft, "You know Yuffie. Nothing keeps her down fer long."
"What about the people that did this?" Denzel demanded.
"We'll take care of them," Cloud promised. He knelt so that he was at their level. "I don't want to scare you but I need you two to promise me something. I need you to be extra careful, okay? Don't go anywhere alone. When you're at school I want you to stay with a group of kids at recess and don't go far from the teachers. We'll talk to your principal and see if one of the Turks can be there so you'll be safe."
"You're still going away?" Denzel frowned.
"I have to." Cloud laid a hand on the boy's shoulder, "We still need to check up on Zack's parents. If they came here, there's a good chance that Koyoto and his men will try and use Zack's parents against him. We can't let him go alone," he said.
"It's okay, Denzel," Marlene smiled bravely, "We don't want anything bad to happen to Zack or his parents, right?"
"No," Denzel admitted reluctantly.
"Good," Cloud ruffled the boy's hair approvingly, "Now, come on. Yuffie needs her rest and so do you."
"I'll sit with you guys for a while," Tifa said, "And don't worry about school tomorrow. It's really late. I'll write an excuse for you. Can one of you stay with Yuffie tonight?" She looked at Cid and Vincent.
"I will remain with Yuffie," Vincent said.
Cloud stood, and looked towards the door. Zack and Callandra stood just outside the room. Cloud frowned at the way their eyes glowed with the intensity of their emotions.
"Zack?" he asked.
The brunette only shook his head, walking away. Callandra opened her mouth, closed it, and then followed Zack. A door clicked shut down the hall.
"Shit," Cloud sighed.
"Go talk to him," Tifa urged, "I'll put the kids to bed."
"I'm going to make sure everythin's locked up tight," Cid strode toward the door, "Then I'm gonna get some shut eye. I got a ship ta fly tomorrow."
Tifa herded the kids out and Cid started checking all the windows and doors. Cloud sighed again. He straightened his shoulders and then slowly went after his friend.
OOOOOOOOO
Callandra leaned against the door. She watched Zack, studied the tense lines of his shoulders and the way he took slow breaths in an effort to keep what was left of his composure intact.
"Zack," Callie whispered, knowing he'd hear her, "Yuffie will be okay."
"Does that honestly make you feel any better about any of this?" Zack asked, looking over his shoulder.
"No," she admitted. She walked slowly forward until she was only an arm's length away. "We led our enemy here and nearly got her killed."
"No," Zack turned to face her, "I led them here. I'm the one that wanted to come here. Don't blame yourself."
"It's no one's fault but Koyoto," Cloud's angry voice cut in.
Callandra and Zack turned to find the blonde standing in their doorway. They hadn't heard the door open. The brunette balled his hands into fists then relaxed them.
"No, Cloud," Zack said sadly, "I brought them here. If I had realized he'd follow me here so quickly I would never have come."
"And what?" Cloud snapped, "Fought alone? Took it all on yourself again? You'd have let yourself die without ever telling me you were back to begin with?"
"Cloud . . ."
"No, Zack!" Cloud crossed the room in three quick steps. He grabbed Zack by the shoulders and shook him. "It's not your fault and it's not Callandra's. It's Koyoto's! I'm glad you came here. I want to help you. That's what friends do. And if you try to disappear I swear to the Goddess that I'll hunt you down and kick your ass." Cloud's hands gentled. "Zack, Koyoto would have come for us eventually. Me, Red, and Vincent, we've all been Hojo's experiments. Because of you we had some warning."
"Yeah," Zack smiled weakly, "I guess you're right. It's just . . ."
"I know," Cloud squeezed his friend's shoulder, "I lost you once, Zack. I won't let it happen again." His gaze shifted to Callandra who stood off to the side. He'd seen the guilt in her eyes as well. "Do you need some sense knocked into you too?"
"No," she smirked, "I'd prefer my brain not get rattled into a milkshake."
"Good." Cloud nodded. "Now, get some sleep. You've had a long day."
"I don't think I can sleep," Zack admitted.
"Neither do I," Callie agreed. "Why don't you try and get some rest? Zack and I will keep watch tonight."
"Argh," Cloud growled, frustrated, "I told you it wasn't your fault."
"I know," Zack soothed, "But this will make us feel better."
"He's right," Callandra agreed, "We can sleep tomorrow on the ship."
"Fine," Cloud conceded, "But if you get too tired come wake me up and I'll relieve you, okay?"
"Promise," Zack agreed, "Now get some sleep, Spikey. We'll take care of things here."
"All right," Cloud nodded. "See you in the morning."
OOOOOOOOOO
Vincent was dimly aware of Zack and Callandra's quiet footsteps as they patrolled the house. Occasionally, one of them would slip out onto the roof to inspect the surrounding area before slipping back in through one of the windows.
"You know, if I'm not allowed to blame myself and sulk, neither are you."
Vincent glanced towards the door as Callandra walked quietly across the room.
"Yuffie took a bullet meant for me," Vincent said lowly, "I should have stopped her."
"I'm sure you had all kinds of time for that," the redhead snorted, "I'm also sure that you neither shot her yourself nor pulled her in front of you."
"I should have sensed them," Vincent growled, "If I had this wouldn't have happened."
"If Zack and I hadn't come here this wouldn't have happened either," Callandra pointed out.
"You do not know that," Vincent shook his head, "I'm sure this scientist would have come after us eventually."
"That's what Cloud said," Callie admitted, "Doesn't mean that we don't still feel bad." She sighed. "Just don't beat yourself up too badly, huh?"
As the woman left, Vincent leaned forward, taking Yuffie's hand in his. "I'll make it up to you, Yuffie, I promise."
Well, that was a long one. There's a lot coming in the next chapter too. I'll try and update Second Chances quickly so I can get back to this one. A lot of people have put this on their alert but only a few have revied. I know we're all busy but please just take a couple seconds to let me know how I'm doing. It sux when I'm second guessing myself. If there's something I can improve on or you feel is missing please let me know. Now my shout out to those who took the time to review..
MakoStorm: Thanks again for agreeing to be my beta. Being able to bounce ideas off you helped a lot.
ritsuka-hanya: Not so soon but I'll try to make the next one come quicker. This chapter gave me all kinds of trouble. Hope it was worth it.
Shade the Bat: Sometimes it's better to not know what Reno's said. Apparently it was so bad Cloud won't even tell me. hehe. No Reno in this chapter but he'll be back in the next.
City of Dis: Thanks. You're right about Cloud and Zack and the bond is there. But, they're both dancing around the issue in their own way. The memories aren't pleasant for either of them. But they're getting there and I think they'll get there soon. Cloud and Zack have a lot to say to each other when they're ready. I think Cloud made a good start in this chapter. Let me know what you think.