Hey everyone! How are you guys (yes you who is reading this) and I'm genuinely curious, otherwise I wouldn't be asking, you're free to write your answers as reviews or PM me ^_^ I wanna be one of those authors who communicates with readers since I'm also an avid one XD

Chapter 2: Meeting an Old Friend

"So, Zack, with what did you kill those bastards anyway? Guns? A bazooka? A tank?" Cid asked, panting as he lifted the heavy weights above him in their shared cell.

Zack continued doing his ritual squats, the muscles in his legs working beneath his shorts as his eyes remained focused, almost cold, "A sword,"

There was a loud "thump" and Zack looked behind him to see Cid fell over on the floor, Barret stopped working out and could only stare at Zack in disbelief.

"What?"

"A sword. I killed them with a sword," Zack repeated, raising an eyebrow at his closest friends in prison. What was so weird? He heard worse things from inmates…

"Ya mean to tell me you killed em' all with one sword? And the thing didn't break? Hell didn't they have guns?! And missiles? How did you fight that?" Barret swallowed, nodding mutely once Cid stopped talking.

Zack shrugged, stopping his squats and instead he moved close to the wall, positioning himself on his hands, lifting his legs up swiftly so his heels touched the wall behind him. He slowly started to lift himself up and down, his head almost touching the floor as the muscles in his arms tensed and relaxed.

"I had a broadsword called Buster, it's almost as tall and as wide as me. I didn't have much trouble deflecting bullets, especially not bullets. The missiles and bombs were harder to deflect, though I managed to cut through most of them," Zack spoke about it as if it hadn't been a mass slaughter, as if he were talking about the weather, "Buster's steel can't be broken easily, I'd go so far to say it's one of the best I've ever had the privilege to wield."

Barret whistled, "Woah man…that's sure a story, I wasn't even sure if you will answer that one,"

"Why?"

"You like your privacy, we can respect that, sorry pal, we are just curious at times," Barret shrugged, shooting Zack a apologetic look.

"Nah, it's fine. Ain't nothing I wouldn't tell ya anyway," Zack smiled one of those rare smiles that Cid and Barret soon learned were only for people he felt very comfortable with; Cid and Barret.

Zack continued training, making sure his breathing was under control as his muscles burned at the strain. His blue eyes were focused, concentrating on one spot in the wall as he continued to pump oxygen in his burning muscles. Sweat began to drop from his chest, to his chin, down his face and all the way down to the roots of his spiky hair.

"Ever thought of cutting up all that hair? It must be a pain with these high temperatures," Barret commented, running a hand over his own short haired almost bald head in silent relief.

"Nah," came Zack's simple reply

"Why? I bet Cid can fix ya something cool, like curls or shit like that, man I would laugh for days if that would-"

"I said no alright?" came Zack's suddenly harsh reply, he lifted himself into the air with his hands, landing on his right foot bent as his other leg stretched with his arm parallel outstretched to the ground. (A/N: That same scene where Zack jumped off the train while training in the virtual reality room with Angeal)

Cid and Barret shared a look, before Zack straightened and turned his head partially to look at them, a slight glare in his glowing eyes, "Sorry, but I like it the way it is," Zack grabbed the steel bar that was fixated above him on the wall, jumping up slightly to grab it and lift himself up and down.

Cid shuffled closer to Barret and whispered so quietly so the former SOLDIER doesn't hear him, "I don't think he needs a haircut,"

Barret could only nod, "Nope,"

"Hey, Ex-SOLDIER!" Zack had gotten used to the calls and the nicknames they have given him, but "Ex-SOLDIER" seemed to just stuck.

"What?" Zack didn't bother to sit up, opting to remain laying on his hard prison bed.

"You got a visitor," the guard said, resting a hand on his cell keys

"Send her away, I don't know her," Zack rolled on his side, rolling his eyes at the thought of another one of his supposed "girlfriends", "wives" or even "kids" visiting him. He was half-sure they would dub him "sexiest man alive" if he weren't in the cell. Or at least "sexiest criminal", he had to snort at that.

"It's a "he"," the guard muttered, shaking his head as he unlocked the lock on the metal bars and pushed them aside.

Zack's eyebrows shot up in surprise he quickly sat up in bed and jumped out of it, "Wait…it's not a woman?"

The guard frowned and sighed again, "No,"

Zack blinked, who the hell could it be? He didn't have any relatives, not many friends he knew would come to visit him, if he had any at all actually…then again maybe Rufus Shinra got bored and decided to visit him…that would be beyond crazy even for him.

Zack warily walked out of his cell, passively accepting the shackles they put on his hands and feet and around his neck.

"What? My neck too? You guys got an upgrade or something? Gee, am I gonna get a muzzle? I promise not to bite," he winked with a grin, his blue eyes slightly making the guard uncomfortable.

"Enough with the games and get going Fair," he harshly pushed the man forward rolling his eyes

"Oi, careful with the soft bits," Zack pouted, sighing as he obediently followed the guard, watching as many of the prisoners watched in anticipation as Zack was led away from their prying view.

"Hey, hey! What the hell happened? Did Fair do something?" a chubby inmate asked his friend

"What? Fair doing somethin' wrong? Nah, he done shit I tell you, shit! Don't know why they took him out now,"

"D-did you see that thing he got round his neck? Looked heavy as hell to me…" a prisoner said, relatively new, only about six months here.

A old man with many missing teeth grinned, "Ya mean the shackles son? Only the real bad boys get 'em, those the guards are afraid will bite," he imitated a dog biting, making the newer criminal back away slightly, "Ah, yes…Fair may bite, though his bark is just as painful as his bite, or so I've heard. If Fair bites, he will bite 'em shackles off and the hand that slaps him with it,"

The old man laughed, almost deliriously, the newcomer from before shook his head, trying to get his shaking under control.

"Man am I glad I'm not with him in that cell…" many of the rest heard him and nodded in agreement.

"We all are. Old man's crazy as fuck," a bigger man with many tattoos said, frowning as he thought over why they took out Zack.

Zack frowned as he was led into a semi-familiar room, he stood in front of the large, heavy metal door, anticipation dwelling up in him over who could possibly come visit him that didn't think of him as their long lost "husband" or "father".

When the guard on the other side opened the door, Zack's blue eyes widened in shock as he saw someone he was sure he would never see again.

"Zack, it's nice to see you again, though I wished it wouldn't be here," the woman's slightly deep yet light feminine voice rang out, a soft, warm smile playing on her lips as her brown-burgundy eyes regarded him.

"Lockhart?" Zack's jaw hung slack and he almost fell back if the guard weren't holding him up

"Don't go faintin' now Fair, I know she's a real looker but you ain't usually so weak kneed," the guard whispered in Zack's ear, clearing his throat when the woman narrowed her eyes, obviously having heard him.

"Do you mind? I would like to speak with my old friend in privacy," Lockhart narrowed her eyes at the second guard in the room.

"I'm sorry but we have a duty to keep an eye on him, especially him," he shot a look at Zack's stunned form

"How about this? I know you have a mirror you can see through, why don't you observe him from there? You can come here any time he misbehaves, but I'm sure he won't. While you are at it, do you mind taking off his chains and shackles? He's a prisoner but not an animal,"

Zack rubbed his wrists and neck in relief when they, after a moment's hesitation, complied with her wishes and released the shackles.

Both parties waited until the guards left the room, Zack had to roll his eyes and grit his teeth behind closed lips when he heard one of the guards mutter 'lucky bastard' behind the door.

Oh if only he were lucky.

Without leaving the woman out of his sight, he slowly pulled the chair back and took a seat, leaning a bit back on the chair as his eyes were on hers.

"I didn't know you went to surgery, the new gender suits you," Zack joked with a smirk and crossed arms, the woman rolled her eyes

"How else would you come out here if they told you I was a woman? The good thing is I'm not here to accuse you of being my husband or the father of my non-existent kids," Zack chuckled

"So, Tifa, what brings you to this hellhole?" Zack smiled but Tifa saw through it

"Don't worry, I've been in enough hellholes. This one has at least a familiar face I wouldn't necessarily punch in," she retorted, leaning back in her chair as well.

Zack's eyes were briefly drawn to her impressive chest before they looked off to the side in disinterest, Tifa giggled suddenly.

"Don't worry, I won't kill you if you look for a few seconds, though over a minute is considered creepy so I would count the seconds," Tifa smiled softly and winked at her old friend

"Sorry," Zack's apology was genuine as he shook his head and looked Tifa in the eyes, "A bit weird seeing the opposite sex again after staring at the racks they sport in here," Zack made a gagging motion and Tifa laughed.

"I bet. We are friends, right? You know, I'm not one to get overly defensive, I run a bar Zack, I'm practically immune to the stares," Tifa played with the ring on her finger, representing a silver wolf head with a ring in its maw. Zack's gaze grew dark,

"I'm sorry Tifa…" Zack frowned, turning his head away in shame, his hands clasping together tightly on the table.

A warm, slightly calloused hand was placed on top of his one, stroking gently, comfortingly, he looked at her in surprise, "It's in the past and it's not your fault, you know that Zack," her tone was soft and understanding, soothing the ache in his heart just a bit.

"Thanks…" Zack muttered, resting his larger hand on top of hers and squeezed lightly, seeking comfort from her, "I never wanted any of this to happen…especially not like this. Though as long as he is alright, it makes my stay here easier to bear," Zack smiled softly

Tifa closed her eyes for a minute, feeling a tear slide down her cheek and a warm hand on the left side of her face. Her eyes shot open in surprise, caught off guard.

"What did I say about that? You know I hate it when you cry," Zack gently rubbed away her tear, offering her that grin that said everything would be alright.

"Say, how is Aerith? Doing alright? Did you visit her and bring her some flowers?" blue eyes held sadness and hope in them

Tifa bit her lip, nodding, "She's fine, I visit her every month to tend to her flowers and clean her grave…she loves the flowers," Tifa smiled and that was enough for Zack.

"Good, good," he pointed to the back, "You know I would visit her, I hope she isn't too mad at me, but they ain't too flexible on me coming out of here, at least not until I wait for my turn,"

"You mean in a hundred years? Come on Fair, I'll be all gray and wrinkled when you drag your old ass out of here," Tifa grinned with good humor

"Heh, to think you'd get more wrinkles than you already have Lockhart?" Zack teased, blocking her playful punch to his face, "Not the face woman! You can damage the eyes," he made a show of blinking rapidly at her

"I'm only thirty mind you. How could I forget, color of the sky," she shook her head, "Well? Where are Barret and Cid? Don't think I just came here for you or else your ego will grow too big again," Tifa winked and Zack could only laugh

"They are in the cell, the guard just came for me though," he rose an eyebrow in question

"Yeah, don't worry, I'll go visit them now myself," Tifa stood up, bandages peeking out from her fingerless gloves.

Zack frowned in worry, inspecting her hands gingerly, "Trouble in the bar?"

"Nothing I can't handle, besides you know my other profession. In that sport, it's a miracle you don't get busted knuckles right?" Tifa smiled

"Am I glad you didn't bring your punching gloves with you, I'm sure I would have run straight back to my cell if you did," he chuckled softly as he placed a hand on her back and opened the heavy door for her.

"Same old gentleman I see," Tifa smiled and entered the door first, then Zack followed, "Can't believe they didn't lock the door with a troublemaker like you without your muzzle on," she shook her head with a smile.

"J-John! You didn't lock the damn door?! Fair could have escaped you idiot! Quick! Get the shackles!"

The same two guards immediately came running toward them, the shorter one shouting frantically:" W-w-wait! I-I'm not sure if it is such a good idea for you to visit the other men!"

"Excuse me, but it's still visiting hour right? I have every right to visit whom I want, even the rats here if I wished," Tifa's smile was dangerous yet sweet at the same time, making the shorter guard shiver in fear

"You heard the lady, besides, I'm here so nothing will happen," Zack grinned

"That's what we are afraid of…" the taller guard muttered under his breath, sighing loudly and guiding them back to the cells with Tifa in tow.

"Don't worry, he's a good boy when he's with me," Tifa commented with a teasing smile

Zack jokingly wiggled his eyebrows, "Hoho, I wonder how anyone can be a "good" boy with you round," he bumped shoulders with her playfully and roared with laughter when Tifa punched his shoulder

"You've transformed into a pervert the longer you spend time with Barret and Cid I see,"

"Guilty as charged, ne?" Zack winked and Tifa only rolled her eyes

The shorter guard took the rear, walking behind Zack to ensure he didn't do anything fishy.

The minute the doors opened and Tifa walked in, cat calls, whistles and whatnot erupted among the many cells of various criminals.

"Hey baby! Want a free ride? You just need to direct that body over here!"

"You look like my ex wife but you're much prettier, don't worry, I won't kill you though,"

"Hey lady! Are those real or did ya sit on the table for 'em? Can I have a test grab?"

"Hey toots, let me show ya a good time you will never forget, me an' my buddies here will-" the prisoner's suggestive remark died in his throat as did every other when they all spotted Zack Fair behind the attractive woman, slinging an arm around her shoulders leisurely.

"Hey Snake, did you say something about my lady?" the dangerous gleam in Zack's glowing blue eyes made the large man's knees shake in fear, he fell on the floor, shaking.

"I-I-I-I…I-I d-didn't! I-I s-swear! I-I'm sorry F-Fair! I didn't k-know!" he scrambled to get off the floor, hiding behind one of his equally shaken inmates.

Zack frowned darkly, keeping a protective grip around Tifa as they walked toward his cell.

"Thank you," Tifa whispered in the taller man's ear, "You didn't have to, I ignore it anyway,"

Zack snorted in displeasure, "You can't expect me to ignore it, I hate it when they talk shit like that. Besides, Barret and Cid are a lot worse Teef, they would have crushed that guy's skull in,"

Tifa shook her head, kissing Zack's cheek in thanks, "I know, I know. But that man looked like he would wet himself, you didn't have to scare him that much Zack,"

Zack blushed lightly but rolled his eyes, whispering in her ear, "You'll make me look like a softie Teef," Tifa giggled quietly at Zack's joking embarrassment, in truth, he didn't care what they thought.

"Oh as if you aren't," Zack rolled his eyes and playfully nuzzled the side of her head, making Tifa laugh.

"Damn that guy…look at him…I wish my hands were there where his are…"

"Oh c'mon…he doesn't even have them anywhere near the goods," a inmate protested quietly, making sure he was as quiet as a mouse to not be picked up by Zack's sensitive hearing.

"Well, well, well, looks like leaving you three alone is making a number on your hygiene huh?" Tifa scolded lightly just when Cid and Barret tackled her with bear hugs, the guard holding the jail door open briefly wondered how they didn't crush the woman.

"Teef!" both males shouted, almost crying at finally seeing their sister figure again after so many months.

"Now, now," Tifa smiled and hugged them back tightly, frowning at how dirty their cell looked.

"Sorry, we would have cleaned up more if we knew you were coming," Zack joked with a grin and Tifa shoved him playfully away

"So, any news on Spiky?" Barret asked, sitting down on the wooden bench with Cid, Zack opted to lean against the wall. The former SOLDIER tensed, looking expectantly at the bar maid.

She shook her head sadly, "No, nothing much changed. He says he remembers bits and pieces, he hates Shinra like the plague but he doesn't know why. And he…" she looked sadly at Zack, "He still can't remember you…"

Zack closed his eyes and smiled shaking his head, "It's alright," he pushed himself off the wall, "As long as he is safe nothing else matters to me," he grinned.

"What about Vincent? Where's Yuffie?" Cid asked, sitting down on his bunk bed.

Tifa shook her head, "They stopped investigations on Vincent, they said they didn't have enough to charge him for helping you guys out, they did get suspicious though when he tried cutting the years you would have to spend here. He's still a policeman but they won't let him get to active duty anytime soon," the woman crossed her arms, "As for Yuffie, well…she's helping me out in the bar frequently but she still works as a martial arts teacher,"

"What about you Tifa?" Zack suddenly asked and his companion sent him a questionable look, "What is really going on with Seventh Heaven?"

The bar maid bit her lip and sighed after a few minutes of having a stare down with Zack, "I've lost some customers, said something about not wanting to drink at a place that previously the most wanted serial-killer/Ex-SOLDIER visited before," she rolled her eyes

"Pff, then they would have to stop going to at least half of 'em in town," Zack frowned, "How many?"

"About half of my normal number of patrons,"

"I see," Zack crossed his arms behind his head, "I'm sorry-"

"Don't Zack, it's not your fault. I think it's my decision if I have the most wanted criminals as my good friend or not," Tifa crossed her arms, giving him a challenging but soft look.

"Ah, ah, one of the most wanted criminals! Why is everyone describing me as Jack the Ripper? I just killed a few people," Tifa pointedly looked at his "First Class" tattoo

"A couple of people Zack Fair, First Class SOLDIER?" the bar maid rested her hands on her hips, "Don't make me punch some sense into that thick skull of yours,"

"Why does everyone have to mention my former title and position in SOLDIER whenever we talk about how many bastards I killed?"

"Gee, I really don't know…" Cid muttered dryly

"Cold as ever," Barret commented, shaking his head

Blue eyes narrowed into jagged sapphires, "Cold huh?" Zack's whole demeanor turned dark and the guard behind them froze in sudden fear at the intimidating aura, "I've looked at each of my kills in the eyes, Barret, each of 'em. They all felt fear, fear for their lives, fear to be looking death in the eye and knowing that I would either slit their throat, gouge their eyes out or cut them open from their legs to their throat and split 'em wide open, slowly, so they can feel their skin tearing apart, their blood seeping through the cuts, how their heart beat increases as my sword slides closer and closer to it, tearing all their insides apart." Zack paused, a sinister grin on his face

"After I killed the first thousands or so, I took my time with the rest of them, I got creative too. A downward slash from above splittin' their skull, a horizontal slash which tore their midsection apart, impaling them on Buster, cutting them deeply and leave them on the ground to bleed to death, hitting them with the blunt side until I smashed their teeth out and crushed their arms n' legs, choking on their own blood…" he closed his eyes, "Sometimes, I can even hear their screams of agony, the gurgling noises as they choke…the sounds of their bones crushing beneath my feet…" Zack's tone was cold and serious, his glowing blue eyes terrifyingly deadly.

"When I first realized they were after Cloud, I wanted the bastards to pay, in the most painful way possible. I realized I had been betrayed by my own company, people I've used to work with for years… I didn't give a damn when I saw the life leaving their eyes, their cold, dead eyes staring into me, some frozen in fear…I would do the same things again if it came down to it,"

Zack opened his eyes and the previously chilly atmosphere cleared when he suddenly smiled warmly at Tifa and the others, "Anything for my friends," he nodded with a confident grin.

The guard standing in front of their cell was on the floor, eyes wide open in fear and shaking like a leaf.

That was Zack Fair, Ex-SOLDIER, former First Class of Shinra, top dog, a killing machine, a dear friend, a cold-blooded killer, a kind and understanding man…

The man with eyes the color of the sky.

NOTE: I'm really not sure if I should continue or not, if it should be a mini story…I have a good feeling about it but I don't know if it has any real potential to be 6+ chapters. REVIEWS ARE ALWAYS APPRECIATED! THANKS!