Chapter 28

Incapacitate Only

"Just curious, boss," Reno said, tapping his magrod on his head from where he crouched behind a crate. He nodded at the Cerberus weapon holstered at Vincent's hip before he said, "But—uh, you got any other weapons, cause guns are noisy."

Vincent smirked, offering no answer as he crouched nearby and swayed as the ship floated into port. Reno was familiar with the former Turk's hellish arsenal and reminded himself to keep calm if they appeared. The demons scared the devil out of him, but Reno couldn't deny their effectiveness in battle.

It was early yet, and they had exactly one hour until sunrise. They'd hitched a ride on a freighter instead of using ShinRa's helicopters, which were prohibited from landing in Wutai and couldn't easily be concealed. A well-paid shipmate had led them down into the ship's belly since the exposed deck lacked concealment.

Footsteps approached their hiding spot, and they tensed, wary of discovery. They still needed a ride back across the sea. Exposure before they even managed to disembark would derail the operation. Reno stood and slid to the aisle between the stacked shipping containers, peering through the darkness. He relaxed when he recognized their shipmate and lifted his chin in greeting.

"We're arriving in a few minutes," the sailor said in a whisper. "You're on your own to get in and out. Make it back here within the hour after we go ashore, and I'll make sure to keep this area clear of eyes."

"Thanks, mate," Reno replied and shook the man's hand, paying the crewman another month's wage in paper Gil. The man pocketed his cash and left them with a smile plastered across his face.

This plan was as good as any. The port sat a few blocks from the consulate where Kunsel and their operative were held. They would sneak in, grab them, slip out, then return and stow away like habitual fugitives. Vincent had even removed his red cape for the occasion. The less conspicuous, the better.

The boat shuddered as it ground against the pier. At least that's what Reno assumed happened. Unfortunately, it was hard to verify the source of the tremor reverberating throughout this ship level. Reno plugged his fingers into his ears as the grinding grew louder until the vessel slowed to a floating halt.

"Let's move," Vincent said, and he maneuvered between the crates, scanning the walls until he discovered an emergency hatch, which had been unhelpfully welded shut.

"What idiot?" Vincent murmured as he gripped the brass wheel and strained slightly against the valve. Cloud pushed Reno aside and combined his efforts, helping to break the iron melding apart. Their muscles flexed against the metal seal until the hatch popped open with a crunch.

Reno scratched his head and shot his partner a glance, eyes widened at the reminder of sheer power dwelling within ShinRa's enhanced former employees. The Turks didn't see them as often anymore, and the strength displayed was unnerving. Reno winced at the thought; he wasn't used to it nowadays.

Cloud pulled the hatch open wider, the hinges screeching loud to reveal the pier dozens of feet below and some distance away. Reno doubted he could leap the span without plummeting into the water and didn't see a plank or bridge to slide out and hook onto the shore. "Fuck this noise," he said as Vincent looked down beside him.

"You get the redhead," Vincent said.

"Huh?" Reno watched in horror as Vincent lifted Rude into a fireman's carry. He leaped through the opening and, in less than a second, landed safely, depositing his burden on steady feet on the pier. Rude made no fuss, straightening his jacket and sunglasses like he hadn't been manhandled by a dude old enough to be his dad.

Reno glanced back at Cloud as the blonde approached him.

"Aww, hell no—Ugh!" He nearly lurched over the side as Cloud slapped him on the back and balled up a fistful of Reno's hair and suit in his grip. "Aargh, you dick!" Reno screamed, teetering on the precipice a moment before Cloud jumped.

Gripped by his rattail and collar, Reno dangled precariously as they soared over the water, nearly slipping free of his half-buttoned blazer, then crashed onto the pier in a heap where Cloud dropped him.

"Real fucking smooth, Mr. First Class," he grumbled, climbing to his feet and adjusting his wrinkled suit and tangled hair.

"Quit crying like a little girl. You're still in one piece," Cloud retorted.

"Aww, I bet you say that to all the chicks. Must be why Lockhart is getting her kicks from your old pal, right?" Reno grinned wide when Cloud clenched his teeth. The blonde's buttons were fun to mash into a rage, and even the mere mention of that hard-hitting darling set him off. The jealousy must taste bitter knowing she's bumping it with a good friend. "Hey, I get it," Reno continued. "I got a partner, too. What's between friends, am I right?"

"Shut your fucking mouth," Cloud said, stepping forward.

Reno jabbed his magrod at Cloud's chest. "Sore spot?"

Cloud reached for his sword hilt, resentment simmering in his face when he snatched the weapon from his back and swung, threatening Reno's throat with the tip. A loud clang rent the air as Reno protectively countered with his slim rod before the blade could penetrate his jugular.

Vincent stepped between them and shoved Cloud's sword away with his gauntlet. "Knock it off and get under cover," he growled with a fiendish stare.

"Whatever," Cloud said, jaw clenched and raging glare shot at Vincent, who seemed unaffected by the younger man's hostility.

Reno only shrugged in innocence. Wasn't his fault Vincent played finders keepers on Cloud's hometown spank. Lockhart was going to eventually figure out she was too good to play the wait-at-home game. Took her too long, in Reno's opinion.

"We need to move. There's no time for your shenanigans." Vincent dashed between a multitude of cargo pods littering the pier until he was hidden from view. Duly scolded, Reno quickly followed, and they were out of sight from the crew unloading the freighter.

Years ago, Reno reconned these very streets. Not much had changed on this side of the world even after Meteor, except maybe his motives here. Had anyone told him then that one day he'd return in the company of an old guy formerly known to be dead, Reno would've asked for whatever drug they were smoking. Instead, now he sprinted after the vampiric immortal, with his most trusted colleague and a not-so-frenemy watching his back. And this time, Reno wasn't here to detect and exploit enemy weakness but to rescue and mitigate damage.

Back then, Reno didn't always conceal himself. He was recognized in all the circles that mattered. And everyone knew you don't mess with the Turks. But now, his infamous image could work against them, so orders were to stick to the shadows and take out obstacles discreetly.

Vincent was fast, no doubt about it. Sometimes he juked so quick Reno only glimpsed a blur. But Reno was no Tonberry himself; his lanky stilts were swift like a Kalm fang's slim legs. He just didn't have Mako or cosmic monsters coursing through his veins. If he'd been enhanced, he could give old Vinnie a run for his money.

They advanced at a crouch from the pier into an alleyway. Their destination was two blocks west. The city barely stirred with predawn traffic, making their short trek through the streets conveniently unnoticed.

Vincent set the punishing pace, not lingering in any one spot for long, but his signals were easy to follow. He froze them against an adjacent building to the consulate. The building was old, made of ancient logs, and painted in a customary Wutai green. Though it bore evidence of modern upgrades, it still retained the essence of tradition and culture that Wutai prided itself on.

"There's our entrance," Vincent said, motioning toward a cargo entry situated at the back of the building. The doors opened suddenly, and they leaned into the shadows along the wall to avoid detection. Two guards exited onto the loading platform.

"We'll wait until they start their patrol." Vincent leveled a hard stare at each of them. "The order is to incapacitate only. We're not here to start a war."

"You got it, boss," Reno replied, speaking for his silent partner, too.

Cloud only huffed a disgruntled agreement. The blonde had remained unusually silent toward Vincent throughout the trip, occasionally throwing the odd scowl at his friend. Mr. First Class is not so thrilled about Vinnie banging his little happy home sweetheart.

Reno gazed at Vincent's back, fighting the urge to give in to curiosity and ask the gunman about his relationship with the hot bartender. He admitted he'd thought about it himself. Lockhart had few equals. But it was difficult for Reno to imagine the dark-haired siren hooking up with a former Turk, especially one so weird and ancient. Not that Reno hadn't learned to respect the man as much as fear him. Vincent had proved his worth in a fight tenfold, and his history with their organization was evident to those who lived it. His noticeable training and instinct had Turk written all over him. But he was like—100 years old or something.

And without the cape, Vincent looked like a different person. The man was tall, though leaner than expected. Reno had almost assumed Vincent would appear disfigured underneath the layers, a grotesque beast formed from experimentation, mutilation, and supernatural corruption. But he was just a skinny man with long, dark hair. And if Reno had never witnessed the demons living within that plain leather, he'd think Vincent an ordinary, intelligent dude. That did seem right up Lockhart's alley.

But Reno was no fool. Vincent was anything but average—and who wouldn't be after escaping creepy Hojo's clutches.

The guards finally began their sweep, each patrolling in opposite directions. When the one nearest turned the corner and headed up the street, they prepared to move again. Vincent sent Cloud over first, and shortly after, Rude sprinted in his wake.

Reno primed himself to follow when Vincent delayed him with a raised hand. A parade of yellow-feathered chocobos pulled wagons filled with gyshal greens, rainbow grapes, round corn, and star carrots, probably heading for the farmer's market and impeding their momentum with the slow procession.

"Nothing like a little early morning vegetable stroll," Reno whispered impatiently. The wagons moved sluggishly, pulled by the worn-out chocobos encumbered with heavy loads. These Wutaiins still did everything the old-fashioned way.

Reno considered giving the giant birds a prod with his electric stick to motivate a little wing flapping and speed. They didn't have time for this. That patrol would come back around the building any minute and walk smack into his partner.

Vincent held his hand up for another moment until the street cleared and then signaled for Reno to dash, trailing him toes on heels. They skidded to a stop behind Rude, and the four set off along the shadows of the building. Once past the garage entry, Vincent halted them on the cargo platform.

"Security patrol returns in 2 minutes, next about 9 after and so on," Vincent warned. "Let's make this quick and quiet. Time it carefully." He shot Reno a glance and nodded toward the doors.

"That's my cue," Reno said as he crept toward the door. He tested the latch. Fuck! Locked from the inside. He fished into a pocket for his pick, and within seconds of tinkering, unlocked the door. Reno flashed an arrogant grin as his partner sneaked in first. "Skills that pay, baby!"

The entry revealed two hallways and a large storage room with a small, windowed office. A stocky security guard rose from his desk when Reno peered through the window.

"Hey! What do you think you're do—Ungh!" Rude cuffed the man on his neck, then guided his slumping form back to the chair.

"Nice one, partner," Reno drawled.

"We need to be faster. The blueprint showed a stairwell this way—step light," Vincent ordered in a hushed tone and led the way up the darkened corridor.

The security lights overhead flickered on as they advanced farther into the building. Voices carried from another hallway around the corner. However, motion sensors had not yet triggered those lights, concealing whoever approached from view.

"Here," Cloud whispered and opened a door, ducking inside a stairwell just as the lights shined down the rest of the hall.

Vincent motioned with his hands, signaling they should ascend. Boots marched through the hallway they just left, growing fainter the higher they stepped. When Reno reached the 4th floor, Vincent called from behind, "This should be us."

Cloud put an ear to the interior door, then eased it open, peeking out before he stepped into the darkness. Lights again illuminated the passageway. They sprinted past a string of empty offices, then traveled down another corridor and tiptoed into the residential wing. The consulate was a maze of turns and paper-thin walls. They occasionally heard TVs and even snoring beyond some doors.

"Let's speed it up. Next hallway is Kunsel's quarters. Should be the last door on the left," Vincent said, and Reno hopped into a featherlight jog, speeding down the corridor noiselessly.

He slowed and waited for the lights to flicker on, but the shaft remained dark. Reno paused and waited for the rest of his crew to catch up. They'd also stopped and faced the opposite side of the hallway as the lights blinked on and revealed the silent approach of four security guards. Two held small automatic rifles, and the others, fully trained ninjas, brandished steel shuriken, not unlike the weapon wielded by their princess.

Without hesitation, they launched into their attack. Vincent moved so fast it seemed he teleported across the room, catching a guard by surprise when he twisted the man's arm. The guard clenched his teeth at the pain and dropped his firearm. Vincent swiped out with his right hand in several successive thrusts, hitting pressure points around the man's head and neck, then lowered his unconscious victim to the floor.

Cloud battled just as swiftly and hit the other gunman with the broad end of his sword, and the man fell in a limp heap before even lifting his gun.

The sharp ends of a shuriken barely missed Rude's ear as he dodged with a masterful cartwheel. He continued his body's momentum, balancing his body with his hand planted on the floor and kicking upward into his opponent's chin. The instant knockout sent the ninja spiraling into the mounting pile of bodies, leaving only one to fight solo.

The last ninja launched himself into a dexterous sprint up the wall, a last-ditch effort to escape unscathed and conscious.

"Oh no, you don't," Reno called out and zapped the man before he could throw his weapon. The ninja's muscles locked with electric current, and he plummeted ramrod straight into his colleagues' sleeping bodies. "Ooh, that looked painful," Reno said.

"Incapacitate only," Vincent repeated.

"Don't worry, he's just a little shocked," Reno smirked at them. "He'll wake up with a toothache, but nothing to cry about, yo."

An audible click echoed through the silent corridor. Reno felt the tiny barrel of a pistol pressed against his spine and froze. "Drop it," his captor ordered.

"Kunsel?" Cloud stepped forward and put away his sword.

"Cloud?"

Reno felt the barrel leave his back and cautiously chanced a peek over his shoulder. The former SOLDIER placed his small pistol into his belt and stepped into the light.

"I was wondering when you guys would show up. Follow me," Kunsel said and led them to the end of the hall. He eased open the last door on the left and showed them into a small apartment. "You must be who security is looking for. Did you knock out the intake guard at cargo?" Kunsel asked.

Rude straightened his collar, and Reno smirked. "Hey, Rude here has a gentle touch, yo. The guy's probably faking it. And since when do you carry a pistol?"

"We don't have much time," Vincent said as he held the door open a crack and peered out. He gently shut the door and faced Kunsel. "Someone will come looking when that squad doesn't respond. You have any gear? We need to find the Turk and head out. She may be held in the brig on the 6th floor."

Reno cleared his throat and glanced awkwardly at his partner. Then, Kunsel let out a heavy sigh and said, "Your intel may not be complete, Mr. Valentine. You won't find her there."

"What's that?"

Shouting from the street drew their attention to the window. Several security guards fanned out around the building, likely looking for them.

"We may have to fight our way out of here anyway," Cloud said, stepping away from the window.

"Fuck! That's not gonna work!" Kunsel roughly rubbed a hand through his hair, looking far more anxious than a Mako-enhanced warrior should over the prospect of fighting Wutai security personnel. "Wish you could've made it two days earlier! The emperor increased guard duty yesterday. He probably assumed you'd be on the way."

"Why the hell do you look so stressed, man? We showed up, didn't we?" Reno asked.

"Godo's been watching me like a hawk," Kunsel said grimly. "Escape won't be a cakewalk."

"Hey man, we're professionals," Reno replied. Kunsel knows how they work. So why would he question their ability to get them out in one piece?

A toilet flushed behind a closed door, ending the conversation. A few moments later, the bathroom door opened, and Reno saw Cissnei for the first time in years. He sucked in a breath at the sight of her. Of course, Reno knew what to expect—Tseng had warned him. But he didn't think she was this bad off.

"Gentlemen," she said, weakly walking forward and leaning against the wall to steady herself. She'd lost too much weight, so much that she was barely able to walk on her own. Her naturally vibrant red hair was lackluster and ruddy, her skin shallow and grayish.

"Fuck, Ciss," Reno breathed, letting the worry seep into his voice. "How ya been?"

"Oh, you know me, Reno. Not one to miss out on all the fun," she replied as Kunsel moved to hold her.

Vincent moved closer to take her in, his expression stern. The look on his face let Reno know that Vincent was clueless. He had no idea Ciss was pregnant.

"Hey, Cloud," Cissnei said, though the blonde looked surprised. "It's been a while; glad to see you're finally awake."

"Have we met before?" He asked.

"Not exactly," Cissnei answered, a feeble smile spreading across her face.

Kunsel helped Cissnei to her feet and gave them a dour look. "Well, that's it. Now you know."

"Cissnei, where is the laptop?" Rude asked, searching the desk and chairs for any sign of the device.

"It's already in my pack," she said, nodding toward her gear sitting near the door.

"It's got everything?"

"Yeah, I saved everything found. Take it back to the boss. He won't be disappointed."

"Worry about that later. We need to head out," Vincent replied as he peeked out of the doorway again.

"Wait," Kunsel said. "I have an idea." He disappeared out of the door and, a few moments later, returned with wheeled laundry bins in tow. "I stole uniforms from the bathhouse, but the rest of you will have to hide in here."

Reno eyed the knit caps dubiously. "You gotta be kidding me."

"No, I'm not," Kunsel said. "I thought it would only be you and Rude, so you'll have to ride with someone. I only filched two."

"Me? I ain't ridin anything with anyone. Gimme one of those."

"I don't think so," Kunsel replied. "You're lighter. These will have to be lifted onto the truck heading out with the laundry. The service crew will get suspicious if one of the heavier guys sits in there. I'll hop in with Ciss. You get in with Cloud—it's the only way we're getting out of here unnoticed."

"Aww, fuck me." The last thing he wanted to do was cuddle up close with Mr. First Class and covered in soiled tighty-whiteys.

"Too bad," Kunsel said. "You don't look Wutaiin, and I'm not sure you're strong enough to push us."

"Oh, and Rude here looks like the emperor's daughter or something? Plus, how much can Ciss weigh?"

Vincent snatched the uniforms from Kunsel's hand, studying them briefly before looking between Rude and Reno, then Cloud. Finally, he threw the clothes to the other two men and gave new orders. "Cloud and Rude will push. You're too recognizable; we can't do anything about those ridiculous tattoos."

Reno felt the barb but masked the sting with a wolfish grin. "Hey, boss. I prefer the term 'birthmark.' Chicks dig 'em more when they think I was born this way."

Cissnei snorted and tucked a finger under her nose to stifle the giggle, and Reno winked at her with a lopsided grin.

"Whatever you say, lover boy," Vincent replied humorlessly. "But you're coming with me."

"What's the plan, then?" Kunsel asked.

"You two will get in the laundry. Lose the glasses," Vincent ordered Rude, and the man removed his shades and slid them into a pocket. "And put these on. Here, Cloud," Vincent said as he handed the blonde a knit cap.

Cloud wordlessly accepted the headgear but didn't look up at Vincent. Again, the strain in their relationship was apparent.

They dumped the laundry onto the floor and righted the carts, stabilizing the wheels so the hostages could climb in. Reno's eyes passed over Cissnei's skeletal form. She had always been a small woman, but now—she looked the size of an emaciated pre-teen. If not for her grotesquely protruding belly, he'd believe it. He felt a surge of anger toward Kunsel suddenly but resisted the urge to lash out at the man. That could wait until later.

Cissnei struggled to swing a leg into the cart, and her arms shook when she braced them on the sides. Kunsel lifted her the rest of the way and lowered her gently into the bottom. "Are you comfortable? You need anything before we leave?" Kunsel asked her and set her backpack in the bin alongside her.

"I'm good," she said.

"Ok. I love—"

"Enough chatter. Let's get this done," Vincent snapped, blatantly incredulous and annoyed with the belated revelation of Cissnei's condition.

"There's a service elevator down the hallway to the right." Kunsel's voice sounded anxious. He hopped into the other bin and situated the laundry over his body, looking up at Cloud with a severe expression. "It will put us near the cargo entrance, so be ready."

Kunsel disappeared beneath a bundle of soiled linens. Reno gagged at the smell of the damp towels and sweat-stained uniforms dumped over their heads. He peered down at Cissnei before he buried her completely. "Sorry about this, Ciss."

"Just get me out of here, Reno," she said, cupping her mouth and nose in her hands before nodding at him to finish.

A few minutes later, Rude and Cloud were dressed in white uniforms, pushing the laundry bins down the hallway.

"We'll follow at a short distance," Vincent said.

"Sounds easy enough." Reno trailed the laundry as instructed. They crept back through the labyrinth of corridors until they reached a service elevator.

"We'll meet up," Vincent said to Cloud and entered the stairwell instead. Reno pushed himself to keep up with Vincent's rapid descent, wondering if Vincent would catch him if Reno tripped.

The bottom of the stairs opened to a small room with two doors, one leading into the inner hallway and the other providing an escape from the building. Vincent opened the hall door as Cloud and Rude exited the carriage and headed down the corridor leading toward the cargo platform outside.

More security personnel loitered around the intake office, presumably on their behalf. Vincent halted Reno with a hand to his chest and shoved him back inside the stairwell, watching as Cloud and Rude approached the officers.

A guard halted Rude before he made it to the platform's exit and peered at the laundry suspiciously.

"Wet towels from the bathhouse," Rude said, lifting one and encouraging the young man to sniff. Instead, the guard recoiled and investigated the bin from a distance as he stepped back in repulsion.

Good thing Rude took off his sunglasses. Most had no clue what he looked like with a bare face or his eye color. Cloud kept his head down and tried to appear inconspicuous. Not that it mattered. No one knew the blonde.

"On my signal," Vincent whispered.

Two more guards joined the younger and demanded Rude empty the bins so they could search the contents. Things were about to get tricky.

Vincent motioned for Reno to step into the corridor, well within view of the officers. He followed close, letting the door slam closed. Every guard snapped his head in their direction. Like a charm.

"Halt!" several shouted at once.

Vincent pointed his gun and pulled the trigger several times, aiming high to miss connecting with flesh deliberately. Their opponents scattered, ducking for cover down the nearest hallway and into the intake office. The diversion allowed Rude and Cloud enough time to forcefully shove the laundry bins out of the cargo doors, leaving them to find their own way back to the docks. But the guards sprang into action after the gunfire ceased, and Vincent yanked Reno back inside the stairwell when a shuriken flew at their heads.

"When they reach the door, let them see us, then we sprint to make sure they're following us and not the others," Vincent instructed quickly.

Rapid footsteps came to a halt in the hallway, and they waited with bated breath at the exit. "On my mark," Vincent murmured, readying his gun as Reno placed a hand on the latch.

The hallway door clicked open with a slow, deliberate push. Pfft. Amateurs.

Dark brown eyes peered through, searching the landing, and Reno counted to six before the guard made eye contact.

"Move!" At Vincent's shout, the guards surged into the stairwell, throwing shuriken blades and firing weapons as Reno and Vincent burst into the sunlight.

Vincent kicked the door shut as a shuriken embedded into the frame. He blurred past Reno directly into the street, bringing chocobos and morning commuters to a sudden, startled stop. The commotion garnered the attention of the patrolling security, who drew their weapons in confusion as their comrades blasted through the exit doors in pursuit. Not likely they'll be chasing dirty laundry now.

"Morons," Reno murmured as he and Vincent merged with the throng of carts, wagons, yellow birds, and a few cars.

The guards gave chase but were slowed as the morning rush hour resumed, the oblivious travelers offering cover and safe passage. Vincent ran through the middle of traffic until they were several blocks from the consulate. Then he suddenly cut onto a side street, checking over his shoulder to ensure they lost any pursuers through a labyrinth of alleys and roadways.

"Hope they make it back to the ship," Reno panted, striving to match Vincent's lightning-fast pace. There was no way of knowing if the stunt worked as intended, though he was confident Rude, Cloud, and Kunsel could handle themselves. Cissnei was in no condition to fight, but Reno had no doubt Kunsel would sacrifice himself to protect her.

He ran as fast as his legs were capable on Vincent's heels, nearly out of breath by the time they made it to the shoreside boardwalk. Suddenly, Cloud came to a skidding halt beside them, quickly followed by Kunsel carrying a green-faced Cissnei.

"Where's Rude," Reno asked.

"He took a detour to make sure no one followed," Kunsel said as he eased Cissnei to the ground. "He said he'd meet us on the boardwalk."

Cissnei hobbled back a few steps and leaned into the side of the building. She doubled over, puking into the alley like a too-drunken barfly.

Vincent glared at them. "This information would've been helpful before we arrived."

Reno agreed. Tseng or Reeve should've warned him that Cissnei was pregnant. But Kunsel should've let them all know how weakened she'd become.

"Understood. Don't worry; I've got her," Kunsel replied and scooped her up.

"She shoulda been in the fucking hospital," Reno growled.

"She was," Kunsel said. "She slipped out last night and snuck into my room."

"Well, it looks like we've got no time to waste. Wish you woulda told us how bad off she'd gotten!" Reno couldn't hide his growing concern. Cissnei looked like she was about to faint.

"Let's just get out of here," Kunsel said. Cissnei drifted off in his arms, unable to keep her eyes open any longer. She looked as withered as a dead flower. Even her eyes were dull.

They moved slowly down the boardwalk toward their rented freighter. Kunsel shortened his steps to allow Cissnei to sleep and tried not to jostle her.

By the time they reached the pier and sneaked near their rented freighter, Reno had started worrying about his partner. "You sure Rude—"

"He's coming," Cloud said and backed away as they heard measured footsteps approaching from behind a stack of crates still littering the pier.

Rude suddenly appeared with a nearly 20-foot plank hoisted over a shoulder, gritting his teeth at the burden. "Thought this might make it easier to get Cissnei on board," he replied with a grunt at their startled expressions.

"Partner's always got a soft spot for the ladies," Reno said, impressed with his partner's gentlemanly ways. He grabbed her pack from Kunsel's shoulder, intent on being helpful too, as the others secured the plank between the pier and the emergency exit hatch they'd used earlier.

Rude crossed first, arms out to his sides to balance himself as he rushed onboard the ship. Cloud followed at a quicker pace, and the two waited at the opening for Kunsel to bring Cissnei across. Reno couldn't help holding his breath when Kunsel cradled her close to his chest and then sprinted along the board, taking a giant final leap into the ship. Fucking SOLDIERs. At least Ciss was safe now.

Vincent held out a hand for Reno to go next, and he gladly obliged. The sooner they could get out of sight, the better. Who knew when Godo's security teams might come checking the port for any sign of stowaways?

Walking the plank was easy enough until the ship shuddered. Reno looked up to see a crane setting large cargo pods on the deck. Once the vessel steadied again, he tested the plank and began moving at a slower pace.

Another shudder sent more powerful reverberations down the board, and Reno had to crouch in the center to steady himself. The movement helped him balance himself, but the backpack slipped off Reno's shoulders and tumbled from his grasp. With no hesitation, he dove after it, intending to catch the bag before it hit the water and toss it back up to Vincent.

But something caught his leg on his descent just as his hands wrapped around the straps. He looked up to see Vincent straddling the plank, his gauntlet gripping Reno's ankle in a vice. Reno gritted his teeth at the pain but couldn't help his shocked, wide-eyed stare at one of the most awe-inspiring saves he's ever beheld from a Turk.

"Up here," Cloud called down to him, and Reno awkwardly tossed the bag to him.

"Nice save," Vincent smiled down at him, though he didn't lift Reno back up.

"Uh, yeah. Back atchya, boss. But—uh, you gonna help me up?"

Vincent only smiled with a mischievous grin. "Nope," he said and hopped onto his feet. Reno felt he would lose his stomach as he again dangled over the water, only this time upside down.

Vincent balanced himself onto the plank, leveraging his free arm as he gripped Reno off to the opposite side and, with a chuckle, sprinted across like a gymnast. The side of the ship rapidly approached, and Reno braced himself for impact. But, before his face met iron, Vincent snatched him up by both feet and tossed him unceremoniously next to a stack of crates inside the ship.

Reno groaned at the new bruises swelling over his body, chancing a glance at his rescuer. Vincent sank to the floor as his body shook with laughter.

"Yeah, haha. Ok. Laugh it up, boss."

"Ciss?"

Kunsel knelt next to his girlfriend. She was passed out cold; the trek through the city likely stressed her already debilitated body.

"Here," Cloud said, handing Kunsel a few blankets. "These were left for us, and there's some food over here, too."

Reno silently said a prayer of thanks to their helpful sailor. He hadn't even asked for the provisions, but the guy was well-paid and highly intuitive.

"Rude, could you toss me her bag?" Kunsel asked with a hand outstretched. His partner obliged, and Kunsel frantically rifled through the bag. He retrieved a medicine kit, then quickly inserted a needle into Cissnei's arm, injecting a green, glowing serum into her tiny body.

After a few moments, she stirred, and Kunsel breathed audibly in relief.

"Kuns?" Her voice was so soft that Reno wouldn't have heard her if he hadn't witnessed her lips move.

"It's ok, hun," Kunsel soothed her, tucking a sweat-dampened lock of hair behind her ear. "We're safe now. On our way to Edge. You hungry? Need some water?"

She nodded feebly, and Cloud brought them some of the food and drink left by the sailor. Then, satisfied that she was well-tended, Reno grabbed a sandwich and looked around for a place to sit comfortably.

He limped a few agonizing steps to Vincent's side, feeling a sudden camaraderie with the former Turk.

"Never seen you without the cape before, boss," he braved to comment. But his courage faltered when Vincent turned a steely gaze in his direction. "I mean—the leathers look good on ya. Bet the chicks would dig this look." Reno smiled nervously, hoping his little comment didn't ruin their newly developed friendship.

Vincent looked over his gear but said nothing. Encouraged by the non-response, Reno continued, "I was expecting to see something or someone else emerge. You know—like one of the demons." Vincent's eyes slowly moved back to Reno's, waiting for whatever else was about to spill out of his mouth. "I mean, they're kinda cool, yo. Can you like—call on them whenever? Or is it like a trigger? They didn't emerge once."

At Vincent's unreadable, cool stare, Reno gulped, suddenly nervous that he'd prodded a little too much. Sure, he felt closer to the old man, but that didn't mean Vincent saw things the same way.

But whatever horrible thing Reno was expecting didn't happen. Vincent's eyebrows suddenly shot up, like he realized something, and he only grinned at Reno.

"You're right," he said. "They didn't." Vincent chuckled, then leaned back and closed his eyes as if comfortable enough to get some sleep.

Guess that's it. Nothing left to say, and mission complete.