Oh damn I'm doing good this week, two updates in a few days! truth be told i only update when i write a full chapter (im up to chapter 48) and i've actually had time to write for once!

(Cloud)

You opened your eyes and winced because of the sunlight, you were disoriented for a moment but soon realized you were in the kid's room back at seventh heaven. You sat and remembered finding Autumn and Tifa in the church, you frantically looked around to find Tifa still unconscious in a bed next to yours, but Autumn was no where to be found.

"You know, you're pretty heavy"

You turned to find Reno, but he wasn't looking at you, he was kneeled next to the couch where Autumn was laying still unconscious. Rude was leaning against the wall next to the door.

"Weren't there some kids living with you?" he asked.

"Because they ain't here, just Riley and some little girl that isn't the normal little girl" Reno added.

You looked at the floor, were Marlene and Denzel missing? Does Barret know?

"You don't care?" Rude questioned.

"I just…" you trailed off, you glanced at Tifa again before retuning your gaze to Autumn, you didn't know what to say, of course you care but you need to protect them. Reno brushed a few stray strands of hair out of Autumn's face, you absently clenched your fist and jaw in jealousy.

Upon seeing your reaction Reno grinned and said "Ah, you're a handful" as he exited the room. Rude looked over at you for a moment before ultimately slamming the door shut behind them. You understood Reno's actions but couldn't think of why Rude was being so cold to you.

You dismissed their actions and went to Autumn's side. You hoped that she would wake up soon but you felt so helpless. You carefully pick her up and placed her on the bed that you woke up in, then you fluffed the pillow hoping she was comfortable. Your gaze lingered on Autumn, you could feel your heart racing, though you didn't know if it was in anticipation of her waking up or if you were nervous about what you would say, maybe both. You sat on the edge of the bed, your hand lingered on Autumn's face, her skin is just as soft as you remembered it but you couldn't help but frown when you noticed a small bruise forming under her eye.

You heard the click of the doorknob, so you jumped up embarrassed and ashamed of your own actions. The door opened to reveal Alyssa carrying a tray with water and sandwiches on it.

"oh you're awake" she said startled. You just stared at her. "Well you should at least drink some water" she said awkwardly avoiding eye contact. You just shook your head. She placed the tray down on the nightstand between the beds Tifa and Autumn were laying on. "you'll let me know when they wake up right?" she asked, you shrugged. Alyssa rolled her eyes in apparent annoyance, she began to head towards the door to leave the room when she suddenly turned back to you. "you know you shouldn't have left" she said, by the twitching of her facial muscles she was clearly trying not to lose her temper. You looked away, your gaze landing back on Autumn, you knew she was right so why argue? Alyssa sighed in frustration, as she left the room you could hear her mumble "I don't know what Autumn sees in you." You wondered the same thing.

Your thoughts were a jumbled mess of shame, guilt, and worry. You weren't sure how long you were sitting there but you heard a rustling so you glanced up to see Tifa sit up, she was clearly sore and a bit disoriented but she would be ok. "Reno and Rude are out looking for the kids" you told her, for a moment she seemed startled by the sound of your voice but as she came to her senses she relaxed. Then you recognized the angry look in Tifa's eyes.

"You have geostigma" it was a statement, she knew, she just wanted you to admit it. When you didn't respond she continued, "I understand why you told Autumn, but come on you didn't tell me" she reasoned. To be honest you didn't have a good reason, once Autumn found out, you weren't sure why you wanted to keep it a secret. "You're just going to give up and die. Is that it?" she was becoming more angry and upset with each passing second. "So it is"

"Theirs no cure" you finally responded.

"Yeah, but thats not stopping Denzel, or Riley, or even Skylar, is it? Don't run. Let's fight it together" she reasoned, but you turned away. "Then fight it with Autumn, she's up at all hours constantly looking for a cure, if you won't let me help you, at least let her." You couldn't find the right words, you knew Tifa wouldn't accept any response so you remained silent. "I guess that only works for real families" Tifa mumbled spitefully.

That one hurt, you know the situation isn't ideal and you're not the best with your emotions but you've always thought of Tifa and the kids as family. You glanced at Autumn again, you didn't deserve her but a small part of you still hoped. "Tifa…" you paused trying to find the right words. "I'm not fit to help anyone. Not my family, not my friends. nobody." Those were the wrong words.

Tifa sighed her token phrase 'dilly dally shilly shally,' she followed your gaze and became enraged when she found that you were staring at Autumn. "You stay away from Autumn" she told you with a glare in her eyes, you were shocked. "She's been though enough, she already lost one soldier, if your plan is to go and die, then stay the hell away from her, I won't let you break her heart."

You were about to speak when Reno poked his head into the room. You have never been happy to see Reno but maybe just this once you were a bit relieved. "I think she wants you to move on, man" Reno said with a cheeky grin.

Tifa sighed in annoyance, "Did you find them?" she asked.

"No only a witness" Reno replied stepping into the room. "Kadaj's gang took the kids."

"Where are they?" you asked as you stood ready to head out after them.

"They're at their base now. The Forgotten City" Rude replied as he entered the room.

You stole one last glance at Autumn before heading out of the room and down the stairs. You checked your pocket finding Fenrir's keys just where you left them. You passed Alyssa who was in the kitchen but you ignored her, you needed to go after the kids. When you were just about to open the door you felt thin arms wrap around your torso, you turned to see Skylar hugging you and Riley a few steps back with his arms crossed.

"Cloud you're back!" Skylar said a smile on her face. You weren't sure how to respond. "you're leaving again" Skylar realized as she backed away and into Riley's arms.

"you are leaving again aren't you?" Riley asked.

"Yes" you answered, "I'm only going after Marlene and Denzel then I'll be back"

Riley looked at you for a few moments as if trying to determine if you're lying or not, Skylar seemed pretty confused by the whole exchange but after the other night and how upset with you Riley was you completely understood. "Autumn says you don't lie, she says you're like this because of post traumatic stress disorder" Riley said, you gave him a curious look, I mean he's probably right but what brought this up? "Why won't you let my sister help you?" he asked in a small voice.

You frowned, usually you'd stay silent but you felt you owed Riley an answer, "I don't know" you finally said and without another word you headed out side, started up fenrir and began racing towards the Forgotten City.

(Autumn)

You were blindfolded, and felt a warm breeze on your skin and the smell of wildflowers was in the air. You sat back to back with someone.

"I was wondering when you'd wake up"

"Jace?" you asked in confusion, "Where are we?"

"so many questions, but I don't have much time." He replied.

You tried to take off your blindfold but a hand stopped you. "Please don't, its not for you to see this place" Zack said suddenly, you didn't even feel his presence.

"At least not for many years, you need to wake up soon" a female voice chimed in, you recognized it as the same one you heard in the church.

"Jace, I'm so confused" you finally said.

"I know my love, just know we're watching over you" He replied.

"your own guardian angels" the women added.

"And keep an eye on Cloud for us, he really needs you, more than ever" Zack added.

You were about to speak but you were cut off, "I think you need Cloud too" Jace admitted.

"Jace I…" you trailed off.

"Please Autumn you don't have to say anything, all I want is your happiness"

"Don't worry Autumn" the feminine voice said, "Cloud will come around"

"yeah he can be stubborn, and stupid but he cares for you and he'll be back for you, even when he's away its all just so that he can protect everyone." Zack added.

"it will all make sense soon" Jace said but his voice sounded so far away.

"Wait Jace! Zack! I don't understand" You said in a panic.

"I'm sorry, it's time to wake up"

You opened your eyes a bit disoriented at first but soon adjusted to the sunlight coming through the window. You found yourself in the kid's room. You tried to sit up but winced in pain, your ribs hurt but didn't feel broken. Your memories of searching for Denzel returned, the fight with the silver haired man, Tifa getting hurt, Marlene running… and Cloud? Was he really there or did you dream that?

You glanced around the room and found that there was a tray of sandwiches and glasses of water, you didn't realize how thirsty you were until you saw the water and quickly drank the entire glass. That strange dream you had was bothering you, you've never dreamt anything like that before and you wondered who the female voice belonged to. You tried not to think of Jace right now, so you turned your attention to Cloud, did he really find you in the church?

You found your phone on the end table, and without thinking dialed Cloud's number. You realized as you heard his prerecorded message that you had no idea what to say. when you heard the tone signaling to start your message you paused for a moment before finally saying "Hey Cloud, this is gonna sound so strange but were you here? I don't really know what's going on, I'm so confused and scared. I wish you were here." you paused a moment feeling stupid for even leaving this message. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have called. I just hope you're alright." you said before hanging up.

You pulled yourself out of bed and wandered out into the hallway searching for anyone to fill you in. When you reached the kitchen you found Alyssa and and exhausted looking Tifa drinking some tea.

"Sis you're up" Riley said from behind you, which caught the attention of Alyssa and Tifa.

"Hey kiddo" you said as Alyssa rushed over yelling at you to take a seat. And so you sat down at the table, Riley and Skylar rushed around the kitchen to make you some tea, while Tifa filled you in on whats happened since the fight with the silver haired man who you found out his name was Loz, she even confirmed that Cloud had been here and that he had gone after Marlene and Denzel. Alyssa filled you in on Reno and Rude- not that you were terribly interested but she did let you know they were the one who brought you back here and that they found out where the kids were taken, you'd have to thank them later.

To your surprise Jeremy wandered down the stairs as Alyssa was telling you about what they learned about the silver haired men- Kadaj, Loz and Yazoo.

"You look so much better" You commented.

"A good night's rest, Cid's handiwork on the split, a couple of pretty girls who can be extremely scary" he gestured to you, Alyssa and Tifa, "taking care of my wounds and two of the best junior nurses" he motioned to Riley and Skylar, "will do that for ya." He was using a crutch but was getting around fairly easily.

"So whats our next move" Alyssa asked Tifa suddenly.

"Next move?" Tifa questioned, but upon seeing the looks on your faces she realized what Alyssa meant. "oh no, you three have been though enough, none of you are trained fighters, you three stay here with the kids" she said. "Besides I already made a few calls, the rest of Avalanche are on their way" Tifa thought that was the end of this conversation.

You and Alyssa shared a quick glance. If the missing children have something to do with Sephiroth this is one fight that neither of you are willing to sit out of.

(Cloud)

As you approached the Forgotten City you felt strange, at first you thought you were having another geostigma attack, but this felt different- less painful.

you found yourself standing a white space, could you be hallucinating again?

"You came. Even though you're about to break." Aeirth sounded relieved. "So why did you come?" she asked.

"I think I want to be forgiven" you told her honestly. "More than anything"

"By who?" she asked in confusion. You weren't sure.

"I hope not us" Jace wandered in. "you've done nothing wrong"

"We were never mad at you" Zack added.

"But I.." you trailed off.

"Oh no you don't, you have nothing to prove to anyone" Zack scolded you, but you could see his usual mischievous grin, it was hard for him to be serious but he's always sincere.

"Its time to go, now go save those kids and get back to Autumn" Jace said with a sad smile.

As you came back to your senses, wondering if you were crazy again or just hallucinating, you realized you had reached the Forgotten City and that you are going way too fast and getting way too close to the crowd of children that had gathered around Kadaj, Loz and Yazoo. You saw that Denzel was in the front, in order to avoid him you laid fenrir down and bailed rolling to lessen your fall.

"I'm glad you could make it" Kadaj said in greeting.

"I only came for the kids" You told him.

Kadaj didn't appreciate that answer, he turned and address the crowd of children. "See this man? He's our big brother." The hell is he talking about? "But alas, in our happy flock, he's what you'd call a black sheep" Kadaj continued as he raised his sword for an attack- that you understood perfectly.

You didn't have enough time to grab your buster sword and dodge an attack, when suddenly you heard Marlene cry out your name. It distracted kadaj just long enough for you grab your sword. You fought the three remnants while trying your best to keep the crowd of kids safe, it was hard, they fought recklessly and they didn't care if any of the kids got caught in the crossfire. Thankfully the fight seemed to knock many of the kids out of whatever trance they were stuck in and began to flee, allowing you to fight a bit more freely. Loz and Yazoo were fairly easy to deal with but they fought in tandem, while Kadaj actually gave you a hard time, his fighting style was reminiscent of Sephiroth, especially his speed, he was definitely faster than you and that gave him the advantage. You braced yourself for a slash of Kadaj's sword you couldn't dodge but found that the pain never came. Vincent had come and saved you, much to Kadaj's displeasure. somehow in the shuffle of your escape your phone fell into a pool of water, you couldn't help but notice you had a missed call.

When you finally stopped you turned to Vincent. "See I knew I'd be no help. Vincent what do you know about this?" you asked referring to congregation of kids around the crazy guys.

"I come here often. I've seen what Kadaj's group is doing" Vincent said. "The stigma, its a symptom of alien matter infesting the body. The body tries to eliminate it and overcompensates." You were about to speak but Vincent held up a clawed hand signaling you to wait. "Inside our bodies is a current, like the Lifestream. That current is what fights off any malevolent intruders."

You held off on your original question, "What do you mean intruder?" you asked.

"The Sephiroth gene. Jenova's memetric legacy. Call it what you want"

"You're well informed" you commented. "Have you told Autumn about this, it would be the break in her research she needs"

Vincent shook his head, "I just found out, I haven't been home yet"

"Since when do you call it home?"

"Since my family is there," you knew he was referring to Autumn and Riley, Vincent has been a great help to your group but there was always that wall, he was still an outsider, but with Autumn it was different. "you may want to try it sometime" He continued. Now even Vincent is taking cheap shots at you.

You changed the topic, "How do you know all this?" You asked.

"Tseng and Elena. They were brought here half-dead. They must have been brutally tortured" Vincent said. "I did what i could to save them, but, well, we'll see."

"Tortured?" you questioned.

"They had it coming. They got their hands on Jenova's head" Vincent said it almost venomously. You knew Vincent's history as a Turk and his connection to all this.

"Then when Kadaj says he's looking for mother…" you trailed off in realization as you put the pieces together.

"Heaven's dark harbinger. The calamity, Jenova." Vincent said, you knew he wasn't trying to be dramatic but theirs an easier way to phrase it. "If they wanted to, they could re-create Sephiroth"

Your eyes widened, you had a feeling it was a possibly but with all the new evidence Vincent found, Sephiroth's return was fast approaching but you still had questions. "Kadaj, What is he?"

"I'd rather not know" Vincent replied.

There was a rustling in a nearby bush leading into the forest, you jumped up and drew your sword as Vincent readied his gun in anticipation of a fight. You were relieved to see it was just Marlene.

"Marlene" you called out figuring the little girl would run to you for comfort.

"Cloud" She replied but her voice sounded annoyed. "Denzel" she pointed back the way she came, then turned back and seemed to remember something "Autumn and Tifa?" she asked frantically.

"They're all right, at home"

She didn't believe you. "I want to talk to them" She cried out with crossed arms as she stomped her foot. She's gonna be more headstrong than Tifa one day. She looked at you expectantly waiting for your phone but it was at the bottom of that pool of water now. Realizing you don't have it she turned to Vincent and asked "May I?" but Vincent just threw back his cloak. No pockets means no phone. Which Marlene reiterated by yelling "You don't have a phone!"

"Vincent will you bring Marlene to Autumn and Tifa?" you asked. "I'm gonna go see Shinra and get a few answers."

"I can't do that" Vincent said suddenly.

"But I.." you were cut off.

"Forget it, Cloud!" Marlene cried out. "Riley was right" she mumbled to herself before turning back to you. "Why don't you ever pay any attention to us" she cried as she ran to Vincent. It still weirded you out that he was basically a big vampire dad to all the kids, you would have been terrified as a kid.

"Marlene, please give me some time" you tried to reason, "There's a battle to be fought" you paused for a moment trying to find the right words, also like Tifa, Marlene is probably not going to accept whatever your answer is. "Its not as simple as just fighting it, understand?" you asked, again the wrong words.

"No, I don't" Marlene snapped then hid behind Vincent again.

For once Vincent gave you a sympathetic look. "Cloud, are you sure this is about fighting?"

First Riley calls you out, now Vincent, you clearly weren't fooling your friends anymore, why are you still trying to fool yourself, this was never about fighting, this is about your guilt, your shame- it always goes back to your destructive emotions. You looked back up at Vincent. "Are sins ever forgiven?" you asked.

"I've never tried" Vincent looked away

Marlene looked up at Vincent, "Autumn says you need to forgive yourself," but then she turned her attention to you. "That goes for you too" she scolded pointing an accusatory finger in your direction.

"You mean…" you started but changed your mind, "Never tried?" you questioned. You knew what you have to do now. "Marlene let's go" you said. You could see the joy in her eyes, maybe if you stuck around in the past instead of running you'd see that look more often. "Well I'm gonna try" you decided. You took Marlene's hand and headed back the way you came in search of Fenrir, you knew you needed to get back to Edge.