Disclaimer- I claim no rights to Final Fantasy VII

Chapter Twenty - The Gatekeeper and the Warrior - COMPLETE

"I didn't expect such a delay," Kunsel remarked, his face contorting as he surveyed the lengthy queue of individuals waiting to pass through the gate. With the rising temperatures, the influx of people passing through was expected to increase, but the sheer number of people all at once was surprising. He aimed to reach his destination quickly, but with just two guards stationed at the entrance, he doubted they could pass through before dusk. He turned to Cloud with a slight, reassuring grin, but it slipped off his face when he noticed his charge staring at the entrance with confusion.

"Cloud? What the matter?"

"I'm fine, don't worry," Cloud responded with a small smile, though Kunsel could detect a hint of anxiety in his tone. "I don't recall my Father ever being in this area. Can you tell me more about this place?"

Kunsel stated, "This is the Grand Citadel." He was surprised that Cloud, who had been living in Midgar for months, didn't know about it. However, he also considered that Cloud may have missed it. "The structure acts as a separation point between Midgar and Kalm when there is no conflict. However, in times of war, it transforms into a stronghold that provides the final line of defense for both our citizens and those of Kalm. Unfortunately, we arrived during a peak season, so we should prepare for an extended period of waiting."

"Would you like to give our Chocobos a rest?" Cloud began to dismount, but Kunsel interrupted him by placing a hand on his wrist. "Is that not necessary?"

Kunsel took his hand off Cloud's wrist and advised him, "We're surrounded by a sizable crowd. I'd rather keep close tabs on you, even atop a Chocobo, than risk losing you to unknown and potentially dangerous individuals."

"Okay." Cloud shifted uncomfortably in the saddle, observing the sluggish crowd. "So, where do we head next once we're done with Kalm?"

"Our upcoming location hinges on the information we obtain in Kalm. Wandering the continent without direction is not an option, as it would result in wasted time and a greater distance between us and our targets."

Cloud nodded in agreement, and not failing to notice how twitchy Kunsel was becoming the longer they stood in the line. There was nothing they could do about it and he set about distracting the soldier.

"What's Kalm like?"

Kunsel happily replied that the town caters to both merchants and miners. "The Mythril Mines are located to the South, but the tunnels are connected to the town via a railroad, making it a busy hub for people. And when there are people-"

"Information and eyes," Cloud said, exchanging a smile with Kunsel before fading into a comfortable silence. He took a moment to survey his surroundings. The military installation appeared typical, similar to those depicted in his history books. He observed openings intended for cannons and areas where archers would have been stationed. The gate was an imposing structure, constructed of wood and steel. It would take a considerable amount of time to breach, providing soldiers with ample opportunity to mobilize or retreat. The sight was intimidating and Cloud wished to never witness its original purpose being fulfilled.

"That's right." Kunsel rumbled in approval. "You'll learn yet, Cloud."

Cloud preened at the approval and nudged his Chocobo along when the line started up again. He was thankful when they finally approached the front of the line, but he was even less so when the guard looked both up and down and held out a gloved hand.

"Gate Pass?"

Kunsel pulled it from his pouch and handed it to the guard who scrutinized it before handing it back and waving them through, but not before tossing a quick salute Kunsel's way.

"I heard about what happened in Midgar." the guard gave them an encouraging look. "Good luck on your journey."

"Thank you." With a gentle hand, Kunsel urged Cloud along and down the steps connected to a seemingly endless dirt road. "We still have a bit of way to go, but if we push it, we can make it by sunset."

As it turned out, Kusnel wasn't kidding about the distance and he was serious about pushing themselves and the Chocobos. He didn't want to complain, but-

"We're almost there," Kunsel pointed towards the horizon, and there, in the distance, was Kalm and more specifically, a warm bed that Cloud could lie down. He figured that one more night couldn't hurt.

"See?" Kunsel tugged on his reins to slow his Chocobo to a gentle trot. "That wasn't so bad, right? It's all about pacing yourself." Kunsel led Cloud through the entrance and instantly the smell of smoke and steel infiltrated Cloud's senses making him scrunch up his nose.

"You'll get used to the smell - in time." Kunsel slid off the Chocobo and moved to help Cloud do the same. "We'll get to an inn and reserve a room before getting something decent to eat. I don't know about you, but eating bread and cheese can get a little tiring, right?"

"Right." Cloud took a moment to take in his new surroundings. Kalm was smaller than Midgar, but it was more significant than Nibelheim. People were coming and going and merchants seemed to take in every inch of available space yelling and urging passing potential customers to come try and buy their current wares. It didn't seem to work on anyone but the obvious miners who probably needed something to tide them over on their shifts. It seemed more bustling than Midgar if it was possible.

"Nice isn't it? The mines are open and flourishing which means more people coming and going and I bet my sword that someone saw Genesis and Sephiroth come through here."

"So, where do we start?"

"You are going to start by getting us a room." Kunsel pointed him in the direction of a bright-colored building that sat just on the side of the entrance. "I'm going to head to the pub and get us something to eat. I'm sure that dinner is already over from the inn."

Cloud's lips thinned at the thought of splitting up. They didn't know who was working for Sephiroth and Genesis in the time since their disappearance so he didn't know who to trust and to distrust.

"It'll be fine," Kunsel reassured, nudging him towards the inn. "The rooms run out quick - off you go."

Kunsel didn't give him a moment to protest, turning off his heel and disappearing into the throng of people and leaving Cloud to his thoughts he was quick to snap out and head up the small stairway and into the silent inn where a receptionist shot him a tired look.

"Good Evening."

"Good Evening." Cloud returned, approaching the desk and slipping the woman two hundred gil. "A room for four nights for two please."

"Names?"

"Cloud and Kunsel Caelum" Cloud couldn't force down the blush that dusted his cheeks when the receptionist gave him a small, knowing smile. The last thing he wanted to do was garner the wrong type of attention, but what choice did he have? He couldn't very well call himself Fair could he? No one was stupid enough to not know about Zack.

The receptionist slid him two keys across the desk. "It's upstairs and to your right."

"Thank you, um, do you have a moment?" Cloud bit his lip, wondering if this was a good idea. "You know of Lord Sephiroth and Genesis of Midgar, yes?"

The receptionist shot him a strange look before giving a single nod and waiting for Cloud to continue. "I was wondering if you had noticed them come through here within the last couple of days or so?"

"I don't recall if I have or not." the receptionist tilted her head in thought before shaking her head. "No. I would have definitely noticed them if they had passed by. The miners aren't fans of them and they would have caused a ruckus."

"The miners don't like them?"

"No." the receptionist scowled. "Lord Genesis Rhaspodos was the one who enacted that law about the miners giving thirty percent of their profits as tax for mining into the land and disturbing it. Under Lord Fair's father, the taxes were ten percent and that meant that the miners could make a decent living, but now? The miners have to work overtime to even earn a decent wage and Lord Fair hasn't exactly moved his ass about it either."

"I-I see." Cloud's jaw clenched. Discontent was never good, it mattered not who or what the cause of it was. It was good that Zack decided not to travel.

"Neither are welcome in the outer realms." the receptionist continued, oblivious to Cloud's degrading thoughts. "If they are traveling then they will be welcome in no home."

"Welcome in no home." Cloud echoed, his mind racing at the thought. If the two had no shelter that meant they left a trail out in the wilderness which meant that they had a single shred of hope of catching up.

The door creaked open, drawing Cloud and the receptionist's attention away from their conversation to see Kunsel slipping inside with a large bag. "Good." Kunsel greeted me with a warm smile. "We can head up together." He raised a hand with the bag. "We have good soup tonight."

"And you're room is ready. It's so sweet that you brought dinner for your husband."

Kunsel was still before tilting his head to the left and that damn blush, that Cloud tried so hard to hide, made a horrifying reappearance when Kunsel's lips pulled into a small, warm grin.

"He did such a good job getting here from our village. It's his second trip on the road so he's still learning the ropes." Kunsel leaned down and pressed a swift kiss on Cloud's forehead. "I couldn't be more proud, right?"

"Of course, Mr. Caelum," Cloud murmured watching as Kunsel's lips twitched at the name. "I'm tired. Why don't we head upstairs, eat, and get some sleep?" He turned to the receptionist. "Thank you for your time. Goodnight."

Cloud and Kunsel didn't wait for a reply before tracking up to their shared room and clicking and locking the door. A twin sigh of relief echoed across the old wood before Cloud released a small, embarrassed sigh and turned to Kunsel who was silent in his approach towards his own bed.

"I'm really sorry-"

"No need," Kunsel reassured gently. "This actually will make things easier while we're in town. That receptionist has a pretty loud mouth so the fact that I'm your husband will be around town before sunrise."

"Oh."

"And-" Kunsel continued with a small chuckle. "I don't have to worry about you getting in trouble while we're gathering information."

"Are you sure you're fine with it?"

"Absolutely." Kunsel leaned down and started unlacing his boots. "I am going to have to inform Lord Fair about the change in our dynamic. I'm sure he will be thrilled."

"I'm sorry?"

"You don't think that we're not going to stay in communication with him, right? He wants to be informed - regularly - about our movements. I was going to write him and inform him that we've arrived in Kalm."

"Oh." Cloud swallowed as Zack's face flashed in his mind, those amused bright violet eyes and that wicked grin. "The look on his face."

"Indeed."

"Do you think he's going to be upset? That's the last thing I want."

"Not at all." Kunsel waved off his concern. "If anything, he'll find the whole situation amusing." Kunsel fell quiet for a moment before speaking up again, his tone soft and dripping with exhaustion. "You know that we might not come home for a long time."

Cloud flinched. The reminder is like a slap in the face. "I know."

"I want you to prepare not to go home until they're either dead or captured. Our lives are going to be on the line the more we close the gap."

"I know."

"Are you prepared? To kill them both should the need arise?"

Was he?

There were so many what-ifs to such a question, but Cloud knew that he would be able to swing his sword when it mattered. He would do anything to get back to Zack, Aerith, and Elmyra.

Anything.

"I'm prepared to do what's necessary."

"Good." Kunsel praised. "Now tell me what you've learned so far."