Disclaimer- I claim no rights to Final Fantasy VII

Chapter Eleven: The Bloodhounds of Midgar

"You'll catch a cold if you go out into the rain." Cloud murmured, putting away the ingredients to a sleeping draught that was ordered by an elderly man who went by the name of Bugenhagen who was visiting from Cosmo Canyon and was apparently the grandfather to the Archivist, Nanaki. "You weren't supposed to be out in the first place. Lady Shera was firm about it."

Zack shrugged, his face partially buried in his arms as he watched Cloud place the sleeping draught carefully into a cloth bag before placing it in Zack's pack. The man had taken to carrying one in the past week and while Cloud found it strange, he didn't question it. It wasn't his place or business to ask, after all. He returned to the counter and ran his hands through Zack's hair before moving to the small fireplace and stroking the flames. The temperature had lowered again due to the rains and the last thing both of them needed was to catch a cold and knock themselves out of their current investigation.

"It's fine." Zack murmured, stretching and popping the bones in his back before returning laying his arms and head to the counter, his nose twitching at the smell of sage. "She is a Lady of my House and of Highwind, she doesn't control my actions or where I go and do with my free time. However, I can understand her worry considering what happened."

Cloud froze at the reminder, his lips thinning at the thought of it. A mere week ago, Zack had been traveling to meet him at the Apothecary when a masked man had stepped out of the shadows in an attempt to kill him. Thankfully, however, Zack was more than able to take care of himself and was quick to dispatch the thief. Unfortunately, Zack didn't have the chance to unmask the man before he had scaled the rooftops and vanished, leaving a disgruntled and frustrated Zack behind. The incident had frightened Cloud and enraged Lady Shera who had come to visit without an ounce of disgust on her features at being seen or found in Lower Midgar. She was quick to drag Zack back into the carriage with a quick and blunt farewell to Cloud who stood, dumbfounded, as the carriage rattled away into the lingering light that remained. Once the news of the assassination spread throughout Zack's household and whispered into the upper echelons of Society, security was upped and Zack found himself followed by a grim Kunsel, whose light-hearted nature vanished in the face of the incident and the disgruntling truth of Sephiroth, Genesis, and Angeal being traitors to House Fair and Midgar itself.

Cloud shot a look at the lone figure that sat outside and frowned. How horrid it must have been for Kunsel. To have his faith in the people he swore to protect and fight alongside torn to proverbial shreds. To have his loyalty tossed away as if it didn't matter?

"Poor man." Cloud murmured, turning away from Kunsel's lone figure and back to Zack, who was staring at him from beneath his folded arms. He flushed, embarrassed to let his mind wander in another's presence, especially Zack's. "What is it?"

"It will pass." Zack murmured, lifting his head and running a hand through his hair. "Kunsel is a man full of honor and he is hurting. He, too, feels betrayed by their actions. He looked up to them, revered them as if they were Gods, but he will realize that Gods too have their faults."

"As we all do, My Lord." Cloud smiled, watching with amusement as Zack grumbled good-naturedly at the use of the proper title. The amusement faded and a look of worry took its place as his eyes drifted to Kunsel's figure once more.

"You will treat him right? Allow him to realize that his honor and his loyalty is no longer misplaced?"

"Kunsel will be at my side until the end of my days." Zack murmured with fervent fervor. "He is a good, strong and kind man and he deserves the best in the lord, the land and the people whom he swore to protect." Zack smiled, his lips curving into what Cloud describes as sensual and playful. "Just as you deserve a kind, strong and good man."

Cloud snorted, the dark mood lifting with the simple, yet, cheesy flirtation. "I do? Is that I what I need? A good man?"

"Yes." Zack purred, his eyes half-lidded at the thought. He could imagine, coming into their chambers after a long day of meetings to find Cloud in their bed, his naked skin wrapped in nothing but the softest of furs and heavy with child. He was quick to blink away the imagine when Cloud shot him a suspicious look. "Of course you need a good man who provides and care for you and make sure your desires are well met."

Cloud said nothing, the only telltale of his opinion was the twitch of the lips as he returned to putting away the supplies to the sleeping draught. It wasn't hard for him to realize that Zack was propositioning himself and while it was amusing, Cloud couldn't help but wondering the motives behind Zack's words and actions. Did the man merely want sex or did he want something more profound? He could never really tell what thoughts were running through Zack's mind. It was nothing surprising, after all, Alpha's were prone to their weird moods.

"If you plan on loitering then I suppose we can talk about our investigation-"

"About that-" Zack cut in swiftly, his brow lowered in disapproval. "What in the world were you thinking getting AVALANCHE involved?"

"How did you know about Barrett?" Cloud asked incredulously. "I don't remember telling you about him."

Zack huffed at the question and the surprised tone that it held. "I make for a poor ruler if I don't know about a group of misfits calling themselves the Guards of Lower Midgar or AVALANCHE and I find it difficult to get along with my investigation when the Bloodhounds of Midgar are prodding and poking where they do not belong." Zack shrugged when Cloud's face became flushed at the response. "Also, Madam Jessie has been one of my contacts during this investigation so it's only natural that she tells me who's been asking questions."

"Y-You've been talking to Madam Jessie?" Cloud felt his cheeks flush at the mention of the curvaceous woman. Madam Jessie was the owner of the infamous Rose Cottage, a brothel located in Lower Midgar and whose whores were apparently so talented that they drew men and woman from all over the continent. Not that Cloud knew personally of course.

Zack stilled at Cloud's shrill tone before a smirk pulled at his lips. "Oh my, I wasn't aware that you two were acquainted?"

"W-we're not!" Cloud turned, folding his arms so that Zack could no longer see his flushed face or that Cloud could see Zack's surprise when he uttered his next words. "She visits and purchases supplies for her people."

"Supplies...?" Zack repeated before it clicked and a surprised chuckle escaped his throat. He couldn't imagine Cloud making aphrodisiacs or lubricants for The Rose Cottage. It seemed too unreal that Cloud would be doing such a thing for Madam Jessie, but then again, it would be in range with Cloud's talents and if his little one couldn't make such simple items then he had no right being Ifalna's apprentice.

"I can't imagine Aerith approving of you making such a thing, Cloud." Zack rose from the chair and met Cloud behind the counter, smiling when the smaller man turned his face away to hide his flushed cheeks. "Although, I wouldn't be surprised if she taught you how to make them."

Cloud's lips thinned at the thought before he turned back to Zack with flustered determination. "It's not easy doing what they do and if I can help them with my talents then I will, but Zack, not everyone has opportunities like we do and those of the Rose Cottage consider it home-"

"I know." Zack soothed, interrupted Cloud's tired with a smooth smile and rumble. "I...am well aware of the privileges that have my lineage have bestowed upon me and I am sure that you are aware of the blessing that you have received." Zack frowned. "However, back to the subject at hand. Your association with AVALANCHE is disturbing at best."

"Mr. Wallace is a good man." Cloud chided gently. "He watches out for Omegas in Lower Midgar. He's the primary reason as to why more of them don't end up in the Rose Cottage or the Underground."

"I'm not saying that he isn't a good man, but AVALANCHE's activities aren't always the most peaceful. They have been known to lash out in violence should the opportunity arises. I just don't want you getting mixed up with them-"

"And yet, you're getting mixed up with Madam Jessie?" Cloud folded his arms, regarding the noble with a cold stare that almost froze Zack down to the marrow of his bones. "How do you think that your remaining council thinks about that?"

"It's for a good cause-"

"As is my association with AVALANCHE." Cloud protested. "They may be a tad radical, but their hearts are in the right place. The Guards can't always be in Lower Midgar. In fact, since your assassination attempt, we haven't seen hide nor hair of the Guard."

Zack flinched at the reminder. He had noticed, but Lady Shera's mind wouldn't be swayed. The Guard had been taken from their positions in Lower Midgar and placed in Upper Midgar in a swift move to not only protect Zack but the upper echelon as well. The people hadn't taken too kindly to the abrupt change, but others, those who robbed, raped and pillaged Lower Midgar were ecstatic at the turn of events thus Zack's sudden worry and increased visits to Cloud, Ifalna, and Aerith's home much to their chargain.

"I didn't-" Zack's lips thinned before his face became blank and closed off. "I'll make the necessary arrangements-"

"I didn't say that to make you feel guilty. Without you, there would be no Midgar as it is now. Without you, Omega's wouldn't have the freedom that they do today. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for you. Omega's don't have the freedoms that they do in the Northern Lands. So, if you feel guilty about the lack of guard, then don't, it's necessary to protect the Alpha-"

"It's necessary to protect everyone." Zack protested without heat. "I'm no better than Kunsel or Barrett. I am merely a man."

Cloud's face softened at the admission, his heart skipping a beat at the humble man that stood before him. How lucky the Omega would be to marry this man who thought all types were equal and deserved a good, decent life. If only-

Cloud shook his head, pushing the thought away. It was nice to think about what it would be like to have Zack as a mate and the father of his children. How wonderful it would be to bear Zack's young: a girl with his blonde hair and blue eyes or a boy with Zack's black locks and violet eyes. An Alpha for an heir and an Omega to expand the lands through marriage or even to become the heir themselves. It mattered not what gender they would become, they would be loved and embraced regardless. Whether they became warriors, healers or adventurers, their home would be here in Midgar with their sires.

The thoughts of children and mates forced another flush to rise from Cloud's cheeks, which he was quick to suppress when Zack tossed him a confused stare for his prolonged silence.

"Thank you," Cloud responded, stepping closer and placing a hand on Zack's arm. He looked up through his lashes, struggling to hold back a smile when Zack seemed to melt under his touch. "For all that you do, Zack."

"I would not be a good Lord and Alpha if I didn't try to protect my people." Zack's gloved hand reached up and covered Cloud's smaller and thinner one, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "I would not be the man that I am without people like you, Cloud. To keep me grounded and Kunsel, to keep my intentions noble and pure." Zack turned, staring at the still shadow that guarded the door. "I will make sure not to let him down."

"See that you don't, my lord." Cloud stepped away, the tender moment between them gone in the face of the tasks that lay ahead. He lifted the bag from the counter, handing it to Zack who smiled in thanks. "You'd best be off now, yes? Lady Shera will come calling sooner or later."

"Of course. I must return home to my mistress where she waits with chains and whips along with the occasional treat to soothe my ragged soul."

"Off with you now." Cloud smothered down a chuckle as the Alpha headed towards the door, his steps lighter than his entrance. "Write me soon?"

"I'll visit." Zack rumbled, brushing away Cloud's weak protests. "I am a warrior, Cloud. An assassin will not take me down so easily an I am sure that AVALANCHE lies in the shadows of Lower Midgar so I am never without protection."

"No," Cloud muttered, displeased that Zack was putting himself in danger for his sake. A fact, that despite his logical side, warmed his heart. It wasn't often that one risked his life to visit a friend.

Just a friend.

"Good Eve, Zack. Be safe." Cloud pushed the thought of mates, children, and friends to the back of his mind as Zack returned his remark with a grin and wink before the door to the shop clicked shut leaving Cloud alone with the crackling of the fire, the smell of rosemary and his own lingering worry.

Zack was a strong, kind, and skilled man who was more than a match for half the Alphas that lived in the city, but the thought lacked to ease Cloud's soul. He worried about Zack and the dangers that his position held. It mattered little if Lady Shera placed all the protection at Zack's feet, there was always that one, lingering shadow that managed to sneak in and snuff out the life of a loved one.

He just hoped that life wasn't Zack's.

The Rose Cottage offered relief for even the strongest of wills and Zack was no different. He was a man who enjoyed the soft flesh of a Beta or Omega and with the opportunity laid bare at his feet, Zack would have been a fool not to pounce on the Omega who staring him dressed in silks, smelled of the sweetest wine and was drenched in her own slick. However, the smell of citrus and pine caressed his nose and he found himself in the company of Madam Jessie who stared at him with amusement over her glasses.

"You haven't found your pleasure tonight, Lord Fair?" Jessie's full lips curved and Zack found the statue of Shiva, Goddess of Sensuality and Winter very interesting the face of Jessie's tinkling laughter.

"No." Zack uttered, flushing when a high moan rose from the back room along with a lower groan that followed. "I'm here for information."

"Even after you promised Cloud that you would return home?" Jessie reached over and caressed Kunsel's tense arm, earning a grunt and a small, gentle slap on the hand. "Oh, don't be a prude Cousin Kunsel."

"Don't be a whore, Cousin Jessie." Kunsel returned lightly, earning a roaring laugh from the younger Beta. "Do not make our Lord wait, Cousin."

"Oh, very well, you stick in the mud." Jessie leaned back, folding her long legs beneath her dress before turning her attention to Zack with a small, furrowed frown. "One of my girls informed me that the Underground has been more active and the Graveyard has been lit for the second month."

"The Graveyard?" Kunsel uttered, disgust clear in his tone. The Graveyard had been the former base for the Alchemist Guild leader, Hojo, and it was said that the man's experiments far exceeded the morals of normal men. It was even said that the man had dabbled in Black Magic and it was thanks to Zack that the experiments had been put to a stop, but Hojo had long since fled into the wilderness never to be seen again, but could it be that the man had returned under their noses? If true, then for what purpose?

"I should have burnt it to the ground." Zack uttered. "Has anyone emerged?"

"Yes." Jessie shivered as she, too, remembered the infamous Graveyard. Too many times did she lose her girls to Hojo's wicked experiments. "My informants have seen cloaked figures come and go at all hours. We have yet to identify these figures."

"Nothing at all?" Zack pried. "Faces? Hair? Eye Color?"

"Nothing." Jessie shook her head, a disappointed tilt to her full lips. "We see nothing but cloaked figures with beaked masks. We see them carrying nothing on their persons. They are silent and untraceable as far as we concerned."

"I see." Zack couldn't say that he wasn't disappointed, but at least they had something to watch out for. Still, the thought of these cloaked figures moving through the Underground and Graveyard brought a trickle of discomfort through Zack. What if these people lingered in Lower Midgard? Where Cloud, Ifalna, and Aerith lived? What if these figures snuck in and took them and experimented on them like they did Cloud's parents?

So many thoughts ran through his mind that Zack had no choice but to force the thought back and brought his attention back to Jessie and Kunsel who were shooting him worried looks.

"Apologies." Zack uttered. "I..worry for my people. These people are lingering in the shadows and we have no idea who they are-"

"We will learn, My Lord." Kunsel murmured. "In time and with a little help."

"You mean AVALANCHE?" Zack prompted, lips twitching at the thought of Cloud's smug face entering his mind. He supposed the Omega was right. "You think they know something?"

"They are braver and risk more than I do with my girls." Jessie put in gently. "If anyone can find out something, it'll be Barret and Wedge."

Zack's lips thinned at the thought of associating with the group, but, at this point, what choice did he have? This Barret Wallace might provide some clue about the Graveyard and these cloaked figures.

"Where can I find him?" Zack ignored the smug smile on Jessie's painted lips and Kunsel's small sigh of relief. Glad that his Lord wasn't a complete fool.

"You'll find him at Seventh Heaven Tavern. Good luck, my Lord."

Zack huffed, a headache already forming at the thought of meeting the Alpha. "Thank you, Jessie. I'll need it."