Disclaimer- I claim no rights to Final Fantasy VII

Chapter Twelve: The Lord and Guard

"You musn't drink so recklessly." Kunsel scolded with reserve, watching with wary eyes as Zack swallowed down the ale as if he was a man unable to quench his thirst. It was a sight that unnerved him, but what choice did they have? One didn't enter a tavern and order nothing. It was abnormal and he couldn't be the one to drink while on duty leaving the rather unfortunate task to Zack who took up the chore with an eager grin.

Lady Shera would be far from pleased. She had granted him the task of protecting Lord Fair and he had done a poor job of it so far. In the last six hours, he and Lord Fair had managed to get into a scuffle with a band of vagabonds who claimed the area around Seventh Heaven was their territory. A fact that Zack took quite poorly. Not only did Zack cut them down, but he had them arrested and sent to the dungeons for a month and their probation period was to be sent to the Mythril Mines.

"Hush," Zack commanded gently, watching Kunsel from over the edge of the cup. "You worry enough to grow gray hairs on your head and beard." The cup was set on the table with a sense of finality that Kunsel didn't dare question and his lips thinned at the lack of decorum Zack displayed and he opened his mouth to once more protest it when Zack cut him to the chase, his tone low and ominous.

"You disapprove of my actions. I know." Zack licked his lips to chase the taste of ale away. "However, you know as well as I do that we need to do all we can to find evidence of Sephiroth, Genesis and Angeal's involvement in the disappearances." Zack clenched his jaw. "I know that I can execute them on order alone, but what kind of Alpha would I be if I did that? Executing my citizens without proof? How would you look at me if I did such a thing? Waving around my power as if I was some child who had no common sense?"

Kunsel lowered his eyes at the words and withheld a flinch as they landed their rightful mark. As much as he didn't want to admit it, Zack was right. And as much as he wanted it, Zack had no right as a respectful lord to go around executing people without rightful judgment no matter how much they deserved it. If he could, he would strike them down himself, but he was no match for their combined might and him along with Zack knew it. The best option was to dig their heels in and find information about their activities.

"I wish I could do it for you." Kunsel blurted out, lips snapping shut after the hurried confession. He swallowed and repeated the confession with a calmness that frightened him down to the marrow of his bones. "I wish I could strike them down in your name. I would whet my blade with the blood of thousands if it brought them to justice."

"And yet," Zack responded with a solemnity that brought Kunsel back to their current harsh reality. "I would never allow you to do such a thing, Kunsel. Your loyalty has been proven a thousand times over and that has earned my respect and loyalty towards you, your family and your well-being. I will not watch a soldier that is as strong, intelligent and bright as you to walk down such a path. So, I ask, that you lay those tempestuous thoughts to rest and return to the proper road with me."

"How can you?" Kunsel murmured, his throat tightening at the thought of letting those monsters escape. "How can you sit here and continue to press on when so much is at stake?"

"I do it because I have to," Zack replied, turning back to the ale and finishing it off with a small sigh. "I do it because it is my duty and if I fall then Midgar falls and the people with it you understand?"

"Yes," Kunsel responded, the tightening of his throat loosening with the reassurance of his Lord. "I understand."

Zack said nothing to the response, merely holding his hand out and calling for another, this time with a side of beef stew and rolls."We have to eat or I'll get scolded."

As if a witch waved her hand, the tense air between them dissipated and Kunsel fought down a smile. "You speak of Cloud? I...didn't know that you two had become close-closer."

"Aye..." Zack grew quiet at the confession as if speaking it was forbidden as if it his relationship would vanish if the thoughts sprung to life. "I've grown quite fond of him as of late and he's one of the main reasons as to why I'm pressing this matter so fervently."

"His parents?" Kunsel pressed lightly, remembering all to well the look of utter devastation that Cloud bore at the sight of the empty graves. He, too, had trouble forgetting such a day and he couldn't imagine how Cloud was feeling.

"Yes," Zack confirmed lightly, heart tightening at the thought of those empty graves of the people missing and in pain. "I promised that I would find them no matter what shape."

"And keep your promise you shall, Lord Fair." a rumbling voice echoed forcing Zack and Kunsel to turn to see a dark-skinned man wearing a rather wild grin. They watched, warily, as the man took a seat and held out a hand in Zack's direction.

"Barrett Wallace. Leader and Alpha of AVALANCHE." Barrett kept his hand out, his thin lips spreading further when Zack was quick to shake his hand. "Not afraid to mingle with the masses, Lord?"

"I am not afraid to be among my people." Zack was quick to respond, a frown pulling at his lips at the thought of anyone thinking he was afraid to the touch of those who were considered lower and with mixed blood. "I am not afraid to do what needs to be done, Alpha Wallace."

"Call me Barrett." Barrett waved off Kunsel's protest at the lack of formality. "You are not among Nobles. You are among friends."

"If that is the case, then, please, call me Zack and this is Kunsel. It is a pleasure to finally meet you, Barrett." Zack's lips pulled into a wild grin of its own. "I have heard many things about you and AVALANCHE. It's good to put a name to the face."

"And it's good to see our Alpha investigating the disappearances." Barrett murmured, eyes softening at the thought. "The homes of Lower Midgar are emptying at a steadying rate, Zack, and it's time we do something about it."

"Indeed." Zack response, morose about the subject at hand. "Tell me, what do you know?"

Barrett grunted, adjusting his weight on his chair and staring Zack down with a frown at the question. He answered, nonetheless, none too happy about the situation.

"It started a year ago." Barret began, jaw tightening at the time length, but pressing on, his feelings were less important at the moment. "It started with a ten-year-old Omegan girl that vanished during the Minerva Festival. Of course, it was uncommon that children vanished during that time of year, but as more time passed, the mother grew frantic. She tried calling the guards, but in the end, they were no help. She even tried enlisting the help of Lord Angeal, but he stated that he didn't have the time and sent one his elite guards." Barrett shook his head. "We never ended up finding her and the mother hung herself on the rapture just outside of Middle Midgar."

Zack closed his eyes and sucked in a sharp breath, vaguely feeling Kunsel placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. A year? This had been going on for a year and he hadn't noticed?

"Please," Zack urged softly when he noticed Barrett gave him a mild look of concern. "Continue."

"After that, the disappearances would happen once or twice or month. Again, nothing unusual because people left Lower Midgar all of the time for a better life, but when people started leaving their possessions and family behind, that's when AVALANCHE started taking notice." Barrett looked down, his shoulders tensing. "Especially since my daughter was one of the missing."

"Your daughter...?" Zack uttered, feeling bile rising up in his throat, before quickly forcing it down. Judging from Barrett's age, his little girl can't have been more than six or seven years old.

"Marlene," Barrett stated roughly, a sad light entering his eyes that was quickly followed the sour scent of bitterness. "Marlene Wallace."

"How long has it been? Since your daughter went missing?" Kunsel questioning, sensing Zack's growing distress. It would only be a matter of time before Zack broke down mentally, too overwhelmed by the facts that were being presented before him. He didn't find it surprising considering that the disappearances were happening for a year and none of them knew it. It showed how manipulative Sephiroth, Angeal, and Genesis were and how little Zack knew about their actions and whereabouts.

"Six months," Barrett answered, reluctantly. "I was too busy with AVALANCHE's activities and had neglected her and this is the result." Barrett swallowed and clenched his fists on the table. "This is my fault. If I had been watching her and taking care of her as a father should then she wouldn't-wouldn't-"

"She would still be here if I had been doing my duty as Alpha and Lord," Zack spoke up softly, not bothering to hide the tears that trailed down his cheeks much to the shock of Kunsel and Barrett. "Marlene and all of the people who were missing would still be here if I had not let disgusting, ugly rats into my House." Zack lowered his head to the table and stifled back a sob. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry about your daughter, Barret-"

"Stop," Barrett ordered roughly, reaching across the table and grasping Zack's hand in his own. "You're not at fault. You're doing nothing wrong." Barrett's grip tightened. "However, the fact that you were blinded and turned away from your people's suffering indicates that you have failed as an Alpha and Lord."

"You-"

"You have a chance to redeem yourself not as a Lord and Alpha, but as a person." Barrett continued over Kunsel's outrage. "As do I." Barrett pulled away. "That is why I am sitting here and telling you what I can so that I can place my hope in you and your actions. It's not often that I place my trust in others, so, don't make me or Cloud regret it."

"I won't," Zack whispered fervently. "I won't."

Barrett stared at him for a long moment before rising from his chair. "You'll find the start of your investigation with Cloud Strife." Barrett grinned. "Return to him and seek information to the Underground. I can tell that he wanted to be the one to tell you about the information we've found. In the meantime, I'll continue looking for paths that place the blame at the Lord's feet."

"Of course." Zack and Kunsel rose from their seats, shaking hands firmly. "I thank you, Alpha Wallace."

"No." Barrett rumbled, grasping both of their hands with a small, sad grin. "Thank you. For all, you're going to do."

"He's not here?" Zack blinked down at Aerith who sent him a concern glance. "Where has he gone?"

Aerith shook her head, her lips pulling down into a frown. "I don't know. He said that he was going to get something from the market, but that was hours ago." she looked up and shot a frown. "You don't have him involved in anything dangerous, do you? He's been acting rather focused lately."

Zack swallowed down his protest. He would never intentionally hurt Cloud, but judging from Aerith's tense figure, he knew that anything he would say would be taken with a grain of salt.

"No." he lied before turning back to the door. "The market you said? About how many hours ago?"

"Three."

"I'll look for him." Zack reached for the door before Aerith's voice stopped him. It's tone soft and worried. "Yes?"

"Find him," Aerith commanded swiftly. "I know that something has gone wrong. He wouldn't stay away for so long without telling us. Cloud, he's special and I wouldn't know what to do if something were to happen to him."

Zack said nothing of the comment, his heart aching as his thoughts aligned with Aerith's words. He, too, wouldn't know what to do if something were to happen to Cloud, which prompted him through the door with a silent Kunsel as they fled down towards the crowded market, the area all but clearing once they noticed their Alpha running through the cobbled streets.

It didn't take long for Zack's nose to catch the familiar citrus and pine scent that cloaked around Cloud like a warm blanket. It was there that they found Cloud at the end of the market examining a sword with a twist of the lips and curious eyes. It was this, seeing Cloud safe and sound, that forced Zack's feet to move forward and grasp Cloud's arm in his own and away from the weapon's stall.

"Zack-"

"You know better." Zack cut in swiftly with a tight frown as he dragged Cloud into a small alleyway halfway between the markets and apothecary that Cloud deemed as a home for almost a year. "You know with the disappearances that you should walk off without telling Aerith-"

"I told her where I was going." Cloud soothed, reaching out and placing a hand on Zack's arm. "Time just got away from me-"

"Nevertheless-"

"Zack." Cloud soothed with a weak smile. "I'm fine. I'm fine." Cloud reached up and placed a hand on the Alpha's cheek, using a thumb to caress his cheekbone. "I'm sorry that I scared you and Aerith and Kunsel."

"You gave us a quite the fright," Kunsel admitted, somber, but relieved that the Omega was safe and sound. "Shall we take you home?"

"I'm afraid not," Cloud responded in that soft, light tone that Zack knew would lead to trouble for all that surrounded him. "I assume that you caught up with Barrett?"

"Yes," Zack replied, not exactly liking where this was head. "He said that you had information for us."

"I do, and you'll have that information if and only if I go with you."

"No." Kunsel and Zack denied harshly.

Cloud's brows furrowed and a deep frown settled on his full lips at the denial. "I have nothing to say if you don't allow me to accompany you. After all, don't I deserve to know what's to come next? Me, of all people?"

"Of course," Zack reassured. "But, I don't want anything to happen-"

"I'm capable of defending myself. Of that, I assure you." Cloud interrupted with a tight grin. "Now, a trade for a trade?"

Kunsel and Zack shared a look that spoke volumes. A trade for a trade wasn't in Cloud nor Zack's interest. Neither of them knew what kind of skills Cloud had and to bring him along to such a dangerous place or places could only spell disastrous, but they needed the information and at the end of the day, it outweighed their pride and safety of one another. It meant everything to stop the experiments and kidnappings.

"Very well." Zack bowed down to Cloud's persistence. "You can come with us if only you stick close to us, right? Now, what do you have for us?"

Cloud grinned, triumphant at having convinced Zack and Kunsel to let him go. After all, he had just as much at stake as the two of them, right? "Madam Jessie should have informed you that the Underground, or Graveyard as it's more known as has become active along with the cloaked figures, but Barrett found out that the cloaked figures were former associates of the House of Shinra along with the Houses of Hewley, Crescent, and Rhaspodos. Only, they aren't what we consider humans."

"No?" Zack prompted, curious about Cloud's wording.

"No." Cloud continued. "The associates have been experimented upon with liquidized mako." Cloud swallowed. "And survived, but underneath the cloaks and masks, we can't tell what the physical effects, but the spiritual and mental effects is something on an entirely different level."

"What do you mean?"

"It seems being injected with the liquidized mako activated a certain connection with the land. You've heard of the Cetra, correct? Wanderers of the Land or Ancients is what Archivists call them. It is said that they have a connection with Minerva and Gaia and it was with this connection that gave them access to elemental magic."

"Magic? Connection? Minerva and Cetra?" Kunsel cut in, incredulous. "I'm sorry, Cloud, but none of this sounds...credible. Do you know how long since its been since we've seen Cetra let alone magic? Thousands of years."

"Which is the reason why I want to find out if this is credible." Cloud protested. "If this is true and the Graveyard has people with activated magic and the people that disappeared are alive then we have to do something before these people decide to come to the surface. So, instead of deciding whether it's credible or not, let's go to the Graveyard and see for ourselves, right?" Cloud turned to Zack with pleading in his eyes. "Zack?"

"Right." Zack murmured, his mind reeling at the new information. He should have known it would turn out this way. That the more he would find out, the deeper and more depraved it would become. They didn't have a choice now and they didn't have one now.

"Let's go to the Graveyard." Zack murmured, holding up a hand when Kunsel protested. "We have no option other than to go forward. If it's as Cloud and Barret say and people with activated magic are lingering in the Graveyard then we don't have a choice. Do you understand, Kunsel?"

"I understand." Kunsel sounded as if he disagreed, but knew the necessity of it. At least, he hoped he did.

"Very well." Zack murmured, his heart racing at the thought of what lay ahead. "We leave at Nightfall."