Chapter One
My Name's Alia
A/N: And here we are, the revamped version of Becoming His Angel, now titled: Kiss the Flower Upon My Grave. If you've read the original, I hope everyone enjoys the new content, editing and much more. If you're new, I hope you'll stay!
Disclaimer: Final Fantasy VII does not belong to me, I personally own Alia, any other OC's and this fanfiction. I hold no Copyright over any direct quotes used from FFVII, FFVII: Remake, or FFVII Advent Children.
~ oOo ~
" - ey. Hey, wake up!"
The voice was loud, yet soft. A hand reached down, gently shaking the individual's shoulder, to stir from its unconscious slumber. Several shakes and a few more calls later, the person slowly opened their eyes. Cupping her head, the female in question sat up slowly, eyes spinning to and fro, whatever she could manage to see blurred and spiraled in her vision.
"Hey, you should take it easy, yo."
"…huh?" Gaining her voice, the female tilted upward, surprised to see a young man crouched downward, staring intimately into her eyes. Blinking, she wasn't sure if the clear blue of the man's eyes was real, or if she was imaging things.
"Thank goodness you're alive; phew, I thought you might've been dead. Can you stand?" Holding his hand out, the man stood, offering to assist the woman to her feet. Not sure who this person might be, she was still thankful there was someone around to help from her nasty fall from the plate above. Cautiously, her hand slid into his palm, the rough texture of his fingerless gloves scraped against her feminine skin, sparking a moan she held in her throat.
Taking it slow, the woman was pulled to her feet, balance in question as she stumbled, nearly falling back to her position in the debris mixed with. Catching her by the arms, the man glanced worriedly at the woman, concern etched across his features. "What happened, yo? Are you hurt?"
"I…I don't think so," she offered quietly, feeling her arms while tenderly stepping around, making sure there weren't any broken bones. Surprisingly, there didn't seem to be any injuries to concern over, other than some scrapes, bruises and a severely sore behind. Tilting her vision towards the sky, she whistled. "Damn, I'm surprised I even survived."
"Just where did you come from…?"
Attention falling on the man, the female only then acknowledged the person standing before her. Dressed in tight black slacks, a black blazer barely held together by one buckle in the middle, and a white dress shirt with barely any buttons holding it closed as it displayed his well-toned muscular chest. Moving upward to his face, it was then she reeled. Vibrant red hair with layers on top as it flowed into a long ponytail against his back; red, curved tattoos on each cheekbone; and those vibrant, electrifying blue eyes. Voice frozen in her throat, the female looked away, knowing full well her cheeks had been cast aflame with a spell.
Peering closer, the man sure was persistent, needing to know if she was alright. "Seriously, are you hurt?"
She smiled up at him, the male was taller than her own brother, meaning he was almost a full head taller than she. "Sore, but I think I'm alright."
"Oh, good. T-That's…" Clearing his throat, the male pulled at the cuffs on his jacket. "That's good, I sure was worried for a - whoa, wait a minute! Why're you here? You know this place is full of nasty monsters, right?"
"Huh? Of course I know that! I wouldn't be here if I hadn't fell from the damn plate!" All the surrounding infantrymen gasped, talking amongst themselves. The male, however, raised his eyebrows. "And just so you know, I can take care of myself from these 'nasty monsters,' thank you very much!"
"Wait just a damn minute! You mean…you fell all the way from the fucking plate and survived? How the hell…?!"
"I know, fucking crazy, right? Luckily I had my Barrier Materia on, cast it at the last second." Smiling again, the female giggled, seemingly unaware she could have actually died.
"Very lucky indeed, I'd say." Inching closer, the red-head peered, narrowing his eyes into hers. He'd noticed her face yet hadn't actually acknowledged the beauty he saw. She had an eyepatch covering the left eye while her right was big and bright. Cocking an eyebrow, he straightened his back. "Huh, well what'dya know…"
"Hm?" Tilting her head, the woman was confused at the way he was staring at her. Touching the patch covering her eye, she explained, "This? I suffered an injury not long ago."
"No, the other one. You've got the eyes; are you SOLDIER?"
Crossing her arms, she was insulted. "Ex-SOLDIER."
"Really now." Thinking back to man he just fought not ten minutes ago, claimed the same lie. "What class?"
"First," she smiled. Glancing across at the men behind the red-head, she knew they were part of the Shinra army, basic infantryman to accompany any higher-up elite. However, she knew the red-head wasn't SOLDIER, so what branch was he from? "You know me, but what about you? I know you're from Shinra, yet you're not a SOLDIER like me."
"Hm, clever girl you are." Despite knowing they were affiliated with the evil organization, the female smiled, her face bright and warm. "I'm with the Department of Administrative Research, AKA, the - "
"The Turks; yeah, I know who you are. Consummate Professionals, am I correct?"
"Very. I'm impressed, usually once someone knows who I am, they want nothing to do with me, yet here you are, still talking."
Truthfully, the female knew she shouldn't, considering everything she and her brother had undergone at the hands of the Shinra Company. She would've loved nothing more than to make the infantryman pay for her suffering; what stopped her was the red-head. True, he could've left her alone in the slums, hidden within the tossed aside junk, except he made sure she was alive. "It'd be rude to ignore you, since you stopped to make sure I was ok."
"It's all part of the job. Turks gotta make sure the bad guys are taken down while the ladies are looked after." Gasping, the red-head clutched his side, falling down to one knee.
"Sir!" an infantryman cried.
Copying his movements, the woman fell too, hands hesitantly inching forward, not sure if she could help. "Hey now! You were hurt this whole time?"
Grunting, the man snickered. "Again, part of the job, sweetheart."
"Hmph, doesn't seem professionally done if it's on the job, sweetheart," she mimicked. By her surprise, it did cause the man to smile through the pain. "Come on, what's wrong? You helped me, I can help you."
"I-It's nothing I can't handle. Agh, son of a bitch!" he cried out, falling down more into his knees.
Rolling her eyes, she groaned in annoyance. "Men," she mumbled, crawling forward until they were almost nose-to-nose. "Seriously, ya'll should learn to ask for help. It won't make you any much less of a man!"
"Tch, yet it makes us look so much cooler when we bear our pain."
"Yeeaah, just as you're bearing it now?" Moving his palm, she replaced it with hers.
"Yo, what're you - ?!"
"Relax," she spoke softly. "This'll help, I promise." Fingers glowing green, she concentrated on his side, not once prying her attention away. Not sure to stare in awe at the woman or his side, the male opted to merely close his attention in acceptance, the calmness stretching across his skin welcoming. It was then he knew she was using Materia on him. It didn't even last a few minutes until she backed away, hand on one knee as she watched him move and squirm.
"Well? How does that feel?"
Standing, the red-head twisted his waist, bending forward and backwards, smirking devilishly knowing he was fully recovered. "My, my. You come in pretty handy, don'tcha?" Extending his hand once more, she grasped his palm instantly, already missing the feel of his rough skin against hers.
"I try. Oh! I haven't thanked you for earlier!" She realized, only to find the man waving her off.
"Nah, don't worry 'bout it. How could I ignore a beautiful woman stranded on the ground?"
"Psh, yeah right! Did'ya pull that outa your ass?"
Frozen, the red-head shook his head, ponytail whipping back and forth over his shoulders. "Damn, someones got a mouth on them. I like that!"
"Only when necessary, especially against creepy men in poorly made black suits."
"Only when - ah, hey!" He softly flicked her arm. "Well now that's just rude."
"Says the man who rescued me yet hasn't even told me his name?"
"Ah," he scratched the back of his head. "Where are my manners?"
"Um, you don't have any, sir," one soldier firmly stated from behind; the others nodded in agreement.
Cheeks reddening to match his hair, he cocked his head towards the men. "What the hell, guys?!" Suddenly, all of them were brought to attention when the female burst into a fit of laughter, arms clutching her stomach as she nearly doubled over. The men peered at each other, smiles forming on their faces as the red-head could only gawk at this woman.
Straightening, she cleared the corners of her eyes, smile ever so bright. "Oh my, guess that answers why you didn't tell me your name!"
"Ahh, don't listen to them, they don't know what they're saying." Rubbing his neck, the man stretched out his hand once more, offering an introductory handshake. "The name's Reno."
"Reno, huh? Seems to fit with the red hair." Taking his outstretched appendage, they shook. "It's nice to meet you, Reno."
"And what of yourself? Will I be graced in knowing your lovely name?"
Gleaming, she nodded. "I'm Alia. Alia Strife."
~ oOo ~
"Alia Strife."
Piled high with stacks of paper, a young man glanced anxiously at the thick folder sprawled open upon his desk. Dark, menacing eyes scanned the each document as he flipped through the folder, page by page. Hand running through his dark brown locks, he not once glanced away, attention fixated on reading every single word sprawled on the white pages. Sitting in silence for a few moments, the young man finally glanced upwards to the even younger gentleman standing firmly in front of his desk, waiting to be spoken to before asking any questions. The assistant held his arms cross behind his back.
"It's been confirmed. The target has been identified as one Alia Strife, sir. Both parents deceased, only living relative is her older twin brother Cloud Strife. Currently residing in the new Seventh Heaven bar in Edge, where she works part-time while assisting her brother with their delivery service."
Repeating her name aloud, the male sitting at the desk cocked a smile. "It's about damn time we found her."
The assistant nodded. "I made sure the team spent their time precisely. Since the fall of Midgar and Sephiroth's return, we weren't positive if she remained in the area or moved outside of Edge. But now we have her exact location."
"And you're absolutely sure this is her?"
"Affirmative. We asked numerous people in the city about her, and everyone was willing to talk. They mentioned she was the one who saved them three years ago, she was one of the leading individuals in building Edge, helping the people when they had no where to go." Growing quiet, the assistant stepped forward, cautious in asking his next question. "Zane, if I may."
"If you think it's worth my time."
"I've followed you since the beginning, but I have yet to understand: why her? Why Alia Strife?"
Snickering, the man known as Zane leaned against his elbows, fingers linking together as he studied his most trustworthy assistant. The young man had been right, they'd been working together for several years, and this would be the first time the assistant questioned Zane's reasoning. "You are correct, you've diligently followed me. Why the sudden curiosity?"
"It's just…I don't quite understand the importance of this female. In order to concoct the plan, theoretically, we could use any other female in the world. Why does it have to specifically have to be this one individual?"
Eyeing him carefully, Zane stood, walking around to lean against the front of his desk, arms crossed. "It's nothing against you, I'm just not sure it's the best time for you to understand why Alia is so special. For now, just know that she is the ideal candidate for what we seek. In due time, you shall see. We'll all see how marvelous of a woman Alia Strife truly is!"
"That is vital information, sir," the assistant bowed. "I thank you for sharing this with me. Now that we found her, what is our next task?"
"Gather as much information about her as you can, more so than the basics."
"I will make note and send out the team in the morning. Is there anything in particular you want them to uncover?"
"Find out if she travels anywhere outside of the business, everyone she talks to, shops she visits. Importantly, find out if she is involved romantically with another person."
Briskly walking around his desk, Zane retrieved the top document from the file, turning his back as he faced the giant paneled windows. Glancing down, he stroked the edge of the paper, having been printed with a picture of the woman in question. Her two different colored eyes weren't the ones she'd been born with, though they still penetrated deep, sucking the man back into a world he hadn't visited since Shinra claimed everything he once loved.
Standing in silence, Zane's assistant patiently waited. His superior was known to grow quiet in the middle of discussions, zoning out into the realm of his mentality. Regardless, this didn't take away from the true fact the assistant believed Zane was a tremendous leader.
"That's all. Most importantly, learn everything you can about the one she is involved romantically in. We can use him to our advantage."
"Again, I will inform the team and they will depart come morning."
"No, give them a few days. This might take longer than before, they need their rest."
"Of course, sir. I'll take my leave."
Door closing behind the assistant, Zane resumed the position in the chair, swiveling around to face the windows again, photo still in hand. Now alone, the mere image of the woman infuriated him. Crushing his hand without thinking, he torn the image in two, then three, than hundreds as tiny, white pieces fell to the floor. Reclaiming his breathing, the male twirled to his desk, taking hold of another photo in the stack, this one several years older than the one he just ripped.
Shutting his eyes, Zane imagined the woman in his head; he could clearly picture her beauty. Beautiful, ashy-blonde hair, aquamarine eyes that didn't glow, and the laugh that could lull anybody from their anger. Opening his own eyes to mere slits, the photo he held in his hand was a different woman than the one he dreamt of. The two woman conflicting him from the inside was enough to draw blood in his mouth, having bit his cheek to hard.
"I've finally found you, Alia. And this time, I won't let you sneak out of my grasp so easily."
~ oOo ~
BZZT - BZZT - BZZT - BZZT!
A hand slammed down on the annoying device ringing in her ears. The constant tone was silenced, though it still echoed across the room. Sitting up, the covers falling of a slender body, a young female gradually stood from the bed, her ashy-blonde tresses falling down the length of her back, just past the edge of her shoulder blades. Stretching her arms upwards, the woman curled backwards, popping her spine in several places, releasing a hearty groan in the process.
"Damn that felt great," she said.
Rubbing the sleep from her eyes, the glanced down at the now silent alarm clock, reading it was barely seven in the morning. Making her way across the floor, she parted the curtains hiding the window, the early morning sun leaking inside, warming her skin. Time for a new day, she maneuvered to her closet, grabbing a pair of spandex shorts and a sports bra. Exchanging her pajamas for the items she held, she quickly changed, sitting back on the bed to place socks on her feet.
Once done, she sat in silence, toes tapping against the floor in anticipation. Jittery, her eyes wandered across to the desk, focusing on the calendar hanging above on the wall. Making her way over, she ran down the dates, finger landing on the circled icon set several days away. Circled several times in thick, bright red ink, the date read May Seventeenth, the date he was supposed to return. Having been gone for nearly one month, she'd been alone in that time, missing her man every night she wasn't in his arms. The circled date was his anticipated return, though she was told to expect the mission to possibly last longer. Regardless, she was hopeful he would return home sooner rather than later.
Stepping back to her bed, she knelt by the corner near the nightstand, lifting the mattress to reveal a small black bag; inside lay a small framed picture of her red-headed Turk. Having been taken with his phone, the Turk had been laying in his bed with her by his side, one arm around her shoulder, basking in the evening sunset filtering through the window. They'd been surrounded by the remaining Turks for a majority of the day, started their evening with dinner, then collapsed in bed full of love and laughter. Their faces were flushed red, bright smiles across their lips as Reno decided to snag a photo. Outlining the edge of the frame, she smiled. In no time, Reno would be by her side once more, she just had to grin and bear the duties his job required.
Returning the photo to its hidden location, she dropped the bed, shoved her feet into a pair of sneakers, then bounced her way downstairs. Sneaking past Marlene and Denzel's room, she wasn't all too surprised to hear voice coming from the entrance to the bar.
"Are there many deliveries today?"
"A few, so I shouldn't be home late as usual."
"That's good to hear. So what do you think I should make for dinner tonight?" Stifling a giggle, the woman thought she'd been quiet enough, until her longtime friend called her out. "Good morning, Alia."
Snickering, she dropped down the remaining steps of the stairs, she entered the front section of their home, being the reimagined Seventh Heaven from Sector Seven. Numerous tables and chairs littered the open floor, all empty as the establishment wasn't to open until later that evening. Stealing a seat beside the blonde male at the bar, Alia was handed a glass of water from her best friend behind the counter. "Good morning to you too, Tifa. And you, big brother."
Nodding, Cloud ruffled her hair in response, smirking when she pouted her lips. "Why am I not surprised you're up early."
Alia shrugged her shoulders. "Dunno, even though I'm up at this time every morning. One of these days I'd like to sleep in."
"Then don't go running, problem solved." It was her turn to ruffled her brother's perfectly spiky hair.
"Yeah, yeah. Say Tifa, need help with breakfast?"
Her friend's long, dark tresses shook side-to-side. "I got it Alia, thank you though. But here, this is for you."
Sliding a plate towards her, Alia smiled at the pieces of buttered toast, quickly consuming one just as it appeared before her. "Mmmmm," she said with a mouthful, brushing crumbs off her lips. "Perfect as always."
"…Alia." Swiveling on the bar stool towards her brother, the blonde female continued eating her plate of toast, knowing exactly what Cloud was going to say. "Slow down, you're gonna make yourself sick."
Having already consumed three slices, currently on her fourth, she rolled her eyes, shoving the plate away, only allowing herself to finish the piece in her hand. "I know…But it's so good!"
"Good enough to give you a stomachache when you head out?"
Thinking for a moment, Alia slowly nodded. "I'll take the risk."
"Yet you pushed the plate away."
"But…you!" Retrieving the ceramic dish, she stole one more slice in rebellion, an act of the younger sister to prove her older brother wrong. "Nah, I won't get sick."
"Fine," he rubbed his temple, all while fighting his mouth to stay neutral. "If you call saying you fell ill, I'm leaving you out there."
Feigning surprise, Alia reply was nothing short of sarcastic. "Oh no, whatever shall I do if I can't call my dear brother Cloud!"
"Oh good gracious you two," Tifa mumbled, ignoring them, content on sizzling bacon for the kids.
"Wha'?" Alia asked, mouth full
"I'm just glad some things haven't changed," the bartender offered. "You both bicker the same just like when we were kids."
"I wouldn't call it bickering," Cloud sipped his water. "My sister just can't accept when she's in the wrong."
"No Cloud, I'm fairly certain that's a Strife trait; you both are stubborn mules." Spitting water all over the counter, Alia coughed into her hand. Muttering as she grabbed a clean rag, Tiffany said, "I just cleanED the counter…"
"Don't worry - cough - I'll get it," Alia answered, voice slightly hoarse. Wiping down the surface, the female Strife stood, tossing the wet cloth in a basket on the stairs set aside for laundry. "Tifa, you sure you don't need any help?"
"Alia, I'm good, promise," the fighter answered with a smile.
"And you, Cloud? What about those deliveries?"
He merely waved his hand. "Today's a light day, I'll take care of it."
"Aw come on," she whined. "I feel as if I've been a freeloader lately."
"Oh stop that, Alia." Multitasking with cooking and cleaning dishes, Tifa paused for the moment, staring long and hard at her childhood friend. "You do more than your fair share around here, give yourself some credit."
"She's right," Cloud interjected. "Now go do your morning run. Unless," the male Strife peered at his sister from the corner of his eye, lips dangling against his glass. "You want to do all the deliveries today, I don't mind staying home."
Quick stepping to the front door, she waved her hand. "Never mind, I'm out!" Closing the door, her name was called as it was about to lock, her face appearing through the small crack to see Cloud having turned his seat to her.
"I will need your help in a few days. Keep your schedule open and I'll let you know."
"Few days…got it. Later!"
Inside, Tifa couldn't withhold her laughter any longer. "Your sister is truly something else, sin't she?"
With a nod, Cloud swallowed the remainder of his drink. "Alia is who she is; wouldn't want it any other way."
"I doubt Alia could be anyone else; regardless, we all love her. Well, you more than everyone on this planet."
Reaching across to grab the last slice of toast, Cloud smiled. "I highly doubt that."
Arching an eyebrow, the fighter paused. "You think there is someone out there who loves your sister more than you?"
Nodding, Cloud copied her expression. "You don't?"
Considering his words, Tifa shrugged. "She's always flown against the wind. I love your sister as my own, but it would take someone with the same spunk to match her own. I mean…Alia doesn't seem the type of person to settle down with someone.
"Wanna bet?"
~ oOo ~
After exiting the bar, Alia quickly ran through her stretches, loosening all muscles to begin her routine run. Feet pounding into the concrete, she left, swiftly moving in and out the streets of Edge, the city to replace Midgar and home it's residents. Having been nearly three years since Midgar fell, life seemed to flow normal once again. Sephiroth had come and gone - twice, along with the Geostigma attack, leaving many dead and even more helpless as their death drew near. Luckily, they'd been rescued by an angel from the grave; Aerith miraculously cured everyone with her lifesaving rainstorm.
Since then, Edge had become a bustling city of growth, ever expanding to accommodate more residents. The earth was still suffering from Shinra's over-consumption of mako littered the area with pollution, surrounding the area in nothing but a wasteland. The pollution was gradually dissipating, but greenery was still an unknown sight.
Trekking outside the city, Alia knew exactly where she was headed. Having ran the same route an infinite number of times, her feet led her directly towards the end goal. Eyeing her surroundings, the female wished there was more greenery; grass, trees, flowers…Flowers, she thought. Her mind transported to Aerith's church in the slums, the beautiful golden flowers her Cetra friend grew in a land sucked dry of nutrients and love. Alia herself had always lowed gardening, working alongside her mother as a young child tending to the flowers and vegetables. She's hope one day to have one of her own; though now, it was probably nigh impossible with the current condition of the planet.
The further she ran, the more her thoughts rampaged. First to Reno, then to her brother, then the events over the last several years - everything. That's why she decided to take up running. It wasn't just to stay healthy; no, this was her way to clear her mind, dissolve the anxiety clouding her vision. And what anxiety could she possibly have? Alia had a home - albeit, it was Tifa and Cloud's, though it was still a roof nonetheless. She was alive, shouldn't that count?
Ragged breathing, her feet began an incline, making way up a steep hill towards the cliffs edge at the top. Jumping over rocks, nearly slipping on loose dirt, Alia finally reached her destination: Zack's resting place.
Breathing quickly, she rested for a moment to catch her breath, sweat trickling down her skin. Brushing off the grime, Alia knelt before the buster sword, gifted to her brother from Zack. At its base lay the elongated knife she received, having placed it the moment Cloud relinquished his sword, that it was time for it, and Zack, to rest in peace. Smiling, she felt the weapons deserved to be in a better place, somewhere warm, comforting. She'd though about moving the blades to the church, basking in the sun from the ceiling, surrounded by flowers and the pool of healing water. This was an idea to be discussed with Cloud, she would not do it without his consent.
"Hey guys, it's awhile," Alia spoke to no one, though she knew the targets could hear her loud and clear. "Your blades gotten a little dirty since I last cleaned it, Zack. Probably should bring a rag next time I stop by."
Sitting on the dirt, she hugged her knees close, embracing the wind cooling her limbs. Neither sadness nor anger consumed her anymore. Missing Zack and then Aerith tore the woman apart. Death is a part of life that cannot be stopped, and one day, she decided to use their memories to help her live. Even now as she smiled warmly, she was only consumed with times of happiness, and that's she how she wanted to remember her close friends.
"Oh!" Startled, she removed her phone from its pocket, the typical victory theme Barrett used to sing being her ringtone. Recognizing the Caller ID, a gasp escaped, the man on the other side rarely had the chance to even call, texting back and forth was the only real way they had communicated for weeks. Swiping his name across the screen, she excitedly asked, "Is this really who I think it is?"
"I believe so, cuteness," Reno's enticing voice came through on her speaker.
"Then I'm one lucky girl." Clutching the phone closer to her ear, Alia exhaled, relieved to hear the man's voice. "I'm really happy you called, Reno."
"Me too, Alia, me too. What're you doing so early this morning?"
"I went for a run. Still hanging out by Zack's sword before I head home."
"You haven't run into any monsters, did ya?"
"Nope. Matter of fact, there weren't any around. Which is good because I didn't bring my blades and you still have my EMR."
Reno groaned slightly through the speaker. "Don'tcha think ya should've brought your knife, or something?"
"Why? It's not like I can't take care of myself. Weapon or no, I can still kick some ass; I've learned a thing or two from Tifa."
"Believe me, I know. Ya'll kicked my ass more than enough times to know not to mess with any of ya."
At those word she chuckled. "Considering I was one of the few to defeat Sephiroth…I'd say I'm pretty badass."
"Oh yeah, a serious badass, with a nice ass, by the way."
"Reno," Alia rolled her eyes.
"Heh, sorry, I couldn't resist. So how's my peaches? It's been a long time since I heard your voice."
"It has. Well…I've been helping with the bar and business as usual, nothing new there. I will need to help Cloud in the next few days for a larger order he has. Other than that…not much." Hugging herself closer, she imagined it was the red-head's arms wrapped around her. His warmth, the cologne he wore - she missed it all. "Reno…when are you coming home…?"
"Hmm, that depends. How soon are ya wanting to see me?"
"As soon as possible! Seriously, do you even have to ask? I've…I've missed you, Reno."
"Alia…I've missed you too. Being stuck around the others for a whole month, well…we're all getting on each other's last nerves."
"I feel bad for Elena, being the only female and all."
"She's mentioned that before. Though she's been asking to make you a Turk so she won't be the only one."
The woman laughed wholeheartedly, echoing across the barren landscape surrounding her. "Me? A Turk? Tch, yeah right! Besides the work, could you even imagine me being in a suit all day?"
"Mmm, you've got the body for any kinda clothing, Alia. It'd be interesting…I might like it."
"Oh ha ha," He snickered on the other line. "Reno, your mission…will you have to go on another one just as long? Or will anything in the future be shorter?"
"Hard to say, peaches; depends all on what Rufus wants us to get done. Honestly, Tseng thought we'd be gone longer than we were."
"Whoa, even Tseng can miscalculate sometimes. That's rare." Pausing, Alia blinked. Reinstating his words in her head, she stuttered. "W-Wait a second…He thought you'd be gone longer?"
"Alia," the Turk stated her name slowly. "Think about it."
And she did. The information was clear, she knew what he meant. It was still unbelievable if it was true. "You're…you're home?!"
"Not in Edge, no. We're all here at Healen; been back probably…almost an hour, or so."
"Let me guess…Tseng wanted your report before you could call me."
"There's that, annnnd…Elena might've gotten hurt, so we were helping her outa the chopper and into one of the rooms."
Mouth falling open, Alia was stunned. Her female Turk friend was the one member who rarely returned home hurt. Except…Elena was clumsy at times, leaving Alia to wonder why her friend hadn't sustained more injuries. "Ugh…is she alright? Is it serious?"
"Nothing she won't heal from. She was attacked by a nasty beast as we were getting in the chopper to leave that got her arm pretty bad. Then as we landed at Healen…" Reno inhaled sharply. "Damn, Elena sure is clumsy. She somehow fucking tripped outa the chopper and broke her leg."
She slapped her forehead. "Good god, Elena. Well…least she's at Healen, so the doctors will take good care of her."
"Which is why I asked how soon you wanted to see me. Elena wants to see ya too, so I figured I can pick you up in the chopper or you can meet us out here?"
"…umm," she took a second to think. Weighing both options, she went with the most convenient. "How 'bout I meet you there? That way we can take the bike home and not mess with the chopper at the apartment. Give me some time so I can head home, shower and pack a few things."
"Sounds good. So we're thinking…close to noon?"
"Give or take, yeah" she smiled through her words. Disbelief coursed through the woman, shocked her man was home; for the time being, that is.
"Perfect. Hurry up peaches! Everyone else misses you, but none more than me. So bring that sweet ass over so I can hug ya to death."
"Pft, well I can't go anywhere with you still on the phone!" Standing, Alia dusted the dirt off her shorts and legs, tapping her foot for the blood to flow.
"Agh, that's mean!" The man joked. "Wha', you don't wanna talk with me over the phone anymore?"
"Reno, if you let me go, the sooner I can shower means the sooner I can drive up to Healen."
"Yeah, yeah I get it. Your voice…it's just nice to hear you, Alia. This month has been too long without ya."
Cupping her lips, Alia had been waiting for this moment for nearly thirty days; four weeks; so many hours and even longer minutes. "We'll just have to wait a little longer. Give me a few hours and I'll be there. I love you, Reno."
"I love you too, Alia. More than you know."
Ending the call, she placed the device in her shorts pocket, stretching her calves to be on the safe side before returning home. Returning on the same path she used, Alia was faster, pushing every muscle to its fullest to reach the bar. The environment was a blur as she moved. Having not taken nearly as long to enter the city, she avoided running into people as best she could, speaking her apologies if she passed by too closely. Sooner than expected, Seventh Heaven entered her vision as she rounded the last corner. Extending her arm, Alia shoved the door open, her feet tripping on the welcome mat, tumbling down against the hardwood flooring.
Face smashed into the ground as she rolled, Alia groaned when her body came to a full stop. Head spinning, she stared upwards at the ceiling, watching the blades of each fan circle slowly. Sweat pouring over her limbs, her chest heaved to and fro, skin on fire while itching, slowly being cooled from the fans.
"Alia! What the hell! Are you alright?" Standing at her feet, Tifa examined the state of her friend. Taking the hand, Alia was pulled to a standing position, fanning herself to cool off. "Were you chased or something?" Rounding the bar, Tifa walked back with an ice cold glass of water, which Alia nearly drank the entire thing.
"Felt…like…it…" she panted, still catching her breath. Heart pounding against her ribcage, she slowed her intake, exhaling through her mouth to regain control. "S-Sorry," Alia glanced back at the door. "I was…I…am…" Placing hands on her knees, she bent forward, knowing she still couldn't speak. Swallowing the last bit of water, she smacked her lips. "That…really helped. Thank you."
Taking the glass, Tifa placed it into the sink. "No problem, I was more worried if you were hurt."
"Nah. Sore yes, but that's from my run. I sprinted all the way back because I received a call from my friend Callie over in Kalm. She needs my help with something so I'll be staying with her for a few days."
"Oh, well that's sweet of you," the fighter smiled. "Wait, are you still able to help your brother with that delivery?"
"Of course, it's no biggie. I told Callie he'd call when I was needed so I'll drive back. U-Unless you needed my help around here with the kids? I don't wanna leave everything to you, it's just earlier you said - "
"Alia." Tifa held her hand up, shaking her head. "Relax. I've got everything under control here, there's no need to worry."
"Are…you sure? I wasn't kidding when I said it feels like I don't do much around here."
Rolling her eyes, Tifa groaned. "Let it go Alia, we don't see you that way, alright? Seriously, if you're not helping with the kids, you're in the bar, or…helping Cloud organize the business. You do a lot, and we all appreciate what you do." Patting her friend on the arm, Tifa returned to the bar, resuming her daily routine to prepare the establishment for later.
"Alright," Alia mumbled. "Well, if you need anything, I'm yours until I leave. I'll be in the shower then ."
Heading up the stairs, she closed the door behind, removing the dirtied clothing from her sticky body. Throwing them into the hamper, she moved to her private bathroom, jumping into the shower with cold water drenching her skin. Muffling her scream, her limbs shook until the liquid turned warm, soothing her aching muscles. Lathering her hair with plenty shampoo and conditioner that smelled like peaches, she scrubbed herself clean. Suds washed down the drain as she massaged her legs, cleaning every inch to ensure her cleanliness. Drying herself off, she spent of few minutes ruffling her hair, the long locks still soaked.
Content her hair wasn't dripping, Alia dressed herself in black shorts, a billowy shirt along with a a checkered red button-up. Donning her feet in boots, she grabbed a duffel bag from her closet, shoving several pairs of underwear, bras, socks and a few outfits; if she needed anything else, it was already at Reno's from her previous stays. Content she packed the necessities, Alia zipped the bag, dropping it onto the bed as she grabbed her keys on the desk. Attached as the main ring was a mini red chocobo, as it reminded her of Reno's infamous hair. The silly thing was a purchase he'd given her when he'd gone to the Golden Saucer some time ago. Funnily enough, she gifted him the same trinket, just in blue.
Keys in hand, she grabbed her bag and headed downstairs, glancing at her phone for the time. Being a quarter to eleven, she'd make the trip to Healen in over an hour.. The establishment wasn't built that far from Edge, placed at the bottom the lowest mountains to provide the patients who had suffered from Geostigma a serene and calm environment. Now, it was a secondary location for individuals who needed long-term medical stay, or could not be treated efficiently at the local hospital.
Moving quickly down the stairs, she popped beside her friend to say she was off. "Hey Tifa." Unfortunately, it meant scaring the fighter half to death.
Screaming, Tifa dropped the pot she was cleaning into the sink, soap covered hands formed into fists, prepared to fight the perpetrator - not knowing it was Alia. Yelling again when she realized who it was, Tifa growled. "Dammit Alia! Don't scare me like that!"
Spitting as she laughed through closed lips, Alia's mouth fell open in a holler. "Scare you? All I did was say your name!"
"I didn't know you were behind me!" Grabbing the towel, she dried off her hands as soap slid and fell to the floor. "What am I gonna do with you," the woman muttered under her breath.
Poking Tifa's side, Alia strived to get her longtime friend to smile, successful when her lips cracked upward. "Aww, you love me and you know it!"
"Heh, that I do Alia." Noticing her pack, Tifa added, "You leaving then?"
"Yes ma'am, I am out. I'll send Cloud a message letting him know where I'm be. Seriously, Tifa, I'm just a phone call away if you guys need anything."
"And you know we'll call if we need too. Now go, don't keep your friend waiting. I'll see you in a few days?"
"Few days, a week. Depends if we get into any shenanigans while I'm over there." Waving, she stepped into the corridor towards the back door. "Tell the kids I'll miss them. See ya later, Tifa!"
"Drive safe" her motherly voice called through the hallway.
Stepping through the back door, the small alley belonging to the bar led to the garage where she and her brother stored their bikes. Inside, she pulled off the covering, quickly folding the thick material, placing it off to the side. Cloud had Fenrir, his black and gold bike while Alia had Shiva, her dark silver and blue beast. It was the best purchase she'd ever made, and she was glad it was one Reno had been in on idea from the beginning.
Opening the compartment under the seat, she tossed her bag inside, throwing her leg over the straddle the beautiful beast. Opening the smaller compartment below the speedometer revealed the goggles Reno gifted her when the bike was officially hers; strapping the accessory to her face, Alia adjusted the straps, securing it tightly from falling. They were an exact copy to the red-head's which he wore every day, whether he was working or not. She was pleasantly surprised when he gave them to her, falling in the love the moment he set them on her face.
Grabbing her phone, she quickly texted Cloud her plans, where she was and that she would still be available to help him; he just needed to contact her when and where. Message sent, she then tapped a new one to Reno, letting him know she was leaving Edge and would be at Healen in about an hour. With all affairs in order, Alia secured her phone, slowly maneuvering the bike through the garage and out onto the main street beside the bar. Hands gripping the front bars, she gunned the bike, revving its glorious engines as she sped towards the outskirt of the city, leaving the buildings and people behind. Pushing her bike further, Alia sped on through, leaving a trail of dust in her absence, limbs soaking in the sun. Wind flowing through her drying hair, the woman grinned, knowing she was that much closer to seeing her favorite red-head. He hadn't just become her boyfriend; Reno was her rock, the man she trusted with all her secrets.
Except one.
Shaking her head, she tossed the thought away, focusing on the road instead; it was only time blocking her from being in Reno's arms. Once there, she was determined to not to let him go.
~ oOo ~
First chapter done and complete. We'll see how this one turns out before I post the next chapter. Hit me up with reviews or let me know ya'll thought of FFVII: Remake! My husband and I just beat it the other day, so now we're going through on hard mode and I just…can't with that ending! There's no spoilers here, I promise, but I'm just…screaming my head off!
Until next time!
Chocobocolina
