Chapter Three
: Flashback :
Captivated By You
A/N: I'd like to clarify something. With the revamp, I've clearly added flashbacks, such as the beginning sections for the first two chapters. So, if there's a flashback within a chapter, the entire section will be in italics. If the whole chapter is a flashback, it'll be stated in the title.
Not a big deal, just in case there was any confusion!
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 ~
"Everyone, grab on!"
Hanging onto Cloud by only her limbs, Alia, Tifa and her brother all latched onto Barrett, the muscled giant holding on for dear life onto the zip-line. All four of the last surviving Avalanche members screamed and roared, the plate hanging from above breaking off, ready to crush them, and anyone remaining in Sector Seven, to death. Concrete cracking, pipes bursting and fire seared their skin. Speed increasing as their angle gradually lowered, Alia didn't think they were going to make it past the barrier between the two Sectors. By the skin of their teeth, the plate finally dropped, falling completely as the last section from the city above rained down in death. The torture ignited people's homes from a livable slum, to a hellish nightmare, with nothing to remain; not even a slim chance to live.
Explosions erupting from behind, all four were thrown from the zip-line, gusts of wind separating the comrades into different locations. Barrett fell in one direction, Cloud and Tifa crashed together as Alia lost her grip, dropping into the fiery abyss of destruction.
Then everything turned black.
Not knowing how long she'd blacked out, Alia slowly moved moved around, eyes opening first to nothing but darkness. Gently stretching one leg, then the other, realization set in, she couldn't actually move anywhere. Wherever she had landed had left her caved in, surrounded indefinitely, by rocks, concrete slabs, steel rebars and utter isolation. As her eyes adjusted to the very dim light, Alia was able to see she wasn't terribly injured. Except, the rebar pole currently poking through her forearm wasn't pleasant, as if the damn thing had permanently lodged itself in that particular spot.
Lifting her weakened form, she attempted to adjust, wanting to fully rest her spine against the slab behind her. Teeth gnashing in pain, Alia screamed, the rebar's puncture stretching each time she moved, blood dripping into a pool, soaking into the ground as if remembering her very pain.
Taking hold of the metal bar, Alia pulled, trying her damnedest to drag the fucker out. However, no matter how hard she tugged, it wouldn't move an inch. Trying one more time, her hand slip, the damn bar slicing her palm, only adding more blood as the woman hissed in pain. Hating the alternative to releasing her arm, she knew there was no other option. If Cloud was by her side, Alia would've been comfortable, knowing someone else was there to assist with her current dilemma. The only choice left was pull her arm away, seeing as the bar was forever cemented into the slab, there was no way she could pull it out on her own. Knowing she shouldn't wait until she was found, Alia stood her ground - well, seated - and prepared for the worst. Hand firmly holding her arm, Alia tightened the grip, blood seeped across her tongue as she counted to three.
"Fucking shit…ok, I've got this, on three. One…two…thr - "
"ALIA!"
Head thrown upward, the woman wasn't sure if she heard correctly. Her name? More importantly, was that her bother's voice? "Cloud? CLOUD!"
"Alia? Where the hell are you?!"
"I-I dunno! I'm stuck and can't see really well!"
"Alright, just…just hang on, I'm coming! Can you move?"
"N-No, no I'm hurt."
"Alia, how're you hurt?!"
"Tifa! Thank god…My arm, it's punctured by a rebar pole and I can't pull it out!"
"Shit." She could hear her brother curse; he sounded a bit closer than before. "Hey, can you still hear me?"
"Y-Yeah! Hold on, you're…to my left!"
"Yo, Alia! You're still kicking?"
"Uhh, apparently Barrett! Now, could one of you come help me? I've got blood running down my arm!"
"We're coming Alia! Barrett, lift that corner over there. Tifa, run on through once we lift it and we'll try to move this."
"Got it." Concrete grinding into itself, a moment of brief light filtered the tiny area as her fighting friend slipped on through. Her lithe form barely fit into whatever empty space remained, gloved hands instantly checking over her friend.
"Alia I'm so glad you're alright. Um, for the most part."
"Heh, me too. I think my arm's the only thing that's hurt." Limbs cramping, Alia wanted nothing more than to move around, but if she did, her arm would sear like fire at its hottest.
"Well, you were right about your arm, damn thing's in there, that's for sure." Gently, with the motherly touch she'd always had, Tifa tilted her friend's chin upward, having seen a split of red against her skin. "Though, wish I could say that was your only injury. You've got a nasty gash across your neck."
"Seriously? Fuck I swear, I can't get through anything without a scratch." Holding up her palm, she couldn't tell if Tifa was able to see the newest member to her injuries. "My palm too. Tried prying the bar outa my arm and, well…this happened."
"Alia…Don't worry, we'll get out of here, promise." Instantly calmed from her friend's demeanor, the ex-SOLDIER slumped against the stone, relieved she wasn't alone anymore.
Light entering her vision, the slab Tifa slid under was now gone, two figures crouching against the entrance. Cloud scooted as close he could to his sister's position, her injured arm in his direction. Tracing the wound tenderly, he glanced at Alia, noticing the patch hiding her eye now gone. Swiftly, he pulled a spare cloth from his pocket, wrapping the linen around Alia's head to act as a spare patch until they could get out of their current predicament.
"…thank you," she murmured quietly to Cloud.
Nodding, his focus returned to her arm. "You said you tried pulling the bar out?" She nodded this time. "Hm, well you know what's next. Tifa, get the bandages ready. Alia? Brace yourself." Not given a second to even breath, Cloud yanked her arm, flesh tearing, ripping as the rebar was forsaken. Screeching into the night, Alia instantly grasped her arm, holding the tender limb into her chest.
"Fucking fuck fuck, fuck!" Moving out of her way, Tifa replaced Cloud's position, taking hold of her arm to inspect what she could.
"For now, you'll just have to keep it wrapped."
Sweat gathered on her brow, droplets glistening as several slithered down her cheek. "No, I can cure it now…"
"There ain't time fer that, Alia." Crouched as far as he could, Barrett glared at her through the tiny hole. "We've busted our asses enough fer tonight. Save whatever energy you've got left; keep it wrapped."
He was right and she knew it. Giving in to Tifa, she allowed her friend to wrap bandages around her arm, blood instantly seeping through the cloth, staining it red. Until they had found safety away from the rubble, there was nothing to be done. Blood pooling in her mouth from earlier, Alia grimaced, the tight hold of the cloth was searing; there was no other way for the blood to stop. With a quick tie of a knot, Tifa was done as she crawled outside. Guiding his sister, Cloud held her good arm, stopping when she needed to as they escaped the stone abyss, soon venturing out into the playground of Sector Six. At least, what was left of it.
The burning of innocent equipment for children was a horrific sight, one that would forever be locked in their memories.
Able to stand at full height, Alia was speechless. Darks heaps of smoke filtered the air, fires burned brightly and would continue to scorch until morning. Chunks of concrete, dilapidated fragments of wood, neon signs, pipelines; all of it was in disarray. The very livelihood of those living in Sector Seven was demolished. It was utter chaos, a disaster to even glance upon. For the time being, the four helped whoever they could in this time of need; sadly, not much could be done. Friends and family desperately searched for loved ones, hoping they weren't consumed, stamped to death by the godforsaken plate from the city above.
The very city designed to protect its people at all costs. To Alia, this only proved the residents of Midgar, mainly those in the slums, were disposable to the Shinra Electric Power Company, if it meant they could obtain their childish ways of winning.
Pressing on, the four stretched from Sector Six to Sector Five in search for Elmyra's house. Hearts weary for the fallen, there was nothing they could do outside of they help they already provided. Barret desired nothing except finding his daughter, shoving past those who stood in his way, ignoring the cold-hard stares, for they knew nothing of their experiences that night. Slipping through the crowds grew to be easier as the distance decreased between the two sectors. People within Sector Five could hear and see what happened, but stayed near their homes, probably hoping that if they didn't get involved, their lives would be spared.
Then all at once, Alia and Cloud were back. Flowers, the elegant waterfall and just…the greenery of it all. Alia was at home near anything green, the smell brought the woman back to the days with her mother where the two would lose themselves in the sunlight, ending the day covered in dirt.
Barret, rushing passed their sides, screamed Marlene's name, bursting through the door as the three ran in behind him. Scaring Elmyra to the planet's core and back, the muscled man quickly changed tactics, explaining he was the little girl's father. Confirming his daughter was alive and well, he received a scolding for nearly waking her up as Barret slowed his pace to see the young child.
Such was their night. Barret staying by Marlene's side until he fell asleep; Tifa asked if their was anything she could help with around the house, pulling Cloud everywhere she went. Alia was left on her own, asking what she could to help as well, earning a smile from Elmyra as she nudged the ex-SOLDIER to the spare room upstairs, only after she changed the woman's bandages, fitting her into a sling for the evening. Having noticed her brother was occupied with Tifa, Alia slipped upstairs, leaving the door slightly ajar as her form fell against soft sheets. The bed molded perfectly into her body, the gentle rush of water outside calmed her troubled mind; though it was all for naught.
Alia could not gain a wink of sleep.
Unable to track how long she cast herself into bed, Alia swung her legs over the side, gazing at the moon through the window. Pitch black outside, dawn not due to rise for several hours. Fingers gripping the pouch buckled around her thigh, the female sighed heavily, her other hand hovered over her fabric-covered eye, as she hadn't been able to exchange the cloth for an actual patch. Standing, and as quietly as possible, Alia left, leaving the bedroom door wide open as she made her way downstairs. Not thinking twice to where she was going, she slipped stealthily towards the gardens, seeking the solace of remembrance only the flowers could grant her. Seeking the small hill overlooking the entire property, Alia sat, knees curled into her chest.
That moment, it was just her and the stars, followed by the serene peace of silence. If she focused, Alia could faintly hear music floating in the air, probably from the Sector 5 or Wall Market. Though clear, there were faint spells or smoke clouding the night sky; fires burning in the broken homes of the sector that would never exist.
Shaking herself from such recent memories, Alia dug a hand through her pouch, fingers gripping the electric weapon Reno had used during their fight. Examining the metal contraption, she twirled the device around, studying the Shinra insignia branded on one side. Twirling her wrist, Alia flicked the weapon, jumping in fright when the damned thing expanded three feet in length. Impressed by the simplicity of its design, she pushed the button on its end, collapsing the weapon to its original size. Gripping it tighter, the ex-SOLDIER held it close to her heart.
"…what the hell was I thinking?"
Blinking rapidly, Alia found the tears sudden. Overwhelmed by the blurriness as it was quick, several slide down her cheek as she gazed up at the stars, wondering if Reno was doing the same. Was he seeing the same sky as she? Then again, she was forced to glanced upward at life; from his position within Shinra, he had the opportunity to look down.
Chuckling for no reason, she tightened her hold on the weapon. For some reason, the other Turk, Rude, had promised his partner would received her pendant, where they would, by hopeful chance, meet once more to exchange their belongings. It had been a rash and stupid decision, thought up on the spot when Reno claimed she was beautiful; even after seeing her horrid eye.
Covering the cloth, the woman grimaced. He saw…he saw the ugliness in me… Cringing, Alia dropped her hand, staring at the weapon even more, wondering what the hell she had gotten herself into. It wasn't like her to do something so brash. The last time she had done something impulsive was when she joined the Shinra Military to become SOLDIER along with her brother.
That…was a different story entirely.
"…Alia?"
Shrieking, the woman slid against the rocks edge as she jumped to her feet. Luckily, the leather-clad hands of Cloud caught her arm in the nick of time. Exhaling to decrease the uneasiness in her chest, Alia faced her brother, arms crossed as they stared confusingly at one another.
"What're you doing out here? I thought you were asleep?"
"I…I was…kinda," she admitted lowly. Fingers clenching the weapon to hide from her brother, Alia turned her back towards him.
Eyes raised, Cloud moved by her side, watching her from the corner of his eyes before traversing to the sky above. "…couldn't sleep?"
Her head bounced side-to-side. "No. After everything that happened today…my mind just doesn't want to let go."
"Tifa's the same. She'd just fallen asleep before I came out here." Watching her sister twirl her hands, he scoffed. "Hey, you good from earlier? You took a nasty hit from that Turk."
"Tch, don't I know it." Hand falling to her side, Alia grimaced. Her ribs were simply bruised, thankful she had avoided any broken bones. "I'm banged up like everyone else, though it'll be fine in a few days."
"Good." Keeping his answers short was ever a Cloud thing, her brother always having been simple when speaking; except, with her.
"I'm glad Aerith was able to bring Marlene here. Between all of us, she made the biggest sacrifice tonight." Grunting in reply, Cloud stared forward. "And you? Any serious injuries?"
"No." Blinking, the woman couldn't fathom what was on Cloud's mind. "…um" Sensing the tension, Alia bit her fingernail, thinking of what she could talk about with her brother. It had never been this awkward to speak with him, so why now? "Whatcha got there?"
Peering through her peripheral, Alia noticed Cloud's glancing at her free hand. She hadn't even realized she was twirling the Turk's weapon around. "N-Nothing important…" her whisper was barely audible, fingers clenching around the metal to hide it from view.
"Sure about that?" Sighing as she nodded her head in response, he pointed to her hands. "So, it doesn't have anything to do with Reno?" Lips pressed into a fine line, Alia fell silent. Cloud nudged his sister with an elbow as he drew closer. "What happened on the pillar."
He wasn't asking; he was demanding.
"On…the pillar?" Catching his gaze, Alia gave up. He knew something, and he wanted her to give him answers. "…what exactly did you see."
Pondering through his thoughts, Cloud's arms crossed, head pointed downward, considering how to phrase his memory. "Probably…" he began, turning to face his sister. "Probably everything you didn't want me to see." Flinching, Alia huffed, cursing under her breath. "I noticed you had the opportunity to take him down as he activated the computer, and how you healed him when his partner set the bomb."
Wincing as she heard the encounter through Cloud's eyes, the ex-SOLDIER could do nothing except nod. Everything he stated was the truth, why would she run from it, only to lie? "Yeah…that's what happened." Fearing her brother would do nothing but scold her, Alia prepared for the lecture. Second passed, maybe a minute? Opening her eyes, she saw Cloud, the corner of his lips slightly tilted upward. The complete opposite of what she expected, the woman reeled. Mouth remaining closed, Cloud said nothing, simply looking at his sister to see what else she would tell him. "You're not…gonna say anything?"
"Do you want me to say something?"
"I…" Damn, he had her. "I don't know…what else should I say?"
Taking a seat on the grass, Cloud motioned for his sister to join; the siblings sitting by each other's side, merely watching the moon glisten across the broken sky. "How about…" Cloud began, allowing several moments of silence to pass between them. "…you explain why."
And without sparing a second, Alia did just that.
Recounted from the moment they fell from the plate, she spilled her memories, up until several minutes prior. Going into much detail as she felt necessary, Alia provided her brother the confusion racking her brain since the previous morning. Reno rescuing her; the unexpected connection between them; him being on her mind all day and night; the realization Reno was the one attacking the pillar; and her taking his weapon in a desperate plight to see him once more. Once the tale was over, her last admittance was the admission of her confusion from it all.
Now, the truth was laid bare.
And Cloud hadn't said a word.
"Umm…." Was the first word from her brother's mouth, which had opened and closed several times.
"…you can say whatever you want."
"You really wanna to hear what I'm thinking?" Alia nodded, arms wrapped around her knees in preparation. Releasing a heavy breath, Cloud dropped a hand on her shoulder. "I think…you should work through this confusion."
"Cloud, I'm sorry! I failed everyone today and could've prevented…wait." Head slowly rising, Alia flicked the inside of her ear. "Umm, come again?"
"You heard me."
"…mmm, pretty sure I didn't. You're gonna lecture me, right?"
"Nope."
Vision growing blurry, Alia was quick to swipe at her cheeks. "W-Why not?"
Taking her hand, Cloud guided his sister to release her legs. "Alia…you've been running for a long time now. Ever since we left home, you've looked to me for answers, to tell you what is right or wrong." Hand running through his spiky hair, Cloud's head shook slightly. "Listen…is this what I expected to hear? No. But it's not my place to validate whatever it is you feel, or why you're confused." Taking hold of her cheek, he pulled her attention back on him. "Come one, what's going on through that head of yours?"
Hand falling from her cheek gave Alia the moment to glance down at her palms, Reno's collapsed weapon still clutched tightly in her fingers. Bit by bit, she opened her palm, all the while stretching an arm closer to Cloud. Realizing what was in her hand, Cloud took hold of the weapon, analyzing the engravings as he twisted the device around.
"After Reno collapsed when I healed him…" she calmly stated. This was part of the story she hadn't mentioned. "You and Barret were focused on the computer when Rude ran over to get his partner. I took Reno's weapon and…gave Rude my chocobo pendant, pleading with him to promise he would give that to Reno when he woke." Stifling a laugh, she swiped more tears from her face. "The look on Rude's face was priceless, he didn't understand what the hell I was asking. I told him I was taking his partner's weapon, and the only way he would get it back is if he had my pendant, meaning…"
Cloud interjected. "Meaning, he'd have to come find you for an exchange."
"…exactly," she smiled through the pain, not surprised Cloud impulsive her decision. Handing the weapon back to his sister, Cloud didn't miss her clutching the item to her chest. "I don't…I don't know if Reno sensed anything, b-but…" Cupping her mouth, the ex-SOLDIER gripped her shirt tightly, pleading for her breathing to calm. Sobs escaped, causing the woman to curl into herself. "I-I felt something when I was w-with him. And-And, he…"
Nudging himself closer, Cloud rubbed small circles on his sister's back. Gently pressing his fingers in to knead the tension he could visibly see. Releasing her mouth, she then touched her bandaged-covered face. "Cloud…H-He saw…he saw my eye and said…h-h-he said it was beautiful!" Crashing against her brother, Alia released everything she held within.
The disaster of Sector Seven.
Guilt for possibly being the reason hundreds of people had died that night.
Fear of people seeing the unfortunate transformation to her eye.
Her confusion with Reno.
Holding onto Alia, Cloud could only imagine what she was thinking. Suddenly informed his sister had interactions with the Turks, and had healed them after their battle? And then told she now held a potential promise to see him in the future? The male ex-SOLDIER's mind was slightly winded.
If anything, Cloud Strife was a simple man, the definition of the word. Never purposely trying to overcomplicate certain matters, despite finding himself in problematic situations. It was the same when it came to his twin sister. Whenever Alia was involved, he never pushed her, never once overthrowing her opinion with his own to prove she was in the wrong. Cloud wanted his sister to know he may have his own opinion, but wanted Alia to seek her own truth, without him having to tell her what she wanted, or needed, to hear.
As kids, it had been different, the twins always trying to prove one was smarter than the other; their stubbornness being one of their more exuberant traits. Growing into their teenage years, they were still the same, only simmering down on their competitiveness with each other. It wasn't until after the two of them arrived in Midgar did Alia undergo a personality adjustment, caving in to herself ever-so slightly. It wasn't until the three of them - Alia, Cloud and Zack - were captured by Professor Hojo for his experiments where she truly encased herself into a shell. After their escape did she seek only her brother's approval, for she blamed herself for them getting captured into Hojo's clutches.
The poor woman was already guilt ridden because of that; and then there was her eye.
During their years of torture was how she received the transformation of her facial features. The iris of her eye had changed to a deep, blood red color, yet it was the pupil in the center she was afraid of most. It had transformed from the typical circular shape, to that of cat's pupil; the sharp, vertical slit a contrast to her opposite eye. Upon realizing what had happened to her during their four years of mako torture, Alia decided to keep the appendage covered, for fear of what people would think or do if they ever saw what was hidden beneath the bandages.
It had only been a few months since their escape, and a few weeks since Zack's death, and in that time, Alia had grown to go to do whatever it took to hide her eye from anyone. Not evenTifa or Barret knew what lay underneath. It became a symbol of her torture, her failure to protect her brother and Zack, though Cloud could admit the same. Having been in a catatonic state for most of those four years, Cloud was still aware his sister suffered a fate worse than he or Zack at the hand's of Hojo; that was his failure.
She never removed the patch, never answering people's questions when asked what injury she sustained. Always prepared with a separate answer, Alia had grown to skillfully divert personal questions, turning any conversation around so she wouldn't have to face what other's couldn't see. His sister was scared. Torn between knowing he should discuss her pain over the issue, Cloud decided to leave the matter be, knowing full well Alia would only divert the conversation with him as she did with everyone else.
So, to hear Alia explain someone actually saw her eye and describe it positively, leaving her this flustered and confused? Cloud knew there was more to their few interactions than his sister was letting on. It hadn't become just a disfigurement on her face; the damn thing had become a disfigurement of her. Alia Strife hadn't felt like herself in weeks, because every time she happened to glance in a mirror, all she saw was a vessel filled with mako, and Professor Hojo staring pathetically at her.
Forever would she feel like the test subject she was.
Holding the woman tightly, Cloud kissed his sister's head, hand still rubbing circles into her back. "Cloud? I…don't know what to do."
"Don't know what to do, or afraid of what you actually want to do?"
Shoulders tensing, Alia slowly pulled herself from the comfort of her brother's arms. Clearing her face, she smirked, knowing what the man was wanting her to see. Palm rubbing a swollen eye socket, she spoke with a softened voice. "Heh, touché Cloud." Sniffling, she allowed the last tears to fall, cheeks reddened from crying as she stared off into the distance. "You're right, I am afraid. So very afraid what this will lead to, and if I should even try."
Taking her hand in his, Cloud gripped it tightly. "Alia…you closed off your heart long ago and stopped listening. There's only so much your head will allow to see, to feel. And you, my sister, are very much the feeling type." She grimaced, however, smiling all the same. "Forget whatever it is your head says you need. What is it your heart is trying to say?"
She didn't need a minute, nor one second to know the answer. Her heart had been screaming for the last twenty-four hours what she deserved, what she desired. Smiling the brightest she had all night, Alia was able to finally claim hat she'd been denying herself for years.
"I need to see Reno again."
~ oOo ~
Having barely escaped from the pillar in Sector Seven, Rude withdrew from battle, unconscious partner in tow over his shoulder as a Shinra helicopter came to their aid. Arriving at their Headquarters soon after, the silent Turk carried his partner to the infirmary, where Reno slowly awakened in confusion, unaware of the events after he collapsed nor how he had arrived back above the plate. Rude remained silent as ever, allowing the Shinra medical staff to patch his closest friend, stitching any wounds while covering his chest and face with bandages.
Tseng eventually greeted them in the Medical Ward, stating their required report was to be completed soon regarding the nights events, leaving the two behind as he trekked towards the Turks main office. Once Reno was in the clear, he and Rude sought their individual conference room with the Administrative Research section of the building. Slamming his body onto the cushions, the red-head claimed the the couch as the silent one sat at the table. It was quiet, other than the scratching of Tseng's calligraphy pen, who sat at the head desk in the room. The Turk leader seemed unaffected by their criminal deed, whilst his two subordinates seemed to wither, doomed from invisible blood dripping through their fingers.
Chastising his own actions, Reno slumped deeper into the couch. Entire body sore and racked with pain, the red-head groaned, tossing his head from side to side, unable to forgive what he'd done a mere hour ago. People who died from the plate, the ones he gunned down from the safety of the helicopter. All those faces burned inside his mind, however there was only one that pushed past the others, despite Reno wanting nothing more than to bury it further than the others: Alia Strife.
His thoughts had been enraptured by her the moment he woke the woman from broken rubble. The smile she wore; her insistent need to heal him, knowing he was an infamous Turk. Curiosity piqued his interest by her entire being. There was already a list, reasons why he was so infatuated, recalling how it was her bandaged eye that captured his sight at first, curiosity for what lay underneath. And then atop the pillar, as he snatched the loosened patch from her face, Reno was, without a doubt, surprised to find what some might consider grotesque, even monstrous. A slit for a pupil with the actual color a deep red was a trait he'd never seen before.
Though, he hadn't lied when he told the woman she was beautiful, for Reno truly thought so.
Having only two encounters with the woman, one of them being enemies with a battle, the Turk knew what he wanted: her.
Raising his right hand into the air, Reno grasped the wrist, leather-clad palm turning over several times, remembering the feel of her velvety skin. Even with the flames burning from behind, the Turk could sense the heat from her skin over everything else. He wanted to feel her flesh one more time, to experience the tingling which coursed along his fingertips, wondering if it was due to the chance encounter, or something his heart believed to be.
Movement caught from the corner of his eye, Tseng glanced over at his longtime Second-in-Command, watching as the red-head slowly became lost in thought. "You know Reno, I think you might be due for some R&R."
Twisting his arm once more, Reno dropped the limb against his stomach. "Nah, I'm good."
"What're we going to do about Sector Seven?" Jumping in, Rude could see through Tseng's tactics. Clearly, the elephant in the room was them having taken the job to activate the computer which dropped the plate, not either of them receiving time to recuperate.
Pen halting for a moment, Tseng exhaled heavily. "We are going to do nothing."
Ignoring his superiors diversion tactic, Rude raised a hand. "Been thinking…Was all that really necessary?"
"Had we refused, someone else would have completed the task." Reno clicked his tongue, loving how his boss seemed to have the best answers at hand to piss him off. "We have spared that someone the burden of a guilty conscience. Perhaps…that will ease yours."
Eyes narrowing, Reno muttered, "Yeah…nope."
Taken aback by the red-head's bluntness, Tseng leaned backwards in his chair. "Let's try another tact then: they were a sacrifice, to balance the scales."
Tseng's previous statement? No, this was the one to piss Reno off. Head curling towards the boss, his eyes glared into dagger slits. "Say what?"
"After everything we've taken from the planet, we were due to give something back."
Stunned momentarily, Rude leaned onto his forearms against the table. "Do you actually believe that?"
"…does it matter?" Tseng was not one to miss a beat with his replies.
"Tsk," Reno hissed sharply, turning his attention away.
Phone ringing on his desk, Tseng dropped his pen, handling the phone with care as he listened intently to the person on the other side. "Mhm…yes…yes, of course…alright, understood." Placing the receiving back into its port, his attention turned to the two men. "The VP needs us."
"Ugh, what now?" Not moving from his spot, Reno wasn't sure if he was ready for more work. Although denying Tseng's request for 'R&R', the red-head suddenly wanted to accept only to get out of whatever the Vice President needed.
"You will be told once we get there. However first, the VP wants to meet with me; I will phone you both when you are to head up to his office." Demeanor cold, Tseng left the room without another word, leaving his men in silence as they contemplated what they were requested for now.
Stillness fell over the conference room, the two Turks separate from positions and their mentality. Both questioned their role and reason for initialing the pillar's collapse, but only one's mind focused on something entirely different.
"Reno…" Turning to the red-head, Rude straightened his back. "How're your injuries?"
"Ehh, I'll manage." Stern, Reno's voice remained quiet, casting his face away.
Having been partner's for years, Rude didn't need to be told the thoughts running rampant in his friend's mind. Hand sneaking into his pocket, fingers grasped the metal pendant he'd held since accepting it. Through the ride back in the helicopter, the Turk reflected on why he took the pendant, altogether rethinking the promise he made to relay Alia's message.
Would he really do it though? Rude had to admit, Reno had been acting strange since returning from his task in Sector Five the day prior. Not only that, he mentioned this girl he found in the rubble, their interaction unlike any he'd ever had with a woman; and they were only together for twenty minutes or so.
No, he had to do it. Even Rude noticed a difference in Reno he'd never seen, and couldn't forget the way he acted during the battle on the pillar. Reno was definitely smitten. Typically, he was detached of the women he'd meet, talking only of their bodies and how it was just a one-night thing. With Alia, he mentioned her appearance, albeit in a curious, warm tone. He genuinely talked about her, not what was going to do with her.
Standing, Rude dragged one of the chairs beside his friend, reclaiming his seat as Reno glanced up.
"Sup partner?"
"There's something we need to talk about."
"You mean what we did with the pillar, don'tcha? Man, that was fucked up…" Groaning, adjusted his body into a sitting position. "Say, you wouldn't happen to have my EMR, would ya? I know I blacked out, but you grabbed it, right?"
Sparing any further words, Rude removed the pendant from his pocket, dangling the metal by its chain.
Laughing, Reno grasped his side. "Whoa-ho-ho! What is this for?!" Taking the charm in hand, he had to admire the craftsmanship. Shaped exactly like a baby chocobo, the details engraved in the metal were impressive. "Kinda random partner, don't ya think? I mean, won't lie it's cute, but what's this have to do with my EMR?"
"It doesn't," his blunt voice bounced off the quiet room. Eyebrow raised, Reno scanned the pendant again, searching for a possible engraved name, finding nothing. "I saw…what happened…between you and Alia on the pillar."
"You saw…?" Eyebrow raised, Reno's mouth fell open. "Oh…umm, yeah man, that's…" Exhaling, he rubbed his neck. Reno mentioned the blonde female several times in the hours after meeting her, except, having no idea she was related to Mister First Class. Rude, on the other hand, hadn't connected the dots she was the same female he fought alongside Cloud. It complicated matters. They knew if this reached Tseng's ears or higher, it wouldn't end well for Reno. "So what, you gonna snitch on me?"
Rude's bald head glistened, head shook for an answer. "Can't, I made a promise."
Cocking his head, Reno chuckled. "Um, alright?"
Pointing to the charm, Rude leaned into his chair. "Alia has your EMR, and that's her pendant."
Facade blank, Reno blinked as he slowly glanced between the item in his hand and back to his partner. "H-Hold…she has my weapon? Then…but this?" Slapping his forehead, the Turk turned silent; it didn't last long. "Fucking shit…what exactly did you promise?"
"She is keeping your weapon and made me promise that I would give that to you. Her exact words were: in order for Reno to retrieve it, he has to find and give me back this pendant. She…also said that she doesn't know why she's doing it, but that she just needs to see you again."
"S-She said all that? Alia…she really wants to see me again?" Grinning like a child on their birthday, Reno clenched the pendant, fist beginning to twitch the tighter he held. "Fuck…YES!" Jumping to his feet, Reno pounded the air in victory, while Rude barely had enough time to wheel the chair away, for fear he would be socked. Gripping his nose, the silent Turk cursed under his breath, not expecting this kind of reaction from his longtime friend. "Yesyesyesyes…YES! Damn, Rude do you know what this means?!"
"That you've become more of a nuisance," he groaned.
"…you're an ass." Reclaiming his seat, Reno still fidgeted with excitement. However, it didn't take long for realization to dawn on the man. "Oh hell…what does this all mean? Rude, what am I gonna do man?"
"What d'you mean, what am I gonna do? A minute ago you were excited as hell."
"Y-Yeah, but…" Clawing fingers into his flaming hair, Reno opened the palm holding the charm, staring intently at its design. Something seemed to click in his mind. The notion was crazy, yet the longer he stared at the pendant, the more Reno thought Alia to be the human embodiment of a chocobo. Quirky, sassy, independent; almost as if the giant bird was her spirit.
Alia took my weapon, made Rude promise to give this to me. All in an exchange for a chance to see each other? Damn, either she had this planned, or considered it on the spot. "Son of a bitch," he muttered.
"Until we were given our orders, you wouldn't shut up about her. What changed between then and now?"
"Shit, come on man, think about it. When we met, I didn't know she was part of Avalanche. If I do meet her, isn't this…treason or something?"
Rude sighed, head dropping because the male's words were correct. Affiliation of any kind with parties against Shinra would only lead to a one-way ticket to dismissal. A target on the person's back was typical as well until their dying breath. Even as simple as Reno admitting he was interested in someone trying to bring down the corporation could land him in some hot water. Rude knew his partner wouldn't listen if he advised against seeing her again.
"You know what we were told. If you do this, even as much as agree to meet her and the President finds out, you're in deep shit."
Tugging at his ponytail left the red-head conflicted. He didn't need Rude to explain the consequences, he'd been remembering non-stop what he was told during initiation years ago. And for Rude to swear was enough for Reno to know the situation was inappropriate, potentially foolhardy. "I have to do this," he finally said. "I have to see her again."
"Why?" Rude asked, hesitantly.
"…I dunno man, I just…I just do." Meeting his partner's stare, Reno refused to back down. He'd never experienced conviction such as this, not even when deciding to join the Turks. Nevertheless, he was willing to throw it all away, for a slim opportunity to see the beautiful woman with the captivating red eye. This was more than what he was leading himself to believe. She was more than he'd ever known. Come what may. Reno was willing to risk it all, for even gaining a simple glance at her beauty would be suffice until they would have a chance to speak face-to-face once more.
Only this time, Reno was hoping it would be under better circumstances than escaping from battle where they were enemies.
Lulled from his daydream from a victory theme, Reno glanced at Rude who suddenly stood, phone edged against his ear. "Tseng…yes…yes…Should we meet you there or…? Alright, we're leaving now." Ending the call, the bald man put away the device, arms falling to his side. "Looks like we're finally needed. Tseng wants us to meet him and the Vice President on the chopper."
"The chopper? Where the hell are we taking them?" Accepting his partner's outstretched out, Reno slowly grew to his feet. Bandaged injuries just fine, his muscles were weakened, leaving sleep the only option for them to heal. Be that as it may, it seemed he wouldn't be receiving sleep any time soon. Quickly stepping from the conference room down to his personal office, Reno unlocked one of the cabinets, taking a new EMR in preparation for what was to come. Considering the one he preferred to use was now being held hostage - although he didn't mind whatsoever - it was reasons such as this why Reno was glad he had multiples.
Reentering the main room, Reno nodded, indicating he was ready as he stepped towards the door to make their way to the top of the building. Arm grasped by his partner, the red-head glanced up, confusion evident with a raised brow. "Wha' now?"
"Listen…" Falling silent, Rude was still processing on what he should say. "I can't stop you from seeking Alia out, just know that…whatever happens with you or the company, I've got your back."
Both brows shot into his fiery bangs, leaving Reno quite surprised. Besides Tseng, Rude was very diligent when it came to his Turk position; meaning, he was an ass who followed the rules exactly as they were written. Having said that, they'd been friends since joining, instantly placed together as partner's for missions and specific orders. Their bond couldn't be crippled. They each had the other's back. This time, Rude was prepared to protect the red-head from their superiors if need be.
Slapping him on the back, Reno smiled, muscles pulling his lips tightly. "You're the best, Rude. I'll be countin' on ya when the times comes. Who knows? This could backfire against me, or it would be the best decision I've ever made." Opening the door to leave, Reno paused once more, his last words surprising Rude; even himself. "Alia Strife is special, something about her…calls to me. And I gotta find out why.
~ oOo ~
Until next time.
Chocobocolina :)
