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FFVII
Free Ride

Genre: Action/ Adventure/ Emotive themes
Setting: 3 years after DoC
Rating: M
Status: WIP
OCs: 25%
Disclaimer: All related Final Fantasy VII names and characters are copyrighted © by Square Enix. However, this story and the OCs are ALL mine. Thank you.

FREE RIDE

Nanaki and Deneh led them through the Cetra City, always on a downward path, until they arrived at a gap in the rock that brought them into a sloping tunnel. Single-file they followed Nanaki with Cloud coming up the rear. It finally opened up to a larger cavern with two rail tracks, and one train waiting.

With Veld supporting her, Elfie studied the black-plated heavy freight engine as they neared. “Look’s in good repair.”

Clanging and a loud metallic bang came from the engine carriage.

Cloud, along with the others, readied their weapons at the unexpected commotion. Elfie was the only one with her weapon still sheathed, even Veld, with an arm around her, managed to aim his gun at the opening. Cissnei swung up onto the narrow platform along the carriage. Quietly, she peered into the doorway.

“All ready to go now.” Cait Sith waltzed out dusting his white gloved hands together. He jumped back at the sight of them, staring, and with weapons, pointed at him. “Oh, my, whiskers! Why are you all sneaking around?! You’ll give a poor cat a heart attack acting like that.”

“We’re the ones who’ll have a heart attack.” Denzel sheathed his gunblade. “Worrying about where you are. We might have left without you.”

Veld pocketed his weapon. “Can we assume you have checked this train for any sign of the enemy?”

Cloud walked to the first carriage. “I wouldn’t assume that. I’ll go.” He slid the door open and jumped in. Nanaki and Deneh followed him through.

“And who’s sneaking around?” Cissnei looked around. “Like, where’s that kooky pet of yours?”

“Me, sneaking around? Is that the thanks I get?” He put his hand on the side of the cabin and gave it a pat. “This engine now works because of my ingenious skill with, well, engines.” His little cat head nodded towards a storage bay not far from the tunnel exit. “They even supplied tools for me to appropriate. I made good use of them. The tools that is, and not them as such, no they were rather useless. There was even some other supplies you might find nutritional.”

Elfie smiled at him and pulled herself up to the platform. “You did well. I’m thankful. Now let’s see how well it runs.” She went into the engine cabin followed by Veld and Cissnei.

Denzel frowned up at Cait with suspicion. “How did you know we would be down here?”
He shrugged. “Didn’t. But how else are we going to get anywhere? We can’t walk everywhere. My legs will get tired!”

Denzel shook his head with bemusement, and muttered to Shelke, “like he walks anywhere…”

Shelke stared blankly at Cait.

Denzel nudged her suddenly concerned, “Hey, you okay?”

“I’m…” she started.

Cait suddenly jumped up straight, flapping his arms around. “Hold on! You were going to leave without me?!

Denzel blushed. “Umm, not sure. I hope not.”

Cait slumped and his paws dragged on the floor.

“I’m sure Cloud must have known you were going to be around,” Denzel said quickly, trying to make amends, “He’s good like that.”

Cait wiped a pretend tear. “I suppose.”

Cissnei stuck her head out. “You two better get on board, or you’ll be the ones staying here.”

“I’m not going to miss out.” Denzel tugged on Shelke’s hand and they hopped into the first carriage.

~~ 7 ~~

Cloud entered the carriage and Nanaki and Deneh went on ahead through to the next one. Under the windows on both sides, one seat lined the whole wall, and a cushion bench seat was down the centre. Passing through, Cloud jumped over the cart connector and into the next carriage.

He stopped and studied the windowless bare cabin. It was nothing like the previous one. Lights were high up near the steel ceiling, as well as metal rods that ran the length of the cabin. His boot kicked on a bolt on the floor with a cuff attached. Chains were linked onto the rods up high and also on the floor. He grasped a metal cuff hanging from the chain, his hand clamping on the steel as he brooded over the purpose of such transportation. Burning with sudden rage at the vision of Tifa and Marlene in the shackles, he yanked the chain from the rod and destroyed the cuff. He threw it against the wall, wanting to do the same to every chain and cuff. He could break every one of them, but what he really wanted was to destroy the source.

The train came to life and was swaying under him. Cissnei’s voice came over the speaker. “Welcome to your free, train ride to wherever we end up. Might as well rest while you can. Apparently, food and drink will be served. Any complaints, see the caped cat. But really, if you need anything, use the communicator panels. Over and out.”

Cloud walked through to the next carriage, and the next. Each one was the same setup.

Nanaki and Deneh met him in the last cabin, which was more a storage area.
“There is nothing here.” Nanaki told him.

Cloud nodded. Maybe not people, but plenty to inform him of what Deepground were doing. “We can rest for a time.”

“Deneh and I will stay here.”

Cloud headed back to the first cabin with the seating, hopping over the connectors as the train sped along through the caverns.

Shelke and Denzel were sitting in silence eating from packets of what seemed to be freeze dried food, and they had a bottle of water between them.

“The mogg brought this in, courtesy of Cait. Well, he dumped them here,” Denzel continued munching, “He’s really useful at times.”

“He can be.” Cloud took a packet and sat under the window opposite Denzel.

“I had a look at the next carriage,” Denzel said between mouthfuls, “Must be how they were doing it?”

Cloud stared at the floor, suddenly weary. “Yep.”

Denzel remained unusually quiet, which was odd for him. He looked pale and drained. Cloud had to keep in mind the physical exertion would take a toll on Denzel’s body. But Shelke’s subdued state was a surprise, he hadn’t seen her this tired before. He realized how long they had been going at it. With a frown, he said to her, “We’ve got some time. I’ll keep watch if you need to recharge.”

Shelke’s normally bright blue eyes dulled and her tone was barely audible. “I have to.”

Cloud said, “Stay here though.” She would usually do it in private, but this time he preferred having her and Denzel close. He stood and put his hand on Denzel’s head, letting healing power shower through his body. “And you need to sleep.”

“Yeah.” Denzel finished eating, and said, “I guess I can for a while.” His sword harness was already on the floor, and he spread out on the cushioned bench.

Cloud rolled his eyes. “It wasn’t a question.” He sat back down under the window, his full weight falling heavily on the cushion. His thoughts adrift, he half watched Shelke, on the further bench under the window.

She took a small case from her pouch and unlocked it. With the vial in hand, she pushed up her sleeve and injected the mako into her wrist. “I might be off the grid for awhile.”

Cloud nodded. “Now is better than later.” The pressure of what they were going to face was building in his mind. They were headed into something big and deadly. The risks were getting higher and more significant. Shelke could hold her own, but he feared Denzel would be out of the running to play in the high league game. He would have to do something to give him more power, even despite the drain. It might come down to a moment between life and death for the boy.

Shelke lay on the middle bench with only the backrest separating her from Denzel. Denzel was in a peaceful sleep within minutes. The kid had probably drained all his energy. Although, Cloud was amazed at his physical endurance to come so far with fighting along the way. But he remembered how at that age, even without enhancement, he too also seemed to have boundless energy, and one time in particular that stood out…

~~ 7 ~~

Over ten years ago….

After finishing his shift, Cloud wandered into the locker room, dazed and dragging his feet. Chaotic as usual, his patrol ended up chasing and eventually losing Avalanche rebels somewhere in the slums. Apart from that it was a routine night. His troop maintained security around the construction teams upgrading Reactor 4. Run-ins with the insurgents were often and tedious, but at least it broke up the monotonous duty. Boring was the best way to describe it. He was about to hit the showers when he heard his name called from the passage outside.

“Cloud!”

He turned and peered at the tall dark-haired SOLDIER skidding into the room, with initial confusion. “Zack?”

“Hey, bud, I’ve been looking everywhere for you. Meet me up on the SOLDIER training level. I’ve kinda booked the Dome.” He flapped a beige folder, nearly crumpling it in his gloved fist. “I’ve got to drop this off first.”

Cloud blinked in puzzlement, too tired to really understand what he was saying. “Huh?”

“See you in ten minutes?” He glanced at the towel hanging over Cloud’s shoulder. “Don’t be late.”

With Zack it was never really a question. If Zack asked you to do something, you felt compelled to obey. Aside from Zack being his friend, he was after all his superior. “Umm… I’ve just finished a twelve hour shift.” Cloud looked at the wall clock. “And it’s now 7am.” Did it sound like he was complaining? Damn, he just wanted a shower…

“Great!” Zack’s mouth broadened into an enigmatic grin. “All the better!”

Now Cloud narrowed his eyes in suspicion. “Why?”

Zack placed a heavy hand on Cloud’s shoulder, probably to prevent him running off suddenly. “You’re going to do some training.”

“What?” Cloud squealed, although not in excitement. More like annoyed dismay.

Zack started for the door, leaving Cloud with his mouth hanging open.

“Shower later,” Zack yelled from outside the locker room.

Cloud sunk his forehead into his hand, and his body slumped in a desperate sigh. He should be thankful, really. He had a friend in SOLDIER, but why did he have to be so… energetic? From what he knew of Zack, he’d probably been up for hours too. No, he shouldn’t complain.

He put his towel away and started for the elevators with the beginning pangs of excitement. Zack really wanted to train him. Cloud. Maybe things were looking up. Ever since Zack found out Cloud wanted to be in SOLDIER, he bugged him with questions. All of them underlined with a simple query – why? Why can’t you get in? Why aren’t you good enough? Not that Cloud could answer them, except to say, ‘How do I know, Zack?! I’m just not good enough.’

The lift arrived at the SOLDIER’S Floor. He doubted he would even be allowed in. Exclusively designed for Soldier’s, the dome training lab was the best of all of them. What was Zack thinking?

Following the directions to the training area, Cloud received intrusive stares along the way. He ducked his head, and tried to look like he had some purpose, like he knew where he was going.

Finally he arrived at the control room. Two men, outfitted in Soldier personnel uniform, sat at a curved panel of buttons and screens. No sign of Zack. What a surprise.

They both stared at him with some curiosity, before realization set in. “You’re not permitted on this level. Soldier class only.”

Cloud flushed red, and fidgeted with his scarf, wishing he had taken that off at least. “Ah…” he was ready to bolt. “I’m waiting for Zack.”

The personnel stared intimidating daggers at Cloud. “If you don’t leave, I’ll call security.”

“I’m going.” Cloud walked back into the corridor. That was a waste of time. He didn’t know if he should be relieved or angry.

Zack strode up the passage as if he had all the time in the world. “Where do you think you’re going?” He threw a long straight blade towards him. “Get back in there.”

Cloud caught the hilt, with the tip inches away from hitting the floor. He felt the even weight of the Soldier issue sword. Despite Zack having the great sword at his back, he also carried the standard weapon. Cloud gave a resigned sigh. “I’m not allowed.”

“What?!” He marched past Cloud. “I don’t care about that. Come on.”

Cloud followed Zack, dutifully.

“Zack.” The personnel whirled in his chair, giving Zack a smarmy grin.

“Dael, Cloud and I are going to go a few rounds.”

“You know he’s not authorized.” Dael eyed Cloud with disdain.

“Yeah, but, hey, I’ll owe you one.” Zack scratched the back of his head, looking hopeful.

“Alright, as long as my supervisor doesn’t find out.” He swiveled around to his panel and stared at Cloud.

Now Cloud was receiving the dirty look. As if it was his fault.

“Ah, Kunsel, he’s no trouble.” Zack waved his comment aside.

“For you maybe,” he turned his attention to the panel. “You want the Eyes?”

“Nah, we’re keeping it simple,” Zack replied.

The door whooshed open and Zack and Cloud walked into a grey paneled thirty foot high room. Underfoot, the floor glowed an illuminous white. Cloud gazed at the hi-tech room. It was quiet, almost unbearably so. His voice was a muffled weight in the silence. “If we’re doing it simple, why even use this place?” They could just as easily practice in the basic training area.

“Privacy.” Zack winked and swung his sword in a wide arc. “Besides, you need to get used to this. You have to start thinking like a SOLDIER.” His fingers touched his forehead and his blue eyes glowed with excitement.

Coloured pixels of light ran down the walls, transforming into scenery that expanded for miles. They stood on a rise overlooking lush grasslands, spotted with random trees, and rolling down to a glistening body of water.

“Whoa!” Cloud sucked in his breath and circled, taking everything in. He rolled his head back and stared at the pure blue sky.

“You don’t get this down in the barracks.” Zack also admired the beautiful scenery, and swept his arm out with pride. “Welcome to Gongagga. Maybe I'll take you there some day.”

“Is it…” Cloud said, “Real?” A cool breeze feathered his face and neck, and wisped his blond fringe across his eyes. He remembered he was still in his hot uniform.

“As real as it can be aside from actually being there.” Zack chuckled. “It’s just eye-candy. This is what’s important.” He held his sword in front of his face, and lowered it to an offensive position. “I want to see why you got knocked back from SOLDIER. You ready? Show me what you got.”

They sparred together at a steady pace, with neither of them getting a hit in, but Cloud knew that wasn’t going to last. Zack was toying with him. That was apparent when Zack finally said, “You warmed up yet?”

Warmed up?! His spirit was willing, but his body, that was a different matter. “Wait.” Sweating buckets, Cloud put his sword down and pulled his damp shirt, scarf included, over his blond spikes. He threw the crumpled mess across the grass simulation.

Zack lowered his sword and shook his head at Cloud stripping off. “Is that your technique? Blind your opponent with your bare white bod?” He finished with a gratified chortle.

Cloud picked up the weapon and flexed his arms, enjoying the refreshing air on his skin. That was better. Now he could move. “I was hot.”

“No need to be modest. As long as you keep your pants on.” Zack laughed. “At least you got muscles under that uniform.”

Cloud made a concerted effort to have those muscles. Besides what more could he do around this place then go on duty or work-out? The partying and the drinking were amusing, but he always ended up carrying someone home.

Out of his constricting clothes, Cloud felt free to fight his own way. Sword fighting, this is what he wanted to do, what he had always wanted to do ever since he left home. They circled and came at each other warily before Zack really got stuck into him.

They fought for some time, the swords clanging on each, with neither of them receiving serious blows. Cloud was aware Zack was pulling his hits, but that was fine by Cloud. For the first time since coming to Shinra, he was enthusiastic about something. The more they went at it, the more Cloud realized how much he enjoyed it. He was even managing the occasional hit on Zack. His body moved with a new speed and accelerated reflexes he never thought possible. Exhilaration pounded through his veins, causing him to bounce from foot to foot.

“You tired yet?” Zack called.

What does he mean yet? Cloud was tired before they started, but he wasn’t about to stop. “Nah…”

“You learn fast. We’ll take it up a notch.”

True to his word, Zack’s strikes drove into him with increased tempo and force. Cloud had to defend with every cell of his mind intent on keeping on his feet and not getting smashed. It was strenuous blow for aggressive parry, with Zack calling out instructions and admonishment at every twist and dodge. Even in the thick of a grueling exchange of blows, Zack encouraged Cloud on a successful defense.

On a swing that failed to hit and Zack’s cross slash, Cloud stumbled to his knee. Instead of bouncing back to his feet, he sprawled on the floor, near exhaustion. He wasn’t aware how tired he really was until he lay there on the green hill, on a perfect clear day.

Zack stood over him, blocking the carefree sky. “You’ve got good moves and you’re fast. Faster than some third classes.”

Cloud grunted and his head lolled to the side so he could watch the stream of white clouds.

“You heard of limit breaks?”

“Yeah…”

“If you’ve got a limit break it’s a sure thing you’ll get into SOLIDER.” Zack cocked a brow at him, drawing his attention.

His blue eyes alert, Cloud tilted his chin and looked at him with sudden interest.

“Rest time is over.” Zack nudged him with his boot.

Cloud clamoured to his feet. “How do you get a limit break?”

“You keep going and going till your body breaks.” Zack didn’t waste any time. He charged at Cloud again, and again Cloud blocked, evading in time.

Cloud had no option but to continually defend, or be smashed. Puffing hard, he said, “Are limit breaks that good?” He’d heard the stories but he hadn’t ever seen one himself, and he never considered he could have one too.

“Let’s just say, if I used one on you now, it would probably kill you.” Zack slammed his blade into Cloud.

Cloud responded in time and their swords rang out against the calm backdrop. At the rate Cloud was going, Zack could probably kill him with any move, limit break or not. “How will I know what mine is?”

“You’ll feel it. Limit breaks make you feel braver, like you can do anything.”

Cloud stared wide-eyed, absorbing his advice, imbedding it in his soul. Anything that made him feel braver sounded like a good thing, and a chance of getting into SOLDIER even better.

They continued their noisy and fast sword-play clash, but Cloud was aware Zack was not attacking to win. It seemed he was trying every move he knew of and maybe even inventing some new ones as they grew more accustomed to each other’s technique. He always knew Zack was good, but now, he really understood how much. He never seemed to break a sweat, and for every swing Cloud managed to get near him, Zack was always in control.

“I know what will be your first limit break.” Zack nodded and his mouth formed a smug line.

“First?”

“You do that same jump thing and you come down with all your weight.” Zack backed off a little and said, “It’ll do damage when it hits, but you have to keep up your speed.”

Cloud hadn’t considered it, but Zack was right about the move.

Suddenly the scenery began pixelating. The vibrant colours flashed into drab browns and murky shadows, revealing iron pilings and ramshackle dwellings. The breeze had gone, replaced with a dank putrid air.

Cloud stopped mid-swing and stared at the bleak scene. The slums of Midgar.

Zack looked just as surprised. “What the?”

“Really Zack, if you must take on a protégé, you can at least give him the correct information.”

Cloud spun around to face the one with the deep mellow voice.

“Sephiroth.” Zack greeted his SOLDIER peer. “What are you talking about?”

Sephiroth’s green-blue eyes scanned Cloud, and raising his long fine blade, he directed it at his chest. “Do not lower your guard, boy.”

Cloud pointed his sword straight in obedience.

“Hey, get your own trainee.” Zack flung his hand out to him. “And his name’s Cloud.”

Not removing his sword, the General looked past Cloud to Zack. “Physical exertion is not the only factor to bring about limit breaks. An overload of spirit energy will manifest when the body, mind, and emotions are under a significant amount of duress over an extended period of time. The mind loses its ability to divert the energy in a natural way across the body, because it,” he tapped his head and his piercing eyes shifted to Cloud. “Can no longer cope.”

“You make it sound like you go crazy!” Zack stood back with his arms folded.

“The energy bursts out from the body in a particular movement most common to that person.”

Cloud kept his sword raised and watched him without speaking, too awestruck to know what he could offer the conversation. He was in touching range of the great SOLDIER, and he didn’t want to say a word out of place.

“But,” Sephiroth turned his scrutinizing gaze on Cloud. “Only those who have a strong will and determination to continue will develop a manifestation of this spirit energy.”

“What’s your point?” Zack fired off, now sounding annoyed.

Without any warning, Sephiroth swung at Cloud, flicking his lengthy blade closer and with lethal speed.

Instincts in overdrive, Cloud reacted, defending in time. The new environment was stifling, but this sudden attack was near debilitating his endurance.

Despite Sephiroth advancing on him, Cloud stood his ground. As if he had to prove something, he slashed a path closer, exposing Sephiroth’s unguarded side.

“My point.” Despite the surging attack on Cloud’s part, and over the top of his own swift parries, Sephiroth’s voice was a beam of calm. “You will not bring out this boy’s limit break. He trusts you.”

“Okay, okay, I get it,” Zack threw his hand in the air in resignation. “I hadn’t gotten to all that technical stuff yet.” He punched and cheered. “Great move, Cloud! You had him on the back foot.”

Zack’s encouragement seemed to signal the end of the melee. Sephiroth’s expression revealed disdain, and with a flurry of rapid swirls, he tossed Cloud’s sword away. As if to demonstrate he was the one in control, he advanced on him, causing him to trip backwards. Sephiroth’s blade came down on Cloud laying on his back, to slice into his body.

The masamune crashed against Zack’s sword within inches of Cloud’s bare chest. Cloud, heaving hard, glanced up at Zack, looking irritated, and kneeling on one knee before him. It was the enigmatic glower on Sephiroth’s face that startled him, nearly as much as the sword at his heart.

Zack pushed the sword high and away, and he stood. “Have you finished playing, Sephiroth?”

Sephiroth sheathed his blade with a grunt of dismissal. He swiveled and took a step, over his shoulder, he said, “Meet me in the Briefing room, Zack.”

“Yeah, I’ll be there.”

Disrupting the scenery, the door slid open and Sephiroth was gone.

Cloud lay there staring up at the rusted sidings, not knowing what happened exactly, but that he had just been fighting Sephiroth. And he was hammered, in more ways than one. “Why are you helping me, Zack?” He wondered what his chances were like now.

Zack offered him his hand. “I think you’ve got potential.” His words were more like an order, “Don’t forget it.”

Cloud caught hold of his wrist, and Zack yanked him to his feet. “Yeah…” he was unconvinced.

“Don’t worry about him,” Zack glanced towards the door. “He is Sephiroth after all, and he’s got a lot on his mind. We’ll keep training, don’t sweat it.”

Cloud nodded his compliance. Right then, every muscle was aching and his throat was parched, and he felt like he was drowning in sweat. “Yeah… I really need a shower. Now.”

“That’s for sure.” Zack waved his hand in front of his face. “I’ve got to go, but I’ll walk you down.” He placed his gloved hand on Cloud’s shoulder. “Cloud, it’s all up here." His hand went to Cloud’s head and he scuffed up his damp hair in an affectionate rub. “Start believing it…”

~~ 7 ~~

Veld sat at the train control panel, his eyes half-open, not really seeing the blackness racing past. He dozed, making the most of the respite. There was nothing he could plan for what lay ahead, except go over what had already taken place - so many details he had to assimilate and make sense of.

Elfie was asleep on the bench behind him, and Cissnei had gone further back. The others were in the carriages, resting, he hoped. Cloud Strife being among them shouldn’t be a surprise, Veld should have expected he would be involved in some way. News about Cloud went around his personal connections, some he thought over-exaggerated but now he realized those stories might be true. He knew he was strong and that from the experiments he was subjected to at the mansion, but now he could see for himself. It wasn’t only supernatural endowments, but determination that gave him the empowered impetus to get the job done. He still wouldn’t have made a good Turk though. Too independent – too emotional. But a SOLDIER on the other hand…

Elfie stirred and sat up stretching. “Did you sleep?”

“I rested.” He had learned the tricks of resting his body and mind.

She took the seat beside him and started checking the switches on the panel. “How long has it been?”

He checked his watch. “Over three hours.”

“Trains’ still running. That’s good.” She gave him a cheeky grin. “So, what do you think?”

His lip curled up in an amused half-grin. “Of what? Him? Them?” He cocked his thumb over his shoulder. “Or this unpredictable adventure?”

“Everything.” She smiled. “After all these years, you finally meet him. Must be an odd feeling. Knowing someone, yet not really ‘knowing’ them.”

He gave a grumbling grunt. “He’s come a long way since being that eager and naïve kid. Learnt a lot about life, I’d say. He’s cautious and suspicious. Not bad. But driven by his feelings.”

She nodded. “He surpasses what I was expecting. Although, he’s not like the usual leader. He’s quiet and understated. I have no idea what he’s thinking. Who’s the kid with him?”

“He lives with him. An adopted child.”

Elfie’s eyes brightened with excitement. “He’s got guts, and especially with that weapon.”

“A rare weapon. And considering he’s normal, he’s not too bad.” Veld rubbed his chin in thought. "Not bad at all."

She chortled. “A potential Turk, eh.”

“He would have met the criteria.” He eyed her comically.

“Hope he keeps out of trouble.” She sighed. “We can’t all be watching him. Anyway, you think they have the Purification Program?”

“They have it,” he said, “If it’s not on them, it’s been passed onto Reeve.”

“This whole venture has blown out into some horrific.” With her knuckle, she rapped one of the rearview display screens till it flicked on. “And to think we were just looking for a…” she took a long breath. “And now we’re racing right into it.”

“Yeah…” he gazed at her profile as she stared up at the monitor. “But, you never know, there might be Cetras where we’re going…”

She turned suddenly, her eyes flashing. “What is this key, you talked about with him?”

“Mmm, Cissnei told you?” he scratched his goatee. “I’m not sure. Larsen said it was the most important research he had ever done. He created it after the Purification program and it was to accompany it, somehow.”

“He destroyed it?”

“He was highly secretive, especially after what happened to Gast.” Veld shrugged. A lot of bad things happened back then to a lot of good people, and all in the name of business. No one batted an eye, least of all him. “He destroyed his other research. At the time, I thought he probably destroyed that as well, as there was nothing on it.” He searched his memory for any clues. “Other staff left after that incident with him at Midgar. One of whom, we never heard of again. Presumed dead. Now, I wonder what happened to him.”

“You think this person may have it?”

“Possibly. Larsen had connections with others outside of Shinra.” Veld shook his head. “I don’t know how he did it. He wasn’t like Gast, who was arrogant and ignorant to Shinra’s reach. No, Larsen understood in the end, and he even appreciated the Cetras, making use of their powers to help them.”

“Unlike ‘using’ them for experiments?” Elfie tensed in her chair, making known her disdain.

“Something like that.”

She looked over her shoulder towards the door. “He doesn’t know anything about this, does he?”

“Not a thing, it seems.”

“He doesn’t know who he is, either, right?” She frowned with building rage that Veld was going to receive.

“Probably not.” He sighed and turned his eyes away from her glare.

“Are you going to tell him?”

He shook his head. “It’s been too long. And it’s not my place.”

Her jaw tensed with anger and she locked eyes with him. She growled, “Dad!”

He leaned back in the chair and it creaked with the pressure. “If he needs to know I’ll say something. It’s not a chapter I like to read over. Nor have anyone else read.”

“You’re not the only character in it.” She turned away, her body stiff in the chair. “But, despite him not knowing, how does he know about the key, and why would they want it?”

“Good question.” This had stumped him since knowing about it. Obviously there was something he didn’t know about the key. “I wonder what Larsen did with it?” he muttered to himself.

“You know who we might be facing?”

“Cissnei told me. Genesis.” His tone dropped with concern. “How appropriate that he should be involved, and probably behind it all. The sickest one of all those SOLDIERs and he’s the one still alive. But at least, I can understand why they might want Tifa.”

Elfie shrugged with a puzzled frown. “Maybe they wanted more people…”

“Cloud Strife’s wife? Or near to. They picked the wrong people.”

“Yeah, they’d have to be insane to draw that much attention to themselves.” She nodded smugly.

He folded his arms across his chest. “It would have been more advantageous to leave them well alone. Cloud would never have gotten involved to his degree.”

“So, she’s pregnant and they want the baby?”

“Without a doubt.”

She landed her elbow heavy on the control panel and rested her chin on her hand. She grumbled, “Why does this get more complicated the more I hear about it?”

“Agreed.” He contemplated another development. “And there might be more. You know, the last time the Planet was in danger, it released the ‘Weapons’?”

She groaned. “I know about that.”

“Will the Planet do that again?” Veld pondered the rhetorical question, and how such a situation could be combated. If at all. Would WRO have the fire power needed?

“You think the Planet’s doing that now?” she gasped. “Gods, what about that damn black materia? You think they found it?”

“No idea. But we’re going to find out.” He gave her teasing smirk.

“Great,” she muttered.

“You’ll be okay?”

“Yeah, fine. It’s what I do anyway.” She made a fist. “I’m not missing out and I’m not giving into it.”

With a sharp nod, he grinned. “That’s my girl.”

Down the tunnel bright lights suddenly came at them from a distance.
Elfie said, “Not good.”

The other train tore past them at great speed.

“They’re passing?” Veld said.

She watched the monitor above them, and shook her head. “… I don’t…”

~~ 7 ~~

Cloud woke to a loud continuous clattering and a whoosh of light from the opposite windows. Everyone was asleep, including Cissnei, who must have come in while he dozed. He jumped up and pressed a button on the control panel. “What was that?”

Elfie was quick to reply. “Another train went past.” She paused. “It’s slowing down.”

“It’s coming back?”

“Look’s like it. We’re about to have company. Prepare yourselves.”

“Damn.” Cloud thumped the wall. “Just keep going. Don’t stop.”

“We’ll go as far as we can.”

“I’ll make sure you can.”