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Description

FFVII
Train-Jackers

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.

TRAIN-JACKERS

Cloud strapped on his swords and called to Shelke. With no movement from her, he called her name again. She was not waking up. He gripped Denzel’s shoulder. “Wake up, Denzel. We’re about to be boarded.”

Denzel woke with a start. “Hey? How?” He slid his weapon out from the holster lying on the floor.

“They’ll jump.” Cloud called across to the sleeping red-head, “Cissnei, time to move it.”

She jumped up, rubbing her face. “Huh? What’s up?”

“Another train.” As Cloud spoke, the clattering of the second train neared them. “If they don’t board us, I’m boarding them.” He walked back to the intercom.

“Should I wake Shelke?” Denzel watched her peacefully sleeping.

Cloud gave her a quick glance of concern. “It might not be that easy.”

Explosive gunshots came from outside.

Cloud pushed the intercom. “What’s happening?”

After some moments, Elfie answered, “Umm… Veld’s on the walkway, sounds like he’s shooting them. Wait.” After some moments she came back, her breathing quick, “He says they’re still coming over towards the back of the train.”

“What are they?” Cloud said.

“Soldiers, armed. Probably Deepground.”

“Probably? Yeah, they are,” Cloud snapped. “I’m going down the back.”

Cissnei came up beside him, and said into the speaker, “I’ll watch your back from here. Keep safe.”

“We should have the advantage,” Elfie said with irritation.

“Depends on the numbers,” Cloud answered with exasperation.

Denzel said, “Nanaki and Deneh are down there.”

“I know.” Cloud headed towards the connecting door.

“I’ll come?” Denzel held his weapon ready, his eyes anxious.

Cissnei looked at Shelke, still asleep. “I’ll stay.”

Cloud pressed his lips in deliberation at Denzel. “You stay and watch Shelke. Cissnei will watch the engine room. Lock this door. I won’t be far away.” He pushed the button on the door, and it slid open. As he left, he muttered with annoyance, “I hate fighting in trains.”

The sound of gunfire was outside and another explosion further down. Cloud walked through the first carriage, and as he went, he equipped Fang, one of the small swords, and then pulled out Sidewinder with his free hand. He continued on to the next carriage.

Voices were further along, and he stopped ready for them to come through. The door exploded apart and soldiers rushed in and met him with their guns firing away. Deflecting the bullets, he cut into them, sending their bloody bodies slamming into the walls. All of them dead, he started for the next carriage.

Something big landed on the roof, and it was followed by heavy footsteps above him. Through the door a blade flew toward him. He dodged in time and it sunk deep into the metal panel. A slender woman with red tinged skin and scant black armor walked through, armed with a long curved sword. Giving her no opportunity, he slashed into her defense. She was fast enough to keep up with him.

A huge bang reverberated from the adjoining carriage. Cloud could only wonder what was happening to the others, and hope they could hold them off till he got there, but it was concerning they were carrying explosive weapons. Losing all caution, he increased his speed. The melee continued without a break, until he eventually drove the Rosso clone backwards into the wall. Cornered, she could only parry. He thrust Fang into her middle, and she went limp.

“Here you are. The one we seek.” A cold, monotone, voice spoke behind him. “Finally, I can see you fight for myself.”

Cloud spun to face a woman in a dark coat and long black hair, standing in the doorway with a huge ornate broadsword. One of her eyes was covered and she wore a pointed visor. This must be Argento he had heard about. “Who’s we? Genesis?” He rushed her with his larger sword.

Surprise flashed on her face. “Where is that coward traitor? She must be eliminated for her treachery of Deepground’s operations. Along with you.” She parried, and their swords clanged together. “Quick.” She swiped at him with her one weapon, nearly as big as her. “But will you be fast enough?”

Cloud blocked it with more strength than he would normally use. Her sword was packed with power. With her one sword, she blocked and came at him with speed and instincts. In this fight, the confined space was hindering his movements. He needed room. Their weapons swung and hit each other, and sparked off the roof and walls.

She spoke as she parried. “You think you can match me.”

“I’m not interested in talking.” He didn’t even want to say that, because he wanted her to shut up. There was a lot of commotion coming from behind him where Denzel and Shelke was, and it was worrying him.

“Maybe you would be interested in this?” With her sword holding his at bay, she held a ring between her fingers. A wicked smirk came over her face.

Cloud creased his brow with initial confusion. On recognizing it, he boiled with rage at the revelation. “That doesn’t belong to you.” He pressed into her hard, and their weapons clashed together.

“You know about this trinket?” She gripped the ring and held it inches from his face. “That bitch was put in her place.”

He was so angry, he couldn’t speak. That his enemy would flaunt Tifa’s ring in front of me, and taunt him with her fate, enflamed his spirit. His eyes glowing, he rushed at her. She stepped back out into the doorway, and swung up to the roof of the carriage.
Without thinking, he chased her, and facing her sardonic grin, his eyes spiked with outrage. The truth hit him hard – this wasn’t just a fight, it was a personal attack on him.

Alongside them, the other train continued at the same speed. In the cavernous space there was enough room to stand on the racing train. Cloud also had more room to swing, and he connected Fang into the sword on his other hand. She slashed into him and he blocked her while pulling out his Command sword, the largest of them. Two big swords were better than one. But she moved fast and with potent strength. He stood against her thrusts, and delivered his own powerful strikes. All he wanted was the ring.

“That woman was beaten down till she could not rise again.” Argento’s words were a bitter stab and more debilitating than a sword wound.

Dread of the truth overwhelmed him, and he snapped, “If she’s dead, I will never stop coming after you.” He swept into her with his weapons, causing her to jump over the gap and back along the carriage.

“I don’t care about her or this.” With her sword focused on him, she tossed the ring towards him and ran at him with a direct thrust. Her sword glowed as she pressed into him with supernatural strength.

The ring flew past him to the carriage behind and landed on the roof. He skidded to a stop and standing firm to meet her attack, he glanced over his shoulder, pin-pointing its location. He also noticed a hole torn in the metal of the roof. They must have gotten through. Too late, he realized he was lured up onto the roof by her, allowing soldiers to come through the carriages. Damn. Nothing he could do yet, and blocking her, he backed off towards the ring, and jumped back over the gap. It was risky, but he was going for it.

Not letting him go, she dashed at him with sudden acceleration. Instantly, she was before him, striking with deadly force and not giving him any opening. “You want it that much. It did nothing for its last owner.”

Cloud curled his lip up in wrath. “Someone like you would never know what it means.” With the continuous stream of hits and parries, he could not reach the ring without getting hit.

Her giant sword and the air around her arm crackled with energy. He would take the hit in exchange for the ring. Dropping a sword, he crouched.

With lightening reflexes, she kicked the ring out from his grasp and slashed his outstretched arm. With chilling gall, she said, “Someone like me will kill someone like you.”

His arm was bleeding from the deep gash, but that was the least of his cares as he tried reaching for the ring. It spun for a second before teetering off the side of the speeding train. Clenching his fist, Cloud let out an enraged cry. His voice rumbling with hate, he growled, “Wrong move.”

Her emotionless face revealed nothing as her sword belted down more electrified hits.

He snatched up his fallen sword and blocked her attacks. Fire balls shot past and hit lower down the train, and gunfire came from behind and across. Oblivious to everything occurring around him, Cloud fought with Mako formed instincts. “You don’t know who I am.” He drove through her charged blade, and her high level bolts hurt like hell, but rage was his weapon. He hammered her backwards, and nearly over the side. She dug her heels in and propelled her blade into him, in a whirling tempest of incisive strikes that would kill any normal man. It ripped into him, but he didn’t care, he wouldn’t be stopped. He growled with clenched jaw, “That means nothing to me.”

She gritted her teeth and held her parries, as they fought on relentlessly. Finally revealing emotion, she growled, “That bitch is gone, and you will follow her.”

His wrath, and the pressure on his spirit energy escalated. With nothing held back, nor did he want to, he stormed into her with blazing slashes. She finally stumbled back with wounds crossing her body. It wasn’t enough. Anger and the drain on his emotions still consumed him, and without thought, he spun his sword with lightning speed. She flew back and off the train, hitting the roof of the other one, and lay, bloody and unmoving.

Cloud finally noticed the train under his feet had slowed. Dropping a sword, he collapsed on one knee, feeling the extent of his injuries. He watched the other train speed off. “Shit.” He rested his head in his hand and took a deep breath, taking some moments to recover. His arm had mostly healed, but his limbs were dead weights. But it wasn’t the fight making him so burdened. Despite his enemy being disposed of, he felt defeated by her declarations. He sat on his hunches and his chest heaved with anxious grief for the loss of his connection with Tifa, and with his childhood. He tried to reconcile reasonable thought, but he was empty, his mind barren with sorrow and with nothing to cling to. Only doubts… Was Tifa really gone? Did he have to find Deepground to find that out? And what if it’s true? What would he do?

All of a sudden, he was crushed by the raw memory of her touch, and her heartbreaking words in the life-stream. She was saying goodbye…

Taking hold of his weapon again, and with the support of his other sword, he stood. But, I’m not… I can’t… let go yet. Ring or not…

~~ 7 ~~

Denzel stood at the door with his hand over the panel, contemplating whether to lock it or not.

Cissnei stood by the other entryway. “I don’t like hiding between locked doors.”

“Yeah, I kinda agree…” he puckered his mouth up with resolve. “I’m going through.”

She scratched her chin in thought. “Don’t be hasty. You watch that entry, and I’ll guard this one.”

A distant explosion caused the cabin to shake under their feet.

“Maybe I should be locking that door…” Denzel was now really worried about Shelke. He went to her and shook her arm, but she did not come around. “How long does she need anyway?”

Cissnei spun her shuriken in her hand and grinned at him. “Hey, you got me?”

“I’m not worried about you.” Denzel shook his head, trying not to smile.

“Really? You don’t care…?” Cissnei teased with a sparkle in her eyes. “But, didn’t he tell you to stay?”

“Yeah…” Denzel stared through the door’s small square portal. As he watched, the opposite door was blown apart, leaving the edges smoking. “Crap. Someone’s coming…” A soldier carrying a bulky gun with two hands marched through, and he stopped to look
around. “Damn, I don’t think locks are gonna work.” He gave a last look at Shelke. “And I can’t fight him in here.”

Gunfire came from the other exit to the engine. Ready to dash off toward it, Cissnei looked anxiously at him. “Think you can do it?”

Readying his weapon, and concentrating on the Barrier materia, he opened the door. “Yep. I’ll give it a good shot.” He chuckled under his breath at the pun.

Cissnei shook her head. “Crazy kid.” She opened the door that would lead over to the engine room.

Denzel stepped in to meet the soldier from Deepground.

His dark eyes glared at Denzel and his outstretched weapon. Denzel glared back, and planting his feet firm this time, he shot his gun into the newcomer. The blast cast the soldier back into the wall of the cabin and ripped through his black uniform as well as wounding his chest. For a few moments the enemy was stunned, but he shook his head and lifting his great firearm with both hands he got to his feet. “Human worm.” With a bellow he fired at Denzel.

“I’ve been called worse things.” Denzel dodged, and luckily. The weapon shot into the wall, sending glass and steel through the air, and leaving a burning black hole behind. It wasn’t a normal gun, but some sort of detonator weapon. He didn’t think he could deflect that kind of ammo. The firearm rumbled with building power as Denzel rushed in.
Evading the slower weapon, Denzel landed close, and brought his blade down on his opponent. Fire swept over the soldier’s body, but he managed to let off another shot, exploding the side of the wall again, before stumbling back in fiery pain.

“Huh?” Denzel made a face at his blade. Then he felt it, a different materia was in it. When did that happen?

Wounded badly, the soldier staggered, and let off another round. “You can’t run forever.” His mini bomb managed to blow more shrapnel through the air and leave another black crater in the wall. The air raced in and the other train was visible speeding beside them.

“Maybe…” Denzel muttered as he attempted keeping close. Slashing down with his sword, he fired into the soldier with a well-timed shot. His opponent lay crumpled and bleeding.

Within seconds, another soldier appeared at the doorway. The man’s arms were a solid mass of muscle, and his head, which looked unnaturally small for his bulky body, nearly touched the ceiling. He looked down at his dead comrade and his face reddened with wrath. “You’re gonna pay for that!”

He was similar to the man Denzel faced when they rescued Deneh. “That’s… big.” He expired an uneasy breath and fired right at him.

At least he didn’t have a big gun, but he did have a huge flail, that he was swinging around. The shot only managed to hit his arm, and made him angrier. He charged at Denzel with a furious yell, “Stupid human.”

Denzel evaded and swung into a melee attack. The guy was so strong, Denzel could hardly push back the swinging flail from connecting with his body. The chaotic blows of the weapon smashed Denzel’s shoulder, and would have broken it and him, if it weren’t for the Barrier. Even so, his body faltered under the impact. He ducked out from the incoming strikes, and inflicted his own damage with his newly enhanced sword. But the man was determined to bring him down.

His opponent grunted, “Time for your purging.”

“Not that again.” Denzel shot his gun again, right into the soldier’s chest. This time, he felt the drag on his energy. Now he understood, he was being drained by the use of the materia. He had to be careful with what he had.

Despite the critical attack, the big man shook his head and righted himself. Irate voices and shouts came from the next carriage.

More coming through? That can’t be good. Wasn’t Cloud down there?

Encouraged by the sound of his approaching comrades, the giant guy smirked and charged at Denzel. He flung him at the wall with his flail. Denzel’s head hit the steel and his mind spun to the edge of darkness. Gripping the hilt of his weapon, he fastened his thoughts onto the other new materia in the compartment. The only thing that might keep him alive. It was more than Healing power coming over him, but he didn’t have time to consider it.

Blood running into his eyes, Denzel lost hold of his weapon. The Deepground soldier grabbed the back of his jacket and lifted Denzel. He pushed his head and torso out one of the blast holes made earlier. Denzel’s mind was still in a mess, but at least he wasn’t unconscious. On the other hand, the sight of the speeding train outside, made him think it might have been better not to see what was coming.

Amid raucous chuckling, his enemy thrust Denzel out over the fragmented metal. The hot torn plate and shards of glass cut into his stomach and he braced himself against the whipping wind. He placed both hands on the side of the train, and fought not to be tipped out, or sliced in two. What a way to go. He didn’t know which one would be worse.

Down below on the center join of the carriage’s panel, something caught his eye. He squinted with curiosity. As he was pushed further out, the metal dug into his flesh and he cried out at the excruciating pain. The Barrier was the only thing preventing him being cut to pieces.

He reached down and across to get a better view of the thing shifting against a bolt. He avoided looking down at the tracks, and tried not to think what would happen to Cloud when he found out about his demise. It pained him more to think how Cloud would react to his death, than his own fear about the inevitable moment. The Deepground soldier clutched Denzel’s leg inside the cabin, causing Denzel’s body to be flush against the panel outside. Buttressing himself against the train with his hands, he decided he’d rather be thrown out than sliced. He gritted his teeth and hoped it would be quick.

Suddenly, the vice grip on his leg disappeared and he started falling. Within seconds, something grabbed his ankles. His racing heart was in his throat, and his whole body was almost out of the train. “Really?!” he cried out of incredulous disbelief at his perilous predicament, “Unbelieveable…”

A series of cracks came from behind him and something hefty hit the wall, tittering the cabin to the left side, and he dangled out dangerously far. Gunfire and a stream of angry voices were inside.

“…going for it.” Hanging outside with his ankles held firm, he stretched and walked his hands across the panel. The fragmented steel now dug into his shins and he growled with the pain. A sphere of fire further down made the carriage jump and the thing he was trying to reach bounced. “Shit…” he mumbled through a dry tight throat.

The train clattered and jumped again. Stretching to his limit without falling head first and killing himself, he grabbed the object as it jolted up. The bump caused him to fall on the sharp metal and he yowled at the increasing agony. He swore as he realized he couldn’t get back up on his own. He was left swinging and thumping on the side of the train with something odd holding his ankles.

“I’ve got you, laddie.” Cait was holding onto the upper edge of the hole, and with his red cape flying in the wind, he swung out with one foot on Denzel’s hip and one of the sharp ledge. “Hold on.”

Was that really an option? He wasn’t actually the one holding on either. No, he was stuck. But if Cait was there, who had a hold of Denzel? Must be that mogg. So that’s why it was soft and comfortable, like a cushion. Bullets hit the wall inside in a repetitive burst. Were they still fighting?

“AAah!” Cait yelled, and disappeared inside, “How dare you, you abomination. I will tolerate that no longer.”

An enraged roar of defiance followed and a booming crash.

“Oh, that’s very helpful.” Cait reappeared on the ledge, and over the noise of the train yelled at Denzel, “It’s probably safer you’re out there than in here.”

“You think that,” Denzel muttered to himself.

Finally all gunfire and commotion had ceased. He noticed the other train was speeding away while they slowed down. The mogg yanked him up and through the hole without any thought or consideration to do it gently. Denzel’s flesh burned from the cuts and abrasions. Landing on the floor, he doubled over in agony, moaning, as the Barrier wore off.

Shelke crouched by him and the Mogg bounced off his feet. Blood from his head wound had pooled into his hair. She touched his bleeding head. “You’re already healing, but I will quicken it.”

Cait stood, grasping his head in relief. “You’re still alive. Thank every God there is.” He yanked a handkerchief out from somewhere and passed it to Shelke.

Denzel winced and squinted at his surroundings. The big soldier was flat out with what looked like a hole in his chest. Amongst the one he killed earlier, other soldiers, not as large, were also dead. The cabin was a wreck, and looked like a freezer, covered in ice. “That’s why… it’s cold…” He shivered and his teeth chattered in the icy air. On top of his pain, he was now freezing.

“Mmm, perhaps I did underestimate the added effect.” Cait stroked his chin in contemplation of his handiwork. “Not too worry, there are other cabins.”

Shelke swept her hand over Denzel’s body, and healing energy coursed through him. She shook her head with disbelief. “You’re very lucky.”

“I reckon…” He slowly sat up and leaned against the cold wall. Very glad to be inside instead of the track two hundred meters behind.

~~ 7 ~~

Cloud sheathed his blades and climbed down from the roof. Despite his dejection and weariness, he wanted to find out what happened to the others, especially Denzel. There was too much activity occurring on the train while he was preoccupied up top.

Nanaki and Deneh caught up with him. Nanaki said, “They fired at the outside of the back carriage.”

“That might explain why we’re moving so slow.” Cloud sighed. “At least you’re not hurt.”

“There were many explosions,” Deneh added, “It was a tight fight, but we managed to overpower our enemy.”

“Although, a few escaped,” Nanaki growled.

Cloud’s mouth formed a grim line. “And now they’re speeding off to warn Deepground.”

They arrived at the next cabin and entered into the chilly air. Shocked, he glanced at all the destruction and the others sitting and slouching against the walls. “What happened here?” Anguish hit him on sight of Denzel and the remnants of blood down his face that Shelke was attempting to wipe away with a red cloth.

Denzel rubbed his arms. “I’m not really sure…”

“Why is everyone sitting in this cold place?” Nanaki cringed at the dead bodies. “With these?”

“It’s not by choice, I can assure you.” Cait tried to stop himself from shivering. “We have been busy combating a most heinous creature, actually several.”

“I really don’t care where I sit.” Cloud collapsed against the wall near the others. He frowned at Denzel and his torn and bloody clothing. “Are you hurt?”

“Nah… not now. Shelke healed me.” He managed a half-grin and gazed down at his pants, ripped around his thighs and shins. “I look a mess though.” He scratched at dried blood on his face.

“Not now, he says!” Cait sang, “Thanks to Shelke, we survived. I saw my life flash before my eyes, and my death.” He put his hand on Denzel’s shoulder. “And yours too.”

Shelke said to the cat, “You were doing a good job on your own.” She looked around at the cabin.

Cait gave her a big cheesy grin, and his eyes became slits. “Except someone had to save the lad.” He said to Denzel, “But, what by mighty Odin, were you doing out there? I thought you were done for.”

Cloud looked up from the floor. It concerned him he wasn’t there to save him, but he was grateful the others were looking out for him. “Outside?”

Denzel, his knuckles white, opened his fingers, revealing the platinum ring sitting in his hand. “Yes! Thought I recognized it.” His eyes glowed with triumphant and he grinned broadly. “Cloud.” He tossed it to him.

Cloud caught it. Astonished, he held it in his palm and stared with somber wonder. “You found it?” The feel of the ring in his hand, ignited his hope, and his eyes came alive with purpose.

Denzel thumbed towards the hole in the carriage. “Out there on the side of the train. Weird.”

“Incredibly fortunate,” Shelke said.

Stunned, Cloud stared at Denzel. “You were out there?”

Nanaki padded up to Cloud and examined the ring. “Is that?”

“Hanging on for his life.” Shelke stood tall and peeked over the hole.

Denzel grumbled, “Not really, someone was holding me…”

“Aha,” Cait stood with his arms on his hips as if he was the hero. “More than luck. It’s a sign and fate! Besides you nearly died getting it, and I did too.”

Denzel’s eyes were eager for confirmation. “It’s a clue? Tifa was here…”

“But how would it get out there?” Shelke furrowed her brow at him in confusion. “It would never have stayed there that long.”

“No.” Cloud shook his head, and his eyes were consumed with the ring. “… It’s… I told her I would get it back.”

“Huh?” Denzel tilted his head, puzzled by his enigmatic remark.

Cloud smiled at his bewilderment. “Tell you another time.” He put the ring away in his pocket amongst his other special things.

Shelke walked to the dead soldiers. She crouched to examine their attire, and picked up the huge firearm. It was half her size.

Denzel said, “Dibs on the big gun.”

Cloud shook his head at him. “It’s a detonator weapon. It has its uses, but it’s slow.”

She held it in her hands, turning it over in fascination. “This weapon… it appears to be powered by some sort of ethereal substance.”

“Whatever it is, it did a lot of damage, that’s for sure,” Denzel’s eyes skimmed over all the blast marks with black spreading out from the edges.

Cait looked it over with a thoughtful frown. “It’s not, lifestream, is it?”

Shelke ran her hand down the containment. “It’s like lifestream, but poisonous. I don’t think you would want to use it, Denzel.”

Cloud’s face darkened with realization. “Jenova.”

“You mean, in the weapon?” Denzel’s eyes widened with shock as he looked at the walls again. “Yeah, I don’t want it.”

“They’re even putting it in weapons now.” With a weary sigh, Cloud stood with a heavy heart. He reached down for Denzel’s hand. “You know I’m…”

Denzel took it and slowly got to his feet. His legs shook and nearly failed him.

Cloud put his arm around his back, holding him steady, and he walked him to the exploded door and through to the next cabin. “… even if something happens to us. I’m glad you’re here. Don’t even think otherwise.”

Denzel flushed and mumbled, “I’m glad too… even if….” He fumbled his words, “… I’m glad for everything…”

“But – “ Cloud’s tone became firm, “I don’t want to lose you. You are more important than a ring. No more risky moves.” It was that parent voice again, when did Cloud get so accustomed to that? Or was he really talking to himself? Damn, he had to remember it wasn’t safe for Denzel to fight alone.

“Well… I….” Denzel lowered his eyes and muttered, “I’ll try.”

Cloud rubbed Denzel’s back, happy he would agree. But he wondered if he would actually listen. “Anyway, I owe you one.” He was still amazed Tifa’s ring was now safe in his pocket.

Denzel gave a dry chuckle. “No way. It makes up for all the millions I owe you.”

An image of Denzel when they first met came to mind. A sick scared vulnerable kid who had nothing and no-one. All Cloud did was offer him a place to stay. How little did Cloud know back then what an impact the child would have on his life. He had become so important to him that he couldn’t bare if something happened to him, and right now, Denzel was the only one who could help him if Tifa really was gone. Suddenly it seemed reversed, Cloud was relying on Denzel, as if he was a calming balm for his troubled spirit, and would give him the impetus he needed. “I meant what I said. I’m glad.”

“But,” Denzel looked sheepish. “Don’t do anything rash?”

Cloud lowered him to the seat and smiled. “Couldn’t have said it better myself.”

They others followed behind, and Nanaki, Deneh, and Cait all made themselves comfortable in the cabin. The Mogg came up the rear after squeezing through the door.

Shelke stood over Denzel and her eyes shone with reprimand. “We could be facing some ruthless opponents. You must be ready and take every precaution.”

Denzel blew out an exasperated sigh.

Cait yawned, his little arms stretched high. “I wonder if it’s nap time again.”

“There’s no time to sleep.” Shelke flexed her arms, and paced the cabin with a bounce in her step. “Our enemy is waiting.”

Cloud said, “Yes, and we need to keep watching each other’s backs.” Him included. The skirmishes were bringing back some lapsed memories of teamwork and how important it was. Once again he was fighting alongside others, and he had to consider everyone’s strengths, along with weaknesses.

“Well said.” Veld stepped through the doorway from the engine room and put away his gun at the sight of them. His gaze covered everyone in the cabin. “Look’s as if everyone is here and in one piece.”

“Yeah, we’re good.” Cloud turned to face him. “And you?”

“Cissnei and I held them off from the engine,” Veld replied, “It seemed their aim was to destroy it. They were not successful.”

Shelke came to stand beside Cloud and she stared up at Veld, who towered over her. “In that case why did they board the train at all? They could have disabled it from a distance.”

“And they have, partially,” Veld replied, “I might assume they were unsure who was aboard. They found out when I fired on them.”

“You took a few out?” Denzel asked with a look of awe.

“There’s a trail of bodies down the track.” Veld paused. “I don’t keep count.” He looked down at Denzel, his face grim. “Glad to see you inside the train, and not on the outside of it.”

Denzel flushed and scratched his hand through his hair. “Yeah… you saw that…”

Cloud pursed his lips as he struggled with his guilt at not being there for Denzel in the dangerous situation. “It wasn’t only that they wanted to stop the train. They wanted to find out who was here and kill them,” he finished with some irritation.

Cait stood up suddenly from his seat. “That is correct. They just kept coming and coming.”

Veld put his hand on his waist and touched his weapon. He gave Cloud a shrewd gaze. “There would have been a lot more if I wasn’t here.”

“There’s a whole bunch in the next carriage.” Denzel looked towards the door. “Dead.”

Nanaki spoke up from where he sat by the bench. “Deneh and I faced many of these soldiers.”

“So did I.” Cloud scanned everyone’s tired faces, realizing how hard they all fought against so many. “I’m willing to bet they sent nearly everyone on that train over here. Even a Rosso Clone.”

“As well as an enhanced human with great strength,” Shelke added.

“And one of Deepground’s elite.” Veld’s eyes glowed with admiration. “You delivered a crucial blow to the enemy by killing her. The one called Argento.”

Cloud’s shoulders dropped with weariness, the battle was far from over. “Let’s hope so.”
He didn’t want to see her again, unless it was to gloat over the return of Tifa’s ring.

Shelke, her blue eyes shining with recognition, blinked up at Cloud. “Argento, was here?”

“That’s the one,” Cloud said, “She knew who I was, and wanted to fight me.”

“They’re looking for us?” Denzel sat up with excitement.

Cloud sighed. “Probably.” It was not a good thing.

“Argento is not front line combat,” Shelke looked thoughtful, “She was Weapons Master, and she commanded Espionage and cleanup.”

Denzel gave her a puzzled stare. “Cleanup?”

Shelke replied, “Those who were too weak, and anyone who wouldn’t comply.”

Denzel gaped with his mouth open. “ahh… execution?”

Shelke lowered her gaze to the floor. “She may have come for me.”

Cloud said, “You and me both. Whatever she was, she was a powerful foe to fight.”

“They sent her to deal with us,” Veld said to Cloud, “and from what I saw, most likely you.”

Cloud remembered the conversation he had with Argento about Tifa. Could Veld have heard it from that distance? “Maybe….” Would she really come all that way to tell him about Tifa, and show him the ring? Did she hope to lower his moral in some way? Maybe, but it did bring about her own death. “But I do know we’re on the right track.”

Denzel chuckled under his breath.

Cloud gave him a half-grin, but humour was fleeting, and fatigue from his fight on the roof was hitting him.

Veld smiled. “Except riding on this train will soon be too dangerous. Now they know we are coming.”

“That’s what I’m worried about.” Cloud sighed.

Cait groaned. “We’ll have to walk again and then fight an army.”

“We can take it as far as we can go.” Veld shrugged. “We are so few, and they have military numbers, plus heavy weapons, maybe even enhanced.”

“One of the weapons appear to be enhanced with a substance I’ve not seen before,” Shelke replied.

“And it’s not something we want to use,” Cloud said in warning.

Shelke nodded. “Now I understand. Argento is a weapons designer and crafter. She has the expertise to create unique weapons.”

Veld scratched his chin and eyed him with concern. “If that is the case they have been disabled. Although I assume they have the designs already in place.”

Cloud shrugged. It was the least of his worries. “We will be stretched with whatever we face. We have to be smart and careful with how we move.”

“My word!” Cait fell back on the seat. “We’ll be moving very slowly on this train. How’s it all going to end…?”

Denzel threw himself back onto the backrest. “At least we’re still moving.”

“But we are now delayed.” Veld gave an irritated sigh.

Cloud gave the cat a piercing stare. “I’ll contact Reeve and find out what news he has, and tell him where we are.”

“Hopefully they’re okay,” Denzel said, somberly.

Cloud gave a sharp nod. “We’ll find out.” Now that he had the ring back, hope and determination to keep going was returning to his thoughts. “But I want to follow after that train,” he was getting closer to a destination and finding Tifa, “and see where it takes us.”