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Description
FFVII
The Enemy Talks

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 mine. Thank you.

THE ENEMY TALKS

Denzel raced up the staircase, as wide as a road and curving around the tower. He ran with his legs aching and chest heaving, but he still wasn’t going fast enough. His body was nearly giving out. Maybe he didn’t recover enough from his earlier wounds? There was nothing he could do about that. How far was it to the damn top anyway?

Nanaki bounded up to him and past. “I’ll go up.” He ran on.

“Yeah, you go.” Denzel puffed hard, watching Nanaki’s fire tail disappear around the turn. It’s alright for some. The more seconds that passed, the more danger Cloud might be in. He wondered if his heart could stand the tension.

Finally, he heard the snarls of the creature, and Denzel skittered onto the top floor, not really knowing what to expect, but knowing he had to do something. The twelve foot monster loomed over Cloud’s inert form.

It had a humanoid appearance, but was more monster than man. Fleshy appendages, with irregular bumps, protruded from its back, the same lumps were on its arms that dragged on the floor. Its long face wore a twisted expression, and a wide mouth had barbed teeth. Over its scalp, were patches of dark hair trailing down its back and shoulders in a stringy mess. Glowing red eyes observed Denzel’s arrival, and it curled its lip up, exposing more teeth. Whatever the thing was, it was grotesque.

Nanaki had a hold of its bulging arm with his teeth, and he was dragging it down and off balance. Blue mist came from Nanaki’s mouth and spread over the monster’s flesh. It raised its face and growled to the rocks above while scratching at the red cat. Nanaki sunk his teeth in further and would not let go.

Denzel could see why. Cloud lay meters from the monster’s unpredictable radius, and too far for Denzel to see if he was wounded, or even breathing. Without any thought, Denzel moved closer and fired into the unnatural entity. His electrified shots slammed into the thing’s chest, pushing it back. At the kick-back of the weapon, Denzel shouted his rage. Billowing adrenaline kept him shooting again and again, regardless of the drain of the gun. His wrath apparent, he bellowed, “Back off, you fucker!” His outburst a result of too much time around Barret, but in the moment it explained his mood completely. Shooting repeatedly, Denzel attempted to maintain the upper hand. He had enough sense to know he didn’t have the strength to withstand a physical assault if the creature got the chance.

Nanaki tore at the limb turned to ice. After some shaking, he cracked the outer sheath. The monster flung him wide, and Nanaki skidded along the floor, finally coming to a stop.
The thing was mad, but worse than that, it was now free. Despite one arm appearing useless, and shrieking with pain, it was headed to the one spraying its body with bolts.

“Denzel!” Nanaki cried, and jumped towards the creature. With one swing of its giant reach, it spun Nanaki away.

As if Denzel needed a warning. Nanaki’s attack did nothing to stop the creature stomping towards him, making the stone shake under its heavy footfalls. Intent on Denzel, it brushed against Cloud, not caring about the prone body, and its clenched fists emanated a deep red.

“This is gonna hurt,” Denzel muttered. He aimed his weapon, and in the same moment, the monster’s long arm swiped at him, sending his shot ripping through the floor. Claw-like fingers cut his clothes, and scratched his flesh. Thank Gaia, there was just enough Barrier left, but even so, the force knocked him off his feet and flipped him down onto his stomach, inches from the lip of the platform. He lay there, winded and unable to move. His fingers remained around his weapon, but he could not lift it to defend himself. Grasping for air, he raised his head. The monster’s face twisted with rage, but Denzel noticed something else. “Great…” he rasped, “… you’re awake…” he gulped air and tasted blood on his lip.

Cloud opened his eyes to flat pale stone, and the ground moving under his body. His thoughts still anchored on Tifa, it took him moments of disorientation till his senses engaged with the activity around him. Everything became clear when he spotted the man-like monster thudding towards Denzel, sprawled on his stomach a few feet away. Nanaki stood behind it, his teeth flashing and his breath misting, ready to pounce.

Grabbing his swords, Cloud jumped to meet it. The monster that seemed to be an enormous deformed man had multiple wounds on its chest, the red-purple blood running down its front. Denzel and Nanaki must have done it a lot of damage, and it was still standing. Most likely its strength and endurance were enhanced. “Hey,” he yelled, making it pay attention, “You can fight me now.”

The strange monster whirled towards Cloud. It gave a human sounding growl, and there was some intelligence sparking in its eyes. Cloud almost wondered if the thing was going to speak. Despite its wounds, and arm appearing immobile, it swung at Cloud with a fist flaming red.

Cloud dodged, and cut into it, his blade only grazing its toughened flesh. Keeping half an eye on the monster, Cloud swiveled enough to see Denzel. “Denzel,” he called, “Can you hold on?” If his injuries were serious, he would go to him straight away, and leave the enemy to Nanaki. It would be risky, but better than Denzel dying before he got to him.

Denzel lifted his head and gave him a thumps-up. With a painful grunt, he rolled onto his back and way from the edge.

Cloud nodded and turned his attention back to the monster. With so much on his mind, he really wasn’t in the mood for combat. This would have to be quick.

Breathing heavily, the creature paused, and green energy suddenly covered its bloody flesh, mending the skin. While it was still healing, it came at Cloud, its good arm swinging hits at a fast pace. Striking with increased weight, Cloud moved in before it could heal itself completely. The half frozen arm blocked Cloud’s attack. It pushed on his blade, and his feet slid back. He was right, his strength was beyond normal.

Nanaki circled around and latched onto its leg, and he hauled him back like an attacking dog.

Cloud sliced into its rigid skin again, this time with more force. It was taking too long as far as Cloud was concerned, and when Denzel lay there, needing aid.

Ice started to spread down its thigh muscles, and Cloud cleaved into its arm while dragging Fang across its stomach, flaring up all the previous healed blows. Tripping over its hardened leg, it fell back with a mighty thump, cracking the stone beneath it. In a haze of black and green, it transformed. A man lay there, his body covered in bloody gashes. He attempted lifting his head, but it fell back, and he grimaced in pain.

Cloud recognized him as the one he had been chasing. He also remembered he wanted information from him. On one knee, he knelt by his side and looked down into the man’s bearded face, normal for the most part, except for his dark eyes, filled with wrath. “You have…” the man’s voice was a faint rasp, “…betrayed us…”

Betrayed? Cloud was sick of hearing it, and he shook his head. He wasn’t really sure what he meant, but he was beginning to guess. Either way he didn’t care. “Where are you taking the people?”

“To Weiss for cleansing…”

Nanaki joined Cloud, sitting opposite him. He hung his face over the man, his one eye peering grimly.

“Where?” Cloud shouted.

The corner of the man’s mouth curled up, either in pain or anger, and he remained silent.

Cloud was too enraged to know what to ask, he wanted to throttle him, but he was already near death. He would only be hastening it.

“What do you know of the Cetras?” Nanaki’s mellow voice was almost calming.

Cloud gave Nanaki a sharp inquisitive look.

At the mention of them, the wounded man scowled at Nanaki with a look of disgust. “The cowards are in hiding, like the rats they are. They know they are defeated.”

Denzel had hobbled over, nearly doubled over, and he was clutching his side. With a groan he sat, almost pushing Cloud over due to his imbalance. “Who…” he coughed and spluttered.

Cloud laid his hand on his shoulder, filling his body with healing essence and restoring his damaged bones.

Denzel cleared his throat and continued, “Who are you?”

The enemy’s glare shifted to Denzel and his eyes took in the light circulating over his torso. “A Harbinger.”

Cloud’s eyes flicked wider, startled by the name that he had heard in the past in connection with Jenova. There was nothing good attached to that name. Now he had a better idea what the man was referring to. It had been the same with the Remnants. He muttered, “Heaven’s dark harbinger. The calamity from the skies…”

“Who?” Denzel pulled a face of confusion.

“Children of Jenova.” The man gave a groan of pain, but managed to speak. “New heirs of the promised land.”

“The promised land…?” Was it really a place? Something in Cloud was stirred by his words, as if he understood his thoughts and passion. If he opened that door within himself, all would be made clear, including this ‘promised land’. It was a sudden heady sensation, luring him to discover the way these people think, and a higher power. All his fears and inhibitions would fade away and he would be above it all. He had felt this before, and he had taken that door. But…

“Your rightful home.” The Harbinger seemed to see recognition in Cloud’s eyes, and he addressed him alone. “Yield to the force within and you will wield great power over us, even greater than Weiss. You will find what you are seeking. The location of your people.”

Like a pain in his heart, Cloud sensed it. The truth. He would know the mind of the enemy, and he would even know where Tifa is. Such power came with a deadly cost. He closed his eyes, his brow creasing in deliberation. But…

“He already has great power,” Denzel retorted.

Cloud smiled on the inside. He couldn’t go down that road again. Denzel, for one, would never let him. All he wanted was Tifa, but not at the lose of himself, and everyone else. Cloud reacted with an angry growl, “Where is Genesis?”

The Harbinger frowned with hatred. “That one… he’s in control of the Crimson Army.”

“Where are they?” Cloud’s eyes glowed to a heated blue. At least now he had confirmation. Genesis really was alive.

“Though I despise him, I cannot tell you. His location is undisclosed.”

Denzel leaned closer and said, “What are they doing with this purification set-up?”

“Purging the planet and empowering Jenova.”

“He’s doing it without the ‘key’, the missing component?” Denzel asked.

“That is a myth, created by our enemies to make us afraid.” His voice rose in defiance, “Even if it were true, you’ll be too late.”

Cloud gritted his teeth, attempting to control his temper. “What does this key do?” Myth or not, even his enemy knew of the damn thing.

The Harbinger bared his teeth in a grimace, but would not answer.

“Too late for what?” Denzel’s eyes watched him with eagerness.

“Jenova’s awakening.” He wheezed and blood dribbled from his mouth into his beard.

Cloud shared a concerned look with Nanaki and Denzel. Cloud snapped, “Where?”

“It’s not… revealed,” his voice grated, “But the whole planet will know when it happens…”

Denzel cried “What can stop it? This key?”

Cloud stared at the man with building rage, and he answered for him, “White materia?”

“You’ll never get it.” He breathed out in a sudden cry of triumph.

“Someone’s got the black materia?” Cloud reached his hand around the Harbinger’s neck. Unable to restrain his anger, he shook him. “Where is it?”

The man’s head rolled back and he was gone from them.

“Damn it!” Cloud stood abruptly and clenched his fists. “And somehow Tifa’s involved in all of this. Does this get any worse?” He offered Denzel his hand and he helped him to his feet. Cloud walked away from the man’s body. It felt like the past was coming back with grievous force. Was he always going to be caught in this loop? He wanted answers and now he had this, more problems, problems that affected the whole planet. Just like before. Tifa or the planet, would it come down to this? He had to think clearly, but he only felt angry and frustrated. He took a much needed deep breath.

Nanaki jumped over the body and followed him. “What has this to do with Tifa?”

“She’s…” Cloud sighed. Her voice and touch were still affecting his senses, as if she had been there moments ago, in his arms, and in effect she was. “… Deepground have taken her.”

“I see.” Nanaki paused and studied Cloud for a moment, his thoughts unreadable. “This is dire news. I will do all I can to assist you.”

Cloud nodded, appreciating the kindness of an old friend, and he realized he hadn’t even greeted him yet. “It’s good to see you’re safe.”

“Yes. Denzel and Shelke released me, guided by Deneh.”

Denzel stopped walking and picked up his gun-blade. “They’re down there now with Elfie.”

Cloud turned to Nanaki. “What do you know about Cetras?”

“Grandfather sent me on a quest.”

“Bugenhagen? You spoke with him?” Cloud said with some surprise, although he shouldn’t be. That old guy was the strangest person he had ever met, and Cloud had the impression that even death couldn’t hold him back.

“He reached a peaceful place, but now he is troubled.” Nanaki’s voice saddened. “He says it is time to find the Cetras. He sent me here.”

Denzel said, “He knows about the Cetras?”

Nanaki nodded his mane. “It seems so. Grandfather says Gaia has spoken to him.”

“I see.” Denzel slid his weapon in to the holder at his back. “That’s pretty cool. And here you are.”

“And there are no Cetras.” Nanaki’s sorrowful tone continued, and he hung his head, his nose nearly touching the stone. “I have failed.”

Cloud let them talk and he stepped away. He stopped near the edge of the floor, and looked out at the dark cavernous space. He closed his eyes, turning his mind to another view, as if maybe he could find her through his thoughts.

“Depends how you look at it,” Denzel went on. “You found us, so that’s got to have some merit. Actually we were looking for Cetras too, in a round about way, as we’re searching for Tifa and Marlene…”

“Marlene is gone also?” Nanaki said.

Denzel explained what had been happening since Tifa and Marlene were abducted.

Cloud stood with his back to them, not hearing their discussion. All he could see was Tifa, alone and afraid, out there somewhere, and he had no idea where. Tifa, where are you?

“Cloud, we better find the others,” Denzel’s voice broke through his heartache. “Cloud? Are you okay?”

Cloud shook his head, attempting to fix some thoughts on the present situation. Turning to face them, he replied, “Yeah,” his eyes skirted over their worried expressions, and he eventually spoke, although with some reluctance. “…I’ve seen Tifa…”

Denzel’s eyes lit up and he cried, “But— just now?” He stopped, as if sensing the solemnity of the moment, and he nodded and watched him with a foreboding expression.

“In the life-stream?” Nanaki’s ear’s pricked up.

“Yeah,” Cloud pressed his lips together, he could hardly speak of her. It only made it more real and painful. How can something like that even be explained?

“Did she say where she is?” Denzel’s eyes were brimming with a hunger for information.

Cloud gazed at him with wonder. He always had an air of optimism about him, as if everything would work out somehow. “She said she was on a train.”

“The track?!” Denzel cried.

Cloud nodded his agreement. “Most likely.”

“I have seen the track,” Nanaki added, “There is a train too. We saw it when we came in.”

“Great!” Denzel made a fist out of excitement. “We can take it. Not that I know how to drive a train, but how hard can it be? Shelke probably could.” As if noticing Cloud’s melancholy, he softened his tone and said, “Is she… okay?”

No. She’s not at all. “She also said Marlene escaped.” Cloud knew he was avoiding his question, but he didn’t have the heart to speak of Tifa’s pain aloud. “She might be underground somewhere.”

“At least she’s not with Deepground,” Denzel’s face switched to one of alarm. “But that means, she’s wondering around these caves?”

Cloud’s mouth formed a thin line of anxiety and he sighed. “I don’t even know where to start looking for her.”

Description
FFVII
The Enemy Talks

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 mine. Thank you.

THE ENEMY TALKS

Denzel raced up the staircase, as wide as a road and curving around the tower. He ran with his legs aching and chest heaving, but he still wasn’t going fast enough. His body was nearly giving out. Maybe he didn’t recover enough from his earlier wounds? There was nothing he could do about that. How far was it to the damn top anyway?

Nanaki bounded up to him and past. “I’ll go up.” He ran on.

“Yeah, you go.” Denzel puffed hard, watching Nanaki’s fire tail disappear around the turn. It’s alright for some. The more seconds that passed, the more danger Cloud might be in. He wondered if his heart could stand the tension.

Finally, he heard the snarls of the creature, and Denzel skittered onto the top floor, not really knowing what to expect, but knowing he had to do something. The twelve foot monster loomed over Cloud’s inert form.

It had a humanoid appearance, but was more monster than man. Fleshy appendages, with irregular bumps, protruded from its back, the same lumps were on its arms that dragged on the floor. Its long face wore a twisted expression, and a wide mouth had barbed teeth. Over its scalp, were patches of dark hair trailing down its back and shoulders in a stringy mess. Glowing red eyes observed Denzel’s arrival, and it curled its lip up, exposing more teeth. Whatever the thing was, it was grotesque.

Nanaki had a hold of its bulging arm with his teeth, and he was dragging it down and off balance. Blue mist came from Nanaki’s mouth and spread over the monster’s flesh. It raised its face and growled to the rocks above while scratching at the red cat. Nanaki sunk his teeth in further and would not let go.

Denzel could see why. Cloud lay meters from the monster’s unpredictable radius, and too far for Denzel to see if he was wounded, or even breathing. Without any thought, Denzel moved closer and fired into the unnatural entity. His electrified shots slammed into the thing’s chest, pushing it back. At the kick-back of the weapon, Denzel shouted his rage. Billowing adrenaline kept him shooting again and again, regardless of the drain of the gun. His wrath apparent, he bellowed, “Back off, you fucker!” His outburst a result of too much time around Barret, but in the moment it explained his mood completely. Shooting repeatedly, Denzel attempted to maintain the upper hand. He had enough sense to know he didn’t have the strength to withstand a physical assault if the creature got the chance.

Nanaki tore at the limb turned to ice. After some shaking, he cracked the outer sheath. The monster flung him wide, and Nanaki skidded along the floor, finally coming to a stop.
The thing was mad, but worse than that, it was now free. Despite one arm appearing useless, and shrieking with pain, it was headed to the one spraying its body with bolts.

“Denzel!” Nanaki cried, and jumped towards the creature. With one swing of its giant reach, it spun Nanaki away.

As if Denzel needed a warning. Nanaki’s attack did nothing to stop the creature stomping towards him, making the stone shake under its heavy footfalls. Intent on Denzel, it brushed against Cloud, not caring about the prone body, and its clenched fists emanated a deep red.

“This is gonna hurt,” Denzel muttered. He aimed his weapon, and in the same moment, the monster’s long arm swiped at him, sending his shot ripping through the floor. Claw-like fingers cut his clothes, and scratched his flesh. Thank Gaia, there was just enough Barrier left, but even so, the force knocked him off his feet and flipped him down onto his stomach, inches from the lip of the platform. He lay there, winded and unable to move. His fingers remained around his weapon, but he could not lift it to defend himself. Grasping for air, he raised his head. The monster’s face twisted with rage, but Denzel noticed something else. “Great…” he rasped, “… you’re awake…” he gulped air and tasted blood on his lip.

Cloud opened his eyes to flat pale stone, and the ground moving under his body. His thoughts still anchored on Tifa, it took him moments of disorientation till his senses engaged with the activity around him. Everything became clear when he spotted the man-like monster thudding towards Denzel, sprawled on his stomach a few feet away. Nanaki stood behind it, his teeth flashing and his breath misting, ready to pounce.

Grabbing his swords, Cloud jumped to meet it. The monster that seemed to be an enormous deformed man had multiple wounds on its chest, the red-purple blood running down its front. Denzel and Nanaki must have done it a lot of damage, and it was still standing. Most likely its strength and endurance were enhanced. “Hey,” he yelled, making it pay attention, “You can fight me now.”

The strange monster whirled towards Cloud. It gave a human sounding growl, and there was some intelligence sparking in its eyes. Cloud almost wondered if the thing was going to speak. Despite its wounds, and arm appearing immobile, it swung at Cloud with a fist flaming red.

Cloud dodged, and cut into it, his blade only grazing its toughened flesh. Keeping half an eye on the monster, Cloud swiveled enough to see Denzel. “Denzel,” he called, “Can you hold on?” If his injuries were serious, he would go to him straight away, and leave the enemy to Nanaki. It would be risky, but better than Denzel dying before he got to him.

Denzel lifted his head and gave him a thumps-up. With a painful grunt, he rolled onto his back and way from the edge.

Cloud nodded and turned his attention back to the monster. With so much on his mind, he really wasn’t in the mood for combat. This would have to be quick.

Breathing heavily, the creature paused, and green energy suddenly covered its bloody flesh, mending the skin. While it was still healing, it came at Cloud, its good arm swinging hits at a fast pace. Striking with increased weight, Cloud moved in before it could heal itself completely. The half frozen arm blocked Cloud’s attack. It pushed on his blade, and his feet slid back. He was right, his strength was beyond normal.

Nanaki circled around and latched onto its leg, and he hauled him back like an attacking dog.

Cloud sliced into its rigid skin again, this time with more force. It was taking too long as far as Cloud was concerned, and when Denzel lay there, needing aid.

Ice started to spread down its thigh muscles, and Cloud cleaved into its arm while dragging Fang across its stomach, flaring up all the previous healed blows. Tripping over its hardened leg, it fell back with a mighty thump, cracking the stone beneath it. In a haze of black and green, it transformed. A man lay there, his body covered in bloody gashes. He attempted lifting his head, but it fell back, and he grimaced in pain.

Cloud recognized him as the one he had been chasing. He also remembered he wanted information from him. On one knee, he knelt by his side and looked down into the man’s bearded face, normal for the most part, except for his dark eyes, filled with wrath. “You have…” the man’s voice was a faint rasp, “…betrayed us…”

Betrayed? Cloud was sick of hearing it, and he shook his head. He wasn’t really sure what he meant, but he was beginning to guess. Either way he didn’t care. “Where are you taking the people?”

“To Weiss for cleansing…”

Nanaki joined Cloud, sitting opposite him. He hung his face over the man, his one eye peering grimly.

“Where?” Cloud shouted.

The corner of the man’s mouth curled up, either in pain or anger, and he remained silent.

Cloud was too enraged to know what to ask, he wanted to throttle him, but he was already near death. He would only be hastening it.

“What do you know of the Cetras?” Nanaki’s mellow voice was almost calming.

Cloud gave Nanaki a sharp inquisitive look.

At the mention of them, the wounded man scowled at Nanaki with a look of disgust. “The cowards are in hiding, like the rats they are. They know they are defeated.”

Denzel had hobbled over, nearly doubled over, and he was clutching his side. With a groan he sat, almost pushing Cloud over due to his imbalance. “Who…” he coughed and spluttered.

Cloud laid his hand on his shoulder, filling his body with healing essence and restoring his damaged bones.

Denzel cleared his throat and continued, “Who are you?”

The enemy’s glare shifted to Denzel and his eyes took in the light circulating over his torso. “A Harbinger.”

Cloud’s eyes flicked wider, startled by the name that he had heard in the past in connection with Jenova. There was nothing good attached to that name. Now he had a better idea what the man was referring to. It had been the same with the Remnants. He muttered, “Heaven’s dark harbinger. The calamity from the skies…”

“Who?” Denzel pulled a face of confusion.

“Children of Jenova.” The man gave a groan of pain, but managed to speak. “New heirs of the promised land.”

“The promised land…?” Was it really a place? Something in Cloud was stirred by his words, as if he understood his thoughts and passion. If he opened that door within himself, all would be made clear, including this ‘promised land’. It was a sudden heady sensation, luring him to discover the way these people think, and a higher power. All his fears and inhibitions would fade away and he would be above it all. He had felt this before, and he had taken that door. But…

“Your rightful home.” The Harbinger seemed to see recognition in Cloud’s eyes, and he addressed him alone. “Yield to the force within and you will wield great power over us, even greater than Weiss. You will find what you are seeking. The location of your people.”

Like a pain in his heart, Cloud sensed it. The truth. He would know the mind of the enemy, and he would even know where Tifa is. Such power came with a deadly cost. He closed his eyes, his brow creasing in deliberation. But…

“He already has great power,” Denzel retorted.

Cloud smiled on the inside. He couldn’t go down that road again. Denzel, for one, would never let him. All he wanted was Tifa, but not at the lose of himself, and everyone else. Cloud reacted with an angry growl, “Where is Genesis?”

The Harbinger frowned with hatred. “That one… he’s in control of the Crimson Army.”

“Where are they?” Cloud’s eyes glowed to a heated blue. At least now he had confirmation. Genesis really was alive.

“Though I despise him, I cannot tell you. His location is undisclosed.”

Denzel leaned closer and said, “What are they doing with this purification set-up?”

“Purging the planet and empowering Jenova.”

“He’s doing it without the ‘key’, the missing component?” Denzel asked.

“That is a myth, created by our enemies to make us afraid.” His voice rose in defiance, “Even if it were true, you’ll be too late.”

Cloud gritted his teeth, attempting to control his temper. “What does this key do?” Myth or not, even his enemy knew of the damn thing.

The Harbinger bared his teeth in a grimace, but would not answer.

“Too late for what?” Denzel’s eyes watched him with eagerness.

“Jenova’s awakening.” He wheezed and blood dribbled from his mouth into his beard.

Cloud shared a concerned look with Nanaki and Denzel. Cloud snapped, “Where?”

“It’s not… revealed,” his voice grated, “But the whole planet will know when it happens…”

Denzel cried “What can stop it? This key?”

Cloud stared at the man with building rage, and he answered for him, “White materia?”

“You’ll never get it.” He breathed out in a sudden cry of triumph.

“Someone’s got the black materia?” Cloud reached his hand around the Harbinger’s neck. Unable to restrain his anger, he shook him. “Where is it?”

The man’s head rolled back and he was gone from them.

“Damn it!” Cloud stood abruptly and clenched his fists. “And somehow Tifa’s involved in all of this. Does this get any worse?” He offered Denzel his hand and he helped him to his feet. Cloud walked away from the man’s body. It felt like the past was coming back with grievous force. Was he always going to be caught in this loop? He wanted answers and now he had this, more problems, problems that affected the whole planet. Just like before. Tifa or the planet, would it come down to this? He had to think clearly, but he only felt angry and frustrated. He took a much needed deep breath.

Nanaki jumped over the body and followed him. “What has this to do with Tifa?”

“She’s…” Cloud sighed. Her voice and touch were still affecting his senses, as if she had been there moments ago, in his arms, and in effect she was. “… Deepground have taken her.”

“I see.” Nanaki paused and studied Cloud for a moment, his thoughts unreadable. “This is dire news. I will do all I can to assist you.”

Cloud nodded, appreciating the kindness of an old friend, and he realized he hadn’t even greeted him yet. “It’s good to see you’re safe.”

“Yes. Denzel and Shelke released me, guided by Deneh.”

Denzel stopped walking and picked up his gun-blade. “They’re down there now with Elfie.”

Cloud turned to Nanaki. “What do you know about Cetras?”

“Grandfather sent me on a quest.”

“Bugenhagen? You spoke with him?” Cloud said with some surprise, although he shouldn’t be. That old guy was the strangest person he had ever met, and Cloud had the impression that even death couldn’t hold him back.

“He reached a peaceful place, but now he is troubled.” Nanaki’s voice saddened. “He says it is time to find the Cetras. He sent me here.”

Denzel said, “He knows about the Cetras?”

Nanaki nodded his mane. “It seems so. Grandfather says Gaia has spoken to him.”

“I see.” Denzel slid his weapon in to the holder at his back. “That’s pretty cool. And here you are.”

“And there are no Cetras.” Nanaki’s sorrowful tone continued, and he hung his head, his nose nearly touching the stone. “I have failed.”

Cloud let them talk and he stepped away. He stopped near the edge of the floor, and looked out at the dark cavernous space. He closed his eyes, turning his mind to another view, as if maybe he could find her through his thoughts.

“Depends how you look at it,” Denzel went on. “You found us, so that’s got to have some merit. Actually we were looking for Cetras too, in a round about way, as we’re searching for Tifa and Marlene…”

“Marlene is gone also?” Nanaki said.

Denzel explained what had been happening since Tifa and Marlene were abducted.

Cloud stood with his back to them, not hearing their discussion. All he could see was Tifa, alone and afraid, out there somewhere, and he had no idea where. Tifa, where are you?

“Cloud, we better find the others,” Denzel’s voice broke through his heartache. “Cloud? Are you okay?”

Cloud shook his head, attempting to fix some thoughts on the present situation. Turning to face them, he replied, “Yeah,” his eyes skirted over their worried expressions, and he eventually spoke, although with some reluctance. “…I’ve seen Tifa…”

Denzel’s eyes lit up and he cried, “But— just now?” He stopped, as if sensing the solemnity of the moment, and he nodded and watched him with a foreboding expression.

“In the life-stream?” Nanaki’s ear’s pricked up.

“Yeah,” Cloud pressed his lips together, he could hardly speak of her. It only made it more real and painful. How can something like that even be explained?

“Did she say where she is?” Denzel’s eyes were brimming with a hunger for information.

Cloud gazed at him with wonder. He always had an air of optimism about him, as if everything would work out somehow. “She said she was on a train.”

“The track?!” Denzel cried.

Cloud nodded his agreement. “Most likely.”

“I have seen the track,” Nanaki added, “There is a train too. We saw it when we came in.”

“Great!” Denzel made a fist out of excitement. “We can take it. Not that I know how to drive a train, but how hard can it be? Shelke probably could.” As if noticing Cloud’s melancholy, he softened his tone and said, “Is she… okay?”

No. She’s not at all. “She also said Marlene escaped.” Cloud knew he was avoiding his question, but he didn’t have the heart to speak of Tifa’s pain aloud. “She might be underground somewhere.”

“At least she’s not with Deepground,” Denzel’s face switched to one of alarm. “But that means, she’s wondering around these caves?”

Cloud’s mouth formed a thin line of anxiety and he sighed. “I don’t even know where to start looking for her.”