I do not own anything nor do I make any money from this story. All rights apply.

This story didn't go the way I wanted… Real life issues affected it and delayed it.

Bring the Rain 07

Zack's grin was a mixture of relief and happiness.

"I'm sorry," said Cloud before Zack could say anything.

"Are you okay?" asked Zack. Cloud nodded. "Then there's nothing to worry about."

"You are too forgiving," muttered Genesis.

"Trust is a difficult thing," said Angeal.

"Not everyone keeps a grudge, Genesis," said Sephiroth.

"I'm sorry about everything," said Cloud. "I'll try to… be better at sharing things."

"Really, don't sweat it," said Zack instantly forgiving.

"Let's just find Kunsel before Zack wants a group hug," said Genesis.

Zack lit up at the thought but a round of frowns kept him quiet.

After a moment Cloud noticed the other Firsts were looking at him expectantly.

"What?"

"You know the slums fairly well," started Angeal. "We thought you could suggest places to look."

"Oh, um…" Cloud thought about the places AVALANCHE had holed up in while ShinRa hunted them.

"I don't think it will help much," he said.

"I doubt the slums have changed," said Sephiroth.

"No, it's just that Tseng said the rebels kept moving the hostages; that's why the Turks couldn't find them."

"Ah, yes – the mole," said Genesis. "He would have kept the Turks running around and kept his guys informed as well."

"The leader's name's Anton Tralia," supplied Cloud.

"You remembered?" asked Genesis and Cloud nodded. "Do you know him?"

Cloud shook his head but hastily added, "Tseng told me."

"That makes things trickier," mused Genesis referring back to rebels moving hostages.

"We could always do a grid search," suggested Sephiroth.

"If we split up we'll cover more ground," said Angeal. "Genesis with me, Zack with Cloud and Sephiroth can move easier by himself."

It was clear that Angeal was concerned for Cloud and didn't want him to be by himself but also didn't want to draw attention to this by only have him pair up with somebody. They all nodded agreement and set off in different directions. As none of them were trained as investigators and had no true investigation experience, there was no actual plan to follow. Be on the lookout for anything suspect and maybe they'll get lucky – it beat sitting at ShinRa doing nothing.

Zack knew about the slums, everyone did, and Aerith had spoken to him about her life and living in the slums, but actually walking in the streets and seeing up close the reality of it all was something else.

"This place is bleak," said Zack.

"No one lives in the slums because they want to," said Cloud. "It's like this train-"

"What?" asked Zack. "Train?"

Cloud shook his head and continued walking.

"I just… said something similar before," said Cloud after a moment. "In another time."

"I see," said Zack with understanding.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you about going back to Holden," said Cloud turning to look at Zack.

"It's okay, don't worry about it," said Zack.

"It's not okay," said Cloud. "I caused you worry and that's not something friends do."

"Yeah, but-"

"No buts," insisted Cloud.

Zack suddenly stepped in front of Cloud.

"Stop beating yourself up about yourself."

Cloud frown as he run through the sentence in his mind.

"You are who you are," continued Zack. "You got a messed up past, just accept it. I got glimpses of who you could have been and that guy seemed cool but I'm friends with this you, with all your issues – friends accept the good and bad."

Cloud nodded in thought.

"Besides that other guy was way too eager to tell people stuff," added Zack with a smile. "If Tseng had asked you anything, you would have told him everything."

Cloud's smile fell away.

"You told him everything?"

"No," said Cloud quickly. "He guessed most of it. He's not stupid. I let some stuff slip and he put it together."

"Yeah, I saw the debriefing," said Zack.

"And at Holden," added Cloud. "I didn't give specifics and he didn't ask further."

"He did nothing?"

"He said my secret was safe and put me on active duty when we returned to ShinRa."

"Oh." Zack was unsure about Tseng knowing Cloud secret – or rather, knowing enough of it to work out the rest.

"I did think about it," said Cloud as they resumed walking.

"Telling Tseng everything?" clarified Zack.

Cloud nodded.

"The Tseng I know is… We aren't friends but we did work together for a common cause. I wondered if this Tseng could be like him."

They continued in silence for a bit.

"But I don't know – the things that happened, that created that cooperation…" Cloud shook his head. "I don't know if it can be recreated now, in this simpler timeline."

A young man in a hurry brushed past Cloud knocking him out of his musing. He turned back to say sorry just as the young man did the same, but neither said anything as they recognised the other. Cloud's hand shot out and grabbed the young man by the arm. At the same time, Cloud moved to block the downward coming knife and got hold of the young man's wrist. Zack's lazy backward glance turned into an alert stance when he saw Cloud holding onto a young man.

"What happening?" he asked as he scanned the area for threats but found none.

"He was in Holden," said Cloud.

"Where is Kunsel?" demanded Zack cutting to the chase.

"I dunno what you're talking about," said the young man easily.

"The SOLDIERs, where are they?" asked Zack as he pried the knife free.

"Dunno, maybe they went home."

"I saw you at Holden," said Cloud. "Answer the questions."

"You don't scare me," the young man sneered. "I saw your fear in Holden when it burned."

Cloud pulled back slightly but didn't let go. The young man turned his attention to Zack.

"SOLDIER is done and those weak guys are going to die. Their leader is going to see them killed one by one, and there's nothing he or you can do about it."

A small crowd had gathered around the three men while they spoke. But at the young man's words they started to mutter angrily among themselves.

"Okay, let's talk somewhere else," said Zack. He didn't want to create a scene and he wanted to inform the other Firsts.

"Take me somewhere else!" yelled the man. "Why? So you can get rid of me? Silence me before I tell the truth?"

"What truth?" asked Zack. "That you plan to kill innocent people?"

"ShinRa is not innocent. They take from us and give nothing back. Look where we live, look how we suffer."

"Killing people isn't going to help your cause," said Zack.

"We're killing SOLDIERs before they kill us," yelled the young man. "Before ShinRa kills us all!"

The crowd was getting worked up and some looked ready to fight.

"No one is killing anyone," said Zack firmly.

Before things could get any further a crackle of electricity sounded from behind the crowd. People stilled immediately and a couple even slunk off. Turks actually made people disappear. Zack was pleased to see Reno and Rude come through the crowd. He didn't want to fight innocent bystanders.

"What's all this excitement?" drawled Reno. "A street fight and nobody thought to call me?"

People looked uneasy before the crowd starting breaking up.

"And you," said Reno pointing his Electromag at Zack and Cloud. "What are you doing here?"

Cloud noticed a couple of people had looked back when Reno started speaking and had looked almost relieved to see the Turk wasn't talking to them.

"We're looking for Kunsel and his team," said Zack.

"I know, but this," said Reno with a lazy sweep of his hand, "is Turk territory."

"I suppose but…" started Zack but stopped when Reno suddenly step toward the young man in Cloud's grip and looked at him closely.

The young man shifted uncomfortably under the Turk's scrutiny.

"I've seen you around recently," said Reno.

"I live in this area."

"Maybe. But I've seen you a fair amount these last few days…"

A different kind of discomfort appeared on the young man's face.

"Rude, where did we have coffee this morning?" asked Reno without taking his eyes off the young man.

"Kohee," said Rude.

A sheen of bravado graced the young man's face.

"So? We both drink coffee at the same place," he said.

Reno's hand shot out but Cloud's was faster. He caught the Turk by the wrist. For the first time since Reno laid eyes on the young man, he broke off to glare at Cloud.

"Don't kill him," said Cloud.

Reno stilled and his glare intensified, but Cloud matched it. The young man glanced between the two wondering if his life was about to come to an abrupt end.

"Looks like the SOLDIER cares about you," mocked Reno still locking eyes with Cloud.

"Guys?" Zack wasn't sure but he thought he saw something pass between the Turk and SOLDIER.

"Just taking him for some coffee," said Reno with mild amusement, glare gone as if it had never been.

Cloud let go of Reno's hand and pushed the young man forward. Reno took hold of his collar and made him walk in front of him and Rude. As Cloud and Zack made to follow, Reno shot a curious glance at Cloud.

"What was that?" asked Zack.

"I know how Reno works," said Cloud. "He doesn't make idle threat and will do what is necessary, but he does like to play up his threat level."

"So when you said don't kill him, you made it seem like Reno is…?"

"Not above killing someone who's uncooperative."

"Oh," said Zack as he watched Reno march the young man in the direction of the coffee shop in silence. "He doesn't appear to be taking advantage of it."

"Reno has his own way of working," shrugged Cloud.

Zack didn't say anything further. He wondered what it must be like to know so much about a person you had technically never met. How much did Cloud pretend not to know so to avoid awkwardness? He pulled his PHS out to message the others.

"Where's Rude?" asked Zack as he look up from messaging Angeal.

Cloud looked round but could see the Turk. He had just melted away while they were talking. Years of working together had given Rude and Reno a keen understanding of how the other worked and how to proceed in a developing situation without actually saying anything.

They arrived at a rather well maintained area of the slums. There were some shops and a couple of diners as well as the coffee shack 'Kohee' leaning against a laundromat. There was also a boarded up warehouse. Reno stopped on a corner and started watching the people on the street, the young man still held by his collar.

"Now what?" asked Zack.

"We wait," said Reno. "He'll tell us eventually."

"I'm not telling you anything," glared the young man.

Reno gave him a knowing smile before he resumed his people watching.

Zack glanced at Cloud for answers but Cloud shrugged. He didn't know what was happening, and didn't have a reasonable guess either. Even as they settled to wait Angeal and Genesis joined them.

"Who's this?" asked Genesis looking down his nose at the young man.

Reno turned the young man to face him.

"What's your name?" he asked.

The young man had four Firsts and a Turk looking at him expectantly.

"Kana."

"Is he part of the rebel group?" asked Angeal.

"I imagine so," said Reno turning back to the street.

"Yes, he is," said Zack after shooting Reno a look.

"He was at Holden," added Cloud.

"Are Kunsel and his team somewhere around here?" asked Angeal as he and Genesis took in the street.

"Reno seems to think so," said Zack. "Or rather, Reno's seen Kana around here."

"Does anyone know what is going here?" asked Genesis.

"Wings of light and dark spread afar," said Kana suddenly. "You'll never know what going on here."

"Loveless, prologue," said Genesis turning his full attention on Kana.

"You know the poem?" asked Kana. "Can you see its message?"

"What do you see?" asked Genesis. "What is her gift to you?"

"Freedom," said Kana. He seemed to gain new confidence. "Freedom from ShinRa – our salvation and ShinRa's eternal slumber."

The exchange stilled but Genesis seemed annoyed that his Loveless was being distorted in such a way.

"Where's Sephiroth?" asked Genesis, annoyance clear in his voice.

"I'm not sure," said Zack. "I messaged him and he said he was on his way."

Genesis opened his mouth to say something but shut it after a glance at Kana. Zack shot an amused look at Cloud – at least they were saved from a Loveless discussion while they waited. They settled to wait with only Reno looking like he was enjoying the quiet moment. They waited a good 15 minutes before Rude arrived with Sephiorth in tow.

"Where have you been?" demanded Genesis.

"I happened across Rude on my way here and decided to help him out," said Sephiroth.

There was a moment where they all tried to imagine how that conversation had gone down before turning to the task at hand.

"So?" asked Reno.

"The laundromat," said Rude.

Kana shot a quick look in Rude's direction.

"I told you you would tell us," smiled Reno. "Obviously there's a back door – only one?"

Rude nodded,

"Single door."

"I'll take the front with Mr Poetry Kana here," said Reno pulling his electromag free. "Who's with me? Or would you prefer some action at the backdoor?"

Unfazed by Reno's joke, Sephiroth opted to accompany Rude. As did the others with Angeal choosing to cover the front in case someone tried to run for it.

"Let me know when you're in position," said Reno.

Rude gave a nod and started to turn but stopped to look at the SOLDIERs.

"This way," he said and continued to leave.

Without a word the SOLDIERs followed Rude. The inside of the laundromat was hot, noisy and smelt of cheap laundry liquid soap. A fine layer of soapy starch covered most of the surfaces, and it was also empty.

"Where are the staff?" asked Zack looking as they spread out to look around.

It didn't take long to discover that the back section of the laundromat, while operating, was unmanned. There were no SOLDIER prisoners either. Making their way to the front desk they found Reno reading something on his PHS while Angeal watched over Kana and another young man. The young man wore an off white shirt with the laundromat's name on the left side.

"And who's this?" asked Genesis.

"Larry," answered Angeal. "They both claim to know nothing missing SOLDIERs."

"There's no one in the back," said Zack. "Not even staff."

"Maybe they're not here anymore," suggested Cloud.

"One set of tire tracks," said Rude. "They're here."

"Unless they're in those washing machines, there's no one in there," said Zack.

They fell into an awkward silence – Rude had taken up position by the front door while Reno continued on his PHS. Sephiroth watched the Turk with interest, tuning out Genesis's complaining. He didn't know much about the Turk but he did know he was effective and efficient. Whatever had his attention, it had it for good reason.

With a dramatic snap, Reno closed his PHS.

"Upstairs," he announced.

"There's nothing upstairs," said Kana.

"Now I know there is an upstairs," said Reno. "I did mention you would tell me everything."

"How do you know that?" asked Genesis referring to the comment about an upstairs.

"Recent renovations include the installation of a bulk handling crane. Now why would a ground level laundromat need one of those?" asked Reno giving Kana an enquiring look.

Kana glared at Reno but didn't say anything.

"Obviously to lift weighty things into the new roof space," continued Reno.

"Larry," said Reno to the youngster. "You just work here, right? You're not involved in kidnapping, are you?"

Larry looked between Reno and Kana, but decided to go with Reno.

"I haven't been upstairs, but there is a trap door in the back corner. The bulk handling crane comes out there. I really didn't know what was up there - I thought it was drugs."

"Where are the rest of the staff?" asked Sephiroth as Angeal, Zack and Cloud headed for the back.

"Everyone was told to go home this morning," said Larry. "I don't know why."

"Fewer witnesses to give away their location before the killing starts," said Genesis.

"Killing? I thought you were talking about kidnapping?" said Larry.

"Stop fretting," said Reno. "You've been very helpful."

"I'll make the call and get the car," said Rude going for the front door.

"Do that," said Reno before turning to the two SHOLDIERs. "Have either of you ever taken part in an interrogation?"

XxX

The hatch was easy to find. It was at the back of the laundromat above a large washing machine. Zack leapt on to the washing machine and pushed the cover open. He knew they had found Kunsel and his team by the smell of sweat and urine that came wafting down from the open space. With ease he levered himself into the space.

It was dark and hot but Zack could make out the shapes of bound men.

"They're here," he called down to Cloud and Angeal. "I'm going to lower them down."

It was a slow process. Zack passed Kunsel and his team to Angeal, who was standing on the washing machine, and he lowered them to Cloud. It wasn't hard work but Cloud found himself to be little out of breath by the time they were done. It wasn't unexpected as the doctor had told him he wouldn't be up to his old self for a few days, but it made him understand why Genesis had been so angry with him. It also made him feel bad over what he'd put Zack and the others through when he left without telling them anything.

"I'll go with Kunsel to the hospital," he said while the unconscious men were loaded into ambulances.

"You sure?" asked Zack failing to hide his surprise. "Are you feeling okay?"

"I'm fine," assured Cloud. "I just what to go with Kunsel."

"Okay," said Zack clearly concerned.

"I-I'm a little tired," confessed Cloud. "The doctor mentioned it, it's normal. After mako suppressants."

"Okay, I'll see you later then," said Zack.

He watched Cloud climb into the ambulance with Kunsel. Now that he was looking for it, Cloud did look a little worn out. The past few days must have been a real drain on Cloud's mental and physical stamina. Even a SOLDEIR could only stand so much before they needed to take a break. But he couldn't help being a little relieved as well. Cloud had actually told him something about how he was feeling. He might have to tease him about it later, but first he had questions for rebels.

XxX

Kunsel felt drugged. It brought back memories of his time in captivity with Cloud. Not a time he particularly wanted to remember. He realised that he was more awake than he had been in days. One of two things had happened – one, their captors had forgotten to dose them or two, they're been found. The background noises led him to believe number two. He also realised he wasn't alone in the room. He knew straight off it wasn't Zack – way to quiet. That left Cloud.

His suspicions were confirmed when he cracked an eye and saw Cloud sitting staring out the window, chin in his palm. Obviously lost in thought as he watched the happenings below. Kunsel watched him for a few minutes. He wasn't the Cloud he last saw, the completed relaxed eager to please guy was gone. He recognised the Cloud that sat in the chair but he wasn't quite the same tense, weary Cloud he called his friend. His brow still held a frown but his shoulders were relaxed. Something had changed recently and it wasn't a reaction to mako suppressants.

"H-"

Kunsel's casual attempt at a greeting was cut short by a dry throat, but it was enough to pull Cloud from the window.

Without asking he poured Kunsel a glass of water and handed it over. He pulled the chair over to Kunsel's bed side while he drank the water.

"Hey," he tried again.

"Hey," said Cloud. "How are you feeling?"

"Drugged," said Kunsel, "but it's passing. What about yourself?"

Cloud nodded.

"Glad to be next to the bed for a change."

Kunsel cracked a smile.

"Where's Zack?"

"He's with the Turks – he wants to quote grill the suspects," said Cloud. "Tseng just ignored him, but he went along anyway."

"I don't know how Aerith puts up with him," muttered Kunsel.

"Maybe the same way we do?" suggested Cloud.

Kunsel got the impression Cloud wanted to talk to him without interference from the others. There was something in his body language – he wanted to do it but didn't at the same time. They drifted into silence while Kunsel waited on Cloud.

"I'm sorry," said Cloud after a while.

"For what?" asked Kunsel.

"I took so long to remember Tralia," explained Cloud.

"Tralia?" asked Kunsel. "The rebel leader?"

Cloud nodded.

"It's okay-"

"And that I said you were the rebel leader," interrupted Cloud.

"Huh?"

"After the mission at the diner, I said you were the rebel leader," said Cloud. "But I didn't mean you – I just couldn't remember who you were but I had your face in my head."

"Do you remember me now?" asked Kunsel.

"Yes, I remember everything else now," said Cloud.

"Everything else? What did you forget?"

"I didn't really forget anything. I more… didn't know which timeline I was in – I just got really confused."

"But you're okay now?" asked Kunsel.

Cloud nodded.

"Then that's cool."

Cloud looked like he expected something more or perhaps different.

"Did Zack put you up to this… confession?" asked Kunsel.

"No," said Cloud. "I'm talking to you to show you you're my friend and I care about what happens to you."

"I understand and I get it," assured Kunsel.

Cloud relaxed a little in his chair. Kunsel wondered who had told him to speak out more. It had obviously been taxing for Cloud to express so much in such a short space.

They lapsed into silence. Kunsel letting the last of the dopey feeling leave him.

"Actually," said Cloud after a while, "it was Genesis."

Kunsel knew he wasn't up to his usual standard when he couldn't place Cloud's comment.

"He got angry with me," continued Cloud. "He said friends don't cause worry for their friends."

"What did you do?" asked Kunsel.

"I went to Holden with Tseng," said Cloud. "After I promised I won't do anything by myself."

"Did you go back to try and remember?" Cloud nodded. "And did you?" Cloud nodded again.

"But Tseng also figured out my… situation," added Cloud.

"He was going to do that anyway," said Kunsel. "The clues were all over Hojo's stuff. Did you tell the others?"

"I told Zack, I'll tell the others later," said Cloud.

"Tell the others what later?" asked Zack from the doorway.

"About Tseng," said Cloud as Zack walked into the room.

Zack nodded understanding before turning to study Kunsel.

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm good. This is nothing compared to mako poisoning," joked Kunsel.

"Don't joke about that – it still gives me nightmares." Zack's tone was light but there was an undercurrent of truth.

"Where're the others?" asked Kunsel looking to change the subject.

"They're in a meeting with Lazard and Tseng," said Zack. "Apparently, the duties of Turks and SOLDIERs have become too blurred for Lazard and he wants to clarify them again."

"What about Tralia?" asked Cloud.

"Now, there's a story," said Zack. "So some years ago, Holden was cleared out because of a hazardous mako leak. Tralia got it into his head that that was a lie and ShinRa wanted the land for something else."

"Entirely possible," interjected Kunsel.

"Tseng denied it though," said Zack.

"Of course," said Kunsel.

"Anyway," continued Zack, "Tralia's plan was to force ShinRa to return the land they had taken back to the people and have the people govern themselves. Or something like that, he got a bit repetitive after a while."

"So he spent years working himself into a position that offered enough influence but where no one would notice him?" asked Kunsel.

"Exactly, he could also slowly gather his followers and launch his attack when they were ready. It was a long term plan."

"But how could he be logged onto his work station and be in Holden at the same time?" asked Cloud.

"Oh, that's the best bit – not only did he find followers, he found someone as committed as him and they surgically swapped their thumbs," explained Zack. "His partner in crime, Danalas, had his own ID thumb print for work and Tralia's ID thumb print. He would scan both his thumbs and two people would be logged in."

"That's dedication. But why didn't they kill Cloud at Holden?" asked Kunsel.

"What?" asked Cloud.

"They could have easily done it, you were so out of it when we found you," said Kunsel.

- blood was seeping through his fingers. The bleeding just wouldn't stop. Something touched his head, he looked up into the barrel of a gun. A young man stood holding the gun – Kana – "Don't kill him, he's our witness." The gun was lowered and the young man walked away. Burton coughed and he turned his attention back to stopping the bleeding. It was so red, so red, red… -

"Cloud?"

Cloud looked up to see both Kunsel and Zack studying him.

"Nothing," he muttered.

"Tralia and Danalas had to change their plan when Cloud didn't remember them. They had to find another way to get SOLDIER hostages so they staged the meet in the diner," continued Zack. "That didn't work either because- of reasons."

"I told him," said Cloud.

"Oh, okay," said Zack with a glance at Kunsel who nodded for him to continue. "That didn't work either because Cloud said you were the rebel leader so once again they had to change their plans – this time only delaying the executions. They needed ShinRa to take action against them for the plan to work but Cloud kept stuffing it up by being confused."

"Thank you," deadpanned Cloud.

"Well, I'm glad," said Kunsel. "And I'm kinda hungry as well."

"You got the all clear to eat?" asked Zack noticing a lack of food tray.

Kunsel and Cloud shared a look.

"Perhaps we should let the doctor know I'm awake."

"You didn't call the doctor?" said Zack.

Both Kunsel and Cloud shook their heads.

"He could have discharged you and we could be having this conversation somewhere nicer," said Zack. "I'm going to find him."

"I hope he doesn't think the cafeteria downstairs is 'somewhere nicer'," said Kunsel after Zack had gone.

Cloud glanced at Kunsel wondering the same before giving him a small smile.

XxX

"So… A new mission tomorrow," said Zack a little too casually.

"Yes," said Cloud. "Everything's ready to go."

"Ah, good, good."

They were making their way to Aerth's place for dinner. It had been a couple of weeks since the rebel incident and with Tralia and his men in prison, ShinRa had quickly returned to business as usual.

"I'm fine," added Cloud. He knew Zack wanted to ask.

"It's just you've been a little subdued since you got the assignment," said Zack.

They walked in silence for a while.

"I'm-" started Cloud.

Zack could see Cloud searching for the right word.

"Apprehensive."

"Do you want to go back?" asked Zack.

"What?" asked Cloud looking confused.

"To your room – do you want to go back to your room?" clarified Zack.

"We've got dinner plans with Aerith," said Cloud waving his hand in the general direction of Aerith's house.

"Forget about that and just answer the question," said Zack not unkindly.

Cloud thought for a bit before shaking his head.

"No," he said. "I want to have dinner with Aerith."

Zack almost made a joke about Aerith being his girlfriend not Cloud's but he had learned over the last while that something he and the other thought to be harmless often caused Cloud pain.

"I am apprehensive about tomorrow." It was almost as if Cloud had vocalised his inner thoughts.

"Check this," said Zack pulling free his PHS and hold it in front of Cloud.

"Your PHS?"

"Yeah, I use it for calls but if I'm not in a chatty mood, I use it for messages," said Zack.

Cloud nodded waiting for Zack to make his point.

"Day or night," continued Zack. "I answer all my messages."

"Okay, I get it," sighed Cloud. "I can message you."

"Seriously though – anything, anytime."

"Thanks," said Cloud with a genuine smile.

Zack returned the smile,

"Of course, we're friends, right?"

END