Titanium Wolves

Title: Titanium Wolves
Author: Reichi
Rating: NC17
Pairing: Kadaj/Cloud
Comments: o_o Woot. I’m sick. X_x This chapter actually went by rather smoothly.
Disclaimer: O_O ITS NOT MINE. FINAL FANTASY VII AND FINAL FANTASY VII: ADVENT CHILDREN DONT BELONG TO ME. NONE OF THIS IS MINE!!! NONE! I SWEAR! FFVII AND FFVII:AC BELONG TO SQUAREENIX. NOT MINE. ALL THEIRS. DISCLAIM DISCLAIM!! -passes out-






Chapter Three: Expectation.






Reno hated work; that was a given. If there was anything else Reno probably hated more, it might’ve been his Mother for leaving him. But Work definitely cut a close second.


Rude seemed alright with it. Rude was also Tseng’s little lapdog. Reno could -swear- that of Tseng patted Rude on his bald. Neatly shaven head, the man might sprout a tail and wag it like the dog he was. Reno didn’t roll over so easily, and glared down at the pages of blank paper savagely.


“ Why the -fuck-… “ He started slowly, catching Rude’s attention. His swiftly moving pen stopped, but his head never inclined higher than what it was, “ are we in here, when the Wutai are getting closer to Midgar? Why don’t we blow them the -fuck- up? “


“ Because. “ Rude said, beginning to write again and leaving it at that. Reno’s green eyes almost bugged.


“ Is that was Tseng told you? “ Reno snorted and sat back, tossing his own pen into the stack, watching it roll over and clank with the desk top, then roll over onto the barren ground. Rude shrugged.


“ I dunno. I just do as I’m told. “ Rude sniffed and wiped his nose absently. “ Unlike you, I don’t argue with what Tseng assigns me to do. “


“ Maybe you should. “ Reno said, watching the nearby door open. It was Tseng, looking considerably disheveled; his neatly slicked back black hair was mussed up a little bit, with stray strands hanging down limply before his long and angular face. He hard dark circles, bleaker than the shade of his eyes forming underneath of them, making his tan Wutain skin appear sullen.


“ You two. “ He snapped, pinching between his eyebrows for a moment. The trademark gesture that their leader was incredibly annoyed by -something-, “ I want you two to go guard President ShinRa. And -don’t- you dare fuck up. “


“ Why? “ Reno asked immediately, practically leaping from his chair with electro-rod in hand, “ Something big going to happen, eh Boss? “


“ Wutai forces. Is that big enough? “ Tseng tossed the report papers at Reno, who caught them in a fumble and crumpled them a little in the process. Straightening them, his eyebrows came together for a brief moment.


“ Rufus? “ Reno looked up, surprised, “ What do they want with him? “


“ Retribution. “ Tseng replied, coldly, “ We give him the man they want, they execute him, and by Wutai custom they return home for two weeks. They’ll come back again and again, until their happy. “


“ But why Rufus.. ? “


“ The President before he converged Mako into a usable source. They blame him for the depletion of the Life Stream and the near murder of our planet. “


“ Then what do we do, Boss? “ Rude stood, eager for compliments as always, and ready to please, “ Take Rufus away from here? “


“ No. “ Tseng held up a hand, his other pinching the bridge of his nose again, taking a deep breathe, “ He’s still weak from the effect Geo-Stigma had on his body. I don’t know if he’ll ever recover; it could have been permanent. “


“ Then what do we do? “


Silence was cast over them as heatedly as the midday shadow scaling across the room, the sounds of birds outside breaking through the glass and penetrating the room softly. Tseng had his eyes shut and was still, almost like a statue. Head bowed so deeply that a few choice strands of deep raven hair followed and aimed towards the ground like long, thin and frail shadows. Finally, his deep eyes looked between the two of them, and he moistened his suddenly dry lips.


“ Just… guard him. Take him somewhere in Midgar that isn’t too far away. “


“ Why cant he just stay here? “ Reno said, looking around, “ No one but us and Cloud knows that he’s here. “


“ This place will be raided first, once the Wutai troops arrive, “ Tseng explained, his eyes narrowing, “ If they were to find Rufus here, they would kill him on the spot. “


“ Fine. “ Rude said, “ We’ll take him. Is he ready to leave? “


“ Nearly. “ Tseng said. He shifted his molten gaze and stared at Reno, his upper lip sneering a little bit, “ and -you- had better not try anything. Right now, I am casting Rude as a superior to you, so you -must- listen to him. If not him, then Rufus. I give them both free merit to beat you if you don’t comply. “


“ Hey! “ Reno shoot his fist a little, “ That’s not very fair! “


“ Shut up and take it. “ Tseng snarled at him, turning around swiftly and heading back into his office, “ Do as I say. You may leave when Rufus appears. “


“ So hey. “ Rude said calmly, “ How the fuck are we supposed to get him there anyway? “


“ Fly him. Take the Helicopter; Just don’t crash it into anything. “


The door snapped shut, nearly casting a shiver to roll throughout the room. Reno looked over at Rude with a hint of worry wrinkling just between the insides of his eyebrows. Rude cleared his throat and lowered his head a degree, pushing his sunglasses back up to the bridge of his nose with the slow exhalation of breathe.





“ They’re coming. “ Vincent said quietly, peering avidly over the edge of the railing while swinging one golden-clad foot, “ Another side effect of Sephiroth and Kadaj. “


“ It cant be only them, can it? “ Cloud asked, watching the way the metal fingers would clink against the side, flexing in a almost human-like manner. Vincent still liked to keep it hidden though; it ws a way to show that he was still part human, no matter how viciously the Galean beast or Chaos reigned inside of him. Sometimes you could see it in his eyes when he ws angry, but mostly, the tranquil pools of blood were just that.


Vincent looked over at him casually, almost romantically in the gesture, “ I’m not sure. Perhaps because they want vengence. They never liked the use of Mako energy and always thought there would be a dire consiquence with it. “


“ They were right. “ Cloud bowed his head slightly, “ What will you do? “


“ Talk with them. “ Vincent replied, “ They wont listen, but its worth a shot; they will have a difficult time killing me. “


“ They wont kill you. “ Cloud whispered, “ They cant. I’ve seen you dodge bullets before. “


“ But this time is different, Strife. “ Vincent said. Cloud winced a little; he hated it when people referred to him by last name. He would have rather preferred the hissing tone of ‘ traitor ‘,; a pleasant little nickname Kadaj had chosen for him. “ This time, it’s the Wutai. Their very powerful, after all these years… “


Cloud said nothing, looking out over Midgar from where they were; Vincent liked to visit the spot where the old ShinRa building used to be; where Kadaj has turned himself into Sephiroth in a last attempt to bring everything back. He suspected that, to Vincent, it represented victory, and he was a vulture nesting on its ground. To Cloud…. It meant death. Of something very young.


He didn’t even noticed that Vincent was staring at him until he spoke, “ You come here more often. “


Cloud startled, clearing his throat, “ I do. Its… its-- “


“ Its -him-. Don’t lie to me, Strife. “


“ Who said I was going to? “


“ Because you haven’t wanted anyone to know. “ Vincent’s hair fluttered for a moment, along with the attered remains of his cape. It caught his eye for a moment, “ Do not pity him. “


“ I don’t. “ Cloud’s eyes narrowed, “ I didn’t say that I did. “


“ I can sense it. “ Vincent’s bloody eyes looked away, staring out lifelessly over the scattered remains, “ He was possessed, Cloud. Further than insane. He didn’t get a chance to life, so in truth, his life meant nothing. He will be recycled into the planet, a fresh life, where he can live normally. “


“ What if I don’t want that? “ Cloud murmured into his arm, muscle there flexing for a moment. He could hear Vincent expel a soft snort.


“ I thought so. “ Vincent stood, long and menacing like he should be, though the kindness about his features argued that, “ You are no better than me now. “


“ What do you mean.. ? “


“ I’ll bet your -dying- on the inside, every moment that he’s gone. Is that right? “


Cloud’s breathing stopped for a moment. Was he that easy to read? Still… he made some kind of an attempt to argue that, “ That’s not true. “


“ Don’t lie to me, Strife. “ Vincent shut his eyes again. The soft wind did nothing to move him, “ You’ve been wanting him back ever since he died in your arms. You just haven‘t known it yet.“


Cloud said nothing, staring hard at the ruins below, “ How am I like you then? “


“ I loved as well. “ Vincent looked at him solidly, “ Once upon a time ago. You know how that ended up. “


“ Yeah. “ Cloud watched a small bird fly by. When he turned to see Vincent again, the Turk was gone, leaving the space where he had once been undeniably quiet and solemn.


Cloud buried his face in his arms. Something was -severely- wrong with him, and he had -no- idea why. Or what it was… it was like a disease slowly coursing through his blood and aching when it finally reached his heart. He didn’t want to believe that he -actually- missed the clone. The truth was, he did. There wasn’t any explaination… he didn’t even -hate- him.


When did that happen anyway? Cloud rose slowly, wobbling back and forth in the suddenly much-stronger winds, and stared out over the city of Midgar; from what he could see. Then he closed his eyes. He didn’t even remembering beginning to dream…





The strong smell of flowers.


He was already accustomed to it. The fragrance was just as unique and powerful as that in the Cathedral. It was blissful. Midgar hardly ever smelled like this… as least… not as long as he could remember.


Like always, his eyes would be closed. He was not meant to be here, not meant to see what kind of glories are in the Life Stream. Only in the presence of Aries was he allowed to travel into its realm to gain knowledge. As always, he was granted with the sensation of drifting along peacefully, since his spirit was lighter than air. It felt… good.


“ You’ve been mourning lately. “ Came the usual, familiar female voice, soft and cheerful. “ Why? “


“ I don’t know. “ He answered, mouth remaining shut, firmly.


“ I do! Its because of Kadaj… he’s here, with me now. Why so upset though? “


“ I… I’m not sure why… “


“ it’s a feeling, isn’t it? “


“ I guess… “


“ Not exactly hatred… not exactly caring. Your very caught between, like always! “


“ Do you know what it is? “


The voice was silent for a moment, then answered, much softer and knowing than before, “ Yes, I do. “


“ What can you do for it? “


“ I’m afraid there isn’t much that I -can- do… “


“ Heal me or something… please. Its like… being torn apart. “


There was silence again. The attitude almost did a 360; Cloud could feel it in the way the the scent of the flowers grew weaker.


“ There is one thing I am permitted to do… but oh, Cloud… I’m not sure that you can handle it. “


“ What…? “


“ it’s a surprize. “ The fragrance slipped away completely, like the wafting perfume of someone passing by. The white seeping through his eyelids rapidly swarmed into darkness.





Cloud opened his eyes when he felt himself leaning forwards, staring down at the long fall beneath him. With a sudden and startled gasp he turned and grabbed the edge, holding it tight; the leather of his gloves making a fine squeak against the old and rusty metal. His legs kicked at open air, trying to find some kind of footing there.


He was about to say something, when a leather-clad hand suddenly grabbed his own and pulled him up with incredible strength, and found himself staring, rather blankly, into Vincent’s red eyes.


“ What are you doing? “ He asked quietly, “ If its suicide, then I have more conventional ways. “


Cloud snorted at the Turks joke and struggled mildly to be lowered to the metal once again, “ Very funny. I dazed, and lost my balance. “


“ Ah. “ Vincent let go of him and swept his red cape closer about himself, the tattered ends sweeping about his feet, “ As if that makes much more sense to me. Come on, lets get down before you attempt leaping again. “


“ Shut up, old man. “ Cloud retorted, heading in the direction of the half-standing old stairs that used to get up here. By some chance of luck, they were still standing, yet always rocked back and forth every time that he traveled up them. It swayed precariously once, and Cloud was sure it would break. Yet despite its weakness, it stood solidly.


“ If I am an old man, then you should listen to me a tad bit more. “ Vincent murmured, golden feet clinking like spurrs when they touched the solid earth again, “ And I should say you have a lack of respect. “


“ Just be lucky your not in dentures yet. “ Cloud swayed over to Fenrir, the small scratches in the once highly-polished surface gleaming in the sunlight, that was slowly being overtaken by dark storm clouds.


“ Leaving? “ Vincent asked smoothly.


“ Not yet. “ Cloud leaned against the bike, arms crossed, “ Tifa wants me to do chores. “


“ Graceful way of avoiding it then. “ Vincent almost smirked underneath the collar and waved his human hand at him, “ I must be leaving though. I must speak with another Wutai before I turn in this evening, concerning the imeniant attack. “


“ See ya, then. “ Cloud watched Vincent disappear in the distance, like some kind of shadow fading in the overcast, and turned his sights to stare at the sky.


Dusk was setting. It was fairly romantic, the golden gleam disappearing behind the deep clouds that set over the sky, rumbling mildly; it was going to rain soon. Cloud wasn’t bothered by it though. Nature never -really- bothered him. After having so long without anywhere to go, he’d grown very used to the sounds and peaceful calm that it could offer.


With a deep sigh, he shut his eyes blissfully. The rain soon to come could be smelled in the wind… opening his eyes again, the sight of the old ShinRa headquarters suddenly seemed very appealing to him… why not a little reminisence then.


It didn’t take very long at all for him to scale it, and sat at the spot where he’d fought Sephiroth for the last time, and been shot by Yazoo… dark spots smudged the ground where they had both powered and aimed a mighty hit at Cloud, knocking him into the Life Stream with one hit. Somehow, this old part remained standing, after all it had been through.


This had -also- been the spot where Kadaj had died. He noted, staring down at his open palms, watching as a tiny drop of rain fell there upon it, followed by a flash of lightning somewhere.


Cloud closed his eyes and tilted his head back, allowing the few drops of rain that were beginning to fall hit him and roll casually down his throat. Wondering… what had Aeries meant by what she had said? What the -hell- could it have meant. Cloud didn’t even know what he wanted anymore. He didn’t want to have to fight anymore, but he also didn’t want to have to go on, just… wondering.


But wondering -what-? The rain suddenly grew heavier and it prompted him to open his eyes, leaning back on his elbows and blinking furiously to keep his eyes open. The rain didn’t sting his eyes, but it inhibited his vision.


-Hai-


“ What? “ Cloud sat up straight suddenly. Something had just given him chills. “ Vincent? Are you around? “


No answer. If the ex-Turk really -was- around, then he would’ve answered the timid call, even if he was trying to sneak up on him. Not to mention that Vincent would have already succeeded in frightening him.


Cloud drew in a breathe and exhaled through his nose, wiping his face in his arms only to have it soaked through again. He blinked his eyes open again and stared down at the ground, when something in the corner of his eye caught his attention.


-Something- was materializing in the rain. Right now, it looked like water was sliding down a piece of human-shaped glass, the places were rain had already hit glimmering softly and coming to life. Half of the form had already been brought back, laying close to the curve of the top of the building, and as more of it begun to form, slowly begun to slip toward the edge.


Cloud watched, stunned. Naturally, in this world, he shouldn’t have been -too- surprised when things such as this happened, because it sure as hell seemed to happen a lot when it did. When it begun to slow away, a half-formed person, entirely unknowing and falling toward the edge, Cloud couldn’t seem to rouse his limbs to move for a full thirty seconds. And when he did, he practically -leapt- after it, falling fast and headfirst down the side and reaching for whatever the -hell- he could.


He grabbed something that felt suspiciously like an arm, and held onto it tight, his other hand slipping across the surface until he caught something. It ws the edge, and it was nearly cutting through the leather of his gloves, making his teeth clenching. -damn it.. -.


Looking down, Cloud saw that the figure was entirely whole now, and wide awake. First, he stared distantly, and then he looked -down-, and then -up-. Rather instantly, a pair of bright green eyes widened and slited pupils shrunk, and the recreated body his held onto begun to struggle viciously.


“ Let go of me! “ he screamed, kicking and pulling hard at Cloud. The blond winced, loosing his grip slightly.


“ Stop it! “ Cloud choked out after a moment, one more finger edging off until his entire arm hurt. The teen didn’t stop though, grabbing Clouds hand and trying to pry it off of him.


“ Shit! “ Cloud let go with a sharp hiss, feeling as though his muscles were going to tear out of his arm. They were falling toward the ground fast, and the newly returned Kadaj hardly seemed to notice or care what was happening at the present moment. Cloud snarled under his breathe and launched himself toward the teen, grabbing him about the waist tightly and holding on.


The impact was quick; Cloud was sure that he was the one who hit, the Teen secured on his chest and instantly set free when his arms went lax about him. The hit had taken more power from him than he had expected, and he was left lingering dangerously low. He could feel the warning blinking inside of him, and the weight slip off of him quickly and easily.


“ What the -fuck?! “ Kadaj screamed, somehow out of breathe and scrambling to his knee’s, staring down at Cloud with his pupils having shrunken into fine, hair-thin stripes. He stared blankly for a moment, then found an old piece of concrete from somewhere and lifted it with slight difficulty, holding it over the Blonds head.


“ D-don’t. “ Cloud watched as the Youths arm gave a quiet shake, some pieces of rubble falling from the piece, “ Please… don’t-- “


“ You… you killed Mother. “ Kadaj screamed, suddenly looking just as insane as he had over a week ago. Cloud turned his head to the side and shut his eyes, feeling himself weaken even more. Waiting for the strike that would kill him; after waiting this long, only for the Teen to return with the same taste of vengence as he had when he died.


But the piece crashed to the ground beside his head, causing Clouds attention to settle on it. Kadaj had dropped it, his shaking hands slowly rising to his face, where the moisture of the rain still dampened the skin, mingling with the fresh tears beginning to roll over his elegant cheekbones.


“ Mother… “ Kadaj wimpered, sitting back in the ruins and choking once, “ Brothers… I’m all alone now… “


Cloud watched him, a headache beginning to throb in the falls wake. Despite it, he couldn’t help but sit up, curling his legs beneath himself and reaching for the teen. Surprisingly, he leaned against the Blond heavily, practically burying his face into his neck and crying out loud, his entire existence shivering with the force.






To be Continued.