Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction ❯ Revival of the Departed ❯ Chapter 20

Title: Revival of the Departed

Author: J'dee

Series: Final Fantasy VII - this part based after Dirge of Cerberus

Rating: Mature - NC-17

Pairs: None (omg whut)

Story: Alive and well, Zack has returned… but he's not alone. Hojo's experiments on him have caused some schizophrenic side effects that even Zack doesn't realise. Sephiroth and Jenova are alive and well… inside him, plotting their return and destruction of the planet. Will Cloud be able to kill Sephiroth again when he's housed inside the body of his best friend and mentor?

(Het/Yaoi/Non-Con)

Disclaimer: Make no money yadda yadda yadda, not my characters ect ect

 

 

Chapter Twenty

 

 

Tseng moved from the shower in the onsuite in his office changing into his uniform, he heard Reno and Zack's voices on the other side of the door.

He was mad sure, but obviously Sephiroth was madder. The former General needed to be stopped.

Stepping into the office he looked at the two leaning back in the chairs, they went silent looking at him.

“You're both dismissed.” Tseng stated.

Reno opened his mouth. “But sir-”

“I'm fine Reno. I'll be going home after I speak to Rufus to confirm something.” Tseng stated.

Zack stood up slowly. “It's about the ancient isn't it?” He asked.

Tseng saw Reno freeze for a moment. “Ancient.” The red head repeated.

Tseng nodded his head. “We need to find this ancient.”

Zack shook his head. “Don't… can't you guys just leave them alone, they've done nothing…”

Tseng sighed. “We're not killing them Zack its surveillance. Like Reno will be watching you tonight. Make sure Sephiroth does not come out again.”

Zack stood up. “If you say so… Tseng… make sure you get some rest straight after.” He mumbled walking to the door. “All I can do is try not promise anything.”

Reno nodded in agreement. “I'm with him on that yo get some rest boss.”

Tseng pinched the bridge of his nose. “I know. I know. Reno… make sure you follow orders. You are it tonight don't let Zack out of your sight.”

Reno looked at him the turquoise eyes catching his before the red head nodded his head. “Sir.” He stated as he followed Zack out of the office.

 

~*~*~*~

 

Zack knew Tseng was pissed off at him and he sighed. So now he had Reno to deal with as some type of bodyguard. Tseng had gone out of his way to make sure Zack was properly `Charged' up in a manner of speaking.

First Cissnei then Tseng himself… now… he was stuck under Reno's watch and Reno wanted a drink so obviously it's what Reno was going to do. Though Zack knew he could really do with one or twenty himself.

So here they were at Reno's local, in fact Reno mentioned it was all the Turks local.

 

Turks…

 

Zack was getting sick of dealing with them. Really sick of them. He couldn't escape them no matter where he went.

Even his day trip out with Cloud had been followed, but what could be done, Sephiroth was inside him and they were paranoid.

“Well yo… in ya go.” Reno shoved him in the back.

Zack stumbled his hand landing on the door and it swung open. Regaining his step he looked round the bar. Sure enough if going up against Sephiroth like he had wasn't suicidal then this was. Dark navy and blue suits almost were on every person in the bar, there were a select few who didn't wear them, but Zack guessed they were just the bar regulars.

Swallowing he stopped as a figure stepped in front of him, he stood at 6'4” but he had the lanky body of a well trained fighter.

“You're in the wrong area. You're on Turk turf.” The white blonde haired figure remarked. His reddish orange eyes definitely shone with a Turk menacing quality.

Zack blinked taking in the long navy blue coat that defiantly wasn't standard issue for the Turks. The red strapped buckles round the cuffs of the sleeves and several buckles on the black boots to which the pants were tucked into.

“Uhh okay… But you don't look like a Turk. You're outfit's wrong.” Zack pointed out.

The white blonde figure shrugged. “I like to accessorize.” He stated.

Zack stared at him. “…………”

Reno slapped Zack on the back. “Easy M'adoc he's with me yo.” He waved at the Turk.

Zack watched as the Turk turned round and walked off and he blinked motioning at the hair that came down to the ankle of the man's boots. “Is that even humanly possible to have hair that… long?”

Reno smirked. “For M'adoc yeah. He's always had long hair.”

“Man you'd think Sephiroth would pick him instead of me for that fact alone.” Zack muttered.

“Hey you were the one in the Jenova tank not him yo.” Reno pointed out.

 

Reno looked at Zack the former SOLDIER definitely felt out of place here, but orders were orders Reno had to undo what he'd done to give Zack enough strength to fight Sephiroth. So the only way Reno knew how to willingly sleep with a man he didn't think much of was to get both of them extremely drunk and pray it worked out before they both passed out on the floor of his apartment.

Reno motioned to where M'adoc's attention was and laughed. “When he's done I'm sure you'd feel more comfortable talking to Walker. That guy is as anal as Angeal was.”

Zack raised a brow at him. “Angeal wasn't anal Reno what do you know?”

“Walker is ex SOLDIER too, you might have something to bitch about.” Reno offered.

“While you go get drunk?” Zack looked at him.

“Yeah. Well I owe Rude a drink.” Reno motioned at the bar where Rude sat.

 

Zack looked at Rude who was talking to Cissnei he caught her eyes for a moment and she smiled, she waved at him before moving to the table of female Turks drinks in hand. Elena, Cissnei, the other two Reno had told him were Sylvie and Kaye, she was the blonde who had helped him earlier that day.

Zack looked to where M'adoc had headed to. Sure enough Walker must have been the one M'adoc was talking to. He recognized the red head but he couldn't place it off the top of his head.

 

“Hey pretty boy fancy meeting you here. How bout you and me leave this joint for a little fun?” M'adoc purred slipping an arm around the red-brown headed Turk's neck pulling him close enough to kiss, the other hand sifting through fiery strands of Walkers hair

“Quit it M'adoc.” Zack could hear the other Turk growl.

“Oooh I love it when you talk dirty makes me soo hot.” M'adoc leaned close like he was going to kiss the man when a woman walked past them.

Even Zack's head tilted at the raven haired beauty with the long blonde streak through her right bang of her hair, the small sleeveless collared office shirt exposing her olive skin across a shapely waist to a small pencil skirt and heels.

“Hey, hey how bout you and me do the tango?” M'adoc purred grabbing the woman bending her over backwards to kiss.

“Oh my!” The woman giggled. “I don't normally…”

M'adoc's mouth moved to her ear Zack couldn't hear the words but the woman's face flushed at his quiet promise and she nodded her head slowly. She followed the blonde to the door of the club.

Zack shook his head and went to where Reno and Rude where sitting.

 

“There he goes again.” Kaye remarked as her brother started to leave the club.

“God I wish he'd keep his dick in his pants where it belongs.” Sylvie grumbled a bit too loudly.

Elena and Cissnei blushed at the older woman's crude words.

“Uh-ooh I think he heard you Sylvie.” Kaye sighed noticing her brother coming to their table.

“Hey baby inside you is where it belongs.” M'adoc purred cupping Sylvie's cheek to caress it gently.

“Ohmygod that's disgusting!” Sylvie cried. “I seriously wonder how you ever get laid!” She pulled back from M'adoc's touch. “And eww don't touch me who knows where that hand's been!”

“When you give me a chance baby I'll show you just how good I am.” M'adoc purred.

“Ok M'adoc leave the girls alone you have another woman waiting for you.” Walker grumbled three angry marks appearing on his head as he yanked M'adoc by his long hair.

“Trust me baby when we get together it will be fire works!” M'adoc called to Sylvie blowing her a kiss twisting out of Walker's hold he went to the door where the woman was waiting. He slipped an arm round the concaved waist.

“Sorry darling lets go a tango.” M'adoc whispered in her ear as he left the club.

 

Zack let out a nervous laugh. “What the hell was Tseng thinking hiring a guy like that?”

He stopped seeing Walker who had yanked the perverted blonde's hair.

“Believe it or not he's good at what he does. But you tell him I said that and I'll hurt you.” He sat down opposite Zack.

“Walker Zack, Zack Walker.” Reno introduced before looking to the bar. “Hey hey hey! No way get the hell away from my drink!” He shouted at another Turk at the bar walking away from the two.

Zack watched the younger blonde Turk with the fur lined navy jacket laugh and run off.

“CLOVER GET BACK HERE!” Reno shouted chasing the other Turk.

“You said we'd get drunk!” Clover laughed.

“Not when you're stealing my drinks!” Reno shouted.

Zack saw Walker pinch his nose irritated. “They said you were SOLDIER.”

“There's no were in SOLDIER you know that.” Walker looked at him.

Zack smiled, that was true he knew it himself it was the verbal confirmation he needed to show the man had indeed been SOLDIER.

“So what Class were you?” Zack asked. He admitted he was curious he would have remembered hair that long in SOLDIER.

“I was 3rd Class when you and Cloud left for Nibelheim and didn't come back.” Walker explained.

Zack blinked. “I'm sure I would remember hair that long.” He verbalized.

“Yeah had it tucked in to the helmet.” Walker remarked. I was in that group you gave the protect your SOLDIER honor speech.”

Zack looked at him. “So you were 3rd Class then.”

“I made it to first.” Walker stated sipping the drink.

Zack looked to the large buster Katana strapped to the Turk's back. “Guess you'd have to be to wield that thing.”

Walker nodded his head, he set the glass down on the table. “The promotion came after my entire unit was killed in a monster ambush. I was the only survivor. But that was what Tseng said for us to take the mission. At least one of us had to survive.”

Zack frowned. “Why would he say that?”

“Because the leader of my unit was young and stupid. He wanted to prove his worth so he got everyone to annoy Tseng in to going on this mission. They were close to level seventy monsters, they thought they could level up taking them all out. But they were only 3rd and 2nd Class. Tseng gave up and let us go, without a 1st Class to guide us. Kunsel had gone awol at that stage.”

Zack blinked. “Kunsel was your teacher.”

Walker nodded. “He spoke fondly of you, to the point where he was reported in, then he vanished. Tseng let him go didn't bother to follow him.”

“So why'd you become a Turk?” Zack asked.

Walker sighed. “Tseng wouldn't leave me the hell alone.”

Zack understood that Tseng could be hell persistent when he wanted to be. “So how long have you been a Turk?”

“Six months.” Walker looked up at Zack and he caught the mako green eyes giving him a look. “Despite their annoyances they helped save my life and the life of my mother. Now I'm stuck dealing with these assholes seven days a week.”

“They saved your life?” Zack blinked. Turks rarely went out of their way for SOLDIER. Unless he counted how many times Tseng saved his life with air raids. But that was Tseng and him, Reno and Rude hadn't gone out of their way in the past.

“Jenova.” Walker remarked before going silent.

Zack leant forward in his seat. “Jenova…”

“I kept hearing her voice I was slowly loosing it.” Walker remarked. “Not Sephiroth's level but close.” His hand subconsciously moved to his shoulder.

Zack lent back in his seat. “But she's gone now right?”

“Yeah. For a bit.”

“They saved you from Jenova.” Zack looked at him. If that was true then maybe he could try to save Sephiroth or at least his soul.

“How?” Zack asked curiously. Granted Jenova was temporarily gone, she would be back he could feel it.

Walker shook his head. “I really don't know we thought she went away then she came back in full force then three days later nothing… only occasionally do I feel her touch.”

“How occasionally?” Zack asked.

“Past six months since she left about four or five in total instead of ten times a day.” Walker explained.

Zack looked thoughtful for a moment. “How come I don't hear her as much anymore then?”

Walker looked at him. “Because Sephiroth is your problem. Jenova is someone elses.”

“Someone else's… you mean… Quinn?” He whispered.

Walker nodded, but Zack noticed the worried glance to the blonde bouncing up to the jukebox war for the alcohol with Reno lost obviously, granted he didn't have the drink anymore. “She's on to him.” The former SOLDIER added.

Zack nodded. “Guess I better give him a call sometime.” He mused his eyes looking over to the table Cissnei sat at.

“You're staring yo.” Reno remarked sitting down at the table with the two former SOLDIER's, a drink in hand.

“I'm… not… okay yeah but can you blame me.” Zack mumbled. “I don't… know what to think. Thanks to Tseng I'm just confused.” He rubbed the side of his head.

Walker just huffed. “The asshole does that. Get worried when he starts stalking you.”

“What Tseng stalks?” Zack asked worriedly.

Reno laughed. “He followed Walker for three months to try and recruit him.” He slapped Walker on the back. The younger Turk shot him a glare that read `Touch me and I'll rip your arm off'.

Zack laughed at the interaction or lack there of between the two. “So where did you come from before SOLDIER?” He asked.

Reno grinned widely. “You'll love this yo. Banora.”

Zack turned and looked at Walker. “No way? So you knew Angeal and Genesis?”

Walker shook his head. “No. But my mother meet Angeal, he saved her life he warned her about Genesis and the copies, they were able to get out before Genesis...” He trailed off letting out a sigh.

“Remember Hollander's project G?” Reno asked.

Zack frowned. “Yeah how could I forget?” That one thing had started everything that ended in his demise.

Reno motioned at Walker. “Meet the next Angeal born and bred inside a woman with the same genetic structure as Gillan.”

Zack looked at Walker and he saw the fist tightening round the glass his head down. “Walker… I'm sorry.” Zack looked at the former SOLDIER apologetic.

The Turk stood up his hand slapping Reno over the back of the head. “Excuse me while I go throttle Clover for talking too much.”

“Clover…” Zack blinked and he watched Walker move towards the blonde with the fur trimmed jacket.

“Yeah my partner in crime.” Reno grinned.

“Ho shit…” They heard Clover remarked before he raced off and Walker threw his sword in the hilt at the blonde knocking him to the ground before walking to the younger Turk and began stomping on his body.

“When-will-you-learn-to-shut-your-mouth?!” Walker shouted.

Zack flinched cringing. “Oh yeah he has Angeal's personality.” He shuddered at the tone of voice it was all too familiar from when he used to get told off.

 

“Ugh thank god he's gone” Sylvie whispered in reference to M'adoc. Touching her check she didn't notice that she was blushing slightly.

“Hey Sylvie look your cute partner has just come in!” Cissnei whispered. She blushed seeing Zack looking at her and her mind seemed to flicker to events earlier in the day and she swallowed lightly.

Sylvie turned and her whole face softened when she saw Quinn. She lifted up a hand to wave at him.

 

Quinn could see Sylvie waving he waved back starting to walk toward her. His eye suddenly flared up in pain, he paused, looked around spotting Zack and Reno he actually gave a happy smile and started to walk toward them.

He saw Clover freeze the blonde shuffling behind the juke box before vanishing in to one of the back rooms. Walker following the blonde shouting at him.

`You should run… before mother comes for you again.' He thought, moving toward the table Zack sat at.

 

Reno looked up spotting the creepy Turk.

“Crap its Quinn yo lets bail yo.” He hissed at Zack

Zack turned spotting Quinn gliding toward him and he lifted his hand to wave in greeting only to have Reno grab his hand instead.

“Come on lets go get drunk at my place yo!”

“But. But Quinn…” Zack motioned.

“No buts Zack lets scram yo.” Grabbing Zack Reno yanked him out of his chair fast and even faster out of the club.

Quinn stopped and his smile faded his shoulders slumped he wished Reno wasn't so frightened of him. He liked the red headed Turk he also wished he had left Zack behind Zack looked like he wanted to talk to him.

Sighing a little he turned and left the club but he could hear Sylvie yelling as he went.

“Reno get your ass back here now, you have upset Quinn I'm going to kick your ass when I catch up with you!”

 

It took Elena and Cissnei to hold Sylvie back from going after Reno

“Relax Sylvie we all know Reno's a jerk but we kind of need him” Elena soothed her friend.

“Hey guys Clover seems to have recovered from Reno and Walker's attacks.” Kaye smiled waving to the blond Turk as he slinked back in to the room before being booted hard by Walker in to a booth.

“Owww Walker!” Clover protested.

“Sit down drink your drink and shut the hell up.” Walker snapped.

“Do you like Clover or something Kaye?” Cissnei asked.

“I'm not really to sure I'm torn between him and Walker I love the brooding type as well as the joking type I can't choose.” Kaye sighed picking up her drink looking at the vodka and orange on the rocks. “Being a woman is such a drag.” She added before looking at Cissnei and grinning. “Anyway how's the thing between you and Zack going Cissnei?”

Cissnei blushed. “Well I'm really not sure.” She lent back in the seat her face flushing in memory of earlier that day. “We been together a couple of times already and it was really great.” She saw the others looking at her and she blushed. “I'd like to spend more time with him but we are both too busy at the moment…” She added and like pass the parcel she looked at Elena. “Talking about relationships.” She grinned flipping the conversation round. “Elena rumor has it you're crushing on Tseng.”

The diminutive blonde lowered her head to hide her bright red face. “Um yeah…” The blonde went quiet for a bit and shuffled to the side of the booth to hide her flushing face in the shadows. “I have for a long time he took good care of me after Reno dropped the plate.” She let out a sigh. “I'd like there to be something more but I'm not sure he likes me that way and he is kinda our boss.”

“He might get you a pay rise.” Kaye teased.

“Kaye!” Sylvie thumped her friend on the arm.

Elena shook her head. “I hear work relationships never last long and I don't want it to be a one night thing.”

“That's really sweet Elena I'm sure something will work out.” Kaye smiled and she turned to Sylvie.

“We all know who Sylvie's crushing on don't we girls?”

“I am NOT crushing on M'adoc I'd never go out with that disgusting over sexed jerk if he was the last guy on earth…” Sylvie snapped. “What?” She asked looking at the shocked faces at her table.

“We were talking about Quinn your so protective of him and he's the only guy you ever smile at.” Elena whispered.

“Ohmygod your sooo crushing on my brother I don't know if I should be happy or disgusted.” Kaye remarked her nose curling up.

“Yeah who would have thought it Sylvie and M'adoc” Cissnei giggled.

“Shut up, you guys are so mean.” Sylvie placed both hands over her flushed face.

“I'm 30 Quinn's to young for me he is like my younger brother.”

“When I think about it M'adoc is perfect for you A he's taller than you by four inches B he's five years older than you and C he likes fiery woman, he would never tire of you.” Kaye said teasingly counting points off her fingers.

Sylvie fidgeted with her skirt. “I'm going to freshen up.” she mumbled subdued for once and she left the table.

 

~*~*~*~

 

Reno sat in the back seat of the car and he sat up slightly after seeing Quinn vanish and he sculled his drink down.

“Reno that was really cruel.” Zack shook his head.

“What the guy is creepy yo. With his Jenova eye and the floating thing.” Reno remarked.

Zack let out a sigh and he blinked seeing M'adoc walking back in to the club. “The pervert is back.”

“Yeah he does this several times a night yo. I loose count of how many women he takes home.” Reno chuckled.

“So why are we still hiding in the back seat of your car?” Zack asked.

“Cause I know Quinn is lurking yo.”

Zack flopped lying down on the back seat yawning. “Wake me when you want to go in there and finish getting drunk.”

Reno looked to the former SOLDIER his arms under his head eyes closing. He held in a sigh of defeat, he was supposed to sleep with this man. Tseng had ordered him to sleep with Zack. Thee Zack probably one of the better former 1st Class SOLDIER's ShinRA had ever seen.

`Can I even do this?' Reno asked himself softly before glancing at the digital clock in his car. They still had a few hours spare till he had to get back and begin the seduction… if he could.

 

~*~*~*~

 

Zack woke up a the sound of a commotion going on outside the bar, and he sat up looking at Reno watching, Zack blinked seeing the bag of popcorn and raised a brow.

`Where did he get that from?' He thought.

Reno looked at him grinning offering the bag to Zack.

Zack shook his head looking out the window to where Reno was watching.

Sure enough Reno was watching M'adoc with another woman. The blonde's hands catching a red headed woman's arms pulling her back to his chest.

“Hey isn't that Quinn's partner?” Zack whispered.

“Sylvie… yea… this is as good as live porn. Especially when M'adoc is involved yo.” Reno popped another piece of popcorn in to his mouth before winding the window down a bit and Zack caught a flicker of their voices.

 

“Come on Sylvie I'm sorry I didn't think about where I was, Gods your so beautiful, I just lost my mind lets go to my place we won't be interrupted there.”

“Let go of me I don't want you… please.”

“Don't lie to me Sylvie I know you want me no woman would cry out like you had if you hadn't enjoyed it.” M'adoc soothed his hands coming around to cup her breasts fingers going into her lace bra.

 

Zack blushed looking away from the sight feeling like a pervert for even watching the interaction between the two Turks.

“Reno don't you have some shame?”

“No.” The red head retorted. “Awww fuck Quinn.” Reno ducked down and Zack turned round in time to see the flash of a wire as it snagged round M'adoc's throat.

“Step away from Sylvie M'adoc I won't let you touch her.” Zack blinked, the voice Quinn used was so cold, he knew it well when dealing with Turks in the past, it was his `I'm going to kill you' voice.

“Quinn you don't under stand she an-” M'adoc was cut off as the wire tightened.

“I understand quite clear. No man should make a woman cry.” Quinn remarked his voice not changing. Zack heard the over protective tone in the Turk's voice.

“Cry? Sylvie…” Zack watched as the white blonde Turk looked at the red headed woman. “Sylvie baby I'm sorry I'll make it up to you have dinner with me.”

 

Zack slapped his forehead. “He lacks tact.” He mumbled.

Reno lay low munching on the popcorn just listening to the conversation. “That's M'adoc for you yo. He thinks with his lower head more than the one on his shoulders.”

“Shouldn't we go hel-?” Zack began.

“I'm not moving so long as creepy is out there yo.” Reno yanked Zack down. “Just listen don't look maybe the metal will shield Quinn from knowing you're here.”

“I think he's more worried about his partner than me.” Zack mumbled.

“She doesn't want your attention go back into the club like a good boy and leave her alone.” Quinn whispered using the emotionless voice he used when he killed.

“Alright I'm going I'll leave it for now I'll leave that dinner invitation open if you change your mind.” M'adoc remarked.

 

Zack heard the door to the bar opening and he let out a breath. “Is that normal?”

“No… Tseng won't be happy about it but at least it wasn't a proper fight. Then both of them would be in trouble.” Reno remarked. “Turks are not supposed to fight among ourselves, it's unprofessional and looks bad on the company.”

“But you do?” Zack challenged the red head.

“No… I don't fight other Turks yo. I just fight in general, now that's allowed.” Reno flashed a lopsided grin at Zack making him roll his eyes in retort.

Reno peeked over to look out his window and he blinked watching Quinn and Sylvie. “Hoooooly Jenova's head that's new yo.”

Zack peeked over and blinked seeing the Quinn's arms round the older Turk the woman kissing him and he blushed.

“I'm not the one you want Sylvie.” Quinn whispered kissing her forehead.

“I'm sorry Quinn I wasn't thinking…” The red head apologized.

Quinn gave her a comforting smile. “Its okay Sylvie, your just confused at the moment, I'll take you home.”

“Thanks Quinn.” She paused nervous for the moment. “Could you stay with me for the night? I don't want to be alone.”

“Alright just this once. I have to find a way to get rid of mother for good. Time is running out, big brother is getting stronger by the day.”

“Quinn what are you talking about?” Sylvie looked at him confused.

Zack froze Sylvie didn't know about Sephiroth did she?

“Never mind just rambling to my self lets go get you home.” Quinn mumbled.

“Thanks Quinn it means a lot.”

“No problem that's what friends are for.”

 

Zack watched Quinn lead the female Turk to his car. He stayed low till the car pulled off leaving them behind.

“Like a fucken soap opera yo that was awesome! Quinn's so going to get laid!” Reno sat up and opened the car door. “Now lets go get drunk.”

Zack let out a sigh and he followed Reno back in to the bar shaking his head in disbelief.

 

Reno walked in to the bar and he looked at M'adoc sitting at the bar the blonde drowning himself in absinthe.

Zack looked on and cringed. “Poor guy.” He murmured.

“He'll bounce back.” Reno patted Zack on the shoulder jumping in to a stool next to M'adoc. “Yo gimmie a jug of my special and two handles.” He pointed.

“Your special?” Zack asked walking up to the bar.

Walker looked at Zack from the other side of M'adoc. “Reno's concoction. You'll be fine trust me Jenova cells and mako enhancements it barely did anything to me but three glasses and Clover here was out cold.”

“I was not!” Clover protested.

“Right and having to peel you from my couch the morning after didn't happen either?” Walker grumbled.

Clover opened his mouth then shut it looking ahead. “No nothing happened.” The blonde mumbled.

Reno looked at the two for a moment. “Yo you ain't turning gay on me are you Clover? Who am I going to chase women with?”

“I'm not gay!” Clover's arms flapped about.

 

Zack blinked seeing a dark skinned Turk behind the blonde a hand moving round the Turk's waist making him squeak before his arms flailed about.

“You sure… we could make good porn?”

“Ezekiel.” Walker warned.

Zack looked recognizing the doctor who had been with him before Tifa came to get him from the ShinRA medi bay.

Zack motioned pointing at the doctor. “You!”

Ezekiel chuckled and let Clover go, who ran behind Walker his face flushing and grabbing a handle of beer before downing it quickly.

“You remember me? I'm flattered.” Ezekiel grinned.

“I'm sorry… my memory was a bit foggy before Tifa came…”  Zack's hand moved to the side of his head. He looked at Walker and Clover his memory ticking over, something about the blonde made him look at the Turk.

`Jenova… she was with him for some reason…' Zack thought.

“I think I remember now Walker you were tying Clover to the bed for some reason.” Zack shook his head.

“I was sick…” Clover looked to the side avoiding eye contact.

“Walker lacks medical skills.” Ezekiel cut in smiling.

Zack blinked looking at the three. Walker's attention was on M'adoc sitting next to him.

M'adoc just let out a sigh looking in to his glass. Before downing the contents and then pouring himself another glass.

`What the hell are these guys hiding?'

 

Zack looked at M'adoc for a moment not sure if he should say anything. He then turned back to the bar as the jug and two handles were placed in front of Reno.

“Alright time to get well and truly hammered yo!” Reno announced.

Zack followed the red head from the bar to a table looking back at the three shaking his head.

`Mother seems to like blondes.'

`I noticed it's a theme with the two of you.” Zack retorted to the voice picking up the handle after Reno poured him the drink.

Zack downed the contents and slammed the empty handle down on the table before holding in a coughing fit.

“Crap Reno what the hell?” Zack gasped.

“Made it myself yo. Great isn't it?”

“That shit could kill a phoenix summons.” Zack thumped his chest.

“Wait till you set it on fire yo.” Reno grinned.

Zack looked at him flat eyes. “You've had too much time on your hands lately haven't you?”

Reno blinked. “You can tell?”

Zack finally coughed thumping his chest more nodding his head. “Yeah… just a little.”

 

~*~*~*~

 

Elena sat at the booth watching Reno and Zack drinking the poison Reno called a drink. Elena wasn't sure if she was still supposed to be watching Reno. She let out a sigh looking down in to her drink and she picked it up downing the rest of the contents fast. She slammed the glass down standing up.

“You done already?” Kaye asked grinning.

“Sylvie's gone home to bed I think it's my turn.” Elena walked up to Rude sitting at the bar and she looked at the taller older man.

“Tseng's new orders are that I'm to watch Reno… you can return to active duty.” Rude confirmed before Elena could even ask.

“Nice of him to tell me.” Elena sighed.

Rude looked at her sympathetic. “There was an incident with Sephiroth earlier. Reno told me.”

Elena blinked. “Tseng… is he-?”

“He appears fine.” Rude replied.

Elena nodded her head before patting Rude on the shoulder. “See you tomorrow.”

“See you, sleep well kid.” Rude remarked.

Elena smiled and headed to the door.

 

Walking outside she looked up at the midnight sky, then to the ShinRA WRO building just down the road. Checking her pockets she felt her car keys and began the quick walk back to the staff car park underneath the building.

 

It took her no more than five minutes to reach her car under ground. Despite her Turk training and everything there was something about nearly abandoned car parks that made her a little more than edgy.

She could feel the skin on the back of her neck standing up on end, something was within the vicinity and she looked over her shoulder stopping seeing a shadow move as it flickered across the wall.

She sucked in a breath then the sound of a passing car above confirmed it was just that, a passing car causing a moving shadow.

Slipping the keys in to the lock of her car she unlocked the old manual vehicle, making a mental note to switch to automatic locking.

 

The sound of the lift binged and she heard the electronic voice.

“Basement parking lot…”

Elena stood there frozen wondering if the alcohol she drank made her stupid to wait to see who it was or what was going on. She heard the footsteps two pair walking through the car park followed by what sounded like lighter feet following close.

She slipped behind a pillar listening to the voices.

“Are you sure you will be alright?” She recognized the voice to be Rufus's.

“Fine sir.” Tseng replied.

“That was quite a beating you took from Sephiroth. That's twice now.”

“Won't happen again sir.”

“I should hope not next thing you know you'll be dead.” Rufus remarked although the statement was teasing, she knew that it was partly true.

Tseng cleared his throat. “I doubt he will kill me.”

“What makes you so confidant?” Rufus asked.

“So long as Zack is in some control then I won't be killed.” Tseng replied.

Rufus stopped by his car, Elena slipped low behind the pillar peeking round the corner she watch the president unlock his car, opening the back door and Dark Nation jumped into the back. He shut the door quickly.

“Tseng… this is getting serious if we don't fix this soon Zack won't have any control.” Rufus remarked. “He's becoming a liability Jenova jumped from his body to someone else's and we don't know who. If this isn't ended soon, I'll be forced to take action in to my own hands and Zack Fair will be terminated. Any hint that he even survived wiped clean.”

“Two days give me two days if I haven't found someone by then I'll send M'adoc. We all know how much energy he has.” Tseng offered.

Rufus went quiet. “M'adoc… he's close to Turk veteran status isn't he?”

“He would be there already if he remembered to fill in his paper work.” Tseng added. “He's about seven mission reports off from reaching Turk Vet promotion.”

Rufus let out a chuckle. “I'll see if Kaye or Sylvie can catch him up then. Taking out six hundred Wutai resistance should be a sufficient enough track record with four missions to get him that promotion. Then he won't have to worry about paperwork, it's all electronically done after that.”

“If Sephiroth wakes while M'adoc is with Zack-” Tseng began.

“He won't wake, Sephiroth had you didn't he?”

Tseng went silent. “You knew.”

“Of course.” Rufus let out a chuckle. “Tseng I'm not stupid. Sephiroth had you, that appetite should be eased in to security for now.” The sound of a car door opened. “We'll discuss this more tomorrow.” The door shut and Elena listened as the car started up and she watched Rufus's car pull out of the car park.

 

She stayed still listening to the footsteps of Tseng move and she blinked. Tseng's car was on the other side of the lot, why was he heading towards her car?

They stopped and she peeked round the corner of the pillar and she looked at Tseng as he stood by her car arms crossed.

“You can come out now Elena.” Tseng stated.

Elena ducked behind the pillar her hands moved to her mouth to cover the gasp and she shook her head.

“You always have this habit of finding out something don't you?” Tseng stated.

Elena uncovered her mouth standing up slowly and stepping out from behind the pillar. “I'm sorry sir.” She apologized. She looked up at him, he looked as crisp and clean as he ever did it was hard to believe Sephiroth had even touched him. But Rude had told her he had and Rufus had confirmed it was more than touch. “Are you alright now?” She asked softly.

“I will be fine. You look a little flushed. Been drinking have we?”

Elena shook her head. “Not much, only some number I can't remember of glasses of wine!” She protested, then mentally slapped her self that didn't sound sober at all. But she was sober, she knew she was.

“Enough for me to take these keys from you then.” Tseng walked up to her and she felt his hand move to hers taking the keys from her hand. “And I'll drop you off home.”

Elena nodded her head slowly looking at Tseng. “Sir.” She remarked.

 

 

To Be Continued…