“Are you all ready?” Barret called to the two men behind him. He received distant nods from both of them. He then turned to Elmyra. “Thanks for takin’ care of Marlene while I’m gone.”
 “Just don’t stay away too long! And don’t get yourself killed! Come back to little Marlene, you hear!” Elmyra said. Barret smiled, those words brought back memories. But he didn’t have time for that now! He had to save Tifa! Waving goodbye to Marlene and Elmyra, he turned to the two on chocobos and saddled up his on his own.
 “Let’s mosey!” Cloud exclaimed. Reno rolled his eyes.
 “I know this is Cid’s job, but, since he’s not here I’ll do it. How many times have I told you! Say something more manly than “let’s mosey” $^(%&#*&)*%$*#$#! Say something like “move out” Reno said, earning a stare from his two companions. “Do a good impression don’t I? Come on! Let’s go save Tifa!” and with that the men set off for the Shinra mansion in Nibelhiem to visit a special somebody…

 Tifa groaned and woke up, feeling a little sore from the night before. Stretching and yawning, she rubbed the sleep out of her eyes.
 “I see sleeping beauty has finally woke up.” Came a cold voice from the door. Tifa looked up shocked to see the president of Shinra himself standing outside her cell door.
 “What do you want?” Tifa asked in the same cold voice he used.
 “Someone should teach you some manners.” Rufus stated, “ You should show more respect the president of the most powerful company of the world.” Tifa rolled her eyes.
 “ Was.” She muttered. Rufus raised an eyebrow. “Any way, what do you want with me? I’d refuse to lead you to the promise land and if you kill me, you’ll never get your fabled Promised Land. Besides, you don’t even have Hojo that had information about the Cetra that would actually help you.” Tifa stated dryly. Rufus shrugged.
 “ Truth be told, we have already replaced Hojo with a scientist just as smart as him and twice as loyal. As for what we want to do with you, well… let’s just say that’s under wraps.” Rufus said, and with that he turned and started walking away. Tifa felt sick to her stomach. Wanting some comfort, she felt where her sword and gloves were supposed to be. But they weren’t there, like it was any surprise, but she still wished they were there. Cloud…Reno…somebody, please save me…Tifa thought as the tears started falling and leaving wet trails down her checks. She hated crying, it was a weakness, and it made her feel like on of those damsels in distress. She was hardly a damsel, but she was in distress. Cloud, don’t forget your promise. She thought as the tears began to flow more freely. That’s when she broke down sobbing.

 “’Nother beer,” Reno hiccuped as he swayed uneasily in his stool.
 “I think you’ve had enough for one day sir,” came the barmaids’ voice. He knew that she would eventually give him another, she had been flirting with him like crazy ever since he had walked through the door. He hiccuped in response. It’s true, the chicks dig me man…Reno thought as he let lose a burp. The barmaid giggled and went to fetch another drink.
 She reminded him of a very drunk Elena when she giggled like that. The giggle of an airhead. Once Reno had actually been able to get the blond Turk drunk enough for her to admit her deepest darkest secret, that she had a crush on Rude. She said that she liked the “silent and strong types”. Then she giggled like crazy after she had confessed. Soon the girl came back with his drinks. She leaned in enough so that he had a good view of her equipment. She gave him a flirtatious wink and was off to serve the other customers. He sighed, drinking didn’t take his mind off Tifa, which was weird, considered being drunk made him forget everything, but not this time. The barmaid came over again and blew him a kiss, which he ignored. When he had been a Turk, he might have taken up her secret offer, but not now. He wasn’t attracted to her in the least. She had ratty red hair and she was chunky too. She had a huge gap between her teeth and her eyes were squished too close her nose. Suddenly he heard a commotion near the door; he didn’t have to turn around to know who it was.

 Cloud walked through the bar that Reno had entered two hours before, and had yet to come out. He wanted an early an early start if he wanted to save Tifa. Tifa, hold on a little longer, I’m coming. Cloud thought while stepping into the bar. He saw Reno sitting on a stool with an ugly barmaid hanging all over him. The site sickened him. Here he was all worried about Tifa, but Reno’s plastered and on the verge of getting some. If Tifa hadn’t befriended the Turk, he would have kicked his @$$!
 “Reno!” Cloud snapped, causing a lot of commotion. The redhead turned unsteadily around and looked at Cloud with glazed over eyes, curtsey of the alcohol. “Wha?” he muttered intelligently, “Oh, it’s only you. You want a drink or something?”  Cloud gritted his teeth while striding over to him. “No I don’t want a drink! You’re supposed to be resting! I want an early start to go rescue Tifa!” he exclaimed. Reno gulped down the rest of his drink and stood up. “I don’t want to kick your @$$, but if I have to I will!” Reno slurred, obviously too drunk to do anything. He rolled his eyes, and knocked Reno out cold with one hit to the head. He paid for the drinks and dragged Reno to the hotel where they were staying.

 Tifa groaned and stretched her aching muscles. While wiping the sleep from her eyes, Tifa heard the “click” that signaled the door about to be opened. Barry strode in, handcuffed her, and flung her over his shoulder.
 “Hey! Do you know how uncomfortable this position is? Try being more gentle this time!” Tifa complained as he walked up the stairs. Noting that he didn’t respond, she thought, guess he’s in a bad mood. People glanced at them, curious, but no one made small talk. He entered the elevator and pressed the button to the 68th floor. Then some crappy elevator music started to play. Oh no! Elevator music! Oh! The agony! The torture! She thought sarcastically. Being sarcastic some how made her feel better. A “ding” signaled they had reached their destination. Barry strode over to a wooden door, which he walked through without knocking. A secretary sat down at a desk, filing her nails. “Oh hi Barry!” she said, looking more like a slut than a secretary, “president Shinra will see you now.” With out fear, Barry walked into the lion’s den. Uh, oh… Tifa thought with a gulp.
 

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