Foreverglow (FF7R)

Chapter 3: Out Of The Hot Zone

Cloud slowly made his way across the roof of the car, going to where he sensed there were four people, knowing that had to be the Avalanche Cell. He heard them talking.

"Guess Cloud won't be joining us after all..." Wedge was saying, sorrowfully.

"No need to assume the worst." Biggs said. "I'm sure he's fine."

Cloud felt doubt from someone, concern even. It was Barrett. He smiled slightly, they were different from the other cell. All the toughness and nastiness was just a front that was put up. He knew that now.

"You saw him in action, didn't you? Guy's a SOLDIER, a literal one man army." Biggs continued.

"Mmm, do you think he's a keeper?" Questioned Jessie.

Cloud got to the roof, finally. They likely heard his footsteps, because he felt them get a little startled. He needed to get in soon though. There was a really narrow overhang, as the train was going down hill, coming up. He wouldn't be able to stay on the roof much longer. He tapped on the door, more clanging. However, he felt them move into defensive positions, and hoped they'd realize it was him before opening fire. He'd have no choice but to freeze them with his aura for a bit. He heard Barrett say something.

"On my go."

Then the door opened, and Cloud wasted no time swinging in. He ended up on his knees, and his leg burned in protest, but he hid the pain. The others gasped in slight fright, but calmed seeing it was him.

"Ugh, you had me worried for a minute..." Barrett remarked. The others were looking at him surprised that he actually cared. Cloud felt the man was genuinely concerned, but was nervous to show it. The leader quickly recovered. "What have you been up to? Huh!?"

"Just giving the disaster, and some Shinra guys, the runaround." Cloud responded, slowly standing up. "Thought they might cause trouble, so I drew them away."

"Nicely done." Jessie complimented. She seemed to be really eager to do so. Barrett looked like he was gonna say something, but Biggs intervened.

"Well, at least he made it, right?" He asked, patting Barrett's arm. Barrett grunted as he lightly brushed Biggs' hand off and closed the door. Cloud slowly moved to walk off, but stumbled, ending up having to lean against the wall for support. He let out a muffled grunt of pain. His leg was really shaking, and he couldn't get his aura around it.

"What's wrong, Cloud?" Jessie asked, seeing him wince.

"He's hurt." Barrett stated, concern spiking up again, and he suddenly didn't care about the cold shoulder treatment. "The mech in the reactor, it grabbed his leg."

Barrett came over, gently grabbing Cloud under his right shoulder and moving to put it over his. Before he could though, The Merc flinched, backing up. Having encountered Sephiroth, he wasn't too keen on getting touched by people he didn't know. Zack's presence was suddenly there.

'Easy, Cloud.' Came his friend's voice. 'He's not going to hurt you, he wants to help, you can tell that. It's okay.'

"Cloud." Barrett said, in a surprisingly gentle tone. Cloud looked at him. "I know you probably don't really like contact that much, and we didn't exactly get along at first, but I can tell you're having a hard time walking. Please... let me help."

"A... Alright." Cloud relented.

He let Barrett then gently grab his arm and get it over his shoulders. They slowly walked to the next car, where there were some boxes being moved to another Sector. Some people were there, and saw them come in. They didn't get off their spots on the boxes, but did let them pass. The group got to another stack of boxes, near the end of the car, before finding a spot for Cloud to sit. As Barrett eased him down, he reached up and tilted his sword a bit so he was able to sit. He then felt Jessie gently touch his knee of the leg that was hurt.