Revive

Relieve

The sound of Fenrir's engine roared throughout town. Cloud was surprised the bike still ran. He used it endlessly two weeks ago and hasn't had time to care for it, but it has never disappointed.

Soon, they were all out of town. Tifa was seated behind Cloud, grabbing onto his waist comfortably. They have gone past that point of awkwardness and besides, Cloud was used to it. To carry the kids, there were two side carts on either side of the motorcycle holding both of them. Both Marlene and Denzel had melon helmets strapped to their heads and a seat belt across their body. Of course, safety doesn't apply to Cloud and Tifa when it comes to themselves.

Cloud revved the engine and a pulse of speed made the bike fly. He reacted with a satisfied grunt and he heard Tifa laugh in his ear. Denzel threw his hands in the air and yelled in delight, but Marlene closed her eyes tight, gripping onto the parcel that is trembling in her lap. It held several elixir bottles that the lady ordered. Not only does Marlene want to make sure that they don't break, she just doesn't want to fly out of her seat.

Cloud saw the distressed face of Marlene and slowed down Fenrir. The engine's roar rang in Cloud's ears, but he loved it.

"She's running nice, huh?" Tifa giggles, Cloud nodding in agreement.

"This is so cool," exclaims Denzel, feeling the smoothness of the the side cart. "Hey Cloud, can we go somewhere fun?"

Cloud cringed at the feeling. He never liked Midgar and though he's not the first guy you'd think of when someone says "party", but he knew there were no fun places in Midgar. But his thoughts didn't get through Tifa's head, because she decided to reply.

"After the delivery, Denzel,"

Denzel cheered happily at the news. He always wanted to travel, but with everyone busy and cautious about where he goes, it was impossible. The most he has travelled is to Aerith's Church and back, excluding the times when he has been kidnapped. Cloud thought that one day he might become an explorer with his curiosity.

"One place each," he mutters to the kids.

When they arrived at Midgar, Cloud could practically hear Tifa grimace. It was awful. Each building was dark, small and rotting. The buildings weren't even standing on their own. They leaned on each other. Everything was impractical and there was no way people could live here.

The dark city is clattered with debris like smashed windows, car parts, even household furniture; beds which lie along the road are blooming with mice and other rodents. Unfinished bridges tower over the city, threatening to collapse on top of you when you drive past. Sometimes Cloud wondered if they are bothered to finish them.

Many people still live here, but not enough to call it a city. Thieves, thugs and the local poor man lurk around here. Cloud guessed it was because they had no other place to call home.

Cloud maneuvers through the rubble, avoiding scratching, marking or denting his bike. He hated how messy the road was, but once he made it to main road, Fenrir's engine whined as they grew in speed.

"Address...?" Cloud asked as they approached a large residential area.

"It should be on your next right." Tifa directed. "Number 75,"
Cloud swerved to the side and set his sights on a small, humble looking cottage.

"Too small," Denzel comments

"They have a nice garden, though," Marlene says as she hands the box of elixir to Tifa.

Cloud motions everyone to the front door. The door could also be recognised as old fence wood. Splinters were sticking out, threatening to stab any intruder. There was no door knob.