Final Fantasy VII: New Beginnings

Chapter 3: Broken Promises

Back at the lodge, Reno and Rude were talking as they entered the living area.

"Now we just gotta find Elena and the director. The other employee's give you any leads?" Reno asked as Rude stood by the window.

Rude didn't turn to look at him but answered his question. "No, nothing yet."

"Who'd a thunk? A lot of Shinras people actually returned to work! Now thats dedication. Im tellin ya, this could be a fresh start!" Reno Cheered.

"Well..Those left alive have a lot to atone for."

"Two years already. Seems a lot longer than that." Reno sighed. "What a nightmare, huh? The world was nearly obliterated, and we were the obliterators." he then sat up. "Seriously, though – how are we ever supposed to atone for that? Too bad the directors not around, you know?"

"Elena too."

"Hope they're alive." Reno sighed, worried for his comrades.

"They are." Rude said as he joined Reno on the sofa. "Tseng's just like the president. They're kind of like cats, nine lives, you know?"

"You got that right!" Reno cheered and laid back down.

"You seemed like you really wanted Willow to join us..even though what you said about rebuilding Shinra did kind of piss her off." Rude Chuckled, looking at his friend.

"Can you blame me? You don't meet a girl like her everyday." Reno smiled. "She's a woman, she was a SOLDIER and she wields a giant sword, not to mention she's got a smoking hot bod to boot. Who wouldn't fall for her?"

"Well, it ain't about her looks that should draw you in, or her past."

"I know, I know. She's been through a lot, the last thing she needs is a turk falling for her when she's dealing with her own problems. Just wish things could have turned out better for her, you know?"

Rude smiled as him then nodded but he soon stood up, on alert which in turn prompted Reno to stand up and turn to the door.

"Found ya.."

Meanwhile in 7th Heaven, Denzel was alone in the house but he was up on his feet which in turn meant he had turned a corner and was finally doing a little better. The phone had started ringing and Denzel picked up. "Hello?"

"Heya Denzel, you feeling okay?" A familiar masculine but monotone voice spoke down the phone.

"Hiya Cloud." Denzel smiled. "I feel okay. Where is everyone?"

"Tifa, Marlene and I are at the church. We're gonna wait for Willow to come home. Turns out she's been living here." Cloud told the young boy who became slightly confused.

"Church?" It took a moment for him to realize what Cloud was on about but then realised. "Oh, yeah, I know the one."

"You gonna be alright on your own for a while?" Cloud asked, concerned for Denzel as he saw him as his own son.

"I'll be okay, Cloud. See you later"

"Alright Denzel. see you soon."

And with that, the both of them hung up the phone. With a sigh, Denzel let his mind wander, remembering how he met the young guardian.

Flashback - Location: Sector 5 Slums - Church.

Denzel was walking through the slums of Midgar, more specifically, Sector 5 Slums, trying to find some food. He was carrying a metal spear that he would use to kill things like rats. Feeling a little dizzy he sits down and holds his head, but when he removed his hand, what seemed like black residue stained his hand. Denzel then sighed and looked to his right, spotting a golden Chocobo outside the church.