Reno wakes as he hears the cock of a shotgun and gently shakes Cloud

Cloud Strife says, "Mmmph?"

Rufus Shinra says, "up.... Now"

Cloud Strife is still half-naked... since he's only wearing Reno's blazer

Reno stands in front of Cloud to keep him covered

Cloud Strife peers over Reno's shoulder

Cloud Strife says, "Reno?"

Rufus Shinra has somewhat long strawberry blonde hair braided in elvish fashion... as well as pointed ears. An eye patch covers his left eye... but his right eye is an icy blue

Reno says, "don't worry... I'll protect you"

Rufus Shinra says, "who are you and what are you doing here?"

Rufus Shinra keeps his shotgun pointed at them

Cloud Strife says, "We are travelers... and we are resting here"

Rufus Shinra says, "ShinRa people?"

Cloud Strife says, "Hardly...."

Rufus Shinra says, "Then where do you come from?"

Cloud Strife says, "Overseas"

Rufus Shinra says, "Why the hell did you come to this country? You must not be to bright"

Reno says, "that's not true... we were just unaware of its harshness"

Rufus Shinra says, "you got the harshness part right... you are coming with us"

Rufus Shinra gestures with his shotgun

Hana folds her arms across her chest

Rufus Shinra says, "come along... "

Reno looks back at Cloud

Reno says, "um... if he shoots me it will go right into you too..."

Cloud Strife says, "Go with him... "

Reno nods. Starts to walk... keeping Cloud protected

Rufus Shinra turns his head to Hana

Rufus Shinra says, "cover them, make sure they don't try to run... ok?"

Hana nods

Hana says, "You are being a little rude if they are travelers...."

Hana moves behind Reno and Cloud

Rufus Shinra says, "one of them is naked... something is up Hana"

Hana says, "True... Perhaps we have a runaway slave? He looks dirty enough"

Rufus Shinra says, "perhaps, but that's reason to take them to safety"

Hana pokes Reno in the back every once in a while to remind him she's there

Reno growls slightly

Hana says, "What do you propose to do with them Rufus?"

Reno says, "I don't fear your guns... they can't hurt me... well... they'll cause pain but I'll heal"

Rufus Shinra says, "let's get them back to base first and then decide"

Rufus Shinra leads them to the underground caves that serve as the rebel base

Hana says, "Seems we have a kindred.... Did we catch you in the middle of a romantic interlude/snack?"

Reno says, "NO"

Reno growls again

Hana says, "Very defensive"

Rufus Shinra leads them to the to a cave room

Rufus Shinra says, "alright...this is a good place"

Cloud Strife says, "What are you going to do with us?"

Rufus Shinra says, "first... tell me your names and why you are in this country"

Cloud Strife says, "I am Cloud, and I left my kingdom to explore the world before I matured and such things are not as easy"

Rufus Shinra says, "Kingdom... where are you from?"

Reno says, "I'm his bodyguard..."

Cloud Strife says, "Nibelheim"

Rufus Shinra says, "hmmm... across the sea huh? Why are you naked?"

Cloud Strife says, "I..."

Reno says, "the General of ShinRa wound up buying him after he lost his papers and was kidnapped by slavers..."

Rufus Shinra says, "Sephiroth...."

Rufus Shinra puts his hand to his eye patch and growls

Rufus Shinra says, "I have a score to settle with him"

Cloud Strife sniffles slightly and leans against Reno

Reno says, "it's ok Cloud... it will never happen again... I'll kill myself if it does"

Cloud Strife says, "If you kill yourself I will lose a friend and bodyguard"

Reno says, "yeah... so I'm not going to let myself get drunk so you can wonder off... ok?"

Cloud Strife says, "I wont wander off you drunken fool"

Cloud Strife pinches Reno

Reno says, "heh... better"

Rufus Shinra says, "bodyguard.... Hmmm...."

Rufus Shinra turns to Hana

Rufus Shinra says, "I want to talk to that kid... can you watch over his bodyguard for a while?"

Hana says, "sure"

Rufus Shinra walks over to Cloud and hooks his arm

Rufus Shinra says, "come with me"

Cloud Strife says, "Reno?"

Reno says, "hey... let go of him"

Rufus Shinra says, "I'm not going to hurt the kid... I just want to talk to him"

Rufus Shinra lugs Cloud into another room... away from Reno and Hana

Reno tries to follow after them

Hana stops Reno

Reno says, "hey... I have to watch over Cloud... it's my job"

Hana says, "He's safe"

Rufus Shinra lets go of him and studies him

Rufus Shinra says, "how old are you and why do you have a body guard?"

Cloud Strife says, "How old am I?"

Cloud Strife wonders how he should answer that

Rufus Shinra folds his arms

Reno says, "how safe?"

Hana says, "Safer than he was in Midgar.... "

Cloud Strife says, "Im... 21..."

Reno says, "Midgar?"

Cloud Strife . o O ( that's about equivalent in human... I think )

Hana says, "That dirty little kingdom you were in"

Rufus Shinra studies him with his one eye

Reno says, "oh.... yes it is dirty"

Hana says, "With its slavery and racial intolerance"

Cloud Strife shivers slightly

Reno says, "racial intolerance?"

Rufus Shinra says, "am I bothering you?"

Cloud Strife says, "Its..... I've just been traumatized... Im hungry and I have the worst body ache ever"

Rufus Shinra says, "I know the felling all to well"

Rufus Shinra closes his eye and drooped his head

Hana says, "So you are a kindred.... why are you hanging with a half naked boy in the woods?"

Cloud Strife looks around the room

Reno says, "I'm his bodyguard... I protect him"

Reno wonders why she skipped his question

Rufus Shinra sighs and looks back up

Rufus Shinra says, "I'll send for food for you"

Hana wonders why the kid needs a bodyguard

Reno says, "now.. about this kingdom?"

Reno says, "... but their general isn't human"

Rufus Shinra walks out of the room a minute and sends for food

Hana says, "He isn't?"

Reno says, "no.... he's some sort of feline changer.... he shifted when we wrestled the Masamune out of his grip"

Rufus Shinra walks back in and looks at the kid again

Rufus Shinra says, "now that food is on its way want to know why you have a bodyguard"

Hana says, "How interesting...."

Cloud Strife says, "I'm... a prince... where I come from"

Reno says, "it's true... a really big cat"

Rufus Shinra says, "you too? heh... so am I... but I don't like to think about it"

Cloud Strife says, "I just want to return home...."

Rufus Shinra nods

Hana says, "we'd need more proof"

Rufus Shinra says, "what is home like?"

Reno says, "for what?"

Reno blinks

Cloud Strife says, "Its cleaner.... more trees.... "

Hana says, "The general is what keeps us from overthrowing the emperor"

Rufus Shinra says, "I like trees"

Cloud Strife says, "No slavery... all beings are equal"

Reno says, "oh... you're rebels"

Hana nods

Rufus Shinra says, "nice land... is it real?"

Reno says, "cool. you all seem to be elves"

Hana says, "Rufus is half elf... but it does not matter"

Cloud Strife says, "of course it is real.... Reno and I live there"

Reno says, "the leader with the one eye?"

Hana nods again

Rufus Shinra says, "hmmm... if only this place could be like that... but first the emperor has to go"

Rufus Shinra makes a face of hatred at the mention of the emperor

Cloud Strife nods

Cloud Strife says, "Sephiroth may have saved me from more disgrace... he wouldn't let me see the emperor... But he told me that he took pleasure from his own son...."

Rufus Shinra growls

Rufus Shinra says, "yes......... I want to kill him so badly"

Reno says, "hmmm.... how bad is the general? my werewolf companion fought him and we didn't see what happened to him"

Hana says, "Your friend is most likely dead"

Rufus Shinra sighs and watches one of the elves bring in food for Cloud then depart

Cloud Strife picks at the food boredly

Rufus Shinra says, "I hate ShinRa...."

Cloud Strife continues to pick at the food... absorbed in thoughts

Rufus Shinra says, "do you like your kingdom?"

Cloud Strife says, "Of course"

Rufus Shinra says, "My father got me to hate myself when I was young... but later I realized the fault lay not in my elf side... but in my human one..."

Rufus Shinra sits down against the wall

Cloud Strife says, "Think I'm human?"

Rufus Shinra looks at Cloud

Rufus Shinra says, "I'm not sure what to think"

Cloud Strife says, "I look human don't I?"

Rufus Shinra says, "yes... but the way you said that suggests other wise"

Cloud Strife says, "Im not human... but what I am isn't important I guess"

Rufus Shinra says, "hmmm... what are you?"

Cloud Strife says, "Just a kid"

Rufus Shinra says, "kid... but how old are you really?"

Cloud Strife says, "I'm about 3 really..... 3 hundred that is"

Rufus Shinra says, "....... 3 hundred?"

Rufus Shinra blinks

Rufus Shinra says, "what are you?"

Cloud Strife says, "how old are you? You look around 16 or 17?"

Rufus Shinra says, "26... I think I'll always look like a kid though... or for a while"

Cloud Strife says, "I've looked like a kid forever"

Rufus Shinra says, "what race are you?"

Cloud Strife says, "One that prefers itself is not known"

Rufus Shinra says, "hmmm..... very strange, and why not?"

Cloud Strife shrugs

Cloud Strife says, "I'm going to change that when I am king"

Rufus Shinra says, "why not tell me now then"

Cloud Strife says, "Fine... I am a Seraph"

Rufus Shinra cocks his head to one side

Rufus Shinra says, "what's a Seraph?"

Cloud Strife says, "we are also known as angels"

Rufus Shinra says, "oh.... hmmm.... I thought angels had wings"

Cloud Strife says, "I'm just a kid.... "

Rufus Shinra sighs

Rufus Shinra says, "I've never really been a kid... to much hardship in my life"

Cloud Strife says, "We go through something called a divine transformation.... which I am very worried about"

Rufus Shinra says, "why?"

Rufus Shinra runs his fingers over one of his pointed ears

Rufus Shinra says, "do you have any idea what it's like to hate one's self for one reason or another?"

Cloud Strife says, "No I don't...."

Rufus Shinra says, "I do... my father did horrible things to me... for a while he had me convinced it was because I was part elf.... and so I hated myself for not being loved.... you see, my mother was long dead... now I think he killed her... so I was unloved"

Cloud Strife sighs

Cloud Strife says, "I've been alive for nearly 300 years... And I have never been treated so poorly as in Midgar"

Rufus Shinra says, "I hate ShinRa...."

Cloud Strife says, "Im going to suggest an alliance when I reach home"

Rufus Shinra says, "with whom?"

Cloud Strife says, "Wutai"

Rufus Shinra nods

Rufus Shinra says, "I don't know much about them except that they are great warriors"

Cloud Strife says, "I really need to get home though... I feel rather out of sorts. They are strong and noble... it may be difficult to gain their trust"

Rufus Shinra nods

Rufus Shinra says, "I want allies to take down my father and end the slaver and such"

Cloud Strife says, "I'm sure my father will agree to a war.... especially when her hears......"

Cloud Strife shudders

Rufus Shinra says, "perhaps we... the rebels... can seek and alliance to put us in charge of the country of ShinRa"

Cloud Strife says, "it depends on how my father sees it.... "

Rufus Shinra says, "what do you mean?"

Cloud Strife says, "He may wish to put his own government here.... an extension of his own power"

Rufus Shinra narrows his eye

Rufus Shinra says, "we don't want to be ruled from the other side of the world"

Cloud Strife says, "If that's the only way you can get my country to help.. then you don't really have a choice..."

Rufus Shinra says, "that's not help in my eye"

Cloud Strife sighs

Rufus Shinra sighs as well

Cloud Strife says, "if Sephiroth is their general you have no hope alone..."

Rufus Shinra says, "I know that... he's the one who took out my eye when I was escaping the palace"

Cloud Strife says, "unless there is a way we can snag his masamune"

Cloud Strife closes his eyes and grimaces slightly

Rufus Shinra says, "do that and he'll transform... that's how I got the scar really.... one swipe of a paw and I loose an eye"

Cloud Strife says, "how can he be a general if there is discrimination?"

Rufus Shinra says, "my father would never trust a human to lead his army for the same reason that he thinks humans are better then anything"

Cloud Strife says, "'oh?"

Rufus Shinra says, "he can trust a cat though... insane loyalty...."

Cloud Strife says, "true... my head is swimming.... blah"

Rufus Shinra says, "what's wrong?"

Cloud Strife says, "I'm not sure. Perhaps the stress has finally gotten to me"

Rufus Shinra moves over to Cloud

Rufus Shinra says, "sit down for a while"

Cloud Strife sits down

Cloud Strife says, "I really hope it hasn't pushed me over the edge"

Rufus Shinra sits next to him

Rufus Shinra says, "I've been over the edge"

Rufus Shinra shows him his wrists

Rufus Shinra says, "a while back.. I tried to kill myself before I found a cause"

Cloud Strife nods

Cloud Strife says, "I want to go home.... "

Rufus Shinra says, "I'll help you if you help me"

Cloud Strife says, "I can't help you.."

Rufus Shinra sighs

Rufus Shinra says, "no one can then... there is only one way I can think of right now..."

Cloud Strife says, "What good am I.... Im a human until I change.. and not a very strong on at that"

Rufus Shinra closes his eyes and leans his head back

Cloud Strife looks at Rufus

Rufus Shinra sighs deeply

Cloud Strife says, "do you have a healer?"

Rufus Shinra says, "Hana"

Rufus Shinra rubs his ears

Rufus Shinra says, "she is our healer"

Rufus Shinra leans his chin on his arms

Cloud Strife says, "What is wrong with me... did you drug the food?"

Rufus Shinra says, "no"

Rufus Shinra looks up at Hana

Rufus Shinra says, "glad you are here... where is his bodyguard?"

Hana says, "In the other room... So what have you learned?"

Rufus Shinra says, "I've learned he's a prince and such. what about you?"

Hana says, "nothin much really. He is quite worried about this little charge"

Rufus Shinra says, "yeah... I would imagine... and the charge seems to be suffering something...can you heal?"

Hana casts a heal spell on the kid

Hana says, "Suffering from what?"

Rufus Shinra says, "no idea"

Rufus Shinra turns to Cloud

Rufus Shinra says, "do you have any idea?"

Cloud Strife says, "I should be home for this....."

Rufus Shinra says, "hmmm...."

Rufus Shinra sighs a second and looks down

Cloud Strife says, "I'll be fine.... mom and dad said it hurts a lot.."

Rufus Shinra says, "maturing?"

Cloud Strife nods weakly

Cloud Strife says, "I figured.... it was stress... but its not...."

Rufus Shinra says, "what tipped you off?"

Cloud Strife says, "I feel.. different... it's hard to explain... sickly... yet energized"

Rufus Shinra nods slowly

Rufus Shinra says, "alright. how long does it take?"

Cloud Strife says, "not long... but.... they say it's icky to watch"

Rufus Shinra nods again

Cloud Strife says, "There's a whole ceremony that goes with it... but..... "

Rufus Shinra says, "perhaps I shall prepare my plan to kill my father then..."

Rufus Shinra closes his eyes and sighs

Cloud Strife says, "What plan?"

Cloud Strife grimaces

Rufus Shinra says, "nothing..."

Cloud Strife gets very pale

Rufus Shinra says, "you going to be ok?"

Cloud Strife nods

Cloud Strife says, "what's a little pain?"

Rufus Shinra says, "I've been through a lot of pain"

Cloud Strife looks at Rufus

Rufus Shinra looks back at Cloud

Cloud Strife closes his eyes

Rufus Shinra says, "I'll be back soon"

Rufus Shinra walks out of the room and towards his cave room

Cloud Strife stretches out on the floor and puts up with the pain... spreading Reno's blazer over his lower portion

Rufus Shinra goes into his cave room and gets to work on his secret project

Hana tries to comfort Cloud.... while he slowly seems to grow a complete set of wings... feathers and all

Cloud Strife says, "blood.... ooh... I hate blood...."

Cloud Strife passes out

Rufus Shinra sits on his bench... mixing chemicals

Hana goes to Rufus' room to see what he is up to

Rufus Shinra tries to hide the stuff when he hears Hana

Hana says, "What are you doing?"

Rufus Shinra says, "working..."

Hana says, "on what?"

Rufus Shinra says, "killing my father..."

Rufus Shinra continues to try and hide the chemicals

Hana says, "You're going to get yourself killed to"

Rufus Shinra says, "your point?"

Hana says, "Do you really want the Nibel to have control of your birthright?"

Rufus Shinra shakes his head

Rufus Shinra says, "but... my top priority is killing him... and this is the only way I can see"

Hana says, "Look... we have one of their kind.. we can use him .. to get help"

Rufus Shinra says, "yeah... but not if they are going to take us over"

Rufus Shinra looks back at his work

Rufus Shinra says, "if I do this you and the other rebels can take control of ShinRa.... Nibelheim will not be able to take us over"

Hana says, "We would be lost without you"

Rufus Shinra sighs

Rufus Shinra says, "but Hana.... this is the only sure way.. if we attack them head on we will all die and he might still live"

Hana says, "I can't let you do it"

Rufus Shinra says, "why though?"

Hana says, "we need you"

Rufus Shinra says, "not as much as you need him dead"

Hana says, "There has to be another way"

Rufus Shinra says, "we will look for it... have any ideas?"

Hana says, "Do you think the other kingdoms would leave Midgar alone .. if they found it had a weak and incompetent leader?"

Rufus Shinra says, "what do you mean?"

Hana says, "you have a birthright... the rest of us are just rebels... any kingdom would jump at the change of overthrowing us"

Rufus Shinra sighs again

Rufus Shinra says, "then why not find another way?"

Hana says, "we have to... "

Rufus Shinra says, "yes... what do you have in mind then?"

Hana says, "use that kid"

Rufus Shinra says, "use him?"

Hana says, "Haven't you heard any of the legends about angels?"

Rufus Shinra says, "not really... being tortured and rapped daily does not leave much time"

Hana says, "They are supposed to be supreme beings.."

Rufus Shinra says, "not another of those sayings"

Rufus Shinra sighs

Rufus Shinra says, "I hate that"

Hana says, "What if its true?"

Rufus Shinra growls

Rufus Shinra says, "I'm not going to believe that"

Hana says, "then what do you suggest? I am not letting you kill yourself"

Rufus Shinra says, "don't tell me what to do... ok?"

Hana says, "you may be a prince of the realm... but here you are one of us"

Rufus Shinra stands up from the bench and walks to another corner... looking at some of the maps

Rufus Shinra says, "I know"

Hana watches Rufus

Hana says, "And as a people... we do not act alone.. or is your human side too stubborn for teamwork?"

Rufus Shinra says, "I already told you... I'll do that if we can't get him killed any other way"

Rufus Shinra looks at her... his right eye glaring

Rufus Shinra says, "don't say that..."

Hana sighs

Hana says, "You are too stubborn at times..."

Rufus Shinra says, "That's because I know what I say to be true"

Hana says, "there is always another way"

Rufus Shinra says, "such as?"

Hana says, "You expect me to pull it out of thin air? I'm a healer ... not a magician"

Rufus Shinra says, "we've been working on this for a while"

Rufus Shinra folds his arms

Hana says, "why don't you talk to the foreigners?"

Rufus Shinra sighs

Rufus Shinra says, "I have been talking to the prince"

Rufus Shinra closes his eyes

Hana says, "What about the Kindred... or the possibility that the were is alive?"

Rufus Shinra says, "listen... I'll give us a few more days to come up with a plan to kill the emperor or I'm using mine"

Hana says, "fine then... go tend to your guests"

Rufus Shinra nods

Rufus Shinra says, "please don't tell the others about this... ok?"

Hana says, "Alright... but Im tagging you.... so no running off "

Rufus Shinra says, "don't worry... I keep my word... this is a last resort..."

Rufus Shinra walks out of his room and back to where Cloud is

Cloud Strife is curled in a ball in the corner.... looking to be a mass of bloody feathers

Rufus Shinra says, "hmmm.... interesting"

Rufus Shinra walks over to Cloud and inspects him

Rufus Shinra says, "poor Prince... you must hurt"

Cloud Strife sniffles in reply. looks up at Rufus

Rufus Shinra says, "well... do you think you can help us at all?"

Cloud Strife says, "I think.. I hurt right now... I need.... cleaning"

Rufus Shinra says, "what type of cleaning?"

Cloud Strife says, "blood...."

Rufus Shinra says, "how though?"

Cloud Strife sits up

Cloud Strife says, "'water?"

Rufus Shinra says, "alright"

Rufus Shinra looks toward the door

Rufus Shinra says, "Hana... get him some water please"

Hana sighs. comes back with a bucket of icy water and some soap

Hana says, "Sorry about the temperature"

Rufus Shinra says, "here we go"

Cloud Strife weakly begins to wash himself... shivering at the water temp

Cloud Strife says, "Can I get some clothes... at least for the bottom half?"

Rufus Shinra looks to Hana

Rufus Shinra says, "can you get him some?"

Hana sizes Cloud up... then comes back with a pair of trousers for him

Hana says, "Here..."

Cloud Strife pulls the clothes on when he is clean... and tries to stand

Rufus Shinra says, "feeling better?"

Cloud Strife says, "Yes... These are heavy though"

Rufus Shinra says, "it's what we have"

Rufus Shinra folds his arms

Rufus Shinra says, "now.... will you help us?"

Cloud Strife says, "Yes. as much as I can"

Rufus Shinra says, "do you have any ideas for killing the emperor?"

Cloud Strife says, "Do you have plans for the palace? detailed maps?"

Rufus Shinra says, "yes"

Rufus Shinra walks for the door

Rufus Shinra says, "they are in my room"

Cloud Strife says, "I'm very tired.. but I would like to look at them"

Rufus Shinra says, "you should sleep... they will be there in the morning"

Cloud Strife says, "Sleep... where?"

Rufus Shinra sighs

Rufus Shinra says, "where do you sleep normally?"

Cloud Strife says, "Wherever I am... "

Rufus Shinra says, "you can sleep here then"

Cloud Strife says, "I don't need much... Im not a soft little prince who was coddled all his life"

Rufus Shinra walks out and back to his own room

Hana peers into Rufus' room

Rufus Shinra is back at the bench... working

Cloud Strife finds a spot and hunkers down.. wishing Reno was here

Hana says, "You still at it?"

Rufus Shinra says, "yeah... I need to prepare for everything you know"

Cloud Strife covers himself in his wings and tries to sleep

Reno wanders into Cloud's cave room and stops

Reno says, "wow... prince Cloud... you've matured"

Cloud Strife says, "Yes.... I have...."

Cloud Strife sits up weakly

Cloud Strife says, "I'm sapped too..."

Rufus Shinra continues to mix chemicals

Reno sits down next to him

Reno says, "yes.... I think you would be"

Cloud Strife leans against Reno.... moving his wing aside somewhat clumsily

Reno smiles a little

Cloud Strife says, "Tell me what you know about this... they trained me very little on it"

Reno says, "about which prince?"

Cloud Strife says, "My maturity... you know more about me than I do now probably"

Hana sits down on Rufus' bed

Reno says, "well... you can now fly"

Rufus Shinra stops what he is working on and glances over at her

Cloud Strife says, "Once I figure out how to move them"

Reno nods

Cloud Strife spreads his wings and examines them

Reno says, "how do they feel?"

Rufus Shinra says, "Hana?"

Cloud Strife says, "Heavy"

Hana says, "I don't want you to go get yourself killed"

Rufus Shinra says, "we went through this... if it's the only way then I die killing him"

Hana says, "But...."

Rufus Shinra stands up and walks to his bed

Rufus Shinra says, "what's on your mind?"

Hana says, "You are a troubled man... how can I expect you to see the obvious feelings I have for you.."

Rufus Shinra says, "feelings?"

Hana says, "Yes..."

Cloud Strife flaps his wings weakly

Rufus Shinra says, "how long?"

Hana says, "Since I save you..."

Rufus Shinra sighs

Hana says, "Why do you think I hang around... and worry about you?"

Rufus Shinra says, "I didn't want to be saved till you talked to me about a cause...."

Hana says, "Yes.... that's all you care about isn't it?"

Rufus Shinra says, "I don't know..."

Cloud Strife says, "mom and dad are gonna love this..."

Reno sighs

Reno says, "I hope they don't blame me"

Cloud Strife says, "I won't let them"

Cloud Strife wraps his wings around himself and Reno

Rufus Shinra says, "I've never known anything but suffering"

Hana says, "I doubt you even know what feelings are"

Reno is a little surprised

Rufus Shinra says, "just pain really...."

Rufus Shinra lies down on his bed

Cloud Strife leans his head on Reno's chest

Reno says, "Prince?"

Cloud Strife says, "Reno....."

Reno says, "yes?"

Cloud Strife says, "nothing..."

Hana sighs and looks at Rufus

Reno strokes Cloud's hair softly

Hana says, "I suppose you should go get yourself killed"

Rufus Shinra says, "now you want me to die?"

Hana says, "You don't care about me ... so why not?"

Cloud Strife says, "That feels good...."

Rufus Shinra sighs

Rufus Shinra says, "I have a heart that was torn into shreds a long time ago..."

Hana looks at Rufus... tears in her eyes

Rufus Shinra closes his eye... sighing again

Hana says, "I guess I'm wasting my time... you'd rather go in a blaze of glory than stopping to think things out..."

Rufus Shinra says, "I have been thinking... he's to strong..."

Hana says, "He's just a man"

Rufus Shinra says, "with many powerful guards"

Hana says, "You are saying... skilled rogues can not slip in and get him?"

Rufus Shinra says, "he's paranoid..."

Hana says, "The people of the forest are masters of stealth"

Rufus Shinra says, "only I can get close enough to him to kill him"

Hana says, "Then we get you in"

Rufus Shinra says, "it will still cost my life"

Hana says, "Fine... leave me alone then"

Rufus Shinra says, "...... what else are we supposed to do?"

Hana says, "What does it matter if Nibelheim or Wutai moves in and takes Midgar. if you do not need my help then I am leaving... if you are so sure you can kill him yourself... then fine.... do it.... alone"

Rufus Shinra says, "what are you saying?"

Hana stands up

Hana says, "Go.... try and kill him... I am taking my people to Mideel... where they will be safe. Why fight for a cause... that is only for your sake"

Rufus Shinra says, "but.. it's not...."

Rufus Shinra sniffles suddenly

Hana says, "You act as if it is you alone..."

Rufus Shinra says, "why do you say that?"

Hana looks at Rufus

Hana says, "Because... you seem to not want or need our help"

Rufus Shinra draws his arms up

Rufus Shinra says, "I do though... I need to make sure that the kingdom stays in our hands after he's killed"

Hana says, "Whose hands? We will not be here"

Rufus Shinra says, "why not?"

Hana says, "You do not need us"

Rufus Shinra says, "yes I do... to rule ShinRa"

Hana says, "I do not want to Rule. I want to live in my forest in peace"

Rufus Shinra says, "and I want to kill him at any cost"

Hana says, "You kill him... we will leave"

Rufus Shinra says, "but why?"

Hana says, "I do not want to rule, do you understand?"

Rufus Shinra says, "yes..."

Rufus Shinra curls himself up and rocks back and forth on his side

Hana sits down beside Rufus again

Hana says, "Who will rule... if you die...."

Rufus Shinra says, "some one has to..."

Hana says, "Why not just ally with Nibelheim then kill yourself... you'd get the same results"

Rufus Shinra says, "......... what do you mean?"

Hana says, "if you die... nibel is going to take over.... "

Rufus Shinra says, "............"

Cloud Strife yawns and snuggles against Reno... letting his wings droop

Reno smiles a little and reflexively cuddles Cloud

Rufus Shinra sighs

Rufus Shinra says, "I really don't have a choice... do I?"

Cloud Strife says, "I feel so many emotions Reno...."

Hana says, "Do you even want to rule?"

Rufus Shinra says, "no... "

Hana says, "Then why not ally with nibel?"

Reno says, "like what?"

Hana sits on the bed and begins to play with Rufus' braid

Cloud Strife says, "Its confusing"

Reno says, "try and explain then"

Rufus Shinra sighs

Cloud Strife says, "Reno.... I.... feel things about you I probably shouldn't"

Rufus Shinra says, "why did you have to save me then?"

Hana says, "Because I cared about you"

Rufus Shinra says, "then why are you telling me to do this now?"

Hana says, "Because you are about to go off and kill yourself"

Rufus Shinra says, "to kill him though"

Hana says, "I don't want you to die"

Rufus Shinra sniffles

Hana pulls on Rufus' braid

Rufus Shinra says, "what are you doing to my hair?"

Reno says, "what do you feel?"

Cloud Strife says, "Its hard to explain.. "

Hana says, "Pulling it... because Im not sure if you would appreciate what I want to do"

Rufus Shinra says, "what do you mean?"

Hana says, "look at me"

Rufus Shinra rolls over and looks at her

Hana leans down and kisses Rufus

Reno says, "hmmm... well.. I've been your bodyguard for your whole life...."

Rufus Shinra blinks a few times at her with his single eye

Cloud Strife says, "I think... I'm too attached to you Reno...."

Hana sighs

Reno says, "too attached?"

Rufus Shinra says, "......"

Cloud Strife nods

Cloud Strife says, "I didn't want to tell you.... but lately I've.. felt weird when you touched me......"

Reno says, "weird?"

Rufus Shinra continues to look at Hana

Cloud Strife says, "... aroused... I think.. "

Hana says, "Do you understand at all?"

Reno says, "... really?"

Cloud Strife nods sheepishly

Rufus Shinra says, "wha?"

Hana pulls on Rufus' braid again

Hana says, "you don't..... "

Rufus Shinra turns from her again

Rufus Shinra says, "why do you care about me?"

Hana says, "Because.... you need it... And I want to..... I'm drawn to you"

Cloud Strife folds his wings on his back and sighs

Rufus Shinra says, "yes... I need to be cared about... no one has ever before"

Hana says, "Then let me....."

Reno says, "Prince Cloud?"

Rufus Shinra sighs

Rufus Shinra says, "I don't know... if... well..."

Cloud Strife draws away from Reno slightly

Cloud Strife says, "I cant... What I want is wrong..."

Reno says, "can't? what?"

Cloud Strife shakes his head

Hana undoes Rufus' braid and plays with his hair

Rufus Shinra closes his eye

Hana strokes her fingers through his hair... and hums a soothing song

Rufus Shinra falls asleep

Hana sighs. moves Rufus over a little and curls up beside him

Rufus Shinra remains asleep

Cloud Strife stretches out on his stomach and sighs

Reno says, "Prince Cloud?"

Cloud Strife says, "Reno... I don't know what's wrong with me"

Reno says, "maybe nothing"

Cloud Strife says, "Is it normal to have such feelings...... for a man?"

Reno says, "yeah... feelings are feelings"

Cloud Strife says, "You probably are disgusted that I would have feelings.... for you"

Reno shakes his head

Cloud Strife wraps his wings tightly around himself

Reno says, "nah... I guess I never told you about the Kindred... we are all Bi... after all.. we are only fertile once every 100 years"

Reno lies down on the cave floor

Cloud Strife says, "Its just... you've been with me all my life.... and .... I've grown to love you... but I cant.... because ....."

Reno says, "you are the prince and I am your bodyguard..."

Cloud Strife nods

Reno says, "your parents would have me killed for .... well.."

Cloud Strife says, "That and many other things...."

Reno yawns

Reno says, "we should get some sleep Cloud"

Cloud Strife moves close to Reno and drapes a wing over him

Cloud Strife says, "I've decided many things.... and I don't care what my parents will think about them...."

Reno closes his eyes

Cloud Strife snuggles against Reno, as he has always done when upset

Reno says, "let's talk in the morning... ok?"

Cloud Strife says, "alright..... I'm worn out anyway"

Reno falls asleep under Cloud's wing

Cloud Strife lies there for a long time.... thinking... before sleep finally claims him