Kadaj slowly dragged himself over to where Cloud lay, “Cl-Cloud.” Sitting next to Cloud, Kadaj saw how bad the wound truly was, he felt a tear form and then slide down his cheek. He began to tear off strips from his clothing to try and stop the bleeding from Cloud’s wound. He needed to find help, soon or neither of them would make it. A young feminine voice rang out from a nearby street, “Cloud! Cloud! Where are you?!” “Over here,” Kadaj rasped not even sure that the woman could hear him. “Cloud!” A child’s voice this time, Kadaj winced as he moved forward checking Cloud’s pulse, before calling out again, “Over here, h-help.” The child’s voice again, “This way Tifa!” Footsteps. Kadaj closed his eyes he felt himself slipping away, he hoped there was a chance to save Cloud. “Cloud.” The little girl started to run towards Cloud but Tifa held her back, “Wait Marlene.” “But Cloud’s hurt.” “I know, just let me go first.” Tifa walked swiftly towards Cloud and Kadaj, bending over she felt Cloud’s pulse, it was still there. Tifa lifted up Cloud and headed back towards their home, “Wait Tifa,” Marlene had stopped as Tifa was about to turn the corner, “What about the other boy?” “That boy was probably the one who did this to Cloud.” Tifa replied never stopping. Once inside Tifa lay Cloud on a bed, and began to peel away his jacket and shirt. It was only then that she noticed the makeshift bandages covering his wound. “Leather.” She though back to the young silver haired teen she’d left lying in the alley, he had been wearing leather hadn’t he? No that couldn’t be right he was one of the Remnants. Why would he have tried to save Cloud? Tifa couldn’t stop thinking about that, as she cleaned and bandaged Cloud’s wound. “Uhn” Cloud’s eyes fluttered open, “Cloud you’re awake.” “Ahh, Tifa. W-where’s K-k-k-kadaj?” Speaking left Cloud out of breath and gasping for air. “I-I left him, in the alley, he tried to save you didn’t he,” Tifa said looking up at Cloud’s face. Cloud would not meet her gaze. Tifa stood up and left the room, she didn’t even close the door as she ran out into the streets once again. Turning into the alley she saw the silver haired boy, this was Kadaj then. She walked towards him, wondering if he’d still be alive. He was, but only barely, “Uhn, Cloud?” Kadaj’s voice was barely audible. Tifa didn’t respond as she lifted him up and carried him back to where she lived with Cloud. She carried Kadaj’s limp form into the room where Cloud was and laid him on the other bed, and began to treat his wounds. She didn’t notice Cloud watching her until he started crying, his body quivering and shaking. Tifa finished bandaging Kadaj’s wounds, and walked over to comfort Cloud. “What’s wrong Cloud?” “Is… is… is he gonna make it?” “I don’t know Cloud, I don’t know.” “I want… to… lie next… to him.” “Alright.” Tifa said gently lifting Cloud and carrying him over to the other bed. She lay him down next to Kadaj, and left the room to let the boys talk in privacy. “Kadaj?” The silver haired teen groaned and shifted himself slightly so he could see Cloud. “I’m sorry, it’s my fault tha…” Two of Kadaj’s fingers lay over Cloud’s mouth keeping him from speaking. “I-I d-don’t blame you.” Kadaj shuddered, “Thank you Cloud.” Cloud started crying again, Kadaj was getting weaker and weaker. “Good-bye Cloud, big brother.” Was the one last thing Kadaj whispered before life left his body.

TBC