Five days later...

Atop a speeding train, Lailah kept her body low to avoid being knocked off or seen. She remained behind Cloud as the train sped through Midgar. She glanced at the passing scenery but the current speed of the train made it nearly impossible to admire the area around her.

The train soon arrived at the station, the one closest to Mako Reactor One. Two security officers were patrolling the area and checking on the train.

Lailah peered over the side just in time to witness Jessie, Biggs, and Wedge take out the two officers. Barret stepped off the train once the coast was clear. "Get down here, merc. And bring your friend."

Cloud leapt off the train and landed perfectly. Lailah followed suit and landed behind him. She checked the bracelet around her wrist to ensure her chakrams were functioning properly. Her attention was drawn to two security officers as they emerged from the station.

"Halt!" One shouts.

"Who goes there?!" the other hollers.

"You two are up," Barret said as he, Jessie, Wedge, and Biggs slipped past the officers.

Cloud readied his buster sword. "You deal with the one on the right."

Lailah activated her chakrams. Two round, sharp metal disks floated above her hands. Using her mana, she set them ablaze.

"You two are coming with us," the first officer declared, aiming his gun at Cloud.

"Nice and easy!" The second officer added as he pointed his firearm at the girl.

"Don't think so," Cloud remarked before attacking.

Without wasting another second, she propelled her chakrams forward and attacked the officer. He tried to shoot her but her movements were too quick and she easily disposed of him.

Looking back at Cloud, she saw he got rid of the other officer.

Without saying a word to each other, the two proceeded to catch up with the others. They entered the station but were spotted by two more officers.

"Who in the hell—?!" The first raises his gun.

"Hands where I can see 'em!" The second one demanded.

Jessie winked and waved at the two as she, Barret, Wedge, and Biggs vaulted over the turnstiles. "Have fun!"

"Freeze!" One security officer commanded when he saw Cloud draw his sword.

"Move and we shoot!" The other officer yelled.

"Go ahead," Cloud retorted as he swung his sword.

Lailah threw her flaming chakrams at the second officer, knocking him back and over the turnstiles. He landed on his back and gave her the perfect opening to deliver a fatal strike. She jumped over the turnstiles the same time she tossed both chakrams. The curved blades sliced into the man's chest and killed him. She caught both chakrams as she landed on her feet.

Cloud joined her on the other side when he wiped out the other officer. He spotted the others pressed against the wall beside the stairwell and heard the sound of footsteps running down the steps. Two more officers appeared and set their sights on him and Lailah, failing to notice the others.

"Drop the weapons!" The first officer demanded.

"You got this!" Biggs hollered as he, Jessie, Barret, and Wedge made their way up the stairs.

"Yeah, what he said!" Wedge added while running up the steps.

Two more security officers arrived.

"You two are coming with us!" Another officer yelled.

"Can't get surrounded." Cloud stepped in front of Lailah and used his blade to block the bullets. He acted as her shield and kept their distance.

Lailah remained behind him as she tossed her chakrams. She disarmed the officers, allowing Cloud to take them down. With the assailants disposed of, the way was clear. She disabled her chakrams and they shrunk to the size of coins. They reattached to her bracelet.

Cloud attached his buster sword to his back. He glanced over at her. He saw she was unscathed. "Good."

She heard him and tilted her head with a puzzled expression.

"Just checking on you," he clarified. After all these years together, it was easy for him to understand her. He didn't need for her to speak. Her vivid expressions were just enough to tell what she was thinking or wanting to say. "Come on."

She followed him up the stairs to the second floor. They found the others gathered at the entrance of the Reactor Grounds. Jessie and Biggs were working on hacking the door and she overheard their conversation.

"So what's SOLDIER boy's deal? Is he one of us now? He's got balls, this, uh... Uh...what was his name again? And who's the girl with him?" Jessie asked her comrade.

"Cloud. Cloud Strife," Biggs answered. "And the girl is Lailah Tenebris. Apparently, they're childhood friends."

"Right," she replied, now remembering their names.

"And he isn't a SOLDIER anymore. Still, he's a professional—unlike the rest of us. And his friend seems to be skilled in combat. I'm glad to have them."

Jessie looked over at the girl by Cloud's side. "Now that I finally get a good look at her, she's really pretty."

"Yeah," Wedge unconsciously agreed. Realizing what he said, his eyes widened and he tried to come up with an excuse. "I-I mean..." However, he couldn't come up with anything.

Jessie and Biggs laughed at him.

Wedge shifted uncomfortably. He then tried to ease the awkward tension with a chuckle and a thumbs up.

Lailah wanted to be friendly and ease his discomfort. She gave him a thumbs up back while smiling brightly. This, however, had a reaction she wasn't planning.

Wedge started to blush. He chuckled bashfully and rubbed the back of his neck.

"This is a one-time gig. When it's done, we're done," Cloud said, dampening the mood.

Biggs got back to work hacking the door. "Real joy to work with though."

"Real joy to look at too," Jessie remarked.

"Here we go..." the man groaned.

"Looks are what people notice first," she said. "And I've already caught you staring at Lailah. Like I said, she's pretty and those tattoos of hers are cool."

Biggs rolled his eyes. "So what if I have stared at her? And there's definitely more to a person that looks. Guess I'm not on the same page as "people"."

"I'd say you're not even reading the same book."

He felt the conversation was going to be drawn out and decided to end it. "Enough. We're done here."

Jessie, on the other hand, continued. "Or even the same—"

"Give it a rest."

Lailah and Cloud had overheard their conversation but said nothing.

The snowy-haired girl left his side when she noticed Wedge had a look of unease on his face. She placed a caring hand on his arm, causing him to lift his head. She gave him a look that questioned his well-being.

He tried to put on a brave face. "I'm okay, I'm okay..." He then felt his stomach churn. "Nope, no. I think I'm gonna be sick..."

She patted him on the back until he felt better.

Wedge thanked her and walked over to Cloud with her. He was more curious about the two newest faces of their company. "C'mon, nobody'd do something this crazy just for money. They may not think you're a true believer, but you know what I think?"

"Not interested," Cloud retorted.

Lailah wasn't surprised at his behavior. It wasn't unusual for him to be cold to complete strangers. She did feel he opened up to her more quickly than Tifa as she was saved and given a home by him and his mother. It was also thanks to him that she didn't perish from her wounds.

She unconsciously lifted her hand to place it around her neck. The scar from her throat wound was hidden under her clothes. It was also because of this injury she lost her voice. She looked melancholically down at the ground as she slightly tightened her hand around her neck. Images of the SOLDIERs storming her village and her people fighting back flashed through her mind.

It wasn't until the image of a SOLDIER crushing her under their boot and damaging her throat before another one tried to slit her throat open did she feel the scar ache. They didn't dig their blade deep enough into her flesh to slice her throat open, but it was deep enough to create a long scar once it healed.

Lailah was startled out of her thoughts when a hand was placed on her shoulder. Lifting her head, she met Cloud's concerned gaze. "Does it hurt?" He asked, his eyes falling to her neck.

She held up her hand and used her fingers to make a small gesture that said a little bit. She then smiled to reassure him that it would be okay.

Cloud still seemed concerned but dropped his hand. He was about to tell her something when Barret rudely shoved past them.

"Wedge!" The brute shouted as the door opened. Jessie, Wedge, and Biggs ran ahead, but he remained behind. He turned to look at Cloud and Lailah. "You two better be worth the money, merc. Every last gil."

Cloud was unfazed by Barret's hostility. He just stared at the man as he took off. He was just here for the money and to help with Lailah's revenge. Nothing more, nothing less. He couldn't care less about gaining the approval of Barret, Wedge, Biggs, or Jessie.

He looked back at the girl once all was quiet. "Let's go."

She nodded and followed him through the door. They didn't make it far before they were stopped by more security officers and a guard dog.

"Get them, boy!" One security officer shouted.

Even before the dog could attack, Lailah stepped between the animal and Cloud. The dog skidded to a stop when their eyes met. She nodded towards the officers, who were too perplexed at the sight to even attack. Without needing to say anything, the canine turned around and growled at the two men.

"Wh-What the hell...?" One stuttered.

"Shoot it!" The other shouted as the dog charged at them with his sharp fangs on full display. The animal was too quick and tore into the officers. When they were both dead, the dog ran off.

"Didn't even have to lift a finger," Cloud commented. This wasn't his first time witnessing animals turning on their handlers. Because of who Lailah is, she had a strong connection to animals and she could manipulate them to a certain extent. Of course, she would never use such an ability to harm animals.

With the way clear, they enter the small warehouse. On the catwalk above, they spotted Barret, Jessie, Biggs, and Wedge running.

Fortunately, Wedge spotted the two before entering the adjacent room. "Hey, Cloud, Lailah! Elevator's over there! Catch up soon!"

Looking to their right, Cloud and Lailah saw the elevator Wedge spoke of. They didn't waste any time and rode it up to the catwalk.

By the time they caught up with everyone, they had cut a hole in the wired fence so they could make their way to the reactor. One by one, they crawled through the hole. Alas, it was time for Cloud and Lailah to pass through the hole, but they were stopped by Biggs. "Not so fast. We've got company."

Cloud and Lailah turn to see two security officers and a guard dog making their way down the ramp. The girl rolled her eyes with a huff. She felt as if she and Cloud were doing most of the work.

To make this quick, she did what she did earlier. She manipulated the canine accompanying the officers and was successful in turning it against its handlers. Like before, the officers were taken aback as they were mauled by the canine. Their screams filled the air as Cloud and Lailah crouched through the hole in the fence.

It wasn't long before more security officers proved to be a hindrance. They blocked them from the others and the large metal door closed behind them.

Lailah was becoming more impatient with the members of Avalanche since they were not assisting them in taking down the officers. It was always her and Cloud left to deal with the threat. She wasn't sure if it was because most of them lacked combat experience or they simply trusted the two to take down the enemies.

With the officers dead, Cloud and Lailah stood by the large door. He pulled down the switch and opened the door just in time to witness the others split into two groups.

"You know what to do—now go!" Barret shouted.

"See you later!" Wedge ran off by himself in the opposite direction.

Jessie saw the two friends had caught up with them. "C'mon, Cloud, Lailah!"

"Pick up the pace!" Barrett growled after seeing how far behind they were.

Upon entering Mako Reactor One, the group came to a stop outside a door. Biggs was currently working on hacking the door.

Deciding now was a good time to talk to Cloud, Barret faced the blonde. "SOLDIERs may attack on command, but I hear they make good guard dogs too. Bet you've seen a few reactors. So how do we get to the bridge above mako storage?" When Cloud didn't respond right away, this made the man's temper flare. "Ain't holding out on me, are you? Stamp scared to bite the hand that fed him? Or is he a loyal little doggie?!"

Lailah glared silently at him. She would've loved to give him a piece of her mind, but it would be impossible since she couldn't speak.

Barret scoffed at the blonde's silence. "Have it your way, mutt. We can do this with you, or we can do this without you. Maybe your little friend can be more useful."

Lailah glanced over at Cloud just in time to witness him grimace in pain. She was quick to rush to his aid. It was common for him to suffer from headaches, but she wasn't exactly sure what the cause was. She only noticed he started suffering from them after she returned from visiting her decimated village. Her return also lined up with him leaving SOLDIER. That was three months ago. She had been gone for a while to reconnect with her roots and practice her magic without grabbing unwanted attention. It was only a few days ago did she return and found herself joining him on this mission.

She placed a hand on Cloud's cheek and provided him healing. Her palm radiated an emerald hue. When the light faded, his painful expression had softened.

His vision cleared as the pain subsided. He found himself gazing down into a pair of golden pools. He sighed, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. He wouldn't say it out loud, but he enjoyed feeling her touch on his cheek. "Thanks," he replied for only her to hear.

Lailah smiled back and stepped away from him.

Cloud then addressed Barret, his smile vanishing. "Different reactor, different layout. Depends when it was built. Never seen one like this, but I'll manage." He gazed up at the reactor, wondering how much more difficult their mission would become before they completed it.

Biggs, after having been working on the control panel for a few minutes, smirked. "In three, two..." He pressed a few more buttons and the door unlocked. "Damn, I'm good!"

Lailah and Cloud were the first ones to enter the room on the other side. They were immediately spotted by the security officers standing guard.

"Who's there?!" One officer demanded, raising his gun to aim it at them. He then glanced at his comrade. "Door!"

The other officer accessed the control panel and closed the door.

"W-Wait!" Barret shouted as the door sealed, separating Lailah and Cloud from the others.

"It's over!" A security officer shouted.

"That's my line," Cloud retorted, grabbing his buster sword.

Lailah activated her chakrams. They ignited with flames and she fought against the assailants. One by one, the officers fell.

A few minutes later, the area was clear.

The two friends sheathed their weapons as the door slid open.

"We're back!" Jessie jubilantly announces. She jogs over to the second control panel to begin working on the other door.

"Then let's move," Cloud remarked.

"He always knows just what to say!"

"Cut it out!" Barret barked.

"It's a good thing I know someone who can get us the passcodes. Pity no one else at command will talk to us, but what can you do?" Jessie asked before opening the door. "And we're good!"

"Careful in there," Biggs warned her when she entered the next room. "I got this place covered."

Cloud pressed the button to summon the elevator.

Jessie couldn't keep her curiosity in check any longer and spoke to him when he saw Lailah was hanging back. "So...you know Tifa, right? It's not really my business, but are you guys close? Or are you and Lailah already a thing?"

Cloud was taken aback at the last question. He glanced over his shoulder at Lailah before a memory flashed through his mind. He remembered being back in Nibelheim. He had just left his house with Lailah in tow. Tifa had tried to get his attention but he ignored her. Then, Lailah took his hand with a smile and tugged him towards Tifa. She wanted him to make more friends and tried her best to bring him and Tifa together. In the end, all three of them became friends.

The flashback ended.

"Tifa and I are just friends, but Lailah..." Cloud was unable to finish his sentence when Barret roughly shoved past him and Jessie to enter the elevator. Jessie was in more shock than Cloud at the man's rudeness.

Lailah entered the elevator behind Cloud and Jessie. She stood between them as the elevator carried them down.

Barret started pacing back and forth. "This pump's sole purpose is to drain the planet dry. While you sleep, while you eat, while you shit—it's here, sucking up mako. It doesn't rest and it doesn't care! You do realize what mako is, don't you? Mako is the lifeblood of our world. The planet bleeds green like you and me bleed red. The hell you think's gonna happen when it's all gone, huh!? Answer me!" He yelled at Cloud. "You gonna stand there and pretend you can't hear the planet crying out in pain? I know you can!"

Cloud crossed his arms with a slightly annoyed look on his face. "You really hear that?"

"Damn straight I do!" Barret proudly claimed.

"Get help."

His response angered the man even more. "Say that again!"

"I'd worry less about the planet and more about the next five seconds. Save the screaming for later."

Barret was about to snap back when Lailah silenced him by pulling out a seed from her pocket. She held it in her palm for Cloud, Barret, and Jessie to see.

"A seed?" Jessie asked.

"Lailah," Cloud called her name out in warning. He knew she was planning on showing them her powers and wasn't sure if it was a good idea.

Lailah smiled at the blonde to tell him it would be okay. She placed her other hand over it and used her powers to make it grow. The emerald light engulfed her hands, earning gasps of awe from Barret and Jessie. The girl slowly removed her hand, revealing the beautiful red flower. She held it up for everyone to see.

"H-How...?" Jessie stuttered. "Who are you, Lailah?"

Lailah only smiled and offered the flower to Jessie.

"Don't talk much, do ya?" Barret spat. He too was intrigued by her powers, but he was more curious as to who she was just like Jessie. "Who the hell are ya? Who did I hire?"

"She can't speak," Cloud remarked with a small bite to his tone. "All that should matter is we get the job done, not who she is."

"Guessin' you know who she is then if you're protecting her," the burly man scoffed. "She must be pretty important."

The ex-SOLDIER glared at him silently. He said nothing as his glower was powerful enough to express what he wanted to convey.

"She better not be some Shinra spy," Barret growled. "If she is, I'll—"

"Okay, I think that's enough!" Jessie intervened. "I doubt Lailah is working for Shinra. If she was, I doubt they'd let someone with that kind of power out of their sight even for a second." She held up the red flower before putting it in her hair.

Finally, the elevator arrived at the top floor. It was the Utility Access for the reactor. They stepped off, but Barret was not yet done. He was still on a rampage and wanted his message to get across.

Cloud could sense what he was planning and held out an arm in front of Lailah. He didn't even look at the man as he stalked towards them in a threatening manner.

"Our lives are on the line now. You listening, merc? One false move... " Barret raised his prosthetic gatling gun and fired a few rounds near the two friends. "And that happens! The same goes for your friend, too."

In the process of trying to convey his threatening message, Barret shot down a sentry ray. The metal corpse crashed onto the floor near them.

Jessie looked up to see another sentry ray while leaning against the railing. "Well, so much for having Cloud and Lailah do all the fighting. There are some places—"

Lailah silenced her by activating her chakrams. She tossed one at the sentry ray and destroyed it. Catching the weapon when it returned to her, she lowered the circular blade.

"Okay, I was wrong," Jessie remarked.

However, Barret sensed a challenge and used his prosthetic arm to blow up another sentry ray. He smirked when it exploded.

Jessie sighed. "Guess Barret's gonna join..." She then glanced at Cloud. "Just...bear with him for me, would you?"

"Should've asked for more money," Cloud retorted, using his blade to block the gunfire from the sentry rays.

Lailah held her chakrams and helped Barret take the machines down.

Barret kept his focus on the sentry rays while taunting Cloud. "Gonna throw your sword at 'em? At least your friend is helpful. But I'd prefer to handle this alone. Let the man with the gun go to work! These tin cans ain't got nothing on me!"

Hearing this, Lailah lowered her chakrams after destroying one of the machines. She dodged a few bullets before taking cover and allowing Barret to handle the machines. She figured she would only get in his way and result in angering him. It wasn't until she heard the beeping and mechanical voices of machines did she rejoin the battle. Monodrives emerged from below and hovered over them.

"Do your job, merc!" Barret hollered as he targeted one of the monodrives.

"Shut up and move over," Cloud snapped back as he swung his sword.

Lailah kept her distance from the two and dealt with one of the monodrives that was hovering around her.  Once destroying it, she looked around to see Cloud and Barret had disposed of the other flying machines. She deactivated her chakrams.

The three make their way down the stairs to rejoin Jessie. She had been fiddling with a control panel. "Look what we have here."

Cloud sighed in annoyance at seeing the next obstacle in their way. "A laser security system... Great."

"Those things'll hurt more than your pride if you're careless. They'll cut you down to size and then some. ...But I'm guessing you've done this kind of thing before."

"Yeah. Figure out the timing of the lasers. Then make a move when they cycle off."

"Exactly! I'll go first. Nothing like a little danger to get the blood pumping."

Cloud watched her dash past the first set of lasers. "Hey!"

"Just keep those baby blues of yours on me!" Jessie shouted confidently.

Lailah came up beside Cloud and elbowed him lightly in the side. When she had his attention, she teasingly smirked and drew a heart in the air with her fingers before gesturing the way Jessie went.

The blonde rolled his eyes. "Nothing like that will ever happen between us."

Lailah mouthed "you never know" before following after Jessie.

Cloud watched her in awe as she dodged the lasers. All he could think about while watching her is what he told her a few seconds ago. He already had his heart set on one girl and it wasn't Jessie.