bakerstreet | ( nursed back to health shipping meme. )

[ Splitting up would split the attention- but it might ultimately put them at a disadvantage, too. If one of them happened to get cornered, well...

They didn't send Turks after SOLDIERs without good reason. Even if they aren't necessarily the Turks they once knew. And the last thing Zack will ever allow is for Cloud to be dragged back into one of those godforsaken labs. He failed last time at Nibelheim.

Not.

Fucking.

Again.

So, he more than willingly weaves into that side street, smiling at Cloud in encouragement. Well played. But the smile's brief as determination takes over, set in his brow. This street's especially thick with trash and junk, hindering their progress somewhat more than he'd like, but he moves yet as quick and nimble as a cat. Hopping over one bag and dodging around another.

They're close to their next turn when a shot rings out in the night air. It clangs against the buster and Zack curses under his breath, but he smiles despite himself. ] Some people just don't know when to give up, huh.

[ Another shot's fired shortly after, and this time with Zack being the closer one of the two to their turn, he wastes no time in grabbing Cloud by the arm and yanking him with to pull them out of range again. ]

[Even with two swords on his back Cloud manages to navigate through the crowded alleyway easy enough, hopping over the bags with ease, almost as nimbly as Zack himself is doing. That first shot has him ducking low though, turning slightly with a glare set on his face before he's darting after his companion again.]

They're stubborn. More stubborn than usual. [New Turks, new skills. New ambitions. Figures they'd send some of the newer batch after them rather than the ones actually familiar with the pair.

He manages to correct his steps quickly enough as Zack grabs him and yanks him down another street, a hand back on the hilt of the largest of his two swords to brace it.]

We're going to run into an issue if we make it to the edge of the city. There's not much cover there. [Which meant they were either going to need a ride or hide out until the Turks gave up.

Which wasn't very likely, if he was going to be completely honest.

Another couple shots ring out and Cloud shoves Zack towards the left a little harder than he meant to but adrenaline has him working in overdrive. There's at least two others on their tail now and it's got him tensing, hopping over a few over turned cans before breaking for the end of the alley.] What's the call, Zack?

[ This time, it's Zack's turn to right himself when he's pushed without much restraint and it's a good thing he's got SOLDIER reflexes right then and there. Because otherwise, he definitely would have tripped over the cans that Cloud just jumped over, himself. Instead, he manages to clear them and catch up, keeping pace with Cloud easily enough, you'd almost think he hadn't been on bed rest all those weeks.

That question just fishes a wider grin out of him despite what could be grim circumstances should they fail this. He's right. Once they run out of city, they'll be sitting ducks. He also knows he's just damn tired of hiding anymore. Seriously, after being laid up in bed, he's sick of it. His hand hangs onto the buster's grip again with antsy fingers. ]

I say we give 'em an audience up on the roof tops. Gotta show 'em last time was a fluke anyway, right, Spike?

[ Last time, they had gotten lucky. Had taken them by surprise and in more numbers. But this time? Hell no.

The only thing stopping him from going anywhere but forward comes from the answer he awaits. ]

[For someone who was pretty much a gimp for weeks, you're doing pretty good, Zack. He's proud of you.

The other's suggestion sends up warning signals in his head but he also knows that Zack is right. Last time they'd been caught off guard. Neither of them had been in good condition when they'd been confronted. This time? This time was different and Cloud couldn't help but match that grin Zack was wearing with a slight smirk of his own.]

Yeah, we do. I think we owe them that much. [He's already reaching back to draw the shorter of his two swords free, gaze flickering ahead to gauge a good way up. With a quick nod he motions Zack towards what's most likely a large dumpster but someone had messed it up pretty badly, the metal mangled and compressed on one end. It would give them the leverage they needed though and Cloud didn't hesitate to use it as a springboard of swords, grabbing an overhang to haul himself up the rest of the way up onto the roof.

A shot rings out as soon as he hits the metal sheets of the roof and he drops to a crouch, deflecting the bullet with his short sword while pulling the larger of the pair free from it's holster.]

[ Look, he went through four years of experimentation with you, buddy. THAT WAS NOTHING. Aside from very painful for a while there. But not the first time that's happened.

But that answer's enough- more than enough, really. It gets his smile to stretch wider before his expression turns serious again and he follows almost in complete tandem with Spike, vaulting up after him. Easily, he yanks himself up onto the roof, and then he's got himself planted neatly in his own crouch with his sword arm back on its handle. He finally releases it from his back harness, defending himself from another stray shot before pushing back off to his feet and running forward towards one of their pursuers.

They'll need to cut out the range if they hope to do any damage without the use of materia and he's not about to leave them with anymore window of opportunity in the meantime before they cut that distance. Bullets clang and spark off the buster all the way when he can't dodge out of the firing range, himself, but he's gaining ground fast. ]

[...Why are you making a habit out of things like that, Zack?

Cloud's already thinking along the same lines as Zack, rising as he blocks another bullet. His swords give off a faint glow as they click together, the shorter blade adding to the bulk of the larger as he darts forward. It's easy to dodge most of the bullets but most, like with Zack, ricochet off his sword before he's shifting his weight and sending himself into a controlled skid. The Turk is far too busy aiming at his head to realize their mistake and they're sent sprawling as the sword connects with their side from the sharp upward swing Cloud had dealt. The bullet is a near miss, the blonde feeling the graze of the bullet but it's nothing that's going to stop him.

Especially when there's two others to deal with now.

He switches his grip on the sword to control the weight of it as he pushes forward towards one of the other gunmen, swinging low this time to knock their legs out from underneath them.]

[ Dunno. Masochism??

Regardless, with Cloud taking point, Zack brings up the rear without much fanfare. He narrows his sights on the remaining Turks that Spike's not currently taking down and doesn't miss a beat as he blocks one, two shots before he swings hard sideways, clocking the third one hard with the broadside of the buster. They go flying from that first attack alone although this one still manages to land on their feet and back up. Getting the hint, they're already backing up and firing away again.

The first shot narrowly misses his shoulder, leaving it to seer, while the next one ends up deflected again as Zack breaks off to go after them yet again. It's only at the suddenly white hot feeling in one of his arms that he realizes his mistake as a fourth Turk joins them and he curses to himself, hopping back and redefining his methods for how to deal with not one but two Turks now while Cloud's busy with the other. In the end, he's already charging forward again, but this time, he's definitely vaulting from side to side to throw off both their aim. ]

[One day they need to sit down and have a conversation about that, buddy.

The second Turk he takes on is a bit more nimble than the other, avoiding the low swing of the sword--going as far as to step onto it to launch themselves over Cloud in a move that reminds him just a little of a certain ~~vampire~~ former turk. Their gun is swung around in an attempt to catch him blind but he corrects his path and uses the momentum of his sword to turn in a full circle. The Turk hits the ground and skids with the blow of the sword, gun clattering across the metal rooftop then over the edge.

A smug look crosses Cloud's face before gunfire draws him right back into the fray, the blonde turning just in time to see Zack charge forward once more. He curses softly under his breath and darts forward, a quick push of the mechanism combining his swords separating them again as he duel wields now and goes after the newest arrival to the party, leaving the other open for Zack.]

[ If they survive through all of this and get their lives back, he'll have that conversation with you ten times over, pal.

As it stands, with Cloud making his own move out of the corner of his eye, Zack wastes no time changing direction and darting after the last Turk. This one doesn't have the sharp aim that the other has, but it soon becomes apparent that's not why they were assigned when they holster their gun to trade off to an electro-mag rod. Rather than trying to catch the swing, they jump back to entirely avoid him before zipping in quickly in an attempt to catch Zack off his game.

They don't account for Zack to follow through with a side flip as the buster clangs dully to the ground. He lands neatly and low, side sweeping shortly after and sending the Turk onto the flat of their back. The Turk's stubborn though and swings again as soon as they have their wits about, but by then, Zack's out of range once more and snagging his sword off the ground again, swinging out again just as he does to crack them hard.

When they skid across the ground and get up again, that's the only time Zack finally swings his gaze away and his eyes widen all of a sudden- ]

Behind you! [ He can only shout out the warning as a Turk Cloud thought he'd taken care of tries to backstab him- literally. ]

[He's holding you to that.

While Zack engages his own opponent, Cloud swings both of his swords in from the sides to try and pin the newly arrived Turk in between them. Apparently someone had prepared them for the multiple sword aspect of one of their opponents because a second gun is drawn and both come up to block the blows. Sparks fly as metal hits metal and the Turk's eyes narrow, arms straining against the force of the blows but they're quick to shove the swords away, leaving Cloud to dart back before they can fire. A few quick steps bring him around the gunman's left side and he swings low this time with the shorter of the two swords, catching one of their feet out from under them before they can get away.

The Turk goes stumbling but manages to fire a few quick and sloppy shots at the blonde, sending Cloud backwards a few hop-steps as he starts to re-connect his swords.

And then Zack's shouting a warning and Cloud realizes then that he was being herded, cursing sharply as he moves to dart out of the way. The Turk's blade catches his lower back though it's not near as bad as it could have been, the blonde steadying himself a few paces away with a harsh glare on his face.

Alright. Kid gloves were off now.

The larger of his two swords almost immediately starts to glow and he swings it up in a high arc before bringing it down in a quick slash, a sharp wave of blue energy surging forward and slamming into both of his assailants.]

[ Zack swears softly all the same at the sight of that blade hitting its intended target although it definitely could have been far worse. With the other Turk taken down though, he starts to charge- only to falter in his steps as he feels that energy spike before Cloud unleashed it upon the last two Turks. Both of them are down and out on the ground before they even realize what happened.

With a huff, Zack carefully observes the rest of the rooftop with the grip of the buster held low but still prepared to act should he catch any movement. When none of the Turks move, Zack gives a nod to Cloud. ] Come on! Let's make a break for it before the rest of 'em find us!

[ It's the only prompt Spike gets before Zack's starting at a run now on their continued path with his buster successful returned to his harness. Little does he know that Cloud might feel the faintest ghost of a sickness though.. ]

Lead the way.

[Something feels off, something that he can't quite place but he doesn't let himself linger long enough to really dwell on it. They need to keep moving and Zack's already making a break for it so he's already falling behind. He swiftly sheaths both his swords and starts after his companion only to stumble a couple of steps.

His vision swam--briefly--before the world righted itself again, Cloud frowning softly as he reached back to tentatively touch the wound across his lower back. It's still sore and even the lightest touch has him wincing but nothing else. His vision stayed normal and he didn't feel as off-kilter.

So without a second thought he's taking off after Zack, ignoring the dull throb in his back as he goes.]

[ That further cue alone's all the more reason he has to beeline the hell out of there.

What he doesn't realize immediately is how far behind Spike is- not until he clears a wide alley and doesn't hear a set of boots hit the next rooftop shortly after him. It's enough to get him to look back and call over his shoulder with a tease: ] Don't fall too far behind now! Hey, how about this? Last one there's on laundry duty!

[ Seriously, handwashing clothing sucks. Maybe that'll be enough motivation to get him up there by his side again. You know- outside of the whole running-for-their-lives detail. Just a minor one there. ]

[Okay, yeah, something is definitely not right. Each step closer to the edge of the roof sends a sharp pain through his nerves and his vision is starting to swim again, so much so that he's already bringing a hand up towards his head.]

Not going to hap-- [Another step and his words are cut off as he stumbles and hits the ground on a knee, hands pressed flat to the roof to keep himself toppling forward face first. His vision is a completely blur now and he can't make sense of anything he's seeing, a bit of panic surging through him as his back throbs.]

Z-Zack! Something... [There must have been something on that blade. Goddamn Turks. Goddamn them and their sneaky tricks!

Cloud grits his teeth and tries to stand but equilibrium? What equilibrium? He's close to the edge of the roof now, probably too close given his state but he doesn't topple over. That's something right?]

[ He's about to keep going, to make as much distance as possible between those unconscious Turks and themselves with Cloud at his back. But then he gets a bad feeling, a flicker of movement out of the corner of his eye almost looking like-

'Z-Zack!'

It's that warning, as much as a plea, that gets his full attention. That gets him looking back again and his blood runs cold fast. ] Cloud! [ Instantly, he's backtracking, playful smirk from before wiped clean off his face as he dashes back where he came from. Another neat leap followed by some quick footwork takes him to his friend's side where he's between crashing into him and purposefully grounding him as he hooks an arm around his shoulders briefly.

Keeping that kneel with him, hand still wrapped around his shoulder, he searches his face, brow furrowed in concern. ] That was close- Hey, don't move. I'm gonna check that hit they got on your earlier, okay?

[ Keep talking. Keep him aware and lucid if he can help it. Something's definitely wrong. ]

[Cloud's eyes are closed by the time Zack gets to him, the blonde trying his best not to get sick. He leans heavily into the other man as that arm goes around his shoulders and he sucks in a quick breath. How many hits had he taken over the years? How much crap had he dealt with? And yet something as simple as this was making his life extremely difficult at the moment--something...yeah his mind kept relating it to Mako poisoning and that was just unsettling.

Which is why he latches onto te words that Zack's saying and he only processes some of it but it's enough to get the gist. He nods, not trusting himself to try and speak right now as his stomach continues to twist itself into tighter knots.

The wound across his lower back is angry and red, blood dried over parts of it while the other areas blossom anew where Cloud's shirt has irritated it, seeming to have gotten worse when the cloth was moved to give Zack a better look. There's a hint of a greenish-brown ooze mixed into the blood and it seems to be making the wound fester. Lovely isn't it?]

[ Lovely isn't even close to how he'd actually describe it. Grotesque and worrisome sounds more accurate. It makes his heart rate kick up a few notches and he swears under his breath. Retracting his hand, he quickly slides off his pack now. ]

Keep your weight on me and stay awake, Spike. I'm gonna see what I've got. [ Even as he's talking, he's already digging, digging, digging as thoroughly as he can through his bag, trying to find something to help him out. Some kind of antidote- he's pretty sure he picked a few-

Fuck.

No, he didn't.

He'd planned to, but then Tifa'd said they were fresh out and he had told her they would be fine until the next town and- ]

Damn it- [ He pulls out the next best thing, yanking out some gauze and setting to work on a quick clean and treat, speaking reassuring nonsense to try and keep Cloud engaged as he tapes a wad of gauze down over it as a quick fix for now. It's bad though- really bad. And he knows it's going to be far worse if he lets it sit. That means they have to move and fast and it gets a grim look running across his face.

But even packed light as they are, carrying Cloud, his pack, and his own sword on top of what he's carrying- that's just not possible. Especially if- Zack's gaze rises at the not so distant humming of a vehicle, probably just a few streets down. ]

So much for subtle. Spike, hang tight. I'm gonna get us a ride. [ He gives him just enough help to lay him down before he's gunning it. He can only hope this'll work out. ]

Edited 2016-05-20 03:29 (UTC)

[Even with his head now ducked and his eyes closed, Cloud manages to nod, at least letting Zack know that he's listening. Everything's starting to get a bit fuzzy now and sounds are muted to his ears as the poison courses through him but no big deal. This is fine.

Except then it's not.

Because something's wrong and he briefly cracks his eyes open to look at Zack. The other looks worried and if the gauze is any indication, Cloud's in for a bit of a poison induced joyride. A sharp hiss escapes him and then his eyes are closed again as his companion starts to clean and cover the wound, his body trembling as he fights not to slump forward because fuck that hurts. Even clean the wound still burns and Cloud feels the urge to get sick twisting at his stomach all over again.]

Careful. Pl..ease. [Not with him. You be careful, Zack, because he doesn't need to be completely lucid to get that Zack is about to do something that could end badly for them. Cloud goes down onto his side with the other's help and then is left alone, allowing him a moment to gasp out a breath--having been forcing his breathing to stay steady before--one hand tangled in his hair as he tries to distract himself from the burning sensation in his veins.]

Edited (I can html) 2016-05-20 09:56 (UTC)

[ Seconds feel like hours in the time it takes him to clear the distance from building to street to the vehicle, itself, but he covers it and he covers it fast. It's the convincing that'll be the hard part. He's SOLDIER, former or not. Some people are still scared of them, some people still hate them, and some would shoot first and ask questions later. But like hell's he's just going to stand by and let things happen as they do.

Just as time seems to stretch too far, there's a loud thunk- then a pound of boots hitting rooftop from the other side, getting closer, signaling that Cloud's not alone anymore. Only a moment later, Zack's in his field of vision again, now without sword and pack, collecting Cloud's things instead. Then, he's gently if not still briskly collecting Cloud, too. He's careful not to touch and further aggravate that wound, cautiously coordinating his grip around it as he loops his arms under back and legs. ] We're in luck, buddy. They said they'll take us as far as Kalm, but we gotta book it now.

[ He's not about to mention how much he may have bribed them with as he starts off at a dash back the way he first left in the first place. ] You're gonna be okay, man. I'm gonna get you to town. Stay awake, okay?

[ Calm as he keeps his voice, he can't hide the touch of fear in his eyes. Keep talking to him. Keep him aware.

It's going to be a long ride like this, but hell if he's gonna let him- ]

[It honestly wouldn't matter how much time Zack actually took because attempting to process time is not something Cloud can really do at the moment. Everything's just kind of hazy and seconds feel like hours but then sometimes they feel like minutes. His head swims and his body just feels heavier and heavier with each passing moment and falling asleep sounds like the best idea on the face of the planet right now--

Or it would had he not been startled out of his lull by the thunk signaling Zack's return. It doesn't click in his head, even with his eyes open, that it's Zack at first because of how out of it he is but the tension that initial builds seeps away as the other comes closer and thus into view. Relief is evident on Cloud's face as he puts up no fight to being pick up, head lolling to a rest against Zack's shoulder.

He vaguely hears something about "Kalm" and then "stay awake" and he huffs lightly, managing to nod a bit.]

..'kay.

[That's all the verbal response you're going to get out of him, Zack, but hey! At least he's awake! His eyes are open and everything--even if they are a bit hazy. It's better than the alternative though and he does his best to stay alert. So much so that when a gunshot cracks through the air and the shot hits a mark a few feet in front of them, he startles in Zack's arms.

A Turk stands several feet ahead of them, gun lifting so her mark is now Zack's head as the roar of a helicopter draws closer.]

[ Some verbal response is better than no verbal response at all. And it's a hella lot more response than he ever got from him back when he'd been heavily poisoned by mako at that, so he'll take it! Doesn't really erase his worries in the least, but focusing on that isn't going to help Cloud, so he'll just concentrate on movi- ]

Shit!

[ He hops back at the sound of that shot, almost losing his hold on Cloud in the process when he startles in his arms. Zack's eyes are wide one moment and narrowed the next. Stupid, stupid, stupid. Of course, it wouldn't be that easy. Of course, they'd still be on their tail. They're Turks, for Gaia's sake. He's lucky they didn't haul off Cloud when he'd ran off earlier though it wasn't like there was much else he could do.

But with the sound of that chopper not far off, he doesn't seem to have much of a choice in this instance either and he makes that choice fast. He balances Cloud on his arms as he shows his hands being empty and weaponless, surrendered...

...and then the next second he's apologizing under his breath as he swings sideways, ducking as he lets Cloud's legs drop. The arm once underneath them slips behind his back instead to unhitch the short blade and throw it at the Turk as hard as he can. ]

[Cloud heard the shot so he's got an idea of what's going on even if he can't see their attacker. It's not hard to put two and two together even in his state and he knows this isn't good. He's slowing them down like this and making things harder.

But lucky for him, Zack's..well. Zack.

His feet hit the ground and while there is pain he manages not to crumble to the ground, bracing himself as best he can while his companion--his savior, at this point--unlatches his blade and tosses it at the Turk. One of his hands finds the ground as he stares to fall away from Zack, keeping himself upright as he hears the dull sound of something hitting the ground after a pair of gunshots.

Turks are good, but against a SOLIDER even they're going to have issues and add in a sword like the buster sword? The woman had tried to dodge it and take the shot she had lined up for but underestimated the strength and speed of the throw. Her gun went off as her finger pulled on instinct, the shots aimed far too high now as she hits the ground, gun clattering away.]

Edited 2016-05-20 22:03 (UTC)

[ Zack had already been reaching for Cloud's larger blade, fully intent on charging in to finish the job if that didn't work. The only thing that stops him is when he sees it connect point blank with her and that's when he's switching up plans. He regathers Cloud in his arms with a hanging: ] Still with me?

[ Even as he questions him though, he's already jogging over to the body to collect the blade. That only takes a second and then he's off and running again, clearing one alley... Then another. By the third one, he's hopping down instead of across though, hitting a fire escape first, then a dumpster the next before he's slipping down and onto the ground once more. Ahead, there's a truck with a covered bed. And there might also be the sight of a familiar sword thrust into the ground right behind where it's parked far too close to a building. He smiles thinly as he quips: ] Had to put in for insurance, but we should still be good. Hope you don't get sick anymore on long rides.

Edited (all the dumb typos ever) 2016-05-20 23:16 (UTC)

Yeah.

[Mostly. Okay so he's very in and out right now but it's better than passing out completely, right?

Cloud just slumps int the other's arms when Zack gathers him back up, any strength he had left gone with his attempt to brace himself when the other attacked. The jostling movements of Zack moving then jumping has him closing his eyes and trying not to let it get to him, stomach twisting into knots all over again. He wasn't going to get sick though. This was nothing, he could handle this even if the poison was making it very difficult--

His eyes crack open once they're on solid ground and the first thing he sees is Zack's sword. He manages to focus on it a bit as they move towards it and a soft huff of laughter escapes him.]

Shouldn't. Not Yuffie.. [He could handle just about everything...usually.]

I'm gonna hold you to that. [ Mainly because he doesn't have any kind of substitute for a barf bag or something. Nor does he really have the option to go out of the way for one at this point. He can already feel that his body's far hotter than it ought to be. It's not burning to the touch yet, but he has a feeling that'll be the next step far too soon for his liking. Rather than going for the back, he's beelining for the passenger seat of the old truck.

On the downside? It seems like whoever he bribed decided to turn tail and run if not first without digging through his bags from the scattered mess he can already see through the window of the canopy. On the bright side? They must have seen him coming and left in a hurry what with the driver's side left wide open. And the keys had been forgotten in the ignition.

He'll count however many small blessings he'll get here as he tucks Cloud inside, buckling him in if not without touching a hand to his forehead in the process. Hell, he's definitely getting worse. Closing the door to that side, he wastes no time now hauling Spike's equipment and bag in the back before easily sliding the buster out of the ground and adding it to the hurried collection. Then, he's slamming the tailgate and peeling around to the front fast. He hops in and has to remind himself to take it easy as he starts it. But after the engine purrs to life, his attention's adjusted to a quick look at the layout of the vehicle. Moments later, he's backing them up and starting down the road as quickly as he can manage. At least the streets are far from crowded, making the drive far easier than it ever would have been during the day.

One hand might be kept on that steering wheel at all times, but he's got his other always on Cloud's knee, trying to keep him anchored. ] Well, this isn't exactly how I was planning on making our exit, but I guess at least we won't have to worry about finding something cheap to drive us to town anymore.

[ You know. Unless it breaks down on them. Who's to say? He's... trying not to think about that possibility. ] We should be clear from the city after a few more streets. Then, I'm punching it until we're at Kalm. You gotta stay awake until then, okay? I'm gonna keep talking to you. Just like old times, eh?

YES GOOD. WORKS FOR ME.

\o/

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@@;;; I meant to write how they did NOT get up again in that last tag. Oh my god, I was tired.

No worries! <3 \o/

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