The slums at night were loud. Generators humming, neon signs flickering over puddles, people arguing in the distance about money, cards, or both. You and Cloud were heading back toward Seventh Heaven after an AVALANCHE supply run, weaving through the scrap-stacked alleys of Sector 5.

Cloud kept a half-step ahead of you. Every clang, every shift of metal, every set of footsteps behind you made his head lift just slightly.

You were mid-sentence, when a guy stepped out.

“Hey there,” the guy said, blocking your path with a greasy grin. “Didn’t think I’d see someone like you walking around out here this late.”

Cloud stopped immediately. He didn’t look annoyed or surprised. Just… went completely still.

You tried to sidestep, but the guy shifted with you. “C’mon, sweetheart, don’t be shy—”

Cloud stepped between you and the guy with absolute precision,. His hand didn’t go to his sword, but you knew, absolutely knew, he was a millisecond from drawing it.

The guy lifted his hands. “Relax, blondie, I’m just talking.”