I'm still suffering from my writer's block for the "New World" story, my ideas on this story may have been buried deep inside the depths of my brains, so I think of a possible way to pull them back up. Since my head is bursting with too many ideas, I thought of emptying them first. That's when I thought about writing a short story for one of my favorite couples from my fanfic, Genesis and Lightning! This is an AU, so for Genesis and Lightning fans out there, let's do some hurrah!

Disclaimer: Final Fantasy 7 and 13 is a property of Square Enix.

Crimson Lightning

Chapter 1 – The Conspiracy

RRRRRRIIIIIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNGGGGGGGG!

I tapped at the alarm's head to stop its deadly ringing, and with sleepy eyes I slowly woke up. I remove the blanket from myself, stretch and stand up. I walk over my window and open the curtains, a burst of the morning sunlight greeted me. I smiled to myself, another morning.

There was a soft knock on my door, "Serah?" I called, the door slowly opens and in came my sister, all dressed up for school. "Lightning, breakfast's ready, I'll be waiting for you downstairs okay?"

"Alright, thanks." I answered and with that she slowly closed the door of my bedroom. She called me Lightning, a name I told her to call me after our parent's death.

My parents died in a car accident, from what I've been told, they tried to help a couple on the road. Unfortunately, that "couple's" car suddenly blew up, my parents were caught up with the explosion. Their bodies were too burned to be even recognized, except for the family bangles we all wear around. It was made of platinum, a gift from our father, he says it will be a sign of our "togetherness" as a family. All of us have it, even Serah who was still a kid then. The bangle was too small for both of us now so we both wear it around our necks with a silver chain. That was eight years ago and I can still remember how my father's friend, who works as an inquisitor break the news to us. I was thirteen and Serah was ten, we were so heart broken, my sister and I held each other as my father's friend hugged both of us. We sent my parent's bodies in an enclosed coffin. Afterwards, I told Serah to call me Lightning, something that is seen together with thunder, as our surname "Farron" originated from Old translations which means "Thunder".

Serah is my only living family, I got a scholarship in our State University back in Bodhum, I took up journalism because I wanted to uncover the truth about my parent's death. I truly believe there is a foul play somewhere, because that's how it is, when you get older, you understand more. You understand that not everything is real, that other information is known as "classified", that the media beautifies the truth especially when it wants to protect something or someone. But as a journalist you get to understand more, know more, but you will be instructed not to tell the "truth". I wanted my ass in the military, but Midgar only accepts males for their SOLDIER program. Another good position in the government is to become a part of the TURKS, but having a family doesn't enlist you as one, it's either you both joined TURKS or you must be all alone, no family, no friends and was raised by Shinra to become their most trusted henchmen. Of course, I don't want Serah to give up her dreams, because for Serah, she already accepted our parent's death, I'm the only one who hasn't moved on. Perhaps maybe because that day, before I see them off, my father and mother hugged me tightly and told me to take care of Serah no matter what. Serah was still asleep then so she wasn't able to say goodbye, but I did and I knew somewhere in my father's words, he knew he and my mother are going to die that day, that's why they were entrusting my younger sister to me. The closest thing I could muster information is to become a journalist, I swear on my parent's graves that I shall know the truth. I just have a hunch that the accident eight years ago is not an accident at all.

I took a shower, dressed up for work and went down for breakfast, I saw Serah eating while reading some notes from her notebook with earphones on both her ears. I took a seat across from her, I prayed before setting myself to eat. Everything is set neatly on our table, we have pancakes, butter and maple syrup. Serah even fried some bacons, I admire my sister for being such a good cook. I tried cooking once, but it didn't like me, so we made an agreement that she's in charge of cooking and I'll be in charge of doing the dishes. I sip some coffee and began digging on my pancakes, after a couple of minutes, Serah removed her earphones and looked at me, "Zack will pick me up at eight. He's going to drop me to school. Will you be having dinner later? I'll be dropping by the grocery store after school, what do you want for dinner?"

I swallowed my food and sip some coffee before giving her my answer, "Anything's fine, I'm not picky. Besides, don't overdo yourself when it comes to cooking." Serah smiled and said, "okay, will chao fan good for you then?" I nodded and then we heard our doorbell ring, "Must be Zack, bye gotta go! See you later!" She quickly closed her notebook and took her bag, "Take care!" I shouted and she shouted back, "You too!" She rushed outside as I walked and look on from our window. I saw her ride behind Zack in his Shinra powered motorcycle, dashing vehicle indeed. She's hanging out with Zack Fair, a first Class SOLDIER from Shinra. From what I know, they met in a concert and this Zack Fair took a quick liking to my sister. But Serah reiterated that they're just friends and nothing more. However, this Zack is evidently courting her, what kind of friend would always pick you up at home and drop you to school and vice versa every single day? Clearly, this guy is friend zoned. Also, I've heard this Zack Fair was a certified womanizer, but his charms weren't working on my sister, I guess that's the reason he goes the extra mile for her. Well, knowing my sister, she's not that easy, she's more focused on graduating more than anything else. She's a goal oriented person just like me.

I finished my breakfast and washed the dishes, I tuck them all away on the dish dispenser. I rolled down my sleeves and picked up my bag and laptop case. I head over to my car on the garage, put my things on the passenger seat and started the ignition. Another day at work is another chance of finding the truth about my parent's death.

SHINRA BUILDING 80th FLOOR, ROOM 802

The keycard automated door opens and in came a tall man about six feet five inches tall. He sports the typical SOLDIER First Class uniform, he has a sleek raven colored hair which has two short bangs framing the upper part of his face. Upon entering the room, he walked straight to the bedroom, he open the sliding door and saw something moving from under the sheets. The raven haired SOLDIER sighed as he hears moans and gasps, he slides his keycard on the keycard reader on the wall and lights came on.

"Oh Fuck!" says a voice from under the sheets. An auburn haired man emerged from it with a blonde woman beneath and clinging unto him. The man glared at the guy standing on the doorway of his room.

"What now Angeal? Can't you see I'm busy?" he growled. Angeal simply crossed his arms across his chest and said, "SOLDIER duties, we have a briefing in forty five minutes." He then taps on his watch, showing his friend the time.

"Tell Lazard I won't be attending today."

"And if he asks me why, what should I tell him?"

"Just figure out anything."

"Ok, I'll tell him, 'Lazard, Genesis won't be going today, he's currently busy fucking a prostitute.' Is that okay?"

"That'll do. Now go and leave me alone." After saying this, Genesis resumed the promiscuous act with the woman.

Angeal heaved a heavy sigh and went to his friend's bed, grasps the woman's arm and pulled her off the bed. The woman whimpers under Angeal's grasps and Genesis growled in protests.

"Don't you dare stand up Genesis." His voice was stern, Genesis stayed rooted to his spot, glaring angrily at his friend. Angeal turned to the woman and asked, "How much did he offer you for your services?"

"Twenty thousand gil." The woman answered, still standing naked. Angeal pulled out twenty thousand bills from his wallet and gave it to her, "Take this, get dressed and get out. We have work to do." The woman took the bills from him and went to get her clothes which were scattered on the floor, she then started putting on her clothes hastily, after a couple of minutes she's all dressed. She seductively looks at Genesis and said, "See you next time Genesis, just give me a call if you need some fun." The woman then blew him a kiss. Genesis looked on until the woman was already gone from the room. Genesis then glared back at his friend, Angeal simply shrugged his shoulders and said, "Take a bath and get dressed, be there on time." With that said, Angeal heads out, but before he can leave the room, Genesis shouted back at him. "I'll get you for this Angeal! Fuck you!" Angeal just smirks and went out of the room.

45 minutes later

The first class SOLDIERS were inside the briefing room, seated on their respective spot, only one chair was vacant. Lazard looks on the vacant chair, the Silver haired SOLDIER glance at Angeal and asked, "Where's Genesis?" Angeal who was seating comfortably on his chair answered, "I told him to get ready, I don't know if he'll come."

"Angeal?" Lazard, the director of SOLDIER called, Angeal looked up at him. "I believe you have informed Genesis of the briefing no?" Angeal nods and said, "I did, Sir."

"Then if he's not here, he's considered absent and of course will face the rightful disciplinary action. Let's start the briefing."

Just as Lazard was about to start, the automatic door opens and Genesis arrived wearing his usual red leather trench coat, his hair is still a little wet and somewhat messy. Everyone in the room stares at him, Genesis shift his gaze from one person to another before staring directly at Lazard.

"Genesis Rhapsodos, reporting for duty sir." He began. Lazard nods and said, "Take your seat Genesis, I'm just about to start the meeting, good thing you made it on time." Genesis slowly came to his usual seat between Sephiroth and Angeal. Lazard then proceeds with the briefing.

SHINRA TIMES OFFICE

I entered the office and as usual I was greeted by the receptionists from the lobby. "Good morning Miss Farron, looking as beautiful as ever are we? Are you in love?"

I handed her my ID for a verification scan and said, "Oh yes, I am in love." The two women gasps in surprise and looks very happy, the brunette handed my ID back to me and asked, "Really? Did you finally have a boyfriend?"

I smirked and said, "Yes, my articles and my laptop are my lovers, and I am in love with my job more than ever." The two drop their shoulders in disappointment, I head towards the elevator and as the lift arrived, I looked back at them and said, "Don't wait for me to have a boyfriend, it's next to impossible because I don't give a damn at all!" They giggled and I smiled as I walked inside the elevator. Upon arriving to the editorial office on the 7th floor, Tifa was already on her seat chatting with Aerith, they are in charge of producing the Shinra 's official Magazine. It's a magazine containing updates on fashion, makeup, list of hot guys, anything under the women's sun, all topics which will certainly pique any woman's interests and inner goddesses. Nonetheless, the article about these famous SOLDIER heartthrobs is what truly makes it a very profitable income for this publishing house. The magazine is a certified top seller, who wouldn't? When on the front page there's already a teaser of what to expect inside, and once females saw the phrase of "…how to steal your favorite first's heart?" or something like, "Tips to make SOLDIER Heartthrob notice you!" and of course the most sellable topic of all from this magazine, 'Be in the know: what kind of woman SOLDIERS like!" Once those magazines were put up in local convenience stores, bookstores and some cafes, it's definitely a sold out.

It's just not my thing, I don't know why you need to spend some bucks on magazines you can just search on the net. Not that I even research about them, I find them too over popularized. They have their own fan clubs, they infiltrate the ads, the web. The walls of the streets, billboards, every clothing line wants them as models, even on TV's and radios, literally everywhere. It's irritating, I'm just glad that Serah was not a fan at all. Well, the reason these two were chosen to be in charge of that is because Tifa's boyfriend is the youngest SOLDIER First Class, Cloud Strife. And Aerith is currently dating SOLDIER General Sephiroth Crescent, aside from updates on just about anything, their articles will give those SOLDIERS more popularity score which will boost the morale of every citizen.

When they saw me, they waved at me, "Good morning Light!" they greeted me in unison. "Good morning." I replied. "Sir Cid wants to see you, head over to his office after you clock in." Tifa informs me, I nodded and said, "Thanks." I head over to my station and pulled out my laptop from the case, I set it up and clocked in, I still have five minutes before my meeting with Cid. Hmm…. I wonder why he wants to see me so early in the morning, could I finally have a top secret scoop? I felt uneasy and excited at the same time, I opened my browser and search for any topics or intakes on the most shocking accident eight years ago, the one which involved my parents. I typed in "The Death of Lars and Cassandra Farron." on the search bar and lots of results displayed on my screen, there were recent replies on the forum site I always visited, this forum site does not beautify any truth, however, you'll never know which is the truth because there are many hearsays and add on to the truth I've been seeking.

As I was checking for recent posts about it, I saw someone with the username "G" replied to my comment. One comment and it quickly stir my curiosity, "This issue was long forgotten, but I remember it like it just happened yesterday." I quickly replied to his statement and said, "Would love to talk about it. Pm me, here's my email, LightningFarron , looking forward to chat with you. ;)"

I stretched and I felt a light tap on my shoulder, I quickly closed the screen of my laptop and folded it, it was Tifa. "Hey." I said, "Uhmm… Cid needs to talk to you." She replied shyly. "Right, I'll go there I just had to check something." She nods and said, "Okay." With that she turned around and went back to her seat, it's time to go see the boss of this publishing house.

I knocked lightly on Cid's door, I heard a grumpy response, "Come in!" I slowly opened the door and I saw his secretary Shera put a coffee on his table. When she saw me, she mouthed the words "Good morning" and gave me a small wave. I nod in response and closed the door of his office gently. "You called for me?" I began, Cid who was currently looking at the city from his floor-to-ceiling windows turned to me, as usual, he's smoking a cigarette. His office often smells like cigarette smoke, one would feel suffocated staying in here for about an hour or so.

"Oy Lightning, good morning young fella! Have a seat and drink that tea, I have Shera prepared it ya know." I sighed softly and walk towards the seat across his large mahogany desk. "I have a scoop for ya." My eyes can't hide the gleam as I heard that he has a scoop for me. After all, having a scoop means I can access the forbidden archives on the top floor which can help me with my article. And from those archives, I can definitely look for the mystery of my parent's "accident."

Cid smirked and points a finger at me, "Oho! Look at that gleam in yer eyes! Well, well… aren't ya just delighted that I have a scoop for ya?"

"I do, I am so what is this about?" I asked eagerly.

"Well, I need ya to help Tifa and Aerith, Genesis Rhapsodos, the SOLDIER with the most number of fans due to his popularity as not only a part of the military but as well as a singer released a new single. Tifa and Aerith got their hands full working on the magazine and I thought of someone lending a hand, since there are no good news around Midgar lately." Cid said and blew a smoke from his cigar. Seriously, he wants me to write a fan based article in which I am utterly not a fan of this so-called Genesis Rhapsodos, and for me to interview him? I just can't fathom this stupid idea.

I cleared my throat and smiled sarcastically at this old man, "Well, Mr. Highwind, I do appreciate the thought of you giving me a scoop, but I think I have to decline this offer." He looks shocked, he then throws the cigarette onto the ash tray, he looks at me in disbelief. He then cleared his throat and said, "This is actually a big scoop and yer declining the offer? Hold on one second there, let me just state this scoop clearly to ya." He then take his pack of cigars and lit another one, he puff a few smokes before turning towards me again, I hate the smell of cigarette smoke, I feel dizzy and my chest tightens but I pretend it doesn't affect me. Let's see what this old fart's going to say.

"Why would ya decline this? Do ya exactly know who Genesis Rhapsodos is?" he asked. I shook my head and said, "I don't and I'm not interested." His eyes widens as Shera who placed a tray of biscuits on the table was also shocked. "Every woman in the world would be dying to have a personal interview with him, everyone would kill just to be in yer place, that's how charming he is!"

I sip my cup of tea and act uninterested at all, I looked at this old man in the eye and said, "Then let somebody do it." He stood up and said, "Why are ya rejecting this offer? Do ya know how much money the Shinra Times Magazine gives us because of these good looking guys which every woman so desire?" Unable to stay as calm and as sarcastic as possible, I stood up as well and said, "I applied in Shinra Times because I wanted to become a writer for a News article, about public affairs and not to have an interview with some guy most women fancies or even wets on. I don't have to deal with this, it's not my specialty and it will never be! If you can't give me a scoop about recent events or public affairs and not showbiz business, then I won't write or interview someone for this company!"

"Ya will never get a recent news that is not inclined to showbiz business, that's how the media goes Lightning, Shinra will always like news that will give its name more popularity. We write for Shinra's sake hence we are called Shinra Times! Now keep sticking to yer news article and you'll get nothing! Yer just confused, ya might want to rethink this offer. Because if ya don't, ya'll lose the job and ya'll never get another chance. We are Shinra's puppets, we do what they want, it's all about the money." Cid answered in a very serious voice, he puffs a few smoke again before he takes a seat.

So I was right, there could be a possibility Shinra is involved in my parent's accident, Sazh couldn't tell us because he fears for his life, for his son Dahj. So on the day my parents died, he told me it was an accident, but I overheard him talking to someone over the phone during my parent's funeral, "Shinra's name was not tarnished." From then on, I wanted to get close to Shinra because of a strong feeling within me which suggests their involvement in my parent's death.

I look him sternly in the eye and said, "Hmph, money is it? Well, I am not a slave to Gil, I'd rather exploit the truth and live a simple life, rather than get paid and tell people lies! I still have my principles Mr Highwind, now if you'll excuse me." I stomp my way out of his office, but as soon as I've reached the door he gave an I-can't-believe-you kind of laugh, which stopped me from making my way out of his suffocating office.

"Yer brave, but you must know, everything revolves with money. Now that I've spilled my beans regarding Shinra controlling everything, I must protect their name and course myself. Wait for someone to clean up this mess." I turned to look at him sternly as he puffs another smoke, then he stared at me, calculating me. "Ya can be brave, but once Shinra showed ya what It means to never mess with them, we'll see about that." I felt a cold shiver which runs down my spine, the hairs at the back of my neck stand up, somehow I felt a tinged of fear but I decided to ignore him. I opened the door and walked away.

I was driving home that evening, there was a reported case of a collision between a construction truck and a commuter's bus, I decided to make a turn using a shortcut which runs down a remote roadway leading to the other side of my subdivision. I was a few blocks from home when I noticed a sleek black and expensive looking car following behind me. I felt my hairs stand up and my chest was pounding, could this be what Cid told me about someone will clean up my mess? Shinra… I thought strongly. I made a dangerous swerve around a street and raise up my speed to 50kph, I was driving fast and making turns every now and then. To be honest, I don't really know where I'm heading, until I noticed the car picking up speed and was now on my left side. I stepped on the gas and raised my speed for another 10kph making my speed a whooping 60kph inside a subdivision, but the car didn't stop and picked up speed until it drove past me and made a cut stopping just a few meters away from where I am, I stepped on the brakes as hard as I can to avoid collision and I was lurched forward from my seat. Now what…?

I looked around and saw that I've run towards the construction site of a new condominium which will be placed a few kilometers away from our subdivision, no one was around, it was fairly dark, lights were coming from the street lamps. I was breathing fast and hard, my chest was pounding, Am I going to die? I can't die, I… must live, for Serah. My father entrusted her to me, I must not fail them. Oh Etro…

Suddenly the car doors open and I saw two male figures step out. Both of them were guys, one was a dark skinned, tall bald guy wearing shades, really… wearing shades at night, does he still see something from that? And the other one was a shorter guy with crimson hair tied in a low ponytail with spiky bangs. They were wearing charcoal black suits, slacks and tie. They look like businessmen, but knowing Shinra, they are henchmen or even assassins. Wait…? Assassins? Could they be… TURKS?

After a couple of minutes, the red haired guy approached my car and taps my window, I swallowed hard and muster some strength before I opened my car window. He was carrying a metal tonfa baton, "Hi Miss, please step down from your car. We would like to negotiate with you."

Negotiation my ass… I'm sure this will just be a one sided negotiation. Without further ado, I stepped down from my car. "Now please get inside that car." This red haired guy ordered me as he pointed at the sleek black car parked just across from mine. I walked confidently, not showing any signs of fear or contemplation. I must act as if I'm not intimidated at all so they wouldn't just overpower me. When I arrived at the car, the bald guy opened the door for me and I sat on the passenger seat. I felt a pistol pointed at my head , someone was pointing it at me from the backseat, and when I looked at the driver, he looks Wutain, the one pointing the pistol at me was a blonde woman.

"We're here to negotiate, Miss Lightning Farron, or should I say, Claire?" the man started. I was amused, I wanted to laugh, but I kept my composure. I haven't used the name Claire for a long time, I have it changed to Lightning a few weeks after my parent's death, all the documents, everything. These guys really do know how to do some research. "What kind of negotiations?" I replied stoically.

"We've heard from Cid Highwind that you mentioned about 'exploiting the truth', about us I presume."

"And who are you?" I answered, sounding as oblivious as possible.

"I'm pretty sure you know about us, we're TURKS, and we dedicate our life of service to the Shinra Family. Any threat of tarnishing their names will be dealt with accordingly. You should know better who you are dealing with Miss Farron." The man said without falter. I didn't respond, there was silence for a couple of minutes, then the man started to open a folder, he began to read, "Your parents died in a tragic accident eight years ago, you tried to enlist as part of SOLDIER, interesting… however you were denied because you are a female. You graduated Journalism in the State University of Bodhum and applied in the Shinra Times, I wonder what your purpose is. Let's go with personal life shall we?" He said like he was making fun of me, they know a lot. Dammit!

"You have an only sister, Serah Farron, three years younger than you, studying conservatory of music in Midgar State University. You sustain her education through your employment in Shinra Times, what if… you got unemployed? Will you still be able to provide for the both of you?"

I kept my mouth shut even if I wanted to punch him hard on the face, Serah is a scholar, but I still pay for her books. As long as they kept my sister at peace, I am well prepared for what they're going to do with me. I glanced at him trying to peek on the folder he held on his hands, he flips a page and started scanning the details in there. I saw his lips quirks up then he turned to me with that mischievous stare. He's definitely up to something that will make me relent.

He cleared his throat and said, "So, Serah is your only family. You know how Shinra plays, exploit the truth and we won't like it. Your sister will be under our twenty four hours and seven days a week surveillance. One wrong move Miss Farron and we won't hesitate to touch your sister."

I felt a very strong urge to kill him right there, but if I do, blondie will pull the trigger and I'm dead. I balled my hands into tight fists as I tried to hold back my boiling rage. "That look, is quite deadly Miss Farron, I wonder what's going on inside that stubborn head of yours." He said with a sharp gleam from his eyes while his lips quirks up in a sarcastic smile. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, wishing for my anger to disperse into thin air. After a couple of minutes of silence, he spoke again, "Elena, you may escort her, I think she already know that she should do."

I felt an ease when blondie removed the tip of the gun from my head, I still didn't move but I can hear some shuffling sounds from behind as blondie opened her door and stepped outside. She closed the car door gently as I heard my door opened, "Miss Farron, you may step out now." I followed her command and stepped outside, not a hint of fear from my face but a renewed face of a fighter. I shall wait for a perfect time to extract my revenge among these guys, I'm positive that Shinra is behind my parent's death.

As I stepped out of the car, the men who escorted me were on both sides of me, I looked first to spiky and he said, "Just following orders, yo." I turned to glance at baldy who was all stiff and quiet and all he did was just fix his tie. They escorted me back to my car but when I opened my car door, spiky closed it again barging my way inside my car. I whipped my head turning my fiery eyes at him. Now what?

"Sorry missy, just following orders." He then whipped his metal stick at me as I dodge him just in time before it'll hit me hard on my head. Then I noticed baldy throwing a hook at me but duck in time and with my own reflexes, delivered a perfectly executed uppercut right at his chin in which he fell down hard on the ground. Spiky rushed at me growling as he tried to smack me with his metal rod, I evaded him but he never stops, he keeps on swinging his rod at me and I managed to evade him easily until I see an opening and dodged him sideways. His forceful rush caused him to lose balance as he misses his frontal swing at me, I then knocked him on his nape with a full blow of my elbow and he fell face first on the ground. Baldy haven't learned his lesson yet and as he got up and he started to attack me again, I dodged his every move and here comes spiky attacking me from behind. Talk about dirty tricks, two men against a woman, filthy government indeed. Good thing I have my own share of combat lessons back in Bodhum as I was a candidate to be part of PSICOM during the ROTC training in college. Mister Yaag Rosch, the Lieutenant Colonel for PSICOM himself told me I really have a good potential to join the military. That's why I tried to be part of Midgard's SOLDIER program, but I didn't realize that they only accept male candidates, and the reason behind why I decline PSICOM and chose SOLDIER over it, was in relation to my parents. Because Shinra really is responsible for their accident, and I won't stop, I won't let them kill me here, I won't die without knowing the truth, I won't leave Serah alone!

With my blood curdling from anger during the interrogation earlier rushed in, I felt a surge in my strength. With my agility I easily dodged them and knocked them both hard, I took spiky's metal rod and flip the switch as I hit them both with its Taser. Then I turned my murderous look towards blondie and which seems to be their boss, the Wutain guy. My hand grips the metal rod while the Taser is on, I walked towards them then I saw him shout an order to blondie.

"Aim at her but no fatal shot, Elena!" he shouted as blondie readies her pistol and fired at me, aiming directly at my legs, I don't know how it happened, but this strength I have within me allows me to see the bullets fired at me and I was able to evade them in a speed of light. I saw blondie fires panic shots as she can't hit me properly, I smirked and directly made a rush towards her and hit her with the Taser on her right arm in which she held the gun causing her to let it drop to the ground, then I hit her again on her right leg causing her to topple over. As she fell down I aimed my Taser at the Wutain guy who really get on my nerves but as I aim the rod on the right side of his neck, he aims a handgun at me about an inch away from my forehead, just between my eyebrows. He smirks at me as I bit my lip in rage causing blood to trickle down my chin.

"You're a skilled fighter Miss Farron. You took down my most skilled men all by yourself, you have my respect." He said while looking firmly into my eyes. I released my lower lip as I wipe it using my left thumb, my free hand. I still wear my murderous look. I wanted to kill him right here, right now, I wanted to destroy Shinra using my own hands.

"That's enough Tseng." A male voice comes from behind me, I've heard that voice somewhere before, it's familiar. Tseng put down his gun then I glanced towards the direction of the voice, and when I saw him, I was surprised.

"It's been a long time isn't it, Claire? You call yourself Lightning now huh?" the man smiled kindly.

"Uncle… Verdot?"

He nods and I dropped my head as I held the metal rod lightly with my right hand. "Your father would be very proud of you."

I looked up at him and said, "What's the meaning of this? Are you… are you inclined with Shinra too?"

"I am and at the same time I am not."

"What do you mean?"

"Let's not talk here, come with me at Healin Lodge and hear my story." He said with authority but at the same time in such a kind voice that it's hard to refuse. Besides, I have a strong feeling that he is my ally and he can help me. I nodded and said, "Can I call my sister first?"

"Sure."

I fish out my phone from my jeans pocket and dialed our landline, after three rings, Serah picks up, I heard a faint music in the background, same old voice, the singer she really likes and I don't even know who that is.

"Hello?" she says.

I took a deep breath and said, "Over time, I might be going home late today. You can put my dinner on the fridge, I'll just reheat it later."

"Okay. Don't stress yourself too much, it's bad for your skin."

"Whatever. Bye."

She giggled on the other line and said, "Bye!" and hangs up. I put back my phone in my pocket and looked at uncle Verdot, "Let's go."

Healin Lodge

The place was small and its location was strategically placed and in a very remote deserted terrain, far from any nearby villages. Uncle Verdot opened the vaulted door of the lodge and we came in, our cars parked on the garage. Uncle motioned me to sit across him from the mahogany table which seems like a dining table. There was a medium-sized sofa by the window which is enough to seat five people, in front of it is a small round wooden table with piled up documents and goddess-knows-what kind of papers. Reno, Rude and Elena sat on the couch as Tseng gave them Ice packs to put on their bruises. I stared at them and they tried to avert their eyes from me, there's a feeling inside me who wants to laugh at them for their lame attempts of stopping me, but part of me says I shouldn't bother. As I was contemplating on these things, I heard uncle Verdot cleared his throat, I turned my full attention to him as I sat up straight, eager to listen.

"It's been such a long time hasn't it? I'm sorry for your loss, I'm sorry I wasn't able to attend your parent's funeral." He said sincerely sorry. I simply shrugged my shoulders and said, "It's alright Uncle, I know father and mother knows why and they understand."

"Yeah… Your father Lars was a good person, he is always reliable and has a strong sense of justice, a true friend. And your mother Cassandra, I will always remember her as beautiful and bright, such a very loving person who always radiates with so much joy and positivity, they're my closest friends. Your father and I both wanted to become prosecutors, protectors of the weak and those who were not treated well and couldn't speak up for themselves. But it all changed when we both pursued opposite paths together. I chose the tempting offer from Shinra Company in Midgar, while your father retains the path of being a prosecutor. Last time I saw you, you were just three, and your sister Serah was still inside Cassandra's womb. They bid me farewell as I set off to Midgar and I've heard, your family settles down in Bodhum, a peaceful village by the sea."

I smiled sadly as I reminisce those days, "Those were… the greatest days of my life until the dreadful accident eight years ago."

"I agree… but do you believe it was an accident?"

I shook my head, Uncle Verdot placed his elbows on the table and interlaced his fingers in front of him and said, "I think so too."

"What made you say that you work for Shinra and at the same time you are not?" I asked seriously.

"I worked under Rufus Shinra, the heir of the Shinra Corporation, not directly to the President himself. Rufus may be arrogant and self-indulgent, but it was just an image he maintains to avoid suspicion. Rufus is a kind hearted young man, me and this branch of TURKS are loyal to Rufus."

"Is Rufus against his father?" I asked surprised, this is new to me, very new indeed. Who would've thought that the doting father of the only heir to the Shinra dynasty is actually hated by his own son?

"Yes, his father's ideals contradict his, Rufus' father completely changed after Rufus' mother died of an illness. And that was the time, when the mad professor Hojo took over the Science Department over the kind Professor Gast. The president's new set of advisers made him corrupted and selfish, who manipulates everything. I have a personal grudge against him and so are these people." He said motioning towards the TURKS. I glanced at them and they were all looking at us.

"Tseng, the leader of this group was born from Wutai, and as you might've known, Wutai fell under Shinra's rule. And as a part of the treaty, Wutai will always donate women as helpers or employees for Shinra Corporation and young men to be part of the TURKS, SOLDIER, or Shinra infantrymen. As for Elena, they were forced to become members of the TURKS after their mother sold them to President Shinra, in which of course one of the missions as they said inadvertently failed and brought Elena's sister to death. Rude lost his fiancé during the intentional bombing of the famous Banora Village because his fiancé lives in Banora. Reno lives in Gongaga and as you might know, during the development of the Mako reactor there, his parents were paid workers but then some defect or probably an equipment failure caused a huge explosion from the reactor, his parents were one of those people who died in the incident."

"I see… so we all have something in common." I said.

"What gives you the possibility that Shinra could be behind your parent's deaths?" Tseng asked me.

"Just a gut feeling, now, I'm really not fond of answering personal questions, besides, you have a copy right? Just read them at your own leisure." I spat to which Tseng smirks.

I turned to uncle Verdot and asked him, "And you uncle, do you have a personal rage against Shinra?"

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath then he looked at me, "I made a mistake Claire."

"Just, Lightning, I already abandoned that name eight years ago."

"I'm sorry, Lightning."

"it's alright, so what did Shinra do to you? What is the mistake you did?"

"I worked for Shinra before as the main leader of the Turks, and I still do. But my loyalty has reached its limits after they kidnapped my daughter and framed her death over an 'accident' I caused during one of the missions given to me. It was truly an accident, and I thought I really did kill her. They gave me a burned body of a little girl which I thought was my daughter Felicia, after the burial, a woman named Shalua Rui introduced herself as a scientist from the science department and told me my daughter was alive. She showed me the files and I found out that indeed, Hojo has kept her all this time as a Scientific specimen."

"Your daughter, is she still alive?" I asked.

"Yes, but she has now become the host of the Eidolon, Zirconiade. A rare eidolon extracted from one of the Ancient's materia caves. And she stays isolated in Hojo's laboratory."

"What a demon…." I said, this Hojo must be some lunatic. Human experimentation? That breaks a huge scope of medico-legal ethics! This madman is sick indeed.

"What are you planning uncle? Are you going to take her away?"

"I will… but we have to wait for the perfect time. We need someone who can gain access to the labs and is powerful enough to withstand the odds."

Looks like I know where this conversation is heading… "Do you mean… me?"

"I'm sorry Lightning, after I heard from Shalua that there was a woman trying to get to SOLDIER after some outstanding results during the assessment, I can't help but check the profile and found out that it was you. You took after Lars, and so I know you're that three year old girl I use to carry over my shoulders. I couldn't believe that you'll grow up to be such a strong woman."

"This is a dangerous plan, but let me hear it first." I said. Tseng stand beside Verdot and explained, "We have connections, Reeve Tuesti of the Urban Development Department, Shalua Rui, one of the brightest scientists in Shinra, whose sister was kidnapped at such a young age and was experimented as well, she's working for Shinra so she could take advantage of the day she'll rescue her only family. We have Cid Highwind, who plays a role of the head of the publishing house but is indeed an airship mechanic by night."

What? That old fart!

"So is this supposed to be a setup?" I asked unbelievingly.

"Partially yes, we actually didn't know if the idea will work, but when Cid provoked you about Shinra's true color you stood up and we know you're someone who's willing to make a stand against Shinra." Tseng explained.

"What's your plan then?" I asked with my arms crossed over my chest.

Tseng took the laptop from the steel cabinet behind the mahogany desk and placed it on the table, he sets it up to show Shinra building's blueprint. He clicks something again and the labels on the blueprint appeared. He then straightened himself up and said, "What you see on the computer screen is a blueprint of Shinra Building's map. Remember, Shinra is a formidable opponent, the President has his illegitimate son Lazard be the Director of SOLDIER, from third class up to the first class ELITES, Lazard himself handles them, their missions, briefings and oversees their trainings. He's the one in charge of giving out missions, and if we try to go against them directly, we'll be dead. The First Class ELITES will wipe us in just about a couple of minutes. So as per the strategy of Wutai before it became a renowned powerful country on the Northwest, 'Mystify, mislead, and surprise the enemy.' And that's what we have prepared to do."

"I think I know what you mean, we will infiltrate the enemy's base by sending me and pretend like I'm one of them? Am I correct?" I said without falter.

Tseng nods and I heard Uncle Verdot's sharp intake of breath, I look from my Uncle to Tseng and said, "I can't do that." My uncle stood up from his seat and said, "But you're our only hope Lightning!"

"Uncle, you're making me enter a lion's den! I'm not actually afraid of myself, it's about Serah, what if they do something to her?" I reasoned out, uncrossing my arms and putting both hands on the desk. Uncle looked me straight into my eyes, pleading and serious at the same time, "We will ensure Serah's protection twenty four seven, we will always patrol your house and follow her to school unbeknownst to her, there's no one else who's brave enough to go against Shinra except you! Please Lightning, please save Felicia!"

I stood up angered by his statement, he wants me to save his daughter when it's my sister's life who'll be on the line once Shinra blows up my identity. They're only thinking about themselves, how selfish!

"You're risking my life and even Serah just to save your daughter! And what made you think I wanted to stand against them?" I asked furiously. Uncle Verdot became calm and more serious and said, "Your mouth may say otherwise, but your eyes bears what you really want. You want to know the truth of that tragic accident eight years ago, and you know this may be the only way, but you're limiting yourself because you're worried about Serah's well-being."

He knows… he knows that deep inside me, I wanted to risk myself, anything for that one truth, but I have to stay alive for Serah, to fulfill my father's wish. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.

"I'll think about it Uncle… I can't just make a decision right now. I have to think this over. Please give me more time, let me consult Serah." I said in a low voice.

"You must not tell anyone about this plan, not even your sister." Tseng said strictly. I opened my mouth to speak but I was stopped by Uncle Verdot, "Lightning, we're giving you one week to decide."

"Just one week?" I answered sounding surprised.

"Yes." Tseng replied seriously, he looked at me with those scrutinizing eyes of his and continued, "Seven days from now, Shinra will open its official registration for aspiring SOLDIERs, you have to enlist yourself on that day."

"And what if I didn't return on that day?"

There was a minute of silence before Tseng answered, his gaze penetrating my whole being, he's being serious about this, I thought to myself. "If you do not return, we will wait for another six months to enlist again. Unfortunately… we can't afford to wait another six months for this mission. The earlier it can be executed the better, before Shinra can build more of his army."

"No matter what I choose, it should always be inclined to your plans isn't it? If I refuse?" I asked, pretty serious myself as I know how they will bargain about it.

"We'll make sure it's a yes, if we have to use Serah, we will. You don't really have a choice Lightning." Tseng replied.

I looked at them long enough before I turned my back and went out.

Farron Residences

I parked my car and gather my things, I went inside the house, Serah was sitting on the sofa, it was eleven thirty in the evening and she's still not sleeping. She's listening to the soft music on the radio, as usual it's the same singer. She was browsing the net using her tablet, I didn't disturb her and decided to go upstairs.

"Your food is in the fridge, have you eaten dinner? Want me to reheat if for you?" she said, I sighed and said, "Alright, I'll just change then go down."

A few minutes later, I smelled the tempting aroma of the chao fan rice dinner she prepared, with some fried gyoza as toppings, I sat across from the bar counter in our kitchen as she finish preparing my meal. "Here you go! All hot and steamy." She said with a smile. "Thank you." I said, I smiled back at her and took the bowl of rice, I prayed before I dig in, it was delicious, she'll make a great housewife someday.

"You don't have a choice Lightning…"

Tseng's words haunted me, I shot up and looked at Serah, she was fixing the microwave oven. I don't really have a choice have I?

"Serah." I said in a soft voice, she looks at me and nodded, she then stood in front of me just across the bar counter. "Serah… you know I'd do anything for you right? I'd make sure I'll keep you safe and secure your future."

She smiled at me and said, "Just do what you have to do for yourself. Don't focus too much on me. I'll be fine, I'm capable of taking care of myself. Just do what will make you happy Light, remember, we only live once. Our parents wanted us to be happy, they just said do the right thing happily, and doing the right things means it's not just all about ourselves, it's about other people too. I wanted to be an artist and create music to help ease the hearts and minds of people about warfare and animosities. I don't just want to live my life just for myself, and I know you hold the same conviction in you. It's not just about you and me Lightning, it's also about the people around us."

Her words pierced through me, I smiled softly and said, "How could you say the right things when I needed to hear it the most?"

"Oh! Did I?" she answered innocently, I pat my sister's head and continue to finish my meal.

"By the way Lightning, I'll be watching a concert next week. I still lack 200 gil for the VIP ticket, is it okay if I borrow 200 from you?"

"Sure, are you with Zack again?"

"Yeah."

"He didn't give you any complimentary tickets this time?" I asked as I went to the couch where my bag is, I pulled out my wallet and procure 200 gil. I put back my wallet inside my bag and walked towards my sister standing in front of the kitchen counter. "Here." I handed her the 200 gil she asked from me. She gently took it and screamed happily then hugged me, "Thank you!" I smiled and embraced her back. Then she skipped back at the sofa as a new music plays on the radio, it's always the same male singer, always the same music but interestingly, I never grew tired of it. I wash the dishes and placed them properly on the dish rack then I sat beside her on the sofa. "Hey." I said. She was still thinking hard and writes something every now and then on a neat white bond paper.

"Yes?" she replied without sparing me a glance.

"That singer you like, I think I kind of, starting to like his music too."

She looked at me all starry eyed and said, "Really?" I nodded and shrugged my shoulders. She giggled and said, "Aside from his great voice, he's also extremely good looking! I seriously like him."

"That's normal since he's your idol." I answered. She shook her head and said, "No, I'm serious Light, I like him! Not the kind of like between a fan and her idol. I like him like something of a simple crush which evolves into a deeper kind of feeling which is like!"

"What? Since when?" I asked astonished. She stood up and faced me then said, "It happened during the concert when Zack took me backstage to meet him, I was one of the fans who longs for his autograph. He greeted us with that beautiful smile and when he took my pen and paper, an overly excited girl behind me accidentally bumped me and I almost toppled over but he catches me in his arms and I smelled that very fragrant perfume and he asked me in such a very sexy and concerned voice, 'Are you alright?'" with that, Serah took a pillow from the sofa and covered her entire face as she lets out a muffled scream. Then she removed it and she was blushing all over then she said, "I do like him a lot Lightning. There's something in his glowing blue eyes, as what Zack always says, 'eyes like the sky' trademark of SOLDIERs."

"Trademark… of SOLDIERS?" I repeated. She nodded and then an idea struck me, "What's the name of this singer?"

"Oh! Yeah I haven't told you his name. He's one of the very famous SOLDIER ELITES, Genesis Rhapsodos!"

What the hell… So my sister Serah liked a SOLDIER after all.

This will just be a short fic, perhaps not more than 10 chapters. I just have to write this 'cause I really can't get it out of my head and it hinders my idea to continue New World. But I will still finish that story, after all, New World was my first cross over story.

I'll try to update this as regular as possible. Hope you guys like this, please R&R!

The quote "Mystify, mislead and surprise the enemy" comes from Lao Tzu's Art of War. ^_^