Afterwards, by L. Loire.
Time: This story takes place in the timeframe beginning around Chapter 3 from A Mission for Revenge, where Raina Lani's combat buddy and close friend Nelo Dalen leaves the city of Junon after meeting with Raina. For reference, the time it takes (in this story) to go from Junon to Fort Condor is about half a day's walk. You could call it a sequel, but I call it a continuation.
Disclaimer and Author's note: All characters in this story, except for the ones created by me (Raina, Nelo, Ifalna, Jeini, and Coren Dolan) are copyrighted to Square Enix. I do not own them, although at times I wish I did. I warn you: if you have not read my previous story, A Mission for Revenge, you will be somewhat lost as to the goings on. Also recommended is a basic knowledge of the Final Fantasy VII plot. On that note, enjoy the story. Review please!
Prologue: Parting
He had completed the task set forth by Commander Dolan, a task to find Raina Lani, trusted friend and combat buddy, and give her the latest as told by Fort Condor spies stationed in Junon. After leaving the small dining area in the inn where Raina was, he couldn't help but wonder if Raina would be safe—after all, she was going up against Sephiroth, the creation of Jenova, the ex-SOLDIER believed to have assassinated everyone in the Shinra Building in Midgar. He was also responsible for the destruction of Nelo (and Raina's) hometown of Nibelhelm, after a freak incident at the Mt. Nibel reactor. Even though her objective was to find and capture him, the mission also was of…sentimental value, in a manner of speaking. The odds were surely against her, and it was because of that he was immensely worried. Raina and Nelo were friends since childhood, and he didn't want anything to happen to her.
He was walking on the grassy land out in the open, heading back to Fort Condor, where he was to receive his next objective. It was a calm place; save for when some rogue group of Shinra troops that liked to cause some ruckus here and there. It was a clear blue sky, sunlight all around. To his right, some distance away, the vast blue ocean seemed to go forever in all directions. Out on the horizon, there was a small island.
The Temple of the Ancients…a place of a time long forgotten…
As the structure of Fort Condor came into view, his mind got to thinking about Raina again. He had asked the Commander if he could go on the mission with Raina. He had declined the request, and said that it was for Raina alone.
Why? She could be in danger right now…with no one to help her. Even worse—
He shut his mind out at the thought. He cursed himself for having thought it, but then realizing that it was a possible option, albeit extreme. He stopped his walk, and sat down, collecting his thoughts.
Now if she were—what could I do? There would be nothing. Damn! There's nothing I can do except go back to Condor and wait…but…I could go back right now to Junon and find her. However, when the commander sees I haven't returned, he will interpret that into me being AWOL, and I can never go back to Fort Condor again, or risk a court-martial. Damn…
He got up and continued his way. All the while, his mind was warring, weighing the pros and cons of his options.
When he arrived, he headed to his room to see if any messages came for him while he was away. All that he found on his desk was a slip of paper with some writing on it.
TO: Nelo DalenFROM: Commander Coren Dolan
SUBJECT: NEXT OBJECTIVE…URGENT.
TIME OF WRITING: 0921 hrs. (About 6 hours ago)
First of all, I hope you had a successful rendezvous with Raina. All is well, I hope. Shortly after your meeting, word had seeped from our operatives located in the city of Junon proper about Raina's doings. I know that you would be interested; being that you two are such good friends. Here's what transpired:
She had succeeded in getting through the crowd for the inaugural parade for Rufus Shinra, and made it to the harbor and boarded the cargo ship bound for Costa del Sol. Unusually; there were no Shinra security guards. She had made it inside with no problem. Some time had passed when suddenly (according to the operatives) the ship had "come to life," starting itself up and leaving the harbor, taking some of the harbor dock with it.
Nelo's blood ran cold.
From our records, Raina is still on the cargo ship, and from our guess, with Sephiroth. We don't know any further information—vital status, hostile status, etc. Report to my office at 1500 hrs to continue this matter, and to determine your next objective.
Coren Dolan,
Commander, F.C. Base
Nelo looked at his watch. 1455 hrs. Good. At least he was on time—the commander liked punctuality. He quickly turned around and left his room, en route to Commander Dolan's office.
When he arrived, he saw the door slightly ajar. As if on some prearranged signal, he heard a "come in." It opened up into a large room, the walls decorated with earlier accomplishments of the Commander—trophies, plaques, badges of service, the usual accoutrements of his type. In the middle of the room stood a large desk, completely overflowing with paperwork. Nelo saw a man in an overstuffed office-type chair, probably in his 40's, somewhat thin (from years of military service working for Shinra), his head down, furiously scribbling on some paper.
"I've been expecting you," the Commander said, not yet looking up.
"I came as soon as I saw your note," Nelo said, slightly nervous (after all, no one was called to the Commander's office—it was a rare thing).
"Good. Pull up a seat, Mr. Dalen. I'm not gonna bite," Coren said, giving way to a slight chuckle.
"Thank you, sir," Nelo sat down, feeling a little relaxed. The Commander looked up. His face started to show signs of age, a slight wrinkling. He was also beginning to gray a little. Yet he was still active in service.
"Obviously, you know why I called you down here," Coren stared at Nelo.
"Yes I do," Nelo replied.
"This is a matter of serious importance, Mr. Dalen. One of our operatives is on a ship bound for Costa del Sol, from our records. I know you two have been close friends, especially since your hometown was ruined by Sephiroth." He rose out of his chair. "We do not know the condition of Ms. Lani. At last contact, she was well. We have overwhelming evidence, but not conclusive proof that Sephiroth is on the ship."
"Why no conclusive proof?" Nelo asked.
"There is the other option, as small as it is, that Raina could have activated the ship by herself. Even though that is probably not the case, we can't just throw out the option, which then brings me to your objective. Your objective is to find and bring Raina back safely."
If you like, then on to Chapter One: Preparations. Leave me a review!