Here it is! My new Story! I hope you enjoy it!
I'm going to make this into a series. This will be the first installment.
Disclaimer: I do not own the final fantasy series or the works of Mat Nix, Jeff Eastin, Matt Corman, and/or Chris Ord. I do not take ownership of things based on real life events or stories. This fanfic is for entertainment purposes only and not for profit.
R&R!
-Clandestine Intentions: Book One-
"My name is Lightning Farron. I'm what you might call a spy. Listen to my story for in the end, it might be all I have left."
The beginning of it all…
When you enter this field of work they tell you very little. You should expect that. Everyone is hush-hush and secrets. Files of papers stamped 'top secret' are everywhere. Men and women wear stylish suits and sun glasses that block out the sun. They walked around transporting brief cases and having an occasional roll in the sheets with a complete stranger. However, if that's what you expected then you've chosen the wrong career already.
Lightning rubbed the sleep from her eyes as she woke. She squinted from the morning sun that pooled in from her windows. It seemed a peaceful enough day from the looks of it. She sat up and stretched her stiff limbs. A small yawn left her lips as she tried to fully wake up. She pushed herself from the crimson sheets of her bed and stood on the floor. The oak was cold to the touch and sent goose bumps up and down her body. She grabbed a robe and made her way to the bathroom.
"You look rough." She told herself examining her own reflection in the mirror.
With a sigh she stripped down and stepped into the shower. The room steamed up quickly as hot water touched her skin. She closed her eyes and allowed herself to relax. The hot water kneaded her muscles softly. This is what she needed, a massage. She washed her body in a typical scentless soap. She didn't like fancy smelling things, they made her sneeze. Her hair was washed and conditioned quickly as she rinsed her body of soap suds. She turned the water off slowly. She was going to miss it. She reached a hand out from the shower curtain trying to grasp a towel. Much to her liking she grabbed one. She dried herself quickly and placed her body in robe.
As she opened the bathroom door, cold air greeted her. She eyed her loft. It wasn't large but it would do. It was two stories and very open. The top was reserved for her bed and bathroom area. From the top floor you could see the bottom one. The down stairs was the kitchen area and living room. She barely had people over so the place was very bland. The house was dark with very little lighting. Her keen eyes could see just fine. Her sister was the one who always complained about it. Lightning was snapped to attention. Her sister had invited her over for breakfast. Lightning took a quick glance at the clock.
"Shit! I'm late!"
Lightning was quick to get dressed. She put on her normal business suit attire. Dark brown skirt that reached to her knees and a dark red blouse covered by beige jacket. She placed on some simple brown heels that matched her skirt. The heels boosted her height a good three inches. She quickly eyed herself in the mirror. It would have to do. She placed some gym clothes in another bag and grabbed her leather purse. She searched its contents till she found her keys. Grabbing a briefcase she headed outside. She kept her car inside a chain link face connected to her house- a makeshift garage in her eyes. She popped the trunk open to her car and placed everything but her purse in it. Closing it, she made her way to the driver's side of her white mustang. She gripped at the steering wheel smiling. It was the newest car out there- the 2011 Odin 3000. It was the only one of its kind.
The engine roared and Lightning smirked. She pulled out of the chain refuge and headed on the road. Her sister was about a good twenty minutes away. The radio was on as she fixed herself in the mirror. She had to make herself look like she was going to 'work'. She sighed. She didn't like lying to her sister but it had to be done. What did she do exactly? She worked for a secret agency. What did this agency do? She wasn't exactly sure. She didn't have the authorization for the name yet. She was working on it. Why couldn't her sister know about it? It was a safety risk and besides that it broke protocol. You break protocol and you're as good as gone.
Lightning turned down the volume on her radio as her phone began to ring. "Hello?"
"Where are you?" the other line answered.
Lightning sighed as she hit another red light. "Serah, I know I'm late. I'm on my way."
"I just wanted to make sure you didn't forget." Serah told her.
A pang of guilt hit Lightning as her sister spoke. "You… you thought I had forgotten?"
"Well," Serah started. "Last time you had to suddenly cancel so I thought you had forgotten last time. "
"I see." Lightning maneuvered around the slow drivers. "Well, no, I didn't forget. I'm on my way. Be there in five."
"Okay. See you." Serah said before the line went dead.
Lightning looked at the screen as it flashed that the call had been ended. She threw her phone into her purse. She needed to make more time for her sister. This was ridiculous. She was actually kind of hurt by her sister's words. Had Serah really thought she was going to forget about their plans? It would seem so. Lightning slammed her hand down on her horn as an idiot pulled in front of her without warning.
"Damn Sunday drivers! Some people actually have somewhere to be on a Monday!" Lightning growled.
As by fate her phone began to ring once more. She ripped it from her purse and answered it harshly. "What?"
"Lightning Farron, it seems your morning is starting off great." The male's voice mused.
Lightning's eyes widened. "Sir! I apologize for my rudeness!"
The voice on the other end laughed. "At ease. I have news from head quarters."
"Oh?" Lightning said in surprise. "What is it?"
"You're to report to me as soon as possible. You're not to go to training. Remember, when you get here come straight to me."
"Can't you just tell me over the phone?" Lightning asked.
"No. It's not secure and I have direct orders to tell you in person. Good-bye."
Again the line clicked and Lightning let out a frustrated growl. She'd have to get use to this. No one ever trusted each other. Things couldn't be told over the phone like normal people. She shook her head. This wasn't exactly a normal job either. Looking up she noticed she was almost there. She pulled into her sister's driveway before cutting the engine. She sat there for a good minute before finally getting out of the car. She noticed a dark blue motorcycle parked in the drive way as well. Her eyes narrowed at the sight of it. Her sister's idiot boyfriend was over? Great.
Lightning didn't bother to knock. As she pushed open the door the smell of food hit her. "I'm here!"
Serah's walked out of the kitchen to hug her sister. "About time!"
"Well, it seems Ms. Sunshine is finally here!" A deep voice called from the kitchen.
Lightning growled slightly. "You didn't tell me he was going to be here too."
"It's my boyfriend, Claire." Serah spoke as Lightning's eyes narrowed slightly. "Lightning, whatever you want to be called. It's just breakfast. A harmless breakfast."
Lightning crossed her arms. She never did get along well with the blonde. There was something about him that just bugged her. He was always talking about that hero nonsense. "Fine."
The smile on Serah's faced returned as she happily pranced into the kitchen. Seeing her sister happy made her smile. Without her sister she'd be nothing. She was doing this for her sister. She needed to be strong if she ever wanted to protect her sister. Lightning followed Serah slowly before she was face to face with her sister's 'hero'.
"Hello, Lightning." Snow said with a smile on his face. He didn't have an issue with Lightning, he never did.
Lightning held her tongue. "Morning idiot, I mean Snow."It was too early in the morning to be dealing with him.
"Hey!" Snow reacted to the insult. Snow wondered if Lightning was ever in a good mood.
Serah turned from her position at the stove. "Lightning!" Serah knew that Snow and her sister didn't really get along but she tried to keep the peace between them as best as she could.
Lightning waved her off. "Yeah, I know. "
With a sigh, Serah turned back to dishing everyone up. Lightning had to admit, everything smelt delicious. She never complained when Serah cooked. Lightning barely had time to cook anything for herself. She was always so busy. It was a nice change to see Serah even if her idiot boyfriend was here too. Serah placed the plates of food down around the table. Lightning stared slightly wide eyed at her plate. There was so much food; she didn't think anyone could eat that much. Serah laughed as she saw Lightning's face.
"Sorry. I have a habit of making too much food when Snow is over." Serah told her.
"What are you talking about? This isn't too much food!" Snow said before digging into his plate.
"Anyway." Serah began. "How's the job?" By the looks of Lightning's face she seemed confused. Serah laughed. "Your office job?"
Lightning nodded her head as she swallowed her food. "It's good, I think." Lightning said uneasily.
"What?" Serah stated putting her fork down. "What do you mean, 'I think'?"
Lightning placed her utensils down as well. "I mean people are pretty nice. It's kind of boring actually." She lied.
"Oh, well not all jobs are action packed." Lightning almost choked on her food. "When can I come visit you?"
Lightning was at a loss for words. "People aren't allowed to enter the building. Only authorized personal, sorry." She said quickly. She was only doing this to protect her.
Serah sighed and resumed eating. Lightning's heart clenched. She hated lying to her sister like this. What else could she do? Tell her the truth? No. She had worked way too hard to just throw it all away now. The breakfast was eaten with very little small talk. Snow always started the conversation. Lightning merely nodded her head in agreement every so often. Her eyes passed over the clock mounted on the wall.
"I have to go." She said standing up from her chair. She had to remember to skip training and head straight to the boss.
Serah stood from her own chair and made her way toward her sister and embraced her. "Alright. Have fun at work." She teased. "Remember, dinner at my house on Friday."
Lightning laughed and released her sister. "Okay. It's not one of those hookup dinners is it?" Lightning hated those. Her sister always planned them in an attempt to hook her up with someone.
"Of course not!" Serah stated with her fingers crossed behind in her back. She knew better then to tell her sister about the hookup dinners. She had to make them a surprise. If every dinner was a hookup dinner then she'd never come. Besides, Serah was almost certain she had finally found the perfect guy for Lightning.
"Better not be. Okay, I'm leaving. See you Friday." Lightning said before waving and heading out the front door.
Lightning got into her car and started the engine. She was soon off again and on the road. Her fingers tapped at the steering wheel impatiently. People didn't know how to drive. After about thirty minutes of waiting and yelling, Lightning finally reached the agencies training ground. She flashed her badge at the front gate before they finally let her in. She parked in her normal parking spot. Grabbing her purse she got out of the car. She had to remind herself not to grab her training clothes, she didn't need them.
She entered the small building, her heels clicking against the floor. She knocked on the door before opening it. "I'm here, sir."
"Ms. Farron, finally in I see. Please have a seat. You look… interesting." He said.
"I had to play 'office employee' this morning." she said. Lightning went through everything she'd done in training. "If this is about the courses then I'll retake them. Was it the language course or the deception training, or was I too rough in hand to hand combat… what was it?"
He looked at her. "You did the best in the language course than anyone else and you did better in your deception training then anyone I've ever seen. And about being too rough-"
"I checked the handbook. It's not against the rules." Lightning interjected.
The man looked at her. "This isn't about being too rough, Ms. Farron."
Lightning sat back in her chair. "Then what is this about?"
The man scribbled some notes down on a piece of paper. "We got orders from President Shinra. You're to be pulled from training immediately and sent to head quarters. "
Lightning's eyes widened. "For what?" she inquired. She shifted in her seat uneasily. What was needed of her that she was going to be pulled from training? She'd have to wait and find out.
He looked up from his papers. "I don't know." He picked a few papers up and handed them to her. "All I know is that they need you there today, now."
"Now?" She grabbed the papers from his hand but was too confused to bother looking over them. "I haven't finished all my training."
"Now." He stated firmly before going back to his work.
Lightning could only stare in disbelief as she stood. "Yes, Sir."
She walked quickly out of the room running his words through her head. She couldn't believe she was going to headquarters so soon. She still had more than a month of training left to do. No matter. She folded the papers in half and shoved them in her purse. She passed by the training room and heard her name being called out. She turned to see her sparing buddies.
"Where are you going? Skipping training? Don't tell me you're giving up already." They teased.
Lightning smirked and pulled the papers out. "I have orders."
"What?" They all looked at her.
She laughed before putting them away again. "That's right. Top secret. I'll see you boys later."
"Wait!" They called out. "Where are you being transferred to?"
"Leaving Bodhum and going to Eden." She answered simply. It would be a while before any of them were to be transferred. Many people don't get transferred to Eden. Eden was known as headquarters to them. There were several large cities where they could be transferred. Many agents often stayed in Bodhum. It was the primary training ground and the second largest command center aside from Palumpolum.
She turned on her heels and headed out to her car. Lightning threw her purse into the passenger seat as she got into the driver's side. She needed to tell Serah she was leaving town for a couple of days. She dialed the number quickly as she got onto the highway. "Serah?"
"Yeah." The soft voice answered. "What's wrong?"
Lightning bit her lips as she tried to figure out what was the best way to tell her sister. "I have to go out of town for a business trip."
It was quiet. "Oh… are you going to be able to make dinner on Friday?"
Lightning leaned her head against the back of her seat. "Yes, I should be back by Friday… I hope."
"Well, just let me know by Thursday if you can't, okay?"
"Okay, I will. Love you. Don't tell that idiot of yours I'm leaving town. He might try something funny." Lightning threatened through the phone.
There was a soft laugh on the other line. "Claire, you know him better than that. Besides I can take care of myself. I've learned from the best!"
"You sure have." Lightning said with a smile. When her sister was in good spirits it made her feel better.
"Okay, I talk to you later! Let me know by Friday!" her sister said before ending the call.
Lightning shut her phone and set it down. Eden was a good two hours away. With a sigh she drove off. What did Eden want with her? She didn't have much to offer. Sure she dominated in most of the training courses but that didn't mean much. Even the head of training couldn't tell her much. She shook her head. She didn't need to worry too much about it. Everything was bound to turn out alright one way or the other. Besides, she needed a little more excitement in her life.
"I'm still not able to do foreign work?"
"Agent Strife, calm down. We have yet to figure out what has happened. For all we know that person is still out there." A deep voice replied.
Cloud sat in his chair with his arms crossed. He was grossly annoyed. "It's been nearly three months and I'm still doing work in this city? I want some answers, Shinra."
President's eyes narrowed. "Know your place, boy." Cloud straightened slightly. This was becoming more serious by each passing moment. "Once we get more details I'll let you know. For now we have to keep things still. I have an agent who will be your partner while Zack is away."
"What?" Cloud said in surprise. "Zack's out doing missions and I'm stuck with someone right out of training?"
Shinra sighed. "It'll be good for you. Zack is currently in Russia dealing with something. You and the agent will be dealing with something I believe to be fairly simple."
"Great." Cloud commented on sarcastically.
"Perhaps if you do well, I'll think about making the missions more worthwhile."
Cloud didn't answer. He simply stood from his chair and walked out of the man's office. People avoided his path in the busy building. His aura was dark and increasing. His fists were clenched at his sides as he stalked off to his desk in another room. He was placed in a room for only himself and his partner, Zack. As he entered, to his surprise was another desk parallel to his own. He turned to see someone walking past him. It was the president's assistant. Cloud reached a hand out to tap her on the shoulder lightly.
"Oh, Agent Cloud. What can I do for you?" She asked politely and giggled softly to herself. A small pink blush stained her cheeks. It wasn't a secret – everyone knew that just about every woman in the building held some sort of crush over the young spy.
Cloud pointed to the desk, confused. "Who's the extra desk for?"
The young woman peered over his shoulder and giggled again. "That's for your new partner." She told him. "I hope he's just cute as you." She stated softly to herself.
Cloud turned to look at the young woman. "It's a he?"
"Well." The young woman tapped her chin in thought. "I actually don't know. I would think so. The name's Lightning so I just assumed it was a boy."
Cloud nodded and waved her off. The young girl took her leave and left without another word. 'What the hell is that old man thinking? Pairing me up with someone just out of training, it's ridiculous.' Cloud snickered and entered the office. He slammed the door shut and ignored the sound of surprise through the wall. He walked past his partner's desk and went to his own. His partner, Zack, was apparently off in Russia doing so sort of mission. With a growl his dialed his friend's number.
"Hello?" the voice answered in Russian.
"Why are you speaking Russian?" Cloud asked his partner in fluent Russian. "Better yet. Why didn't you tell me you were going to Russia?"
"Cloud!" Zack answered in English. "How did you know I was in Russia?"
Cloud tapped his fingers against his wooden desk. "Shinra. Now, why didn't you tell me?"
There was a short pause. "Shinra told me not to tell you. Besides, I knew you'd just bitch about it if I told you anyway."
Cloud pulled the phone away from his ear and growled. Damn Shinra. Always keeping secrets. "When will you be back?"
"No Idea, why?" Zack asked in curiosity. Something else seemed to be bugging his friend.
"It would seem we have a new trainee." There was a sound of surprise from the other line. "I have no idea when he or she is coming in."
"Well just hold out until I get back. When are they supposed to be there?" Zack asked.
Cloud stood from his desk and paced about the office. "No idea. We're supposed to do a mission together."
"Oh." Zack said in thought. "Local or-"
"Local." Cloud cut in. "Shinra doesn't know when I'll be doing foreign work. They still don't know what happened."
"You mean they don't know what happened with the other agency that got you transferred here." Zack said.
"Something like that." Cloud ran a hand through his spiky locks. "Anyway, what are you doing in Russia?"
Zack took note of the subject change. "I have to trade something with a Russian hitman." Zack said as though it was no big deal.
"Oh really now? Sounds interesting." Cloud said taking a seat in his office chair. "Tell me how it goes. So, hurry your ass up and come back. I don't want to be stuck with this trainee all by myself. "
There was a booming laughter from the other side. "Alrighty. Take it easy, Cloud. Don't go chasing off the new trainee before I get back."
Cloud snickered under his breath. "No promises. Bye."
The call ended and cloud sighed. He used to be off doing missions in foreign countries. Ever since the 'incident' he's be grounded. It's been nearly three months and he's still just doing simple missions in Eden. What happened exactly? A very long story. Cloud cracked his neck as he sifted through papers on his deck. Most of them were closed cases and some just miscellaneous papers. When was this trainee supposed to be in anyway? He didn't have time to wait all day. He finally noticed a small sticky note at the corner of his desk. It read. 'When trainee comes, you'll get your mission.'
Great he couldn't even start his mission until that person came. A sudden knock on his door had him at attention. "What is it?"
"Agent Strife, your trainee is here." The small voice answered. The presence at his door was gone. He stood as the sound of heals faded off into the distance.
So, his trainee was finally here? He had to admit, it was faster then he thought it was going to be. He stood from his chair and walked towards his closed door. His hand gripped the handle. He took a calming deep breath before opening the door. He was greeted with all kinds of looks. From all the women they stared with awe in their eyes and a blush on their cheeks. Nearly all the men glared except the ones who really knew him. They simply acknowledged him with a nod. He ignored most of the looks. He had long grown used to the stares. Besides, it wasn't like his wanted the girls to fawn over him like they did. Walking down the bright colored hallways he entered the main lobby. He noticed Shinra's assistant standing next to a woman who seemed to be here on business.
"Agent Strife!" the assistant called over, waving her hand at him. Cloud raised a brow as he approached them. Was this business woman going to show him to his new partner? "Would you please take Ms. Farron to the president's office?" Cloud simply nodded. "Thank you."
Before Cloud could ask anything the assistant was gone in a fit of giggles. He simply rolled his eyes and motioned for the woman to follow him. Whatever she was here for it must be important. She hardly looked like an agent. She looked like someone who meant serious business. Cloud studied her features. He had to admit she was easy on the eyes. Her pink hair was different too and looked soft. She was graceful and well balanced by the looks of it. Finally, they made it too Shinra's office.
Lightning had been watching the man the whole time. She didn't know what to make of him. He seemed a man of little words. She was fine with that, it fitted her well. Whoever he was he was an agent and should be treated with respect, or so she was told. His eyes were calculating and based on the way people looked at him he was someone with a history. Whether it was good or bad she didn't know. She assumed she would find out. The man pushed open the door and they were in an office overlooking Eden.
"Strife, I see you've escorted Ms. Farron safely to me." Shinra said looking up from his paperwork. There was this odd look in his eyes.
"Yes, President." Cloud stated. It was different from his usual rude remarks. However, with a foreigner in the building he had to be respectful. He didn't want to give this company a bad name.
"I hope you had a good drive." He stated shuffling his papers into a pile.
"I did, sir." She stated standing stock still in her heels. So this was head of the agency. She was secretly nervous but she kept it very well hidden.
"Well I suppose you both are very curious as to why you're here." Shinra said intertwining his fingers in front of him on his desk. "Cloud Strife, meet your new partner, Lightning Farron."
The room was filled an uneasy silence as the two looked at each other.
There you have it! Chapter 1!
Next chapter we role right into the mission. Fun fun! What exactly is 'the incident'? You won't find out till later! Anyway, I hope you enjoyed reading it.
This story will contain a lot of OOCs. These characters will have backgrounds but they will be made up by me. Interesting, right?
Anyway, chapter 2 will be up soon. These chapters should not be as lengthy as those in my other story, Blood Bonds. Each chapter should contain a mission with a little side story mixed in. I view this story almost like it's a TV series, so that's how it plays out in my head.
The theme song for this story is: Spy- by Shakira ft. Wyclef Jean
Until next time! Review!