Hello everyone, I'm back with the sequel! Now that finals are over, I can really get back to writing! Recently, I read over Straddling Perception and I must say some serious editing will be done to the story, whoa! I'm excited about this next installment and I hope you like it! It is my goal to make sure the characters are well characterized better in this story. Also things get a little hairy in this one, but you will see what I mean. Alright, that enough of my talking. Let's rock!

Disclaimers: I do not own any of the Final Fantasy characters.

Straddling Perception 2: The Unveiling

Chapter 1:

Ever watchful blue eyes watched as Tifa, on the arm of Sephiroth, entered the grand ballroom. He noticed how beautifully the burgundy mermaid dress contoured to her body, her long hair swept up in a curly mass on top of her head, revealing her long elegant neck. He swallowed a lump forming in his throat, repressing a groan that nearly escaped his lips. The crystal chandelier sparkled in the center of the room casting a spotlight on her alone. Beauty incarnate.

A small frown tugged at his lips when she smiled up at Sephiroth. That smile will be for me and me alone, he thought darkly easing into a corner of the room. A server approached him carrying a tray of Champagne. His attire was black shirt, pants, and shoes, with a gold vest. He swept his dark hair out of his face.

"Would you care for some Champagne, sir?"

"Thank you," They locked blue eyes as he accepted an elegant glass. The server grinned at him, nodding before he continued making his way around the room, offering drinks to the other guest.

Honorable eyes were drawn back to the object of his affection, noticing Sephiroth checking for any immediate danger. A small chuckle rolled out his slightly parted lips. No amounts of training will prepare you for me.

The Honorable Admirer watched as Reeve and Scarlet spoke with a couple to his far right, and Aeris speaking with a girl from the movie set Tifa was working on recently. His attention was turned as an attractive woman made her way over to him. She wore an ivory gown with a diamond design going down one side of the dress. Her short black hair was parted on the side with an ivory flower pinned above her ear. Slanted brown eyes gazed at him in expectation.

"Good evening," she offered politely, her eyes sweeping over him in appreciation, "I'm Elfie, and you are . . ."

"Charmed," he said taking her small hand in his planting a kiss on her knuckles. She blushed, smiling broadly at him. "Do you come to these fund-raisers often?"

"No, not really," she began shaking her head, "Most of the time I just send a check to donate, but I wanted to see if the cause was worth it this time in person. I'm glad I did."

The honorable admirer smiled at her before looking over her shoulder at Tifa and Sephiroth talking with the vice-president of Midgar. He turned back to her when she spoke to him.

"I'm sorry, what were you saying?"

Elfie smiled at him, tucking an ebony lock behind her ear. "She must be important?"

"Excuse me?" The admirer asked, narrowing his brilliant blue eyes at her. Elfie shook her head, taking a sip from her Champagne glass.

"Whomever you came to see at this fund-raiser certainly has her hooks in you."

"I'm afraid you are mistaken," Admirer shrugged his shoulder. "I merely thought I recognized an old colleague across the room," he took her hand in his placing a kiss on her knuckles. "Forgive me for my rudeness. You have my undivided attention."

Blush covered her cheeks bright red, "No need to apologize. I was simply asking for your name," They both turned at the scene taking place behind Elfie. Tifa and Sephiroth were arguing and the surrounding guests were all watching carefully. An indistinguishable shrilled flowed from her anger posture voice, while Sephiroth stood upright and unaffected by her. Yet, his narrowed eyes and rigid back betrayed him. A smirk tugged on his lips as he continued to watch them. He noticed Tifa paused her cheeks bright crimson, and Sephiroth's eyes widened in surprise. Suddenly Tifa stormed away from him. The Admirer watched her disappear into the crowd.

Elfie turned back to him, "I wonder what that was all about?"

"Probably some lover's quarrel," He shrugged offhandedly. "Listen, I would like the opportunity to speak with you again, but I'm afraid I must leave. Would you do me the honor of giving me you PHS number?"

Elfie nodded her head, reaching into her clutch purse for a card. She handed it to him and he bowed his head, capturing her hand once more,

"It's been a pleasure. I will contact you soon,"

"Likewise," she said in a dreamy voice. He smiled at her once more before disappearing into the crowd.

"Genesis, this was more than I bargained for," Genesis heard Sephiroth speaking into his ear piece. The red head sighed shaking his head at his close friend. "You were right. She does get under my skin," Sephiroth's deep voice came across the speaker. Genesis paused in his step, nodding at a pair of security guards passing by him.

"Sephiroth, we can't leave her to the stalker. We have to protect her. Where is she now?" He asked rubbing at his temple.

"She went in the direction of the lady's restroom. I saw Reeve chasing after her."

"Seph?"

"I am aware Genesis. I know. Let me try to straighten things out with her," Sephiroth sighed. "Anything could happen between then and now,"

Genesis chuckled, "That's the way," the men severed contact and the crimson general rounded the corner of the building.

"What did dat fool do to her?!" Barret's gruff voice came across the ear piece like sandpaper.

"They merely had another disagreement, Mr. Wallace. I assure you everything is under control,"

"It betta be! Dat son of a bitch let anything happen to her ima take care of him personally!"

Genesis rolled his eyes, listening to Barret's recent cussing fit. If he were to try to fight Sephiroth, he's a dead man unless the ice king is in a good mood, the red head thought as approached the alleyway behind the building.

"Are ya listenin' to me red man!"

"Wait? What? I can't hear you, you're breaking up, I'm afraid."

"Go'damn it! You hear me!"

"No, I can't hear you anymore, sorry," Genesis grinned as he muted the angry man's rant. "My friend, the fates are cruel there are no dreams, no honor remains the arrow has left, the bow of the goddess," he whispered. The general walked toward a running black van a hundred yards away. Frowning, he slowed his pace. "That's odd. The security staff said nothing about a delivery tonight," he tapped the receiver on his ear.

"Mr. Wallace, do you know anything about a delivery or a pick up tonight?"

"Aww, so you can hear me now?"

"I have better reception now, yes. You didn't answer my question,"

"Naw, dey didn't say anything about a pick up,"

Genesis nodded his head as he came to a complete stop, "I didn't think so, that is all thank you," he slowly approached the van, reaching for his firearm in his hoister under his jacket. "Things just might have gotten interesting."

Reeve watched as Tifa brushed past him, heading toward the lady's restroom. Scarlet and he shared a look, realizing that they were the arguing couple.

"Darling, excuse me, I need to take care of this,"

"But of course you do," she said in a snippy tone. She sipped from her glass, walking toward another couple. Reeve looked over at the silver general, who wore a blank face. He sent Sephiroth a harsh glare, before chasing after Tifa. He eased his way through the crowd, who were already gossiping about the altercation between Sephiroth and Tifa. Great! More front page news, he griped within his mind.

Reeve turned the corner looking up at himself in the corner mirror. He could hear water running from outside the door, while attempting to open it. Hesitantly knocking, Reeve could visualize the annoyed expression on Tifa's face.

"Tifa? It's me Reeve. I saw you running to the restroom. Is everything alright?" The agent was met with silence. Knocking again, he heard Tifa call out to him,

"I'm alright Reeve. I'll be out in a minute. Go back to the party,"

"Are you sure? I can wait right here for you," again, he was met with silence. He rolled his eyes at the ceiling, clenching them tightly. I'm getting too old for this, he thought rubbing at his temple. Reeve opened his eyes, looking into the mirror in the upper left corner. Gasping, he noticed a figure creeping upon him. Reeve turned swiftly, looking into the masked face of a tall man. The movie agent's blood ran cold as he looked into the blank eyes of the mask boring into him.

"Who are you?! What do you want?!" Reeve asked, taking a step away from him. Tilting his head at Reeve, the masked man remained silent. "What do you want?" the frightened man shrieked at him. A sardonic chuckle rolled out of the masked man's broad chest.

"From you? Nothing," he said lowly, "You are simply in the wrong place at the wrong time."

Reeve made a dash for the restroom door, but the masked man grabbed him by the scruff of his tuxedo jacket, slinging him into a table on the opposite wall. The statue shattered a few feet from his head where he lay on the ground. Reeve attempted to get up, but the masked man slammed his head against the floor. The movie agent saw stars, his dark brown eyes rolling around in his head.

"Reeve?" he heard Tifa ask from the other side of the door. Please don't come out of there, Tifa, he thought as he watched the masked man stepped over him, approaching the door.

"Reeve?" she asked again and the last thing he saw was Tifa's frightened expression.

The masked man watched Tifa's face contort, preparing to scream but he grabbed her, pushing her back into the lady's room. He kicked the door closed.

"Shhh. I'm not going to hurt you," he cooed at her. Tifa nodded her head, obediently remaining silent. He slipped the bag off of his shoulder, dropping it between them. Bringing his finger to his masked lips, he released her, dropping down to one knee. He rummaged through the bag, pulling out an instrument that looked like an inhaler. The masked man sprayed her in the face, and she was instantly unconscious. Tifa fell limply into his waiting arms.

Removing her stiletto heels, he leaned her against him while he undid the bag. The black bag was flipped inside out and expanded into a large laundry bag. He slipped her inside the bag and removed the black pull over and mask, tucking the sweater in the bag with Tifa.

The man stood and straightened out his gold vest, taking an appraisal of his appearance. Once satisfied, he searched through Tifa's clutch purse and retrieved her lipstick for his message. Quickly writing out, "MINE NOW," he adjusted the gloves on his hands. Slipping the mask under his vest, he swept Tifa from the ground, situating her on his shoulder. He chuckled, pleased with himself. Casually walking out of the lady's restroom, with his prize on his shoulder the man disappeared around the corner.

Sephiroth rubbed his temples as he made his way to the lady's restroom. He mentally berated himself for his un-professionalism. Tifa was getting to close to him, and after hearing her admission in front of the crowd, the feeling was mutual. Apparently we are getting too close to one another, he thought bitterly, I may have to get Angeal on this case after he returns. I can't risk her life because I allowed myself to get too close her.

Sephiroth rounded the corner to find Reeve face down on the floor with the shards of a broken statue surrounding his unconscious form.

"Reeve?" Sephiroth asked rushing over to him, turning him over. The man groaned, coming around to his senses. He mumbled as he opened his brown eyes only to be face with expectant green ones.

"What happened here?"

"I was attacked by a masked man," Reeve replied, rubbing his head then gasped. "Tifa!" he shot up from the floor, looking to his left finding the restroom door wide open. "Tifa was in there!"

Sephiroth hopped to his feet running into the restroom. The general found Tifa's stiletto heels in the middle of the floor, and a phrase written in Tifa's red lipstick on the mirror.

"MINE NOW"

Sephiroth snapped to action, immediately tapping the receiver in his ear, "Genesis, Tifa has been abducted. Procedure "DAWN" is now in effect."

"Roger that, Sephiroth. I may have a lead," Genesis's hushed voice came over the ear piece.

"What's your location?" Sephiroth asked as he took off in a full sprint down the hall.

"South alley way. I see a black delivery van parked at the entrance. Possible getaway vehicle, most likely."

"Genesis, you know what to do."

"Affirmative," and Genesis spoke no more. Sephiroth dashed down the hallway leaving Reeve to watch after his retreating form.

Genesis walked toward the van with his gun at the ready. As he neared the vehicle, a man walked out of the building with a bundle on his shoulder. The man did not notice Genesis standing there, as he slipped the mask on his face.

"Yes," Genesis began, "very interesting indeed."

The masked man's head jerked up, the blank expression of the mask locking with Genesis's gun.

"Why hello there, you come around here often?" Genesis asked with a tilt of his head. The man reached into his vest, but the general pulled back on the hammer. "No. That isn't an option this evening. Please try again,"

"You're not going to stop me,"

"Is that so? I do believe I have a gun pointed to your head," Genesis narrowed his eyes, "Give me the girl," his smooth tenor voice commanded.

"You wouldn't risk her life,"

"Yes, you are correct, but I'm not aiming at her," Genesis fired a shot piercing the stalker in the shoulder, catching the black bag in the process. A slight moan slipped from the bag and he quickly opened it, finding Tifa inside asleep. "Thank the goddess," he whispered. Genesis looked up just in time to dodge the stalker's booted foot. The stalker reached into his vest pointing his gun at Genesis's head. The general glared up at the masked man, with Tifa leaning against his chest.

"Throw the gun over here," he commanded and Genesis did as instructed, where are you Sephiroth. "Now put the girl in the car," the general stood in place. "Put the girl in the car or die,"

"There is no guarantee that you won't kill me anyway,"

"Stop stalling. Sephiroth won't make a difference once he gets here. So put her in the car or I really will shoot you,"

Genesis stood to his feet, glaring at the man, "Come and get her. If you can,"

The stalker shot past Genesis head, the bullet grazing his temple. He fell to his knee, holding Tifa tightly in his arms. Looking up at the man, a trail of blood oozed down his face.

"Put her in the van, please,"

Genesis stood and walked toward the van just as the stalker opened the door. He gently laid her on the floor, turning to look at the masked man.

"Thank you," The masked man said with a nod. Genesis smiled at him.

"He's going to kill you,"

"Who?"

"Me," the deep voice of Sephiroth spoke from the doorway. Genesis dropped to his knee. Shots rang out whizzing through the air. The masked man dropped to the ground. "Give her back,"

The masked man put the gun to Genesis forehead, yanking them both to their feet. He pulled the redhead to him walking back slowly. Sephiroth trailed them with his gun at the ready.

"Stay back or your best friend gets a bullet to the back of the head,"

"What makes you think I care?" Sephiroth asked pulling back on the hammer. "Wow, Seph, that hurts my feelings," Genesis joked, looking over his shoulder

at the man. "He really doesn't care you know."

The masked man chuckled, "I don't believe that for one second. If he didn't care, he wouldn't have warned you to duck,"

Sephiroth's eye twitched as slowly approached the moving pair. The masked man made it to the door, opening it quickly.

"This has been fun, but I really must be going," he pushed Genesis away from him and fired two bullets in his chest. The redhead fell to the ground in a fetal position. Sephiroth fired at the masked man, shooting him in the hip as he closed the door. The black van sped off down the alley. Sephiroth chased after it, memorizing the plate number, but stopped at hearing Genesis groan. He dropped beside him.

"Go! Stop him!" Genesis screamed at him.

Sephiroth took off a down the alley. He made it to the end, but the van was long gone. The silver general stood with a blank expression on his face, but his eyes burned with calculating determination.

That's that! I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Alright, adios!

~Auktober