Warnings

Chapter 1

Icicle Inn: Contents may be hot.

The reprimand wasn't official, but it still hurt. It wasn't as if he'd been excessively cruel. He'd spoken quietly but firmly; encouraged her to improve. He'd even gone so far as to say "I expect better from you.".

She left his office, bypassed her joking comrades and locked herself away. She remained in her office until she'd completed the humiliating report of her failure. Disheartened and bitter, she also filed a transfer request. To her surprise it was denied and replaced with a mission.

"You have a week, make good use of it" ordered her direct superior. Leading a team of Shin-ra soldiers. She was to scout and secure the area surrounding Icicle inn.

It was such a long way from the last known whereabouts of Avalanche.

The mission was just way to keep her away from any confrontations with the group.

. How did he expect her to prove herself, if she wasn't given the chance?

"Damned chauvinistic society." She hissed angrily.

The mission however did not explain how Elena of the Turks found herself in a bar, just inside Icicle inn. A place so familiar, the last place she wanted end up again. She was home. And that didn't make her feel any better. Everything seemed the same, even the people. All she could do was smile and pretend everything was going well. That false hope didn't do anything to soothe her bruised ego.

Alcohol however, worked just fine. So she indulged herself, and took up residence at the bar. She'd suggested her team do the same. None of her subordinates had argued. Taking a drink she surveyed the darkened room.

The bar was packed, but relaxed. Maybe a little too relaxed.. The men under her command could be defined as loud, rambunctious partying drunks; the lot of them. Their behavior was unacceptable, but then again so was hers. After nearly a week, of constant patrols, drills and useless questioning; they needed a break. She frowned into her glass, at the very least they could keep it down

Setting down the cup she signaled for another, and froze. A shiver went down her back as she recognized the man entering the building. The ethereal being moved to the counter his long hair fanning out behind him in a wave of molten silver. After speaking to the receptionist, he disappeared up the stairs.

Him…a Legend in his own right, Hero of the Wutai Campaign; only the most respected and feared general in the history of Shin-ra.

Sephiroth, the Turks official quarry

Elena set down her glass before she dropped it.

This was it. This was her big chance. A smile crossed her face. He'd be in Shin-ra custody before the week was out. And she'd go down as a legend herself. Rising to her feet she paid her tab. There was no way around it, that man would be hers.

So what he was a General?

She was a Turk.

The employee lounge was on the first floor in the back. Straightening her tie, Elena went in. The few girls off duty were surprised to see her. Years before she left the town behind to go to school in the big city of midgar. Now was back now out of the blue.

She spoke calmly, telling the girls of the situation and the danger involved. They were only too happy to be of assistance. It wasn't every day a representative of Shin-ra asked for your help.

"I need a uniform" She finished calmly.

The maid uniform wasn't quite what she expected but it would work. The fabric was a snowy blue color, matching nicely with the white apron. The dress consisted of short sleeves, a plunging neckline and a short ruffled skirt; a blue bodice that laced across her torso clinched the costume. The overall appearance was sensual, but suitable for her mission. She had to admit it looked good on her, but it was defiantly not something she'd wear in public. Elena allowed the girls to add the finishing touches to her disguise. They decided to dispense advice on their own.

"Remember you have to seem warm, but be untouchable." Sakura informed her.

"As cold as Ice, Elena " another girl whispered. The assembled ladies giggled at the amusing metaphor. The blonde tried to nod but the young woman working on her makeup foiled the attempted.

The Snowflakes, as they were called prided themselves to living up to their namesake. Right down to the frosty appearance.

"A little more blue would do so much for her eyes."

More? She felt like a doll. Elena had never worn so much makeup in her life.

"The things I do for this job."

"Oh don't forget her nails!"

Fluttering her eyes at the reception clerk, earned her the room and floor. That end of the hall was mostly unoccupied anyway. Pushing the traditional cart she knocked on the door. And waited, nothing changed in the silent hallway.After a moment she knocked again. There was still no answer.

Shrugging she fished the borrowed keys out of her apron. And unlocked the door.

The ring dropped back into the pocket of fabric, settling next to her gun. Pushing the door open she stepped inside, and found herself facing the business end on a long sword.

Within the room Sephiroth stood shirtless. His skin was pale in the faint light from the window. Elena gulped He spoke calmly but firmly.

"I didn't order room service. Get out."

"I'm sorry " she appoligized quickly holding up her hands, a gesture of surrender.

"I didn't know this room was occupied."

He looked over the young blonde standing in the doorway.

"If you'll allow me a moment I'll straighten up and be out of your hair."

A bright smile lit up her features.

"Here at icicle inn, we keep our beds warm and their occupants warmer".

As soon as the words left her mouth she blushed. That had not been what she was trying to say.

Sephiroth lowered his weapon and watched her. The edge of his lips curled slightly. Deeming her nonthreatening her turned away to resume his former seat. The room was immaculately clean. The bed had never been touched. His coat was draped across the only chair in the room. As for the target himself, he was seated in the widow staring out at the fields of white.

Elena found herself staring at him. His long silver hair cascaded over his back and shoulders. His pale skin only hinted at the strength and power within in him.

Even with the files she'd read on the man she was impressed. None of them had even come close to describing the personification of beauty and perfection sitting before her.

Any girl could fall for a guy like that.

"Do you want something?" His words cut through the silence.

"That supposed to be my line" She responded softly.

He laughed quietly at the comment, only humoring her.

Clearing her throat she tried again.

"Would you like anything?"

"My solitude and your absence " he replied

The cold look in those eyes sent a chill up her spine.

"Of course" she stammered turning away. Anything to avoid letting herself get carried away.

It would be simple enough just to shoot him when his back was turned. She'd have to aim for the chest. That would, in theory incapacitate him long enough for her call backup.

Or maybe not. She wasn't the sharpshooter of the team. Megumi was, or at least she'd boasted often enough. She'd have to wait to get closer.

Moving to the door she hauled the cart into the room. Her movement careful and precise as she knelt to restock the miniature bar But even if she did hit him there was no guarantee of her own safety. With his abilities there was a high probability of her ending up like that Cetra woman A frown crossed her features. The job was begging to annoy her.

A loud slam echoed in the room. Sephiroth stood by the door his irritated expression similar to a child's.

"It's too noisy" he stated honestly.

Elena groaned inwardly, the noise from downstairs was obviously the pack of trained Shin-ra thugs she claimed as her subordinates. Couldn't those men be trusted to behave while she was out of sight? Obviously not. They were worse than children. Turning back to her work she continued to review her options.

Her training suddenly snapped her to attention as the soldier moved toward her.

Turning around she was ready to defend herself, even if it would do her no good.

He dropped to one knee, Mako eyes regarding her carefully as he raised his hand.

In that instant her legs slipped from beneath her, leaving her seated on the floor.

She couldn't move as he reached towards her. His fingers brushed lightly across her cheek. As suddenly as in happened it was over, his touch was gone, she still couldn't move and he was still leaning over her.

"Sir?"

A brief look of annoyance passed his face..

"I prefer Gongaga."

She replied eloquently "Huh?"

Leaning back, he displayed the amber bottle he'd retrieved from behind her.

She glared at him a deep flush covering her cheeks.

"I just put that there."

Rising to his feet he opened the bottle and drank.

"It will do."

Replacing the pilfered bottle with another, she finished her task and stood.

Dusting off the skirt and apron she debated shooting him again.

"It there anything else I can do for you your majesty?" she drawled sarcastically.

Her extensive patience had been wearing thin ever since she had arrived here. And now with the discovery that their target, former Shin-ra general, he who strikes fear into the hearts of men women and children, the great Sephiroth was a smart ass. It dwindled even faster.

"Sephiroth" He replied softly.

"Hm ?" She looked up at him.

He continued slowly as if he was speaking to a small child.

" You should always address a deity by their given name."

" Oh yes of course forgive me Oh Great Sephiroth" She snapped back.

This was the General Sephiroth? This was the ultimate target of Shin-Ra?

He didn't seem all that frightening. He was more of an irritation, then anything else.

It was probably the beer. Alcohol was known to loosen people up.

The blonde resolved to get her superior drunk once in a while.

Still she'd have to be careful; Sephiroth was still a trained soldier a member of Shin-Ra's elite. In a fight he'd have the upper hand, so her only option was to level the playing field.

"Much better" he replied.

This woman was amusing. She was nervous, but determined. Obviously focused on her job, whatever it really was, She didn't strike him as a very social person and she looked out of place in the uniform. The woman tugged at her skirt again, and he smiled.

She was either a thief or an assassin. Either way she was in over her head.

"Your name?"

She blonde looked at him and fell silent, trying to decide whether or not to fill his request.

"I won't bite, " he teased.

Her gentle gaze hardened suddenly and her lips pressed in a thin line. He wasn't surprised in the least. An assassin, he commended himself. Now she'd either attack or flee for fear of discovery. Her expression softened and she smiled.

"Elena."

Sephiroth blinked, now he was surprised.

This woman either had guts or was incredibly stupid. Whatever the reason, it made this situation more interesting. Unwilling to release this source of amusement, he decided to humor her.

"Elena?" he practically purred the syllables of her name. She had the vague notion he was teasing her.

"Yes?"

"The bed's too soft."

"Too soft…..?"

Now he was being ridiculous. For a self proclaimed God, he was incredibly self-indulgent. Turning away from him she moved to the bed.

"I'll; see what I can do."

Oh yes she should have shot him.

Looking over the bed, she set to work. She fussed over and attacked it from all angles. Smoothing the white fabric she turned back to look at him.

Sephiroth was leaning against the wall, finishing the imported beer.

"Where are you going?"

The question was unexpected and received no answer, without expecting one Elena continued.

"Not many people come here this time of year, except for the hot springs." .

She knew the information to be true; living there for nearly her entire life..

"I'm going to the crater."

The response had her puzzled; there was nothing out there. Why in the world would he go to such a backwater place?

Then again why was she here? This was just a punishment really. Ordered away from her former assignment to here. This had to be the farthest place from the last sighing of Avalanche. Cut off from civilization, even her subordinates had acted like this job was a vacation.

"But it's so cold" She stammered dumbly, her displeasure at her current situation getting the better of her.

"The cold doesn't bother me" he informed her.

The scoffed, he could just forgive her for being mortal then.

"I prefer a warm bed to a cold one any night"

Rising from her work, she found Sephiroth standing before her a smirk gracing his features.

"So do I"

If anyone had suggest to Elena, that she'd end up facing Shin-Ra's own AWOL general in a backwater hotel wearing a maid's uniform, she would have shot them. Which was exactly what she should have done when she found herself in the situation. Unfortunately hindsight is 20/20.

Catching her wrist, he leaned over to kiss her. She hesitated as he moved closer. This could be used to her advantage. She still had the element of surprise. Heedless of the fact she'd never done this before and this man was her enemy, she welcomed his embrace.

Here was a man who knew nothing of her, wanted nothing of her, expected nothing from her; only desired her. Threading her fingers through his hair she kissed him back. Reaching behind her he unknotted the bow of her apron. The bit of cloth dropped to the floor and remained there. Tseng would definite disapprove of this behavior. Mixing business with pleasure.

Slipping his arms around Elena, he lifted her from her feet. Kissing her again he stroked the flesh of her thigh. Tseng be damned, she thought to herself wrapping her legs around him for balance. Trapped within his arms she tried to kiss him again.

Turning suddenly he lowered her to the bed.

Elena found herself pinned beneath him, her legs spread invitingly.

Well damn, she thought to herself.

He chuckled softly, sending a chill up her spine.

"Not yet "

His eyes met hers and for a moment she forgot to breathe. A deep blush spread across her cheeks and she looked away. Taking advantage of his position he diverted his attention to her neck. Curling her arms about his neck, the Turk came to her senses. Never take your eyes off your enemy. She couldn't let him gain the upper hand. Lifting her hand towards him, she caught a handful of hair. Pulling on the silken silver mass she drew him to eye level and kissed his nose.

The emotion in the Mako green orbs was something akin to annoyance. Elena nearly laughed aloud. He was barely humoring her. This silver haired devil could easily tear her apart. That fact didn't bother in the least. Catching her wrist in his, Sephiroth forced her to release the grip on his hair.

Wrapping an arm around her; he pressed his body firmly against her own. She was firmly aware of how their proximity to each other was affecting him. She couldn't help but feel smug. In her own words, Elena wasn't in anyway a goddess or an angel or anything resembling the epitome of men's desires. She was however, a woman; quite capable of exploiting her talents to get what she wanted. Even though she had never gone to this level before didn't mean she was unaccustomed to batting her eyelashes and playing coy.

"Your body is a tool" Scarlet had remarked to her once. "Use it to your advantage." There was no doubt the elder woman had done so herself. You didn't just become Shin-Ra's head of weapons development by brains alone.

Elena sighed inwardly, damn chauvinistic society. Women had to objectify themselves to get anywhere. But then again was she any better? Sleeping with a man, she'd no doubt capture in the morning. She couldn't allow herself to get attached. Shoving the thought aside she returned her attention to the man in question.

He kissed along her bared throat, as his hands moved down her sides. She briefly wondered what he was up to. The sudden tug at her waist told her all she needed to know. The black laces binding her bodice snapped and fell away encouraged by his hands.

Sephiroth tilted his head as if surveying her, his trademark smirk became predatory.

And for once she wasn't able to halt the trembling of her body.

Sephiroth moved closer his fingers sliding along her barely covered skin. Her breathing fluttered as they moved lower. Watching the uncertainty in her eyes he continued to tease her lightly. Her mind was resistant, but her body had caved completely. She wasn't going to stop this. She wanted it. The need was in her, it was something she could no more control then deny. Before the end, she would beg for it. And he would give her what she so desired.

Sliding open her shirt he touched his lips to her skin. She sighed softly, taking pleasure in his touch. Gripping his shoulders, she watched him move along her body, placing tender kisses along her belly. Pulling back he turned his attention to the clothing still attached to her body. With a firm jerk he freed her breasts from the restrictive fabric. The dark lace dropped to the bed with her shirt. Recognizing the look of longing in his eyes she flushed deeply. Dipping his head he drew a nipple into this mouth.

Elena gasped as his warm hands kneaded her sensitive flesh. He hands balled into fists as he assaulted her. A whimper escaped her pink lips, she clung to him, wanting to feel his body against hers. He pulled her closer, molding her body to his own..

Dragging a hand over her back, he fondled her rear. She jerked; sliding against him He teased her sweetly, caressing her smaller form. Kissing her again he laid her back among the pillows. Hooking his fingers under her skirt he pulled the lace undergarment from her legs. A brief glance confirmed it; it matched the bra she'd worn. Tossing in to the floor he slipped a hand beneath her skirt.

Elena moaned loudly and turned her face into the pillows. No one had ever touched her like that. Okay so that was a lie, she'd touched herself like that. But that was beside the point; He certainly knew what he was doing. He moved and she moaned again. Pushing up the skirt he lowered his head to finish what he started.

She froze as she felt him stroking her. His calloused fingers danced over the most intimate parts of her body. She instinctively rocked against him; he almost had her in tears. Oh what he was doing certainly put her to shame. She felt him chuckle within her and she nearly died. She knew she couldn't take it anymore.

"Oh God" she whimpered

Mako green eyes glinted back.

"Yes?"

He moved along her body stroking the bared skin.

She opened her mouth to speak and he chuckled again, fingers sliding across her skin.

"Sephiroth please!" she rasped out the syllables making up the words, surprised to hear the need in her voice. His thumb brushed over her lips.

" Ask and you shall receive."

He pulled her forward lifting her hips from the bed. A bit of fear fluttered through her.

This was really happening and she wanted it to. Elena blamed the situation on hormones.

Hormones or not, the man before her was very real and very dangerous.

Her attention snapped back to him as her knee brushed warm leather. His long hair tickled her cheek. Pulling her from the bed, Sephiroth set her on his knees; slowly drawing her forward. Biting along her shoulder he held her still above him. She tried to relax as he guided her movements, but it was useless. She was nervous and it couldn't be helped. Sensing her uneasiness, he sought to alleviate it as only he could.

She cried out in the hushed room, the discomfort and pain written on her face. He paused as he caught the scent of blood in the air. The subtle aroma inflamed his senses, so that was the reason for her uncertainty. She'd been a virgin. His lips curled delicately, he'd taken care of that. A soft whimper escaped her.

Her hands gripped his shoulders tightly as she tried to relax. This woman in his arms was holding back her tears. He felt no guilt about his actions, or sympathy for the woman. In life pain was unavoidable, Better she learn it now then later. Despite his thoughts on the matter he kissed her tears away.

He pressed against her, their bodies becoming an awkward tangle of limbs. Elena curled her legs about his waist, the motion driving him deeper. She writhed under him, arching her body. Wickedly tapered nails clawed across his back, making him groan against her skin. Her breathy moan, echoed in his mind and he doubled his efforts to make her scream

He found himself almost as breathless as she was. His very soul was aflame with desire. It was a sweet temptation that let him wanting more. Cupping her face he bent to kiss her again. Amber pupils returned his heated gaze. Those gorgeous eyes sparkling much like his own bearing the glow of Mako.

So he was wrong after all. She was of Shin-Ra. She was neither an assassin nor a thief, but bait. The anger within him rose as he looked at her. The little trollop had actually fooled him. The quiet virgin girl, whoring herself to get to him. How downright deceitful. Shin-ra had trained her well. Kissing her briefly, he quelled the urge to strangle her. No, as satisfying as it would be, that would damage her pretty little body. Driving Masamune through the heaving chest, however, now that was an intriguing prospect. How dare simple pawn take him for a fool? Curbing his murderous intent, he focused his energy on a more pleasurable activity.

"Oh God"

"So I've been told." He hissed against the skin of her ear, moving toward her neck.

Sephiroth crushed her against the bed, merciless in his passionate fury; he bit the soft flesh beneath his lips. This time she screamed. Satisfied he kissed her, enjoying the ragged sounds he tore from her body. She would enjoy this night with him like this, for it would be her last.

His touches, his kisses and his body the overwhelming undeniable feeling of him. He was tearing her apart piece by piece, making her scream. He was driving her mad and she was begging for it. She suddenly realized she was whispering his name like a prayer even as he did the most sinful things to her. How ironic.

All thought fled from her body and she went still. Elena was overcome by the intense sensations flooding her body. The strong arms encircling her, the firm body pressed against her, the deep breathy quality his voice took as he practically purred to her. She felt a sweet euphoria settling over her, impossible to control or deny. For a few moments the world stopped, and nothing really seemed to matter. She was completely at peace. Could this be what people meant when they spoke of the Promised Land?

Slowly reality began to drift back to her. Like hell, she thought bitterly. It was just sex.

Flushing deeply she waited for him to pull away. She found herself trembling as he did.

Yeah, just wonderful, mind-blowing, exquisite, to die for sex. No wonder he called himself a God. Sighing she leaned against the pillow.

The divine being himself settled beside her on the bed. His arm slid over her waist, pulling her closer. Blinking back sleep she resisted the urge to yawn. She was a Turk and she had a mission to complete. She had him right where she wanted him. His breath tickled her neck. All she had to do was capture him. Pale fingers ghosted across her belly, the contact making her squirm. All she had to do was get her gun.

Unfortunately for her the weapon itself was in her apron. The simple cotton apron that currently inhabited the floor. Elena momentarily debated the virtue of retrieving the weapon. Curling into the fetal position she snuggled against the pillows. She was too relaxed to even care about the damned skirt.

I am not going to sleep she told herself; I'll just wait until he does and then I'll call for backup. I'll just make something up to tell them, it won't really matter anyway.

The bed was warm and comforting, much like the body enveloping hers. Her eyelids drooped heavily.

Fine she relented, as her body refused to cooperate.

I'll just close my eyes for a moment. That's all.

She never even had the chance to finish the thought.

Brushing his fingers along her throat he pondered the merits of killing her where she lay.

Such a pretty little doll. She fit well within the profession they'd molded her for. Had this little ruse been her idea or theirs? What a little fool. Their ruined broken marionette. Rising from the bed he took advantage of the bathroom.

Dampening a washrag, he brushed the wet fabric against his warmed skin. Wiping the traces of her from his body. Tossing the stained cloth into the sink he glanced into the mirror. A dusky purple smear of lipstick stood out on his pale face. Touching the faint mark he frowned and wiped it away. Stalking from the room he retrieved his jacket.

The chilled leather slid along his skin brushing the scratches on his back. Biting back a growl of pain he looked to their cause.

Shin-Ra's little plaything, he had used her and needed her no longer. She hadn't moved from where he left her. The petite woman lay sprawled across the remnants of her uniform. She'd obviously gone to great lengths to pull this job off. It was too bad it would end in failure, as well as her life.

Drawing Masamune he moved closer to the bed, hovering over the sleeping figure

She was helpless before him, unaware of the danger that plagued her as she slept.

Lifting the brilliant sword above the bed he smiled. The pre-dawn light peeking through the window reflected off the elegant blade. In her sleep, the blonde sighed.

"Goodbye Elena"

With that, he plunged the weapon downwards, and the room was silent.

Bright sunlight filtered though the window as the inn staff rose for work.

Just as the night before a slim figure occupied the bed. Her soft blonde hair was matted to her face, some strands covering her closed eyes. Blood stood out on the once white sheets, dyeing them with its color. The rusty stain covered the bed beneath the body, proving without a doubt the blood belonged to her.

The lack of warmth woke Elena from her dreams. Interesting dreams that included super powered transforming chocobos. Shaking her head she stretched her limbs as far as they could go. There was definite soreness in her body, trying to sit caused her discomfort.

Flopping back on to the pillow she yawned. In that instant two things happened. One, her memories came rushing back to her and two, her pillow exploded. As bits of fabric and feathers cascaded around her, she tried to get up.

After a moment she set her feet to the floor and stood. Her aching muscles however refused to support her weight for long and she dropped to the floor. Frowning she cursed herself for her lack of professionalism. Moving as fast as her body would allow she gathered her clothing and haphazardly pulled it on. The sheets were cool to the touch, but she wasn't about to give up. Soft downy feathers covered the bed, hiding most of the blood from view. The pillow was another story. The head support was neatly bisected through the middle, by a single cut. That could have been. Abandoning the thought she headed for the door.

Moving to the first floor, she successfully avoided any of her platoon and the maids on the morning shift. Elena really didn't want to answer any questions about her mission or her appearance. Sneaking past the reception desk she marched out the front door. Cold wind pushed back her hair and ruffled her skirt. Ignoring the weather, she walked farther away from the building. The sun was just cresting over the horizon, the orange light casting a glow over the pristine snow. Squinting into the distance, she swore she could make out the silhouette of man in a long black coat.

Taking a step forward, she plunged her leg calf deep into snow. Gasping, she backpedaled, dragging her foot from the white precipitation. Looking up, she saw nothing but white. Damn it. He was gone. She'd come so far to lose him now. Rubbing her arms against the chill, she calculated her options. It this situation, she didn't have many.

She was tired, irritated, and sore and what she really wanted was a bath. She'd come so close to achieving her goal, only to have it sneak out of her bed. There was no justice in this world, but she'd learned that a long time ago. Brushing back her hair she resolved to do better. It was the only thing she could do.

"Hey!"

A loud shout snapped her from her thoughts. In the doorway stood a similarly attired woman.

"I was looking for you. We need the uniform back, we expected you to return it last night."

Elena blinked vapidly as the maid continued.

"We were also a little worried about you…you did get what you needed didn't you?"

For the first time in nearly a week, the overzealous rookie of the Turks flashed a genuine smile.

"Oh yes. I got everything I needed and more."

Turning back to the rolling slopes of snow and ice, she could only guess where her target could be. Then again finding him was half the job. She was after all a Turk.