Hana Kimi: Final Fantasy

NOTE:: This fic is loosely based on the Manga: Hana Kimi (for you in full blossom), 'tis a good story, you should read it. Aaaaand my purpose is to put a massive final fantasy twist in it. XD

Enjoy!

2013 update:

The following 6 chapters have been reviewed and edited. There will be some major edits in characters and plot then before. Not everything has been changed, the general idea is still the same.

Chapter 1:

Just a bit too much...

"Byakuya Nomura?" Said the woman at the reception desk, eyeing me suspiciously and looking to the photo on the documents and then back at me.

A bead of sweat formed at my temple and trickled down the side of my neck, leaving a searing hot trail in it's path. My face was red, I was blushing, and nervous.

The woman's eyes narrowed, her pupils rendered to mere slits of blue. That's because boys don't blush. Not Soldiers of the prestigious ShinRa army.

She suddenly gave me a warm smile and pointed to the hallway deep within the enormous ground floor. "You are expected, please take the elevator to level 34, turn right and ask the receptionist there to show you to the directors office," She said bubbly.

What had triggered this sudden change of character was beyond me. "T-Thank you." I said. I took back the documents and slung my bag over my shoulder and pulled my suitcase along.

I looked around curiously, the place was huge and spacious, and full of people, chatter and sunlight. It was a busy time of day as people rushed about with so much purpose it didn't matter if they bumped into anyone, scientists, workers, laborers and soldiers rushed to and fro in every direction.

Ding!

The elevator opened and I quickly walked in, dragging my stuff suitcases in behind me.

Alright keep it together, everything will be fine, I mentally chanted, feeling the angry gazes of a few ShinRa workers as my stuff took up the whole elevator space, although it was not that big to begin with anyway. I felt the pressure on my shoulders ease as the doors slowly closed, giving me time to double check the important documents I had on hand.

"Keep those doors open!" Someone yelled out.

"Umph!" I gasped as I was suddenly shoved against a corner by a single body that literally flew into the crack of the elevator door just as it hummed closed. The body tried to move but my suitcase was in the way. "Ow! Sorry yo, hold on, gotta get these out of the way." I heard him roughly kick my stuff to one side before finally letting me breath.

I turned, "What on Gaia is your p-problem?!"

Very closely in front stood a lively, tall and lean man in a very unkempt version of the famous black and white Turk uniform. His bright crimson red hair complemented his red tattoos outlining the apple of his cheeks, it immediately caught my attention.

"Sorry yo, I was in a," He began eyeing me, a leering but openly friendly smile crawled on his face, "Rush."

My cheeks reddened, and his frame casually leaned right up against my side.

"So, why is someone like you here?" he said, voice deep and smooth as the words rolled off his tongue in an all to casual mannerism.

"I'm in the S-Class p-program." Like he had been stung he moved away quickly and retreated to the other corner of the elevator, suspicion plastered his face, but the slight twinkle of curiosity remained in his blue eyes.

"S-Class? You mean SOLDIER, S-Class?" He said, bewildered, "alright I'm sorry for trying to hit on you, I'd be much obliged to you if my sack remains intact...and uninjured."

"I-I will not do a-anything. No harm d-done." His grin returned and the rather pretty pale blue of his eyes glued right back on my face. It didn't take much for him to relax, "Well aren't you an easy one, yo." Visibly, I shuddered, I wasn't sure what to make of this guy yet I'm sweating bullets.

"So, S-class, I've heard of it. Isn't it that new thing that came on a while ago? You a third or second class?" He asked, returning back to my side. I said "I-I'm neither, I'm new."

His voice suddenly dropped an octave, "Very interesting, a virgin." all husky and right in my ear. My throat constricted and I looked at the suddenly interesting floor buttons, trying to slide away from his close proximity. "I'm just messing around." He laughed and draped one arm heavily around my shoulder. "Oh? What are these yo?" He tried to steal a peek at the documents I guarded so preciously.

"H-Hey! These are private" I hugged them to my chest, flailing one arm at him, but his face was so close to mine I suddenly paused at the puzzled expression on the strangers face. Pulling away, he looked down at me again, "You are awfully, lively...no, feisty for a guy, especially one who has now joined the ass-kissing ranks."

I scowl, "who are you to-"

"Change of subject! I'd so turn gay for you, you're over eighteen I hope. You look so do-able, it's so cute." With his arm he brought me back closer against him before ruffling my shaggy hair. I tried to wriggle out but I could feel the unusual raw strength behind it that had my alarm bells chiming.

'Be a man!' I screamed in my mind, 'What would a man do in this situation?' I raised my fist and it flew into my molesters face, sending him into the wall of the elevator. The resonating sound had me feeling oddly satisfied.

Ding!

Uh oh, I gasped. I didn't mean to hurt him that much, "A-Are you a-alright?" I went over and touched his shoulder, hoping not to see any blood, but he raised a hand. "Totally my fault." He said, actually meaning it, "Is there no one who is up for a little flirting anymore? Jeez, second time this week..." he muttered as he smoothed out his jacket. "I'm Reno, and from that punch you just handed me, safe to say I'll definitely see you alive again. Ain't that a nice change?" He said, voice trailing off ominously.

"Huh?"

Reno stood up, hand on nose, and casually walked out of the elevator with his chin up like the day was still his to reclaim. The door started closing but I stuck my hand out and it opened again, Reno grinned.

"W-wait, What do you mean by that?" Surely he was joking, right? I heard about the mass deployment on the front line but it can't be this soon.

"Ha! Calm down, a hard ass like you will make it, Oh, don't you know? They are sending anyone out at this rate, everything is dying it's fucking crazy...last time I heard survival rate was eighty percent or shit like that." He scratched his head.

The elevator started to close yet again. Reno cruelly trotted off with a wave.

"You are not s-serious are you!?" I yelled out.

"Don't forget to call me, man!" Reno waved.

ooOoo

By the time I had reached the 34th floor I was as rigid as a piece of bread left on a bench overnight.

I should have figured the current war was bad then it was before, but still...they wouldn't send a mere cadet like me right out into the fray would they?

I turned right and went to the next reception desk, and there sat a man who was busily typing his way on the computer and barely giving me a glance or some acknowledgement of my existence. Without a word I handed him my papers. He simply took the documents, did something on his computer and very...well...delicately handed it back to me and pointed down yet another hallway behind the reception area. I glanced back, but he had already forgotten about me.

Just about everything within ShinRa had a futuristic feel to it, top class architecture, materials and designer furniture. Almost everything in here was grey, silver, or a variation of both mixed with blue. A lot of steel and metal and leather too, all simply designed with beauty, elegance and practicality in mind.

I kept on going and finally I reached a sort of 'waiting room' fixed with comfy white, geometric style chairs and a coffee table filled with celebrity, financial and political related magazines. The entire far wall was a huge window to the city below and cloud filled sky above. A large stainless-steel water cooler was nestled in the corner and I took a long drink of before sitting down, letting the ice cold seethe into my muscles and slowly unwind my nerves. So far, so good, no one seemed to suspect anything yet.

'Relax...' There was always a difficulty in talking to people...with my flaw lying in the way I talk. Or at least that was how I saw it.

When I'm tense I can easily forget the reason for being here...

A man dressed in a striped business suit with clean sleek blonde hair and a soft fair complexion fitted with designer glasses waltzed out and personally greeted me. "You must be Byakuya...an unusual but pleasant name, I have been expecting you for some time now," He said with a soft smile.

We shook hands. "Step into my office...you can leave your belongings out here." He said and turned and waved for a woman who rushed over immediately to take care of it.

"Take the new recruits belongings to the suite number three."

Suite?...no one said anything about a fancy room. Maybe this wasn't so bad.

The woman was reluctant, "Are you sure he should stay at number thr-"

"Yes I am sure." He quickly replied with a reassuring tone before ushering me into his office and closing the door.

The director...or to be more precise, director Lazard's office was quite big. The entire end wall was a window and all around were huge wooden bookshelves filled with all types of books. The floor was of course, silver coloured tiles complete with a enormous pale blue, white and grey rug that rested underneath his huge desk, chair, conference table and sofas at the far end.

He motioned for me to sit in front of his desk, "Now let's talk."

"Okay now..." Lazard quickly took my files and sifted through them, signing, stamping and typing on his computer wherever he saw fit. "It will be a bit more difficult for you this time since you have been admitted after we closed applications and orientations, but as you know we have made a special exception for someone of your calibre...the perks of being a former employee."

"Indeed sir, but I am sure I can c-catch up."

He paused, glancing at me from the top of his glasses "I hope so, the Generals hate repeating themselves...not a very patient bunch despite their reputation." He stopped and looked up, thinking, before returning to his typing "Except for one..."

"Oh," I nodded, not really sure what to say.

The director finally closed my documents, stood up and filled them away forever before pulling out a single sheet of paper and placing it on his desk. "Because you have admitted late we can not show you around in complete detail like we would have at orientation, but here is a map of all the suites, eateries, training rooms, simulators, gyms, bathrooms and training grounds that you will ever need in the military institution. It's a far cry to the medical ward you were used to, but you know where to ask for help I assume." He said.

I took the paper and looked at it...very small...and detailed, It may be best to commit this to memory "Thank you."

"Everything has opening and closing hours posted on the doors so watch out for them. Also, inside your suite is everything that you should need, much more then just a dormitory, bathroom, desk, bed, wardrobe, kitchen, showers, telephone etc." Suddenly he hesitated, "As you know, the uh, standard soldiers or infantrymen, don't bunk on the premises but in the barracks however...uh," he looked up at me and then down again, before taking a deep breath.

"Is there something the matter?" I asked, I hoped there wasn't.

Lazard looked sheepish, "There was a certain incident amongst the...Commanders not long ago and since then...uh...your original dormitory, number 9, and a few others have been...well, damaged by the burst pipes during the...uh,"

My eyebrow raised, "A-Argument?"

"Uh...more of a difference of opinion. We have moved a few residents into suites with a few other SOLDIERS...and uh, since you were a bit late unfortunately there are no more rooms with 3rd classes or subclasses...which is why you will be placed in suite number 3 with one of the generals." He said, watching my face very intently...waiting for something.

What?

No way! With one of the generals? W-WHICH one?

This can't be happening!

It can't!

No No! How can I continue in this situation!?

My mouth went dry, but I forced myself to swallow, and ask the question, "Oh...s-so...which one am I w-with...?" I said, my voice obviously unstable.

Lazard scratched his head, a look of worry plastered his face, "It won't be for a long, only until the piping is fixed, in fact it is being resolved as we speak so don't trouble yourself as we will have you in your personal space in no time."

Dodging my question aren't you.

I flashed my best smile, "Sir, whoever it is, I'm sure it would be g-good for me...you know...catch up on what I have m- missed...It won't be a problem for me."

Lies! All of it!

Lazard stood up, "Uh, come come, I will show you the way."

When we walked out my suit case and bags were already gone, and with a heart beating hard and fast I followed Lazard.

I don't know if I can keep my secret like this...living with another man. Especially one of the Generals! Especially one who is likely not pleased with me moving in on his territory...if there was one thing I knew, nobody like a trespasser.

After an elevator ride and climbing a few stairs we entered an apartment style sector of ShinRa away from the busy offices and people, it was much more silent and hugely luxurious. Cream porcelain tiles, red carpets, skyline views and designer doors to the most expensive suites in Midgar. We ascended the stairs again and again...and gradually the amount of doors in each floor was less and less until finally we came to the last floor. There were three door all spaced out down the last hallway. He led me to the one furthest from the stairs...the last one.

'Breath...I'm going to need a new game plan.'

Lazard pulled out a keycard from his pocket and placed it in its slot and twisted it, it opened smoothly, and as we walked in, delicate lights switched on to illuminate the most beautiful, clean suite that I have ever seen. Grey, silver and soft greens where everywhere, very futuristic...designer...there was even a balcony and silky semi-transparent curtains and a whole window wall, the place was so spacious, white and...rich.

My suite...well...the Commanders suite. Hopefully he values privacy as I suddenly did.

"Lovely isn't it, good thing he isn't here often so the place is...almost yours. I'll let you have fun." He handed me the keycard and rushed to the door. I swore I saw his lips crack upwards in a grin.

'FUN?!'

I quickly went after him, "Hey wait who exactly am I l-living with?"

"If you need any help don't hesitate to come by my office." He had a cheery smile.

"But I need help now..." Dodging my question...again. "Who?!" I hissed.

His smile didn't falter, "I can't spoil the surprise, you two might actually get along, just make sure you tell him what's going on." He said before closing the door on me.

"He doesn't know?!" I gasped.

I paced the apartment complex like a caged animal until I was spent, I even sat on the balcony for an hour and watched traffic, and glanced back at the door every so often, eager and waiting to see who my room mate was.

Night was falling fast upon Midgar. There was still no one.

As if the mystery man's identity depended on it I went over to the fridge and opened it. The bright yellow light flashed on and a pleasant wave of chilled air enveloped me face first. The fridge wasn't full, it had 'ordinary' contents within: Cheese, milk, bottled water, vegetables, meat, olives...and an opened packet of chocolate.

Sweet tooth? Maybe the Commander is fat. Hmph, I mentally slapped myself and dismissed the thought and closed the fridge. The entire place was clean, nothing was out of place, it was as if it was trying to be sold on the real estate market as there were no photographs, no family, no friends, it appeared less and less like a 'home' the more I explored its vast space.

It was awkward just standing here, I felt very out of place.

Suddenly I heard the door give off a soft...

Beep.

Someone was unlocking the door with a key card, I nearly jumped out of my skin.

I don't like lying to people...Nor do I like people who lie...

The door slowly opened, the light on the hallway was dim, giving some sort of visibility to the apartment. I had not bothered turning on the lights as twilight settled. The whole apartment was the colour of purple, red and dark blue.

I slowly faced the door.

However...what I am doing now is the ultimate lie...

The figure fluidly walked in, and softly closed the door behind him, his eyes saw me, and locked on with a displeased gaze.

My name is 'Byakuya Nomura...'

He walked towards me. I was finally able to see my fate. I struggled with all my willpower not to buckle under pressure, or gap at his very presence.

He was by all means...NOT fat.

Legend as Midgar knew it stood there...staring me down in the face, literally. Gosh he was very tall.

I am in fact, dressed up as a male, and I have gained entrance into SOLDIER...

Here it goes, I stood straight like a soldier at attention and held out my hand.

"Because of the p-pipes bursting at my apartment I am required to s-s-stay here for the time being by the director, thank you for h-hosting me first class General and SOLDIER Sephiroth. I am honoured, my name is B-Byakuya Nomura." I said formally, there wasn't a point in trying to hide my discomfort any more, those cat like eyes saw right through me. But even so, first impressions were everything. My throat was as dry as paper.

He looked at me...Sephiroth looked at me, his eyes narrowed but it was easy to tell he wasn't upset, just, bored. Then he looked at my hand.

In truth, I...am actually, a girl. A girl playing a risky game. A girl playing a boy...in a man's world.

And from the shadows he raised his left arm weakly and outstretched it to meet my own waiting hand.

I bit back a gasp, grinding my jaw tightly as my eyes looked down.

His entire left arm was bandaged from his palm...all the way up to his entire shoulder. I expected such.

He held my hand, but with a normal grip, not firm at all. We shook hands awkwardly. Silently agreeing to one another's company.

But that won't stop me, I'm not here for perverse reasons, or for an adrenaline rush, or even to prove myself as a female soldier...I'm here to repair the damage I had caused to a certain someone...long ago.

"Just Sephiroth...I'm no longer the General...or first Class SOLDIER..."

I...expected such.

I'll undo what I have done...No matter what it takes.

NOTE:: OOOOOH intense...will 'he' or more...she...accomplish her one and only goal? Her one and only reason to risk her life?

2013 update: And another one bites the dust.