Chapter 4- Another Confrontation

The airship was the finest example of technology I had ever seen. To mold scraps of metal into the humungous piece of majesty that constituted it was a feat without compare. The vast amount of computer technology that was housed within it allowed it to soar through the air.

Unfortunately, the person who had been put in charge of that magnificent piece of machinery was the ugliest brute I had ever met. Heidegger was a gruff man of about six feet in height. I'd say he had about six feet in width, too. His unkempt black beard seemed to be his attempt in compensating for his thinning hairline. Heidegger always appeared angry about something and he was more than willing to take it out on anyone in his vicinity. It was a personality trait I despised. Although, I doubt I would have liked the man even if he weren't so abusive.

Scarlet was another utterly sadistic soul Shin-Ra had allowed to fight her way to power. She held a more regal demeanor—or, at least, tried to. Scarlet used her female figure in order to put on an air of graciousness but she was a cutthroat woman who knew nothing of humility or grace. She had others do her dirty work so she could step back and laugh at the poor soul upon which her goons inflicted damage. Her laugh was a callous laugh coming straight from her gut. Her ruthlessness came straight from her core. Anyone who stood in the way of what Scarlet wanted would be killed. No wonder Shin-Ra had promoted her as often as it had. Shin-Ra condoned-- if not encouraged—such behavior in its leaders. I was fully aware I had made an enemy out of her and I sure she knew of how much I didn't care.

We boarded the airship in silence. Rufus led the procession as I took up the rear. Sadly, this meant I had to witness Heidegger bark out orders to his crew.

"You worthless slime can't do anything right! The ship hasn't been cleaned since my departure with the President! Did you even bother to check whether all systems were functioning and that the engines are fully charged? You spineless pieces of shit, I—"

"Heidegger, why do you insist on gaining fear just because it's impossible for you to gain respect? And Heidy, sweetheart, shit doesn't have a spine. If yours does, I'd call a doctor." I said while pausing in the doorway that led inside the ship.

Heidegger grabbed my arm and pulled me out of the doorway in one smooth and swift motion. I could feel his hot breath on my face as he tried to keep control of his anger.

"I'd appreciate it if you didn't speak to me that way in front of my men. You aren't so important you can't be replaced."

I tore my arm away from Heidegger's grip and in my own smooth motion unsheathed my dagger and put it to his throat.

"Heidy, I think you'll just have to deal with my little comments for now and watch your men laugh at you. Then I suppose you'll beat them into bloody submission once I leave. Then again, you could skip the last part and just deal with it." I said slowly and calmly. I flicked my wrist and cut off a piece of the old man's black beard.

"Scarlet was right. You are an arrogant little bitch."

"She said wench."

As I entered the inside of the airship, I could hear the chuckles of the crewmen while Heidegger screamed his lungs out. I even sported a smirk of my own. When I was on fire, I relished in it. My smile, however, was only in part because I probably scare Heidegger out of his mind and had his crew laughing at him. I was also smiling because I agreed with him. I was arrogant; I just knew who to be arrogant toward.