Chapter 4: Accidents

A few days later, Sephiroth and Tifa rode the basement elevator up to the lobby of the Shin-Ra Tower. Moments before, Sephiroth had just finished reading an article in the daily paper about the poor Shin-Ra sod that had had an unfortunate heart attack just the other day. Many of the opinions stated therein eluded to a cover-up, which helped bring a smile to the General's face. The chimes rang signaling their arrival, as soon as the couple stepped out of the elevator the sight before them was nothing short of chaotic. Managers and employees were running across the floor, delegating to members of infantry and SOLDIER who desperately tried to contain the overzealous paparazzi. Phones were ringing off the hook, most going unanswered due to the mass of media just outside the Shin-Ra Tower doors. Reporters, those who managed to slip by the line of infantry tried barreling pass to the upper level elevators. Those caught were calmly escorted out the revolving doors others needed a little more persuasion to leave. Unperturbed by the sight the General and his assistant stepped into the mayhem that was the Shin-Ra Tower lobby.

"I wonder what all the commotion is about?" Tifa queried with mock concern.

The man at her side smirked and proceeded across the floor to the executive elevator. Along the way they were joined by the bald headed Turk, Rude, if Sephiroth remembered correctly. He stood stoically beside them as they awaited the arrival of the elevator. When the doors opened, he gentlemanly held it open for Tifa as she passed him. In return the brunette nodded, coyly winking as she passed. The demoness smirked when she heard his heartbeat flutter at the simple action. Humans were too easy. The three rode in silence to the 68th floor. Once the doors opened they were greeted with a similar scene to the one they had just left. With the distractions of the phone lines and unauthorized personal popping up on the floor the secretaries and security paid no mind to the General and the Turk, not that they needed permission or an escort to roam the floor.

At the door to the conference room Tifa bowed beside the solid oak doors. Regardless of her abilities and powers she couldn't intrude upon an executive meeting without drawing unwanted attention, especially from President Shinra and Tseng; not that she wouldn't have minded. Yet Sephiroth thought it best for his purposes that toying with the executives was much more satisfying that just slaughtering them like pigs. When she had brought it up once, Sephiroth had hissed in her face that if he had wanted to do that he wouldn't have sold his soul to a devil. Once the doors were closed Tifa walked down a quiet hallway, intending to listen in on the meeting that was bound to have a similar atmosphere to the ones currently surrounding them. Closing her eyes Tifa trained her senses, the feeling in her chest going wild when they tuned in with her master.

Sephiroth opened his eyes when he felt Tifa's presence; he wanted her to see the fruits of her labor. Oh how they loved to stir up chaos.

"This is outrageous!" President Shinra bellowed, slamming the daily paper upon the table. "I want this bastard found!"

"But sir, Professor Hollander died of natural causes there is no way to det-" Reeve interjected before being sharply reprimanded.

"No, he wasn't!" Everyone in the room remained silent. It was unusual for the President to show an unjustifiable anger. "This is the third employee this quarter! None of this was an accident! I know it!" Sephiroth's eyes narrowed. Since when did President Shinra become concerned over his company's assets, human life or otherwise? He felt Tifa smirk and his anger flared. It seemed that he would need to hold his demon on a tighter leash if she was going to deviate from his plan. "From now on I want all executives shadowed and all SOLDIERs stationed at headquarters! If anyone wants to ruin me, they'll have to do it over my dead body and those of this company!" Sephiroth inwardly chuckled, that could be arranged. "Tseng, I want the Turks on this! Anything you find, bring it to Hojo. He'll back you on all forensic fronts." The scientist looked as if he were about to protest but was silenced by the president's cold glare. "Sephiroth!" The General looked at the president with a stony expression. "You and the First Class SOLDIERs are to be on high alert and personal guard to all executives in this office! Do I make myself clear?" Spittle dribbled down his blonde moustache, very reminiscent of a rabid dog.

"Crystal." Something seemed off about the President and until he figured out what it was it was best that he swallow his pride and see how this played out. Perhaps this could work in his favor. Satisfied with this form of personal protection the President calmed, sitting in his large chair and waving his hand for Rufus, his son, to continue. Rufus was nothing like his father, his dress and expressions were just the beginning of their differences.

"Despite the string of recent events, Shin-Ra is still holding its annual charity gala. All present are required to attend. Security will be higher than ever, but you are warned to still be mindful of the situation. Whoever is behind these string of attacks could very well use the gala as the perfect playground." Rufus looked to his father who was asleep in his chair, stress and exhaustion was apparent in the CEO's demeanor. It seemed that he had aged a few years since they saw him just yesterday. There was something else going on in the shadows that Sephiroth didn't know about and he didn't like it. If anyone was going to be messing with his plans he would see to it that Tifa get intimately acquainted with them.

Rufus looked to the department heads before concluding the emergency board meeting. Sephiroth waited until the room was empty before beckoning for Tifa. "Yes, my lord?" She cooed sweetly, enjoying the play of negative emotions pouring over him. She could practically taste his rage.

"Have you disobeyed me, Tifa?" He asked coldly, eyes meeting hers.

Confused by her master's anger towards her, Tifa simply bowed before replying. "Never, my Lord; I've done only what was asked of me."

"And the President's behavior? Was that not done by your hand?" His eyes narrowed at her. "I know how much you love to toil in sleep and dreams."

Offended Tifa returned her master's cold stare. In an instant her form disappeared, rematerializing centimeters before the General's face. "Had you asked it of me I would have no reason to lie. His behavior was uncharacteristic from what I had heard yesterday. The fact that he suddenly showed signs of it today suggests more than just a poor diet and sleep deprevation. Today was a result of constant subconscious inception, at least a month and until yesterday I had no reason to step into Midgar. Make no mistake my lord when I say I never disobey an order." Her eyes were burning red, her anger barely contained in her temporary form. Yet Sephiroth stared dead into her eyes, knowing that the leash she wore was also a muzzle. No matter how much she barked, she could never bite.

"Sephiroth?" Instantly Tifa's eyes darkened and her body retracted to a comfortable space just moments before Angeal walked into the room followed by Genesis. No doubt they had just heard an immediate order from the President. "Word has it we're to play the role of bodyguards."

"That is correct." Sephiroth replied standing from his seat.

"War of the beasts brings about the world's end. Who is to say that this isn't all a part of the goddess's gift?" Genesis remarked looking out the window. "This world it seems is an aberration in and of itself. Fate should be cruel to those who deserve it."

"Hath endured torment, to find the end of the journey. In your salvation and into your eternal slumber. Such immorality doesn't suit you, Commander." Tifa commented, understanding his unspoken torment. The three men before her wore scars like clothes, each having the same degree of torment thrust upon them. It was why she was here. Her purpose, one that Sephiroth had promised her in exchange for his soul. Make them suffer as I have suffered. Let those whom they have corrupted have their wrongs thrust upon them tenfold.

"A lover of poetry as always, Ms. Lockheart. The starkness of a suit does much to hide your true beauty." He walked towards her, taking her hand and kissing it. "If you were mine, I'd shower you in dresses and fine jewelry, not stark colors of black and gray."

"It's a good thing, that I am not yours then." Tifa replied, running a hand across Sephiroth's tensed shoulders. "The charity gala is scheduled for tomorrow evening, I'll make sure your suits are properly cleaned and pressed." She then excused herself with a courteous bow.

"So what is all of this nonsense the President is spewing?" Angeal asked, taking a seat and knitting his hands before him.

Sephiroth let out a sigh before explaining, or attempting to explain the president's recent demands. "Shinra is under the impression that he and his executives are being targeted for assassination."

Genesis scoffed, "That old fool is simply paranoid. There has never been an attempt made upon his life. He should be more concerned about his losing fight with obesity than an assassination."

"With the state of Shinran governing authority, an assassination attempt wouldn't be far off." Angeal audibly sighed, shaking his head as he did so. "Loss of life is a tragic thing, regardless of whose life it is."

"Not all of us share your noble and moral sentiments, Angeal." Sephiroth stated making to leave. "Order all First Class SOLDIERs to make regular sweeps of the executive floors. As soon as Shinra forgets about this little incident cut the patrols and reinstate the SOLDIERs to their regular posts."

"What of Cloud and Zack?"

"What about them?"

"They're up for promotion to First Class. Are we going to put off their change of rank until this is cleared up?"

Not bothering with his statement Sephiroth waved it off, "Tifa has requested assistance with moving her effects into the Shin-Ra Tower. They'll be under her command. I'm sure she'll keep them preoccupied for a while."

"They are SOLDIER Cadets not moving men!" When Sephiroth ignored his outburst Angeal ground his teeth. "Assign a low class infantry man to do the job."

"Now, now, Angeal. Rank does not a SOLDIER make."

Several floors down Tifa stood looking out the glass window of her room. It wasn't as grand as the mansion used to be, but it would have to do temporarily until their business in Midgar was concluded. Behind her she could hear her two favorite pets coming down the hall.

Zack was the first to arrive. Upon reaching his destination he grunted in relief before dropping several bags of luggage onto the apartment floor. "What the hell do you have in here, Teef? The whole Shin-Ra mansion?"

The brunette turned from her clipboard in hand and indicated to a spare room. "Over there, Zachary." With a grumble and a 'yes, ma'am' he obeyed. Seconds later an out of breath Cloud appeared in the door way lugging two equally large cases. "You're quite slow today, Cloud."

"I'm still a bit jet-lagged, ma'am."

"A SOLDIER shouldn't be feeling any form of travel fatigue." She checked her chart and indicated to an opposing room.

"Tell that to my body!" Zack grumbled, falling onto the couch. "I still don't understand why we couldn't use the elevator! Carrying all that shit up 65 flights of stairs was cruel!"

"If you are feeling the slightest bit of fatigue from this little workout I suggest you follow-up with Hojo for enhanced mako treatments." Both boys shivered at the thought of going to Hojo for anything. Since they had been ranked for promotion they had been receiving at-home mako injections administered by Tifa. Having someone else, especially the Science Division Head administer anything remotely non-lethal or otherwise was a death wish in itself. He would most likely double the dosage of mako just to see you writhe in pain before you killed over. "Besides the elevators are for business purposes only. Moving furniture and luggage is not business." Tifa checked off a few more items on her list before setting it down and moving towards the window. She was getting an unsettling feeling, like she was being watched. Her eyes darted to the far corner and saw a tiny glint in the darkness. Tifa's gaze narrowed. She would have to do a thorough cleaning later on.

"So what's for dinner, Teef?" Zack chirped, rolling over on the couch to make room for Cloud who looked ready to drop dead.

Tifa looked at the boys then sighed. When she made this contract she didn't think she'd be babysitting. Then again she didn't think that this soul contract would take as long as it was to come to fruition. She wouldn't admit it but she was enjoying herself to some degree. "I suppose it is about that time." She acquiesced, removing her jacket she made her way towards the kitchen all the while rolling her shirt sleeves up.

When she was supposedly out of earshot Cloud elbowed Zack in the ribs. "What the hell, Spike?" Zack gasped, rubbing his sore rib.

"Why are you making her cook? The mess hall is a few floors down."

Zack nudged his friend in return. "Just cuz we're in Midgar, doesn't mean we can't still enjoy Tifa's awesome cooking. Besides," He winked. "I know how much you'd miss her if we didn't." The blonde blushed a bright red, but before he could retort Tifa's voice rang out from the kitchen.

"Well if you're staying, come and make yourselves useful."

"Yes, ma'am!" The boys chimed happily rushing into the kitchen.

When Sephiroth walked into his apartment he was greeted with the sounds of his subordinates bickering. The General's head began to pound from the noise. Sensing his arrival Tifa was by his side, a tumbler full of dark liquid in her hand. "How was the rest of your day, Master?"

Sephiroth took the drink, downing it in a single gulp. A hiss and a low growl was the only response the brunette received. "To alleviate your worried mind, I'm taking it upon myself to figure out the source of the President's paranoia." Sephiroth grunted as he moved through the apartment to his bedroom.

"You speak without a care in this world." Was Sephiroth's simple reply. Tifa moved forward to undo his jacket and armor.

"I can make my voice as quiet or loud as I desire. You've nothing to worry about. Paranoid humans are the easiest to deceive." She whispered to him seductively.

"Tifa! Zack's burning the food!" Scarlet eyes darted to the door, before releasing her master.

"Dinner will be ready shortly, my Lord." Tifa bowed before existing; leaving Sephiroth to his thoughts. With three scientists dead, he needed to mix up the hit list before anyone became too suspicious. Perhaps the Infantry General would suffice as the next target. The fat buffoon sent countless soldiers to their deaths due to his stupidity. Yes… perhaps a training exercise would do him some good. A cruel smirk pulled upon his lips. The possibilities were practically limitless.

The next day was bright and beautiful. Too bad the sunshine didn't reach into the confines of the SOLDIER training simulation room. A group of soldiers, along with the General and his two First Class trainees were present. Tifa stood at the far side dressed in similar fashion to the SOLDIERs. Her hair was plaited and her hands gloved. If they didn't know better they would believe her to be a female SOLDIER. Sephiroth had informed her of his latest endeavor and she was all too happy to indulge in his plans. When all trainees were in line, Sephiroth started the simulation from his phone. Immediately the flat surroundings changed to those of a wild jungle. The cadets, who were new to the training facility, gapped at their surroundings.

"This is a war game." Sephiroth instructed. "Your mission objective is to find and capture, Ms. Lockheart." There were hoots and hollers as Tifa took a stance beside the General. In response the demoness threw a few of the boys a smirk and a wink. Beside her she noticed that Cloud's jaw tightened and his fists clenched in annoyance. Men were so easy to rile up. Noticing the cadets' flushed faces Sephiroth continued in a more dominant tone. "Though we are not her guards the Cadets Fair, Strife and I will be serving as an opposing obstacle." The men swallowed their cat calls. "You lose the game as a team if you are all rendered unconscious or if you fail to capture her before we do. The time limit is three hours. Is that understood?" All men saluted in response. Sephiroth looked at Tifa who had her hand upon her hip, the majority of her weight thrown to one side. For a demon she sure knew how to make a statement with human necessities. "Don't go easy on them."

Tifa grinned and flipped her long plait over her shoulder. "Don't I at least get a head start?" She pouted.

Without looking at her he complied with her request. If they were going to set up this little accident it needed to be handled with care. "Five minutes." Sephiroth stated, before she bolted off into the underbrush. Sephiroth began to pace in front of the trainees. "The environment and all that it generates will attack with extreme prejudice. Hold nothing back. Although she may not look it, Ms. Lockheart is able to kill and has been ordered to forcefully render her pursuers unconscious. Do not take her lightly. Do I make myself clear?"

All replied with a booming, "Sir, yes, sir!" before being dismissed by the General. Like a herd of cattle the squadron of twenty-five rushed off in the direction that Tifa had taken.

"Honestly, General. I see no point in my being here." In the wake of the infantry troop stood a portly man dressed in his military uniform; the Infantry General Heidegger. The buttons upon the jacket were near to bursting from his massive gut. The man looked more of a pig than a man. Sephiroth's nose wrinkled in disgust. To think such swine was the head of a military unit. "You and your fellow SOLDIER trainees can handle this minor exercise yourselves. I have better places to be."

Before the portly man could walk off Sephiroth intercepted him and gave a charming smile. "Your usefulness is apparent in the soldier's moral sir. Alone a single SOLDIER First Class would be intimidating, but with you it serves to show good faith and cooperation between divions." Whoever said Genesis was the only one with a silver tongue clearly hadn't been on the receiving end of Sephiroth's flattery.

Heidegger was taken aback by Sephiroth's seemingly sincere defense. "If you say so, General." Begrudgingly he took a seat upon a nearby log. "Unfortunately, I'm not dressed for this type of exercise. You'll have to finish it without me. I'll remain here in case any of my boys get lost…or need assistance."

"Very well, sir." Was Sephiroth's curt reply. He signaled to Zack and Cloud who followed him dutifully. "Let the games begin."

Tifa slinked around the shadows, eyeing her prey. She was ordered not to kill which was a shame, she was simply ordered to give him the fright of his life. There was little fun in what she was about to do, but an order was an order. Slowly Tifa began to reshape, hands becoming paws, nose elongating into a muzzle. Her master didn't say she couldn't give the fat oaf a work-out before he died…of fright.

Crawling on all fours now Tifa purposely snapped a branch to alert her quarry. The hunt was always better when they were aware. As foolhardy as the man was, he didn't seem perturbed. Rolling her beady eyes at the man's obliviousness the demoness prepared to pounce. As she leapt forwards, a large condor swooped down and, knocked her off of her target. The fat general howled in surprise and scrambled off into the brush. Roaring, Tifa looked for the bird, eyes narrowed. The timing on that was too perfect. Someone was messing with her. Shaking off the feeling of being a mouse in a trap, Tifa pursued her target into the underbrush. Regardless of how fast he ran, his stench remained. The demoness raced through the jungle, hoping to catch her target, when the sudden scent of blood stopped her dead in her tracks. Gasps and shouts were heard in the same direction. This couldn't be good. Changing shapes she ran on two legs to a clearing, where a few of the cadets stood gawking at the sight before them.

Heidegger lay prone on the ground, blood spewing from a severe laceration on his head. Her Master wasn't going to like this at all. As if on cue the remaining cadets entered the clearing, each one gapping at their Commander.

Rolling her eyes, Tifa huffed; stupid cadets, acting as if they'd never seen blood before. "Stop standing around gawking!" She ordered, knocking the cadets from their stupor. "Squad leader, staunch the bleeding. Check for a pulse and move him so that he isn't drowning in his own blood!" Pulling her phone from her pocket, Tifa dialed Sephiroth's number, out of formality.

"What is it?"

Tifa drew in a breath and sighed, anticipating the fallout. "There was an accident."

"What do you mean accident?"

"General Heidegger is injured and unconscious." She dropped her voice so only he could hear, "His heart has stopped, most likely due to blood loss and severe trauma."

Sephiroth growled on the other line. "I'll be there." Then the line went dead.

Tifa shoved the phone into her pocket before analyzing the situation. Something was interfering with her master's plans, and she'd be damned if she take the fault for it. She took another glimpse at the dead body, making note to take a second look at the body later. The sound of the room ceased then, the hologram digitizing, revealing the First Class SOLDIERs. Immediately Zack was by Heidegger's side taking in the cadets' reports. Sephiroth was on his phone, from what Tifa could hear he was speaking to a medical team. Lastly her eyes fell upon Cloud whose eyes were hazy and distant; a slight smirk played upon his lips. When their eyes met Cloud shook his head as if to clear it of a headache. He met Tifa's eyes once again and gave her a puzzled look, almost as if to ask what had happened. No sooner had the medical team arrived then the Turks showed up. Tifa could feel the tension rise when they asked for a questioning.

"Let's get this over with quickly. Attendance is required for the Gala tonight." Sephiroth commanded all present. Tonight was going to be a long night.

Sephiroth stood in a far corner of the room, furthest away from prying eyes. He wasn't happy to be there, especially not after a Turk interrogation. Unluckily enough Tifa had been interrogated last, pissing off the General even more. Her interrogation hadn't lasted more than 20 minutes, but it was enough to have the General to want to decapitate the bothersome suits. Tifa had enjoyed his rage, teasing him with a carefree smile upon her face as she answered as ignorantly as possible. At present she was still getting ready, another reason for his current irritation. A servant she may be, but she took her time with her work. It was something he couldn't seem to break out of the demon; her laxness with punctuality.

"Ah, General, there you are." Reeve greeted jovially. "I was wondering where you had wondered off too." Sephiroth simply grunted in response and resumed his stoic posture against the wall. The Urban Development Director chucked and stood quietly by his side. After a few minutes' silence Reeve disclosed what was on his mind. "Rumors of the Heidegger's death are floating about." Sephiroth remained quiet. "Seems you should have a talk with your infantry members about disclosing sensitive information."

"I'm the Commander General of the SOLDIER Division."

"And of the Infantry Division."

"I wasn't aware of this."

"You will tomorrow." Reeve casually took a sip of champaigne from his flute as the General seethed beside him. More work to do. Soon the dog was going to bite its master.

"Sometimes I think your Turk background bothersome."

"It can be sometimes, but I find it comes in handy more times than not."

Sephiroth pushed himself from the wall and straightened to his full height. Tifa should have been there by now. In his growing anxiousness he was ready to search for her. "But your meddlesome attitude, contributes nothing to the situation."

"You can be so cold General. Let's hope a lady can melt that frozen heart of yours." Reeve joked heartily, keeping his observation of Sephiroth's anxiousness to himself.

"I suppose this is where I step in." Tifa declared walking up to the two men, dressed in a red silky gown. "I'll relieve you of the General's disgruntled presence director."

Reeve chuckled before greeting Tifa with a kiss upon her cheek. "Very well, Ms. Lockheart, was it?" With a casual wave Reeve left the couple to stand in compatible silence.

"You're late." Sephiroth growled, when Tifa refused to look at him.

"Am I? I wasn't aware I had a designated arrival time." She smiled innocently at him, her red painted lips shining in the light. A vein twitched on the General's forehead, eliciting a laugh from the brunette. "I had to make sure there were no loose ends to cover up after this afternoon's mishap."

"You never did explain that."

Sighing Tifa ran her hand along Sephiroth's cheek. "The truth is…I can't."

"What do you mean, can't?" He brushed off her hand in irritation. That was something he didn't want to hear. The fact that he had no control.

Tifa's eyes narrowed at her master. The accusatory tone he was using with her, angered her more than it should have. "Meaning, I don't know what happened." She turned her back to him. Hoping if she didn't look at him, she'd feel less inclined to rip off his head and devour his soul. "I reviewed the Turks' reports and the training room footage. It's clean. It was all just an accident, at least that's what it's supposed to look like."

"Then whose accident is it supposed to be?"

"I've yet to determine that, master."

"Then I suggest you find out." Sephiroth finished, brushing pass Tifa to begin his patrol. Tifa's fist clenched and she ground her teeth, contract or not, master or not… She boiled inside, needing to destroy something or devour a soul. Like a switch Tifa calmed and smiled prettily at the bald-headed Turk who had come to stand beside her. Maybe he would do…

"Good evening, Rude." Maybe she was looking at this the wrong way, a different set of eyes might be useful. "Maybe you could keep me company, Rude. My date, seems to have found me unworthy of his company."

"Well isn't this a lovely surprise?" Sephiroth turned to look upon Genesis and a lovely chestnut haired woman. Much like Sephiroth, the First Commander was dressed in his military uniform with all the trimmings. Beside him his date wore a curvy red sequined dress, pulling the rosiness from her skin tone and making her glow. "To see the mighty General Sephiroth gracing the common people with his presence 'tis a lovely treat indeed." Genesis mocked, speaking nonchalantly to his date who only giggled in response. The woman's eyelashes fluttered over emerald eyes purposefully, hoping to gain the General's eye. Much to her disappointment he didn't bother removing his gaze from his colleague.

"Have you nothing better to do than bother me?"

"Why certainly! Ms. Gainsborough and I were just enjoying the party when a little lonely bird caught my eye. I had decided to grace you with our presence seeing as you're currently lacking a decent conversation. But I can see that our company isn't welcomed." He moved to usher the woman away, but before he fully turned he gave Sephiroth one last glance over his shoulder. "Ms. Lockheart seems to be the life of the party. That bald headed Turk has been a silent vigil against any emboldened suitors." The General's eyes narrowed at the red head's comment before dismissing the pair with his back.

"Was that wise, Commander?" Ms. Gainsborough asked timidly, tugging slightly at her date's sleeve. "If I didn't know any better, I would say you were itching to start a fight."

Genesis laughed whole heartedly as he drew the woman out onto the dance floor. "My dear, that is where you are wrong, it wouldn't be a fight I started." She gave him a puzzled look before he began swaying them in time to the music. "It would be a slaughter." The woman in his arms shivered, but not for the reasons the vainglorious commander thought. Her emerald eyes swept across the ballroom as they twirled, her gaze finally locking on a woman in a similar red dress with darker flowing locks. She smiled as the General slowly wove through the crowd to his target.

'Oh this is going to be too easy. I hope you're ready for it, sister.'

Tifa felt more than saw her Master approach. His killing aura was positively lethal and anyone passing by the tall man seemed to shrivel back into themselves. As he neared her Tifa's charming smile moved from the current gentlemen entertaining her to her Master whose livid expression did nothing to dampen her radiant expression. The men around her parted for the General not wanting to be in the way of the infamous man's target.

"General," Tifa acknowledged curtsying beautifully; the demure act she was putting on was making Sephiroth even more agitated. The men about her just stared on wondering what the General wanted with the young woman.

"We have some business to attend to or have you forgotten?"

Tifa brought a finger to her ruby lips, musing over his words. "I don't recall having anything pressing that required its completion tonight. Are you sure, sir?" Her sickly sweet reply was grating on his nerves, the irritation apparent in his tense posture and twitching neck muscles. When he didn't bother to return her banter Tifa let out a dejected sigh and moved towards the General. "I'm terribly sorry, Gentlemen, unfortunately duty calls. Perhaps we can get together again some other time?" All the men about her nodded in agreement too awestruck by the beauty to register the deadly glare they were receiving from Sephiroth. Purposely swaying her hips, Tifa strode to her master and gingerly wove her arm around his own. She was then whisked away out of the ballroom. Once they were away from prying eyes Sephiroth slammed Tifa into the wall, caging her in with his arms.

"What do you think you're doing?"

Not in the least bit irritated now by his possessive mood, Tifa coyly ran her hands up the General's chest as she stepped closer. "Only what you ordered, Master." The demoness reveled in the jealousy rolling off the man in waves. Her mouth watered at the possibility of taking his soul right there. Unbidden her eyes began to glow, matching the color of her dress and her grip upon the lapels of his uniform tightened.

Not missing a beat, one of Sephiroth's arms wove around the woman's waist while the other moved to tilt her chin up to face him. "I don't like it when people touch my things."

A light bubbly laugh escaped the demoness' red lips as she traced a finger down the General's jaw line. "I assure you Master that no one has touched me…yet."

Sephiroth growled low in his throat as he pulled Tifa flush against his chest. "Perhaps a reminder of the rules is in order." With that he crushed his lips against her sultry red ones. His primal urges which were hidden well beneath the surface manifested itself within seconds of contact. Tifa felt her body fall into compliance with all of his ministrations, just as they were getting a little too indecent for public eyes there was a loud ear splitting scream. In their rush to part, Tifa's fangs had cut Sephiorth's lip, a small drop of blood running down his mouth.

"You should be more careful, Master." Tifa said, while keeping a strong hold on the man to keep him from moving towards the panicking ballroom. Standing on her toes she licked his blood, before ending it with a kiss promising they would continue where they left off. With long strides the pair was standing at the door to a chaotic ballroom. People were flooding out of the room while screaming at the top of their lungs to get out. Seeing as they weren't going to be able to get in for a while Tifa enveloped her master with shadow before passing through the wall with ease.

On the other side, SOLDIERs and Infantry were busy ushering the panicking guests out of the nearest exit while yelling statements to calm the chaotic crowd. Among them Sephiroth spied a few Turks talking, seemingly debating over something that was getting the red headed Turk riled up. "Tifa," The demoness gave her master a knowing look in reply. "Find out what happened here. If this is the cause of anyone who would interrupt my plans eliminate them."

Tifa curtsied with a sadistic smile upon her lips. "As you wish, my Lord."

A/N: And here it is! As promised. Please enjoy and review!