"Reno, Rude, let me get this straight. You two failed to capture a simple girl?" Tseng said in a mechanical tone.
"Yes, sir." Rude admitted reluctantly.
"Take it easy yo. We should just do a sweep of the eastern continent. Besides it's not like she could get that far, boss man." Reno attempts to lighten the mood. "It takes about a week to Midgar on foot. She'd most likely high tail it to Corel and hop out of Costa Del Sol straight to Midgar."
"Reno, we lack the man power for a sweep. Besides, we're still waiting on Gun's report on the destroyed mansion." Tseng said as the venom leaked into his voice.
Rufus watched in mild interest as his Turks started bickering. He knew that Gun would be back soon with the report. Hopefully the report would solve the dispute. A knock at the door signals Gun's return.
Reno gratefully opens the door and shuts it after her. "Yo. 'Bout time Rosa."
"Report." Tseng commanded.
"She left no indication of witch direction she went. I've questioned the locals; they have no clue as to which direction she would take. Even Zangan has no clue." Gun said nervously. "The locals say that Claymore is elusive when she wants to be. I'm afraid our criminal is slowly slipping away. Most of the locals are refusing to cooperate with this investigation."
Tseng pinched the bridge of his nose in pure frustration. Reno felt panic take over him. Rude silently questioned Gun behind his shades. Rufus simply smiled as Elena apologetically bowed to Tseng. Rufus immediately felt everyone's attention turn to him.
"Sir, do you have anything to contribute?" Tseng asked apprehensively.
"If it helps, Claymore has a few childish tendencies that show themselves in subtle ways." Rufus smiled.
"That means the bishoujo must be on her way to Gold Saucer, yo." Reno commented.
Rufus nods his head in confirmation. Gun looked at Reno in shock. Tseng gave a blank stare to Rufus. Rude visibly raised an eyebrow in curiosity. Rufus stood up with authority.
"Reno, fire up the chopper. We are to leave in fifteen minutes. Understood?"
"Yes, sir." The Turks said in unison.
Tseng immediately pulls Rufus aside. The latter simply sighed, knowing the former to be a mother hen over information. The rest of the Turks went about their business.
"We'll talk once we have her in custody, Tseng." Rufus dismissed Tseng.
Tseng nodded and files out the room with the rest of the Turks. Outside Nibelhiem, Reno had the chopper ready to fly. Rude sat in the co-pilot's seat expectantly. Silence filled the air as everyone took their respective places in the chopper. Reno performed a quick safety check and started flying immediately towards Gold Saucer.
Vincent looked toward the sky for any sign of air craft. He knew the Turks wouldn't take long to pick up on their direction. Sure, a full day's head start did help initially. Vincent knew that he and Ashley were losing ground too quickly. It didn't help that she had a bounty on her head for certain. Vincent contemplated his choices. A noise from above puts him on full alert. Vincent identifies the sound as chopper blades. He curses as he gathers the gear and puts Ashley on his back. Like all great ninja on Gaia, he simply cheesed it like there was no tomorrow.
Gun stared out the window of the chopper. A flash of red caught her attention. "Rude, 2:00 o'clock!"
Rude looked out the co-pilot's window. Reno dutifully pulls up the camera to get a better view. Sure enough he sees what Elena and Rude are seeing.
"Zoom in." Tseng orders.
Reno pushes a few buttons. The flash of red turns into two human figures. Rufus at the video feed before him and smirked. It wouldn't be long before he had his prey in his clutches. It made Rufus even happier that his prey would be bringing him a present.
"Sir, our target isn't alone. Shall we take them both into custody?" Tseng asked Rufus.
"Yes, please do so." Rufus nodded.
Sephiroth refused to believe that Genesis actually managed to blackmail Director Lazard in to agreeing to this. He also refused to believe that he was on a chopper, on his way to Gold Saucer. What made things worse was the fact that Angeal actually supported Genesis in this endeavor. Why is Angeal even supporting Genesis in this dishonorable notion? What the greater good of letting Genesis get away with this? Didn't Lazard even try to stop Genesis?
"Seph, you seem a bit off. You alright?" Angeal asked.
"You and Gen are over reacting. We're on this blasted chopper because of a mere dream." Sephiroth replied flatly.
"Infinite in mystery is the gift of the Goddess. We seek it thus, and take to the sky. It would serve you best if you didn't defy the Goddess, Seph." Genesis snapped.
"Ridiculous and petty. How would you know if said 'Goddess' even exists?" Sephiroth sighed bitterly.
Genesis immediately punched Sephiroth in the face. The chopper shakes from the sheer amount of force Genesis used. The unfortunate pilot almost veered off course.
"Gen! What in Bahamut's name are you thinking?" Angeal says shocked. "Seph, why antagonize Genesis like that?"
Sephiroth refused to say a word. Genesis started to insult Sephiroth under his breath. Angeal smacked Genesis on the back of the head. If Angeal ever prayed to the Goddess for anything, it was for peace between him and those around him. If his prayer was ever answered, Angeal couldn't tell. After all, the silence that now permeated the air offered little assurance of anything.
Bianca woke up in a cold sweat. She suddenly felt restless. Bianca decided to turn on her sister-in-law's laptop for a distraction. Upon firing it up, the screen pulls up a log in page. Bianca typed in the password.
"Otaku to the end, aren't you Sis?" She commented. "You also have one of the longest passwords in history. I swear to God if you weren't dead I'd kick your ass into next week for this shit."
Bianca noticed the desktop and laughed. It happened to be a picture of Sephiroth with his sword and wing. She pulls up the music library and lets the music play. The next thing to be pulled up is an unfinished fanfic that Ashley happened to be working on. It happened to be about Sephiroth actively seeking the truth about his past and falling in love with the woman helping him in the process.
"You want a happy ending for Sephiroth don't you, Sis?" Bianca sighed.
She scrolled down to the last sentence to confirm her suspicions. She couldn't help but to laugh even more.
"I will…never become a memory. –Sephiroth Crescent (Advent Children Complete)." Bianca read.
She shook her head. She had a feeling that there was a double meaning to the quote. Then again knowing Ashley, she wasn't always direct about things. It just wasn't her style. Bianca sighed once more knowing that Ashley wasn't there to elaborate on the double meaning.
"Damn it Ashley! Please tell me you're alive and this is just an elaborate set up! It's not like you're asking me to erase your existence!" Bianca yelled in frustration.
She realized what she just said. She erupted in cynical laughter. She knew that she wouldn't be getting anymore sleep tonight. As for tomorrow, it would be the day she would set things in motion. With that final thought for the night, Bianca looked out the window of the hotel room. She saw two choppers about to converge on a single point.
"Dios, por favor deje mi hermana-en-ley a estar bien. Proteger a ella en este viaje loco al más allá. Por favor, hágale saber que estoy haciendo lo esta encargada y yo estoy bien." Bianca prayed.
I find myself in Purgatory once again. Why I'm here again, I have no clue.
"An interesting way to go about your task, my baby girl. Such irony in your use of pyrotechnics." Minerva comments. "I'm glad I let you have a second chance at life."
"You seriously have no doubts about giving me a second life? Even though I'm doing criminal work? Aren't you supposed to tell me that I should be doing things differently?" I ask in confusion.
"I am the Goddess, my baby girl." Minerva smiles. "Everything isn't it as it seems."
I admit the Goddess is right on that last line. There was no way to refute that fact. It still doesn't help the fact that I might get myself (deliberately, mistakenly or put at risk of being) killed in this life. Like some of my fellow humans from Earth did.
For example, Nathan got himself killed by a combination of Sephiroth, Jenova and bravery. At least he went down fighting. As far his fate, I honestly don't know. Hopefully, he gets a second chance like I did. I honestly don't think dying was in the job description. Then again, he was sent in during the original Final Fantasy 7 storyline. I guess I'll ask the Goddess if she could spare him a cruel fate. Heck, if possible I'd like to work with him. I could use a little help after all.
"Something on your mind?" Minerva asked.
"A few things to be honest." I answered. "Have there been others with the same mission as me?"
"Yes, my baby girl. I'm sure you know of a few stories." Minerva nods.
Holy shit! You mean those self-insert fics I read in my first life were true stories? Damn then. Reality sucks ass right now…
The story of Boto starts playing through my head. Oh yes the insane fool who shot himself. He also got sent into the original storyline as well. It just sucks knowing that he held himself hostage and pulled the trigger. For all dude's insanity, I would of liked to meet him. He'd definitely be a great guy to work with. Especially with all the weapons he has. Problem with that is he uses guns from time to time. The Goddess so needs to spare him from his fate. Oblivion doesn't sound too inviting, seriously.
But if even I ask the Goddess for the things I'm thinking of, I still would need someone to work support. Of course the only person I can think of is a blonde, 25 year old, female pilot named Rachas Kaze. She decided to take back seat, get Kunsel to defect from Shinra and save Zack Fair. I admit that was a great move on her part. She may be short but she's definitely got heart. If only she could have been sent in earlier into Crisis Core. I guess I'll settle for the fact that she's one awesome Jedi Cetra.
"You're quiet my baby girl." Minerva noticed.
"I was thinking of the others who had the same mission. That's all." I smile sadly. "Is my sister-in-law alright?"
"Yes, she's just fine and wants you know that she's doing as you asked back on Earth." Minerva nods.
"Minerva-sama, what's going on here?"
"Your karma is attracting powerful forces into play early. These forces are bound to collide. It's quite certain that you will be separated from your appointed guardian. Do not worry it won't be for long. Your time here is up. Rest a little longer."
Vincent heard more noise as he approached a place of refuge. It looked like an amusement park with a hotel but it would have to do. Vincent suddenly smelled the scent of blood. He could feel the rally of his demons. He just ignored that in order to focus on the task at hand.
Vincent saw a chopper land in the distance. He saw three people getting out. He noticed that they weren't Turks. Vincent wasn't sure if he should count this as blessing or not. Too bad there wasn't time to count them.
Vincent immediately felt the heat of a Firaga spell aimed at him. He dodged two fire balls and countered the third with Ashley's Fire Materia.
"Genesis, stop it!" A gruff voice yelled. "He has a civilian on his back!"
Genesis reluctantly listened to his best friend. "What's going on Angeal?"
Angeal focused his attention on the civilians in front of him. "Come closer, we don't intend to harm you. We're SOLIDER."
Vincent reluctantly approached the SOLDIERs. He knew that Ashley needed medical attention. Vincent easily identified Sephiroth but paid little attention to him. Angeal introduced the First Class Trinity. Vincent nodded and reluctantly asked for help. Sephiroth immediately became suspicious but decided to trust Angeal's judgment. With little time wasted, everyone headed to Ghost Square. Sephiroth checked everyone in while Vincent put Ashley on the nearest bed. Genesis cast Curaga on the girl he barely knew. Vincent took the time to clean his gauntlet. Angeal had questions but didn't know how to ask them. He decided to wait for the opportunity to ask.
It was about 2 in the morning when things seemed to settle down. Angeal noticed that Vincent was still up guarding Ashley. Vincent noted the Turks were around but brought little attention to that fact.
"I take it you're paranoid." Angeal said carefully.
"It is my duty to make sure that no harm befalls Ojoō-sama. Unfortunately, her curiosity makes my duties difficult." Vincent half lied.
"The girl is Wutaian. The daughter of a nobleman, I assume?" Angeal raised an eyebrow. "What brings her here?"
"She is half Wutaian. Her mother was General Claymore of the Imperial Crescent Unit. Her father was a gaijin who died under mysterious circumstances." Vincent effortlessly plays into his own lie. "Ojoo-sama has unfortunately been exiled from home."
"From Wutai?"
"No, Nibelhiem. She had been raised there. Her mother wanted something different. She's currently being accused of arson and possibly attempted murder of Rufus Shinra."
"The heir of Shinra Electric Power Company? Such serious charges on one so young. The audacity of the accusation. Do you actually believe the charges are reasonable?"
"No. Yet the Turks are going to relentlessly pursuit her until they have her in custody."
"I see. You and your mistress are welcome to take refuge with us. I can personally assure that no harm will come to her. Take the night off so that you may be top condition to protect her. Perhaps you could send in an appeal in the morning."
Vincent nodded. Angeal felt satisfied with the answers he received. Sleep had taken over the two men quite easily.
I wake up about 8 am, according to the clock in front of me. Wait, Vinnie…did he run into trouble? He must have carried me to this place. I just hope we're in friendly territory.
"Good morning Lady Claymore. Did you sleep well?" A kind, gruff voice greets me.
I whip my head around to see the sagely Angeal Hewley kneeling before me. Vincent, what kind of lie did you tell him? This isn't happening!
"Rise; there is no need for such formalities." I sighed trying not to flip out and kill Vincent. "Where's Vincent and where in Odin's name am I?"
Angeal stood up as commanded. "Vincent is out; he didn't say where he was going. Welcome to Gold Saucer."
Vincent, you asshole! Leave a damn note next time! Not that I mind being left under the watchful eyes of Angeal Hewley… Still doesn't change the fact that you disappeared on me! I swear by Gaia when I find you I will go Ojoo-sama on you! This is so not the best way to start the morning!
I yawn as Angeal brings me breakfast. I eat quietly and get ready for the day. It felt nice to shower after being out in the wilderness for a while. I check my loot from the Shinra Mansion. 5000 Gil, 10 potions, 2 elixirs, six stat supporting and a Blizzard Materia, a couple of Hojo's keycards, and a couple of Wall Materia. I equip the stat Materia to my sword, the Wall Materia to my fans and the Blizzard to my bangle. After that boredom set in pretty quickly. So I content myself to attempt to go outside.
"Where are you going?" Angeal asks.
"To find Vincent, sir." I answer.
"I don't think it wise to do so." Angeal attempts to sway me. "Vincent is a dedicated servant. He should be back soon."
"It doesn't help that I worry when I'm bored, sir." I sigh playing into Vincent's lie.
"Allow me to come with you if you wish." Angeal smiles.
I nod in approval. Angeal, please tell me you aren't believing Vincent's little white lie. If you are, you're in for a cold reality check. The truth is I blackmailed Vincent into working with me only 2 days ago. The charges against me are actually reasonable. Honestly, I deliberately committed arson for several reasons. Attempting to murder Shinra's brat is the reason I'm on this planet. The Turks are probably going to set trap for me if they're here. If they're here, then Rufus is here with them to see this through personally. That bratty asshole has a grudge against me, seriously. I so need to plan a lot better since since Rufus is going to totally vindictive the moment I piss him off.
At high noon, I find myself sneaking off from Angeal and Genesis. It wasn't because he was over bearing and protective. I still needed to find Vincent anyway. Genesis had provided the perfect distraction. I go straight to the Gondola. On there, I see the esteemed General and he don't seem fooled by Vincent's lie. Yet I smile anyway.
"Anata wa, Sefirosu shiawase inai yō desu. Sono tōri, damasa kanjiru yō ni mieru?"
"Anata no onamae no josei wa nan desu ka?" Sephiroth asks.
Before I can even utter a syllable, I feel a pair of handcuffs on my wrist. Two Turks and a blonde bastard step into view.
"I see you 'cause you won't get out of my way. I hear you 'cause you won't quit screamin' my name. I feel you 'cause you won't stop touchin' my skin. I need you they're comin' to take you away!" The blonde bastard known as Rufus said with a smile on his face.
I simply laughed my ass off. "You think you've won this game of ours, don't you Rufus?"
Rufus smirks in satisfaction.
I rolled my eyes at him. "Sephiroth, may I ask you to take my belongings?"
Sephiroth surprisingly and willingly complies with my request. The moment Sephiroth steps away from me, Rufus pointed a gun at my heart.
I laughed my ass off once more. "This time, I'm just karma's messenger and a servant of the Goddess. You can't pull the trigger on me yet. I bet you don't even have the balls right now."
Rufus got pretty pissed at me for my little comment. He orders the Turks to knock me out just 'cause he fuckin' can. I watch in confusion as Sephiroth snaps and summon his faithful blade, Masamune. I see the look in his eyes; he's ready to kill someone. I feel the Turks shaking where they stand. Sephiroth points his blade at Rufus. To say that Rufus is scared shitless is an understatement.
"Sephiroth, stand down or be arrested for aiding and abiding a felon." Tseng orders.
The Silver Angel stands his ground and keeps Masamune pointed at Rufus. Rufus in turn keeps his gun pointed at my chest.
"Lower your gun Rufus. Keeping up this facade of yours could result in your eminent death. Call off your Turks while you're at it." I say calmly.
Rufus pulls the trigger a little. Masamune creeps closer to his neck. I see Rufus's reflection in Sephiroth's blade. Tseng immediately pulls out his gun pointing it at Sephiroth. Sephiroth doesn't even bother to acknowledge that fact. The atmosphere becomes tense; so tense that almost nobody is able to breathe. Rufus nervously pulls the trigger just a little more. Out of pure instinct, I cast Blizzard on Rufus. Rufus falls to the ground, blanketed in a layer of ice. Sephiroth dismissed his sword and Tseng lowers his gun. Everyone turns their attention to me.
"Why did you do that?" Tseng asks.
"Bokumashita. Sōdenakereba, boku emono wa boku kara ubaware tadearou." I replied.
"Sore wa ayamachi o zesei suru hitsuyō ga ari to omowa remasu. Watashi wa anata to Rūfasu-taichou no ma de anmoku no keiyaku o sonchō shinakereba naranai." Tseng nods. "Reno, Rude. Let her go, she will no longer be a threat."
Rude reluctantly takes the cuffs off me. Reno scowls and curses as he follows Tseng. Elena, who had watched in shock, numbly followed her boss. Rude keeps his peace, letting Reno express the inner turmoil he felt. Rude slung an unconscious Rufus over his shoulder. The Turks file out and move quickly.
"Hoshoku to emono. Nani ga shirusa remasu ka?" Sephiroth asks.
"Kokoro no kizu. Sore ga chiryō suru made, itami wa watashi no shufu denakereba naranai." I answer.
"Come with me. Now." Sephiroth commands.
I follow Sephiroth quietly, knowing that I just got myself into a shit load of unintentional trouble. Knowing my luck, I'll end up in Turk hands anyway. It won't be the first time and certainly not the last. I can't believe I'm thinking this already but: FUCK MY LIFE!
I see Vincent, Genesis and Angeal running towards me and Sephiroth.
"Ashley…" Vincent attempts to speak.
"Shut your vampire ass up Vincent!" I snap, almost busting into tears. "You shouldn't have left me alone in the first place you son of bitch."
Vincent didn't dare say a word. I hang my head in utter shame. I feel Sephiroth's gaze scrutinizing my every possible move.
"Seph, something happen?" Angeal asks suspiciously as he watches the Turks rush off with Rufus in tow.
We head back to the private hotel room at Ghost Square. I make myself scarce by hiding under one of the beds. I feel an 'old scar' acting up. It burned worse than Ifrit's Hellfire. I lay there, fighting back every scream until I pass out.
A/N: Goodness, this chapter is longer than I expected it to be...Anyways, some disclaimers and shout outs. Nathan, Boto and Rachas don't belong to me. Thanks to acebrainbuster, Botoingness and Saria19 for letting me borrow their characters. Thanks for reading! I probably might not update this for a while. Reviews are love, so will you show me some love? Ja mata minnasan!
