A/N: Hi huns, this is a long enough chapter, I didn't really notice the length of it till I'd finished it, but I didn't want to split it...hope ye like!
Danni hid a yawn behind her hand as she entered the bar, cringing lightly as a stinging pain emanated from just above her eyebrow, where a fresh gash was more than present…two days had elapsed since her night-time to the ShinRa medical-wing, the wound had healed somewhat, but it still hurt, even more-so now as the bruising was at its' worst… … …
"Geez - who hit ya kiddo?!"
A small smile lightened the youth's face as she registered that rough voice…figures that he would have been the first to pick up on the injury - though she only wished she could truthfully say that it had been gained in a decent way, as opposed to the corner of a wooden table, it was slightly embarrassing to have to admit that an inanimate object beat her!
"Got in a fight with the table your sitting at Cid - it won and all…I'll get it next time though, a chainsaw!"
"Shut up Roxas - it's none of your business even if I do!"
Danni blinked several times as a black portal materialized before her, five youths walking out through it - granted, the first few times they had used those black portals, it had confused her greatly, but now it was just one of their things, apparently it had something to do with them being Nobodies - of which she still refused to believe in its' whole… … …the youth smiled as she recognised the most prominent of the voices, the one whom had been giving out to Roxas, Roxas did seem to be giving him a going-over as of late…
"What's he sayin this time?"
To her surprise, it was Roxas who attempted to answer her query, albeit; very willingly…he had come to prove himself as, somewhat, of a trouble-maker within the group…but at least he proved to be a laugh!
"I was just asking Demyx if he would go out w - Ahh! Now that was uncalled for!"
Roxas continued to curse beneath his breath as he rubbed his right arm, having evidently received a blow there…it seemed whatever the youngest of the nobodies whished on saying, was not in agreement with Demyx - still though; it only served to make someone twice as curious as before to find out what it was the blonde had been intent on saying… … …Danni smiled as she spotted the perfect spy…
"Marlene, c'mere for a minute hun…"
The nine-year-old girl nodded her head as she ran over towards the older girl, whom she had come to view as an aunt figure over the months that had transpired since Cloud and Tifa had brought her back to, telling her and Denzel that Danni would be living with them because her home had been destroyed, and she'd gotten hurt… … …she'd been quiet to begin with, but Danni was Danni - and fun to have around..
"Can you do me a little favour… … …Roxas is slagging Demyx over something, can you find out what hun?"
A mere smile and a little nod was all that met her as a response before the little girl ran back to where she had been sitting upon Barrett's knee…she knew it may have been slightly rude to do so, but curiosity had gotten the better of her regarding Barrett and Marlene's relationship, so she had asked the one person she had known would answer her truthfully…Demyx had explained all that he'd been told of Dyne and Barrett's friendship and his promise to care for Marlene…
"Beat by a table yo…now that's embarrassing! SOLDIER VS immobile object…oh the shame!"
A laugh went around the bar as Reno's words broke the slight silence that had enveloped the establishment - though one had to admit it; the Turk made for a good argument!
"Funny Reno - keep it up and we'll see who wins with SOLDIER Vs Turk!"
"Mind the table there Danni…"
The youth shook her head and grinned as she registered Cloud's voice…they were all against her now! She complied all the same, in a rather exaggerated fashion at that…making a wide berth around the edge of the near-by table and hopping up onto the bar's counter…smiling as her feet swung back and forth several inches above the ground…it was days like this that were the best, most of the gang were in Seventh Heaven and it was just a big laugh… … …
Danni felt her irises shoot wide as a chillingly familiar sound broke the humorous air of the bar…a screech, a blood-thirsty screech that made all hearing it aware of its' arrival… … …the youth snapped her head up instantly as another screech answered the first, raising into a chorus as screams of unsuspecting civilians entered the horrid mix… … …within seconds, the teenager had brought her amethyst eyes up to meet glowing cerulean ones as she sensed something, a fore-boding sensation deep within her being… … …
"Not again…Cloud - he's here!"
The result was almost instantaneous, everybody was on their feet, Rufus contacting The WRO, Cloud holstering The First Tsurugi…all had seen what the heartache that had been caused in Gongaga to allow such a fate to befall the city they had, literally, built with their own hands, they wouldn't allow it happen!
"Denzel, stay here and watch Marlene…you too Danni-"
Cloud was cut short as a hand gripped his arm tightly…he glanced back to see a steely stare holding his eyes…she was coming, he could see it in her eyes, he didn't want her to go, Kadaj had tried to kill her, Sephiroth was after her…but above all that; she was Zack's little sister, he felt it his responsibility to ensure her safety… … …
"I'm coming…whether you allow me to or not Cloud, I'm no kid, I'm not gonna stay here while you lot all go!"
All he could do was nod, and consent to her choice…there would be no point in arguing with her, he wouldn't win…she was like her brother in that sense, it may not have been the best option, but through hell and high water, she was going to stick by it… … …
"Go with Demyx and the others…we'll head now…be careful Danni."
And with that, the bar bore witness to a mass exodus, Denzel brought his younger sister upstairs, the two of them probably glancing out their bedroom window at that moment in time, already waiting for the safe return of their guardians… … …
"Danni…let's go - stay close to us when you walk through the portal, there'll be a sort of corridor, with another portal at the end, if you get separated from us, the Dusks'll corner you, if you stay with us, they'll act on our orders…got it memorized?"
Danni nodded, although hardly understanding what was meant by the words Axel had hastily spoken her way, whilst opening a portal…she hadn't even a clue what the hell a dusk was - wasn't that the time before nightfall? Still, they were the ones capable of creating these portals, so therefore, they were the ones who knew about what would happen when she walked through one of them… … …Zexion shook his head as he stalled just before walking through the portal, having been about the only person to pick up on the fact that Danni had absolutely no iota of what a Dusk was, or what would actually happen when a person possessing a heart walked through on of the portals, the Dusks would automatically hone in on her… … …
"Demyx, stay with her, get to the exit portal, don't stop - we'll deal with the Dusks…"
Without any further stalling, Danni nodded her head and walked straight for the wisping portal before her, sensing Demyx's taller frame behind her, following the orders of the older black-clad youth, whom seemed to bear some sort of superiority over the five of them… … …
"Oh - crap…"
Danni halted as she heard Marluxia's words…they definitely didn't sound good, she glanced around hastily as she sensed something not being right - countless white beings crowded the abnormal corridor-like place, all dancing in place as they surrounded the six youths… … …Zexion shook his head as he registered the sheer amount of Dusks, they didn't have time for this, the others had probably already engaged themselves in fights, and they were still here - time was of the essence, and right then, they were wasting it.
"Axel, block them off - Demyx get to the portal now!"
Danni watched on in slight confusion as a wall of flames sprouted up on either side of her, separating them from those white creatures, but she got to watch no more, as several of the disturbing beings broke through; Demyx pushed her ahead of him, leaving the beings to the other four…
"Demyx - what about-"
"Just move Danni! If Xemnas realises the Dusks are after someone in here, he'll think Sora and he's gonna show up, and we'll all be in deep shit - he'll fucking kill Roxas and Axel, no questions asked!"
That was more than enough persuasion for the nineteen-year-old to do as told, albeit hesitantly as she glanced back over her shoulder, only to be pulled forwards as Demyx grabbed her by the wrist and made straight for the portal ahead… … …
It took only minutes for the two of them to reach, and get through the other portal - Danni shook her head, smiling ever so slightly as she caught the older lad's eye as the other four exited the portal behind them…all of them out of breath somewhat…
"Okay - okay…I think I know what Dusks are now… … …don't look at me like that!"
It was all he could do not to burst out laughing, of all the things she could have said, she had chosen the most bluntly obvious! Still though, the comical relief was greatly appreciated…
"Next time - you go with the rest!"
Even she had to smile at that comment - she would definitely question them lot on the true workings of "Organization XIII" when they got back to Seventh Heaven - a lengthy list of questions had already formulated in her head - who the hell was Xemnas anyhow?! Danni took a breath to ask the query, but halted as a shadow passed over head - she glanced up immediately, already knowing what was going to meet her gaze…him… … …
"Cloud!"
The blonde turned upon hearing his name being shouted, but he was already too late - it was all he could do to bring his core blade up in time enough to parry the, already, too close for comfort, blow…albeit being thrown back with exceptional force as a result of the close parry, only to collide forcefully with a steal construction beam…the male landed heavily upon the ground, evidently knocked out… … …it took only seconds for AVALANCHE to realise what had transpired…and whom, had introduced himself to the fight… … …
"Nice to see you again, Cloud…"
Danni glanced around hastily as she realised she'd have to do something, she knew what Sephiroth was capable of doing, Cloud could hold his own with him - but the others couldn't…the youth took little less than a second or two to decide upon her actions - reclaiming the blade Cloud had dropped, along with several small stones, knowing the one thing that would annoy the hell out of her past mentor…the youth let loose with one of the stones she had picked up, hitting her intended target dead on… … …the reaction she received proved to be one of instinct - a reflex reply, born of habit years ago;
"I have warned you beforehand Danielle - do not throw stones at me!"
Although he had not thought before allowing the words to leave his mouth, Sephiroth allowed a smirk to adorn his lips as he turned, his jade irises coming to rest upon the figure of a young woman gripping Cloud's core blade, the man remained silent as he took in her features; cascading ebony locks, tied back into a pony-tail, piercing amethyst irises…though the years had matured her greatly, he still recognised that cheekiness in her eyes, the retort on the tip of her tongue, almost begging to be said…
"I was under the impression my brother had eliminated you in Gongaga… … …you stand by the decision you gave him I presume? Regardless of what happened to you?"
"Ahhh…"
Cloud groaned as he reclaimed his footing, albeit; now with a dull ache, throbbing constantly at the back of his head, compliments of the large lump that had materialized there thanks to his collision with the construction beam…within seconds; his sights came to focus upon who was now wielding his blade…
"You ordered that attack on my home - you killed my family! You're brain-dead if you think I'm ever going to side with you - sir… … …"
The sarcasm, of which she had spoken the last word with, was thick enough for all within hearing distance, to pick up upon…none could blame her for such bold words either, her home had been destroyed before her, her family ripped away from her - and then he had the audacity to speak to her so casually and matter-of-factly…it was enough to make any of their blood boil if they had been in her situation, but none were, and none wished to be either. Danni smirked slightly as she noticed something flicker within the male's eyes, she knew that look all to well, having bore witness to it on several occasions during training, especially when it had been her who had usually caused such an emotion to surface within, the usual, cold individual…anger.
"Awww, what's the matter? Am I pissing you off again? And the name's Danni!"
The ex-General shook his head as he walked forwards, at a slow pace, allowing his masamune to grate the ground menacingly as he directed his full attention to the youth before him, anger already rising rapidly inside of him - she had been a brat, and that at the best of times, she had never taken any of their training simulations seriously…why Genesis had been fond of the child, he would honestly never be capable of fathoming, Angeal - though he had taken great pride in his rank, he'd had a soft heart - something that was a great weakness for a SOLDIER to have… … …
"Yes, you are…you never did know when to stop, did you...Danielle?"
Danni cringed somewhat, at the use of her full name - she hated it! It had always been Danni, and always would be, regardless of how many times he had called her by full name…still though, she was riling him, something she had always taken great pleasure in, regardless of the dangers of doing so - but at least this way; he was taking it out on her, not any of the others…
"Oh, I did…I just chose not to - watching you get angry with me was the only entertainment in ShinRa! You took everything away from me! Everything that had taken me most of my life to get - I'll never forgive you! You bastard!"
A mere smile adorned The Nightmare's lips as he halted his approach, taking in all the words and insults that had just been shouted his way…in a sense; it was amusing. She was the same as him…he had seen her files, he'd seen the two of them had been subjected to the same experiment…they had the same mother, and yet she still chose the inferior side…the dying side of the fight, stupidity of young years he guessed - maybe it may have been hasty of him to order her life forfeit to his offer…eventually; she would see sense, and if not; then perish along with all those she sided with… … …
"Have it your way then…Danni!"
The echoing sound of clashing metal filled the air as Danni brought up the hefty blade in her grip, halting the fall of the, contrasting, elongated sword, down on top of her…there was no way in all of hell that she was going to give him the pleasure of seeing her blood spilt too! He had too many wrongs to pay for!
"Not bad…maybe you did pay attention after all…"
Danni clenched her teeth tight as she pushed forward into the clash, unwilling to relent, she was pissed off, though she knew better than to allow her emotions free range, they all to often proved to be a person's downfall…but she couldn't help it on this occasion.
"More than you know!"
Sephiroth blinked back his slight surprise as his past-pupil separated the clash, only to clash forcefully once more…she was pissed off and full of anger, all of which were clearly seen within her eyes, but the question remained - could she really hold her own? It looked as if it was time to find out…the ex-General held nothing back as he parried one of the female's blows, catching her off guard with a meaningful kick to the ribs… … …Danni gasped silently as she felt herself skid backwards along the pavement, she'd left her guard down - she deserved the blow for that…the young woman bit down hard on the insides of her cheeks as she flipped herself over, instantly regaining her feet and bringing up the blade in her grip, wincing as pain flared into life, emanating from her ribs… … …within seconds, she felt herself acting on instructions, ones that had been drilled into her head from years before…keep your guard up…look for openings…use your opponents strength to your advantage…impair balance…do not underestimate… … …a smile lit up Danni's face ever-so-slightly as she took stock of her position; she had already allowed her guard to drop, and received a sanction for doing so, ensuring it was the first and last time she was going to allow herself to do so…her eyes immediately watched each of Sephiroth's movements, noting each of his blows and looking for openings, in order to land a blow…he was stronger than her, that much was more than evident, whether she did in-fact possess the skills to match him or not, his strength was far more than hers, he was bigger than her…but that made no difference… … …
"Opening - right side!"
This time it was Sephiroth who bore the brunt of an unintentionally lowered guard - it seems he had made one of the most basic rules of combat - do not underestimate you opponent…and now he had earned an aching jaw for his basic mistake… … …in a split second, the male had recovered from the surprise blow, this time determined to teach the girl a lesson - but despite his iron-will, for every blow he dealt, she blocked, and for ever blow he landed, he received a venomous one in return…proving, that contradict to his beliefs, the youth had been learning all those years ago… … …
"Yuffie girl, behind ya!"
Yuffie spun, almost instantly, upon hearing Cid's shout, albeit; she had acted only seconds too late, the Shadow Creeper was already, literally, inches from her…though she should not have done so, the heir to Wutai snapped her eyes shut, knowing that she had acted too late…all she could do was raise one of her arms in a weak form of defence, and brace herself for the imminent impact… … …but to her relief, and surprise - the impact never came…after several seconds, the young woman cracked open her dark brown irises, only for them to fall upon the frame of a man standing in front of her, katana in hand, evidently having defeated the Shadow Creeper with it - but one question was burning brightly in her mind, though she was more than thankful to this man, who he was seemed to be an utter mystery…
"Are you alright?"
A mere nod was all the female could muster as the man helped her to her feet, her eyes trained onto his face, taking in every feature in an attempt to match it to a memory…he appeared to be in his mid to late thirties, with black hair and piercing blue eyes, that seemed to glow as she looked into them… … …but it seems that even though the Wutain woman was incapable of recognising the man, someone else knew him only too well - Rufus smirked as he looked the man up and down, whilst shaking his head, somewhat taken aback by his sudden reappearance…six long years had passed since he had been sighted, he had been the person responsible for Danni's return to her hometown… … …
"Well this is unexpected, I'll give you that much…Angeal Hewley, SOLDIER 1st Class."
An acknowledging nod met the company owner's words, though no real attention was given along with the motion, Angeal having already released Yuffie and scanned the small group, evidently looking for a person in particular, though not seeing her…
"Where's Danni?"
"Hmm-hmm…with brother…"
Angeal spun on his heel as Yazoo's words gave way to two audible gunshots…of which were closely followed by clear, piercing ping as one of the bullets ricocheted off of a metallic surface…but it seemed the second bullet found it's intended target as a gasp was heard - immediately followed by the noisy clang of a dropped blade… … …
Danni cringed as she felt her knees slam against the cold, and uncaring pavement, she had stood upon only moments prior…she was in a bad position - she had unintentionally allowed Cloud's sword to fall from her grip, it had been a reflex action when the bullet had struck her abdomen, and now she was on her knees, with one arm supporting her frame, the other wrapped tightly across her lower torso as a deep crimson liquid began to seep out through her white tank top… … …
"I will give you another chance Danni - join me…our mother shall rise once more…"
"Don't you ever refer to Jenova as my mother - she's a monster - a calamity - and you're the same as her!"
Sephiroth inclined his head ever-so-slightly upon hearing the youth's statement…her mouth had always been to big for her own good, he'd seen that even in her younger years, and even now, in retrospect of what had happened to her upon refusing his offer, she still chose to be stubborn headed and disrespectful towards him - it made one question if she did, in-fact, have any sense. Still though, she would either be an ally or a thorn in his side, and it seemed she had chosen which one herself…and so the thorn had to be extracted - not even one word did the once-upon-a-time hero utter as he brought down the elongated sword he wielded, intent on delivering the final blow… … …the only move the teenager made, was to clamp her alluring irises shut, not wanting to give her ex-mentor the satisfaction of seeing the slight fear present within them…no way would she allow him that pleasure - but what neither person had been expecting, had been for the feared, and yet revered, masamune to be halted mid-blow by the same blade she had dropped… … …
"Angeal… … …this fight is far from finished Danni."
Several stony seconds seemed to tick by as The Nightmare and his brothers departed…leaving the gang in a stunned silence as they tried to understand what had actually transpired in the short time period…but, despite their confusion, one thing was more than obvious; if not for the unsuspected arrival of this SOLDIER, both Danni and Yuffie would be dead right then, although, one did look a lot worse for wear and in need of medical attention fairly rapidly… … …
"Angeal…but - how?"
The experienced SOLDIER shook his head, as he released Cloud's blade from his grip, and turning to face the young woman, whom was still situated on the pavement, having changed her position to sitting on her butt, one arm still wrapped firmly across her torso, a look of utter confusion and relief crossing her features, along with evident pain…
"I'll explain later, you need medical treatment firs-"
"No…it's a minor wound, the bullet caught my side, it's nothing major… … …and I'm not moving another inch until I get a decent explanation Angeal! Why did you leave me?! You never even said goodbye - Angeal, answer me!"
Shame was one way of explaining the sensation that seemed to grow from the very pits of his stomach all of a shot…she had only been a little kid, she had deserved an explanation, instead of waking up at her home, never knowing how she had gotten there or gotten a chance to say goodbye…she wasn't that little kid anymore though, she was a young woman…and this time; had a right to an explanation, regardless of his feelings towards the subject…that, and he knew only too well of how stubborn she was capable of being, in similar situations. And judging by the mood she was in, she would rather sit there and bleed to death, rather than relent… … …Danni bit down hard on her tongue as she struggled to her feet, stifling a gasp as she did so…after a few seconds, the youth brought her gaze up to meet that of the only person she had left…realization suddenly dawning on her as his piercing blue irises returned her stare;
"You were there - in Gongaga, you pulled me from the rubble, you set me out in the open for Demyx to find…it was you Angeal, wasn't it… … …why didn't you help! Why weren't you there earlier! Why did you let it happen - damn it Angeal, answer me!"
The SOLDIER remained silent as he caught the young woman's wrist, preventing her from landing another grief-fuelled thump, slightly puzzled by the anger of her words…he had arrived too late to make a change, the Remnants had already departed when he had arrived, Gongaga had been beyond help the moment the first Shadow Creeper had been unleashed upon it… … …doomed from the start, none of the towns people had been experienced in defending against such beasts, and none had been expecting for an attack to take place in Gongaga… … … he understood why she was upset, for truth to be told, his heart had been saddened greatly by the happenings also; he had searched everywhere for Josey and Nick…but not a trace of either friends had been found, for that; he was truly sorry for the youth, she had been taken from her parents so often, and now for them to be permanently taken away from her… … …After several seconds of pathetic struggling, Danni finally broke down, tears broke their banks as she met her mentor's gaze… … …
"My Mom and Dad, Angeal…they're gone…"
He sighed as he pulled the youth into a tight hug, grateful for her relative safety…and glad that his decision for ShinRa to take her to Edge had been a just one, if not; she would have been killed in Gongaga also…but now, suddenly aware of how much she had had to take in and deal with as of late…it wasn't fair, but then again; life could be the cruellest of judges when it wanted to be…Angeal spoke lowly as the teenager cried…
"I know, Danni…I know… … …I tried to get there sooner, but I couldn't, by the time I arrived, Kadaj and the others had left, there was nothing I could do… … …where's your brother?"
Speech seemed to become impossible for her, a lump had formed in her throat, and it wouldn't allow words to pass…Danni swallowed back hard as she reclaimed some self-control…she was relieved on so many levels, and yet heart-broken on so many more at the same time, everyone else in her life was gone, he was all she had left…but at least he was okay, he wasn't hurt…or dead, like the rest of the people she loved were…but; Zack…he was gone to, he was dead too…he'd been shot down, KIA - killed in action, more like murdered! But she couldn't get angry at Rufus because of it, it had been his father…
"A…Angeal - Zack's d-… … …Zack - he's dead…he was shot down… … …you're all I have left, please don't leave me too, Angeal?"
It felt, almost, like a kick to the stomach…Zack - dead…it had to be a joke of some sick sort…Zack had been to full of life to be killed, always joking and taking things in his stride, how on Gaia could the youngster have gotten himself killed? Sure, he had taken stuff light-heartedly, but Zack had taken great pride in his rank and work… … …dead… … …it all made sense, why Danni had been angry with him - everyone else was gone…he had promised to take care of her all those years ago, and he'd left her in Gongaga, assuming that ShinRa would bring her back to Edge, of which he had been correct in assuming, but he had also made the assumption that her older brother was still under contract with ShinRa, that he'd be there for his little sister… … …
"I won't Danni…I promise…"
A/N: Reviews would be highly appreciated for this chapter huns...thanks for reading!
