Hehehe… I really enjoy writing from Hojo's POV. Clinical with a dark bitter undertone, I always had a soft spot for evil mad scientists.

Thank you so much for all the reviews and love! I plan on encompassing all the FF7 alliterations down the line, so Ryo has a lot to potentially juggle. She's going to need all the help she can get.

*Fixed Cissnei's name through out the chapter. Apparently I've been misspelling it this whole time...for like 20 chapters. Oops :p* 6-24-16

Chapter 10 – Nobodies Business but the Turks

From the Journal of Professor Hojo

October 20, 2000

I have taken the liberties of starting a file for the new Specimen and intend to add to it as data is collected. As to date she will be cataloged as:

Specimen R: Female

Species: Unknown.

Seeing as I have not been given clearance to take the Specimen in for study the information will likely be observational for the time being. The President has been most stubborn about her. He considers Specimen R more valuable for ShinRa's public image as a Soldier then as to what can be gleaned from studying her. Foolish I know, but until I can convince him otherwise I will make due. More data must be accumulated in order to sway his opinion. She holds too much potential to let it be squandered away as a mere grunt. Now on to my observations thus far:

I have reviewed the footage of the subjects' initial Mako treatment and thoroughly questioned my assistants as to what occurred prior to my arrival. She showed a violent rejection to the stabilizer and yet none of the typical mutations that are characteristic of such rejections. It appeared to trigger something similar to a stimulated immune response, not unlike a mild allergic reaction. Furthermore the recovery after such is, as prior data has shown, impossible… or perhaps improbable. Further experimentation will be required it seems. A human female would not have survived, let alone be capable of proceeding to the next step of the treatment.

The vary purpose of the stabilizer is to allow the body to more readily accept the absorption of Mako. Specimen R appears to have no need for it. Never in all my studies have I observed such levels of Mako absorption. Her body took in as much Mako within the thirty minute procedure as Specimen S does in a standard biannual treatment. At first we assumed it to be an error on the equipment's part but further calculations disproved that. The subject took in 92.4% of the Mako within the 50% v/v solution used during treatment. Were it not for the protests of my colleagues I would have raised the concentration further. It was apparent to me that the subject had not reached her point of saturation and showed no signs of a negative reaction.

Specimen R's physical reactions to the treatment, though in no way negative, were very odd as well. The 'Mako Glow' associated with the treatment is typical of most subjects, but not to the level displayed here. I'm uncertain if the cause was extreme pupil constriction or if the shear intensity of light emitted by her iris resulted in what appeared to be a total lack of pupil. It appeared as though her dermal and epidermal layers had taken on a semi-translucency. Very odd. Unfortunately I was unable to take any samples of the Specimen for further study. These affects appear to be only temporary as she displayed no such traits in later observations.

Prior to her leave she seemed to attempt to impart a bit of information to me. It was vague, but I believe she was referring to the Cetra and The Promise Land. The subject insisted that she is not a Cetra. However, it begs the question of how she knows about such things at all... I must concede however. In comparing data collected from the Cetran Specimen A and I, I can safely conclude that the traits observed were certainly not of Cetran origin. Physically she shares more similarity to the Jenova Specimen and the resulting Specimen's from the Jenova Project. I can find no concrete correlations to either one with the little data I have. As of now I am at the conclusion that Specimen R is not human, Cetran, or of Jenova origin. I am most intrigued by this new subject and am eager to have her for further study.

On a more personal note, I am ecstatic at their being a female capable of withstanding such high levels of Mako. Nay, not withstand more like her body readily consumes it. Observations concerning her social interactions with Specimen S are also encouraging. I must keep track of her performance within Soldier to asses her potential for future experiments. Regardless of what she may be, I am certain she is the key needed for the continuation of the Jenova Project…

Ryo had been playing it safe since the nerve wracking meeting with the Turks. She went to her training's and returned to her dorm, rinse and repeat. Needless to say she was going a little nuts. Unfortunately she wasn't allowed to leave the ShinRa building without a Turk tailing behind.

Ryo didn't mind the company. 'Running' into Reno and Rude all the time kept her on her toes. And as the smarmy redhead continually reminded her, she owed him that second drink. Damn cheeky bastard always manages to make me flustered. Cissnei seemed nice. Quiet, but nice. Ryo hadn't really said more than a few words to the curly haired ginger. The other odd Turk she would catch out of the corner of her eye, but they had refrained from making any direct contact yet.

No, she was becoming fairly comfortable with the Turks presence. The issue was she wasn't sure what to do now that she wanted to head out. Call Tseng and let him know? It just felt like a strange idea to her for some reason. Like a teen calling their parent to ask permission to go to the mall. It just felt…odd.

Ryo flipped open her PHS and searched through her contacts. She had the presence of mind to add the number Tseng called her from to her contacts. Whether or not it was his actual number or just some disposable she didn't know. But it rang, so all there was left to do was to wait and see.

"Miss Kesh…"

Ryo paused at the sound of Tseng's voice. She cleared her throat nervously, "Ah… Mr. Tseng sir?"

"Yes, how can I help you?"

Ryo stammered a little, she hadn't really thought this through. "Well…ah I…ah was wondering If I could go out?" she finished the question uncertainly. There was silence on the other line before the Turk finally spoke.

"When did you want to leave and where?"

"Uh… anytime really. I w-wasn't really sure how this worked…" The continued silence on the other line made Ryo bite her lip. "I was hoping to shop around Sector 8… just get some air really…" She trailed off, not really sure what to say.

"You may go in fifteen minutes. An agent will be waiting for you at the door." The line went dead and Ryo just gaped at the phone. That guy is so weird…

She shrugged and went to get herself ready.

Ryo stepped off the elevator and entered the main floor of the ShinRa headquarters. She looked around in hopes of spotting her Turk babysitter. Ryo made sure to wait the full fifteen minutes before she wandered out from the main doors, but still saw no one. She shrugged and started down the road to Loveless Ave.

She couldn't see anyone following her but she could definitely feel it. It was a tingling that went down her spine and made the hair on the back of her neck stand on end. Seriously why do they need to be all sneaky about this? They know that I know. She gave a huff and looked around for what was likely the third time in the last twenty minutes. Fine… Let's play a little game of hide and seek then shall we?

Ryo headed off at a faster pace and took a path down a darkened alleyway. She broke into a run and took a corner sharply. Pressing herself against the alley wall, she melded with the shadows there and waited.

It wasn't long before her pursuer rounded the corner and looked around frantically. Ryo bit her lip to fight making a sound as poor Cissnei ran further down the path hoping to find a sign of her charge. Ryo walked quietly out of the shadows and followed the ginger Turk at a leisurely pace.

Cissnei stood at the mouth of the alleyway leading back out to the road. Ryo approached the woman stealthily with a sinister grin on her face.

"Ya know… stealth isn't very ineffective when prey knows you're there."

To her credit the Turk did not jump or even flinch, but she did look wide eyed when she spun around. Ryo smirked at the shorter woman and crossed her arms, becoming the very image of smug victory.

"I'm sorry, did I spook the spook?"

Cissnei frowned and glared at the other woman, "I am required to keep you under surveillance during your outings Miss Kesh."

"I know…" Ryo said in a slightly condescending tone, "Which is exactly why being subtle about it is pointless."

The redhead gave her a look of annoyance, "Then what do you suggest?"

"Oh… I dono, we could just hang out like normal people." Cissnei looked at her blandly and Ryo shrugged, "Come on, I don't know Midgar that well. Show me the sights. Got to be better then stalking me as I wander aimlessly."

Cissnei gave her a long hard look before she seemed to deflate with a sigh, "Fine… I guess that's ok." She paused and looked thoughtful, "What did you want to see?"

Ryo shrugged and smiled at her, "I've seen maybe half of Loveless Ave, but aside from the front of HQ not much else. I've been so cooped up in that tower I was starting to go stir crazy."

The redhead giggled slightly before straitening up, "Well let's go then."

With a smile she led Ryo off into Midgar's streets.

They had wandered the plate for the past hour. Cissnei had pointed out a few places of interest and had been quite companionable. They had stopped beside a street vendor for a break. Ryo couldn't remember what she said the odd little pastry balls were called, but they were tasty and filled with various things sweet and savory.

It was as they chatted that Ryo noticed something was drawing the Turk's attention away. She would go very quiet midsentence and her brow would furl slightly. Ryo watched Cissnei carefully as she seemed to strain to hear something and seek out its source.

"What's up?" She asked the Turk quietly. Cissnei looked at her, seeming conflicted. Ryo noted her hesitation, "If you got a gut feeling, let's check it out."

"I shouldn't get you involved in a Turk matter."

She looked increasingly concerned as her gaze followed a group of ShinRa employees. Ryo watched the group from the corner of her eye. They had headed into an alleyway a few blocks down. Ryo's focus returned to the woman in front of her.

"Listen… it's not like you guys don't have enough leverage over me to keep my mouth shut if it's something I shouldn't see. If this looks like it could be important, I wouldn't let it slip past you."

The Turk bit her lip softly as she battled out the situation. After a moment she glanced back to Ryo and started forward.

"Let's go, follow my led."

They stalked the group slowly as they entered a juncture that dead-ended at a sewer access. They spoke in hushed tones in a language Ryo didn't recognize. It sounded vaguely Asian though. Cissnei listened intently with a deep frown. They were all dressed in office clothes, but they looked oddly fit.

"They got too much muscle to be office gofers…" Ryo said in a whisper.

Her companion nodded gravely and gestured for Ryo to follow her short distance away. They kept to the shadows and spoke as she watched the alleyway they had just come from cautiously.

"They're Wutai, definitely Wutai operatives. I need to call this in."

Ryo nodded and took to watching for any signs of movement. Cissnei turned away as she dialed a number into her PHS. "Sir we have a situation. I have spotted a group of Wutai spies near the sewers in Sector 7… Yes, Miss Kesh is still with me."

"Yes sir… I know sir, but this looks time sensitive. It would take too long for someone to get out here."

Ryo watched the Turk frown in frustration and spoke up, "I'm willing to assist however needed. I can handle stealth assignments." Cissnei looked at her doubtfully. Ryo was silent for a moment before rolling her eyes, "Just watch…" She willed herself into the shadows and the young Turk gasped in surprise. Tseng asked what sounded like a question from the phone in her hand. Ryo chuckled softly from within the darkness.

"I've been told I should have been a Turk."

Cissnei watched where her voice came from warily and Tseng questions began to sound agitated from the other line. She shook herself out of it and turned away.

"Y-yes sir I'm still here, sorry."

Ryo watched her argue back and forth in silent annoyance. They don't trust me… understandable I guess. It was no less frustrating though. Cissnei closed her phone as her conversation ended and she turned to the other woman.

"You are to stay here out of sight. I will be going down to investigate."

Disappointment flashed through her for a moment, but it wasn't that unexpected. She sighed softly from the shadows.

"Will do."

With that the Turk moved swiftly down the alley. Ryo followed up to their previous vantage point before disappearing again. Cissnei made her way down into the sewers, closing the manhole cover behind her.

Ryo waited, anxiousness steadily turning to boredom. Close to an hour passed before the sound of movement drew her attention. The manhole cover lifted and slid aside, but no Turk rose from the pit. Ryo frowned harshly. A dark haired Wutai man in office clothes climbed out quickly with a briefcase in hand. He rushed past her hiding place and stopped at the mouth of the alley. Once on the curb he slowed to a normal pace. Ryo pulled out her phone to type out a quick text as he went to cross the street.

-Messenger on move. Permission to pursue-

Ryo watched the spy move slowly down the road. He was going at a casual pace, but it wouldn't be long before he was out of her line of sight. She looked down at the silent phone irritably. Come on Tseng…make up your mind. She barely finished the thought when it buzzed in her hand.

-Granted-

That was the only encouragement she needed.

Ryo moved briskly in the direction of her target. Keeping her speed to a minimum so not to draw attention, she caught up to about a blocks distance from the courier. The area he they had entered was deserted and Ryo had a feeling stealth was not going to be an option. He slipped into another alleyway and as Ryo rounded the corner she was forced to drop down into a dodge.

The jagged chunk of ice narrowly missed her head as it shattered on the ground behind her. The Wutai messenger stared at her crouched form with wide eyes. Ryo's flashed with a cold light and she sprang forward. The messenger who had turned to run found his face meeting the floor of the filthy street with a sharp crack. Ryo twisted his arm behind his back as her knee dug into his spine.

"Stay down," She growled.

He trashed weakly and a twist of the arm in her grip produced a sharp yelp of pain. He snarled something in what she assumed must have been Wutainese. A wave of yellow light washed over the Soldier as the messenger hit her with a second spell. Everything seemed to suddenly slow down and her limbs felt sluggish. She grit her teeth and held fast as he tried to break free. What the hell was that?

She had to finish this quickly whatever status effect he hit her with was making holding him difficult. Her fist came down on the man's head once, then twice. On the third the struggles seized and Ryo rolled off the man's back. Her movements were painfully slow as she came to stand over the courier. Letting herself calm a little she pulled out her PHS. It barely rang once before it was answered. Someone's anxious…

"What's your status?" Tseng's voice was sharp and commanding from the other line.

Ryo snorted, "What no hello?" She got only irritated silence from the Turk, "The messenger and his package are in cusstody, Ssir… Requesting further orders…"

There was a short pause, "Are you alright, you sound… drunk."

"He hit me with some status effect… just a ssec lemme check." Ryo paused as she riffled through the man's clothes. She pulled the sleeve of his suit jacket up to revel a small slim bangle with two small green materia. The Soldier Third pulled it off and ran her fingers over each to identify them. "Slow…guess that makes sense… May want to bring a Heal with you… I could use an Esuna right about now."

"Remain with the spy. I will be there to extract."

Ryo let herself fall to sit against the wall beside the unconscious man, "Affirmative."

The line went dead and Ryo snapped the phone shut. She pocketed it and looked at the man on the floor irritably. She nudged him once with the toe of her boot but got no response. He's out…

Ryo looked down at the bangle in her hand. Damn… status effects blow. She popped each matera out of its socket to get a better feel for them. When she got to the Blizzard she paused. It felt a little different but she couldn't place why. She shrugged and reequips them both before putting the bangle on her wrist. Free materia yay…

Ryo looked to the messenger once more and focused on the Time matera. The same yellow light that hit her washed over the prone man. There…even if you do wake up you're not going anywhere fast. Ya dick…

Fifteen minutes or so passed before Ryo heard the sound of shoes hitting pavement. She held a Blizzard charged at the ready in case it wasn't a friendly. Blinking owlishly she stared at the dark suited silhouette at the mouth of the alleyway. It took her longer then she would have liked to focus on the Turk in front of her. She lowered her hand and let the charged spell fizzle.

She gave him a sloppy salute from the dirty alley floor, "Hooowdy."

Tseng looked down at the woman with a frown before casting Esuna. Focus returned almost immediately to the Soldier at his feet. She shook her head to clear the remaining fog.

The dark haired Turk watched Ryo stand, "Where is Cissnei, have you seen her?"

Ryo gave him a look of confusion, "No… has she lost contact."

The stoic Turk's frown became grave. The sound of approaching footsteps caused the two to turn to the alley opening tensely. A short blond Turk rounded the corner and came to an abrupt stop before them. Elena? No wait she isn't a Turk yet…That's her sis. Her brilliant blue eyes were icy in their intensity.

"Sir," She nodded to her superior sharply before moving in to secure the courier with cuffs. Tseng turned back to the third, "Emma will handle things from here. Where was Cissnei's entry point?"

"This way…" Ryo broke into a jog as she backtracked to the alley Cissnei entered.

It was still as empty and quiet as she left it. Tseng gently lifted the heavy manhole cover before glancing down into the darkness.

"I can run backup for you if you like. It might be wise to have someone at your back down there." Ryo grinned wiry and tapped a finger against her temple, "Having someone who can see in the dark might also be a plus."

Tseng considered her offer and he grudgingly had to admit having a Soldiers heightened senses would be nice. With a frown he nodded slightly, "You will follow my every order without question, understood?"

"Perfectly."

Tseng looked her over for a moment, "You're not armed…"

She shook her head, "Lesson learned though…"

Out of his suit jacket Tseng produced a small butterfly knife. He stared at the woman long and hard before he handed her the weapon. Ryo have the blade a look of approval, "Thanks… I really need to invest in a sidearm or something."

. . .

The stench was harsh and Ryo had to fight down a gag. Ugh sewer levels are even worse in real life… The tunnels were pitch black and even with the slightly enhanced vision progress felt slow. They followed the faint sound of arguing that traveled from deeper down the sewers. A faint glow led them deeper still and the voices grew clearer. Ryo couldn't understand a word of it, but Tseng obviously didn't like what he heard. His brow creased and a slight scowl marred his normally emotionless face. Tseng tapped Ryo's shoulder and gestured for her to follow.

He led her around and they stopped at the edge of a tunnel that opened up to a cavernous chamber. Three of the suited Wutai were arguing with each other and a fourth paced the center of the chamber irritably. He wore a katana at his hip and definitely looked to be the ring leader. Against a wall across from them was the missing Turk. She was bound to a chair, but aside from a few bruises and scuffs she didn't look to worse for wear.

The opening the duo was observing from wasn't far from where Cissnei was being held. A distraction would give them enough time to free her. And with her weapon still nearby it wouldn't be hard to take the group on. Ryo looked to Tseng and he seemed to come to the same conclusion.

Ryo gestured to the Time materia on her arm and pointed to the man pacing. She pointed down the darkened tunnel opposite theirs. The entrances were connected by a looping tunnel and it wouldn't be hard to sneak around to the other side and cause a distraction. I'll CC, kite, and vanish…classic strat.

Tseng watched her carefully as he put the plan together. He nodded to her and she moved swiftly back down the tunnels. Once at the opposite opening Ryo raised her hand and focused on her spell. Don't miss… Don't miss… Ryo let it fly and it hit the leader dead on. He gave a startled cry and the other three spun around to face the tunnel where Ryo hid. Uhh… Didn't miss… Fucking Run!

She bolted down the sewer access as the Wutai gave chase. Adrenaline poured through her as she raced down the tunnel. She could hear them yelling after her and their flashlights searched the darkness. Ryo stopped at the path that would loop back around to Tsengs' side and melded. The three Wutai stopped at the crossroad and split up to continue the search.

Ryo followed the man that sprinted down the tunnel that would wrap around to the main chamber. Moving swiftly in the darkness she caught up. She was on him with the knife before he could let out a scream. The blade sliced into the surprised spies' throat. Ryo fell with the man as he drowned in his own blood. Ryo forced herself past the rush of memories that accompanied the absorption of his soul. She could feel his anger radiate through her. Shaking the disorientation out of her head she leapt up and ran forward to rejoin Tseng in the main sewer juncture.

The Turks faced off against the Slowed leader and appeared to have things well under control. They kept out of his swords range while pistol and shuriken battering him from a distance. The effects of the Slow making it impossible for him to close the distance fast enough to get in a slash. Damn…Status effects rock.

The leader hadn't noticed Ryo's arrival yet, so she hung back and listened for the approach of the remaining Wutai operatives and she watched them dish out the pain. The sound of gunfire had drawn the lackeys back quickly and Ryo caught the sound of their foot falls. A low level Ice spell flew from Ryo's hand as she moved to join the fray. Sharp shards of ice tore a gash through the led spy's suit jacket as it grazed him.

"Two incoming, may want to finish this up gents."

Ryo skirted the edge of the chamber to join the two Turks. The Wutai leader was barely standing by the time his reinforcements arrived.

"ShinRa scum! You will fall… Wutai will not bow to greedy thieves!" The bloodied man snarled and signaled his men forward as he fell back.

His retreat was hindered by the effects of the Slow and he moved sluggishly down the sewer tunnels. Tseng pointed down the tunnel Ryo came from, "Intercept him!"

Ryo took the order and sprinted through the sewers to catch him before she lost him in the crossway. Ryo gasped sharply as shining steel swished less than a foot from her face. The battered Wutai stood before her sword at the ready and Ryo fell back into a defensive stance. There was less room to move here and his sword reached much further than her knife.

Under his breath he spoke in shaky words, "Leviathan grant me her last breath..."

Ryo looked at the man in confusion. He wasn't speaking English, or maybe Midgardian would be more accurate, but she could understand him perfectly. I couldn't understand them a few minutes ago...urgh whatever. He sneered at her as he swiped again, but his sluggish attacks wouldn't meet their mark.

Ryo was starting to wish she had a gun right about now. She had likely depleted her mana reserves as well, if the pounding in her skull was anything to go by, so another Ice spell was out. I guess Slow is a little higher level magic then I'm use to. Fortunately he had already taken major damage from his fight with the Turks. Ryo figured he might just bleed out before she could get a killing blow in anyway.

"Fight me you coward! Is this all ShinRa has to offer?"

Ryo dodged the swipe and its tip skid across the walls sending sparks through the air. Frustrated she feint to the side and twisted around the blade as it came. She caught his sword arm with a quick slash and her opponent grunted in pain.

A desperate charge forward had Ryo scrambling backwards, and as she fell to the side to avoid the blade the sharp pop of a pistol sounded behind her. The rush of energy made her grit her teeth as the Wutai fell. Her eyes glowed brightly as his soul settled within her. Faces and places flashed in her mind. She hadn't been prepared for this one, and the wave was blinding.

Tseng stood pistol drawn a short distance away. The barrel leveled on the Third as he watched the transformation warily. Ryo came back into focus and eyed the Turk as though seeing him for the first time. They stared each other down silently as the eerie glow faded from her eyes. The pattering of feet announced Cissneis' arrival and she stopped behind the two.

"Sir?" She looked between Tseng and the Soldier cautiously.

Tseng lowered his weapon, but didn't break eye contact. Ryo let out a sigh and the tension left her. Ignoring the dark haired Turk she looked to Cissnei with a wiry smile.

"You alright Ciss? Had me worried there for a bit."

She nodded softly looking embarrassed, "I apologize for getting you involved, this was Turk business."

Ryo waved it off, "Hey I offered and Tseng dragged me down here, so blame him." Ryo paused and gave her a grin, "But seriously, I'm glad to see your okay."

Tseng leaned down to search the fallen Wutai, "You are both lucky. Those men were Crescent Soldiers…Wutais' equivalent to ShinRas' Soldier."

Ryo gave a grunt of irritation as she watched the Turk riffle through the fallen soldiers stuff, "Hey I call the sword!"

She snagged the short katana and pulled the sheath from his belt. "Dirty ninja looters…" She muttered under her breath. Tseng only raised a brow at the odd behavior before returning to his task.

She apprised her find happily as the two Turks discussed where to go from here. A nice sword needs a name…What did he say to me? Something about last breath…that works. Last Breath. She couldn't wait to get a better look at it once they get out of this stinking sewer. Speaking of…

"Hey do you mind if we take this somewhere that doesn't make me wana retch?"

Cissnei gave a soft giggle and Tseng nodded, "Report back to headquarters, and keep Ryo with you. I will see you for a report when you get there." The Turk paused and looked at the short red head thoughtfully for a moment. She definitely looked worse for wear.

"You may want to shower first, and then see me for the report."

Cissnei nodded, "Yes sir."

Tseng moved swiftly through the tunnels to the sewer access point, and the others followed behind. Once back on the plate Tseng left them with just a brief nod as his farewell.

Ryo and Cissnei returned to the ShinRa tower reeking of sewage, but glad to be home.

Hours later Ryo lay awake staring vacantly up at the ceiling. Cringing she rubbed her temple and ground her teeth. Her head pounded as feelings of rage and despair flashed through her, and she struggled to deal with her heads new inhabitants.

The first soul she had managed to subdue to the point where she wasn't sure it was even there anymore. A crushing flex of mental strength seemed to make it burst and a surge of energy passed through her the same way it had when the infantryman let go. But the Crescent leader was putting up a major fight. Your dead, just… die already! Damn it…

Her protests earned her another wave of defiant rage and splitting pain. I'm sorry mate! I don't want you in my head anymore then you want to be here! She rubbed her throbbing temple and lay down in hopes of easing a bit of the pain. Fucking Christ I just got rid of the last guy! I do NOT need more distractions.

The angry mental rant did nothing to quell the spirit. Ryo concentrated hitting him again with a mental assault. The attacks weakened it, but Ryo wouldn't be able to keep them up. They were exhausting and when the spirit struck back with its own it left her writhing. She didn't doubt that the Crescent Soldier was easily the strongest soul she had consumed yet. After a third and final mental attack the Wutai went silent. Not got, but silent.

Ryo sighed in relief as the pain subsided. Sleep came quickly, but they were wracked with nightmares as her mind attempted to process the new memories.