Author's Note: I do not own Final Fantasy or anything affiliated with it. The rights to it belong solely to their respective owners.
Ch.11 Cissnei
After Zack and I joined together we managed to overcome the waves of machines invading Shinra headquarters, and stopped. I could hear the elevator open behind us and turned, seeing Sephiroth walk forward. "Is the president secure?" I asked, to which he nodded. "Sephiroth, these are Genesis copies," Zack said. Sephiroth got down on one knee, looking at them. "This must be Hollander's doing," he said. At that I grimaced. I knew who Hollander was and while I still hated Hojo more than anyone, Hollander wasn't too far behind. Zack was clueless, and asked "Who's Hollander?" "A Shinra scientist who vanished after lifting the copy technology," the silver-haired said. "Are you saying that Hollander and Genesis are working together?" Zack asked.
"Perhaps," he replied. I frowned. "Why do you think they're objective could be?" I asked. "Hollander lost his bid for leadership for the Science Department. He's borne a grudge against Shinra ever since. Revenge is most likely his goal," Sephiroth said. I frowned. "That's just petty. And you think Genesis would actually support something like that?" I asked. "I would prefer not believe it, but…" he began. "Then don't," Zack said firmly. After a moment of silence, Sephiroth said "Very well. I won't. Now, Zack, Jace. Genesis copies have been sighted in Sector 8 as well. Let's go." We both nodded, and the three of us left the building. It was a short walk to reach Sector 8, and once there we stopped. Genesis copies and more Sweepers were going around in every direction, some of them attacking civilians.
"Whoa, this is some serious trouble!" Zack said. "We should split up," Sephiroth suggested, and I nodded. "Understood," I said, running forward. Zack and Sephiroth went in different directions, while I moved ahead. I saw a mother and daughter about to be attacked by a Sweeper, and I called "Hey!" The Sweeper stopped and turned around, seeing me and changing targets. It opened fire and I moved forward, ducking to avid the bullets. I cast Thundara and blasted it with a bolt of lightning, causing it to freeze in place. With that done I smiled, my body glowing as I felt a Limit Break come over me. I could hear Tseng's voice in my head asking "Is this the end?" "Not yet; bring in the big guns," I said. Overhead there a transparent image of a helicopter, which let out a hail of gunfire and several missiles.
Despite coming from the image of helicopter the missiles made very real explosions, sending the Sweeper into the air where it was torn apart by the blasts. When it landed back down the machine could barely move, and I finished it with a stab into its front, destroying the control systems. The Sweeper fell to the ground and died with a static buzz, which faded into silence. The mother and child that it had been targeting stood, the mother saying "Thank you saving us." I nodded. "There may be more around. Get home and stay there until the area's declared safe," I said. They nodded back and ran off, and I killed another G Avenger that came close. I looked down at the body and grimaced. I didn't like people who depended on those under them to get things done, and that was exactly what Genesis was doing.
I was broken out of my thoughts by a scream, and ran to see a little girl couched at the end of an alley, a pair of G Avengers slowly approaching her. My eyes blazed with anger, and I called "Get away from her!" The two of them turned around just in time to see me put away Potentia and draw my gun, firing. The two copies dodged and I moved through them, stopping front pf the girl and turning around. The message was clear: they would have to go through me. The two Avenger seem just fine with that and charged, both of them swinging. I dodged and cast Barrier on the girl before rolling forward, getting behind them and firing. They both ducked and I cast Blizzara, dropping a chunk of ice onto the head of one. It shattered on impact and the copy dropped like a puppet without strings.
The other copy cast Fire at me and I replied with Fira, shooting two fireballs. One hit the enemies spell and two exploded, while the other fireball hit the Avenger in the center of the chest. It flew back and hit the side of the alley, slumping forward. I put one of my guns away and grabbed his head, slamming it against the wall and knocking him out. I grinned, turning to the girl and asking "You okay?" The girl looked up and nodded, before suddenly she gasped and looked behind me. Almost in slow motion I turned, seeing the G Avenger I had hit with the Blizzara spell behind me, dagger raised. He swung down and I couldn't raise my gun to deflect it, or even shoot before the dagger planted itself in my head. I could see the light from a street lamp glint off the blade… and then the G Avenger froze.
When he did he feel forward, and I took a step back. There was a large four-pointed shuriken in the copy's back, the point of it having been imbedded in the point where the spine in the copy's neck and back met. My eyes widened as I recognized that weapon- it was Rekka. "Vallis, I think you're actually slipping. I'm surprised," a voice said. I looked up to see a young woman, also in a Turk uniform, with shoulder-length dark red and brown eyes. I smiled, calling "Cissnei!" Cissnei smiled and walked forward, grabbing Rekka and pulling it out. With a flick she got rid of the blood on it, and said "So, Vallis, you're partnered up with someone from SOLDIER now, huh?" "First off, Vallis is my code name, and I would prefer you just call me Jace. Second, yes, I am," I said.
Cissnei chuckled, and said "Well, you like you're doing well." Just then I felt a tug on my sleeve, and looked to see the young girl I had saved look up at us. "Um, thank you, Mister and Miss," she said. I smiled and lowered myself down to look at her on eye level. "You're welcome. Now, hurry up and run home. We'll make sure these bad people don't hurt you," I said. The girl nodded and smiled, running off. Cissnei watched, and said "You know, there used to be a time you hated kids, or even people in general. What changed?" "Well, the SOLDIER they partnered me with has a bit of a… energetic personality. Maybe he rubbed off on me," I said, scratching the back of my head. "Well, we heard that there were some SOLDIER here in the Sector. Let's see if we can't find your partner, huh?" she said.
I nodded and we both ran out of the alley, moving out. As it turned out Zack wasn't hard to find; he was in the square along with Reno, Rude, and Tseng. Seeing me, Reno broke out into a smile and said "Hey, Jace! It's been a long time since I've seen you!" I laughed and gave Reno a high-five. "Well, you haven't changed at all- still have the hair of a porcupine and the professional composure of idiot," I said, smiling. Cissnei laughed and Rude chuckled, while Tseng allowed himself a small smile. "Aw, come on! I don't seem that last, do I?" Reno asked. "There hasn't been a time I've ever seen you with your shirt tucked in," Rude replied, which caused us all to laugh and even Tseng to chuckle. I looked over to see that Zack was staring at me in surprise, but I wasn't.
These people were my fellow Turks. I may have a better respect for SOLDIER now, but it was only with the Turks or in Nibelheim that I felt at home. And at home, I could be as sociable and pen as I pleased. "The other areas?" Tseng asked. "Midgar's just crawling with nasties," Reno said. "SOLDIER is having difficulties. Just say the word," Rude added. Tseng nodded, saying "Go." "Yes, sir," Reno said, and they both left to help take care of the monsters. Zack frowned and crossed his arms. "So, SOLDIER's outsourcing to the Turks now?" he asked. "SOLDIER's being stingy," Cissnei said. "Manpower shortage, huh? Oh, I never got your name," Zack said, looking at her. "Oh, right! Cissnei, this is my partner, Zack. Zack, Cissnei," I said. Cissnei smiled and held out her hand. "Nice to meet you," she said
Zack shook her hand, smiling. "Likewise," he said. I could see in his eyes that he already liked her, and I rolled my eyes. Zack was indeed a lady's man, but at least he wasn't a womanizer- there was a difference, especially in the amount of trust you could pace in them. You wanted to see a lady's man, go to Zack. You wanted to see a womanizer, go to Don Corneo. Tseng interrupted my mental monologue, saying "Zack, Jace, aren't you on assignment?" "Same objective. Need some help here?" Zack asked. "I appreciate the offer," he said. "Not a problem," I replied. "Oh, how generous. Well, Tseng, Zack, Jace, I gotta go," Cissnei said, running ahead. I watched her go, and smile. Out of all my coworkers, Cissnei had to be the person I liked the most. She was so calm, kind and good-looking, and even though I knew I would never have a shot with her- she kept all relationships professional- that stop me from imagining.
Zack and I moved forward and heard gunfire, following Cissnei. We found her in front of what looked like Genesis for a second, until I realized that it was another copy. "Looks like this one's a cut above the rest!" Zack said, drawing his sword. I did the same and moved into a fighting stance, looking over at Cissnei. Guess this is where we give that help we offered, huh?" I asked. She smiled and said "Thanks." The copy, a G Eraser, hefted a large red gun at us, and fired as we charged. The shot was aimed for Zack, who dodged it and cast Barrier on himself. I did the same for me and Cissnei, and swung with Potentia. He blocked with a large metal rod and Cissnei threw Rekka, which he deflected with his shotgun. The copy pushed me away and swung the rod at Cissnei, who leaped away to avoid it.
As she jumped she caught Rekka and threw it again, this time with fire dancing along the tips. Knowing it would get hurt if it blocked that, the copy pointed its shotgun and fired, knocking the shuriken away. Zack frowned and cast Gravity, creating a field of energy hat surrounded the copy and cut its health down. I grinned and used Blizzara Blade, coating my sword in ice and slashing it across his chest. The copy grunted in pain and fell back, allowing Zack to have the time to activate a Limit Break. I could hear Angeal's voice say "Prove your honor to me." "I got it!" Zack said, running forward. He gave the G Eraser a huge uppercut before following it with three punches to the stomach. The copy bent forward and Zack slammed his knee-ed him in the face, causing it to stand back up for Zack give it a right hook in the face and then jump, planting his feet against the copy's chest and springing away.
His hands glowed and he vaulted forward, smashing both of his fists against the copy, creating an explosion. The copy fell back, and before it could retaliate I swung with Potentia and slashed the copy across its abdomen. Then Cissnei reached into her pocket and pulled out a small handgun, aiming at the G Eraser and pulling the trigger. A single shot flew forward and went through the copy's open mouth, exiting out the back of its head. The G Eraser stopped for a second, standing before it finally dropped to its knees and fell forward. "Nice shot, Cissnei," I said. She smiled and said "Thanks." She put the gun away and looked down at the copy. Or more precisely, its wing. "When I was a kid, I always wanted to have wings. You know, like an angel," she told us. Zack frowned, putting his sword away.
"If people had wings, they'd be monsters," he said. I looked at him, and shook my head. "Wings don't symbolize monsters," I said. "Jace's right. Wings symbolize freedom for those who have none. SOLDIER 1st Class indeed. A very impressive show of force," Cissnei said, standing. Zack grinned. "Unlike Turks, us SOLDIER folks are paid to fight," he said. "Maybe, but I could still kick your ass any day of the week," I said, smiling. Zack looked right back. "Is that a challenge?" he asked. Before I could respond to that Cissnei intervened, handing us both a package. "Take this. A token of my appreciation for helping me out back there," she said. We both took the packages, and inside was the address to the Research Department QMC. "Thanks," I said.
Cissnei nodded. "Well, I'm off to my next job. Didn't the two of you have another assignment too?" she asked. Zack's expression fell at that. "Assignment... Yeah, I do..." he said. "I'm sure we'll see each other again. Zack, Jace, see ya," she said, and ran off. We both watched her go, but then our phones rang. On the other end was Sephiroth, who said "Once Sector 8 is clear, come to Mako Reactor 5." "Is there something at that reactor?" I asked. "Yes. Angeal has been spotted," he replied. Zack frowned angrily. "So it's search and destroy?" he asked. Even through the phone I could hear him sigh, and say "The army is mobilizing, but there's still time. The three of us will find them before they do and-" "And WHAT?!" Zack yelled. I winced; that was loud.
Sephiroth must have though the same thing, because it was a moment until he said "Fail to eliminate them." At that I gasped, as did Zack, and his expression turned excited. "For real?" he asked. Sephiroth chuckled. "Yes, for real," he said. "Excellent! Probably!" Zack exclaimed. "We're on our way," I said, and hung up.
Cissnei has been seen, and now Zack and Jace are headed for the Mako Reactor? What will occur? That is to be revealed next chapter!
Please review! If you flame me Liam Neeson will look for you, eh will find you, and he will kill you. (I'm just kidding... or am I?)