Edit: 4/22/10

(a/n): In this chapter, Nikki goes on her first mission. Wow. I never would've guessed, especially with that intriguing title…(note: sarcasm failed) By the way, I am quite positive that I described the president correctly. If not, well then, I obviously don't know what the hell I'm talking about. Note: Just a reminder, I wrote this before I played Crisis Core, so I'm sure I messed things up in this chapter.

Disclaimer: Nope. Still nothing. I own nothing, nada, nicht.

-

Guardian Angel

Chapter 13: First Mission

-:-

Cocking her head to the left side with a pencil in her mouth, Nikki clicked the 'send' button on her computer as she sent a finished document that required to be delivered to the main office by email. Sighing, Nikki leaned back and glanced at the digital clock beside her laptop. The red digits loudly displayed that it was 1:45 in the afternoon and Nikki was already tired. It was the day after her confrontation with Genesis and already she felt awkward while talking with him that morning. To her opinion, it was an average lesson, but Genesis noted how much better she was using her gun blade. Indeed, she focused more, but still, her mind was far off, trying to grow accustomed that the two were trying to be friends. That was what was so awkward for the girl. She still didn't understand why he wanted to be close to her, know her, and be kind to her. Why would anybody want to be close to her?

Shaking the confusing ponderings from her already busy mind, Nikki switched her attention on Elena, who was standing next to Reno at his cubicle. In fact, the trio was rather close, she thought. While Elena had her hand on her hip and chatting away to the oblivious red head, the man she was addressing kept his gaze glued to the monitor while he tried to beat the 46th level on his computer game. Suppressing a giggle, Nikki turned back to her work while the other two tried to communicate. Why, she allowed Reno and Zack to be her friends, right? So why was she timid about Genesis? Nikki still didn't know the wondrous answer. She was still hesitate to spend time with Reno and Zack, but did not push them away completely like she did with Genesis. Some things were still confusing to the teen, even if she thought on the subject for hours at a time.

To disturb her curious thoughts, a loud beep could be heard from her fax machine. Abruptly, Reno and Elena paused from whatever they were doing. Scurrying over, Elena waited by Nikki's fax machine as two pieces of word filled paper spat out from the mouth of the machine. Snatching up the files, the blonde sister skimmed through the fax and raised a suspicious eyebrow.

"Uh, oh," she stated in a shaken tone. Reno leaned over Nikki's shoulder and glanced up at Elena. Shifting uncomfortable from the Turk's closeness, Nikki pushed her chair backwards, nearly bumping into a passing worker.

"What is it?" Reno asked while he smacked on the strawberry flavored gum Elena had offered everyone in the office. Nodding her graceful head, the woman in question lifted her face up to Reno.

"It's a mission," she announced blankly and simply. A fluttering sensation filled Nikki's soul as she tittered, excited that she may have to go along on her first real mission. But Elena's look made her think otherwise.

"First we have to fax it to the President, Nikki, so don't get your hopes high. Though, this does look like an important job…and it would take awhile to succeed it, too," her elder sister explained to the child like Turk in Training. Without another word from Reno or Nikki, Elena turned on her heel and went over to her fax at her desk. Inserting the papers in the contraption, the blonde pressed in a button and watched as the machine faxed it to the President's office. Wiping her sweaty hands off, the girl with the blonde bob faced her two friends.

"There! Done, now we wait to see if it's important after all," Elena quoted euphuistically with a bright smile as she settled down in her chair and cradled her head in her hands positioned behind her neck. Sorry that there was a chance that it wasn't in the least interesting of a mission, Nikki whirled her chair to face her desk and started typing at another document while her sister and the red headed Turk held a conversation about what type of nuts were being served for supper that night. It was a very random discussion in Nikki's taste, and she desired to have no part of it. As she was about to send the finished file, another beeping noise could be heard from Elena's desk. Silence followed with Reno and Elena looking at each other, and then slowly turning to the fax machine that sat proudly on the woman's desk. Shyly, Elena pulled out the single piece of paper from the machine and read it aloud for her friends to hear.

"'Reno, Elena and Nikki: Please Report to President ShinRa's office ASAP'," Elena gingerly fingered the faded paper in her hand before shooting a warning glance at Nikki.

"Well, Nikki, are you ready for your first mission?" she inquired with a half smile upon her delicate, flawless face. Not sure what to say, Nikki gave her a bleak grin before rising up from her chair. Reno followed her actions and led the way down the line of desks.

"Well, let's get this party started, yo!" Reno exclaimed chidingly as he was accompanied by the two blonde sisters as they made their way into the hallway. Aware at the situation she was in, Nikki followed her two comrades into the elevator and watched as Elena pressed in the 70th level button. Raising her eyebrows, she fiddled with her fingers and bit her lip as she felt a flutter in her stomach. Deciding that it was just nerves, the girl stared at the elevator doors and remained silent. If she was to be assigned on a mission, would she need help? Would Genesis be with her? Surprised at her mental request, Nikki chased the longing thought away, trying to think about what type of mission it was. Scratching the nape of her neck, Nikki shot Elena a meaningful glance.

"Elena, what did the mission reported?" her sweet, soft voice filled the quiet elevator and shook Reno and Elena from their thoughts. Glancing up at her with a plastered smile, her sister shrugged.

"All it said was that a mako reactor needed to be checked. I'm sure it's not that serious. The reactor in question, though, is in Nibelheim," Elena lowered her crystal eyes to the metal floor of the platform and exhaled sharply as Nikki continued staring at her.

"Where's Nibelheim?" she asked Elena, only this time her question was answered by the teasing Turk.

"Heh, it's so far away from here, it'd take us a few days, even if we take a van," Reno adjusted his goggles so that they were comfortable. Though her acquirement was not answered completely, Nikki had no choice but to remain silent as the ride to the 60th floor continued. Reno glanced at Nikki once more.

"It's close to Cosmo Canyon, which is another place that's far away," he smirked at the blonde, innocent girl as he clasped his hands behind his back. Nodding an understanding, Nikki watched listlessly at the metal doors as they slid open, revealing the 70th level. As usual, it was the same. Hesitating, she trailed closely behind her sister as they stepped off of the elevator. Glancing around the white hallway, Nikki swallowed nervously as she nearly bumped into Elena, who now stopped in front of double doors. Obviously, the office was just off to the side and close to the elevator. Fluttering her eyelashes impatiently, Nikki awaited her sister's next action, which was knocking carefully at the door. After a short moment, a murmur was heard, which, Nikki considered, belonged to the President.

Of course, Nikki was indeed frightened. After all, she never met the President. It would surprise a few people, but the reason for the fact was that she was only a Turk in Training and was considered of no importance. It never occurred to her that she would actually meet the man she worked for face to face. In fact, it scared her. How would he treat her? Would he treat her the same way Sephiroth treated her? Shivering at the thought, Nikki rubbed her hands up and down her bare arms. To her opinion, it would be absolutely dreadful if he was similar to the general. Not that Sephiroth was entirely awful, no, of course not…In fact, the general, on his good days, was actually pleasant every other day.

Nikki's thoughts were interrupted as the doors opened and Reno and Elena strolled in with determined set faces. Her breath shuddering as she breathed out, the young lady followed them and took in her surroundings. The office was rather large and grand, for the walls were covered with book shelves and packed in with dictionaries, novels, and guides. There was a red carpet on the circular room and ahead of the group was a burgundy brown desk. With sunlight peering into the room through two bay windows, the room was quite warm. Nikki suddenly turned her focus on the man seated proudly behind the desk, with his stubby hands folded pleasantly upon the smooth surface of the desk. Cocking her head to the side, Nikki waited patiently beside Reno and stood straight while staring at the President.

He was a balding man with an abnormal yellow mustache which gave off the appearance of a brightly colored, fuzzy caterpillar. Keeping in a quiet snigger, Nikki noted that President ShinRa was also wearing a pure white suit with a black tie and she also couldn't help but notice that he was a large man, which meant that he was overweight. Not that Nikki minded; in fact, she didn't care for appearances of other people. That was too judgmental. Instead of furthering going on in her mind about his description, Nikki switched back to the fact that the President was about to speak. And indeed, he did.

"Good afternoon, Reno and Elena…and Ms. Hirome," he welcomed Nikki with an overtly nice smile. She couldn't help but know that it was fake. Instead of glowering, like she wished she could, the girl returned a false grin and curtly bowed her blonde head.

"Good afternoon," the Turks and Turk in Training answered in union. Sighing contently, President ShinRa decided to go straight to the point.

"As soon as Genesis, Angeal, Tseng, Cissnei and Rude arrive, we will discuss the mission," as soon as he finished the remark, the sound of the door opening was heard. Reno and Elena remained their eyes on their boss while Nikki craned her neck back and watched as the next members entered. Rude, who was in his usual apparel of a plain black suit and sunglasses, casually paced in besides Tseng, who had a blank expression his face. The two men positioned themselves besides Elena, who blushed amorally at the sight of Tseng. Cissnei cheerfully beamed as she walked up next to Nikki and shot her a friendly grin. Offering a smile in return, the young girl resumed watching as Angeal and Genesis entered at last with no sign of emotion on their faces. Not helping it, Nikki let her gaze fall on Genesis, who shot her a bland glance as he passed her and stood beside Angeal and in front of the Turks. Mentally, Nikki counted the members of the group, which resulted in the count of eight. Simpering, she glanced back at President ShinRa, who was nodding at the two 1st class SOLDIERs in acknowledgement.

"Good, you're all here. Now, straight to the point…you are all assigned to a mission. The mission consists of eight people and will take an estimate of three days by van to travel. You will all go to the Mako Reactor in Mt. Nibel at Nibelheim. Is that understood?" President ShinRa raised a suspicious eyebrow, particularly at Nikki, who chewed at her nails. Nodding a 'yes, sir,' the group shifted as the President continued.

"You will make sure that the reactor is suitable enough for an important delivery. That will remain unknown to you. You will all leave tomorrow morning at 5am sharp. Understood?" Inwardly, Nikki groaned. At 5am? That was way too early for her desire, since that meant she would have to wake up at 4am to get packed and ready. Wait a second…Nikki discovered that if it would take them three days, that would mean overnight…and that would mean they would have to sleep. Well, if that was true, Nikki had to know what the sleeping arrangements were…but she didn't dare ask the President. In fact, she wouldn't dare speak to him at all. As he explained more details to Angeal, Nikki watched with a blank expression as she let the time slip by quickly, being lost in her own thoughts. The sudden sound of her name was heard.

"Ms. Hirome?" Nikki shook out of her reverie and walked up next to her trainer and nodded at the President, who had called her over.

"Yes, sir?" she muttered quietly, gazing at the stern man through fearful eyes.

"This will be your first mission. Are you ready?" President ShinRa asked with a withering glare. Gulping nervously, Nikki nodded as she squeaked, 'yes, sir'. Genesis turned ever so slightly to steal a glance from her before informing the President.

"Since she is coming along, I will have to, as well, to accompany her and make sure she does her job correctly," he quoted bluntly. Wincing, Nikki knew that Genesis was only coming to make sure she didn't get her ass beaten up by monsters on the way to Mt. Nibel. Mentally snorting at that fact, Nikki breathed in as the President suddenly dismissed the group. Preparing to exit the room following the five fellow Turks, Nikki was stopped by Genesis, who stepped in front of her with a trace of a smirk playing at his lips.

"Ms. Hirome, you will be equipped with a gun, am I understood?" he demanded her more than asking. Smiling as kindly as she could, the teen nodded and blinked.

"Yes, sir, I understand." With that remark, Genesis turned on his heel and proceeded from the room followed by Nikki, who didn't want to be left alone on the strange level. Catching up with him, Nikki realized that he wasn't making his way to the elevator, but down the hallway in the opposite direction. Before she could turn back around and try to go to the elevator, Genesis gave her a questioning glare, but didn't say anything. Chewing her lip, Nikki wondered if she should speak up to him, but caught herself. Why was she following him? Maybe it was because she just wanted to talk. Yes, that was it…just a friendly chat. But he would think her indifferent and odd if she suddenly tried to start up a conversation. So, for the better of it, Nikki remained in her usual position.

Together the two strolled around the 70th level for a few minutes before making their way back to the elevator. Ah, so her trainer had no other business there? Well, that was interesting…Keeping her mouth shut, Nikki halted as Genesis walked up to the elevator and pressed in the button that had the number 70 on it. As they waited, Nikki's teacher turned towards her with a quiet smile.

"Would you like to come with me to gather the supplies needed?" he asked diligently with his hands behind his back. Grateful that she had something to do, Nikki bobbed her head.

"Yes, sir."

"Good," Genesis replied as the elevator bell rang as it opened. Nikki tried to walk into the platform, but as she did, Genesis attempted to as well. On cue, their shoulders bumped into each other and Nikki stepped back, heat rising in her cheeks.

"Sorry, sir," she mumbled as her trainer stepped into the elevator and beckoned Nikki to follow the same actions. With a simper, Nikki remained standing beside Genesis as she watched the elevator door slide to a close. Leaning forward, he pressed in the 1st level button, where, obviously, the supplies resided. Breathing in dramatically, Genesis straightened his mysterious stance.

"Are you nervous?" he suddenly quipped as he glanced at her sideways. Startled by his question, Nikki turned to him.

"What do you mean?"

"About the mission? Are you nervous?" Genesis tried to make his point clear, which he always seemed to have trouble with. With a soft smile, Nikki shook her head.

"No, sir, why should I be? All we have to do is make sure that the reactor is suitable for…for…whatever it is that is going to be delivered there…sir, may I ask you a question?" Nikki tilted her head to the side as she lowered her stormy eyes to the floor.

"Yes, of course," he offered gently. Daring to meet his blue eyes, Nikki looked up at him and sighed before asking.

"What exactly is going to be moved there?" It was apparently the wrong question, for Genesis' face stoned over with no emotion.

"That is to remain a secret. I'm sorry that I cannot answer your question, Ms. Hirome," he uttered under his breath. Whatever the object in question was, it was obviously not exactly a 'good' thing. But, however, Nikki wasn't fazed by the cold reply at all.

"Hmm, it's all right, sir, I understand."

"Anyways, you should be at least a little nervous…" the auburn haired man slowly began to explain something that Nikki had no clue as to what it was.

"Yes?" she answered slyly.

"Well, it's not exactly a job of only checking out the place. We have to clean it out, too."

"What do you mean, 'clean it out'?"

"We'll have to get rid of any creatures lurking around the reactor," he informed, glancing back at the innocent girl. A sudden look of horror crossed her face as her lower lip trembled.

"Oh, I see…"

"Don't worry…I'll be there to help you," he barely whispered as he stared at her through his crystal blue eyes. Not even looking up at Genesis, Nikki watched the elevator door, hoping that the certain level they wished to arrive at would come soon. But his remark wasn't too forward…in fact, it was just a friendly remark. With a half smile, Nikki looked over at Genesis, who switched his attention to what floor they were on at that moment.

"Thank you," she responded as kind as she could. Glancing at the level dial above the elevator doors, Nikki noticed that they were at level 23 at that moment. Holding her hands together, the girl scuffed the toe of her boot on the floor, as she always did when she was in deep thought. Genesis was indeed rather nice…though somewhat temperamental. Yet, there was something mysterious in his air, like he was keeping some secret inside. But it wasn't any of her business, so she should just forget it…though Nikki couldn't help but feel that she wanted to be his friend. Letting out a slow breath, Nikki turned to Genesis again, only to see him staring at her. Before she could ask him what was wrong, he spoke up.

"I'm sorry, Ms. Hirome…" he mumbled. Confused, Nikki raised her brow.

"About what, sir?"

"I'm sorry how I acted yesterday towards you. It was unfair," Genesis glanced at the floor and waited for Nikki to answer.

"It's okay, sir, I understand. I'm not upset," she reassured him with another one of her kind smiles. Every time a smile played at her lips, her whole countenance seemed to liven up. It was, indeed, a shame that she did not smile that much. Only on that particular day she happened to be in the cheerful mood because she was, in fact, excited. Genesis watched as Nikki played with her fingers once more as the elevator doors slid open to reveal the first level.

-:-

"Nikki, wake up!" a hushed, urgent voice filled the silent void of the dark as the girl was disrupted from her pleasant dreams. Grunting in response, Nikki kept her eyes shut tight and rolled over on her side, burying her head in her pillow. It seemed that a moment had passed before she was shaken violently on her shoulder. Swiping at the person who dared to disturb her sleep, Nikki was returned by another jerk.

"Nikki! It's 4:03! You need to wake up, or we'll be late! Genesis wants to meet you, ASAP!" Elena's annoyed voice became clearer as Nikki regained conscious and lifted her heavy eyelids. Stretching lazily, the tired teenager raised the soft covers from her figure and adjusted her blurry eyesight on her sister, who was still in her nightgown. The night before, Nikki had stayed up finishing up her paperwork once again because Sephiroth wanted her to wash the dinner dishes and fetch him a cup of coffee, since he was planning to stay up the whole night, working on important files. It was past midnight before she finally fell into a deep sleep. Groggily, Nikki wiped her eyes to get rid of the sleep.

"Will I be able to sleep on the way there?" Nikki yawned, barely making out her words. Taking a moment to understand her sister, Elena nodded and pulled at her arm.

"Of course, silly, it's going to take us the whole day to travel, even in the van. Now come on! Genesis has to give you your gun and then you have to get ready! You have to meet him at the weapon room on level 49." she yelled in her younger sister's ear.

"What? Now? Can't I get dressed first? And what's the point in giving it to me now?" Nikki hissed as she glanced at her own nightgown. Unfortunately, she did not have her house jacket with her because she was stupid enough to believe that she would be able to dress modestly before going out in the open. Her nightgown was made of thin white material and reached her knees. Only straps held it together at her shoulders.

"Because he's going to be busy at a meeting with Sephiroth! If he gets late for it because of your lazy ass, then you're in big trouble. Besides, we may run into a few problems on the way and we always need to be prepared!" Elena poked at her sister's shoulder. Sighing, Nikki knew that the blonde woman was right.

Grabbing a small blue blanket from the foot of her bed, Nikki jumped from the mattress and landed on the floor with a soft thud. Satisfied with her sister's sudden awakening, Elena dashed from the room to prepare for the journey. Confused at her quick exit, Nikki draped the blanket over her bare shoulders and yawned once more. Making her way down the hallway, the young girl barely recognized her surroundings as she stepped into the elevator. Realizing that she was bare footed, she shrugged. She personally didn't care. All she had to do was get her gun, go back to her room and get ready. There was nothing to it. Leaning against the wall of the platform, Nikki closed her eyes and dosed off for what seemed like only a minute before the elevator doors slid open. Shaking herself from unwanted sleep, Nikki walked out of the elevator onto level 49 and stretched again.

Looking through her messy bangs, Nikki suddenly thought for the first time how unkempt she appeared. Her hair was in odd angles and her side bangs were behind her ears. In fact, her hair was still kept in a messy bun; only strands of bleached hair were falling out of the braid. Rolling her eyes, Nikki continued strolling down the hallway to the usual weapon room. To her surprise, the glass door was open. Breathing a sigh of relief, Nikki turned into the doorway and stopped in her tracks when she met Genesis' gaze. To her shock, he was fully dressed in his usual apparel. He probably woke up an hour earlier, which would be around 3am, Nikki came to that conclusion as she stepped across the cold floor, but she didn't mind. Genesis greeted her with a tired smile, despite the hour of the morning.

"Good morning, Ms. Hirome, you're here for your weapon, right?" he put in almost too brightly. How could he actually be awake at the most ungodly hour of the morning? Nikki only blinked in response, too worn out to reply. But she knew she had to nod, so she forced herself to bob her head ever so slightly. Without another word, Genesis reached out and grasped her cold hand and held it out as he placed the familiar silver pistol in her outstretched palm. Thanking him quietly with another nod, Nikki turned on her heel and drowsily made her way back to her room to get ready for the long day ahead.

-:-

Standing at the entrance of the ShinRa building, Nikki looked blankly at the large, grey van in front of her. On the back, there were two doors opening up to the back of the van where six members of the group would be seated. Nikki raised her eyebrows as she came to realize that she would be too tired to stay awake to find out who would sit where, for now all she wanted was to sit down and go to sleep. That day she was wearing her black pants, white blouse and black tie, covering herself with the warm, blue blanket she had carried with her as if her life depended on it. The time was 4:56am and everyone was ready to leave. Nikki determined that as soon as she was seated, she would go back to sleep, since she needed the rest.

Suddenly, Nikki felt someone gently push her shoulder towards the van. As the sun was three hours from peeking over the mountains, the planet was still engulfed in darkness and coldness. Shivering, Nikki drew her blanket closer as the person leading her gave her another nudge on her shoulder. As Rude, Cissnei, Reno, and Elena entered, Nikki followed, observing the wide van as she stumbled across the compartment to an empty seat.

On both sides of the back, there were two seats. Rude and Cissnei were seated on one side and Elena and Reno sat by each other on the other. Nikki found her place at the pair of chairs behind the driver's seat and the passenger seat, which was sectioned off by a window. The seat that Nikki had plopped in was facing the back at the double doors. Humming a quiet tune of the lullaby, Nikki closed her eyes as she felt someone sit next to her on her right, but she was too tired to notice who it was. Before she knew it, she was falling asleep and leaning off to her right side to lean against someone's comfortable shoulder. As soon as she was comfy enough, Nikki had drifted away to a deep slumber.

-

(a/n): Gee, I wonder who that someone was…(note: sarcasm failed again) Whoo! Some implications finally! Did you guys notice? Hmm, if you didn't, well then, I don't know what's wrong with me…But I found that scene in the middle of the chapter rather adorable and awkward, for some odd reason. Reviews and critiques would be lovely! Flames will be used to burn Gackt CDs. Mwahaha. X3