Chapter 25
Veld sat at his desk, mulling over the information that Vincent shared with him. He ran his metallic hand through his dark locks. Noticing the stacks of paperwork in front of him, Veld swiveled around in the chair, looking out of the window. A starless night sky stared back; looking at his watch he shook his head. It is only three o'clock in the afternoon and it is already night. He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. It is almost always night here. What does that say about this country? What does it say about this company? Who is it am I fighting for?
Veld rubbed at his temples, hoping to alleviate some of the pressure. He was a conflicted man. Felicia. He thought, leaning forward in his chair. Looking out into the night, he could see engineers working on sector one's reactor, which was blown up by AVALANCHE a few months ago. I lost a lot of good men that day. Loyal men. Veld stood, placing his hand on the cool glass, but he could not feel the sensation. Narrowing his eyes at his metal hand, the red fire materia glinted in the light. His mind was made.
Walking back to the desk, he picked up his PHS. He held it in his hand, hesitating once more, but his resolve was set. He dialed a number, waiting patiently for his right hand man to answer. Tseng's deep voice flowed into Veld's ear.
"Tseng, release the signal,"
Shears, Elfe, Cid, and Shalua were surrounded by Ravens, as they were being led through the Corel Shinra Base. Booted steps echoed about the hollow hallway. Elfe's head rolled into the crook of Shears's neck, and a wheeze flittering out of her throat. She clutched at his shoulder, causing him to look down at her.
"Elfe?" he asked, adjusting her against him.
"I'm fine Shears. Don't worry about me,"
"No offense sweetheart, but the man's carryin ya," Cid said, bringing the cigarette to his lips, "I think he don' earned the right to worry," he explained with smoke swirling about the hallway. Elfe glared at the back of his blonde head, before looking at Shears,
"Who is he again?" she asked.
Shears chuckled, "Cid Highwind. Fuhito wanted to see him,"
"Why," Elfe frowned, and Shalua smirked.
"We are here," Kyneugh's distorted voice said, leading them through metal doors. They entered into the large hanger, where the Corel Base Shinra Airship hovered above the concrete floor. Cid's mouth fell open.
"This my damn Dell model! Them son o' bitches!" he stomped over to it, checking out the frame.
"Mr. Highwind," Fuhito began, catching the eyes of his captives, "I'm so glad you could make it,"
"Who the fuck are you?" Cid narrowed his eyes at Fuhito, who smirked back at him.
"I am the leader of AVALANCHE,"
Elfe pushed against Shears's chest and he placed her on the ground. She walked over to Fuhito, "I am the leader of AVALANCHE, and it was a mistake to choose you to lead while I recuperated,"
Fuhito tilted his head at Elfe, before backhanding her. The young woman dropped to the floor, cradling her cheek.
"What the fuck is wrong wit ya! That's a female!" Cid exclaimed as Shears lounged at Fuhito but was stopped when the Raven's pointed their swords at his head, chest, and throat.
"You disappoint me Elfe," Fuhito remarked, standing over her. "I allowed you to lead to gain AVALANCHE's trust. You were never the leader, only a figurehead,"
"You bastard!" Shalua exclaimed, her fist trembling by her sides.
"Mind your tongue," Fuhito began, glaring at Shalua, "I still know the location of Shelke," he held up his hand, stopping her from talking, "And I will deliver her to you if continue to serve me. Now," the demented scientist turned to Cid, "Mr. Highwind, your services are required,"
"What?"
"I will get to the point," he began and Cid shrugged, "Since you designed the ship, I feel that it is obvious that you know how to fly it,"
"Yeah," Cid shrugged again.
"I need you to fly it for me. I am going to invade Cosmos Canyon,"
"Fuhito!" Elfe exclaimed, taking a step towards him, "Have you gone insane? How could you invade our home?"
"Elfe, be quiet,"
Cid looked from Elfe to Fuhito, "Look, I ain't tryin' to get involved wit nuthin' like this. Shears told me that you were tryin' to fight Shinra, ain't onboard with nuthin' like attackin' a peaceful country like Cosmos Canyon,"
Fuhito pulled a gun out of his suit jacket, brushing against his purple tie. He aimed at Cid's head, "I was not offering you a request,"
The blonde chuckled, blowing cigarette smoke into the air, "Suck my . . ."
Fuhito turned and shot Elfe in the leg. A scream was wrenched from her and Cid's cigarette fell out of his mouth. Fuhito walked over to the young woman, who was clutching her thigh. She glared into his eyes and he smiled.
"I will put the next bullet between her eyes Mr. Highwind," he turned, locking eyes with Cid, "Do you want that on your conscience?" Fuhito asked, pulling back on the hammer, "Do you? Because I will kill her. She has out lived her usefulness and she has betrayed me,"
"Don't go'damn it! I'll fly the damn ship,"
"Excellent, how long will it take to get to Cosmos Canyon from here?"
"Normally four hours but this ship has hyper-speed capabilities. We can get there in forty minutes to an hour, but it will need a two hour cooling period before hyper-speed can be used again,"
"Excellent, we leave immediately,"
Zack, Aerith, and Cloud walked to the garage, for Cloud's mission transport. Zack glanced over at his best friend and brother, sadness filling him.
"Did you have to attack Rufus?" Zack asked, glaring at the blonde, who shrugged.
"If it means protecting Tifa, I would do it again,"
"You know that's why you're being sent on this bullshit assignment," he turned to Aerith, who frowned at him, "Sorry," he replied sheepishly. "Cloud?"
"It's alright, Zack. I'll be fine,"
"Everything will be as it should," Aerith replied, touching Cloud's arm and he smiled at her.
"This wasn't the plan but I guess you're right," he shrugged as they rounded the corner, "When I get there, I'll call you guys, maybe we can convince them to let you come out to see me, you know if I get transferred there on a more permanent bases," he looked at the teen's sad face, "Chin up Zack, I'm supposed to be the grumpy one remember,"
"I didn't mean any of that stuff,"
"Yes you did and it's alright. I'm gonna be fine, Zack," Cloud said, tossing his duffle bag to the waiting dock loader, before turning back to Aerith and Zack.
"Well this is it," he mumbled, "I won't see you guys for a while,"
Aerith shook her head, "No," she whispered, her eyes glowed gold, "We'll see you very soon,"
"Um, I'll be gone for a few weeks Aerith," he narrowed his eyes, "Are you alright?"
"No, we're coming to you," she replied ominously. Zack and Cloud gaped at her looking between themselves.
"Last call to Junon!"
Cloud looked over his shoulder at the driver, who was glaring at him, "I'll see you guys. Tell Tifa, I'm sorry,"
"You know I will Cloud," Zack mumbled, watching Cloud climb into the truck. He waved to them as the vehicle pulled out of the garage.
"Did you find it necessary to make a scene in there? I was going to go with you," Tifa grumbled, snapping at the young Vice President. Rufus shrugged, looking down at her.
"You came, did you not?"
"Yeah, what choice did I have after all that attention?"
Rufus chuckled, opening the door for her. There was a swarm of paparazzi waiting for them as they exited the building.
"Oh my Leviathan," Tifa murmured, looking up at Rufus, who frowned at them.
"Just ignore them," he replied, leading her to the limo.
"Is this your new love interest, Mr. Vice President?
"Are you the Princess of Wutai?"
"Are you a couple? If so for how long?"
"Is she the one, Mr. Vice President?"
Rufus leaned down to Tifa, wrapping an arm around her shoulders, shielding her from the pestering reporters.
"Is this what you deal with every time you leave the building?" She asked.
"Almost," he slipped her in front of him, "don't worry,"
"SHINRA!" a female roar exclaimed over the crowd, silencing everyone. Rufus and Tifa turned and a tomato was flung at them. Rufus tucked Tifa against him and Cissnei sliced the fruit in half before it could reach them. She ran at the woman pinning her to the ground, with the shuriken against her jugular. Elmyra's grocery bag was crumpled on the ground.
"Wait!" Tifa yelled, running to the woman, "Ms. Gainsborough? What are you doing?"
"He took my baby from me!"
"Cissnei, please, release her,"
"She has made a physical threat against the Vice President. I am unable to comply," Cissnei's eyes were cold as she dug her knee into Elmyra's back and pain filled cries made Tifa's blood run cold. She turned to him.
"Rufus please!"
Rufus sighed, "Cissnei, release her,"
Cissnei gasped, looking at him. The Paparazzi were silent, waiting for the conclusion.
"Yes, sir," the Turk dipped her head, climbing off of the woman's back. Tifa helped Elmyra to her feet, embracing the woman against her.
"Everything is going to be okay, Ms. Gainsborough. She's okay," Tifa cooed, rubbing her back. The broken woman clung to Tifa, wailing on her shoulder, "I promise you, I'm protecting Aerith with my life. Nothing is going to happen to her, I swear it,"
Elmyra pulled away, locking eyes with Tifa, "Thank you,"
"It is my pleasure," she reached down and picked up her bag of groceries, "Do you have everything you need?" the woman nodded and Tifa leaned into her ear, "In the abandoned AVALANCHE warehouse, in one of the rooms there is a drawer with 10,000 gil that Master Zangan left me. I want you to have it, to repair all the damage your house might have sustained. It's the least I can do,"
"Tifa?" Elmyra asked, and the Princess smiled at her, kissing her cheek.
"Be safe," Tifa whispered walking to Rufus's waiting arm. She looked back once more, before climbing into the limo.
Hollander rolled his eyes, listening to Hojo's most recent rant. He and Hojo were tasked with sifting through Fuhito's research notes, and trying to grasp an understanding of the creature, the former 2nd Class SOLDIER Lieutenant Rick Suzumura. Hollander paused, concentrating on some interesting information.
"Are you even listening to me?" Hojo asked over his shoulder, stopping the scalpel mid-way through his incision.
"Hojo, come here,"
"What! Have you found anything useful or not?" the Professor grumbled, putting the scalpel on the metal tray. He shuffled over to Hollander, looking over his shoulder.
"Do you see it?" Hollander asked, pointing to a section on the diagram.
"What is it I'm supposedly to see?" Hojo grumbled, peering over his glasses. Hollander sighed.
"In the brain," Hollander magnified the image and Hojo gasped, "see there are more electrons than protons in the cells of the central nervous system. The abnormality is consistent through the brain stem and spinal column,"
"Ah, I see," Hojo stroked his chin, "if we can figure out a way to disrupt it, we can effectively kill the creatures,"
"Exactly. That's why Rick here couldn't attack Cloud and Zack anymore, after his head was severed. All anyone has to do is place the head close enough to the body and it will heal," Hollander took a breath, "Fuhito has taken it a step farther. He adjusted the Ravens to his mental frequencies, thereby, controlling them with a single thought,"
"Yeah well," Hojo replied begrudgingly
"Don't be that way, it is a brilliant notion and you know it," Hollander rolled his eyes, "but I have an idea on how to kill them and duplicate the procedure,"
Hojo glared at Hollander, "Well do tell,"
"Ionization,"
"Yes," Hojo stepped back to Rick's body on the surgical table, "if we send an ion beam in the vicinity of creatures, the electrons and protons will balance, and disrupt Fuhito's hold on them,"
"Exactly. But I would like to test out that theory. Do we still have Rick's head?"
"Yes, but won't that kill the specimen?"
"Unfortunately, if my theory proves correct, we should collect some samples first," Hollander shrugged, "Maybe we'll get lucky and another Raven will fall in our laps,"
Veld entered the special floor designated for secret Turk meetings. It was a floor between floors, requiring a special pass to even enter the door of the stairs. Walking down the dark windowless hallway, Veld rounded the corner, approaching the door at the end. Upon entering, he found Katana and Tseng, who was leaning against the wall, with his arms against his chest. Veld locked eyes with him, nodding as he entered the room fully.
"Where are the others?"
"They're coming," Tseng replied, "Although, Cissnei is on assignment protecting Rufus and Tifa," the director nodded his head.
"What is this about, Veld?" Katana asked, narrowing his eyes at his commanding officer.
Veld sighed, "I will explain everything when the others get here,"
"Well Rod's in the house!" the auburn haired man announced, tapping the electro-rod on his shoulder. Veld nodded at him, looking at a door opening on the opposite side of the room, and Elena and her sister Gun entered, who were followed by Muscles, Martial Arts, and Two Guns. They huddled near Veld and Tseng, waiting for the reason behind this secret meeting.
"Yo! I was about to kick this guys teeth in, what gives?!" Reno exclaimed as he and Rude entered the door Veld just came through.
"Why is it I always hear you before I see you?" Knife complained from her perch on the ceiling, she somersaulted, landing in a crouch, "Do you ever be quiet,"
"Only when my mouth is full. If ya know what I mean," Rod and Reno high fived.
"Eww!" Shot-gun exclaimed, pausing in the door way, with Nunchaku following behind her, "You are so uncouth,"
"Yeah, yeah, whatever," Reno shrugged them off, sharing a smile with Rod.
"Enough," Veld commanded everyone's attention, "I called you hear for a very specific purpose. It has recently been brought to my attention that AVALANCHE has attacked the Corel Base," he held up a hand when the chatter among the Turks became too loud, "There's more. I don't know if all of you are aware but the leader of AVALANCHE, Elfe, is my daughter, Felicia. The information I have received suggest that if Fuhito, her current lieutenant, carry out his plans not only will he kill her and everyone in Corel but . . ." his eyes swept over the group, "he will destroy the entire planet,"
"Fuck me! Are you joking?" Reno exclaimed.
"When does he ever joke, Reno?" Muscles asked, looking back at the director.
"I am leaving Shinra, to go after my daughter,"
"That's treason," Katana began, "you will be labeled a traitor,"
"Better that he's a traitor, than a heartless father," Martial Arts spoke up, flinging her sandy hair over her shoulder. Katana's glare softened and he nodded at her.
"So what do you want us to do?" Nunchaku replied.
"I am going to present you with a choice. This is not an order the decision is yours. I just need to know who will stand with me to save the world and my daughter." The room was quiet as the Turks mulled over their decisions.
"I'm with you," Rude spoke up to the shock of everyone in the room.
"I can't let baldy go into battle without me, so I'm in yo," Reno slapped Rude on the back. All of the Turks began nodding in the affirmative, leaving only Tseng to give his answer.
"Tseng?"
"Director, do you really have to ask me that?"
Veld smiled, nodding his head, "Alright, this is the plan,"
Fuhito stood, with his arms behind his back, looking out of the large window. The nation of Cosmos Canyon neared, and a brief moment of nostalgia entered his heart.
What is it my love? Are you having second thoughts?
No my goddess. It is just . . . this place has been my home since I was a boy. However, my home is with you now.
And I will never leave you and you are always welcome. We are so close to our goal. Can you not sense the power that will be yours soon?
Yes, everything is coming together as you predicted. I am honored to serve you, my dark goddess.
Fuhito turned to Cid, who was guiding the airship toward the canyon. "Beautiful isn't,"
"What ya talkin' 'bout?"
"The canyon with its red dirt, hills, and valleys," he looked out of the window, "it's almost a shame that I am about to destroy it,"
"Uh-huh, look, I don't know what ya problem is wit these people, but they good folks. They helped a wretch like me, fin' my way once," Cid sighed, "Jus' . . . don' do this,"
"It can't be avoided," Fuhito locked eyes with Cid, "a war is coming, and I must be prepared,"
"So nuthin' I say gonna change ya mind," Cid asked and Fuhito shook his head, "Then we ain't got nuthin' else to talk about,"
Fuhito shrugged, turning to the window, Ravens, attack! He thought, walking off of the bridge to the outside. Yishay, take over for me. Ravens lined the side of the ship, diving over board onto the ground. The sound of bodies colliding with Gaia met his ears, and a smile tugged at his lips. Once the last of the forty Ravens landed, he leaned against the railing, peering over the edge. Fuhito could see specks below, forming into people as Cid brought the ship closer to the ground.
Allow me, my love. Fuhito gripped the railing and two black feathery wings burst from his back.
"Ugh," he grunted at the pain, and his breaths came out in ragged puffs.
I have allowed you to use more of my power. We are truly becoming one now.
Fuhito smiled, shaking the blood off of the wings. Blackened blood was flung along the floor as Yishay appeared beside him.
"I will have Cid land outside the gate my lord," Yishay reported, bowing his head in reverence.
"Thank you," Fuhito replied, stretching and flapping his wings. "Do not fail me," he glared at Yishay, before he began to hover above the airship. He flew over Cosmos Canyon, watching the Cosmonites run in terror. Their screams and whimpers was music to the demented Professor's ears. He felt Jenova stirring within him and he could feel her joy at the destruction taking place.
This is beautiful, Fuhito. We are so close!
I know my goddess. He sawDjango and Indi battling a group of Ravens that were attacking a group of fleeing children. Fuhito chuckled at them. Useless. Young caline guardians, you cannot hope to defeat my Ravens. They are indestructible.
The Cosmonite Peace Corp fought to protect the citizens as well, leading them to the safety of the underground caves. Fuhito witnessed his Ravens being mutilated by their gunfire, but the undead army continued charging forward. One Raven's leg was blown completely off, and it dragged its body to the missing appendage, holding the leg close enough for the stump to latch on to it.
Fuhito narrowed his eyes at the women and children that were escorted by the Peace Corp, to safety of the Observatory. Bugenhagen. He landed on the telescope, casually walking down into the building. He saw the old man shielding a group of small children.
"Hello, Father," Fuhito began, "the prodigal son returns.
The bright lights of Midgar filled the dark skies as Tifa and Rufus flew over the circular city, in a helicopter. His arm was braced against the door with Tifa tucked into his side as he showed her his city.
"This is the first sector, the family Mansion is in that quadrant right there," he pointed. She giggled looking back at him.
"How could anyone miss it, there's a big S carved in the grass,"
"That's father's doing I assure you," he chuckled,
"It's huge, like the Wutai palace,"
"Well, we're considered royalty in Midgar," he replied, "There, that is my personal gun range. Tseng and Veld taught me everything I know about guns, which is extensive details about the construction and the powder, it is a total snooze-fest I assure you,"
"It seems like they mean a lot to you,"
Rufus locked eyes with her, "They do. My father was never around, they practically raised me. Veld became my surrogate father and Tseng my older brother. They showed me what it means to have honor and respect,"
"Yeah?"
"Yes, Veld taught me that if you show your emotions to the wrong people, they can use it against you," a faraway look appeared in his eyes, "if I am to lead Midgar, I must lead with logic, emotions cloud your judgment,"
Tifa shook her head, "Sometimes, you must lead with your heart. Emotions can give you strength you were unaware was there,"
"Is that how you plan to lead? With your heart,"
Tifa turned to the window, "I am adopted, and I cannot lead Wutai. I will never Empress,"
"Who said anything about Wutai?"
Tifa looked at him and Rufus stroked her cheek, leaning toward her. Heat gathered in her belly and she prepared to receive his kiss, but Cloud's face appeared before her eyes and she turned away,
"What's this down here?"
Rufus smiled, before looking out of the window, "That, my dear Princess is where we are headed. This is the eighth sector, The Loveless play is showing and your tour of Midgar would not be complete without seeing it,"
"You like the theater?"
"Of course,"
She smiled at him, "So is this the real Rufus Shinra?"
He sighed, "Yes, as much of me as I am comfortable with sharing right now,"
"Hmm, I think this Rufus and I can be friends,"
He chuckled, "I am happy to hear it,"
Hojo watched Hollander sifting through more research materials. He looked at his watch, before turning to his computer.
"Hollander, how are the experiments coming on the Princess?"
Hollander turned his smiling brown eyes at Hojo, who continued working on the computer. "Fine, why do you ask?"
"I was just curious!" Hojo exclaimed, swiveling around his chair to glare at Hollander, who chuckled at him.
"What do you want to know?"
"I don't care I was just making conversation,"
"Ha, ha! Hojo, you don't make conversation, she's everything and more than our expectations. Her powers do not have a plateau. As she grows so will her powers, just like our children,"
"Hmm. Have you ever collected a sample from her in a heighten state?"
Hollander shook her head, "Rufus won't allow it, besides, there is no purpose for it,"
"Are you afraid of the Shinra rug-rat?"
"No," Hollander chuckled, "I don't delight in causing people harm without a good excuse. You are truly demented Hojo,"
"There are no limits in the name of discovery. This is why I will always surpass you,"
"Hojo, how do you sleep at night?"
The laboratory phone rang, and Hojo picked it up, "Hojo, here," he nodded his head, "when?" he looked at Hollander, "I will relay the message," he replied hanging up the phone. "Hollander, Angeal is in trouble. I was told that he was in a catatonic state," Hojo shrugged.
"What do you mean in a catatonic state?"
"I don't know, I was just told that it is urgent," Hojo responded, looking through information on the screen.
Hollander jumped from his seat, "Where?"
"I don't know where! They didn't say! I've told you all that I know," Hojo barked at him. Hollander gasped, running from the laboratory. Hojo followed his departure, making sure that he was gone. He dialed the phone, "As soon as she returns to the building, bring her here immediately. Hollander should be busy for awhile,"
Well that's that! I hope you enjoyed the latest installment folks. Thanks for reading and don't forget to review! Adios!
~Auktober