Chapter 36: Undercover

Deliria's POV

"Is the specimen ready, doctor?"

"Yes, and we'll have no problem in transporting it to the lab. Thank you..."

"Hey you! Come here!"

Me? I gradually open my eyes and take in my surroundings. I'm in the Shin-Ra manor? What am I doing here? I'm supposed to be in the EBH with Trev and the psychos.

"Are you deaf? I said come here!" I turn my head to where the voice is coming from. A young man is standing near the lab door, a scowl on his face.

Slowly, my feet obeyed and began dragging me towards him. As I reach his spot, he taps his foot against the floor, and looks at me with angry annoyance in his eyes.

"About time you heard me... Do you need a hearing aid for some reason?" He asks harshly, looking me up and down. He stretches out his hand as if to ask for something.

This is my problem. What does he want from me? I look at him, confused and he rolls his eyes through the glasses perched on his hawk-like nose. He keeps holding out his hand, and I'm sure he's expecting something from me, but I don't know what it is.

"What?"

"The syringe? We have this operation under time limit, young lady," he snaps. What is he talking about?

He growled and before I know it, he's reached inside my white coat pocket and pulls it out, wagging it in my face like a prize. Without another word to waste, he turns his back on me and punches the security code to the lab. The metallic doors open with the same whirring sounds just like how it used to. I follow the scientist in and watch as he hands the syringe to a pony-tailed man. Hojo.

Nobody seems to care that I'm around so I make my way swiftly to the man's side. Hojo always creeped me out even though I only saw him once or twice before. He specialized on testing SOLDIERs. I sigh and keep my mouth shut as he squirts some strange green liquid into the syringe—mixing it with the earlier contents. I frown when he smiles quite wickedly.

The scientist who reprimanded me earlier is standing next to me, ignoring me this time. I can see Hojo's going to introduce the serum to a subject that appears to be a baby. I'm curious now, and I walk closer. Screw the scientists if they kick me out. I had seen everything just as Hojo injects the serum into the baby; as the needle penetrates the vulnerable flesh. And a terrible cry echoes through the whole room, while I resist the urge to cover my ears—as tempting as it sounds. I find myself getting closer until I'm right next to the metal table where the baby is; its arms and legs held down by iron clamps. Oh Gaia! That's too much for an infant. Without meaning to, I reach out and the baby's eyes snap open.

Huge amethyst eyes stare back at me, filled with fear and longing for a mother. I think I'm going to choke. I move my arms only to be met with resistance. I dare take a look and find myself confined to cold metal table where the baby had been. Damn! I'm in my underwear. From the corner of my eye, I see Hojo come closer. He's pushing a tray of something. As it comes closer to the only source of light in the middle of the dark room, I realize its operating equipment. I watch with horror as he dons his surgical gloves and selects a scissor made to cut through the skin. This isn't good.

I scream. I scream until my voice becomes raspy and ready to die down. Sharp pain shoots across my nerves, a loud slam can be heard above me. I think I hit my head. With trembling lips, I lift my head and scream some more at the sight. My flesh is wide open, warm blood streaking down across my stomach from the long deep cuts, pooling at the tiled floor. Ugh… I can see my own membrane. Another scream reverberates through the walls as I feel rough fingers reach inside me and tear something out. The world becomes a blur as I try my best to focus on Hojo's hands. He's holding something that came from my body—specifically my digestive system. He puts it aside and reaches in again.

Oh gosh, oh gosh, oh gosh, oh gosh... It hurts. There's nothing I can do but scream...and scream...and scream...

Kadaj's POV

Something's screaming. I think it's right next to me. Ugh... Another pain-filled scream reaches my acute hearing and I think I flinched. Who would be screaming at this time of night? Don't humans understand the prospect of a good night's sleep? Oh...right... I've never had a good night's sleep in my whole life. Hell...

I blink and shift slightly, trying to get my bearings. Another scream erupts and hysterical movement jolts me to my senses. It means I'm awake, idiots! Scowling, I turn to my right and... damn it. I reach out a hand to her trembling form. Ria's whimpering, and I can see tears staining her cheeks as another scream pours out from her throat.

Something tells me that whatever nightmare she's having, it's not good.

Nightmares are never good you dolt!

Shut up conscience!

I return my focus to her, and lightly shake her shoulder. Give me a break! I'm trying to wake her up without startling her.

"Hojo, NO!" Ria sits up suddenly, throwing her pillow to the floor in the process. I sigh and quietly reach for her hand.

Her gaze turns on me all of a sudden. And scrambling with speed I've never seen her use before, she's clinging to me, burying her face on my chest and wrapping her arms tightly around my waist. She sure is shaken up. I mean, she's trembling all over, her t-shirt and shorts soaked with sweat. Her sobs silently echoed a thousand times in my ears. (I'm not exaggerating! I swear!) Unconsciously, my hand makes its way to her back, rubbing it comfortingly as I start to sway her from side to side—like you would to a crying baby. How do I even know that? Anyways, my other hand begins threading its fingers through her hair. I kiss her forehead lightly and hold her closer to me protectively. I said it before. I'd protect her... from every threat. I promised I'd keep her safe, and I will.

Normal POV

"Shhh... It's okay... It's going to be okay..." Kadaj whispered as Ria continued to sob in his arms.

The nightmare was far too shocking and too scary to be just a dream. It felt so real, and it could've traumatized her too—traumatize her into never sleeping again for fear of its reoccurrence. The very thought had her snuggling at the crook of Kadaj's neck to banish the last threads of it from her mind. He turned his head slightly and nuzzled her temple, brushing back the strands of her dark brown hair.

"Do you want to tell me about it?" He softly spoke, his hot breath sending shivers down her neck.

Ria shook her head slightly. "I'd rather not... if that's okay. I'm... scared of reliving it. Maybe I'd tell you...someday..."

"If it'll make you feel worse, you don't have to," he chided, carefully reclining her against the pillows.

Ria stared into Kadaj's cat's eyes in the gloom as he hovered above her, stroking the side of her face. And the way he was looking at her now, reminded her why she never regretted falling for him in the first place. Earlier memories of Drake leaving her alone after an occasional nightmare caused her mouth to shut. Drake had explained to her that he had no idea how to comfort people who were crying, and yet he was human. But looking at Kadaj now, she knew she was far better off with a Remnant of Sephiroth. One would expect Kadaj to be calloused and uncaring, but Ria found that she had made an error in judgment. She judged him with how he used to treat her, not realizing that behind those physical abuses, there was a reason behind each one. Kadaj noticed her sudden silence and he lightly brushed his thumb across her lips.

"Is something wrong? Do you need anything?" He asked, his other hand softly grazed her lower arm.

She shook her head. "I have everything I need right here."

Kadaj smirked at the punch line's cheesiness. He cracked a smile that showed his brilliant white teeth, and as Ria laughed shortly. He settled down, lying next to her, wrapping an arm around her waist.

"Kadaj?" Ria whispered, her eyes closed as she delighted in his warmth.

"Hm?"

"Thank you... I'm sorry for waking you up..."

He pressed his lips to her forehead, nudging her hairline playfully. "You're always welcome..."

vVvVv

"Oh. My. Gosh." Kadaj's jaw dropped at the sight of Ria standing before them.

"So what do you think guys? Convincing enough?" Trevor inquired but only got Loz's attention. Yazoo and Kadaj were still gawking.

"I think it's too much..." Ria whined, as she examined herself in the full-body length mirror in their suite.

The group had gone into Edge and checked in a hotel. As Trevor had said, they were going under cover because he knew a certain someone that was able to help Ria with her problem. Unfortunately though, Trevor was hoping to catch this guy in the Mad House—a club—tonight. He was a drunk and was only capable of talking to 'hot' girls. Ria would have to use all her training if she wanted to juice info out of him.

"Don't be a baby Liria... You're seventeen. You pulled this off before when you were twelve, why not now?" Trevor interjected.

"I think you're forgetting the fact that I didn't have cleavage when I was twelve!" Ria snapped, causing her best friend to laugh.

"Get over it! Do you want to know your parents or not?" He asked, raising any eyebrow as he adjusted his disguise.

"Are you even sure this 'Sparks' guy can help us?"

"It's 'Starks'," Trevor pointed out. "And yes he can. You just need good bargaining skills..."

"Whatever..." Ria huffed, annoyed.

"Should we go? I rented a limo so we could pull this off successfully."

"Lead the way..."

vVvVv

Ria was still sulking sandwiched between four guys. Kadaj sat to her left and next to him, sitting by the window, was Loz. Trevor sat to her right with Yazoo next to the window. The group was dressed like people visiting a bar. The Remnants had to wear contact lens and wigs not to get suspected. Trevor wore a business suit. Ria felt like she was a bimbo or something because the outfit didn't help...at all. She was only wearing a long sleeved jacket with the mid riff cut off—two of the buttons clamped together at the bottom, enough to show off some skin that made her disguise effective, a miniskirt with a fashionable belt, and knee high boots with four-inched cigarette heels. What is underneath the jacket you ask? Nothing. Just a black bra which is exactly why Ria was complaining about her outfit. But she trusted her best friend, and if he said it was convincing enough, then she didn't doubt him.

The four stepped out and entered the bar that smelled of alcohol and sweat. The dance floor was packed and Ria shifted her weight from foot to foot, trying her best to ignore Kadaj who was still staring at her.

"Where is he?" she asked Trevor whose eyes scanned the flashy place.

"Not here...yet. But his buddies are," he sighed, kicking a bottle of beer aside with his polished shoe.

Ria looked at the direction Trevor was staring at. Three men in black business suits were sipping cocktails with hookers laughing like hyenas next to them.

"I'll go talk to them. Yazoo, Loz, I suggest, you go somewhere around the dance floor but stay close. Those guys used to be with Shin-Ra but I don't know about their allegiance now." Trevor explained, wiping his sweaty forehead. Truly, the heat was unbearable.

"What about Kadaj and Ria?" Loz asked innocently.

"Yeah... What am I going to do? I didn't exactly dress up like this for nothing," she sulked, tugging her jacket close around her torso. "I feel so exposed..."

"I don't know. Just make it look like you're joining with everybody else. Don't alienate yourself from the crowd," Trevor replied, still observing the men who were clueless.

"Well, I ain't dancin' in this heat," Ria complained, miffed about her role in this.

"Just do something to blend in."

"What do you want me to do?" Ria shouted over the loud music ignoring Kadaj who had gone silent since they entered. Maybe he and Yazoo were playing the 'No Talking' game.

"I don't know. Make out with him or something," Trevor replied nonchalantly, pointing briefly at Kadaj.

This had gotten the Remnants' attention and the brothers stared at Kadaj, shocked—especially Yazoo. Then they all looked at Trevor, suggesting he was crazy. Ria stared at Kadaj, unsure of how to react. Did Trev just say that on purpose?

"He's coming. I'll call for you. Go to your places," he hissed quietly and the four teens obliged.

Yazoo sulked unnoticeably as he and Loz disappeared behind the crowd of drunken dancers. Kadaj wrapped an arm around Ria's waist as she watched Trevor walk up to the men and started conversing. He stroked the exposed skin at her waist, making her jerk her head towards him.

"It's hot in here," she mumbled, wiping away some sweat from her neck.

"Say... Wanna follow through what your friend told you to do?" He whispered in her ear suggestively.

"He's gonna take a while," Ria shrugged, chuckling as Kadaj's lips came down on hers, soft and steady.

vVvVv

Trevor looked up from the conversation to glimpse Ria through the crowd. Starks and his pals had agreed to talk to her after all. Trevor shook his head at the sight he saw. It wasn't surprising to see his best friend making out with the youngest Remnant, but it had to stop. And besides, shattering the moment sounded really appealing right about now. Trevor sighed and walked over and tapped Ria's jacket-clad shoulder. She pulled away from the kiss and looked at Trevor, Kadaj looking slightly annoyed.

"What?" She said exasperatedly.

Trevor gestured with his thumb towards the men sitting at the bar; their curious stares fixed on the trio especially the young man whose arm was still wrapped around Ria's slender waist. Kadaj's eyes flickered slightly through the haze of fake smoke and gave Ria a gentle push towards the direction she was supposed to be heading. They watched as she disappeared from their sight, Trevor still standing beside Kadaj.

"Is she going to be alright?" He asked skeptically.

"She'll be fine. She's done this before, and besides, she's armed. We got nothing to worry about..."

vVvVv

"Where exactly did you meet Trevor?" Ria asked casually, taking a sip of the cocktail this Starks character had bought her.

They were hanging out at the VIP's area where the man suggested they 'talk things out' and where it was quieter though she was a bit disgusted, she'd put up with it.

"Oh... He and I go a long way back... Smart kid. Let's say he's just my business partner when it comes to diggin' dirt on influential people round here," he crooned, fishing a cigarette from his pocket and lighting it up.

"Dirt?" She questioned, raising an eyebrow, resisting the urge to close up her jacket because of the cold. And Starks was staring at her all night. It was making her uncomfortable.

"Ya heard me right honey... We dig up dirt. Mostly me..." he chuckled cruelly. "So what exactly can I help ya with?" He raised an eyebrow, tracing a finger over the back of her hand perched on the counter.

Ria bit her lip seductively, sipping on her drink while keeping her eyes locked with his. She licked off the taste of liquor on her lips, putting her drink down and regretting her recent actions. If this wasn't a sensitive case, she might've launched herself at him and strangled him until he gave her some answers.

"Trev told me you worked for Shin-Ra once..." she started.

"My past eh? I'm tellin' ya darlin'... I hate that part of my life. Worst ever," he shook his head, intertwining his fingers with hers. "What about Shin-Ra?"

"What'd you do for them?" She inquired, crossing her legs.

"Used to record the lab donations they bring in. I'll tell ya... That was the worst! I do overtime and they don't gimme a raise. How am I gonna support myself with a few Gils? Damn those scums!" He cussed, finishing his cocktail in one gulp.

"Do you by chance happen to remember some of your clients?" Ria interrogated quietly, drumming her fingers on the table.

"Not all of'em, but a good few who were...memorable enough," he smirked, his moustache twitching. He should really consider shaving. Ria sighed, keeping her temper in check.

"Do you recall any clients by the name of Xander and Lex?"

"'Course... Woman was practically in tears," he smirked cruelly yet again.

"What's their family name? And any idea where they are?" She questioned them softly, grimacing slightly as the man slowly caressed the hand he had been holding.

"No idea where they are doll. But from what I remember, last name started with the letter C. I overheard them talking to the president about staying in Junon for a while, but I ain't that sure. I'm getting old babe, but still efficient," he graced her with a lewd wink.

She inwardly rolled her eyes, and tried her best to stop herself from shooting his brains out. She growled inwardly.

"You know anything else about them?" She forced through gritted teeth.

"Sorry babe. That's all I know... Hope that was enough though," he shrugged, licking his lips and looking at her hungrily.

She could've socked him already if she wasn't maintaining composure. She decided it was best to leave since, what else could she probably get? Maybe they'd try checking Junon some time—though that'd require a lot of money. She sighed.

"I gotta go... I crave a good night's sleep," she shrugged and was about to stand when he grabbed her around the waist and pulled her onto his lap.

That was it. Show's over. She squirmed uncomfortably against his iron grip and shifted from side to side, trying to get free. He growled in her ear and softly tongued her earlobe. Ria wasn't one to panic and she swiftly delivered a solid blow to his ribs with her right elbow. His arms loosened a bit, and she jammed her steel-heeled boots into his foot causing him to howl and finally release her. She tumbled to the floor and swiftly got back on her feet. She closed up her jacket and ran—ignoring his loud swearing—bolted out the door before he had the chance to stop her.

Ria found herself lost in the dance floor. Where were they? All of a sudden, rough pair of hands grabbed her shoulders and she felt herself being held close to a firm chest. She looked up at the men holding her and realized they were Starks's pals. They didn't give her a chance to fight back. They seized her, placed a gag over her mouth and brought her to a dark corner struggling and kicking. (The inhabitants of the bar were too drunk to even notice the commotion.)

She couldn't move... that was for sure. One of Starks's comrades pinned her to the wall with his knee between her legs. Two others were holding her down and Starks stood near, grinning cruelly and traced a finger across her right cheek. The loud music blaring from the speakers had camouflaged the scene easily. The dim lights were helping a lot too. Now she knew her only way out was to have someone rescue her.

"Gonna behave now babe," he whispered, leaning closer and placing his lips against her neck. She squirmed only to have one of them back-hand her across the face. She growled low in her throat.

And everything began happening so fast. Just as Starks was planting kisses across her neck, and down to her collarbone, he suddenly stopped and a sickening crack reverberated from his body. He fell to the floor, eyes open wide. Somebody broke his neck. Ria blinked at his dead body and the people holding her down had freed her. They were all looking at a figure whose gun was already cocked at the ready.

Yazoo? Where were the others? Ria quickly took the opportunity to kick the back of the guy's knee. He shot forward in surprise and Yazoo speedily lodged a bullet to his head. The others rushed to attack in the cramped space, but none could match a Remnant's proficiency in battle—even though the space was tight and the heat was unforgiving. Yazoo had kicked the guy coming at his left and shot the man who was about to punch his nose. Damn, he's good. Yazoo urgently grabbed her hand and led her out through the back door.

"Thanks..." she murmured, and he smirked slightly.

"Not a problem..."