Final Fantasy VII -- Twisted Final Fantasy VII: Twisted: Chapter 12, a final fantasy vii fanfic

Chapter 12: Sandy Badlands

The next morning, the group stood near the North Corel inn, engaged in a discussion. Reno drew everyone's attention to a huge golden structure that obstructed the horizon of North Corel, towering above the deep quicksand basin located some distance from the town. It was a shining, glorious edifice that glowed against the sky with a semblance of self-inflated pride, like a rich man boasting his best finery. "The Golden Saucer," Reno said. "Remember what we agreed on, Tifa? One date."

Tifa rolled her eyes. "Reno, we did not agree to anything. Anyway, I wouldn't have thought that they would build an amusement park around this place."

"Yeah," Barret said gloomily. "Out-of-place, isn't it? It's almost insulting, to see such a frivolous place in the vicinity of Corel in its current state. But we'll need to visit it. I heard that Shinra personnel are stationed there right now." He threw a dark look upwards. "Golden Saucer. Huh. That man who owns it, Dio, has enough money to buy North Corel ten times over."

They made their way to the railway that lifted visitors to the amusement park, and settled themselves in the seats of a car. Tifa gazed out of the window, the huge golden city of innumerous lights spreading before her eyes as the car rose into the air. "This is marvelous!" she whispered.

"Yeah," Barret admitted grudgingly. "It's pretty. Never had enough money to enter it, though. Tickets are too damn expensive."

"Don't you worry about the price," Reno said handsomely. "It won't cost you a thing."

"How so?" Barret grumbled. "Can't see YOU affording it."

"Me?" Reno returned. "Of course not. But I heard that Shinra's engineering salary is excellent. Isn't that true, Zack?"

"Wait, don't tell me," Zack said, crossing his arms. "That was a rhetorical question. Is it leading anywhere?"

"Of course not," Reno said soothingly, winking at him. "But the flowering business is doing exceptionally well in Midgard. Isn't that so, Aerith? And Tifa, how about those generous waitressing tips, hmm?"

Zack could not help a smile. "Point taken."

"Don't worry, Zack," Tifa said. "Reno is responsible for a full reimbursement as soon as our journey is over. Isn't that right, Reno?"

"Tifa," Barret intervened, "if you're gonna deceive the man, don't utter such a transparent lie. Try something more credible, like, say, 'Miss Aerith will reimburse you.'"

Five pairs of eyes fastened on Reno, anticipating his rejoinder. But the redhead merely leant back in his seat, folding his arms behind his neck.

"Unfortunately for you," he said genially, "my reputation precedes me. And fortunately for me, it tends to save me a lot of unnecessary trouble."

They reached the entrance platform and alighted the car. Zack paid for the tickets, turning to Tifa with a comical look of distress. "Now I know why Dio is one of the richest men on earth," he whispered.

Tifa chuckled. "But we're going to enjoy ourselves today, Zack. Right?"

"Not me, I'm sorry to say. We need to investigate what Shinra is doing here. Who is coming with me?"

"I'm going to make good use of your money, Zack," Reno said promptly. "Meaning, I'll be checking out the offerings around here. Tifa?" And he folded his arms, looking at her with a meaningfully lifted eyebrow.

Tifa turned swiftly to Zack. "Zack, I'm joining the investigation."

"All right," Zack answered. "Thank you."

Reno narrowed his eyes. "Zack," he said.

"Yes?" Zack looked towards him, smiling slightly.

"Are you going to brazenly steal the date that she promised me?"

"You're welcomed to join us," Zack pointed out.

Reno rolled his eyes. "I don't share my women, Zack. And didn't I say that I was going to make a good use of your money? All right, then. Tifa, you still owe me a date, and don't you forget this, since I never will. Rude, Aerith, you're coming with me, because it's more fun as a group." He placed his hand on Aerith's arm authoritatively, and motioned his friend to follow them. Rude shrugged, but obeyed.

"I'd like to help you two," said Barret, "but I need to look into a private matter. I will meet you back here in an hour or two."

Tifa eyed Barret. She didn't like his look as he said it, but did not want to pry into his affairs, and allowed him to leave without comment. She turned to Zack. "Well," she said. "Where will we start?"

"How about over there?" he pointed. "Wonder Square."

Wonder Square was a central area that contained assorted shops that sold food, cheap knick-knacks, souvenirs, and alleged magic kits. A man sat at one corner, dealing tricks with cards. After his latest customers left he looked up from his set and perceived Zack and Tifa, who stood together near the magic shop and conversed in low voices. He observed them narrowly for a moment, and then called out.

"Hey you two! Would you like to see some tricks?"

They both turned, but exchanged doubtful glances, which the man noted. "Come on!" he urged. "I also tell fortunes. How about it?"

"I don't believe in fortune-telling," Tifa called in reply.

The man seemed to chuckle. "Then let's see if I can change your mind, little lady."

Tifa shrugged, indicating to Zack that there was no harm in complying. She approached the card dealer. He was a fairly attractive, dark-haired man in his mid-thirties sporting a neat beard, and did not strike her as the magician type at all, except for a crafty look in his eyes that seemed to signify that he enjoyed fooling people.

"You have one chance to change my mind," she warned him.

"That's the spirit!" he approved. "Especially since it's free. You won't find much for free around THIS place, little lady." He shuffled his cards, and spread them out. Zack stood a little to the side, observing the transaction with detachment. The man told Tifa to pick a card, and examined the one that she chose with attention.

"The hanged man," he said, showing it to her. "A curious first choice, lady. This card tells me that you are looking for a man."

Tifa raised a skeptical eyebrow. "Don't all girls look for men?" she mocked.

The man winked at her. "Well, not exactly, at least from what I know. But let me clarify, little lady. The man you are searching for is, shall I say, an unusual man." His tones grew solemn, and, Tifa sensed, deliberately theatrical. "This man is suspended in balance, at a point between heaven and earth, between life and death, between good and evil; and his fate is, as of yet, undecided."

Despite the man's obvious affectation in uttering the prediction, Tifa thought of Sephiroth and felt doubtful for a moment. But she tried not to attach any importance to it. "Very interesting," she said, her tone carefully indifferent.

"Come on!" said the card-dealer, his dark eyes watching Tifa. "Pick another."

Tifa obeyed. The man twirled the card between his fingers. "Ah, the lovers," he said gently. "You've met someone special lately, little lady. Fate dealt you a good card."

Tifa flushed, looking away. "I don't know about that," she said.

"This card is interesting," continued the magician. "It may not necessary mean just a pair of lovers. There is also a choice involved; and it may sometimes indicate a love triangle. One person imprisoned between two, unable to decide between them. But I can tell you the outcome, little lady. Your conflict will be resolved right here. No more guessing, no more worrying."

Tifa felt a little disturbed; but she maintained control with some effort. "No thank you," she answered. "I would rather not have my fate foretold, and then turn it into a self-fulfilling prophecy."

The man placed the card face down. "Knowing may not give us the power to alter our destiny," he said solemnly, "but it does allow us to make careful choices. Come now, then; pick a third!"

But Tifa had heard enough. "No, thank you," she said, turning to leave.

"Just one last time!" urged the man. "They say that three's a lucky number."

Tifa halted. She glanced at Zack, who shrugged. She decided to comply one last time, albeit without much enthusiasm.

The man looked at the card she chose. Tifa thought that his features altered a little as he did so, and, for the first time, he appeared unguarded and sincerely thoughtful.

"The lightning-struck tower," he finally remarked, his voice very soft. "Well. It seems to me that something great is hanging at the balance. Let me just say that your conflict will ultimately be resolved, but not without a cost."

Tifa retreated a step, now distinctly perturbed. "I don't like that kind of talk," she said, trying to suppress the unpleasant premonition that assailed her at the fortuneteller's manner. "Let's go, Zack."

But the man's lip curled at her tone. "I thought that you didn't believe it," he mocked. He glanced at Zack. "Since the lady is skeptical, young man, would you like to try your luck?"

Zack approached, and picked a card without comment. The man scanned him shrewdly. "You picked the hermit. Hmm… the scientific type, aren't you?"

Zack looked at him closely. That could not be a random guess. "That's correct," he answered.

The man raised an eyebrow. "You don't seem enthusiastic. I understand you. The hermit is a demanding card; it asks for much and gives very little. But," and here his tone altered, becoming lively again, "let me hazard a guess as to your stay here, young man. You are looking for a woman in scarlet, and she happens to be right here in the Golden Saucer. But if you take my advice, you should leave before you get a chance to meet her."

Zack and Tifa exchanged meaningful glances. "All right," Zack said, turning to the man. "Who are you?"

A sly look entered the man's eyes. "Reeve, at your service. At the service of Avalanche, may I say?"

Zack retreated a step, Tifa following. He checked if anyone was listening, but luckily the floor was empty. "You better explain yourself," he said quickly.

Reeve remained calm. "Don't worry," he said. "I won't give you away to Shinra. Hate 'em as much as you do. If you let me, I'll help you."

Zack and Tifa exchanged looks again. They had the same thought: should they trust this man?

Reeve noticed it. "Look," he said, lowering his voice, which forced them to come closer to hear him. "If I wanted to betray you to Shinra I'd have told on you right away, right? But I didn't, and I won't. If you follow me, I'll tell you everything."

"I'm not walking into a trap," Tifa snapped. "You can say whatever you have to say right here."

"Then come closer," Reeve whispered.

Here, Zack tugged on Tifa's arm. "Tifa," he said quietly. "Let's consult about this."

They huddled in a corner, and Zack said, "Listen. I want to see if he has anything worthwhile to tell us, just in case. You should go warn everyone, and return to Corel. If I'm not back in half an hour, you should all escape."

"I want to stay," Tifa whispered. "What if you need help?"

"Don't worry about me, Tifa. I can manage some story. But if the Shinra personnel know about us, we better get out of here as quickly as possible. And we both know that they mustn't lay their hands on Aerith again. Please, Tifa, do it."

Tifa threw another glance at Reeve. He seemed to be busy with his cards, and did not look their way. "If they catch you, Zack, you'll be in great danger."

"What can they do to me? I haven't actually done anything."

"You helped the Cetra, and wanted criminals to escape! If you think Shinra won't scapegoat you for it, you are extremely naïve."

"It was during a crisis. There's a million ways to spin this, Tifa. Don't worry about me, all right?"

"No," she said firmly. "I'm staying with you until this is all done. Then we'll go warn the others."

He gave a sigh, but gave up the argument. She retreated into the shadows, watching them, and Zack approached Reeve. "Okay," he said. "I'm listening."

"I work for Shinra," Reeve began. "But—" he raised a hand, since Zack appeared inclined to withdraw at once, "as I told you, I hate them, and have spied on them for a while now. I can help you, Avalanche. I know about Sephiroth."

"And how can I know that I can trust your word?" Zack pointed out.

Reeve shrugged. "You'll have to take my word for it. But please listen. I know all the moves of the top Shinra executives. I can warn you ahead, if needed. I came especially to meet you, and I'm returning to Midgard as soon as this is over. I want to help."

Zack scanned him silently. Reeve's expression was serious, his dark eyes somber. "Some people can work for them and still be good people," he said gravely. "As you know yourself."

Zack looked away for a moment, feeling uncomfortable. It did sound like his own story. But he felt responsible for all his companions, and he was reluctant to plunge them into danger. "Well," he finally said, speaking slowly. "If you really mean what you say, meet us at the arena in half an hour." This, he thought, would give them an opportunity to find and warn the others. Then he turned abruptly and walked away, rejoining Tifa. They consulted for a moment, then left.

Reeve watched their retreating forms. When they were gone, he rose from his seat and walked out of Wonder Square. He passed through several levels of the Golden Saucer, and turned into an opulent suite that hosted Dio's guests.

A man and a woman sat on a luxurious sofa, engaged in conversation. The woman looked up as Reeve entered. "You're back rather early," she stated with her throaty voice.

Reeve took her hand and kissed it, speaking silkily. "First thing first, my dear Scarlet. You look absolutely ravishing tonight."

"Scarlet," the man at her side said coldly, "who is this man? I don't think that I met him before."

Scarlet, who was watching Reeve through lowered lashes, spoke without looking at her companion. "Dyne," she said, "please allow me to introduce you to Reeve."

Dyne said nothing, and Scarlet glanced at him. She noticed that Dyne was jealous, and it amused her at once. "Reeve's one of our top spies," she drawled. "But of course, Dyne, you would know nothing about that. Now, if you please; the following information is top-secret, and I have to ask you to leave."

Dyne obeyed, but his expression was glum. "I'll be back in an hour," he said curtly, without looking at her. "Good-bye, Scarlet."

"Dyne's so possessive," Scarlet remarked languorously as soon as the door closed behind him. "I believe that it's starting to tire me. I can't stand jealous scenes from a man."

Reeve winked at her. "I'M not the jealous type, my dear Scarlet."

Scarlet raised an eyebrow, her lip twisting; but she only said: "Well, then, please convey the full report."

Reeve settled himself on the sofa, at the spot that Dyne had vacated. "First of all," he said, "I understand that Rufus's orders were to spy on them, but no capture for now. Is that right?"

"Yes," She answered. "We let them track Sephiroth for us, and save on time and trouble. Avalanche is dead; it has no influence in Midgard anymore. And that girl— the Cetra— will never help US; but she will help her companions. In a way, they'll be working for us. It's a brilliant plan. Rufus thought of it, of course."

"Sounds good," Reeve said. "I made first contact, and I told them that I'm willing to help. Now I just need to give them the tracking device, and keep up the charade. Mind you, Scarlet: no capture, nothing aggressive. I don't want them growing suspicious of me."

"Don't worry," Scarlet said, rising from the sofa. "We'll do our job, and you'll do yours." She fixed her hair. "I suppose that I should wait for Dyne," she said, sounding bored. "I just hope that he won't stage one of his brooding sulks on me again. When he returns, we'll leave the Golden Saucer."

"Where's your next stop?" asked Reeve.

"Gongaga. The reactor had an accident a week ago, and I'm supervising the clean-ups. It's pretty much in order by now, but many people died. Elena will be waiting for us there, with that brat ninja that I can't abide. Talk about punishment on the job. I pity Elena. She has to supervise the girl for days on end."

"Why was she even taken on?" Reeve asked, amused.

"She has ties to Vincent, I believe," answered Scarlet. "And her father's a powerful warrior. I suppose it is Shinra's way of creating a relationship with that place. There's been talk of convincing them to build a reactor. Anyway, Elena seems to handle her well. She's the type who won't stand for nonsense."

Reeve rose likewise. "Gotta go now, lovely lady," he said. "I have to rejoin Avalanche, to prove my worth to them. But I hope to see you again soon." He bent over her hand, his eyes twinkling at her. Scarlet's red mouth curled.

"Reeve, you're tempting me," she stated languidly. "And one day it might work."

Dyne walked down the path leading to the battle arena, taken with gloomy meditations. Scarlet's behavior had altered lately. Did she think him an idiot? Did she really believe that he wouldn't notice what went on under his nose? He exhaled an angry breath. Scarlet. She's been good to him, true. But now, for almost a year now, she's changed. And he knew the reason for the change.

He once again searched his conscience. He's worked with Shinra for many years. It was a good position, offering both wealth and influence; but he often wondered whether his past decisions had been correct, or whether they were unduly affected by youthful ambition. And, he thought, what did it matter, by now? The past could not be changed; it remained with you forever, until the day that you die.

Preoccupied with thoughts, he did not notice the large black man stealing out of the arena's corner, until a voice spoke to him. "So, Dyne," it said, dangerously quiet. "We meet again."

Dyne started. He recognized Barret, and immediately retreated a step. "Barret," he responded, somewhat shakily. "What are YOU doing here?"

Barret advanced, his eyes on Dyne's face. "You know something, Dyne," he said calmly. "For years I was planning to kill you, but I couldn't get at you. Now I've returned to my town, and I see it in ruins. Now the thirst for revenge is burning stronger than ever in me. And now we finally meet."

Dyne retreated slowly. Barret had blocked the way to the door; no escape in that direction. "Yes, I know of you, Barret," he answered. "I know that you are the leader of that group, Avalanche, which caused so much trouble in Midgard."

"Trouble?" Barret growled. "No. We inflicted a justified punishment on Shinra for their misdeeds. But I never killed anyone of Shinra's personnel. Today, I just might do it."

"I'm calling the guards," Dyne said, albeit unsteadily. "And then, Barret, they'll kill YOU."

"Yes, I know," Barret said vehemently. "Scarlet's guards. Your Scarlet's."

Dyne glanced behind him. Dio once showed him a lever that opened a trapdoor in the floor, which led to the desert prison under the Golden Saucer. Now it seemed to be a potential haven, a place of escape. He edged towards the lever and placed his fingers on the switch. "No," he answered. "Not MY Scarlet, Barret. Not anymore."

The floor opened, and Dyne jumped down. Barret stared in a momentary surprise, then hurried in pursuit. At that moment Tifa entered the arena, followed by Zack and Reeve. "Barret!" she cried. She ran into the arena, and knelt by the opened path.

"I don't know what that is all about," she said shakily, looking up at the two men. "But that was Dyne whom he was pursuing, and I have a bad feeling about this. We should follow them."

Reeve raised an eyebrow. "What's all this about?" he asked.

"We have no idea, either," Zack said to him. "But Barret is our friend, and if he's in trouble we need to help him."

"Well," said Reeve. "If you're going in there, you should take someone with you who can get you out. Otherwise, you'll all be prisoners until you can acquire a pardon."

Tifa gulped. "You mean… this leads into a prison?"

Reeve nodded, sticking his hands into his pockets. "If you take me, though, I can get you out again. I know Dio quite well."

Zack looked at him. He wasn't sure that he should get this man involved in an obviously knotty situation, but, on the other hand, he was troubled by Reeve's information about the prison, and time was running out. "Let's all go," he said shortly.

The wasteland of Corel desert prison was littered with broken cars and strewn junk. Zack knew at first glance what kind of a place THIS was, and he already received several offers from strange characters to "buy" Tifa from him. He was glad that he was armed. They spotted Barret running towards the southern gate of the prison. The gate provided access to the deep desert, an area surrounded by quicksand. This wasteland was a huge place; it was difficult to believe that several miles ahead and some way up, the wind was fresh and the meadows were green.

Barret knew that Zack and Tifa had followed him, but he ignored them. He concentrated on Dyne, goading him into a fearful flight, enjoying the dread he evoked, forcing him to realize that he was on his deathwalk. And yes, he was going to do it. He WILL kill Dyne this time.

He arrived at an automobile junkyard, one of the many to border the prison. Dyne was standing at the edge of the cliff, near a broken sign. His eyes were drawn to the deep quicksand bordering the foot of the cliffs. It was a dangerous trap. A man who jumped down would never come out again. He now turned and faced Barret; but, contrary to his agitated flight, his bearing and expression were now surprisingly composed. Barret advanced, his gait measured, emanating the threat of approaching death. "Nowhere to run for you, eh, Dyne?" he growled. "Nowhere to hide. Not anymore."

Dyne folded his arms across his chest, his eyes on Barret. "So you really believe that I destroyed Corel."

Barret shook his right arm, the arm that had a machine gun attached to it. "Exactly," he snarled. "That day destroyed Corel, and gave me THIS. I lost my hand to Shinra bullets when trying to protect the town. That's what YOU did, Dyne, by bringing Shinra to Corel."

"Well, think again," Dyne returned, his voice calm and steady. "The reactor malfunction was not an accident. It was the work of people from Corel who hated Shinra, who committed arson on purpose in an attempt to attach the blame to us. And we have proof for it, Barret. Someone lighted up a tank of inflammable liquids in a secure area. All the signs pointed to an intentional crime."

"Lies!" Barret shouted, his face red with fury. "Filthy Shinra lies! And YOU, Dyne, you sold my town to Shinra!"

Dyne looked down at his crossed arms. "I only meant to promote the good of the town."

"LIKE HELL!" roared Barret. "You meant to promote your own interests! You think me such a fool, Dyne? Look me in the eye and tell me that your work in Shinra was only for our benefit!"

Dyne could not meet Barret's gaze. "Not only, no. I wanted that position."

"And you wanted Scarlet too, eh?" Barret said sardonically. "You cared nothing for what Eleanor was feeling!"

"Eleanor." Dyne's voice was very quiet now.

"Yes, Eleanor!" Barret returned. "Damn you! Staying with that slut, Scarlet, while she was pining for you!"

Dyne finally looked up. "Now, listen to me closely, Barret," he said softly. "Eleanor and I were having problems long before I met Scarlet. She was anxious because she could not have children, and it made her exacting and difficult. She blamed me for having affairs long before I did anything. I see that she told you the same stories."

"So you abandoned her and did what you wanted, eh?" asked Barret savagely.

"My relationship with Scarlet began only after Eleanor died," Dyne answered. "I swear to it, and Scarlet can confirm it." His smile was austere. "When I was grieving for Eleanor she comforted me, and I began to love her. That's the truth. You find it unpleasant, I know; but that's what happened."

Barret was silent, and Dyne looked away, scanning the hard desert skies. "So to you, I'm a monster," he said distantly. "Yes, I am. I can see it in your face. You made up your own version of events, and turned me into a villain. If you want to kill me, do it. I can't stop you. And maybe I deserve it. I allowed my ambitions to blind me; I stayed with Shinra even though I gradually realized that a lot of harm is inflicted under their authority. Perhaps I did sell Corel, like you said. I sold Corel, and I sold myself."

Barret exhaled a furious breath, regarding Dyne. "I SHOULD kill you," he said grimly. "But I can't. I can't do it, because of Marlene. You see, Dyne, Eleanor had a child just a few weeks before the town burned down, and I saved her from the fire, and raised her in Midgard."

Dyne stared at him in shock. When he spoke, he could barely control the tremor in his voice. "Why did you not tell me of this?"

"Because," answered Barret angrily, "I was mad as hell at you. I wanted to kill you, see? Why should I give Eleanor's only daughter to you, her betrayer?"

A bitter smile bent Dyne's mouth. "And so, you achieved your revenge on me."

"Marlene's the only thing left for me from Eleanor," Barret answered, his voice soft for a moment. "She's the very image of her as a little girl, before she grew up and made all those mistakes. The mistake of marrying YOU, Dyne."

"I see," Dyne said softly. "And she's not mine at all now, is she, Barret? Not mine." He turned his back to Barret, his eyes scanning the brittle expanse of desert skies and deadly dunes. "And maybe, as you say, I do not deserve her. I am, in some way, responsible for killing her mother, aren't I? Well, shoot me, Barret. Shoot me now. I won't resist."

A pause ensued, and Barret looked at Dyne's turned back. But he lowered his gun arm and stood with his head low. Then a voice said behind the two men, "Here they are." Zack and Tifa hurried over, accompanied by a man who was unfamiliar to Barret.

Dyne glanced over his shoulder at the three newcomers. He recognized one of them. "Reeve," he said. "It's lucky that you're here." He turned a little and stood with his profile to the four people, speaking quietly. "Just promise me one thing, Barret. Promise to fix what I destroyed."

Barret gazed at him intently, but after a short silence he said, "I promise."

"Good," Dyne said. "You," he said, looking at Reeve for a moment, "are the witness, and so are the other two." His gaze briefly flickered to Zack and Tifa. "I have a six-year old daughter named Marlene, and he—" he indicated Barret, "is her legal guardian. Please arrange with my lawyer to re-draft my will. Here are the terms. Fifty percent of my fortune will create a fund dedicated to re-building the town of Corel. The other half will pass to Marlene when she turns twenty-one. Until then, she is entitled to a sum of money equal to the expenditures required for a generous sustenance, but as not to affect a waste of her share of the fortune, which amounts to about five million in bank accounts and Shinra shares and bonds." Barret gasped, staring at Dyne. "Promise to obey these instructions."

"Wait," said Reeve. "Why are you—"

But Dyne only shook his head. "I trust Barret to do the best for Marlene. And you, Reeve, are also my witness as to this matter. There's been no murder here. It was suicide."

Then he turned and leapt to the gully below, and his body, caught by the rushing quicksands, sank down and vanished.

Reeve turned to the party, who were standing in shock at this turn of events, and eyed them narrowly. "Right now," he stated, "I can frame you for murder. I can call the guards with this." He raised his hand, that held a phone, and switched it on.

A voice answered him. "Yes, sir?"

There was a deadly silence from all three as Reeve spoke. "Security, send people to Corel Prison, Section F, near the exit gate. Dyne of Shinra just died."

Zack's hand rested on Tifa's arm, his fingers pressing it warningly. She understood the message. Get ready to flee. The voice of the guard rang through the static. "What is the cause of death?"

"Suicide," Reeve answered. He switched the telephone off and raised an eyebrow, smiling at the group.

"Well," he said lightly. "You three are free to go. Barret, I have been authorized to arrange matters for Dyne's daughter; but to prevent future conflict, I suggest that you or a representative accompanies me to Midgard to ensure that everything is settled to your satisfaction. Don't worry—" he quirked an eyebrow at Zack. "I won't betray him to the authorities."

"Thank you," Zack said. "I see what you were doing, Reeve."

"Thank me when my service is complete," Reeve answered. "Follow me. I'll direct you to the elevator. The guards won't ask me questions."

The three followed Reeve; but Barret halted for a moment, casting back a look. "Dyne," he said softly. "I'll repair Corel in your memory. I promise."

It was a little later in the day when Reeve met Zack and Tifa by the gates of the Golden Saucer. "Listen," he said. "I'll be leaving soon to Midgard. But meanwhile I'll give you something that will help you to keep in touch with me."

He turned to Tifa. "Here," he said, "take this." He handed her a stuffed red panther doll. It had a short black mane and painted tattoos, and a jaunty, colorful tribal feather was stuck behind its ear. Its ankles were ringed with ornamented silver bracelets. "This is Red XIII. He's the only doll of his kind."

Tifa's eyes widened. "Oh, he's SO cute!" she said, snatching the panther from Reeve and hugging it fiercely to her bosom.

Reeve gazed at her, his eyes twinkling. "I believe that I am jealous of that doll," he murmured to Zack. The young engineer muttered something inaudible, his cheeks reddening, looking away and rubbing the back of his neck.

Reeve chuckled, and turned to Tifa. "It's not a toy, my dear," he said pleasantly. "It's a communication device. As long as it's with you, I can correspond with your group through it. But it's much more than a mere phone. It contains some in-built functions that might come in handy one day."

Tifa eyed him impatiently. "Bother all that," she said, turning. "Don't you know that girls like huggable things?" Then, clutching the panther doll, she began to walk towards the exit.

Reeve laughed, and turned to Zack. "I have something else for you." He presented him with a flat, rectangular envelope. "This ensures a complete and impartial protection of Marlene's fortune. I typed up an official document narrating the events of Dyne's death, his request for the alteration of the will, and his approval of Barret's guardianship of his daughter. I inscribed my signature as a witness on various copies, and you and Tifa, as well as Barret, should sign it too, and keep two copies each. When Barret is able to return to Midgard, he will have the proper authority to handle Marlene's affairs."

Zack took the envelope, and the Shinra agent turned. "We'll be in touch," he said. "I'll be there to help when you need me, don't worry."

Then, without waiting for an answer, he turned and walked into the Golden Saucer.

Originally Reeve gave them that ugly moogle doll. But I couldn't resist. Red XIII stuffy! *heart* (look it up— it exists, and it's too adorable.) And, of course, reintegrating a missing character into the story.

Chapters 14-15 are proving a little difficult to manage, so there might a slight delay. We'll see.