Chapter 4: The Lost is Found
Tifa and Aeris were at the scene, along with some FBI and other officers from that neighborhood. Tifa knew it was him, him the imposter. And she knew what to classify him as: A classic disturbed copy-cat killer.
Aeris walked over to Tifa, white as a ghost.
Aeris] Its horrible, the boyfriend looks like he was put through a blender.
Tifa] And the girl looks like she was a victim of 'The Birds'.
Aeris] But I don't think its him.
Tifa] Neither do I… there has to be something we are missing.
Aeris] Maybe Sephiroth isn't done sending clues yet?
Tifa] It is very possible, he's probably enjoying the fact that he isn't the one in these murders.
Aeris] But he is getting blamed for it.
Tifa] Exactly, if these murders get pinned to him… chances are he'd get the death sentence. He may not act like it, but I don't think he wants to die, especially at the hands of nurses.
Aeris] I agree, with the murders he has committed, those alone are enough to send him to a psychiatric ward for life.
They walk out and get in the car.
Tifa] Ok, we know he is in Africa, we know it is South Africa in fact. But we have no idea the wareabouts, possibly the coast.
Aeris] Yeah, but no way to pinpoint him.
Tifa] Something is bound to pop up.
They head to Aeris's house.
Several hours later, Aeris walked in to Tifa's room. She was staring blankly at a map of Africa itself. So many towns, villages, resorts, and so forth. It was almost impossible to guess where he might be.
Aeris] Tifa, are you ok?
Tifa] Not really, this map is bugging me is all.
She tried to smile, but failed.
Aeris] Its late, perhaps you should try getting some sleep?
Tifa] I guess, but… every time I lay my head down I can see an image. Those poor kids getting killed. Only 17 and 18, Sephiroth wouldn't stand for this.
Aeris] I know, but, he is still out there. They both are, so we need to rest and be ready.
Tifa] You're right Aeris, thanks.
They hugged, then Aeris walked out. Tifa changed and slipped into bed. She was so tired, and almost fell asleep instantly.
The form sneaked across the shallow street seperarting him from Aeris's house. He could see Tifa's room now, and smiled as he looked up. He knew she was asleep, after working all night who wouldn't be?
He climbed the old tree and unlocked the window with amazing ease. He climbed in and silently closed the window behind him.
She was asleep, and breathing lightly, obviously quite comfortable. He smiled and sat next to her bed. He pulled a hand out of his pocket and stoked her hair gently. She lightly cooed in her sleep and snuggled into his touch.
The clouds suddenly shifted and moonlight flooded the room, it was pale against his silver hair.
He had traveled far for her. He knew she needed his help and he decided to see what trouble he could cause for this wanna-be. Obviously the moron was trying to impress him, so he had to disappoint this person by taking him or her down with his own game.
Tifa stirred awake, it was a lovely morning. She looked outside and saw the ground was moist. Then with a jolt he cell phone rang. She picked it up.
Tifa] Hello?
Sephiroth] Hello Tifa, so good to hear your voice again.
Tifa felt as if she had just swallowed a football.
Tifa] Sephiroth… are you here?
Sephiroth] Hmhm, of course I am. When I heard the killer was threatening you, I felt it was time to teach him a lesson.
Tifa] Sephiroth, turn yourself in, if you do that I can promise you the death sentence will be dropped.
Sephiroth changed his tone to a more romantic state.
Sephiroth] Oh my lovely sapphire, always trying to do the best thing. I'm afraid that isn't an option though, I am going to kill this person who is taking my victims. But at the same time, I can't let him get you, so I suggest a partnership.
Tifa] I see…
Sephiroth] Meet me at the Downhill Café on 1st and James street. We will talk there. And don't be afraid to bring your gun, its mutual.
The line goes dead.
Tifa never got ready so fast: She ate breakfast, took a shower, and dressed in her old uniform in 30 seconds flat. Then she was in her car heading for the café.
The Café was a cute little place, she stepped inside and glanced around. Suddenly a form passed he, glancing lightly into her soul. IT was him all right, and he obviously wanted her to follow him, so she did so.
They sat at a back table, it was very nice. They ordered some coffee and waited for the waiter to be far away before the exchange of words began.
Tifa] I thought-
Sephiroth] I was in Africa? No, of course not. Too hot and too hostile for my taste, and I couldn't leave you too far behind. Not after Vincent and all.
He smiled as the coffee was served.
Tifa] Why help me now?
Sephiroth] Hmm, well, my career is in danger right now. Thanks to the no name bastard killing my targets.
Tifa] You were going to kill them anyway?
Their voices were low now, a hair above a whisper.
Sephiroth] Yes, the man was really 30 and had a wife, the girl had a different partner almost every night. Hmhm, of course, the others paid her. Hehehehe.
Tifa] I don't see the humor in this, but I could use your help.
Sephiroth] Oh I know you do, and you can't "use it" you need it. Without me you are stuck.
Tifa] I need your help, is that better?
Sephiroth] Much, but I will need a couple things from you if we work together.
Tifa] And they are?
He sipped his coffee again.
Sephiroth] One: you will not make any attempt to arrest me at any time. Two: You will not get in my way if I find a lead. Three: I require a Berreta M9 firearm. And finally Four: If I kill someone, don't lecture me.
Tifa] Uh-huh… well I can do maybe half of those.
Sephiroth] Great, lets hit it then…
