I'd buy them from squaresoft, but I can't even afford a playstation 2. *sob*
Chapter 10
Playing With Fire
Two days later:
Tifa woke up, feeling guilty that she fell asleep, when she should have been doing something. Anything. The ceremony was tonight, and they have so little to go by. Reno and Rude have scouted the piazza, and have given probable places where the assassin could be stationed if they were going for a long-range attack. Somehow, she didn't know if she should be impressed with what Reno has done. He had come out with the five most probable scenarios, which he said was originally seven. She stood up and began fixing her bed. /Of course he'd know. He'd know exactly how the assassins would think. If fate was being a bitch, Reno probably would have been the one hired to do the job./
She took only a short time in the shower, eager to get out and see if there was anything she can do.
On the other side of Yuffie's room, Elena was already wide-awake, her eyes scanning through the employee profiles of everyone who worked in the Kisaragi household. She stopped when she heard Yuffie shriek, and ran out. She bolted out of her room and saw a very wet Tifa in her bathrobe, and they both walked in, with Elena on the lead, gun already drawn out.
Their shoulders sagged in relief as Elena hid her gun. Yuffie was shaking her head, whining at Ayami who was trying to yank her out of the bed.
"I don't wanna go..."
Ayami succeeded in yanking Yuffie out of the bed and started dragging the girl to the bathroom. She looked at Tifa and Elena and pleaded to her friends. "Come on guys, you have to help me... please!"
"It's just a photo session. No one's going to kill you. Now go take a bath and I'll have your royal robes prepared." She shoved the young girl inside who still continued to whine. "Honestly! Every time I start to think that she has grown up, she changes my mind with her antics!"
Both Elena and Tifa laughed nervously at Ayami. Elena gave Tifa a look before walking out, and Tifa soon followed. "I've looked through the employees. There's a few that seems to fit the profile."
Tifa nodded her head. Before Elena can walk away, Tifa grabbed Elena's arm gently. "When I arrived here, Yuffie had this bruise on her cheek. Was that from Lord Godo?"
Elena bit her lip and nodded her head. "They were arguing and things got out of hand."
She replied. "What time are we going to meet the others?"
"At ten. I want to look around the grounds more before I meet Cloud."
The blond nodded. "I'll see you later, then."
Tifa watched Elena walk back to her room before walking back to her own. Who would've thought that she could actually be on good terms with Elena? Would they have been friends if it weren't for the old Shinra? Probably. Stranger things have happened.
Who exactly is out to get Yuffie? She just prayed that Reno was wrong about her father being involved. How would Yuffie feel if she found out that the people she trusted, the people that were supposed to protect her, are out for her blood?
She bit her lip, and a determined look came to her face. She won't let anything happen to Yuffie. She wasn't about to stand around and watch another friend die.
Yuffie on the other hand wasn't about to stand around and be photographed while wearing seven dresses at the same time. She wrinkled her nose in disgust. They have a picture of her somewhere... can't they just do that computer thing and leave her alone?
She let out a smile as she climbed out of her bathroom window, and jumped to a near by tree branch, and slowly climbed down. Whistling to herself... she walked away and walked through the gardens for some fresh air.
/Wait... since when did I start whistling?/
As soon as the thought entered her head, she stopped and shuddered. /Gawd... I've been hanging around with Reno too long. Well, not that it was bad. He can be a pain in the ass, but I have to admit, he's very good looking. Not as hot as Vincent, but cute enough./
The red head of her thoughts came to view as she turned to a corner, and she saw Reno, without a shirt, practicing a series of kata she could've sworn was the Wutaian army exercise. His hair, usually messy was tied up tight, and reminded her of her comic book hero. Red hair, cross scar, except that this man had twin scars instead beneath his eyes. All thoughts of Vincent vanished from her head as she watched him move. Some of his movements weren't smooth, and the transition a bit awkward, but hell. With a chest like
that, who cares|?
Yuffie shuddered again /Eeeewww... grossness! Gawd, what am I thinking?/
She shook her head and walked closer to Reno. "Your arms are too stiff. And your legs need to be further apart. Keep your back straight. By the way, what's with the hair?"
"Feels fresher." Reno replied and grinned at Yuffie, noticing the blush on her cheeks. "You came to perve on me?"
"As if! You're butchering a hundred years of tradition with your movements!" She replied, silently cursing herself because she knew that he could see her blush. "Where did learn that, anyway?"
"Tseng. He never did teach me, just saw him doing it and I copied him."
Yuffie just nodded as she noticed the various scars on his chest. "Where the hell did you get all that?"
Reno walked closer to Yuffie and turned around, showing him the scars behind his back.
He turned again to face her. "What can I say, some are battle scars and the others... well... some women can be very, very, aggressive."
Yuffie blinked. "Well of course! Just because they're women doesn't mean they can't fight as well as other men."
Reno laughed at her reply and it took a while for Yuffie to digest what he actually meant.
"You are so gross, Reno!" Yuffie yelled, and threw a punch at him, trying to hide her embarrassment.
Reno caught her fists with his own. "The look on your face! That was a classic... " He continued laughing and Yuffie continued to turn red. "You really make me laugh, Yuffie..."
"Shut up or I'll kick your ass!"
Reno continued laughing. "Awww, come on Yuffie. I was just teasing you."
"I feel so blest." She snapped back as Reno released her hand.
"Okay, why don't you teach me how to do the kata right? Or do you just want to watch me butcher a hundred years of tradition?" He suddenly asked, all traces of humor gone.
Yuffie looked at Reno as if he had grown another head. "What?"
"Come on, teach me the proper way to do it. I already know it anyway. It's not like you're about to give away a deep, dark secret. Besides, I gave you a discount on my fee, remember?"
Yuffie gave a deep breath. "Might as well. I have nothing better to do anyway."
She faced Reno and walked a few steps back, giving them room to move. "Ready? You have to mirror my movements. Can you do that?"
Surprisingly, Reno just nodded his head. Yuffie took a deep breath, and started moving. Reno followed her movements with ease, his eyes quickly picking up subtle movements he never got from Tseng, and couldn't help but admire the younger girl. Sure, she wasn't as pretty as the other girl's he's dated... but none of those girls can make him laugh and at the same time had the capability to kick his ass, as Yuffie threatened earlier.
He shook those thoughts from his head, and concentrated on her movements, as well as his. And soon enough, they were performing the kata smoothly, but still with the deadly edge it had always possessed.
Tifa and Elena decided to walk to the villa together when they saw Reno and Yuffie. They stood frozen to the ground, mouths slightly parted in surprise. They looked at each other before looking back at the pair, totally engrossed in their exercise.
"They actually look good together." Elena whispered, hardly believing what she just said. "If they don't piss each other to death, that is."
Tifa nodded. "I can't believe what I'm seeing..."
"Hey, is Yuffie with Valentine or something?" Elena asked softly, her gaze still on the two.
"I think that Yuffie just has a crush on him, like she did with Cloud before." Tifa replied still looking at the two. "Why?"
"Nothing." Elena responded. "We should be going, right?"
"Yeah."
The two still continued to look at Yuffie and Reno, not one making the first move to walk to the villa.
A few minutes later, Elena and Tifa managed to get themselves moving and were faced with an irritated Cloud.
"You're late."
"Sorry," Both women apologized as they sat down.
"Where the hell is Reno?" Cloud asked angrily at the Turk's tardiness, but did not expect a reply from anyone. So it came as a surprise when both women started giggling. /Is Tifa actually *giggling* with the Turk?/
Cid and Barret just stared at the two while both women tried to stop. When Rude caught Elena's gaze she blushed and looked away.
"Is there anything going on that we should know?" Cloud asked as Tifa and Elena looked at each other before facing him.
"Reno's just preoccupied," Tifa replied with a smile, while Elena kept her head down, hiding her face behind a curtain of blond hair, an attempt to stop the laughter that was about to come.
Thankfully, Reno walked in. Tifa turned around to see him wearing a gray shirt and a towel around his neck. "What did I miss?"
"You're late." Cloud stated flatly as the Turk sat down. "We've already discussed where Cid and Barret would be stationed tonight. Reeve will be sitting next to Elena and Tifa.
He will place Cait Sith under the stage and Rude will be behind it. Red will shadow Yuffie from the time she leaves the palace, and you can monitor the surroundings and the personnel. Elena, do you have the list?"
Elena nodded and handed it to Reno. Rude handed another list and Reno looked at them. "What will you do?"
"I'll be on this building here" Cloud replied, pointing to the map. "Besides the building that Cid and Barret would be, this has a good view of the whole ceremony. I've checked it out last night. Any last minute questions, or ideas?"
He received no reply. "Good. Keep the lines of communications open. Remember, not only we have to keep Yuffie safe, but we have to catch these people on the act. We have to get them now. If we don't..."
"We will." Reno said cutting Cloud off. "You can bet your life Wutai will be shaking before midnight."
"Let's just hope they'll be shaking with relief and not in despair," Cloud snapped as he rolled the map. "We meet back here at four to talk about any new information that we have. Cid and Barret have already taken note of people that looked out of place as well as being very interested at the buildings Reno have said to be as hot spots."
The group stood up and prepared for the day ahead of them. He looked around the room, and Cloud felt the familiar surge of adrenalin flowing through his body. "Let's move."
Oblivious to the threat to her life, Yuffie stood in front of the photographer who would do her portrait. The only consolation to this what that she'll just be standing for a few hours, compared to a whole day if she was to be painted the traditional way. She felt uncomfortable with all the robes that she was wearing, and that she had to stand straight and look regal. Yuffie rolled her eyes. /Whatever./
"All done, Lady Kisaragi."
Yuffie gave the photographer a polite smile as she struggled to move with the robes. /How the hell did my mother do this?/ "Can I change to something else, Ayami?"
Ayami nodded as she helped the younger woman. "Just use your bathrobe. You'll need to change to the ceremonial gown soon. Saya will be with you shortly to fix your hair." The old woman said as they stopped. Ayami pushed a stray lock of hair behind Yuffie's ear and smiled. "Tonight will be the first night you will wear the Royal Crown. You will be even more beautiful than ever."
Yuffie blushed as they continued to walk. "Awww, come on Ayami. I'm not going to be wearing that forever! It's so... flashy,"
"It's elegant. That crown was fitted for you. I can't wait to see that crown on your head!"
"I can't wait to get rid of this dress!" Yuffie muttered. "This dress is heavier than me!"
Ayami just sighed as they reached her room. Yuffie quickly untied the obi and proceeded to take her robes off. "Careful! Be patient..."
"But it's itchy!"
"Just a little longer..." Ayami soothed the young girl, secretly pleased that her young charge was complaining. She was used to Yuffie being immature and irrational, and to suddenly see her all grown up after the meteor incident was almost heartbreaking. It was good to see her mature, and still carry that carefree, childish attitude that she had loved. She grinned as she imagined what Lady Kisaragi's first child would look like.
For the rest of AVALANCHE and the Turks, the countdown was almost unbearable. Red had already been near Yuffie's window after the meeting, insisting that he should be close by. They were practically in the dark, and he could see that even Reno was not fully satisfied with their plan. He smiled as he heard Yuffie complaining about the dress that she was going to wear, and that there was no way she could hide more than one materia in that outfit. He stayed hidden, and waited.
The President of Shinra Inc. walked inside the palace where the procession would begin. He nodded towards Kitani, who nodded in return. Tifa and Elena should be waiting near the piazza, ready to join him once the parade was over. He briefly closed his eyes, and prayed that the adjustments he had done on Cait Sith would be enough. He looked around the room and noticed the elders, and the council. Shake... was it? He remembered him when he first came to Wutai with the newly formed Shinra. The guardian looked at him and gave a smile and looked up. He followed his gaze and held his breath as Yuffie walked down the stairs.
There were murmurs around as they watched Lady Kisaragi walk down the stairs. Shake and the other guardians whispered words of encouragement and she smiled in return. She was about to walk to him when the council blocked her, and they gave their private greetings. /Not good... They wouldn't try anything here... but still./
Lord Godo Kisaragi entered from his office, also dressed in official ceremonial robes. He looked at his daughter with guilt, not having a chance to apologize. He felt his heart break when she avoided his gaze. She was beautiful, Misao would be so proud. The white robes that belonged to her mother was modified to fit Yuffie, but she still looked perfect. The hand woven silver patterns glittered, and he knew that it would only enhance his daughter's beauty later that night. He shifted his attention to Captain Tasheki, and Hato, the High Priest. Both bowed to them, and with a loud bang from the gong, the procession had begun.
All around Wutai, the people were already celebrating, waiting for the chance to see their Lady Kisaragi be crowned. Cid and Barret were perfectly hidden in their designated spots, while Elena and Tifa joined the other people, waiting to be ushered to their seats. Cait Sith remained still and silent, knowing the importance of his mission while Rude monitored everything from behind, taking note of everything and everyone that passed by. Reno played the perfect fiancé, accepting congratulations while spotting a few of the employees that showed on Rude and Elena's report.
Cloud Strife stood on top of the building, his face scanning the scene below him and watched as the procession reached the piazza. "Cid, report."
"Clear,"
"Barret, report."
"Two on my left. I can take them on, Spike."
Cloud looked over where Barret was hiding and spotted the two. His attention turned to the stage as the crowd cheered, and the Lord and Lady of Wutai entered the stage.
If it were an ordinary day, Tifa and Elena would marvel at the fact that Yuffie looked so beautiful. She looked very much like the royalty she was supposed to be. Instead however, both girls were looking around Yuffie, checking to see anyone out of place.
/Breathe, Yuffie. Breathe./ The young girl commanded herself as the High Priest started the ceremony. She could see Tifa, Elena and Reeve, but not the others. She tried not to frown, wondering where her friends were, or for that matter, where was her fiancé?
/Pretend fiance! Pretend!/ She looked around, and was overwhelmed by the size of the crowd. She felt her palm sweat as she glanced around nervously. /Something's wrong. I know it. Something's not right./ She looked around again, and Yuffie could have sworn that there was someone on top of the orphanage house. She felt Gorky and Chekov help her up, and escorted her to the High Priest. They helped her back to a kneeling position, her head bowed as the priest bestowed his blessing.
"I, the High Priest of Wutai ask the Guardians of the Pagoda, do you accept this woman into the light of Leviathan?"
"We do." The four replied, and looked at the girl that caused so much hassle in their lives with pride.
"Council, do you swear on your oath and blood to guide and protect this woman in her journey?"
"We do."
/Liars, liars pants on fire!/ Cait silently chanted underneath the stage, already familiar on what should be going on above.
"Lord Godo, do you recognize this woman as your daughter, and welcome her to share your power?"
"I do."
The High Priest raised his scepter and pointed at the people. "Do you, people of Wutai accept this woman as your future ruler?"
"We do!" The crowd shouted with pride and happiness. Everything fell silent as the High Priest gave his scepter to Staniv, and took the crown from Shake.
"By your blessing, I give this crown to Lady Yuffie Kisaragi." He placed the crown on her head, and Yuffie smiled, and felt her heart grow warm. "Rise, Lady of Wutai, and meet your people."
Chekov and Gorky helped her up and she faced the crowd, who bowed to her. She tried to stop tears from falling, but she felt so overwhelmed with emotions, and the realization that she can do something more for Wutai made her happier.
"Two on the left, and one on the right." Rude's voice came out of the radio and Cloud
saw the intruders immediately.
"Tifa, Elena. Left and right."
Both of the women touched their left ears carefuly hearing the transmittion.
"It's happening. I can't believe it's happening." Tifa whispered as Elena calculated the distance from her target.
Underneath the stage, Cait Sith felt the unnecessary weight and prepared to move. Already knowing where Yuffie was standing, he prepared his new gadget and pointed it on stage.
Cid, Barret, Reno and Red, already aware of the situation moved to a new position that Reno previously planned. As Yuffie made a move to accept the scepter from the High Priest, all hell broke loose.
Yuffie screamed as she fell under the stage, only to be caught by Cait Sith. "What the hell are you doing?"
"Saving you!" The cat grinned. Above her, Lord Godo was already being escorted away, as the High Priest lay injured from a gunshot. The elders, the guardians of the pagoda and the rest of the council was escorted as well, and the crowd was running around in blind panic.
Cid, Barret and Cloud already knowing who to look for went their separate ways.
Cloud swore as he ran after his target. /I can't believe Reno got everything right! Bastard!/
Late last night, Reno presented the most probable scenarios. Since the Turk was already dead sure that the assassin wants an undivided attention, what better time to strike than right after the coronation? Everyone would be focused on Yuffie, and Sepiroth could be dancing naked in the back, but no one would notice. Elena retrieved the ceremony schedule, the blocking of everyone that was going to be on stage. Reno mentioned that a close range attack would directly come from the stage, and a long-range attempt would be on the buildings that they were already guarding.
Cloud avoided an arrow and lunged for the guy, only giving one punch. The suspect fell unconscious and Cloud dragged the man back. /Bastard got everything right./ The leader of AVALANCHE continued to drag the man back to the piazza, barely hearing Cid and Barret's report of their own success in capturing their suspects.
"Red and Cait have followed the elders and the council. She's with her father." Rude's voice rang out as Cloud took his radio from his breast pocket.
"Rude, we have three of the royal guards..."
"Elena and Tifa have the other four. Reno's shadowing Tasheki."
Cloud looked around and saw Cid and Barret. "Is the father still a suspect?"
There was a moment of silence. "Yes."
Captain Tasheki and the rest of the royal guards escorted Yuffie with her father in a tight circle. Yuffie was still shaking, the previous events not clearly registering in her mind.
She cursed silently wishing for her conformer, and prayed Hato was all right. A soldier screamed and fell as a burst of fire came out of nowhere. /Materia!/ Yuffie quickly reached for a materia hidden in her gown, not an easy task when she was shoved to the ground, and covered by grown men. She wiggled, and the soldier, whom she recognized as a boy named Falcor kept her still.
"Please Lady Yuffie, keep still until the Captain says it is safe to stand up."
There were shouts and weapons being thrown, and Yuffie gritted her teeth. There was silence. "Hurry, we have to get Lord Godo and his daughter inside!"
She felt herself being hauled to her feet, her white gown now covered with dirt and leaves. She felt a presence from behind her and turned around. Yuffie was about to use her materia to attack when her father stepped in front of her.
"Hey!"
"Captain, take my daughter and hide her." Godo commanded, sword drawn out.
"Are you crazy! You haven't fought in years!" Yuffie shouted as their attacker disappeared from their sights. "I can handle this!"
"Lord Godo, I must insist..."
"That's an order, Captain! Protect my daughter at all cost."
"That's crazy!"
Godo turned around and looked down at Yuffie. "For once in your life, Yuffie. Listen to me!"
Yuffie bit her lip as she felt herself being dragged away. She impulsively ran to her father and gave him an embrace. "I love you, daddy."
Godo closed his eyes as he stroked his daughter's hair. "Go with the Captain."
Yuffie nodded and handed her ice materia to her father before joining the captain.
"Reno, Yuffie's with Tasheki." Rude whispered and waited for a response. "Reno?"
Still nothing. Rude swore as he continued to watch Lord Godo, surrounded by his men. He watched Yuffie's father, looking for any signs of his involvement. He had been a first hand witness to the fact that blood is not thicker than water, not when it came to money, or power.
His hands gripped his gun, as he tuned in to his surroundings. The attacker has fled.
Yuffie tried to catch her breath as she ran with the Captain. She remembered the very reason why she hated to wear dresses. It was hard to run, and would practically be impossible to fight. "Where are we going?"
Captain Tasheki ignored her as he came to a complete stop, and motioned for her to stay quiet. They both listened to their surroundings, and became satisfied that they were no longer being followed. Yuffie closed her eyes, and allowed herself to relax. It was fine, everything was fine. The pain was unexpected as Yuffie felt something sharp behind her back, and felt her self be pushed to the ground.
Her eyes watered in pain as she saw the Captain with a knife, covered with blood. Her blood. "Why?" She asked in a whisper, crawling backwards, away from the man she called a friend. "Why?"
"I'm sorry, Yuffie. Truly I am." He whispered. She felt the tears of pain and betrayal fall against her cheek as he walked closer. "You would've destroyed everything Yuffie. Everything that we have worked for.
"I don't understand..."
"Shhh, don't cry. I won't let you suffer anymore."
Yuffie kicked the Captain in the shin hard enough for him to drop the knife, and quickly ran away, only to be grabbed by the hair. Tasheki shoved her to the ground once more. "Don't make this difficult than it already is!"
"I'm not giving up without a fight!" Yuffie cried out in anger. "Why are you doing this? You were supposed to be my friend!"
"You," Tasheki seethed, "Would have abolished the council. You would destroy what took hundreds of years to build, all the work will be nothing to you once you assume the throne."
"I don't know what you're talking about, I would *never* abolish the council!"
"Liar!" The Captain roared and kicked Yuffie on her ribs. She winced in pain as Tasheki walked away from her. "I'm sorry, Yuffie." He took out his gun and aimed it straight at Yuffie's head. She closed her eyes, and flinched when she heard a gun shot. She blinked, and realized that she was alive. She looked in shock to see the Captain, on the ground, staring at the sky in shock. She crawled to where he was and took his gun and glanced around, waiting to be attacked. She heard movement from behind her and she spun around, not paying any attention to the pain from her wound and saw the darkness move from behind the trees. She licked her dry lips and prepared to shoot, only for her arms to drop to the ground when she saw a familiar figure walking towards her.
"Vincent," His name escaped her lips, and Yuffie felt the darkness claim her.
~tBc~
I hope I didn't disappoint. I was never good at fighting scenes! So, here's Vincent!!
Reffie chapter ahead!! And yes, there would be interesting ( I hope anyway) Vincent/Yuffie/Reno scenes, but not in a love triangle kind of way. I can't let Vincent loose the girl again!
Thanks again for all your comments!
Chapter 10
Playing With Fire
Two days later:
Tifa woke up, feeling guilty that she fell asleep, when she should have been doing something. Anything. The ceremony was tonight, and they have so little to go by. Reno and Rude have scouted the piazza, and have given probable places where the assassin could be stationed if they were going for a long-range attack. Somehow, she didn't know if she should be impressed with what Reno has done. He had come out with the five most probable scenarios, which he said was originally seven. She stood up and began fixing her bed. /Of course he'd know. He'd know exactly how the assassins would think. If fate was being a bitch, Reno probably would have been the one hired to do the job./
She took only a short time in the shower, eager to get out and see if there was anything she can do.
On the other side of Yuffie's room, Elena was already wide-awake, her eyes scanning through the employee profiles of everyone who worked in the Kisaragi household. She stopped when she heard Yuffie shriek, and ran out. She bolted out of her room and saw a very wet Tifa in her bathrobe, and they both walked in, with Elena on the lead, gun already drawn out.
Their shoulders sagged in relief as Elena hid her gun. Yuffie was shaking her head, whining at Ayami who was trying to yank her out of the bed.
"I don't wanna go..."
Ayami succeeded in yanking Yuffie out of the bed and started dragging the girl to the bathroom. She looked at Tifa and Elena and pleaded to her friends. "Come on guys, you have to help me... please!"
"It's just a photo session. No one's going to kill you. Now go take a bath and I'll have your royal robes prepared." She shoved the young girl inside who still continued to whine. "Honestly! Every time I start to think that she has grown up, she changes my mind with her antics!"
Both Elena and Tifa laughed nervously at Ayami. Elena gave Tifa a look before walking out, and Tifa soon followed. "I've looked through the employees. There's a few that seems to fit the profile."
Tifa nodded her head. Before Elena can walk away, Tifa grabbed Elena's arm gently. "When I arrived here, Yuffie had this bruise on her cheek. Was that from Lord Godo?"
Elena bit her lip and nodded her head. "They were arguing and things got out of hand."
She replied. "What time are we going to meet the others?"
"At ten. I want to look around the grounds more before I meet Cloud."
The blond nodded. "I'll see you later, then."
Tifa watched Elena walk back to her room before walking back to her own. Who would've thought that she could actually be on good terms with Elena? Would they have been friends if it weren't for the old Shinra? Probably. Stranger things have happened.
Who exactly is out to get Yuffie? She just prayed that Reno was wrong about her father being involved. How would Yuffie feel if she found out that the people she trusted, the people that were supposed to protect her, are out for her blood?
She bit her lip, and a determined look came to her face. She won't let anything happen to Yuffie. She wasn't about to stand around and watch another friend die.
Yuffie on the other hand wasn't about to stand around and be photographed while wearing seven dresses at the same time. She wrinkled her nose in disgust. They have a picture of her somewhere... can't they just do that computer thing and leave her alone?
She let out a smile as she climbed out of her bathroom window, and jumped to a near by tree branch, and slowly climbed down. Whistling to herself... she walked away and walked through the gardens for some fresh air.
/Wait... since when did I start whistling?/
As soon as the thought entered her head, she stopped and shuddered. /Gawd... I've been hanging around with Reno too long. Well, not that it was bad. He can be a pain in the ass, but I have to admit, he's very good looking. Not as hot as Vincent, but cute enough./
The red head of her thoughts came to view as she turned to a corner, and she saw Reno, without a shirt, practicing a series of kata she could've sworn was the Wutaian army exercise. His hair, usually messy was tied up tight, and reminded her of her comic book hero. Red hair, cross scar, except that this man had twin scars instead beneath his eyes. All thoughts of Vincent vanished from her head as she watched him move. Some of his movements weren't smooth, and the transition a bit awkward, but hell. With a chest like
that, who cares|?
Yuffie shuddered again /Eeeewww... grossness! Gawd, what am I thinking?/
She shook her head and walked closer to Reno. "Your arms are too stiff. And your legs need to be further apart. Keep your back straight. By the way, what's with the hair?"
"Feels fresher." Reno replied and grinned at Yuffie, noticing the blush on her cheeks. "You came to perve on me?"
"As if! You're butchering a hundred years of tradition with your movements!" She replied, silently cursing herself because she knew that he could see her blush. "Where did learn that, anyway?"
"Tseng. He never did teach me, just saw him doing it and I copied him."
Yuffie just nodded as she noticed the various scars on his chest. "Where the hell did you get all that?"
Reno walked closer to Yuffie and turned around, showing him the scars behind his back.
He turned again to face her. "What can I say, some are battle scars and the others... well... some women can be very, very, aggressive."
Yuffie blinked. "Well of course! Just because they're women doesn't mean they can't fight as well as other men."
Reno laughed at her reply and it took a while for Yuffie to digest what he actually meant.
"You are so gross, Reno!" Yuffie yelled, and threw a punch at him, trying to hide her embarrassment.
Reno caught her fists with his own. "The look on your face! That was a classic... " He continued laughing and Yuffie continued to turn red. "You really make me laugh, Yuffie..."
"Shut up or I'll kick your ass!"
Reno continued laughing. "Awww, come on Yuffie. I was just teasing you."
"I feel so blest." She snapped back as Reno released her hand.
"Okay, why don't you teach me how to do the kata right? Or do you just want to watch me butcher a hundred years of tradition?" He suddenly asked, all traces of humor gone.
Yuffie looked at Reno as if he had grown another head. "What?"
"Come on, teach me the proper way to do it. I already know it anyway. It's not like you're about to give away a deep, dark secret. Besides, I gave you a discount on my fee, remember?"
Yuffie gave a deep breath. "Might as well. I have nothing better to do anyway."
She faced Reno and walked a few steps back, giving them room to move. "Ready? You have to mirror my movements. Can you do that?"
Surprisingly, Reno just nodded his head. Yuffie took a deep breath, and started moving. Reno followed her movements with ease, his eyes quickly picking up subtle movements he never got from Tseng, and couldn't help but admire the younger girl. Sure, she wasn't as pretty as the other girl's he's dated... but none of those girls can make him laugh and at the same time had the capability to kick his ass, as Yuffie threatened earlier.
He shook those thoughts from his head, and concentrated on her movements, as well as his. And soon enough, they were performing the kata smoothly, but still with the deadly edge it had always possessed.
Tifa and Elena decided to walk to the villa together when they saw Reno and Yuffie. They stood frozen to the ground, mouths slightly parted in surprise. They looked at each other before looking back at the pair, totally engrossed in their exercise.
"They actually look good together." Elena whispered, hardly believing what she just said. "If they don't piss each other to death, that is."
Tifa nodded. "I can't believe what I'm seeing..."
"Hey, is Yuffie with Valentine or something?" Elena asked softly, her gaze still on the two.
"I think that Yuffie just has a crush on him, like she did with Cloud before." Tifa replied still looking at the two. "Why?"
"Nothing." Elena responded. "We should be going, right?"
"Yeah."
The two still continued to look at Yuffie and Reno, not one making the first move to walk to the villa.
A few minutes later, Elena and Tifa managed to get themselves moving and were faced with an irritated Cloud.
"You're late."
"Sorry," Both women apologized as they sat down.
"Where the hell is Reno?" Cloud asked angrily at the Turk's tardiness, but did not expect a reply from anyone. So it came as a surprise when both women started giggling. /Is Tifa actually *giggling* with the Turk?/
Cid and Barret just stared at the two while both women tried to stop. When Rude caught Elena's gaze she blushed and looked away.
"Is there anything going on that we should know?" Cloud asked as Tifa and Elena looked at each other before facing him.
"Reno's just preoccupied," Tifa replied with a smile, while Elena kept her head down, hiding her face behind a curtain of blond hair, an attempt to stop the laughter that was about to come.
Thankfully, Reno walked in. Tifa turned around to see him wearing a gray shirt and a towel around his neck. "What did I miss?"
"You're late." Cloud stated flatly as the Turk sat down. "We've already discussed where Cid and Barret would be stationed tonight. Reeve will be sitting next to Elena and Tifa.
He will place Cait Sith under the stage and Rude will be behind it. Red will shadow Yuffie from the time she leaves the palace, and you can monitor the surroundings and the personnel. Elena, do you have the list?"
Elena nodded and handed it to Reno. Rude handed another list and Reno looked at them. "What will you do?"
"I'll be on this building here" Cloud replied, pointing to the map. "Besides the building that Cid and Barret would be, this has a good view of the whole ceremony. I've checked it out last night. Any last minute questions, or ideas?"
He received no reply. "Good. Keep the lines of communications open. Remember, not only we have to keep Yuffie safe, but we have to catch these people on the act. We have to get them now. If we don't..."
"We will." Reno said cutting Cloud off. "You can bet your life Wutai will be shaking before midnight."
"Let's just hope they'll be shaking with relief and not in despair," Cloud snapped as he rolled the map. "We meet back here at four to talk about any new information that we have. Cid and Barret have already taken note of people that looked out of place as well as being very interested at the buildings Reno have said to be as hot spots."
The group stood up and prepared for the day ahead of them. He looked around the room, and Cloud felt the familiar surge of adrenalin flowing through his body. "Let's move."
Oblivious to the threat to her life, Yuffie stood in front of the photographer who would do her portrait. The only consolation to this what that she'll just be standing for a few hours, compared to a whole day if she was to be painted the traditional way. She felt uncomfortable with all the robes that she was wearing, and that she had to stand straight and look regal. Yuffie rolled her eyes. /Whatever./
"All done, Lady Kisaragi."
Yuffie gave the photographer a polite smile as she struggled to move with the robes. /How the hell did my mother do this?/ "Can I change to something else, Ayami?"
Ayami nodded as she helped the younger woman. "Just use your bathrobe. You'll need to change to the ceremonial gown soon. Saya will be with you shortly to fix your hair." The old woman said as they stopped. Ayami pushed a stray lock of hair behind Yuffie's ear and smiled. "Tonight will be the first night you will wear the Royal Crown. You will be even more beautiful than ever."
Yuffie blushed as they continued to walk. "Awww, come on Ayami. I'm not going to be wearing that forever! It's so... flashy,"
"It's elegant. That crown was fitted for you. I can't wait to see that crown on your head!"
"I can't wait to get rid of this dress!" Yuffie muttered. "This dress is heavier than me!"
Ayami just sighed as they reached her room. Yuffie quickly untied the obi and proceeded to take her robes off. "Careful! Be patient..."
"But it's itchy!"
"Just a little longer..." Ayami soothed the young girl, secretly pleased that her young charge was complaining. She was used to Yuffie being immature and irrational, and to suddenly see her all grown up after the meteor incident was almost heartbreaking. It was good to see her mature, and still carry that carefree, childish attitude that she had loved. She grinned as she imagined what Lady Kisaragi's first child would look like.
For the rest of AVALANCHE and the Turks, the countdown was almost unbearable. Red had already been near Yuffie's window after the meeting, insisting that he should be close by. They were practically in the dark, and he could see that even Reno was not fully satisfied with their plan. He smiled as he heard Yuffie complaining about the dress that she was going to wear, and that there was no way she could hide more than one materia in that outfit. He stayed hidden, and waited.
The President of Shinra Inc. walked inside the palace where the procession would begin. He nodded towards Kitani, who nodded in return. Tifa and Elena should be waiting near the piazza, ready to join him once the parade was over. He briefly closed his eyes, and prayed that the adjustments he had done on Cait Sith would be enough. He looked around the room and noticed the elders, and the council. Shake... was it? He remembered him when he first came to Wutai with the newly formed Shinra. The guardian looked at him and gave a smile and looked up. He followed his gaze and held his breath as Yuffie walked down the stairs.
There were murmurs around as they watched Lady Kisaragi walk down the stairs. Shake and the other guardians whispered words of encouragement and she smiled in return. She was about to walk to him when the council blocked her, and they gave their private greetings. /Not good... They wouldn't try anything here... but still./
Lord Godo Kisaragi entered from his office, also dressed in official ceremonial robes. He looked at his daughter with guilt, not having a chance to apologize. He felt his heart break when she avoided his gaze. She was beautiful, Misao would be so proud. The white robes that belonged to her mother was modified to fit Yuffie, but she still looked perfect. The hand woven silver patterns glittered, and he knew that it would only enhance his daughter's beauty later that night. He shifted his attention to Captain Tasheki, and Hato, the High Priest. Both bowed to them, and with a loud bang from the gong, the procession had begun.
All around Wutai, the people were already celebrating, waiting for the chance to see their Lady Kisaragi be crowned. Cid and Barret were perfectly hidden in their designated spots, while Elena and Tifa joined the other people, waiting to be ushered to their seats. Cait Sith remained still and silent, knowing the importance of his mission while Rude monitored everything from behind, taking note of everything and everyone that passed by. Reno played the perfect fiancé, accepting congratulations while spotting a few of the employees that showed on Rude and Elena's report.
Cloud Strife stood on top of the building, his face scanning the scene below him and watched as the procession reached the piazza. "Cid, report."
"Clear,"
"Barret, report."
"Two on my left. I can take them on, Spike."
Cloud looked over where Barret was hiding and spotted the two. His attention turned to the stage as the crowd cheered, and the Lord and Lady of Wutai entered the stage.
If it were an ordinary day, Tifa and Elena would marvel at the fact that Yuffie looked so beautiful. She looked very much like the royalty she was supposed to be. Instead however, both girls were looking around Yuffie, checking to see anyone out of place.
/Breathe, Yuffie. Breathe./ The young girl commanded herself as the High Priest started the ceremony. She could see Tifa, Elena and Reeve, but not the others. She tried not to frown, wondering where her friends were, or for that matter, where was her fiancé?
/Pretend fiance! Pretend!/ She looked around, and was overwhelmed by the size of the crowd. She felt her palm sweat as she glanced around nervously. /Something's wrong. I know it. Something's not right./ She looked around again, and Yuffie could have sworn that there was someone on top of the orphanage house. She felt Gorky and Chekov help her up, and escorted her to the High Priest. They helped her back to a kneeling position, her head bowed as the priest bestowed his blessing.
"I, the High Priest of Wutai ask the Guardians of the Pagoda, do you accept this woman into the light of Leviathan?"
"We do." The four replied, and looked at the girl that caused so much hassle in their lives with pride.
"Council, do you swear on your oath and blood to guide and protect this woman in her journey?"
"We do."
/Liars, liars pants on fire!/ Cait silently chanted underneath the stage, already familiar on what should be going on above.
"Lord Godo, do you recognize this woman as your daughter, and welcome her to share your power?"
"I do."
The High Priest raised his scepter and pointed at the people. "Do you, people of Wutai accept this woman as your future ruler?"
"We do!" The crowd shouted with pride and happiness. Everything fell silent as the High Priest gave his scepter to Staniv, and took the crown from Shake.
"By your blessing, I give this crown to Lady Yuffie Kisaragi." He placed the crown on her head, and Yuffie smiled, and felt her heart grow warm. "Rise, Lady of Wutai, and meet your people."
Chekov and Gorky helped her up and she faced the crowd, who bowed to her. She tried to stop tears from falling, but she felt so overwhelmed with emotions, and the realization that she can do something more for Wutai made her happier.
"Two on the left, and one on the right." Rude's voice came out of the radio and Cloud
saw the intruders immediately.
"Tifa, Elena. Left and right."
Both of the women touched their left ears carefuly hearing the transmittion.
"It's happening. I can't believe it's happening." Tifa whispered as Elena calculated the distance from her target.
Underneath the stage, Cait Sith felt the unnecessary weight and prepared to move. Already knowing where Yuffie was standing, he prepared his new gadget and pointed it on stage.
Cid, Barret, Reno and Red, already aware of the situation moved to a new position that Reno previously planned. As Yuffie made a move to accept the scepter from the High Priest, all hell broke loose.
Yuffie screamed as she fell under the stage, only to be caught by Cait Sith. "What the hell are you doing?"
"Saving you!" The cat grinned. Above her, Lord Godo was already being escorted away, as the High Priest lay injured from a gunshot. The elders, the guardians of the pagoda and the rest of the council was escorted as well, and the crowd was running around in blind panic.
Cid, Barret and Cloud already knowing who to look for went their separate ways.
Cloud swore as he ran after his target. /I can't believe Reno got everything right! Bastard!/
Late last night, Reno presented the most probable scenarios. Since the Turk was already dead sure that the assassin wants an undivided attention, what better time to strike than right after the coronation? Everyone would be focused on Yuffie, and Sepiroth could be dancing naked in the back, but no one would notice. Elena retrieved the ceremony schedule, the blocking of everyone that was going to be on stage. Reno mentioned that a close range attack would directly come from the stage, and a long-range attempt would be on the buildings that they were already guarding.
Cloud avoided an arrow and lunged for the guy, only giving one punch. The suspect fell unconscious and Cloud dragged the man back. /Bastard got everything right./ The leader of AVALANCHE continued to drag the man back to the piazza, barely hearing Cid and Barret's report of their own success in capturing their suspects.
"Red and Cait have followed the elders and the council. She's with her father." Rude's voice rang out as Cloud took his radio from his breast pocket.
"Rude, we have three of the royal guards..."
"Elena and Tifa have the other four. Reno's shadowing Tasheki."
Cloud looked around and saw Cid and Barret. "Is the father still a suspect?"
There was a moment of silence. "Yes."
Captain Tasheki and the rest of the royal guards escorted Yuffie with her father in a tight circle. Yuffie was still shaking, the previous events not clearly registering in her mind.
She cursed silently wishing for her conformer, and prayed Hato was all right. A soldier screamed and fell as a burst of fire came out of nowhere. /Materia!/ Yuffie quickly reached for a materia hidden in her gown, not an easy task when she was shoved to the ground, and covered by grown men. She wiggled, and the soldier, whom she recognized as a boy named Falcor kept her still.
"Please Lady Yuffie, keep still until the Captain says it is safe to stand up."
There were shouts and weapons being thrown, and Yuffie gritted her teeth. There was silence. "Hurry, we have to get Lord Godo and his daughter inside!"
She felt herself being hauled to her feet, her white gown now covered with dirt and leaves. She felt a presence from behind her and turned around. Yuffie was about to use her materia to attack when her father stepped in front of her.
"Hey!"
"Captain, take my daughter and hide her." Godo commanded, sword drawn out.
"Are you crazy! You haven't fought in years!" Yuffie shouted as their attacker disappeared from their sights. "I can handle this!"
"Lord Godo, I must insist..."
"That's an order, Captain! Protect my daughter at all cost."
"That's crazy!"
Godo turned around and looked down at Yuffie. "For once in your life, Yuffie. Listen to me!"
Yuffie bit her lip as she felt herself being dragged away. She impulsively ran to her father and gave him an embrace. "I love you, daddy."
Godo closed his eyes as he stroked his daughter's hair. "Go with the Captain."
Yuffie nodded and handed her ice materia to her father before joining the captain.
"Reno, Yuffie's with Tasheki." Rude whispered and waited for a response. "Reno?"
Still nothing. Rude swore as he continued to watch Lord Godo, surrounded by his men. He watched Yuffie's father, looking for any signs of his involvement. He had been a first hand witness to the fact that blood is not thicker than water, not when it came to money, or power.
His hands gripped his gun, as he tuned in to his surroundings. The attacker has fled.
Yuffie tried to catch her breath as she ran with the Captain. She remembered the very reason why she hated to wear dresses. It was hard to run, and would practically be impossible to fight. "Where are we going?"
Captain Tasheki ignored her as he came to a complete stop, and motioned for her to stay quiet. They both listened to their surroundings, and became satisfied that they were no longer being followed. Yuffie closed her eyes, and allowed herself to relax. It was fine, everything was fine. The pain was unexpected as Yuffie felt something sharp behind her back, and felt her self be pushed to the ground.
Her eyes watered in pain as she saw the Captain with a knife, covered with blood. Her blood. "Why?" She asked in a whisper, crawling backwards, away from the man she called a friend. "Why?"
"I'm sorry, Yuffie. Truly I am." He whispered. She felt the tears of pain and betrayal fall against her cheek as he walked closer. "You would've destroyed everything Yuffie. Everything that we have worked for.
"I don't understand..."
"Shhh, don't cry. I won't let you suffer anymore."
Yuffie kicked the Captain in the shin hard enough for him to drop the knife, and quickly ran away, only to be grabbed by the hair. Tasheki shoved her to the ground once more. "Don't make this difficult than it already is!"
"I'm not giving up without a fight!" Yuffie cried out in anger. "Why are you doing this? You were supposed to be my friend!"
"You," Tasheki seethed, "Would have abolished the council. You would destroy what took hundreds of years to build, all the work will be nothing to you once you assume the throne."
"I don't know what you're talking about, I would *never* abolish the council!"
"Liar!" The Captain roared and kicked Yuffie on her ribs. She winced in pain as Tasheki walked away from her. "I'm sorry, Yuffie." He took out his gun and aimed it straight at Yuffie's head. She closed her eyes, and flinched when she heard a gun shot. She blinked, and realized that she was alive. She looked in shock to see the Captain, on the ground, staring at the sky in shock. She crawled to where he was and took his gun and glanced around, waiting to be attacked. She heard movement from behind her and she spun around, not paying any attention to the pain from her wound and saw the darkness move from behind the trees. She licked her dry lips and prepared to shoot, only for her arms to drop to the ground when she saw a familiar figure walking towards her.
"Vincent," His name escaped her lips, and Yuffie felt the darkness claim her.
~tBc~
I hope I didn't disappoint. I was never good at fighting scenes! So, here's Vincent!!
Reffie chapter ahead!! And yes, there would be interesting ( I hope anyway) Vincent/Yuffie/Reno scenes, but not in a love triangle kind of way. I can't let Vincent loose the girl again!
Thanks again for all your comments!