Chapter 5: Evil Rears it's Ugly Blond Head

Hello everyone! Here we are with the 5th chapter. This was hard to write. It was by far the hardest chapter I've done so far. I think it's mostly because all of the action in it. Anyways, read, enjoy and review. It's a shame there aren't more Tifa/Sephiroth stories on here because this is my favorite pair right now. Oh well, maybe more will come if I keep this up! Oh and thanks again to all of my great reviewers!

A long moan escaped my lips as I rolled about beneath my covers and gradually cleared my thoughts of sleep. It was almost dead quiet in the room, save for the gentle pitter-patter of rain against the window. I turned my head towards Sephiroth's bed to find him reading another book. I glanced out the window absentmindedly and watched tiny rivers trickle down the smooth surface of the glass.

Sephiroth glanced up from his book. "Good morning." He said calmly.

"Morning!" I chirped and flashed him a giant smile. "What time is it?"

"11 a.m." He imparted, only half listening.

"Hmmm." I wrinkled my nose thoughtfully. I reluctantly pulled off my warm blankets and swung my legs over the side of the bed, suddenly getting the brunt of just how cold it was. Nothing I can't handle. I think.

I was hungry, not to mention I hadn't done very much exploring of the ship yet. So I'd get a little wet, no big deal. I fastened my boots and stood up with a long stretch. "I'm going out to explore and get something to eat. I might be a couple hours."

Sephiroth grudgingly looked up from his reading and stared out the window for a moment. "Suit yourself." He shrugged and returned to his book. "Don't freeze to death while you're out there."

I rolled my eyes. "It isn't even raining that hard." I insisted and stepped into the hall, closing the door behind me. Where was the mini restaurant in this place? I guess I'll just have to go looking for it.

It didn't take me long to find it, thankfully. They were serving seafood omelets, oatmeal , pancakes, waffles, and bacon and eggs. So many good choices, and all of it smelled delicious. It'd been a while since I had an omelet and I'd never tried one with seafood. It's hard to go wrong with seafood, I thought.

I sat down at an empty table, made my order, and occupied myself with staring outside at the rhythmic flow of the water while I waited. When breakfast arrived, I was overwhelmed by the size. It was very good, but a little too much for me. I finished up as quickly as possible so that I could take a look around and explore the rest of the boat. There were so many places to go. Where to start?

As I weaved in and out of the hallways, and up and down stairs I discovered a small exercising area, a bar, and an entertainment section. This place had everything. I spent some time in the gym, and then headed to the entertainment section where I was to play ping-pong (and numberous other games) with an insistent young girl for a good portion of the day.

Several hours passed and I finally escaped the area before the girl snagged me into another game of ice hockey. We must have played every game there was in there around 50 times each. I stepped out onto the deck with relief. The rain had picked up a little since I'd left the cabin, but not much. Now I could have some peace and quiet.

I came to a stop at the bow of the boat and leaned over the railing. We were speeding across the ocean at a good clip it seemed and so were several dolphins just ahead of the us. They were fantastic swimmers and had tremendous speed. I'd heard of them racing ships before, but I'd never actually seen it. It was quite an impressive show of endurance and strength. There were four in all and they looked to be having the time of their lives.

The scene brought a smile to my face. I wonder how many people never get to see something like this? It's a shame the things people miss in their lives.

Centuries seemed to pass as I watched and the dolphins eventually drifted away from the ship, their energy spent. My eyes followed them till they were completely out of sight. It was enjoyable while it lasted, I thought and turned away.

I stopped short, gasping in shock as I found myself the center of attention for the eight people now standing between me and the cabins. The blood draining from my face as I stared in disbelief at a familiar face I had hoped never to set eyes upon again. "Scarlet." I growled. "You're supposed to be dead."

The blonde woman stood on 4 inch heels in a halter-top red dress much like her old one, with seven dangerous looking men backing her up.

She smiled. "Rumor has it Sephiroth is still alive too. Avalanche has a habit of not finishing the job it seems."

"Why are you here?" I demanded, holding back the urge to walk up and punch her in the nose. Something tells me the men with her would not take the gesture lightly.

"For the black materia of course! You didn't think we'd just forget about it did you? Where is it?" She requested impatiently.

My face paled. The black materia… "What do you want with it?" I choked. Why couldn't these people just stay dead! Everything had been going so well up till now.

"My boss would like to obtain it. It supposedly has a…hidden power." She grinned. "You and your Avalanche friends were the last ones to have it, therefore we're going to run you all down until the black materia is in our hands. Isn't it just a perfect coincidence that we happen to be on the same boat? We won't be here long of course. Our ride will be arriving soon. Wouldn't want to be late to capture that irritating little brat Yuffie now would we? We're killing two birds with one stone by finding you here."

My hands clenched into fists. "I'm not going anywhere with you, old wench." I retorted.

Her eyes flared with hatred. "I'd bite my tongue if I were you, bar slut." She snapped. "Besides, Marlene and Melony are charming little girls. It would be a shame to end their lives at such a young age because of your stupidity."

"You wouldn't!" I gasped.

She batted her eyes at me, lifting an scrutinizing eyebrow. "You'd be surprised at what I'm willing to do for power."

"I won't allow it." I said, stepping into battle stance.

"Come now, do you really think that you can take us on alone?" She asked, laughing. "Hmm, I think I shall enjoy this. Retrieve her." She ordered, and the seven lackeys started to converge in around me.

My heart was racing as they made their steady advance. Things were definitely not in my favor at the moment. I'd have to think up something pretty damn quick or I would be going with Scarlet whether I wanted to or not.

Think Tifa! Knights of the Round… I cycled hastily through my materia slots and there sat the glimmering red orb. I spread my hands and immediatly began the summon, "Ultimate End!"

Four of the men were caught in the grasp of the Knights and instantl disposed of, but the other three had somehow escaped. Scarlet, I noted, had suddenly disappeared and was nowhere to be seen. A little over confident, isn't she?

Two of the men who were left resembled thieves while the third looked was a slick and trim fellow in a white suit. The Turk like man was tall, had shoulder length dark brown hair, gray eyes and wore fighting gloves. He had a blue tie too that I was dying to hang him by.

The man to his right had a very dark complexion and short black hair tied in a black bandana. He had sharp golden eyes and he carried a quarterstaff. He was dressed in knee length loose green pants, sandals and a black sleeveless silver trimmed vest.

The third fellow had dark brown hair that was bleached at the tips and his skin was light brown. He wore knee high boots, black pants and a long sleeved green tunic with several of the buttons undone, revealing his chest. In his hand was a glinting saber.

"Well, if it isn't the esteemed miss Tifa Lockheart." The Turk chuckled, taking a few casual steps towards her.

I gritted my teeth and kept a careful eyes as he approached. The other two waited behind him, thought for what I wasn't sure. They were cleary under his command.

"I'll handle this." The leader said then and cracked his knuckles. "You could join us you know?" He suggested. He looked me up and down slowly, his eyes alight with appreciation.

My eyes narrowed dangerously. "You make me sick. I wouldn't join your worthless hide if my life depended on it. Now, are we gonna do this? Or do I need to show you how to use those?" I gestured to his gloves, smirking dryly.

His eyes hardened into a glare. "Fool. This is the chance of a life time. You could have everything!"

"I have everything that I want right here." I responded icily.

"You're all alone." He murmured softly, taking another step towards me. "Don't you ever feel lonely?"

"Are you coming on to me?" I growled, stepping back.

His eyes sparkled brighter than ever. "What if I am?"

"Then youl'd best prepare a will before it's too late." I answered and lunged at him, landing a sold hook to his jaw. He staggered back in surprise, grasping at his throbbing face. Flame danced in his eyes as he shook himself off. His hand wiped away a small trace of blood from his lip and he leveled his fists. "You're going to pay for that."

Just like that he was right in front of me with a fist speeding towards my face. I caught it easily and countered with a punch to the stomach. When he didn't fall, I thrust an elbow into his ribs. Both blows had been solid, and yet he seemed hardly fazed.

He grinned. "You'll have to do better than that."

His words infuriated me beyond belief and I attacked him again, much more wildly than before. He blocked everything and struck me squarely in the stomach. I stumbled back breathlessly and managed to evade his kick only by centimeters.

Though I'd made a mistake by attacking in an out of control manner, the damage I'd received allowed me to reach my limit break. I smiled to myself. The timing couldn't have been better! "Beat rush!" I cried feeling the energy surge through my body. If this didn't work than all hope was lost for me.

I trounced him into the ground each of my attacks making its mark and then to finish off with a dolphin kick. The man staggered back bloody and bruised, his suit torn in several places. He certainly felt that one I thought with pleasure.

"You bitch!" He hissed. "Star Eclipse!" A massive ball of light materialized in his hands and he hurled it in my direction with amazing speed.

I had no chance to react as the spell uplifted me and threw me backwards into the railing. A cry of pain and surprise escaped my lips as a jolt of pain went up my spine. An explosion followed leaving me hanging form the edge of the boat for dear life. How I'd survived I don't know.

Alarms went off all around and the sound of hurried footsteps echoed from afar. It took them long enough! Unfortunately it was too late for me for the enemy was approaching. Here I was tired and beaten dangling from the edge of a large boat that was moving quite quickly. There was no chance!

The leader stooped down to look me. "You put up a good fight. It's a shame you're on the wrong side, you'd be a valuable element to our numbers. I hate to scar that pretty face of yours."

His sly comment lit a spark of new energy inside me and I flipped up over the edge catching the unsuspecting idiot in the face on the landing. I slipped past him getting as far away from the edge as I could. I didn't get far for the other two men intercepted me on my attempted escape.

The blade of a saber narrowly missed my head. I caught his wrist and kicked him in the side of the face twice. The man fell unconscious to the floor. Something struck me in the back of the head from behind and sent me tumbling to the floor as well. I was quick on the recovery though and was on my feet in an instant facing the staff fighter.

"Don't kill her you idiot!" Someone shrieked. It sounded slightly like Scarlet, but her voice was muffled by the sound of a distant helicopter approaching and rain. At the moment I was too preoccupied with the man in front of me to care.

The quarterstaff twirled about in his hands smoothly, his lips forming a mocking grin. "I'm Insada, leader of the Diamond Back thieves. I owe you for the slaughtering of my second hand man not to mention several of my men."

He came at me with a powerful swing at my head. I ducked and got him behind the knees with a low kick. His back fell against the floor and I went for the finishing blow. He however was waiting for me to do just that and launched me over his head the moment I came down on him.

I pushed myself onto my feet and whirled around to face him only to have the end of his staff jammed into my stomach followed by a hard blow to my side. The force knocked me to the ground once again. I coughed up blood and groaned in exhaustion. I could not withstand much more. The spell the Turk used against me had consumed most of my energy and strength.

Gunfire rang out and the sound of not one, but two helicopters got closer. They were trying to escape I thought and struggled to get to my feet only to be slammed down again by the man's staff. The world around me was a sudden madhouse full of shouting and blood curdling screams as the bullets being fired punctured the flesh of the men fighting.

"Insada, hurry up!" Came the Turk's voice.

"Get her you fools!" Scarlet cried from the helicopter. "Don't you dare let that whore escape!"

Strong hands took hold of my arms and wrenched me off the ground. The one man was Insada and the other was one I'd not seen before. They drug me towards one of the two helicopters. I fought fiercely against my captors and drove my feet in to the floorboards. "Let me go!" I yelled and managed to catch the man to my right in the balls with my heel. He let go of me and collapsed.

Immediately following I was punched in the stomach by Insada. He added a finishing touch with a knee to the face. I crashed onto the floor in a flurry of pain. This was a losing battle.

I struggled to my feet and my right leg suddenly began to collapse. At that very same moment I heard a gunshot much closer then all the rest. I let out an ear splitting scream in response to the sharp pain in my leg. Red liquid poured from the bullet wound in my right knee. I couldn't give in! Never! Somehow I managed to shift my weight onto my left leg and push myself up to a standing position.

"You just won't give in will you? You've got a lot of guts. It really is a shame." The leader sighed hiding the gun in his hand somewhere beneath his suit. His eyes rose beyond me. "Any one of you fools who dares step forward will be shot."

I twisted my head to peer behind me. There were several sailors starring at us with horrified gazes and a few civilians several yards back. The sailors stepped back with fear in their eyes.

There were soldiers with machine guns sitting in the helicopters watching the crowd carefully for anyone who dare come forward. No one moved.

"That's better." The Turk smiled.

"Would you just grab her Evan!" Scarlet shrieked. "We've got to go you idiot! We haven't all day!"

"Yes Scarlet." He yawned. "Come on let's go." He said to the Insada and the two other men there (The unconscious man had apparently woken up). They started towards me and I hopped backwards on my one good leg.

It was no use though as they continued to gain on me. They were only 6 feet away and closing when a sudden a swirl of black landed in front of me barring their path. Silver hair twirled around the black clad figure and an enormous sword was in his hands.

My heart lifted and a smile crossed my lips the pain I felt fading for a brief moment. My hero had come to my rescue once again. How can I ever thank you Sephiroth?

"What the f?" Insada cried his eyes widening in disbelief. "So it's true. You can get her yourself Evan. I'm not fighting him." He shouted and ran to the helicopter the two other men following in his footsteps.

Sephiroth glared at Evan. "What are you waiting for?" He taunted. "Are you afraid?" His lips curved into a sinful smile the masamune's tip pointed at the man's throat.

"Maybe some other time." Evan said checking his watch. "Till the next time Lockheart." He winced and hurried over to one of the two helicopters as it lifted off the ground.

I let myself fall into a sitting position on the ground caressing the wound in my leg. Tears stung at my eyes. Pain radiated from nearly every part of my body. My head ached from the staff blow I'd received and I was still dizzy from the eclipse spell Evan had used.

"Cowardly son of a bitch." Sephiroth growled as the helicopters disappeared into the foggy night.

The crowed behind us gasped and yelled. "It's him!" I was much too lost in my own agony to give much notice though. What I needed was a restore materia, but the eclipse spell had also conveniently drained me of my magic. My eyes closed tightly, I was helpless.

Green light consumed me and the pain slowly faded away. I felt along my right leg to find the wound completely gone, but my fatigue still remained. I flopped onto my back peering up at the cloudy sky. So tired…

Sephiroth kneeled down beside me his mako eyes observing me and evaluating my current state.

The only thing I was thinking about now was the safety of my friends. They were in danger and the rest of the world too probably. Scarlet was on her way to Wutai to capture Yuffie and there was nothing I could do. And what about Melony and Marlene? Did they really have them or was it only a bluff?

I felt myself being lifted carefully off the floor of the boat by strong arms. I blinked up at the sullen worried face of Sephiroth. The warmth of his body against mine was comforting and protective. I rested my head against her shoulder and sighed happily. Thank you so much.

A frightened sailor approached cautiously. "W-will she be alright?" He asked.

"I'm fine." I groaned tiredly eyeing him in annoyance.

"We're sorry we could not be of help madam. There were too many for our small force. We don't have guards on the boat." He said apologetically.

"Get them then." Sephiroth snapped.

"We will sir!" The man replied hastily. "Are you…? Are you really him?" He asked suddenly. "Aren't you supposed to be dead I mean?"

Sephiroth glared at the man. "Who else would I be?"

The man cowered. "W-w-well it's just t-that you were going to destroy the world before and n-now…you don't seem to be the same person."

"Perhaps not." Sephiroth said. "I am as I was before the…incident."

"Really?" The man asked excitedly. "That's great news!"

I could feel Sephiroth stiffen impatiently.

"Do you mind? I'd like to get her to our room and you are in my way." Sephiroth drawled impatiently. "She needs rest."

"O-of course!" The young sailor replied and turned abruptly to the crowd of people. "Make way!" He shouted pushing them aside to make a pathway.

When we were clear of the mob I lifted my head from his shoulder. "You don't have to carry me." I said softly.

"Shut up." He responded. "You'd insist on walking if both your legs were broken. Don't even think I'm going to fall for that nonsense. You nearly got yourself killed!"

"This wasn't my fault!" I cried. "Why are you blaming me for it?"

"I-I'm not…err…I was…" He stuttered stupidly. For the first time ever he appeared to be at a loss for words and was searching frantically for something to say that would justify his strange behavior. Finally he spoke. "You should have been more careful, that's all…and if that sniveling little bastard Evan even so much as looks at you again I'm going to cut his balls off." He growled.

I bit my lip and blushed. I hadn't realized Sephiroth cared that much about me. Despite all of my efforts to contain the urge, I kissed him lightly on the cheek. His skin was warm and soft against my lips. "Thank you." I said quietly half expecting him to drop me right there.

But he didn't. In fact he turned scarlet and stumbled, nearly falling down in the process. He managed to gain control of his balance to prevent a horrible incident. "What was that for?" He asked shakily, avoiding my gaze like the plague

Besides sitting in my father's lap, I'd never been this close to a man before. I've never felt so safe in my life right here in his arms. "It seemed to be the best way of showing you just how much I appreciate all that you've done I guess. I'm very grateful to you. I'm sorry."

"I didn't say that I was angry at you." He half mumbled. "You have a habit of getting yourself into trouble." He announced, changing the subject and ascending a flight of stairs. "You're extremely audacious my lady not to mention infuriating. Why can't you keep still?"

"What?" I cried jerking my head up in surprise. I smiled proudly. "I don't want to stay put. And I'm sorry if I wasn't expecting to be abducted at the bow of the boat! Last time a checked the world was safe and no one was out after Avalanche members."

"The world is full of people with bad intentions. You could come across them anywhere at anytime." He replied sternly. "Try to be more aware."

Maybe he was right. I sighed sadly averting my attention to something else. I found myself thinking about Yuffie and the others. Tears threatened to fall. What if they'd already been captured or worse? It would be my fault.

"What's wrong?" Sephiroth's voice broke into my thoughts.

"Scarlet is going after Yuffie and I can't do anything to help her! The others are in trouble too, they might already be captured." I groaned and hid my teary eyes away. What had me worried the most was the safety of Melony and Marlene. If they even dared hurt them I'd-I'd kill them all myself the bastards!

Sephiroth's grip tightened around me. "I'm sorry. " He murmured softly as we approached the door to our room. "Can you open the door?"

"You could put me down." I answered.

"Open the door Tifa." He ordered in annoyance.

I smirked and turned the doorknob with my hand. The door swung open and a gust of cool air met us from the inside. Too cold I thought and clutched at Sephiroth's warmth. He'd have to put me down now I thought with disappointment.

He lowered me onto my bed, pulled off my boots and tucked the covers around me. "Get some rest. You're no doubt quite tired. We'll talk more about this in the morning." He said and turned away. "You are a very brave woman and I've a great deal of respect for you, you know?"

"Sephiroth?" I questioned quietly. When had he become so sweet?

He head twisted around to look at me. Our gazes locked in a moment of complete silence. Butterflies fluttered in my stomach. Was I falling in love with him? That's impossible! Or was it? No, it wasn't impossible. It was quite true actually. I was falling for him and there was nothing I could do about it. Not even Cloud had left me feeling the way I did when Sephiroth gazed at me. There was just something about him that I simply couldn't resist.

"Yes?" Sephiroth asked.

"Thank you." I said again. "I can't thank you enough."

He shook his head slowly. "There is no need my lady. I repay you for all of your sufferings even if I don't believe I was entirely at fault. Someone should."

A knock came at the door and shattered the moment completely.

Sephiroth moved to open it.

The young sailor from earlier stood strait and rigid in the doorway. "General Sephiroth, the captain of the ship requests a meeting with your greatness."

Sephiroth scowled at the sailor. "Very well. Do refrain from calling me ' your greatness' if you would." He added hotly.

"Of course sir if you wish. This way." He said and the door closed behind the two men.

I huddled under my blanket overcome by annoyance. A perfect moment broken by some stupid meeting! Oh well, our conversation was mostly over anyways I suppose. I yawned tiredly and closed my eyes.

For some reason the only person I seemed to see in my head was Sephiroth. All of my worries were suddenly forgotten as sleep came around and I drifted off into a dreamy state. He was always by my side chasing away the nightmares. A hero in both reality and in my dreams, what more could I want?

Author's Notes Another chapter finished, how satisfying. Ok so, how bad is it? LOL, I'm so nice myself aren't I? I'm just not sure how people will react to the plot that's unfolding and Scarlet who I threw in there as a semi-bad guy. Please don't be disappointed! I think I'd die if that were to happen after getting all these wonderful reviews! Oh and I quit basketball (very long story) so I'll be able to spend more time on this, but thanks anyway to Katsuhito Sage for your words of encouragement (And for reviewing every one of my chapters)!