Chapter 17: Things Get Interesting.
The sun beat down on the Don as he gave a slight squeak, shifting uncomfortably in his bindings, shrieking and wailing in a loud high pitched squawk that made him sound like a pig, though his appearance didn't help either, the ropes pushing his fat rolls of fat out for anyone to see if they happened to gaze upon him. He was a sickening, pathetic sight, and Rufus was glad they'd be rid of the sniveling pig soon.
However, the Don seemed less than pleased. For the past half hour he had be whining about getting a 'last request' and Rufus had a sinking feeling in his stomach it had to do with Tifa or sparing him, and either of them Rufus didn't feel he should do. Besides, the Don had only caused him trouble in his life, and right now, he didn't need anymore of that clouding his vision or thoughts. Tifa did that enough for the both of them.
"Sir." Rude prompted, and he gave a slight nod, turning back to Tifa, Elena, Aeris, and Yuffie, all of whom had gathered to see the demise of the fat sheriff. Though he normally didn't want women gathered around, they had insisted, and he hadn't noticed till then how scary women could be. He wondered how Reno could stick out his neck every day for a cheap thrill. But then again these women had a right to be here. Elena, Tifa and Aeris had both been harassed by the man, and Yuffie had loudly protested missing seeing 'the whoopin' of the guy who kidnapped Tifa', which Rufus could understand.
The Don deserved the justice that will be served today, especially thinking that he had the audacity to think he could steal what was his and get away with it. The thought brought a slight smirk to Rufus's lips. He hadn't failed to notice how possessive he had become of Tifa, though at first he had denied it and he was coming to terms with it. His impulsive behavior to press his lips against hers had cracked a thin line in his resolve, and he had given into the urge, even if it was only a tiny bit, and he couldn't wait to do it again.
With Tifa's permission of course. He knew she could hold up a fight if she wished, and he didn't want to fight with her.
Rude gave a slight nod of his head, turning to the Don who positively whimpered, struggling fruitlessly against his bonds, while Rude impassively flung him over his shoulder, who squealed excessively, though Rude looked coolly over his shoulder, his eyes resting on Aeris, and she gave a slight shaky smile at him, turning her gaze away after a moment. He had always known she was a gentle soul, and even though the Don had committed wrongs against her, she couldn't bare to see him die.
"What'cha waitin' for? Toss the slimy jerk!" Yuffie hollered, and without another word, Rude heaved the Don over the cliff, which caused a slight gasp from the lady population, and he heard a slight snort from Reno.
"Hope ya have fun bouncin' ya fat piece of lard!" Reno yelled after him, and Tifa said nothing, her eyes flickering as she heard Yuffie whooping and making a 'splat' noise. Death wasn't something to take lightly, even if it was to someone as disgusting as the Don.
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"So, Don Corneo and Dio have been eliminated?" Cat like green eyes roved over to the messenger, who gave a sort of strangled look, as if the haunting green eyes themselves were enough to kill him. The messenger could only give a slight nod, his eyes wide with fear.
Sephiroth shook his head, pursing his lips in distaste, shaking his head slightly as he leaned back into his chair, turning his disinterested gaze out the window. He had never really cared for the perverted power and women lusting Don, and his death wasn't something that would be mourned, he was sure.
However, it seemed that Rufus Shinra could no longer be ignored, and had to be dealt with. As soon as possible. His lips curved into a somewhat feral smile, tilting his intimidating gaze back to the messenger, who instantly stiffened.
"Take care of the office for me. I think I owe Mr. Shinra a visit." Sephiroth said, while the soldier gave a slight strangled gulp, eyes wide and bugged eyed as he stared at the sheriff as if he had lost his mind.
"M-M-M-Me Mr. S-S-Sephiroth?" The messenger stuttered, as if he was about to fall over in fright, or wet himself, though Sephiroth wasn't particularly interested either way, his mind cool and calculating.
Rufus Shinra was not a man to take lightly, that was for sure, and he was positive that he was the challenge he needed to get back into his work so to speak. He hadn't had a good fight in a long time, and if Rufus Shinra could impair the Don's security level to retrieve his woman without a single scratch, he was definitely a man worth looking into.
Suddenly the door slammed open and Sephiroth looked up semi-startled, his eyes narrowing a bit at the blonde figure panting in the doorway, the messenger nearly jumping out of his seat. Sephiroth made a mental note to send everyone on a long holiday, though all thought was tucked neatly away in the corner of his mind.
"And you are?" Sephiroth said somewhat dryly and the blonde just raised his eyes to look at him, his blue eyes blazing with some fire that instantly captured Sephiroth's attention.
"Cloud Strife, and I believe I may be of some use to you." Sephiroth's lips curved into a slight smile, his chin resting on his folding hands delicately. It looked like things were about to get interesting . . .
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Shera felt as if she was on top of the world. Nothing could go wrong now that her Captain was actually paying attention to her! He had been so thoughtful lately, and considerate, once even getting her a cup of tea.
Her face broke out into a wide grin. Never in a million years could she imagine Cid Highwind getting of his high chocobo for someone like her. It was a miracle, and all it took was Elena's loose tongue. She really had to thank the girl.
Everything was just peachy, now that Tifa was back and everyone in the cycle of romance that it almost made her want to kick up her skirts and dance. Well, sort of anyway. She was born with two left feet, like the Captain was, she had found out humorously after having her feet tromped on by an embarrassed Cid, though she figured it was good enough he had actually stopped his busy schedule to take a dance with her.
"Shera?" The brown haired woman stopped dead, instantly her surreal day dream shattering around her and crumbling around her to dust, scattering to the four winds. It couldn't be, could it?
"Scarlet?" She turned around to look at the smirking blonde woman, who resembled her brother almost like they were twins, and both were cunning and devious, especially Scarlet. She was ruthless when it came to what she wanted, and most of the time what she wanted was for women to stay away from Rufus. Which most likely meant that she had heard of Tifa from Tim.
In the infamous words of her beloved Captain 'd*** that frickin' no good jacka** that has his head shoved too far up Scarlet's a** ta think straight'. His words, not hers of course.
"Where's my brother? No one else wants ta tell me, an' it better not be with that Tifa Lockheart Ah've heard about." Scarlet warned, her pretty face twisted into an ugly snarl, her blue eyes flashing in anger. No one went near her brother if she could help it. Scarlet knew better than most how women would only use her brother, and she knew that her brother was a ticking time bomb that could explode any minute, and the man she admired, loved, and feared would crumble away into nothing. Just like her head strong mother had.
"Ah don't see what's the problem. Ya brother's taken a shine to Tifa an' Ah'd even go so far to say he was smitten." Shera said boldly, pushing down the urge to clamp her hands over her mouth. What on earth had possessed her to say such a thing? Usually she couldn't even make eye contact with this woman, much less back talk!
Scarlet's eyes narrowed dangerously, almost to the form of slits, and Shera would have cowered away, though she stood her ground, feeling somewhat angered also. Scarlet had no right in telling her brother who to stay away from, especially if someone like Tifa stopped by. Rufus needed some happiness, and Shera would bet that he could find it in the wine eyed lady.
"Listen here ya old wench-!" Scarlet started, though stopped short and she pursed her lips, and Shera couldn't figure it out until she heard a somewhat angered growl from behind her. With a slight turn of her head, she saw her Captain standing there, a positively demonic look on his face.
"As ya were sayin' Scarlet? Ya don' wanna finish that sentence." Cid snarled viciously, and Scarlet's eyes flashed, but then she turned a heel and stalked off, and Cid turned his blue eyes back to the stunned Shera, a slight smile softening his features. "Don' let that wench bother ya Shera, ya ain't old an' certainly ain't a wench." Cid said comfortingly, and Shera did the only thing she could do. Throw her arms around him and kiss him flat on the lips.
~*Author's Notes*~ Hehe, very long, and yes, Cloud is here. Sorry Aeris/Cloud hopefuls, but no, that's not the intended pairing, and Scarlet likes to make things all complicated. Aw, but I loved the Cid/Shera scene! I noticed I wasn't paying enough attention to them. Anyway, the Don's death wasn't very 'funny' but hopefully it makes all ya Don haters happy. I know I was. Well, anyway, please read and review.
The sun beat down on the Don as he gave a slight squeak, shifting uncomfortably in his bindings, shrieking and wailing in a loud high pitched squawk that made him sound like a pig, though his appearance didn't help either, the ropes pushing his fat rolls of fat out for anyone to see if they happened to gaze upon him. He was a sickening, pathetic sight, and Rufus was glad they'd be rid of the sniveling pig soon.
However, the Don seemed less than pleased. For the past half hour he had be whining about getting a 'last request' and Rufus had a sinking feeling in his stomach it had to do with Tifa or sparing him, and either of them Rufus didn't feel he should do. Besides, the Don had only caused him trouble in his life, and right now, he didn't need anymore of that clouding his vision or thoughts. Tifa did that enough for the both of them.
"Sir." Rude prompted, and he gave a slight nod, turning back to Tifa, Elena, Aeris, and Yuffie, all of whom had gathered to see the demise of the fat sheriff. Though he normally didn't want women gathered around, they had insisted, and he hadn't noticed till then how scary women could be. He wondered how Reno could stick out his neck every day for a cheap thrill. But then again these women had a right to be here. Elena, Tifa and Aeris had both been harassed by the man, and Yuffie had loudly protested missing seeing 'the whoopin' of the guy who kidnapped Tifa', which Rufus could understand.
The Don deserved the justice that will be served today, especially thinking that he had the audacity to think he could steal what was his and get away with it. The thought brought a slight smirk to Rufus's lips. He hadn't failed to notice how possessive he had become of Tifa, though at first he had denied it and he was coming to terms with it. His impulsive behavior to press his lips against hers had cracked a thin line in his resolve, and he had given into the urge, even if it was only a tiny bit, and he couldn't wait to do it again.
With Tifa's permission of course. He knew she could hold up a fight if she wished, and he didn't want to fight with her.
Rude gave a slight nod of his head, turning to the Don who positively whimpered, struggling fruitlessly against his bonds, while Rude impassively flung him over his shoulder, who squealed excessively, though Rude looked coolly over his shoulder, his eyes resting on Aeris, and she gave a slight shaky smile at him, turning her gaze away after a moment. He had always known she was a gentle soul, and even though the Don had committed wrongs against her, she couldn't bare to see him die.
"What'cha waitin' for? Toss the slimy jerk!" Yuffie hollered, and without another word, Rude heaved the Don over the cliff, which caused a slight gasp from the lady population, and he heard a slight snort from Reno.
"Hope ya have fun bouncin' ya fat piece of lard!" Reno yelled after him, and Tifa said nothing, her eyes flickering as she heard Yuffie whooping and making a 'splat' noise. Death wasn't something to take lightly, even if it was to someone as disgusting as the Don.
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"So, Don Corneo and Dio have been eliminated?" Cat like green eyes roved over to the messenger, who gave a sort of strangled look, as if the haunting green eyes themselves were enough to kill him. The messenger could only give a slight nod, his eyes wide with fear.
Sephiroth shook his head, pursing his lips in distaste, shaking his head slightly as he leaned back into his chair, turning his disinterested gaze out the window. He had never really cared for the perverted power and women lusting Don, and his death wasn't something that would be mourned, he was sure.
However, it seemed that Rufus Shinra could no longer be ignored, and had to be dealt with. As soon as possible. His lips curved into a somewhat feral smile, tilting his intimidating gaze back to the messenger, who instantly stiffened.
"Take care of the office for me. I think I owe Mr. Shinra a visit." Sephiroth said, while the soldier gave a slight strangled gulp, eyes wide and bugged eyed as he stared at the sheriff as if he had lost his mind.
"M-M-M-Me Mr. S-S-Sephiroth?" The messenger stuttered, as if he was about to fall over in fright, or wet himself, though Sephiroth wasn't particularly interested either way, his mind cool and calculating.
Rufus Shinra was not a man to take lightly, that was for sure, and he was positive that he was the challenge he needed to get back into his work so to speak. He hadn't had a good fight in a long time, and if Rufus Shinra could impair the Don's security level to retrieve his woman without a single scratch, he was definitely a man worth looking into.
Suddenly the door slammed open and Sephiroth looked up semi-startled, his eyes narrowing a bit at the blonde figure panting in the doorway, the messenger nearly jumping out of his seat. Sephiroth made a mental note to send everyone on a long holiday, though all thought was tucked neatly away in the corner of his mind.
"And you are?" Sephiroth said somewhat dryly and the blonde just raised his eyes to look at him, his blue eyes blazing with some fire that instantly captured Sephiroth's attention.
"Cloud Strife, and I believe I may be of some use to you." Sephiroth's lips curved into a slight smile, his chin resting on his folding hands delicately. It looked like things were about to get interesting . . .
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Shera felt as if she was on top of the world. Nothing could go wrong now that her Captain was actually paying attention to her! He had been so thoughtful lately, and considerate, once even getting her a cup of tea.
Her face broke out into a wide grin. Never in a million years could she imagine Cid Highwind getting of his high chocobo for someone like her. It was a miracle, and all it took was Elena's loose tongue. She really had to thank the girl.
Everything was just peachy, now that Tifa was back and everyone in the cycle of romance that it almost made her want to kick up her skirts and dance. Well, sort of anyway. She was born with two left feet, like the Captain was, she had found out humorously after having her feet tromped on by an embarrassed Cid, though she figured it was good enough he had actually stopped his busy schedule to take a dance with her.
"Shera?" The brown haired woman stopped dead, instantly her surreal day dream shattering around her and crumbling around her to dust, scattering to the four winds. It couldn't be, could it?
"Scarlet?" She turned around to look at the smirking blonde woman, who resembled her brother almost like they were twins, and both were cunning and devious, especially Scarlet. She was ruthless when it came to what she wanted, and most of the time what she wanted was for women to stay away from Rufus. Which most likely meant that she had heard of Tifa from Tim.
In the infamous words of her beloved Captain 'd*** that frickin' no good jacka** that has his head shoved too far up Scarlet's a** ta think straight'. His words, not hers of course.
"Where's my brother? No one else wants ta tell me, an' it better not be with that Tifa Lockheart Ah've heard about." Scarlet warned, her pretty face twisted into an ugly snarl, her blue eyes flashing in anger. No one went near her brother if she could help it. Scarlet knew better than most how women would only use her brother, and she knew that her brother was a ticking time bomb that could explode any minute, and the man she admired, loved, and feared would crumble away into nothing. Just like her head strong mother had.
"Ah don't see what's the problem. Ya brother's taken a shine to Tifa an' Ah'd even go so far to say he was smitten." Shera said boldly, pushing down the urge to clamp her hands over her mouth. What on earth had possessed her to say such a thing? Usually she couldn't even make eye contact with this woman, much less back talk!
Scarlet's eyes narrowed dangerously, almost to the form of slits, and Shera would have cowered away, though she stood her ground, feeling somewhat angered also. Scarlet had no right in telling her brother who to stay away from, especially if someone like Tifa stopped by. Rufus needed some happiness, and Shera would bet that he could find it in the wine eyed lady.
"Listen here ya old wench-!" Scarlet started, though stopped short and she pursed her lips, and Shera couldn't figure it out until she heard a somewhat angered growl from behind her. With a slight turn of her head, she saw her Captain standing there, a positively demonic look on his face.
"As ya were sayin' Scarlet? Ya don' wanna finish that sentence." Cid snarled viciously, and Scarlet's eyes flashed, but then she turned a heel and stalked off, and Cid turned his blue eyes back to the stunned Shera, a slight smile softening his features. "Don' let that wench bother ya Shera, ya ain't old an' certainly ain't a wench." Cid said comfortingly, and Shera did the only thing she could do. Throw her arms around him and kiss him flat on the lips.
~*Author's Notes*~ Hehe, very long, and yes, Cloud is here. Sorry Aeris/Cloud hopefuls, but no, that's not the intended pairing, and Scarlet likes to make things all complicated. Aw, but I loved the Cid/Shera scene! I noticed I wasn't paying enough attention to them. Anyway, the Don's death wasn't very 'funny' but hopefully it makes all ya Don haters happy. I know I was. Well, anyway, please read and review.