Day Eight
12:34 a.m. Highwind.
Yuffie sat on the floor of the Highwind's main bay, looking angry and hurt. She had been there since they had left Junon, but everyone had been so caught up in the whole mess with the Reckoning that no one had paid attention to her. It was JT who finally approached her to see what the problem was. "Yuffie? What's wrong?"
She looked up into his masked face, and then returned her gaze to the floor. "Nothing," she replied flatly.
"Nothing," he repeated skeptically. "Right. So you always look this disgruntled when you travel?" When she didn't say anything, he sighed and sat down next to her. "All right, if you don't want to talk, I won't press."
There was a long moment of silence. Neither of them spoke, or even moved, but only sat and listened to the machinery at work around them. At last, Yuffie said, "A friend of mine turned traitor."
"Turned traitor?"
"Yeah. He had been fighting with us until Avalanche split up. Then, when we found out Rufus ShinRa wasn't dead, we also found out that he'd joined ShinRa as a Turk. He wouldn't tell us why. But while we were in the building, I saw him with one of the. He was" - she gagged - "kissing her!"
"I. um. see. I suppose that could be upsetting." he responded, not quite sure what she was talking about.
"I mean, it's bad enough that he drove a knife into our backs, but he has to twist it in by dating that witch, to boot!" She stood up in her anger, but the sudden movement made her woozy, forcing her to sit back down. Once the bay had ceased its spinning, she continued her ranting. "I just don't understand how he could do this to us. I thought he was on our side. He said he wasn't with ShinRa anymore. He lied to us! That freaky creep lied to us!"
Rufus pretended to listen with sympathy, reacting accordingly without truly thinking about it, but his mind was on completely different matters. *Okay. At our current speed, we should arrive in Wutai within the next two hours. Then it's up to this annoying brat to get us in. Hmm. Where to go from there will depend on Godo's reaction to the situation. It may actually take a few days for the proper opportunity to strike to present itself. I hope not. I don't want to stay there any longer than I have to. * His mind was drawn away from his plotting by movement at the corner of his vision. He looked over to find Red XIII padding over to them.
Rufus had worried that the canine would recognize his scent, and had prayed that the heavy cloth of his disguise - which reeked of mildew and dank stone from running around in those sewers - would cover up his own scent. So far it seemed to have been working. Heaven knows *he* couldn't smell anything else. He was just grateful that they had managed to avoid the more unpleasant areas of the Junon sewers. He wasn't sure if he could have dealt with that.
"I heard shouting, and thought I'd check to see what was happening. Is everything all right?" Red XIII asked.
"Yuffie's a bit upset," he answered.
"I'm not upset!" she screamed.
Rufus held up his hands, feigning compliance. "All right, all right. You're not upset." He turned back to Red XIII, chose his next words, and voiced them carefully. "She's vividly contemplating an apparently emotionally trying situation."
"I see." The canine sat down, and studied Yuffie for a moment before asking, "So what 'emotionally trying' situation are you 'contemplating'?"
The young ninja's face went from anger to depression. "You know how Vincent wouldn't tell us why he went back to ShinRa?"
Red XIII became nervous, his furry features looking slightly panicked. Yuffie took it as him being worried over what she would say next, and Rufus did as well, at first. But something in the warrior-dog's manner said it wasn't so.
Yuffie continued in a lower voice, as if afraid to say what she knew must now be said. "I. I know why he joined up with the ShinRa again." There was a slight pause, in which she gathered her will. "He went back because. because he's. he's." She couldn't force the words out; they were so revolting to her, she choked on them before they reached her lips.
"Yes," Red XIII urged, though it was obvious to Rufus that he didn't want to hear the answer.
"He's dating Scarlet!" she blurted out.
*So, that was whom he was speaking of, * Red thought. *Scarlet must be the "answer to his pain." A rather unorthodox combination. I never would have imagined it. Oh, but Yuffie, if you only knew what his other reasons were. But I am sworn to silence, and cannot reveal what I know. *
Meanwhile, in Rufus's mind, *So, that's why Scarlet has been so cheery the last few days. I was beginning to think the doctor had put her on morphine, or something. No matter. It's none of my business. If it doesn't interfere with their work, I don't care. *
"Well, despite the. disturbing news," Red XIII spoke haltingly, "try to get some rest. We'll be at Wutai in a few hours." He stood and walked to the bridge, leaving Yuffie to sit alone with JT in the main bay once more.
2:03 a.m. Highwind.
Rufus sat at one end of the table, head leaned back and arms crossed. He was sick of having to wear that stupid get-up, but he couldn't risk Avalanche finding out who he truly was. The soldiers with him had decided - without him needing to tell them, surprisingly enough - to leave their masks on as well, giving the impression that it was simply the Reckoning's way. or that they were all paranoid. It didn't matter to Rufus, so long as it worked.
Across the table sat Cloud. Yes, still in the same seat and still a disheveled mass. Lining the sides of the table was the Reckoning. Some watched Rufus. Others stared at the walls or ceiling. One suspiciously eyed Cloud. All were bored, but that was to be expected. It wasn't as if there was anything to do. At least they were behaving themselves; some had been too eager to pass up the opportunity to start a fight with Avalanche, and Rufus had barely gotten them under control before Yuffie had arrived. That particular incidence had cut it a little closer than he had preferred.
The disguised president ignored everyone else in the room, and mentally went over his plan for the seventieth time that night. It was a gamble. One screw-up on any of the soldiers' parts could bring the entire thing down on their heads. Not to mention, if Godo and the rest of Wutai didn't act to his predictions, things could get ten times more complicated. Too many possibilities. Too many variables. It was all giving him a headache. More than ever, he wanted it all to be done and over with. The sooner it was taken care of, the sooner he could turn his attention back to things nowhere near as stressful.
*We should have been there by now, * he mentally complained.
As if he'd read his mind, Barret walked in and jerked his thumb over his shoulder. "We're here. Time to go."
JT nodded, and motioned for the rest of the Reckoning to follow him, which they all did without uttering a word. *Finally. Just a little longer and it'll all be over with, he assured himself. Just a little longer. *
Later at Godo's home.
"Dad, please. They're trying to help put an end to ShinRa. They need a place to lie low for a while. It won't be long."
"Yuffie," Godo scolded, "we don't even know who they are. How can you be so sure we can trust them?"
*Damn it. * JT stood behind Yuffie and a little to the side. The rest of the Reckoning waited in the prayer chambers down the hall. *He just has to be difficult. Oh well. I knew it wasn't going to be easy. *
"Dad." the younger ninja whined.
"Yuffie." That was all he said, but the look on his face was enough to keep her from saying anymore. He looked past his daughter to JT. His eyes narrowed. "I suppose you're the leader of this little group of refugees?"
The young man did his best to sound nervous. "Um, yes, sir."
"You're name," came the demand.
"JT, sir."
"How many people?"
"Twelve. not counting myself."
"How long do you intend to stay?"
"Only a few days. We just want to hang low until things settle down. Then we'll be on our way."
Godo stood very still, the intensity of his eyes trying to bore holes into the darkly clad figure before him. Failing to do that, he turned to his daughter, whose face was pleading. A low growl emanated from his throat before he said, "Very well. You and your group may hide in Wutai."
*Yes! *
"We'll send them individually to different buildings so they'll be easier to conceal."
*Yeah, and easier for you to keep an eye on us. *
"You'll stay here."
"Thank you." *Oh, great. Well, at least I'll be close enough to take him out right at the get-go. *
At that point, Godo left the room, obviously discontented with his decision. But what else could he do? If he said no, it would upset Yuffie, and their relationship had enough stress as it was. No, best to let them stay and simply keep a close eye on them. Besides, there were only thirteen of them. If they were separated, then it wouldn't be too hard to keep them under control. But there was something wrong with that JT person. Godo wasn't sure what it was, but there was definitely something. It seemed he had heard that name before, but where? He resolved to find out. Perhaps the other Wutai, masters would recognize him.
Rufus watched Godo's retreating back, even after the door closed and the man was no longer visible. *He knows something, * the young president thought. *The question is exactly what does he know? This could be trouble. * He suddenly realized what it was that troubled Godo. It wasn't the Reckoning. It was himself. Godo must know it was JT that killed his wife. He smiled wickedly beneath his mask. *If that's the case, then it could be exactly what we're looking for. *
"JT?"
He pulled his mind from his plotting yet again, and turned to face Yuffie. "Huh?"
"What's wrong?"
"Uh, nothing. Just trying to think of where to relocate the Reckoning," he lied.
"Well, there's time for that later. Come on, we have to find someplace to stick everyone. They're all waiting."
"Yeah, let's go."
One soldier to each building, with every soldier placed according to skill and living arrangement so as to provide the best chances for success - not that the people of Wutai knew that. To them, JT was simply picking people at random, not carefully assessing each individual and the location of the building with respect to each of his soldiers' abilities.
It didn't take him long to decide on where to station everyone; the tricky part was giving them their orders without giving them orders. He couldn't openly tell them what to do. That would be suicide. And the people of Wutai didn't trust them enough to leave a group that size alone. So, Rufus was forced to be evasive. *Just try to relax. We'll only be here a few days. Just stay where you are until we're ready to go. I'll tell you when. * Translation: "Stay where you are and keep up the charade. When I give the signal, secure your area." He only hoped they got the message, and would know the signal when it happened.
*Just a little longer, * he promised himself. again. as if it helped. *Then it'll all be over, and I won't have to worry. Have the soldiers trash Wutai, with Avalanche taking the blame. The citizens of the world will be more terrified of Avalanche then ever, and will turn back to ShinRa for help. As for the people of Wutai, most of the adults will probably die fighting in the attack. That will leave the children without homes. Well, that's what orphanages are for. Not exactly the best living conditions, though. I'll have to arrange some funds so improvements can be made. My plans will be what puts them there. I should at least make it tolerable. Anyway, there's time for all that later. *
6:20 a.m. Godo's house.
Rufus hadn't bothered to dress down and make himself at home, as Yuffie had suggested. Instead, he stared out the window and awaited the confrontation that was sure to come. He looked out upon the scenery with disinterest, untouched by the beauty that lay before him. The sun was beginning to peek over the horizon, casting the landscape in shadows and hues of fire. Clouds, pink with reflected light, drifted lazily across a purple and crimson sky. Traces of green and gold lined the silhouettes of the trees that surrounded Wutai, and hid the shoreline from view; beyond it lay an ocean that sparkled lake red. The growing light played across the surface of the Dachao Statues, outlining their features in the sharp contrast created by the shadows.
There was the sound of an opening door and two heavy footsteps behind him, far too heavy to be Yuffie. *So it begins. Here we go. * He didn't turn around, and addressed Godo with cold indifference. "Do you wish to speak with me?"
"I remember you. You were with the ShinRa during the war," the older man accused.
Rufus nodded once.
"You're the general that killed my wife."
Rufus decided to have some fun, and kept playing the part. "A lot of good people died in that meaningless war. I admit that I played my part in the killing. I don't remember everyone who died at my hands, but if your wife was one of them, then I'm truly sorry."
"Saying that doesn't bring her back. It doesn't change the fact that she's dead because of you."
"I realize that, but what else can I do? I can't change the past. Believe me. I wish I could bring back all those who have died because of me." *Oh, man. I'm such a ham. Don't tell me this guy's buying all of this. *
"I suppose I can't place all the blame on you," Godo muttered through gritted teeth. "We were at war, and I shouldn't expect you to take note of every individual you faced."
Rufus chuckled mentally, but made no outward reaction. *Geez, he actually believes this tripe. He's a bigger sap than I thought. *
"I'm sorry I got so upset. It was a long time ago. I should let it go, but I just can't seem to forget." He turned away to hide his shame.
"It's perfectly understandable," he said as he withdrew a knife from his boot. "But if it bothers you so much to be without her, I can easily send you to meet her."
Even as Godo turned to face him, Rufus took two quick steps toward the ninja, and embedded the blade deep into his side. Godo screamed in pain. However, he refused to give in so easily. He reached out and took hold of JT's wrist with one arm; with the other he struck his opponent in the joint of his shoulder. Rufus's arm muscles spasmed and released the knife as his shoulder was forced from its socket; he staggered back, clutching his disjointed appendage.
Godo knew he shouldn't remove the knife, but he couldn't fight with it in his side. He pulled it out, felt himself grow dizzy with the pain. He took a brief instant to examine the blade - a serrated edge that probably caused more damage coming out than it did going in - before he let it drop to the floor.
Rufus took the opportunity to tend his dislocated limb. He went to the closest wall, and rammed the back of his shoulder into it at an upward angle, shoving the bone back into its proper place - a little trick he'd learned from Sephiroth back during the war. He rotated his arm both ways to ensure it was functioning properly; it popped and cracked as it turned.
Satisfied he had full use of his arm, Rufus looked to where Godo stood, one hand over the hole in his side and the other raised in a defensive position. He was waiting for JT to strike first. *Fine by me, * he thought. He took his own stance - one arm held in front of him, prepared to defend from any attacks, and the other drawn slightly back to his side.
"Why are you doing this?" Godo pleaded.
"I'm just doing what should have been done in the first place," he responded, a sharp malicious edge to his voice. He moved in closer.
"What do you mean?"
Rufus didn't fall for Godo's attempt to buy time. He sent a punch to Godo's stomach, and while that was being blocked, he brought his elbow up to Godo's chin. The ninja stumbled back a step, but recovered quickly and retaliated by taking JT's legs out from beneath him with a low back-swipe. The president landed on his back. He planted a boot on Godo's sternum, twisted, and struck him across the face with his other foot. Placing his hands palm-down beside his head, Rufus swung his legs over his head and back to the floor while pushing up with his hands. The motion launched him back onto his feet.
Godo was still gasping from the kick to his chest, and a thin trail of blood ran from the corner of his mouth to his chin. He coughed and spat out a tooth. He then got to his feet, and wiped the blood from his lip. Holding both fists in front of him, Godo stepped in closer. He made a fast punch to JT's chest, but the younger man was faster. Rufus grabbed Godo's wrist, and threw him through the sliding doors out into the garden. He casually stepped through the broken glass, and followed Godo out, who was already picking himself off the ground.
*Damn, this is one tough bastard,* the president thought. *I'm impressed, but no matter. *
Four quick steps brought Rufus in close. He jumped up, his right foot connecting with Godo's chin in a high kick while he swung his left leg up and brought it down on Godo's shoulder.
The combination drove Godo to his knees. He gathered what strength he could, and struck out with his own leg in another swipe - this one aimed higher. It connected with the back of JT's knee, which buckled but didn't break as he had hoped.
Rufus hit the ground, and rolled away just as Godo's other leg came down toward his torso. Both men clambered to their feet. They watched each other wearily, assessing the other's abilities and physical condition. It was obvious to them both that Godo was losing the battle. "Not bad, old man," Rufus said. "This was actually kind of fun, but it's time for the game to end. So, why don't we put an end to all this?"
Godo's eyes narrowed. His muscles tensed. He knew he was about to die, and he regretted never having fully repaired his relationship with Yuffie. Now he would never be able to tell her all the things he had planned to tell her, things he had wanted her to know. It seemed his life had been so short, so much of it wasted. "And what are you going to do once you've killed me?" he asked. His voice was hoarse and strained; it sounded like it belonged to another person.
Rufus didn't respond. Instead, he tattooed Godo's chest and face with a series of punches and kicks that sent the man to his hands and knees. The young president placed a boot between Godo's shoulder blades, and forced him the rest of the way to the ground. Kneeling, he spoke in a low tone, "You want to know what I'm going to do?" He ground his boot into Godo's spine; the man grunted in pain, but otherwise remained silent. Rufus leaned down, and evilly whispered, "I'm going to destroy Wutai. By tomorrow, it'll be no more than a memory." Without another word, he took hold of Godo's head and snapped his neck. He kicked the body, and let it roll into the fishpond, where it floated face down.
*Now it's time to go take care of those losers in the tower. When Yuffie gets back from visiting with her Avalanche buddies, she can tell everyone her old man's dead. And then the real fun begins. *
He walked around the back and to the side of the house, where he peeked around the corner. A villager was approaching the front door. *Hmm, it seems things are going to move a little quicker than I thought. That's even better.* He watched as the person knocked on the door, waited, and then knocked again. When there was no reply, he entered the house. *Time to go.* Rufus made his way to the tower so he could eliminate the rest of the masters. Back in the house, the villager screamed, and pandemonium broke out in Wutai.
The soldiers had little trouble in taking care of Wutai's citizens; the weapons and materia dealers proved a little more difficult, but in the end, they too fell to ShinRa's better-trained soldiers.
Yuffie returned toward the beginning of the slaughter, but quickly discovered she was no match for the Reckoning. She left to fetch Avalanche, but returned too late. Most of the buildings were burning, and all the adult citizens were dead. The Reckoning was nowhere to be found. When they found Godo's body, Yuffie lost it. She fell to her knees, weeping. "Why? Why did they do this? I. I thought they wanted to help. Why did they do this?!"
Tifa knelt down and wrapped her arms around the young ninja's trembling shoulders. "Yuffie, be strong. We'll find them. Don't worry. They'll pay for this. We won't let them get away with this."
"Dad, I'm so sorry," Yuffie sobbed. "This is all my fault. You warned me."
"Yuffie," Red XIII voiced gently. "We must go. If we're caught here, we'll never be able to avenge Wutai. We must leave. Now."
"He's right," Barret said with unusual compassion. "We've gotta get outta here."
The girl nodded, and allowed herself to be led away from her father's corpse.
They exited the building to find the pagoda tower starting to catch fire. JT was limping out the front door with the aid of two of the Reckoning; he looked pretty beat up. A few seconds later, the rest of the Reckoning followed them out. Some of them were obviously injured, but none seriously. They didn't notice Avalanche - or chose to ignore them - and began to make their way out of Wutai.
"Hey!" Barret cried. "You dirty stinking bastards! What do you think you're doing?!"
JT said something, which they couldn't hear, but they got an idea when one of the Reckoning chucked a grenade in their direction. "Run!" Tifa ordered, and everyone scattered. The grenade went off; she was caught in the blast and thrown into the fencing of the gong house. She hit the ground and didn't move, a puddle of blood forming around her.
Red XIII took some shards of concrete expelled by the explosion, and Barret received minor burns to his arms and back. Yuffie avoided the blast, but fell and broke her wrist. They looked to where Tifa had fallen, and cried her name in unison.
"Oh, no. What do we do?"
"We must get her back to the Highwind, quickly."
"Then why are we standing around yapping? Let's hurry up and go!"
As carefully and quickly as possible, they picked Tifa up, and carried her back to the Highwind, leaving Wutai to burn.
11:01 a.m. Wutai's coast.
The soldiers had tended to Rufus's wounds as best they could; he would need professional medical attention, but the first aid would suffice until they reached a hospital. His injuries were surprisingly few, considering he had faced and conquered all five Wutai masters single-handedly. He had a sprained and swollen ankle, bruised and bloodied knuckles, cracked ribs, a black eye, a bloody nose, and numerous other bruises and scrapes. They had found him on the first floor of the tower, leaning against a wall and breathing heavily. Four bodies were lying about in various mangled forms.
When President Rufus had first enlisted them for the mission, they had all thought they would end up babysitting their employer. Now, they looked on him with nothing short of worship. Not only was he a rich suit with a brain and good looks, he was a one-man army second only to Sephiroth. On top of that, he had done what they had seen his father as too gutless to do: completely wipe Wutai off the map and eliminate it as an opposing factor.
"Lieutenant Pax," Rufus wheezed, his cracked ribs - though bandaged - still making it hard for him to breathe.
"Yes, sir?" the soldier replied enthusiastically.
"Lieutenants Nicholas and Griffen can escort me back to Junon. I want you to take the others and search the Wutai area to ensure there's no one left, and that all the buildings have been destroyed. After you've done that, return to Junon."
"Yes, sir! . But, sir, can I ask you something?"
"Yes."
"What's the point of all this?"
Rufus thought about exactly what he wanted to tell them; he decided it would be best to let them in on the main plot. After all, they had blindly and obediently followed his orders through the entire ordeal. "The point of all this is to one: get rid of Wutai as a possible threat, and two: get rid of Avalanche."
"How does this get rid of Avalanche?"
"Wutai has been destroyed, leaving many children homeless. When all of you get back to Junon, word will leak out that Avalanche was the one to do it. Soldiers will be sent to gather the orphans and take them to the orphanages."
"Uh, sir?" one soldier interrupted.
"Yes?" Rufus said, slightly irritated.
"The orphanages aren't exactly in prime condition. Is it wise to send them there?"
"Don't worry about that. I'll have funds diverted to improving their standards. Now, back to the point. Avalanche will be seen as vigilante terrorists, and become wanted worldwide. They'll be outcasts, and everyone will be out for their heads. They won't be able to go anywhere without getting trouble from the authorities, and they'll only be able to run and hide for so long. Eventually, they'll be hunted down and wiped out, and ShinRa will never have to worry about them again."
"Oh. That makes sense."
"Of course it makes sense. But now that you know all this, just remember to keep it to yourselves. You never went to Wutai. If anyone asks where you've been the last few days, just tell them it's confidential."
"Yes, sir!" the soldiers voiced.
"All right. You know your orders so get going. A transport ship will pick you up here tomorrow."
"Yes, sir!" They saluted, and raced off to do as they were told.
Rufus lay down on the sand, and waited for the ship that was to pick up him and the two remaining soldiers. He thought about the events of the last four days. It had been too long since he had actually done anything besides sit behind a desk. It was fun, despite the complications and unpleasantness of their travel. He was pretty sure he'd have to shower at least ten times before the smell of the sewers would come off his skin, and he'd simply have the clothes burnt.
His mind drifted over to thoughts of Yuffie. She probably blamed herself for the entire mess. He made a note to bring that up if he ever saw her again. The thought of taking her emotional pain and rubbing her face in it was rather amusing to him, and it helped him forget some of the pain he was in. Ah, there was no better anesthetic than an enemy's misery.
A/N: Okay. Part two of Turn the Page is done. It'll be continued in part three: Nothing Else Matters - which will be another FFVII fic. And for those who don't know where to find the first part and wish to read, it's called For Whom the Bell Tolls.
12:34 a.m. Highwind.
Yuffie sat on the floor of the Highwind's main bay, looking angry and hurt. She had been there since they had left Junon, but everyone had been so caught up in the whole mess with the Reckoning that no one had paid attention to her. It was JT who finally approached her to see what the problem was. "Yuffie? What's wrong?"
She looked up into his masked face, and then returned her gaze to the floor. "Nothing," she replied flatly.
"Nothing," he repeated skeptically. "Right. So you always look this disgruntled when you travel?" When she didn't say anything, he sighed and sat down next to her. "All right, if you don't want to talk, I won't press."
There was a long moment of silence. Neither of them spoke, or even moved, but only sat and listened to the machinery at work around them. At last, Yuffie said, "A friend of mine turned traitor."
"Turned traitor?"
"Yeah. He had been fighting with us until Avalanche split up. Then, when we found out Rufus ShinRa wasn't dead, we also found out that he'd joined ShinRa as a Turk. He wouldn't tell us why. But while we were in the building, I saw him with one of the. He was" - she gagged - "kissing her!"
"I. um. see. I suppose that could be upsetting." he responded, not quite sure what she was talking about.
"I mean, it's bad enough that he drove a knife into our backs, but he has to twist it in by dating that witch, to boot!" She stood up in her anger, but the sudden movement made her woozy, forcing her to sit back down. Once the bay had ceased its spinning, she continued her ranting. "I just don't understand how he could do this to us. I thought he was on our side. He said he wasn't with ShinRa anymore. He lied to us! That freaky creep lied to us!"
Rufus pretended to listen with sympathy, reacting accordingly without truly thinking about it, but his mind was on completely different matters. *Okay. At our current speed, we should arrive in Wutai within the next two hours. Then it's up to this annoying brat to get us in. Hmm. Where to go from there will depend on Godo's reaction to the situation. It may actually take a few days for the proper opportunity to strike to present itself. I hope not. I don't want to stay there any longer than I have to. * His mind was drawn away from his plotting by movement at the corner of his vision. He looked over to find Red XIII padding over to them.
Rufus had worried that the canine would recognize his scent, and had prayed that the heavy cloth of his disguise - which reeked of mildew and dank stone from running around in those sewers - would cover up his own scent. So far it seemed to have been working. Heaven knows *he* couldn't smell anything else. He was just grateful that they had managed to avoid the more unpleasant areas of the Junon sewers. He wasn't sure if he could have dealt with that.
"I heard shouting, and thought I'd check to see what was happening. Is everything all right?" Red XIII asked.
"Yuffie's a bit upset," he answered.
"I'm not upset!" she screamed.
Rufus held up his hands, feigning compliance. "All right, all right. You're not upset." He turned back to Red XIII, chose his next words, and voiced them carefully. "She's vividly contemplating an apparently emotionally trying situation."
"I see." The canine sat down, and studied Yuffie for a moment before asking, "So what 'emotionally trying' situation are you 'contemplating'?"
The young ninja's face went from anger to depression. "You know how Vincent wouldn't tell us why he went back to ShinRa?"
Red XIII became nervous, his furry features looking slightly panicked. Yuffie took it as him being worried over what she would say next, and Rufus did as well, at first. But something in the warrior-dog's manner said it wasn't so.
Yuffie continued in a lower voice, as if afraid to say what she knew must now be said. "I. I know why he joined up with the ShinRa again." There was a slight pause, in which she gathered her will. "He went back because. because he's. he's." She couldn't force the words out; they were so revolting to her, she choked on them before they reached her lips.
"Yes," Red XIII urged, though it was obvious to Rufus that he didn't want to hear the answer.
"He's dating Scarlet!" she blurted out.
*So, that was whom he was speaking of, * Red thought. *Scarlet must be the "answer to his pain." A rather unorthodox combination. I never would have imagined it. Oh, but Yuffie, if you only knew what his other reasons were. But I am sworn to silence, and cannot reveal what I know. *
Meanwhile, in Rufus's mind, *So, that's why Scarlet has been so cheery the last few days. I was beginning to think the doctor had put her on morphine, or something. No matter. It's none of my business. If it doesn't interfere with their work, I don't care. *
"Well, despite the. disturbing news," Red XIII spoke haltingly, "try to get some rest. We'll be at Wutai in a few hours." He stood and walked to the bridge, leaving Yuffie to sit alone with JT in the main bay once more.
2:03 a.m. Highwind.
Rufus sat at one end of the table, head leaned back and arms crossed. He was sick of having to wear that stupid get-up, but he couldn't risk Avalanche finding out who he truly was. The soldiers with him had decided - without him needing to tell them, surprisingly enough - to leave their masks on as well, giving the impression that it was simply the Reckoning's way. or that they were all paranoid. It didn't matter to Rufus, so long as it worked.
Across the table sat Cloud. Yes, still in the same seat and still a disheveled mass. Lining the sides of the table was the Reckoning. Some watched Rufus. Others stared at the walls or ceiling. One suspiciously eyed Cloud. All were bored, but that was to be expected. It wasn't as if there was anything to do. At least they were behaving themselves; some had been too eager to pass up the opportunity to start a fight with Avalanche, and Rufus had barely gotten them under control before Yuffie had arrived. That particular incidence had cut it a little closer than he had preferred.
The disguised president ignored everyone else in the room, and mentally went over his plan for the seventieth time that night. It was a gamble. One screw-up on any of the soldiers' parts could bring the entire thing down on their heads. Not to mention, if Godo and the rest of Wutai didn't act to his predictions, things could get ten times more complicated. Too many possibilities. Too many variables. It was all giving him a headache. More than ever, he wanted it all to be done and over with. The sooner it was taken care of, the sooner he could turn his attention back to things nowhere near as stressful.
*We should have been there by now, * he mentally complained.
As if he'd read his mind, Barret walked in and jerked his thumb over his shoulder. "We're here. Time to go."
JT nodded, and motioned for the rest of the Reckoning to follow him, which they all did without uttering a word. *Finally. Just a little longer and it'll all be over with, he assured himself. Just a little longer. *
Later at Godo's home.
"Dad, please. They're trying to help put an end to ShinRa. They need a place to lie low for a while. It won't be long."
"Yuffie," Godo scolded, "we don't even know who they are. How can you be so sure we can trust them?"
*Damn it. * JT stood behind Yuffie and a little to the side. The rest of the Reckoning waited in the prayer chambers down the hall. *He just has to be difficult. Oh well. I knew it wasn't going to be easy. *
"Dad." the younger ninja whined.
"Yuffie." That was all he said, but the look on his face was enough to keep her from saying anymore. He looked past his daughter to JT. His eyes narrowed. "I suppose you're the leader of this little group of refugees?"
The young man did his best to sound nervous. "Um, yes, sir."
"You're name," came the demand.
"JT, sir."
"How many people?"
"Twelve. not counting myself."
"How long do you intend to stay?"
"Only a few days. We just want to hang low until things settle down. Then we'll be on our way."
Godo stood very still, the intensity of his eyes trying to bore holes into the darkly clad figure before him. Failing to do that, he turned to his daughter, whose face was pleading. A low growl emanated from his throat before he said, "Very well. You and your group may hide in Wutai."
*Yes! *
"We'll send them individually to different buildings so they'll be easier to conceal."
*Yeah, and easier for you to keep an eye on us. *
"You'll stay here."
"Thank you." *Oh, great. Well, at least I'll be close enough to take him out right at the get-go. *
At that point, Godo left the room, obviously discontented with his decision. But what else could he do? If he said no, it would upset Yuffie, and their relationship had enough stress as it was. No, best to let them stay and simply keep a close eye on them. Besides, there were only thirteen of them. If they were separated, then it wouldn't be too hard to keep them under control. But there was something wrong with that JT person. Godo wasn't sure what it was, but there was definitely something. It seemed he had heard that name before, but where? He resolved to find out. Perhaps the other Wutai, masters would recognize him.
Rufus watched Godo's retreating back, even after the door closed and the man was no longer visible. *He knows something, * the young president thought. *The question is exactly what does he know? This could be trouble. * He suddenly realized what it was that troubled Godo. It wasn't the Reckoning. It was himself. Godo must know it was JT that killed his wife. He smiled wickedly beneath his mask. *If that's the case, then it could be exactly what we're looking for. *
"JT?"
He pulled his mind from his plotting yet again, and turned to face Yuffie. "Huh?"
"What's wrong?"
"Uh, nothing. Just trying to think of where to relocate the Reckoning," he lied.
"Well, there's time for that later. Come on, we have to find someplace to stick everyone. They're all waiting."
"Yeah, let's go."
One soldier to each building, with every soldier placed according to skill and living arrangement so as to provide the best chances for success - not that the people of Wutai knew that. To them, JT was simply picking people at random, not carefully assessing each individual and the location of the building with respect to each of his soldiers' abilities.
It didn't take him long to decide on where to station everyone; the tricky part was giving them their orders without giving them orders. He couldn't openly tell them what to do. That would be suicide. And the people of Wutai didn't trust them enough to leave a group that size alone. So, Rufus was forced to be evasive. *Just try to relax. We'll only be here a few days. Just stay where you are until we're ready to go. I'll tell you when. * Translation: "Stay where you are and keep up the charade. When I give the signal, secure your area." He only hoped they got the message, and would know the signal when it happened.
*Just a little longer, * he promised himself. again. as if it helped. *Then it'll all be over, and I won't have to worry. Have the soldiers trash Wutai, with Avalanche taking the blame. The citizens of the world will be more terrified of Avalanche then ever, and will turn back to ShinRa for help. As for the people of Wutai, most of the adults will probably die fighting in the attack. That will leave the children without homes. Well, that's what orphanages are for. Not exactly the best living conditions, though. I'll have to arrange some funds so improvements can be made. My plans will be what puts them there. I should at least make it tolerable. Anyway, there's time for all that later. *
6:20 a.m. Godo's house.
Rufus hadn't bothered to dress down and make himself at home, as Yuffie had suggested. Instead, he stared out the window and awaited the confrontation that was sure to come. He looked out upon the scenery with disinterest, untouched by the beauty that lay before him. The sun was beginning to peek over the horizon, casting the landscape in shadows and hues of fire. Clouds, pink with reflected light, drifted lazily across a purple and crimson sky. Traces of green and gold lined the silhouettes of the trees that surrounded Wutai, and hid the shoreline from view; beyond it lay an ocean that sparkled lake red. The growing light played across the surface of the Dachao Statues, outlining their features in the sharp contrast created by the shadows.
There was the sound of an opening door and two heavy footsteps behind him, far too heavy to be Yuffie. *So it begins. Here we go. * He didn't turn around, and addressed Godo with cold indifference. "Do you wish to speak with me?"
"I remember you. You were with the ShinRa during the war," the older man accused.
Rufus nodded once.
"You're the general that killed my wife."
Rufus decided to have some fun, and kept playing the part. "A lot of good people died in that meaningless war. I admit that I played my part in the killing. I don't remember everyone who died at my hands, but if your wife was one of them, then I'm truly sorry."
"Saying that doesn't bring her back. It doesn't change the fact that she's dead because of you."
"I realize that, but what else can I do? I can't change the past. Believe me. I wish I could bring back all those who have died because of me." *Oh, man. I'm such a ham. Don't tell me this guy's buying all of this. *
"I suppose I can't place all the blame on you," Godo muttered through gritted teeth. "We were at war, and I shouldn't expect you to take note of every individual you faced."
Rufus chuckled mentally, but made no outward reaction. *Geez, he actually believes this tripe. He's a bigger sap than I thought. *
"I'm sorry I got so upset. It was a long time ago. I should let it go, but I just can't seem to forget." He turned away to hide his shame.
"It's perfectly understandable," he said as he withdrew a knife from his boot. "But if it bothers you so much to be without her, I can easily send you to meet her."
Even as Godo turned to face him, Rufus took two quick steps toward the ninja, and embedded the blade deep into his side. Godo screamed in pain. However, he refused to give in so easily. He reached out and took hold of JT's wrist with one arm; with the other he struck his opponent in the joint of his shoulder. Rufus's arm muscles spasmed and released the knife as his shoulder was forced from its socket; he staggered back, clutching his disjointed appendage.
Godo knew he shouldn't remove the knife, but he couldn't fight with it in his side. He pulled it out, felt himself grow dizzy with the pain. He took a brief instant to examine the blade - a serrated edge that probably caused more damage coming out than it did going in - before he let it drop to the floor.
Rufus took the opportunity to tend his dislocated limb. He went to the closest wall, and rammed the back of his shoulder into it at an upward angle, shoving the bone back into its proper place - a little trick he'd learned from Sephiroth back during the war. He rotated his arm both ways to ensure it was functioning properly; it popped and cracked as it turned.
Satisfied he had full use of his arm, Rufus looked to where Godo stood, one hand over the hole in his side and the other raised in a defensive position. He was waiting for JT to strike first. *Fine by me, * he thought. He took his own stance - one arm held in front of him, prepared to defend from any attacks, and the other drawn slightly back to his side.
"Why are you doing this?" Godo pleaded.
"I'm just doing what should have been done in the first place," he responded, a sharp malicious edge to his voice. He moved in closer.
"What do you mean?"
Rufus didn't fall for Godo's attempt to buy time. He sent a punch to Godo's stomach, and while that was being blocked, he brought his elbow up to Godo's chin. The ninja stumbled back a step, but recovered quickly and retaliated by taking JT's legs out from beneath him with a low back-swipe. The president landed on his back. He planted a boot on Godo's sternum, twisted, and struck him across the face with his other foot. Placing his hands palm-down beside his head, Rufus swung his legs over his head and back to the floor while pushing up with his hands. The motion launched him back onto his feet.
Godo was still gasping from the kick to his chest, and a thin trail of blood ran from the corner of his mouth to his chin. He coughed and spat out a tooth. He then got to his feet, and wiped the blood from his lip. Holding both fists in front of him, Godo stepped in closer. He made a fast punch to JT's chest, but the younger man was faster. Rufus grabbed Godo's wrist, and threw him through the sliding doors out into the garden. He casually stepped through the broken glass, and followed Godo out, who was already picking himself off the ground.
*Damn, this is one tough bastard,* the president thought. *I'm impressed, but no matter. *
Four quick steps brought Rufus in close. He jumped up, his right foot connecting with Godo's chin in a high kick while he swung his left leg up and brought it down on Godo's shoulder.
The combination drove Godo to his knees. He gathered what strength he could, and struck out with his own leg in another swipe - this one aimed higher. It connected with the back of JT's knee, which buckled but didn't break as he had hoped.
Rufus hit the ground, and rolled away just as Godo's other leg came down toward his torso. Both men clambered to their feet. They watched each other wearily, assessing the other's abilities and physical condition. It was obvious to them both that Godo was losing the battle. "Not bad, old man," Rufus said. "This was actually kind of fun, but it's time for the game to end. So, why don't we put an end to all this?"
Godo's eyes narrowed. His muscles tensed. He knew he was about to die, and he regretted never having fully repaired his relationship with Yuffie. Now he would never be able to tell her all the things he had planned to tell her, things he had wanted her to know. It seemed his life had been so short, so much of it wasted. "And what are you going to do once you've killed me?" he asked. His voice was hoarse and strained; it sounded like it belonged to another person.
Rufus didn't respond. Instead, he tattooed Godo's chest and face with a series of punches and kicks that sent the man to his hands and knees. The young president placed a boot between Godo's shoulder blades, and forced him the rest of the way to the ground. Kneeling, he spoke in a low tone, "You want to know what I'm going to do?" He ground his boot into Godo's spine; the man grunted in pain, but otherwise remained silent. Rufus leaned down, and evilly whispered, "I'm going to destroy Wutai. By tomorrow, it'll be no more than a memory." Without another word, he took hold of Godo's head and snapped his neck. He kicked the body, and let it roll into the fishpond, where it floated face down.
*Now it's time to go take care of those losers in the tower. When Yuffie gets back from visiting with her Avalanche buddies, she can tell everyone her old man's dead. And then the real fun begins. *
He walked around the back and to the side of the house, where he peeked around the corner. A villager was approaching the front door. *Hmm, it seems things are going to move a little quicker than I thought. That's even better.* He watched as the person knocked on the door, waited, and then knocked again. When there was no reply, he entered the house. *Time to go.* Rufus made his way to the tower so he could eliminate the rest of the masters. Back in the house, the villager screamed, and pandemonium broke out in Wutai.
The soldiers had little trouble in taking care of Wutai's citizens; the weapons and materia dealers proved a little more difficult, but in the end, they too fell to ShinRa's better-trained soldiers.
Yuffie returned toward the beginning of the slaughter, but quickly discovered she was no match for the Reckoning. She left to fetch Avalanche, but returned too late. Most of the buildings were burning, and all the adult citizens were dead. The Reckoning was nowhere to be found. When they found Godo's body, Yuffie lost it. She fell to her knees, weeping. "Why? Why did they do this? I. I thought they wanted to help. Why did they do this?!"
Tifa knelt down and wrapped her arms around the young ninja's trembling shoulders. "Yuffie, be strong. We'll find them. Don't worry. They'll pay for this. We won't let them get away with this."
"Dad, I'm so sorry," Yuffie sobbed. "This is all my fault. You warned me."
"Yuffie," Red XIII voiced gently. "We must go. If we're caught here, we'll never be able to avenge Wutai. We must leave. Now."
"He's right," Barret said with unusual compassion. "We've gotta get outta here."
The girl nodded, and allowed herself to be led away from her father's corpse.
They exited the building to find the pagoda tower starting to catch fire. JT was limping out the front door with the aid of two of the Reckoning; he looked pretty beat up. A few seconds later, the rest of the Reckoning followed them out. Some of them were obviously injured, but none seriously. They didn't notice Avalanche - or chose to ignore them - and began to make their way out of Wutai.
"Hey!" Barret cried. "You dirty stinking bastards! What do you think you're doing?!"
JT said something, which they couldn't hear, but they got an idea when one of the Reckoning chucked a grenade in their direction. "Run!" Tifa ordered, and everyone scattered. The grenade went off; she was caught in the blast and thrown into the fencing of the gong house. She hit the ground and didn't move, a puddle of blood forming around her.
Red XIII took some shards of concrete expelled by the explosion, and Barret received minor burns to his arms and back. Yuffie avoided the blast, but fell and broke her wrist. They looked to where Tifa had fallen, and cried her name in unison.
"Oh, no. What do we do?"
"We must get her back to the Highwind, quickly."
"Then why are we standing around yapping? Let's hurry up and go!"
As carefully and quickly as possible, they picked Tifa up, and carried her back to the Highwind, leaving Wutai to burn.
11:01 a.m. Wutai's coast.
The soldiers had tended to Rufus's wounds as best they could; he would need professional medical attention, but the first aid would suffice until they reached a hospital. His injuries were surprisingly few, considering he had faced and conquered all five Wutai masters single-handedly. He had a sprained and swollen ankle, bruised and bloodied knuckles, cracked ribs, a black eye, a bloody nose, and numerous other bruises and scrapes. They had found him on the first floor of the tower, leaning against a wall and breathing heavily. Four bodies were lying about in various mangled forms.
When President Rufus had first enlisted them for the mission, they had all thought they would end up babysitting their employer. Now, they looked on him with nothing short of worship. Not only was he a rich suit with a brain and good looks, he was a one-man army second only to Sephiroth. On top of that, he had done what they had seen his father as too gutless to do: completely wipe Wutai off the map and eliminate it as an opposing factor.
"Lieutenant Pax," Rufus wheezed, his cracked ribs - though bandaged - still making it hard for him to breathe.
"Yes, sir?" the soldier replied enthusiastically.
"Lieutenants Nicholas and Griffen can escort me back to Junon. I want you to take the others and search the Wutai area to ensure there's no one left, and that all the buildings have been destroyed. After you've done that, return to Junon."
"Yes, sir! . But, sir, can I ask you something?"
"Yes."
"What's the point of all this?"
Rufus thought about exactly what he wanted to tell them; he decided it would be best to let them in on the main plot. After all, they had blindly and obediently followed his orders through the entire ordeal. "The point of all this is to one: get rid of Wutai as a possible threat, and two: get rid of Avalanche."
"How does this get rid of Avalanche?"
"Wutai has been destroyed, leaving many children homeless. When all of you get back to Junon, word will leak out that Avalanche was the one to do it. Soldiers will be sent to gather the orphans and take them to the orphanages."
"Uh, sir?" one soldier interrupted.
"Yes?" Rufus said, slightly irritated.
"The orphanages aren't exactly in prime condition. Is it wise to send them there?"
"Don't worry about that. I'll have funds diverted to improving their standards. Now, back to the point. Avalanche will be seen as vigilante terrorists, and become wanted worldwide. They'll be outcasts, and everyone will be out for their heads. They won't be able to go anywhere without getting trouble from the authorities, and they'll only be able to run and hide for so long. Eventually, they'll be hunted down and wiped out, and ShinRa will never have to worry about them again."
"Oh. That makes sense."
"Of course it makes sense. But now that you know all this, just remember to keep it to yourselves. You never went to Wutai. If anyone asks where you've been the last few days, just tell them it's confidential."
"Yes, sir!" the soldiers voiced.
"All right. You know your orders so get going. A transport ship will pick you up here tomorrow."
"Yes, sir!" They saluted, and raced off to do as they were told.
Rufus lay down on the sand, and waited for the ship that was to pick up him and the two remaining soldiers. He thought about the events of the last four days. It had been too long since he had actually done anything besides sit behind a desk. It was fun, despite the complications and unpleasantness of their travel. He was pretty sure he'd have to shower at least ten times before the smell of the sewers would come off his skin, and he'd simply have the clothes burnt.
His mind drifted over to thoughts of Yuffie. She probably blamed herself for the entire mess. He made a note to bring that up if he ever saw her again. The thought of taking her emotional pain and rubbing her face in it was rather amusing to him, and it helped him forget some of the pain he was in. Ah, there was no better anesthetic than an enemy's misery.
A/N: Okay. Part two of Turn the Page is done. It'll be continued in part three: Nothing Else Matters - which will be another FFVII fic. And for those who don't know where to find the first part and wish to read, it's called For Whom the Bell Tolls.
