Even from this distance, the vista was truly stunning. As the Presidential cavalcade neared its final destination, Vincent subtly shifted around so that he could get a better view from the window.
The city was the hub of a proud empire, ninja bloodlines running strongly through the ancient resident families. It also housed a wealth of Materia. Wutaians prized the small magical orbs, viewing them as gifts from Leviathan, their God. This hoard of power was the reason Shinra had developed such an interest in the place. Vincent, however, had slightly more personal ties to the area.
Though he was born and raised on the Northern Continent, his mother had been from Wutai. The daughter of one of the city's wealthier merchants, she had met the charming James Valentine whilst he was on a business trip to the region. The two fell in love, eventually marrying and settling in Icicle Village. The resulting son had a striking combination of looks from each - Vincent had the dark hair, almond shaped eyes and slight build of his mother, whilst inheriting his height, strength and pale complexion from his father.
Though they lived far away from the Wutai continent, his mother had always been anxious to keep in touch with her family, and to expose young Vincent to the heritage that came from her side. They had no shortage of money (her husband was a successful weapons manufacturer), and consequently trips to the distant city were reasonably commonplace. Vincent had learned much of the culture and history of Wutai during his visits, being taught rudimentary skills with the language, customs and even fighting styles. He remembered how his mother had protested when the Pagoda Master presented an eight year old Vincent with a scaled down samurai sword, only to be reminded that she had started her training at the age of six.
Sadly his pleasant memories were always soured by the knowledge that his parents had both died two years later whilst making their way to the island. He had been left behind on that particular occasion, his school unwilling to let him have another holiday in the middle of the term. He could still recall with absolute clarity the way that his teacher had sidled into the classroom and extracted him with a look of abject pity on her face.
He hadn't returned to the country for many years after that. Living with a friend of the family, he finished his schooling and moved to Junon to attend University. He only had cause to go there now he had joined the ranks of the Turks. Even then, Shinra's interest in Wutai was a fairly recent development. Since it had arisen, Vincent had made two trips here, both short and as inconspicuous as he could possibly be. This time would be different.
As the gates to the beautiful city loomed into view, he began to wonder if he would recognise any of the elders he was going to have to meet. Or if they would recognise him. Was his mother's family still here? It had been about fifteen years, he was sure he bore little resemblance to the ten year old boy they used to know.
It appeared that the President had also noticed their proximity to the city perimeter. "Almost there, Vincent my boy" he commented. The leader of the Turks almost winced. He hated being called that. Shinra had bestowed the moniker upon him thanks to being the youngest Turk to ever make his rank. It didn't help that the President was probably old enough to be his father, either. The only good thing was that he never uttered the word in front of anyone else. Vincent sometimes wondered if it was supposed to be some kind of private joke…
Thankfully, he managed to keep his mild annoyance in check. "Yes sir" he replied. "We'll take you straight to the Lord's house so you can get things underway."
"What's the name of this Lord chap again?" Shinra had a definite blind spot for foreign names. Vincent rolled his eyes. He'd already reminded the President at least four times today.
"Kisaragi."
- - -
Once the cars had pulled to a halt outside the ruler's house, Vincent was the first to get out. He pulled open the front passenger door, and ordered Preston to replace him in the back, next to the President. The subordinate Turk complied without question - another standard procedure.
Satisfied that Shinra was adequately protected, Vincent started off to the house, unsurprised to see that it looked just as he remembered it. One thing his mother had always told him about Wutai - it didn't like change. He doubted whether Shinra's proposal would go down well in that respect.
He was greeted by two guards dressed in armour. Though the trappings looked awkwardly ceremonial, he guessed that should push come to shove, the pair would have little trouble in a fight. Not that he had any doubt he could defeat them. He'd already located a chink in the armour, a spot where a well placed bullet would be fatal. It was more curiosity. He liked to know what he and his Turks could potentially be dealing with.
"President Shinra is here to meet Lord Kisaragi" he said crisply.
The first of the armoured men regarded him coldly. "And who are you?"
"I am his bodyguard." Vincent saw no need to elaborate further. He also didn't want to attract any unwanted attention by revealing his identity just yet. The second man attempted to garner more information by asking his name, but the Turk simply said nothing, just held their gaze with a self assurance that brooked no argument.
"You are expected." Grudgingly they had to admit he had a right to be here. "Where is your President?" The way the pronounced the word showed that they held Presidents in very low regard indeed, compared to their beloved Lord.
Vincent inclined his head in the direction of the car. "He is waiting in the car" he explained. "I wish to inspect his quarters and the meeting room first." This request was greeted by incredulous gasps from the guardsmen.
"You want to what?!" Vincent, with his knowledge of Wutaian custom, could understand their reaction. By asking to check their lodgings, he had in effect insulted the hospitality (and therefore honour) of their host. And the people of Wutai put great store in their honour.
He knew it would not be a good idea to let them think he meant the words as an insult. "I intend no disrespect towards Lord Kisaragi" he said smoothly. "However, as the President's personal bodyguard I must take every precaution to ensure his continued well-being. I'm sure that you understand my position." A clever ploy, appearing honour-bound. There wasn't much they could do to argue the point, and albeit reluctantly, they opened the ornate doors for him to enter.
- - -
Half an hour later, Vincent emerged. Pleased with the accommodations provided and certain that there were no bugs, listening devices or traps set in any of the rooms, he was now able to fetch the President.
Ushering Linden and Preston out of the cars first, the three formed a protective triangle round the President as he climbed out. Their sharp ears caught a few choice words of complaint about being kept waiting for so long, but nothing they couldn't cope with. The words would have been far worse had one of the locals tried to take a pot shot at him.
The group made their way to the house, Vincent close to the Shinra's side and the other three keeping the triangle around him. The idea of the formation meant that all sides were covered from potential attack; Linden, Deacon and Preston could return fire whilst Vincent shielded the President.
Since this was the official visit, rather than Vincent's reconnaissance, the guards let them through without complaint, guiding them into the traditional Wutaian building.
Lord Kisaragi was waiting to greet them in the entrance hall. He was flanked by more ceremonial guards, each armed to the teeth with swords and shuriken. To his right, a few steps behind, stood another man. He seemed like a younger version of the Lord, about Vincent's age. The Turk vaguely recalled a Kisaragi son, but it was so long ago the memory was fuzzy.
His entourage was huge compared to Shinra's. Four Turks and the President himself were vastly outnumbered by Wutaian warriors, and Turks did not wear their weapons openly.
Vincent was not worried though, for all their lack of numbers. He reasoned that the ninja might find it disarming, leading to underestimation. He also knew that four highly trained Turks were capable of dispatching everything that Kisaragi could throw at them, by fair means or foul.
The Lord stepped forward, his movements graceful even for one of his age. It was obviously apparent that in his youth he had been a fighter of not inconsiderable skill. "Greetings President Shinra" he intoned formally, bowing. "Welcome to Wutai. We hope your stay is enjoyable."
From his position just behind the President, Vincent returned the bow, gesturing for the Turks to follow suit. This trip was going to be difficult enough as it was, he didn't want anyone antagonising the hosts. He hoped that Shinra would comply too, but he wasn't in a position to kick him in the shins if he failed. Luckily for all, President Shinra offered a meagre bow in reply.
Kisaragi gestured to the man at his shoulder. "My son" he announced. "I am pleased to present Godo Kisaragi, heir to the throne of Wutai." The young man moved a few paces forward to be in line with his father and bowed. Again, the Shinra party returned it. Vincent used the opportunity to size up the young man, who looked anything but pleased to be there. The firm set of his jaw showed evident distain for the guests. He suspected that Godo might prove problematic, and resolved to keep an eye on him.
Another round of bowing followed as Kisaragi introduced the armed guard as his personal retinue. Contrary to the lengthy process for the natives, Shinra's speech was short and to the point.
"President Shinra. These are my Turks." The four men inclined their heads as they came under scrutiny from the assembled warriors. Wutai was possibly the only place in the world where the reputation of the Turks counted for nothing. The way that the ninja regarded them showed they would have to prove themselves to gain respect here.
Lord Kisaragi smiled. "A man of few words I see" he remarked. "Very
well, I will have you shown to your quarters, and then we can begin."