Disclaimer: Squaresoft owns Final Fantasy 7. I do not have rights over it. The name 'Fire Scouters' is of my creation, so please don't take it without my permission. I needed something to call them.
Author's Note: Muchos gracias to Fiery Tempest and Onna for the edits. :)
Sweet Sacrifices - 4 By: Liv
It was at lunch time when the sun shone its brightest and the day was at its hottest. The hum of the airconditioner sung along with the soft 'tinks' of the spoons, forks and knives on the plate. But other than that, everyone was silent. Aeris knew deja vu could happen. As a child, she usually slept over her feeder. She forced herself awake many at times by shaking her head or having a drink of water, but nothing helped. It was too peaceful for her to keep up. She cleared her throat and leaned against the table. "Daddy, I visited the commander awhile ago."
"You did?" Alex settled down his fork and knife as he dabbed his lips with a napkin. He could see Sephiroth perk with interest and pause from eating. Tseng had went on, but Rufus stayed concentrated to his food. "How is he?"
"He seems to be doing well." Aeris resumed to slicing a small piece of her meat. The conversation was helping her. "Dr. Gast says that if his recovery keeps on, he could be released either tomorrow or the next day from it."
"Ah, such a relief to have such a fine soldier back." Alex turned to Sephiroth who took a sip from his glass of water. "Wouldn't you think, Sephiroth?"
Sephiroth nodded, not the least bit pleased of the news. But that was because he always kept a serious look on. "Of course, sir."
"And there is something he requests," Aeris followed up quickly. She smiled at Sephiroth who gave a surprised look and shook her head. "No, I asked him if there was anything he wanted."
"No...it's just that I never saw it in him to actually ask for something." Sephiroth settled his knife and fork to listen. "What was it?"
Aeris cleared her throat. "The commander requests that his men be given an opportunity to meet their family. He's considered the fact that many of them might not be coming back. But he seems to have a plan in mind if in any case that happens."
Sephiroth blinked for a few moments. "...let me think about that." He pushed his chair away from the table and stood up. "Please excuse me, I still have a meeting with Scarlet."
"Thank you, Cousin. Take care." Aeris watched as the man pushed the glass door open. For awhile there, she thought she felt the heat come in but when the door closed, the airconditioner warded it off.
"Uh, Aeris..."
Aeris turned to her father. By the corner of her eyes, she could see Sephiroth's dishes being removed. "Yes, Daddy?"
"You see..."
The door swung open and in came a man with long black hair and a white gown. "I hope I'm not interrupting something?"
"Uncle Hojo," Aeris nodded her acknowledgement. Rufus had imitated the gesture but had resumed eating after it.
Alex adjusted his position to better face the scientist. "Why, Hojo! I see you've come home from your laboratory?"
"There IS a matter I need to discuss with you. Concerning our little...'secret weapons'?"
Rufus had stopped from eating. He raised his head and faced the two older men as they talked on.
"Ah, why yes, of course." Alex pushed his seat away, standing up and dabbing his lips with napkin. "Aeris, maybe we can talk some other time."
"Of course, Daddy." Aeris nodded. She was curious as to what Hojo and Alex meant, but she was taught to keep silent and keep her questions to herself...or until later. "Take care." She told to the scientist and the president as they left the dining room. Tseng had followed suit, being the president's bodyguard.
"Take care, Aeris."
"Thank you." Aeris nodded and watched Tseng hurry out. She turned to Rufus who was the only one left other than the maids cleaning up the dishes. She blinked and her eyebrows arched as Rufus stared on air. ? Is everything okay?"
"Yes," Rufus smiled at his sister. "Uhh, tell me more about the commander."
Aeris felt a bothering curiosity in her. But that will have to wait later. She smiled and proeceeded to eating. "Well...I find him amiable."
"Oh, is he?" Rufus nodded with approval, returning to his meat. "Well, it's a relief not everyone in the army are as stoic as Sephiroth. What have you talked about?"
"I asked him how he was and he said he was doing better." Aeris related without facing Rufus. "And then I followed up the question of the request. It's just..." She paused from eating as she took her turn to staring into space. "...I thought he was very noble."
"Noble?" Rufus looked at his sister from his side while drinking his water.
"I don't know." Aeris forked the sliced piece of meat and dipped it in gravy. "When I asked him, he said there wasn't anything he needed rather, he thought of his men first...I mean, who would do that, right?" She bit the slice off and chewed on it, looking at her brother who faced her. She swallowed before she spoke again. "He thought of them beforehand and forgot about himself. It's like..." She stared into space, again, twitching her neck. "At a world this desperate...I can't believe a man like that still existed."
Rufus nodded, finishing his meal. "I agree. But I hope you DO understand that men like him still exist. Don't look at us too negatively." He kidded, finishing his drink, this time.
"I know, I know." Aeris gave a short laugh as she, in turn, finished her meat. "But...it's just that THIS is the time the world needs them." Her eyes sparkled, herself half-gasping. She turned to Rufus. "I think I want to visit him later night!"
Rufus gave a half-surprised face while dabbing his lips with a napkin. "Really?"
Aeris nodded, almost excitedly. "I just...I just want to have a talk with him." She did away with her utensils and proceeded to her half-drank glass of water. She drank it away before she asked, again. "You think Daddy will allow me?"
"I'm sure he will." Rufus nodded. "I'll come with you on telling him and escort you to the limo."
Aeris' smile shifted to something bright and wide. "You will?? Oh you're so sweeeet, thank youuu!"
Rufus nodded with a smile and stood up from the chair. "What will you do in the whole afternoon?"
"Tend to my garden and my wardrobe." Aeris followed her brother to the door who opened it for her. "Going back to the office?"
Rufus nodded. He bent to give his sister a kiss on the forehead and received one on his cheek. "Take care."
"You, too!" Aeris turned and started towards the stairway.
Rufus had simultaneously turned to the hallway to the east of the room where Vincent was found approaching.
"Sir," The turk saluted but brought it down soon after the gesture before he walked beside the vice president.
"68th level, I want a full report on 5:00 PM." Rufus muttered to him.
"Sir, yes, sir." Was the returned mutter.
"Is the helicopter ready?" Rufus, this time, asked in his normal voice and recieved an affirmation from Vincent. From hereon, both talked about his meetings as they headed to the elevator that will take them to the Heli-Pad.
The door slid open after recognizing Hojo's thumb print. Both he and the president entered the wide room of devices and chemistry that was known to be the Shinra Laboratory. It was where mako and materia were being studied, items that bear the same effect as the materias...this place has been the birth of many scientific discoveries. The laboratory was bright with flourescent lamps. On one counter, vials, test tubes and beakers of colored liquid sat in array. On another were the devices of the highest technology. And on another counter, facing the first one directly, life was sealed in glass jars.
Alex wasn't very amused, however. He came for business and he wants it settled quickly. He still had something important to tell his daughter. Something concerning her future. "So, Hojo, what is it that you wish to talk to me about?" He stopped in his steps while the scientist went straight to the counter pressed against the eastern wall.
"Don't sound too impatient, Alex, it wrinkles your face." Hojo chuckled at his brother. He cleared his throat, reaching an empty space on the wall and turned his head to look at Alex. "I'm sure my son has told you about the Fire Scouters?"
"The Fire Scouters?" Alex's eyebrows arched in curiosity. "Y, yes, what about them?" He was getting more intrigued.
Hojo nodded before he turned his body to better look at his brother. "Currently, the count of Fire Scouters that are being housed by Shinra is zero. We have used all of them in the war against Wutai due to their agility, strength and intelligence. Yet they were just a newly discovered species, we didn't have enough time to study them."
Alex hated Hojo's ceremonies. He nodded, as if understanding but seriously, he just wanted to get it done. "So? What do you plan to do?"
"I've already done it...again!" Hojo faced the empty wall and started pressing on what looked like invisible buttons. The wall slid open and he knew that Alex was shocked. He smirked to himself and called to the empty room inside. "You can come out now."
Alex leaned forward to see what was inside. He next found himself approaching slowly. But surprise caught him, causing him to nearly stumble backward as a red paw stepped out of the room.
"Good boy." Hojo faced Alex and was amused by his surprise-stricken face. "Don't be silly now, Alex. He won't bite." As soon as the animal was out of its room, he moved to pet it on the head. It closed its eyes and enjoyed the human touch. "Alex, I'd like to introduce Red 01."
"You have been keeping a Fire Scouter in your lab??" Alex's look was a half-glare. This scientist said he had released all Fire Scouters to the military but now, he looked like he kept one.
"I'm not interested on keeping pets, Alex." Or maybe not. "Think again, I am a scientist. And it's my job to break the barriers of science." At the last word, he hissed and his eyes glowed.
Alex had brought himself in another one of Hojo's riddles. He slowly approached the animal and knelt in front of it, studying its face. "Did you..." He looked up to the scientist. "Manage to get one from the battle ground and tended to it?"
"I picked one up from the battle ground and got a sample of its DNA right before it died. With that, I was able to copy it. Or more precisely speaking..." Hojo wore a smirk...a proud one. "Cloned it." He spoke eloquently.
"Clone??" Alex remembered the 7-year old project that costed billions and billions--an amount that almost equalled the creation of the Sister Ray in Junon. He had to put a pause on it when war ensued but he had no idea this man still pursued it.
And now, he had contributed to Shinra once more.
"You don't believe me, Alex?" Hojo continued. "I can show you all the records, all the data that concerns this little specimen." He removed his hand from its head and inserted it into his pocket. "I assure you--they are not forged. And you can ask ANYONE to look at it."
With Hojo's confidence, Alex held back his disbelief. He knew this man was just going to prove him wrong and he didn't like that. He stood up and cleared his throat, regaining poise as he nodded at Hojo. "Job well done, Hojo."
"I'm glad you finally believed me." The scientist turned to Red 01. "Greet the president."
"Hello." It was a female.
Alex felt his heart jump and skip beats. He thought of something clever to say but Hojo had already taken the floor as he turned to walk towards the devices.
"This is just the tip of the iceberg, however, Alex." Hojo didn't take a glance or anything, even after he heard Red 01 follow him. "But to help you guys where I am going, you MUST know my intention for cloning this thing." He lifted his glasses off his eyes and bent to study something in a telescope.
"To continue our study with the Fire Scouters, of course." Alex followed and recieved a nod from Hojo who stood straight.
"Correct." Hojo turned to Alex and gestured for him to come over with his finger. He stepped aside and watched the president approach and bend to see what is under the microscope. "Would you like to guess what that is?"
"A blood sample?"
"Of...?" Hojo's smile showed that he enjoyed turning this business man around and around. His hand gestured for him to continue.
Alex felt the impatience coming back in him. But truth be told, he was interested with what Hojo has. He stood and faced his brother. "The Fire Scouter?"
"A soldier for the 2nd Division." Hojo corrected much to Alex's surprise. "Yes, Alex. I am proposing that we clone them."
"Clone the soldiers??"
"Who cares about morality, Alex!" Hojo's voice increased in volume as he opened his arms and walked backwards. "We are in great need of support, Alex. And there is no way to get it easily. Think of it this way," He stopped from his steps. "Our army will increase in manpower within...weeks!" He shrugged. "The Shinra can use these cloned soldiers for outreach programs. The people's trust will all go to Shinra, and THAT's what we need! Their strength to grow strong!" His enthusiasm to his proposal, he knew, was getting into Alex and convincing him. "It's a chain reaction, Alex. We won't lose anything if we try it. Rather than losing, we will, in fact, GAIN more." He leaned forward and hit his left palm with the back of his right one twice. "So what's there to think about?"
Alex was nodding while Hojo gave his little speech. His head returned to the microscope, thinking about what he had been shown.
Hojo approached the blond man and rested his arm on his shoulders. "You don't need to spend much on this project. The Shinra's done it, again. WE, my brother, will be the ones to lift the world from poverty and oppression! Just think about it, Alex...think of it." He whispered.
Finally, Alex gave his affirmation. "We will hold a meeting concerning this project of yours."
"Your cooperation is very much appreciated." Hojo bowed to him, though at the man's side. His plan was working
Vincent pushed the drawer closed and locked it, pulling the keycard that stayed on the vertical slot on the left side of the silver file cabinet.
"Did you get what you were looking for, Vincent?" Lucrecia passed with a cart of chemicals. She turned to Vincent who nodded to her and presented a folder he held. Her eye brows arched as she looked closer at the tag of the file. "Why would he be interested with Nibel Wolves?"
Vincent shrugged. "Rufus is still a vice president in training. You wouldn't know what goes on in his mind." He smiled.
Lucrecia laughed. "Of course. He probably wants to tackle even the slightest problem." She waved to Vincent with her fingers and returned to pushing the cart to her office.
Vincent bowed and watched the woman leave before he himself turned to do so. He took his ID from his pocket and pressed his picture on it onto a device to the left of the elevator. It lit and the doors opened. He stepped inside and turned, flipping through the file while his ride closed and descended.
Cloning... He repeated, pulling off a plug from his ear and keeping it in his breast pocket. Rufus would definitely want to hear about this...
The elevator gave a silent bell and opened. Aeris has stepped out of it before the door closed. For the first time, she thought the night was calm, stars scattered on the sky and the moon waning brightly. She carried a basket of flowers with her. In the hallway, the only sounds she could hear were her heels connecting with the white floor.
Finally in front of his door, Aeris made sure she looked presentable. She straightened her back and her dress, removed any hair from her face and made sure her twirled pony tail was bouncy enough.
She couldn't help but smile, as if she was visiting a new friend.
She knocked thrice.
"It's open."
While the door moved, Cloud took the remote control from his side and switched the television off. He heard the door close, signalling him to turn to his visitor who he thought to be Zack.
"How are you doing, Commander?"
Cloud blinked in surprise as he saw Aeris approaching his night desk. "Ms. Aeris." His voice was enough to tell that he did not expect her.
Aeris giggled and fixed the flowers in the basket after she settled it on the plastic thing. "Have you eaten your dinner?"
"Yes, Ma'am." Cloud nodded, remembering the hard fish and soggy rice. He couldn't decide whether it was because times are tough or it's simply hospital food. "Is there anything I can help you with?"
"Nothing, I just came to visit you." Aeris pulled a chair from beside the night desk and placed it close to Cloud before she made herself comfortable.
"A visit?" Cloud couldn't help but laugh shyly. "Truly, I'm honored, Ma'am."
"You don't need to be." Aeris lifted her right leg over her left one. "I've talked to Gen. Sephiroth about your request and he's thinking about it."
Cloud nodded. "Thank you for delivering my message, Ma'am." His palms feel sweaty and yet he enjoyed having Aeris with him.
Aeris could only nod. So quickly did her mind think of a conversation to talk to the man with. She looked down, searching for something, then they blinked. "A Chocobo Lure materia?"
"What?" Cloud looked at his night desk and saw what she referred to. "Oh, yes, Ma'am." He was amazed at how quickly Aeris was able to recognize such rare materia. He took it from the wooden table and handed it to Aeris. "If you wish to take a closer look at it, Ma'am."
"Thank you." Aeris nodded and took the small think from his hands. She smiled at it as let it rest on her left palm. She giggled. "It's so cute!"
It had made Cloud laugh. He didn't understand how he could feel so comfortable with a Shinra, but there was no denying it. Personally, he loved how she giggled at that point. "Isn't it?" He cleared his throat. "My mother gave it to me while I was young."
"Your mother?" Aeris repeated, facing the man and received a nod. "I see..." She looked at the materia, again. "It must be so precious to you."
"It is," Cloud nodded. "It's actually given birth to a Chocobo Lure materia, already. I gave it to Zack. He sold it, though."
"He SOLD it?" Aeris laughed, watching Cloud shrug. "He's the commander of the 3rd Division, isn't he?"
"Yes, Ma'am."
"From how you say it, you look like you're very close to each other."
"He helped me into the army, Ma'am." Cloud explained. "We've been friends ever since."
"That sounds so nice." Aeris smiled. "I hope the Chocobo Lure materia wasn't a symbol of your friendship."
"We've shared blood with each other so I don't think we'll need one to seal it." Cloud shook his head. "I just gave it to him since I didn't have any use with it."
Aeris just looked at Cloud, as if understanding. "Maybe I should bring my Holy Materia wherever I go, too. And then when it gives birth to another, I'll give it to Tifa."
"Holy Materia?"
Aeris nodded. "My memento of my mother whom I never saw in real life." She twitched her lip. "Daddy gave it to me when I was 7, and I've kept it safe ever since." She picked the Chocobo Lure materia from her palm and handed it back to Cloud. "While I was a child, people told me about how she looked and how wonderful she was." She retrieved her hand when Cloud took his materia back. "They say she's also very beautiful, that I got my looks from her."
"I think they're telling the truth, Ma'am."
Aeris gasped and blushed as Cloud nodded.
"Seriously, Ma'am."
Aeris laughed. "Well...that was very straightforward."
Cloud blinked and leaned his head to a side. "I...hope I didn't offend you."
"Oh no, you didn't!" Aeris shook her head. "I...was flattered. Thank you."
But Cloud couldn't say 'You're welcome', could he? He just let his smile say it all.
The bodies dropped limply yet silently to the concrete floor. The chubby man took his radio and pressed a button. "Avvy OK. Over."
A hoarse sound. "I read that. How's Val? Over."
Avvy looked around and saw a red-haired woman jogging towards him. He turned his radio on, again. "Val's here, over."
"Good. Get ready for the thriller."
"I really enjoyed our talk, Commander."
"It's my pleasure, Ma'am." Cloud bowed as the woman stood from her chair and proceeded to the door.
But before she even held the knob, she turned around. "Will you be returning to the head quarters tomorrow?"
Cloud nodded.
Aeris nodded back with a smile. "See you, then." She turned around and twisted the door knob, opening the door.
"Good night, Ma'am. Have a safe ride home."
Aeris giggled and turned to Cloud. "Thank you, commander. Good night, as well." She left the room, closing the door behind her.
"Shinra out of the hospital." The brown-haired man heard from his radio while he concentrated on his sniper rifle. He was on top of a building facing the medical house. A cross mark could be seen on the dark-shaded cement.
"Shinra standing...standing...limo comes to pick her up. Shinra inside limo. They're on the road."
Wait for it... He told himself as he readied to pull the trigger. He felt the tension on every muscle and his sweat rolling down his cheeks.
"Shinra nearing target point."
The limousine came into view.
"Target locked!"
- End of Part 4 -
Author's Note: Muchos gracias to Fiery Tempest and Onna for the edits. :)
Sweet Sacrifices - 4 By: Liv
It was at lunch time when the sun shone its brightest and the day was at its hottest. The hum of the airconditioner sung along with the soft 'tinks' of the spoons, forks and knives on the plate. But other than that, everyone was silent. Aeris knew deja vu could happen. As a child, she usually slept over her feeder. She forced herself awake many at times by shaking her head or having a drink of water, but nothing helped. It was too peaceful for her to keep up. She cleared her throat and leaned against the table. "Daddy, I visited the commander awhile ago."
"You did?" Alex settled down his fork and knife as he dabbed his lips with a napkin. He could see Sephiroth perk with interest and pause from eating. Tseng had went on, but Rufus stayed concentrated to his food. "How is he?"
"He seems to be doing well." Aeris resumed to slicing a small piece of her meat. The conversation was helping her. "Dr. Gast says that if his recovery keeps on, he could be released either tomorrow or the next day from it."
"Ah, such a relief to have such a fine soldier back." Alex turned to Sephiroth who took a sip from his glass of water. "Wouldn't you think, Sephiroth?"
Sephiroth nodded, not the least bit pleased of the news. But that was because he always kept a serious look on. "Of course, sir."
"And there is something he requests," Aeris followed up quickly. She smiled at Sephiroth who gave a surprised look and shook her head. "No, I asked him if there was anything he wanted."
"No...it's just that I never saw it in him to actually ask for something." Sephiroth settled his knife and fork to listen. "What was it?"
Aeris cleared her throat. "The commander requests that his men be given an opportunity to meet their family. He's considered the fact that many of them might not be coming back. But he seems to have a plan in mind if in any case that happens."
Sephiroth blinked for a few moments. "...let me think about that." He pushed his chair away from the table and stood up. "Please excuse me, I still have a meeting with Scarlet."
"Thank you, Cousin. Take care." Aeris watched as the man pushed the glass door open. For awhile there, she thought she felt the heat come in but when the door closed, the airconditioner warded it off.
"Uh, Aeris..."
Aeris turned to her father. By the corner of her eyes, she could see Sephiroth's dishes being removed. "Yes, Daddy?"
"You see..."
The door swung open and in came a man with long black hair and a white gown. "I hope I'm not interrupting something?"
"Uncle Hojo," Aeris nodded her acknowledgement. Rufus had imitated the gesture but had resumed eating after it.
Alex adjusted his position to better face the scientist. "Why, Hojo! I see you've come home from your laboratory?"
"There IS a matter I need to discuss with you. Concerning our little...'secret weapons'?"
Rufus had stopped from eating. He raised his head and faced the two older men as they talked on.
"Ah, why yes, of course." Alex pushed his seat away, standing up and dabbing his lips with napkin. "Aeris, maybe we can talk some other time."
"Of course, Daddy." Aeris nodded. She was curious as to what Hojo and Alex meant, but she was taught to keep silent and keep her questions to herself...or until later. "Take care." She told to the scientist and the president as they left the dining room. Tseng had followed suit, being the president's bodyguard.
"Take care, Aeris."
"Thank you." Aeris nodded and watched Tseng hurry out. She turned to Rufus who was the only one left other than the maids cleaning up the dishes. She blinked and her eyebrows arched as Rufus stared on air. ? Is everything okay?"
"Yes," Rufus smiled at his sister. "Uhh, tell me more about the commander."
Aeris felt a bothering curiosity in her. But that will have to wait later. She smiled and proeceeded to eating. "Well...I find him amiable."
"Oh, is he?" Rufus nodded with approval, returning to his meat. "Well, it's a relief not everyone in the army are as stoic as Sephiroth. What have you talked about?"
"I asked him how he was and he said he was doing better." Aeris related without facing Rufus. "And then I followed up the question of the request. It's just..." She paused from eating as she took her turn to staring into space. "...I thought he was very noble."
"Noble?" Rufus looked at his sister from his side while drinking his water.
"I don't know." Aeris forked the sliced piece of meat and dipped it in gravy. "When I asked him, he said there wasn't anything he needed rather, he thought of his men first...I mean, who would do that, right?" She bit the slice off and chewed on it, looking at her brother who faced her. She swallowed before she spoke again. "He thought of them beforehand and forgot about himself. It's like..." She stared into space, again, twitching her neck. "At a world this desperate...I can't believe a man like that still existed."
Rufus nodded, finishing his meal. "I agree. But I hope you DO understand that men like him still exist. Don't look at us too negatively." He kidded, finishing his drink, this time.
"I know, I know." Aeris gave a short laugh as she, in turn, finished her meat. "But...it's just that THIS is the time the world needs them." Her eyes sparkled, herself half-gasping. She turned to Rufus. "I think I want to visit him later night!"
Rufus gave a half-surprised face while dabbing his lips with a napkin. "Really?"
Aeris nodded, almost excitedly. "I just...I just want to have a talk with him." She did away with her utensils and proceeded to her half-drank glass of water. She drank it away before she asked, again. "You think Daddy will allow me?"
"I'm sure he will." Rufus nodded. "I'll come with you on telling him and escort you to the limo."
Aeris' smile shifted to something bright and wide. "You will?? Oh you're so sweeeet, thank youuu!"
Rufus nodded with a smile and stood up from the chair. "What will you do in the whole afternoon?"
"Tend to my garden and my wardrobe." Aeris followed her brother to the door who opened it for her. "Going back to the office?"
Rufus nodded. He bent to give his sister a kiss on the forehead and received one on his cheek. "Take care."
"You, too!" Aeris turned and started towards the stairway.
Rufus had simultaneously turned to the hallway to the east of the room where Vincent was found approaching.
"Sir," The turk saluted but brought it down soon after the gesture before he walked beside the vice president.
"68th level, I want a full report on 5:00 PM." Rufus muttered to him.
"Sir, yes, sir." Was the returned mutter.
"Is the helicopter ready?" Rufus, this time, asked in his normal voice and recieved an affirmation from Vincent. From hereon, both talked about his meetings as they headed to the elevator that will take them to the Heli-Pad.
The door slid open after recognizing Hojo's thumb print. Both he and the president entered the wide room of devices and chemistry that was known to be the Shinra Laboratory. It was where mako and materia were being studied, items that bear the same effect as the materias...this place has been the birth of many scientific discoveries. The laboratory was bright with flourescent lamps. On one counter, vials, test tubes and beakers of colored liquid sat in array. On another were the devices of the highest technology. And on another counter, facing the first one directly, life was sealed in glass jars.
Alex wasn't very amused, however. He came for business and he wants it settled quickly. He still had something important to tell his daughter. Something concerning her future. "So, Hojo, what is it that you wish to talk to me about?" He stopped in his steps while the scientist went straight to the counter pressed against the eastern wall.
"Don't sound too impatient, Alex, it wrinkles your face." Hojo chuckled at his brother. He cleared his throat, reaching an empty space on the wall and turned his head to look at Alex. "I'm sure my son has told you about the Fire Scouters?"
"The Fire Scouters?" Alex's eyebrows arched in curiosity. "Y, yes, what about them?" He was getting more intrigued.
Hojo nodded before he turned his body to better look at his brother. "Currently, the count of Fire Scouters that are being housed by Shinra is zero. We have used all of them in the war against Wutai due to their agility, strength and intelligence. Yet they were just a newly discovered species, we didn't have enough time to study them."
Alex hated Hojo's ceremonies. He nodded, as if understanding but seriously, he just wanted to get it done. "So? What do you plan to do?"
"I've already done it...again!" Hojo faced the empty wall and started pressing on what looked like invisible buttons. The wall slid open and he knew that Alex was shocked. He smirked to himself and called to the empty room inside. "You can come out now."
Alex leaned forward to see what was inside. He next found himself approaching slowly. But surprise caught him, causing him to nearly stumble backward as a red paw stepped out of the room.
"Good boy." Hojo faced Alex and was amused by his surprise-stricken face. "Don't be silly now, Alex. He won't bite." As soon as the animal was out of its room, he moved to pet it on the head. It closed its eyes and enjoyed the human touch. "Alex, I'd like to introduce Red 01."
"You have been keeping a Fire Scouter in your lab??" Alex's look was a half-glare. This scientist said he had released all Fire Scouters to the military but now, he looked like he kept one.
"I'm not interested on keeping pets, Alex." Or maybe not. "Think again, I am a scientist. And it's my job to break the barriers of science." At the last word, he hissed and his eyes glowed.
Alex had brought himself in another one of Hojo's riddles. He slowly approached the animal and knelt in front of it, studying its face. "Did you..." He looked up to the scientist. "Manage to get one from the battle ground and tended to it?"
"I picked one up from the battle ground and got a sample of its DNA right before it died. With that, I was able to copy it. Or more precisely speaking..." Hojo wore a smirk...a proud one. "Cloned it." He spoke eloquently.
"Clone??" Alex remembered the 7-year old project that costed billions and billions--an amount that almost equalled the creation of the Sister Ray in Junon. He had to put a pause on it when war ensued but he had no idea this man still pursued it.
And now, he had contributed to Shinra once more.
"You don't believe me, Alex?" Hojo continued. "I can show you all the records, all the data that concerns this little specimen." He removed his hand from its head and inserted it into his pocket. "I assure you--they are not forged. And you can ask ANYONE to look at it."
With Hojo's confidence, Alex held back his disbelief. He knew this man was just going to prove him wrong and he didn't like that. He stood up and cleared his throat, regaining poise as he nodded at Hojo. "Job well done, Hojo."
"I'm glad you finally believed me." The scientist turned to Red 01. "Greet the president."
"Hello." It was a female.
Alex felt his heart jump and skip beats. He thought of something clever to say but Hojo had already taken the floor as he turned to walk towards the devices.
"This is just the tip of the iceberg, however, Alex." Hojo didn't take a glance or anything, even after he heard Red 01 follow him. "But to help you guys where I am going, you MUST know my intention for cloning this thing." He lifted his glasses off his eyes and bent to study something in a telescope.
"To continue our study with the Fire Scouters, of course." Alex followed and recieved a nod from Hojo who stood straight.
"Correct." Hojo turned to Alex and gestured for him to come over with his finger. He stepped aside and watched the president approach and bend to see what is under the microscope. "Would you like to guess what that is?"
"A blood sample?"
"Of...?" Hojo's smile showed that he enjoyed turning this business man around and around. His hand gestured for him to continue.
Alex felt the impatience coming back in him. But truth be told, he was interested with what Hojo has. He stood and faced his brother. "The Fire Scouter?"
"A soldier for the 2nd Division." Hojo corrected much to Alex's surprise. "Yes, Alex. I am proposing that we clone them."
"Clone the soldiers??"
"Who cares about morality, Alex!" Hojo's voice increased in volume as he opened his arms and walked backwards. "We are in great need of support, Alex. And there is no way to get it easily. Think of it this way," He stopped from his steps. "Our army will increase in manpower within...weeks!" He shrugged. "The Shinra can use these cloned soldiers for outreach programs. The people's trust will all go to Shinra, and THAT's what we need! Their strength to grow strong!" His enthusiasm to his proposal, he knew, was getting into Alex and convincing him. "It's a chain reaction, Alex. We won't lose anything if we try it. Rather than losing, we will, in fact, GAIN more." He leaned forward and hit his left palm with the back of his right one twice. "So what's there to think about?"
Alex was nodding while Hojo gave his little speech. His head returned to the microscope, thinking about what he had been shown.
Hojo approached the blond man and rested his arm on his shoulders. "You don't need to spend much on this project. The Shinra's done it, again. WE, my brother, will be the ones to lift the world from poverty and oppression! Just think about it, Alex...think of it." He whispered.
Finally, Alex gave his affirmation. "We will hold a meeting concerning this project of yours."
"Your cooperation is very much appreciated." Hojo bowed to him, though at the man's side. His plan was working
Vincent pushed the drawer closed and locked it, pulling the keycard that stayed on the vertical slot on the left side of the silver file cabinet.
"Did you get what you were looking for, Vincent?" Lucrecia passed with a cart of chemicals. She turned to Vincent who nodded to her and presented a folder he held. Her eye brows arched as she looked closer at the tag of the file. "Why would he be interested with Nibel Wolves?"
Vincent shrugged. "Rufus is still a vice president in training. You wouldn't know what goes on in his mind." He smiled.
Lucrecia laughed. "Of course. He probably wants to tackle even the slightest problem." She waved to Vincent with her fingers and returned to pushing the cart to her office.
Vincent bowed and watched the woman leave before he himself turned to do so. He took his ID from his pocket and pressed his picture on it onto a device to the left of the elevator. It lit and the doors opened. He stepped inside and turned, flipping through the file while his ride closed and descended.
Cloning... He repeated, pulling off a plug from his ear and keeping it in his breast pocket. Rufus would definitely want to hear about this...
The elevator gave a silent bell and opened. Aeris has stepped out of it before the door closed. For the first time, she thought the night was calm, stars scattered on the sky and the moon waning brightly. She carried a basket of flowers with her. In the hallway, the only sounds she could hear were her heels connecting with the white floor.
Finally in front of his door, Aeris made sure she looked presentable. She straightened her back and her dress, removed any hair from her face and made sure her twirled pony tail was bouncy enough.
She couldn't help but smile, as if she was visiting a new friend.
She knocked thrice.
"It's open."
While the door moved, Cloud took the remote control from his side and switched the television off. He heard the door close, signalling him to turn to his visitor who he thought to be Zack.
"How are you doing, Commander?"
Cloud blinked in surprise as he saw Aeris approaching his night desk. "Ms. Aeris." His voice was enough to tell that he did not expect her.
Aeris giggled and fixed the flowers in the basket after she settled it on the plastic thing. "Have you eaten your dinner?"
"Yes, Ma'am." Cloud nodded, remembering the hard fish and soggy rice. He couldn't decide whether it was because times are tough or it's simply hospital food. "Is there anything I can help you with?"
"Nothing, I just came to visit you." Aeris pulled a chair from beside the night desk and placed it close to Cloud before she made herself comfortable.
"A visit?" Cloud couldn't help but laugh shyly. "Truly, I'm honored, Ma'am."
"You don't need to be." Aeris lifted her right leg over her left one. "I've talked to Gen. Sephiroth about your request and he's thinking about it."
Cloud nodded. "Thank you for delivering my message, Ma'am." His palms feel sweaty and yet he enjoyed having Aeris with him.
Aeris could only nod. So quickly did her mind think of a conversation to talk to the man with. She looked down, searching for something, then they blinked. "A Chocobo Lure materia?"
"What?" Cloud looked at his night desk and saw what she referred to. "Oh, yes, Ma'am." He was amazed at how quickly Aeris was able to recognize such rare materia. He took it from the wooden table and handed it to Aeris. "If you wish to take a closer look at it, Ma'am."
"Thank you." Aeris nodded and took the small think from his hands. She smiled at it as let it rest on her left palm. She giggled. "It's so cute!"
It had made Cloud laugh. He didn't understand how he could feel so comfortable with a Shinra, but there was no denying it. Personally, he loved how she giggled at that point. "Isn't it?" He cleared his throat. "My mother gave it to me while I was young."
"Your mother?" Aeris repeated, facing the man and received a nod. "I see..." She looked at the materia, again. "It must be so precious to you."
"It is," Cloud nodded. "It's actually given birth to a Chocobo Lure materia, already. I gave it to Zack. He sold it, though."
"He SOLD it?" Aeris laughed, watching Cloud shrug. "He's the commander of the 3rd Division, isn't he?"
"Yes, Ma'am."
"From how you say it, you look like you're very close to each other."
"He helped me into the army, Ma'am." Cloud explained. "We've been friends ever since."
"That sounds so nice." Aeris smiled. "I hope the Chocobo Lure materia wasn't a symbol of your friendship."
"We've shared blood with each other so I don't think we'll need one to seal it." Cloud shook his head. "I just gave it to him since I didn't have any use with it."
Aeris just looked at Cloud, as if understanding. "Maybe I should bring my Holy Materia wherever I go, too. And then when it gives birth to another, I'll give it to Tifa."
"Holy Materia?"
Aeris nodded. "My memento of my mother whom I never saw in real life." She twitched her lip. "Daddy gave it to me when I was 7, and I've kept it safe ever since." She picked the Chocobo Lure materia from her palm and handed it back to Cloud. "While I was a child, people told me about how she looked and how wonderful she was." She retrieved her hand when Cloud took his materia back. "They say she's also very beautiful, that I got my looks from her."
"I think they're telling the truth, Ma'am."
Aeris gasped and blushed as Cloud nodded.
"Seriously, Ma'am."
Aeris laughed. "Well...that was very straightforward."
Cloud blinked and leaned his head to a side. "I...hope I didn't offend you."
"Oh no, you didn't!" Aeris shook her head. "I...was flattered. Thank you."
But Cloud couldn't say 'You're welcome', could he? He just let his smile say it all.
The bodies dropped limply yet silently to the concrete floor. The chubby man took his radio and pressed a button. "Avvy OK. Over."
A hoarse sound. "I read that. How's Val? Over."
Avvy looked around and saw a red-haired woman jogging towards him. He turned his radio on, again. "Val's here, over."
"Good. Get ready for the thriller."
"I really enjoyed our talk, Commander."
"It's my pleasure, Ma'am." Cloud bowed as the woman stood from her chair and proceeded to the door.
But before she even held the knob, she turned around. "Will you be returning to the head quarters tomorrow?"
Cloud nodded.
Aeris nodded back with a smile. "See you, then." She turned around and twisted the door knob, opening the door.
"Good night, Ma'am. Have a safe ride home."
Aeris giggled and turned to Cloud. "Thank you, commander. Good night, as well." She left the room, closing the door behind her.
"Shinra out of the hospital." The brown-haired man heard from his radio while he concentrated on his sniper rifle. He was on top of a building facing the medical house. A cross mark could be seen on the dark-shaded cement.
"Shinra standing...standing...limo comes to pick her up. Shinra inside limo. They're on the road."
Wait for it... He told himself as he readied to pull the trigger. He felt the tension on every muscle and his sweat rolling down his cheeks.
"Shinra nearing target point."
The limousine came into view.
"Target locked!"
- End of Part 4 -