CHAPTER 4: MEANWHILE BACK AT KALM
Tifa came through the portal, she landed and looked around she was home! The small town though changed, no one was on the streets and they where dark not even lamplight shown through the darkness. Tifa looked for her bar but found nothing, what happened to the New Heaven? Tifa wandered looking, she looked for her old house but couldn't find that either. What the hell happened to her home! She saw someone he was dressed as a guard.
"Hey you!" he shouted. "What are you doing out after curfew?"
"Curfew?" Tifa asked.
"Yeah that's right." He replied. "Everyone off the streets by 10 at night. You're violating it by 15 minutes!"
"I'm sorry." Tifa said. "I've been gone awhile, I didn't know we had a curfew."
"Was put in place to keep the low lives and drunks off the streets till morning." He replied. Tifa heard someone else come out.
"Something wrong?" a female voice asked. Tifa noticed her, it was her old friend Kara!
"Just someone who doesn't know the rules." He stated. Kara nodded.
"I'll take her in." she offered.
"Ok I won't press charges but she better be careful in the future." He said.
"I'm sorry." Tifa apologized. "It won't happen again." He grunted and walked off. Tifa followed Kara to a house, it looked like her old house! She entered, Kara looked at her.
"Been awhile Tifa." Kara said. "A lot has changed."
"I noticed." Tifa said. "What happened where is my bar? Where is my house? Why is a curfew in effect?"
"Kalm has changed Tifa." Kara explained as she went to a cabinet and took out two glasses. "Care for one?" Tifa shook her head, Kara shrugged as she poured herself some liquor. "It all started when some rich family came here, they sent someone into the bar and offered Jan and I a huge sum of money to sell no questions asked. We refused, that's when it got bad, phone calls, threats, break ins all happened. The police did shit to stop it. Then one day Jan, Lysi and Myself where washing dishes I got a phone call and Jan had to shoo away some drunk. I heard glasses break, I though Lysi dropped some so I thought nothing of it. I then heard Jan scream, I went in and Lysi was laying there a pool of blood under her head. The ambulance was called but it was too late she was dead on arrival."
"Kara." Tifa said softly. "I'm so sorry."
"It gets worse." Kara said as she finished off her drink. "When Jan and I returned from the hospital there was someone waiting for me. My parents plain exploded, they suspected a bomb. As I reeled from this we heard a car next thing I knew I fell to the ground lord knows how many times I got hit, Jan lay next to me in the same boat. Next thing I remember I was in the hospital, the bar was closed down and Jan went missing. I kept thinking to myself that you would come but you never did? Why didn't you come Tifa? Having too much fun with your new friends to care about us?" Tifa looked down.
"Kara, it's not like that." Tifa started. "I always meant to come back but…"
"But you failed." Kara said. "Because you didn't come back Lysi is dead! Jan my best friend is missing! Now you want to come back and play hero? Why so you can leave again?" Kara went to Tifa, Tifa smelled the booze on her breath. "Go back. Forget about us! Since I know I wanted to forget about you." Tifa heard enough she hauled back and slugged Kara as hard as she could. Kara went flying and crashed though a table. She lay unmoving a moment before she sat up dazed.
"Stop blaming me!" Tifa screamed. "I know this is my fault! This is eating me alive! I never wanted this to happen!" Tifa sank to her knees. "I never wanted any of this." Kara went to her.
"Then fix it." She offered. "You're the hero around here Tifa."
"What good can I do?" Tifa said.
"Come on don't tell me your licked already?" Zander said as he came in. In the background the guard could be heard yelling. Zander shut the door. "Asshole" he muttered. Tifa looked at Zander.
"You knew didn't you?" she asked.
"Figured it best you see for yourself." Zander replied. "Lotta things here gotta be made right. Vaughn and your friend are coming. You know the girl in the pink." Tifa nodded.
"Her name is Yuna." Tifa corrected.
"Your room is upstairs Zander." Kara said. Zander went upstairs on his way up he looked at Tifa.
"Keep the faith." He said. Tifa nodded she was more uncertain now than ever. Kara poured herself a fresh drink.
"Since when do you drink?" Tifa asked.
"Since all this shit started." Kara answered. "Sorry about before Tifa, I'm just wound tight now. Losing the people you care about can do that to you."
"I know." Tifa replied. "Remember I lost my boyfriend, parents and have said goodbye to several friends."
"How do you go on?" Kara asked.
"I look inside myself and find the strength." Tifa answered. "It's never easy but it beats the alternative." Kara chuckled and put down her glass. "So tell me more about these people. Who are they?"
"The LeGrance family." Kara responded. Tifa knew the name on Ivalice there was a LeGrance family where they connected somehow?
"Why are they here?" Tifa asked. "There are more profitable towns out there, Junon, Costa Del Sol, hell even Mideel. Why take Kalm?"
"Your guess is as good as mine. I'm hard pressed finding any info about the LeGrance family." Kara said. "Very private people, they didn't even come into the bar that day they sent someone. Word has it they even paid someone to kill their own son because they disapproved of his wife." Tifa blinked, what did it all mean, the Yuna imposter, Ilendil, the murders, Kalm, the bar? What was the common link with all of them? Tifa then turned her head as she heard something, she saw a shape on the outside, and it seemed to lift something.
"Get down!" she cried as she pulled down Kara. At that moment the windows smashed and machine gun fire was heard. Tifa and Kara stayed down, they heard steps as Zander came down with a semi automatic in hand. He fired at where the gun sounds came from. He heard someone cry out, he then have to dive for cover as more shots got fired. He returned fire and heard someone else cry out. Zander waited but no one else shot. Tifa looked up she was covered with shattered glass but she seemed ok, Kara was shaken but ok as well. They saw one of the gunners get up, they made a break for it but Tifa jumped through the shattered window to catch whoever it was. Tifa grabbed the person by the arm and forced them in through the shattered window.
"OW!" the person said the voice was female. Though her face was hidden by a mask "Stupid bitch!"
"Want I break your arm?" Tifa threatened.
"Ow, ow!" she cried. "Listen I don't know anything just I saw the guy enter and we were given orders to hit the place."
"How many more are out there?" Zander asked.
"I don't know!" the girl said. Tifa grabbed hold of her pinkie finger and pulled; a popping sound was heard. The girl screamed.
"That was my finger!" she cried.
"Tell us the truth or I'll break the rest of em!" Tifa demanded.
"Fine!" she agreed. "Their are.." she was cut off and a shot sounded, she slumped in Tifa's grip, Tifa let go of her arm and she fell to the ground. Kara took off the mask, the woman was blonde, and her eyes where open, and Kara took her pulse and found none.
"She's dead." Kara said.
"Same as we will be, take a gander." Zander said as he pointed to where the gunners shot. More came many more.
"Have any wheels?" Zander asked Kara.
"Only an old pickup" Kara replied. "But I have to get the keys."
"Where are they?" Tifa asked as she ducked to avoid the bullets that came at her.
"In my jacket pocket in my room!" Kara cried out.
"Fine you two go, I'll cover you!" Zander shouted. Tifa and Kara nodded and left being sure to keep low. Zander popped up a few times and unleashed a hail of bullets but ducked back down. Tifa and Kara made it to the stairs and the both ran up quickly as they could. Upstairs was quiet Kara went to her room and grabbed her jacket she took out the keys with a broad smile. Then a crash was heard and what looked like a ninja crashed in. He screamed like a mad man as he wielded his sword around. Tifa cocked her head to the side almost confused before she turned his lights out with a punch to the face. Another ninja came through with nun chucks. He again wielded them while screaming, Tifa sighed and took him out with a spin kick. Two more came through to the same thing and she took them out. One final ninja came in and in a silent demonstration wielded two huge axes. Tifa almost looked impressed but took him out with a sweep kick. She knelt over him..
"Word of advice for next time." Tifa offered. "Screaming like your pants are on too tight only works in cheesy kung fu films." She then turned his lights out with a punch to the face. She turned to Kara who tossed her the keys. Tifa looked confused.
"It is your old pickup." Kara said. "besides Zander and I will have our hands full keeping you safe." Tifa nodded, she noticed something on the wall, and it was faded but looked like a heart. Kara tugged on Tifa's arm and she was back in the real world.
"Come on lets go." Kara said. Tifa nodded and followed Kara back downstairs. The conflict had moved to outside. Tifa saw the truck through a fresh hole in the wall. Kara called Zander, he came running over. Tifa was already at the pickup truck, Zander and Kara jumped in the back. Tifa turned the key but the truck hiccupped. Tifa turned the key again and applied the gas the truck started it was a hard start but a start. Tifa pulled out and went on the road, she noticed in her rear view mirror that people where mounting motorcycles to give chase. Tifa floored it even then in her rearview mirror she saw something. Tifa gasped what was SHE doing here of all places. Tifa then heard something as the passenger side door it opened and Mandrake flew in and attacked her. The truck swerved out of control as Tifa tried to fight out Mandrake.
"Zander! Kara!" She cried. "Both of you need to jump!"
"What about you?" Kara asked.
"I'll be ok." Tifa said. "Just jump!"
"But.." Kara started.
"She's a big girl, come on lets jump!" Zander said as he grabbed Kara. They both jumped from the truck and landed on the grass. They both saw the enemy coming and took the fight to them.
Meanwhile Tifa tried her best to keep Mandrake off her but she seemed hell bent of making it hard for Tifa.
"Why the hell are you even here?" Tifa asked.
"I've learned not to question my orders." Mandrake replied. Tifa was almost defenseless she was strapped into her seat with the seatbelt. That gave Tifa an idea a risky one but she had to risk it. Up ahead she saw a ravine she floored the gas pedal Mandrake flew around the truck, just as they got to the edge Tifa slammed on the brakes as hard as she could and braced herself. The truck lurched forward and Mandrake was thrown with such force that she went through the windshield. The truck then tumbled down the ravine and when it landed it landed on the wheels. Not far from where the pickup landed a few people came out, they where dressed like army men in a way. With them was a blonde female, she went to the truck.
"Commander." One man said. "I'm not sure it's safe."
"I'll be fine." She countered. The truck belonged to an old friend of hers one who she thought was still far away. She went to the truck and looked in there lay a woman she was in a long sleeved white shirt and jeans she bled from the mouth. She was able to pry the door open and she took the woman's pulse it was pretty strong.
"Tifa." She whispered she turned to the others. "Get a stretcher on the double! She's alive!"
"Yes Commander Jan." one man called out. Jan took out a small pair of scissors and slowly, carefully cut Tifa free of the seatbelt. Someone came up to Jan he saw Tifa, he gently removed her from the truck and set her on the stretcher.
"Bring her to the base." Jan ordered.
"Commander?" the man asked.
"She's my friend." Jan explained. He nodded and Tifa was carried on a stretcher to the base hidden close by.
Mandrake awoke, she awoke to the sounds of laughter, happy laughter, Mandrake looked she saw something she hasn't seen in a while her entire family, but how? When she was a kitten everyone in her family was slaughtered only she and Ebon escaped and came to Ivalice. Mandrake's sapphire colored eyes brimmed with happy tears she was free at long last. She went forward but was blocked but a force wall.
"No Mandrake." A familiar voice said. "After all your sins this is not for you. Redeem yourself and maybe this will be for you." Mandrake looked it was Lenne though she didn't know her name, it was the same person she kidnapped from the sight that one night. Mandrake hissed.
"HOW DARE YOU DENIE ME!" she raged.
"You did this to yourself." Lenne responded, her tone was sad almost like she didn't want to do this to Mandrake. Mandrake charged Lenne but went right through her. When she landed she was in the cave where she fought Yuna.
She saw herself the false Ebon and Lenne.
"Just wait here." Mandrake purred. "I'm sure your friend will come for you soon enough." Lenne looked around she was ok but she was also afraid. Ebon grabbed her by the throat.
"Such a fragile form." He mused. "How simple it was be for me to snap her neck."
"Release her." Mandrake ordered. "She worth more to me alive than dead."
"Why are you doing this?" Lenne asked. "I can sense it in you" she looked right at Mandrake. "This isn't the way to see your family again. If you do it this way you'll be doomed to relive the evil you have set before yourself again and again until you go mad at your own hands!" Mandrake snarled and struck Lenne as hard as she could the singer fell to the ground unconscious. She picked Lenne up in her arms and jumped to a nearby Cliffside.
"She's coming!" Mandrake said. "I see her and the turncoat. Ebon be ready for her." Ebon grinned evilly and got ready. Mandrake placed Lenne on the ground. She though she heard her say
"Until you change your ways you're forever damned." Mandrake shook her head angrily she looked down Yuna was in the cave. The time was now.
From where the other Mandrake watched there was a blinding light when it faded she was waking up on the grass she was sore she struggled to get up. She then noticed she was alive, the words came to her. She snarled and screamed, she screamed long and fell to her knees.
"Damn her!" she cursed. "I'll kill her after I kill Yuna! She can't do this to me!" Mandrake saw a cave she ran to it as fast as her wounded body could take her. When she got in there she huddled in a corner, for once there was no evil in Mandrake only regret but as she cried the evil in her took over again and the crying turned to laughter. Her eyes gleamed with sinister promise. Thus she waited.
In Cove of Honor Yuna was almost ready to go, Vaughn had already left saying he'll wait for her. Yuna couldn't understand how Vaughn could be so impatient. She went to Lenne's room Lenne was asleep but Yuna saw her tossing and turning like she was having a nightmare. Yuna went to her and spoke softy, gently.
"Lenne?" Lenne awoke with a start. She saw Yuna.
"Sorry didn't mean to scare you." Yuna apologized. Lenne nodded.
"It's ok Yuna." Lenne said. "You're leaving?" Yuna nodded.
"I'll be back after everything is ok." Yuna assured Lenne. "Are you ok Lenne, what was the dream about?"
"Memories." Lenne said.
"But I though I gave you back all the memories." Yuna said.
"You did." Lenne said. "But I still find myself with some holes, could be because I never revisited where I died. I'm not really sure why the holes in my memory are here."
"Another side trip?" a voice asked. Yuna and Lenne looked Nightshade stood there Ebon by her side. "Figures as much, come on Ebon we are leaving, we can make our own way" Ebon shook her head.
"Yuna and Lenne helped me." She said shyly almost afraid to stick up for herself. "It would be wrong to walk off on them. I'm staying." Nightshade looked at her friend for a moment. She managed a smile.
"You're becoming a woman." She said softly. Ebon looked surprised.
"You don't hate me?" Ebon asked.
"Of course not." Nightshade said. "I'm so proud of you. But I must leave, Brimstone must be found, I'll come back with any information I find." She hugged Ebon and turned and left. Ebon then left, Yuna shook her head.
"Don't let it bother you my friend." Lenne assured her. "You should get going, We'll all be fine here, and you do what you need to do." Yuna nodded she needed to hear that from a friend. "Be safe Yuna."
"You too Lenne." Yuna said. "Best of luck to you." Lenne nodded, Yuna left, she saw the portal, and she leapt through the portal unknown to everyone else a dark shape darted into the portal right before it closed.
Morning came upon a small hideout, various people patrolled the area. In one room however lay a brown haired woman, she was bandaged and she slept the sun was in her eyes she moaned and turned and awoke. She rubbed her head, she was alive, but how? Last thing she remembered was Mandrake attacking her and then her doing some stunt driving to get rid of her. Question was, was Mandrake dead or would she be back. Tifa heard the door open she couldn't believe who she saw, it was Jan, she was in camo gear but she saw Tifa and smiled as she went to her bedside.
"How you feeling?" Jan asked.
"Sore as all hell." Tifa said. "Jan, Kara is worried sick about you!"
"I'm doing this for her own safety." Jan said. "She knew I was in the resistance she would be in terrible danger."
"She already is in danger!" Tifa exclaimed. "Her house was attacked last night! My god, I have to find her let her know I am ok!"
"I am afraid I can't allow that Tifa." Jan said. Tifa looked at Jan but started to get out of bed.
"I'm sorry I have to." Tifa said. She then saw Jan had a gun pointed at her.
"Don't make me pull the trigger Tifa." Jan pleaded. "Please lay back down. Nothing against you my friend but I can't risk anything that could mess up operations."
"Jan." she whispered. "You can trust me."
"I wish I could Tifa." Jan said. "I really do." Tifa started to get up. Jan pointed the gun at her Tifa seemed to ignore it.
"Either trust me and help me Jan." Tifa stated locking Jan in a stare. "Or shoot me dead right here." Jan sighed as she put the gun away.
"Always the one to get right to the heart of the matter." Jan said. "But know this Tifa, if you leave here I can't promise I will be there to bail you out next time."
"I'll make due." Tifa remarked. "I have friends I have to see, they are waiting, knowing one of them she's most likely worried sick about me."
"Must be nice having friends." Jan said.
"You chose to separate yourself from them Kara." Tifa said as she went to the door. "Not me, I'll find my own way out by the way." Tifa left, it took her some time but Tifa found her way out of the hideout.
Yuna and Vaughn landed on Tifa's world in the morning. Yuna looked around and noticed something.
"Down there." She said pointing. Vaughn noticed. The two went down slowly. Yuna thought she saw some movement in the trees but when she gave it another look there was nothing there. The approached what Yuna saw it was a crashed truck.
"Someone had to do something desperate." Vaughn said noting the cliff above them. "Looks like this thing went for a tumble, also looks like someone crashed through the windshield." Yuna saw the shattered glass, Yuna then gasped as she nearly tripped over something. It was a person! Yuna knelt down and tried to find a pulse there was none, she noticed another person not too far away she checked him and he too was dead.
"They're both dead." Yuna said. Vaughn checked the bodies.
"Whoever did this is still around." He said. "Bodies aren't even cold." Yuna then noticed someone diving down. It tackled Yuna, Vaughn saw a dark skinned cat woman attack Yuna.
"Friend of yours?" he asked.
"Not really." Yuna said as she tried to fend off Mandrake. "Her name is Mandrake!"
"Ok Mandrake." Vaughn said taking out his two shotguns. "Either you get up off of Yuna and walk off all peaceful like or you get pumped full of shotgun shells! Your choice now." Mandrake snarled and continued to attack Yuna
"I'll beat you within an inch of your life!" she screamed. "Then I'll leave you living long enough to see me pluck your singer friends heart from her body!"
"NO!" Yuna screamed she kicked Mandrake away. "Leave Lenne alone!" Vaughn simply watched he saw Yuna was in her thief dress sphere.
"Damn girl!" he commented. "You do have a mean streak don't ya!"
"You going to help out?" Yuna asked not looking at Vaughn "Or just make comments?" Vaughn aimed his shotguns at Mandrake, she came at Vaughn with amazing speed and kicked both shotguns from his hands. Vaughn took a swing at her but he missed Mandrake ducked and nailed him right in the jewels! Vaughn moaned as he sank, cursing the entire time. Yuna dove at Mandrake this time she caught Yuna in midair and slammed her to the ground, Yuna lay unmoving. Mandrake looked over Yuna about to make the final blow when another black Vah Shir attacked her! The two tumbled before Mandrake broke off contact and ran off. Ebon stood there confused, she heard a voice say
"FREEZE!" Ebon turned around Six well-armed men had guns pointed at her a blonde woman was checking on Yuna who was waking up.
"We got her commander." One man said. Jan nodded.
"Execute her." Jan said simply. Yuna heard the words and before Jan could stop her Yuna stood in front of Ebon!
"NO!" Yuna yelled. "She's innocent!"
"She killed two of our numbers." Jan said.
"It wasn't her." Yuna said. "It was her sister!" Jan laughed bitterly.
"How stupid do you think I am, I'm not falling for that old trick." Jan said. "Prepare to execute them both!"
Vaughn lay there in a lot of pain, he saw a longhaired woman over him.
"Hey Tifa." He grunted. Tifa simply nodded her eyes where fixed on Ebon and Yuna.
"Vaughn." She said. "Will the pickup truck still start?"
"Damned if I know." He said. "It should." Tifa nodded. She then left at a run she had to be quick the solders where taking aim at Yuna and Ebon. They thought them the enemy, if Tifa did this she would be branded the enemy as well but she had too. Tifa reached the pickup Truck the keys where still in the ignition, Tifa had a little trouble opening the door but she managed and jumped in. She started up the truck which to her surprise started, Tifa then heard something she looked and saw a gun pointed at her head. She was dragged from the truck and forced to where Yuna and Ebon were. They heard yells and Vaughn was being lead there as well by six troops he was stripped of his shotguns. Jan looked at Tifa sadly
"I'm sorry it came to this Tifa." Jan said. "I truly did hope there was another way. But you are defending a murderer."
"Ebon isn't a murderer." Yuna spoke up. "She's innocent!"
"Enough!" Jan said. "Shooters take your positions."
"Jan." Tifa whispered. "Don't do this."
"If you care to bargain for your lives we will hear it." Jan said. "Vaughn you can get on your knee's any time now."
"Sorry." Vaughn said. "I don't deal with used goods." Jan sighed.
"Goodbye then." Jan said. "Ready your weapons!" the weapons rose into aiming position. "Pick your target." Tifa swallowed hard, Yuna gripped Ebon's trembling hand in an effort to calm her. "Fi…" Jan was cut off but a sudden explosion! The pickup truck burst into flame and exploded. The others took the chance to run with Vaughn grabbing his shotguns. Tifa was shaken and tried to get her bearings, Yuna was close to her, and Yuna saw Jan take aim.
"GET DOWN!" Yuna cried as she dove and pushed Tifa down Yuna get hit in the arm. Tifa got up Yuna seemed to be ok, they both ran to where the others where. They went down a small hill where two people where waiting for them.
"Tifa!" Kara cried as she ran to her. "Your ok!" Tifa nodded.
"Terrific." She muttered. She made quick introductions. After she was done she heard something Jan stood atop the hill and was coming down gun in hand.
"Jan?" Kara whispered.
"Kara." Tifa said. "Get everyone someplace safe. I'll follow." Kara nodded, Jan took aim but was cut off by Tifa, and Tifa knocked Jan to the ground. Jan tried to hit Tifa with the end of her gun but Tifa proved too quick and grabbed the gun.
"You know your making a mistake." Jan said.
"I've made many in my life." Tifa responded. "I'll live with one more. I'm sorry Jan." with that Tifa turned her lights out with a punch to the face. Jan lay there, Tifa looked at her odd looking bulbs of light seems to swarm around her they then swarmed around Tifa a few seconds before they all seemed to leave. Tifa heard noises, she quickly made her exit, as the solders got there all they found was their commander unconscious on the ground. Confused they picked her up and took her to their hideaway.
It didn't take Tifa long to find the others, Tifa sighed as she went up. Tifa sat down on the grass Yuna went to her.
"You going to be ok?" Yuna asked her concern obvious in her voice.
"I don't know Yuna." Tifa answered. "How could it go this bad? I should have been there and I failed to be there."
"You think this happened all because you weren't here?" Yuna asked. Tifa nodded. Yuna put her hand on Tifa's shoulder, Tifa looked at Zander and Vaughn who where trying their best to not appear to be staring. Tifa got up and walked off Yuna followed.
"Don't do anything I wouldn't do!" Vaughn called out. Kara glared at Vaughn.
"Men." She muttered. "I hope Tifa will be ok."
"She'll be fine." Zander said. "You two better get rest we're going to do a little hands on stuff tonight."
"That means you'll get physical?" Ebon asked. Zander nodded.
"Give the kitty some catnip!" he said. Ebon glared at Zander before going to the trees.
"I thought cats hated tree's." Vaughn yelled
"It's a myth!" Ebon called down as she jumped out of sight.
"I knew it!" Vaughn called after her. "Damn cats! Anything else I should know!" He was greeted with silence, he then sat down he and the others prepared.
Tifa lead Yuna to a spot, it was very tranquil, it reminded her of Macalania Woods where she shared a moment with Tidus.
"Yuna." Tifa said. "Do you think, deep in your heart I'm doing the right thing?"
"I can't answer that for you Tifa." Yuna said. "It's up to you, I'll support you no matter what you do, it's what friends do for each other." Tifa looked at Yuna she then fell into Yuna's arm with a sob. Yuna returned the hug, she remember when Lulu would do the same thing for her, it was comforting for her, Yuna always hoped she could return the favor one day. And here she was doing it for her friend. Tifa cried she let it all out, it felt good that Yuna was there, Yuna said nothing but her silent support was all Tifa needed. Tifa stopped after awhile she looked at Yuna.
"Feeling better?" Yuna asked. Tifa nodded as she dried her tears.
"Thanks Yunie." Tifa responded. "I guess I needed to let it all out away from the others. I'm sticking this out to the end it's the least I can do."
"I'll be here with you until the end Tifa." Yuna said placing her hand in Tifa's open palm. Tifa smiled at her friend and squeezed Yuna's hand gently before letting go.
"Thanks Yunie, it means a lot to me, more than you could ever know." Tifa said. Yuna smiled the two sat and talked for a while before they headed back.
Night fell on Kalm, Vaughn and Zander decided it safe to relocate near the Midgar ruins so the patrols would have a harder time finding them.
"Ok Tifa." Vaughn said. "Can you and your friends find something to do until me and Zander get back?"
"Where are you going?" Yuna asked.
"We've gotta find someone back in Kalm." Vaughn answered.
"On foot?" Ebon asked.
"Hell no, we've got wheels." Vaughn said as Zander uncovered an old truck. Yuna blinked.
"That thing still work?" she asked.
"Course it works." Zander responded. Tifa looked at the truck you couldn't tell what actual truck was from the duct tape.
"Just hope it holds out to Kalm." Tifa said.
"Oh ye of little faith." Zander said. "Lets get moving Vaughn." Vaughn climbed into the truck it started with a rough start and a puff of black smoke. It went on its merry way. Tifa sighed as she brushed some stray strands of hair away from her face. She noticed Kara sat there, she said nothing she only starred, and Tifa sat down next to her.
"You ok?" she asked. Kara smiled.
"I'll be better once we take care of this problem." Kara responded. "You know I keep wondering why it had to be Lysi."
"What was she like?" Tifa asked.
"Nothing could ever keep her down." Kara said. "I remember that day she was so excited because this boy she had her eyes on finally asked her out. That day when we were working she kept asking Jan and I what to wear and for other advice. It was cute I think, she was only 15, then I got a phone call, Jan had to deal with a drunk. Then I heard the glass break I ignored it I thought it was her being clumsy because she was so excited. I then heard Jan scream, I ran in and saw her laying there. She didn't respond, Jan called the ambulance and for a fleeting moment I though Lysi would be ok. That all was dashed to bits when we got there, she was Dead on Arrival." Kara stopped tears in her eyes. Tifa put her hand in Kara's hand, Kara squeezed it. "I keep asking myself what I could have done, I was so angry with myself! If I didn't ignore it I could have saved her! It was like I lost a piece of myself when she died."
"You couldn't have known Kara." Tifa said softly.
"She was only Fifteen Tifa!" Kara said. "She had so much to look forward too. They didn't even let me see her body, hell I don't even know where she is buried. I would have liked to have said goodbye to her." Tifa nodded she didn't know what else to do. Kara was her friend, she should have been allowed to saw goodbye to Lysi. Just then she heard Yuna call out.
"Look!" Yuna called a car pulled up it was a fancy one, not one you would see around these parts of Kalm. The window rolled down and it was Jan.
"Tifa and Kara, please get in I want to explain things to you." She said.
"Tifa?" Yuna asked. Tifa looked at Yuna it was plain to see she was worried.
"It's ok Yuna." Tifa said. "You and Ebon stay here, tell Vaughn and Zander to go on with whatever they have planned." Tifa went into the car, Kara followed. Yuna looked at Jan.
"You better not hurt them." Yuna warned.
"Your friends will be fine." Jan said as she rolled the window up and drove off. Yuna watched them go she rubbed the back of her neck and sighed.
"They'll be ok." Ebon assured her. Yuna nodded but said nothing she just watched the tail lights fade into the night.
Tifa and Kara sat in the back seat of the car tension filled the air, Tifa noticed they drove to a fancy part of Kalm past big gates with the letters LG on them. Kara pulled up to the front and parked the car, Tifa let herself out Kara followed. Jan led them to what looked like one of many entertainment rooms, this one had 3 couches and a recliner. Jan took off her jacket and put it on a coat hanger, Tifa and Kara noticed she wasn't in the camo gear, she was in a black dress, Tifa noticed bracelets, and diamond ones under the long sleeves of the dress. Jan sighed as she straightened the collar of her shirt.
"I'm a La Grance." She admitted. Tifa and Kara just nodded.
"We know." The both said. Jan looked shocked.
"For how long?" she asked.
"Took me awhile." Kara admitted. "I knew something was up I mean look at you Jan, you're gorgeous! I could tell by the way you dressed even then that you where rich! When I read that Jan LeGrance had gone missing and someone fitting her to a tee comes in named Jan MeHance, I knew something was up."
"You never said anything!" Jan protested.
"It didn't matter to us." Tifa said. "We were friends and co workers, I felt you could talk to us when you needed too." Jan looked at Tifa and Kara, her emerald eyes brimmed with tears.
"You actually considered me a … friend?" she asked.
"Didn't you consider me and Tifa your friends?" Kara countered. Jan nodded. She turned her head as she heard the door open in the door stood a heavyset older man with white hair and a white beard and mustache. He had on a dark jacket and was dressed in a shirt and tie.
"Grandfather?" Jan asked. "what are you doing here?" He said nothing he simply pulled out his gun from his jacket and aimed it at her! With a frenzied cry Tifa sprung on him. A struggle ensued as Jana and Kara watched helplessly, then a gunshot was heard. Tifa slumped to the ground, Jan pulled out her gun but he shot her before she got a shot off he then shot Kara. He saw her fall to the ground, he went to Jan she lay there on her back, and she was alive. She glared at him as she tried to lift her head blood trickled from her mouth. He put the gun to her stomach and pulled the trigger once more, Jan's body relaxed as her head hit the floor. The old man left. After he left Tifa woke up with a moan, her side hurt, she saw Jan and Kara laying there, she went to Kara, Kara shivered her shoulder was hurt.
"You ok?" Tifa asked. Kara managed a nod even though she was terrified she cast a glance at Jan. Tifa went to her side.
"Jan." she whispered. "Hang in there." Jan opened her eyes and saw Tifa, she reached for her hand. Tifa took her hand and squeezed it.
"I'll be ok." Jan said weakly. Tifa nodded as she took out a cure materia and healed her two friends.
"Thanks Tifa." Jan said. Tifa healed herself, Jan noticed the grim silence that gripped her friend. Jan pulled a cell phone out of her pocket and made a call, Tifa and Kara listened but Jan went into a corner and had a hushed conversation.
"Help will be here soon." Jan said as she put the phone back in her pocket.
"You have to help my friends." Tifa said. "Yuna and Ebon are out there, they could be in danger."
"I have someone going to pick them up her name is Big Angel." Jan said. "Kinder woman you would be hard pressed to meet." Just then a half dozen people came in lead by a dark skinned man.
"Jan!" he exclaimed. "We where worried half ta death about ya!"
"Alnzo I'm fine." Jan said. "these are my friends Tifa is the long haired one Kara is the one next to her."
"Where is Big Angel?" Tifa asked.
"On her way to yer friends." Alnzo replied. "We are taking ya all ta da hideout make sure none o dem wounds gots infected."
"But Yuna.." Tifa started.
"She'll be fine." Jan said. "trust me big Angel can be one tough woman." Tifa nodded hesitantly but in the end she followed Alnzo, Jan and Kara.
Yuna paced, she was deeply concerned about Tifa and where she was. Ebon watched from where she sat.
"Stop pacing, your making me nervous." Ebon said. Yuna paused for a moment.
"I can't help it." Yuna exclaimed. "I'm just so worried about her!"
"I'm worried about her too." Ebon admitted. "However she's capable of taking care of herself." Yuna gasped as she turned around. She saw about half dozen men coming towards her. All dressed in black trench coats. Even though it was dark they all had on dark sunglasses they all brandished nightsticks.
"Is there something wrong?" Yuna asked hoping to avoid any sort of conflict though she almost knew it was hopeless.
"Your on our property." One said he had a goatee on his chin he seemed to be the leader.
"Oh." Yuna said. "I'm sorry, but I'm afraid we have to stay here, we're waiting on some friends."
"Making trouble?" he asked peering over his dark glasses.
"No. Of course not." Yuna said.
"Then leave." He said again.
"We can't." Ebon spoke up, her emerald colored eyes looking at the leader. The leader raised his hand and snapped his fingers. His followers came forward in a menacing way. Ebon tensed, as did Yuna she readied her gun, as they did so the thugs attacked. Yuna was quick to change into her thief garment allowing her more offense advantage. Ebon took out 3 thugs her size and speed made her dangerous. With speed almost on par to Ebon Yuna took out the other two leaving only the leader. But as they turned to him they actually saw he was running. Yuna sighed.
"Fun while it lasted." Ebon commented. Yuna nodded as she zapped back into her gunner dress. They heard a screech of tires the car stopped and a black woman came out.
"You two girls alright?" she asked. Yuna nodded.
"We are fine." Yuna said. The woman nodded as she approached them.
"Mercy be!" she exclaimed looking at Ebon. "I've heard of dem tiger people but nevah saw one befoe. By de way I be Big Angel."
"I'm Yuna." Yuna said with a slight bow. "My friend is Ebon." Angel seemed impressed.
"Lordy be Yuna." She said. "Yer parents brought ye up right." Yuna smiled.
"Why thank you." She said with a smile. Angel nodded.
"Now lets get ye ladies to out hidden place." Angel said. "yer friends be worried. They been shot they where but the long haired one saved em or so I was told."
"So Tifa is ok?" Yuna asked.
"Yes." Angel said. "Strong girl dat one is. Now in da car both of ya!" Yuna and Ebon obeyed and Angel got in and drove off.
"Ok how long do we have to wait for our pigeon to show up?" Zander asked as he propped his feet up on the dashboard of the truck.
"It's only ten of eight he shows up at eight o'clock every night." Vaughn responded.
"He could have changed his plans." Zander said. "You know he could have gotten a girl or something."
"Not him." Vaughn said as he saw a scraggly looking young man come up. "See ye of little faith, he's even early. Let's go." They left the car, the young man was huddled in a corner he looked and saw Zander, he back up right into Vaughn.
"Aw crap!" he exclaimed. "What do you two want?"
"Lets go for a ride." Vaughn said.
"Oh hell no!" he yelled. "I got anyplace with either of you one things happens. I GET SHOT!"
"Still sour about that sting 3 months ago?" Zander asked. "I said I had your back."
"Yes but I was shot in the butt!" the man said. "I'm not coming!"
"You wanna make this hard?" Vaughn asked.
"I'm not going!" he yelled.
"Vaughn on three." Zander said.
"Three." Vaughn said as he grabbed the mans feet Zander grabbed his arms and brought him to the truck and chucked him inside. The both got in.
"Joey." Vaughn said. "Stop being so nervous. We just want information."
"So I won't get shot?" Jimmy asked.
"Unless you piss Vaughn off." Zander said.
"Ok." Joey said calming down. "who ya need the dirt on?"
"The La Grance family." Vaughn said. "We need everything ya know about them." Joey sat back and got ready to recall everything
END CHAPTER 4