Yay another chapter! This one is looong. I worked really hard on it and I hope you guys like it! It starts out kinda slow but really picks up by the end. You'll see what I mean after you read it. Sorry if some parts of this chapter are a bit repetitive of previous chapters but I thought it was necessary to remind the reader of what exactly Seifer is doing in Deling before continuing with the main action sequence of the story. Well, Enjoy!!! I hope to hear the comments from all of you guys who read this thing!

Chapter 16

"Are you Seifer Almasy?" asked a young man with short reddish hair who looked slightly younger than Seifer himself.

"That depends on who you are and what the hell you want from me."

"My name's Trent, but that's not important. Here, I have something for you," he said giving Seifer a plain white envelope. "Don't miss the Rising Sun tomorrow morning," he added before swiftly walking away.

"Rising Sun, eh?" said Seifer to no one in particular. "Oh, I am sure it's gonna be a gorgeous sunrise."

"YOUR JOB?" asked Fujin who was back to her usual laconic manner.

" Hmm…the Rising Sun," mused Raijin while rubbing his forehead. "Oh, I know! That's their passw…"

"Heey! That hurt, ya know!" he yelled rubbing his butt. "I was just asking a question. Right Seifer?"

"MORON."

Thinking that it was good to have them back, Seifer ignored their bickering and crossed the street, heading toward a shabby one- story building that sported a large red neon sign with the letters VACANCIES clearly spelled out on it. Greeted by the jingling of a tiny bell as he opened the door, he approached a small square window through which he could see a girl with greasy black hair and very full lips that she had carelessly outlined with a red lip pencil. Her head moved rhythmically to the sound that emanated from her headphones as she meticulously filed her nails with a long silvery nail file.

"We need one room with two double beds. Air-conditioned, if you have it." The girl slowly lifted her head, annoyance clearly visible in her hazy brown eyes as she blew out a huge bubble of cheap fruit chewing gum. Her eyes ran across Seifer's chest, focusing on the area around his narrow waist, and then slowly descending down to his feet.

"We don't got nuthin' like that, hon," she said in a coarse voice. "Although, if you were to ditch your one-eyed girlfriend over there, I might be able to arrange sumthin'. Heck, I'll even throw in room service for free," she continued smacking her lips together. Almost instinctively Seifer's arm reached out to grab Fujin who menacingly glared at the girl before taking a decisive step toward the window.

"Hey, now, relax. I was just kiddin'. He ain't my type anyway." She pressed the play button on her Walkman and continued filing her nails.

"I said we need a room with two double beds in it," Seifer repeated emphasizing every word. She was really beginning to make him angry.

"Try somewhere else. We're full," the girl responded without lifting her eyes.

"Your sign says you got vacancies!" Seifer growled threateningly. "You don't want me to open that damn window and get those keys myself."

"Oh, alright! 150 gil. Take it or leave it.

"150 gil for this? You've got to be kidding me!"

"Leave if you don't like it, sweetie. I ain't holding ya. "

"Fine!" He was in no mood to argue further. Throwing the money on the counter, he took the keys, dreaming of a hot shower and some sleep. Turning sharply on his heals, he threw his Hyperion over his right shoulder and headed down the hallway to the room number indicated on the key. Ignoring the stuffiness and the rankness of the room, he sat down on one of the beds and took the envelope out of his pocket, breaking the seal. As he predicted, it was blank and he had to search the inside of his trenchcoat for the tiny flask, containing the silvery liquid he used a few days ago. Meanwhile, Fujin pulled back the covers of the bed opposite Seifer's and gingerly lied down as if afraid that the frail bed wouldn't support her weight. Raijin mumbled something about finding a vending machine and walked out the room, leaving Seifer to his task. A few minutes later the letter was finally dry enough to read.

Dear Mr. Almasy:

As you may have guessed this letter was delivered to you in order to inform you on your part in tomorrow's mission. But before we discuss that, we must tell you that while you are employed by our organization, it is absolutely imperative that you do not attract unnecessary attention to yourself. You can imagine our alarm when we tried to reach you at your last place of residence and were told that you are longer staying there and that if we do find you, we should inform you that their lawyer will want to contact you. We urge you to set aside any personal conflicts you may have for the duration of this assignment to ensure its success. If it becomes necessary for you to change your location once again, please inform us beforehand.

Fuming, Seifer threw aside the letter and got off the bed. They wouldn't even have a mission if it weren't for me! Personal issues! Who the hell wrote that thing?! He walked into the bathroom and turned on the water in the sink, splashing it on his face. Hyne, that's cold! He turned the hot water knob more but it only released more ice cold water. Well, so much for that shower. Grr, that bitch better give me my money back! Running his fingers through his hair in sheer frustration he walked out of the bathroom and resumed reading the letter. The silence of the room made him uncomfortable, but he didn't want to wake up Fujin who had a tiny smile plastered on her face as she slept. I wonder what she is dreaming about… Ugh, focus Seifer!

Here are the parameters for tomorrow's mission. To recap, it is your duty to get Caraway to hire you as his bodyguard so that you will be able to collect vital information on the upcoming attack on the Crimson Rose. Specifically try to find out the number of men that Caraway is planning on using, the power of his arsenal, and most importantly their plan of attack and mission parameters. Remember that this may be our best chance to remove Caraway from power by peaceful means and replace him with General Bhatt. We have contacted the Crimson Rose and they are aware of the situation and are willing to provide their manpower and tactical officers to ensure the success of this undertaking. Please remember that the Crimson Rose is our biggest ally in the resistance against Deling, and they are putting themselves in immense danger. They are counting on us to provide the information necessary to ensure their safety.

Tomorrow you will head over to Caraway's mansion at 5:30 p.m. to bid your farewell to Rinoa and allow Caraway overhear the conversation. Rinoa will then ask Caraway if you could join them for dinner, and you will then accept the invitation. According to Rinoa, Caraway always posts his bodyguard at the dining room door during dinner. At exactly 6:30 p.m., two men will penetrate the estate and enter the dining room armed with short swords. First they will attack the bodyguard, wounding him enough to get him out of the picture. Secondly they will approach Caraway which is where you come in. Disable them with a sleep spell, but be sure not to use anything that might cause actual damage. Rinoa already gave them a copy of the prison key so getting them out of prison should not be a problem. Also use your best judgment to make sure Caraway doesn't do anything drastic. We MUST get our men out of there alive. If all goes according to plan, Caraway will then ask you to become his bodyguard. Don't be concerned if he decides to check your references because our men already hacked into the computers of Balamb Protection Services and set up a temporary account in your name. Good luck! We have full faith in your abilities. If you need to contact us before or after the mission, call 345-5667. Remember our password is The Rising Sun. Make sure to use a secure line. Please destroy this letter after you are done reviewing your mission parameters.

Seifer stretched and took out a lighter out of the back pocket of his pants. He wondered why he always carried it with him-he didn't even smoke. Carefully holding the letter by the edges he set it on fire, watching the flames eat away slowly at the bluish ink. After discarding the ashes, he stood up and took of his shirt and pants, throwing them carelessly on the floor before climbing into bed and turning off the lights. Heh, I guess Raijin's sleeping on the floor tonight he thought before sleep finally overtook him.

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The first half of the next day was fairly uneventful and Seifer was positively bored. Fujin and Raijin had decided to go do some fishing at the Deling Harbor, leaving him to entertain himself until it was time to head over to Caraway's estate. After a late breakfast, Seifer headed over to the motel managers' office to demand that he be reimbursed the 50 gil that he overpaid the night before. After nearly causing a scene that would have resulted in their untimely eviction from the premises, he left empty-handed. After a few more hours of doing nothing, Seifer glanced at his watch. It was nearly 5 o'clock. Pulling on his trenchcoat, he took his Hyperion out of its holding case and headed out the door. This mission should be easy as pie as long as they can get their act together, he thought while getting on the bus. Pretty lame if you ask me. I feel like a six-year-old using those sleep spells. He stopped himself remembering that it was Rinoa's plan and under the circumstances a more direct approach would have been impractical.

"Next stop, General Caraway's Mansion," rang the computerized voice. Finally. He cracked his knuckles and got off the bus, walking briskly down the path that led to the main gate. Heh, I guess I'll actually come in the proper way this time. He pressed the little black button on the side of the gate door.

"Who is it?" said a man's voice.

"Seifer Almasy."

"Is the General expecting you?"

"I don't think so."

"Ok, one second please." Seifer took the time to observe his surroundings.

"Alright, Mr. Almasy. Please come in." The gates slowly slid open and Seifer found himself in the garden. He waved at the guards, giving them his smirk and headed towards the house. Rinoa greeted him on the steps.

"Mr. Almasy. It's good to see you again. What brings you here today? Please come in and say hello to my father."

Seifer kissed her hand and accepted the invitation, walking into the cool interior of the living room. General Caraway was reclining on a large ornate sofa and appeared to be reading a newspaper. Upon seeing Seifer, he stood up and walked over to shake his hand.

"Why, hello, Mr. Almasy. What can I do for you today?" Seifer firmly shook the General's hand, giving him his most polite smile.

"Well, yesterday was my last day on the job and since there's nothing else holding me here, I will be returning to Balamb tomorrow morning. I wanted to thank you for your warm welcome at the party and also bid goodbye to your daughter."

"Oh, that's very nice of you. I do hope that you enjoyed your stay in Deling City. " At that moment Nailah entered the room, raising her eyebrow as her glance fell on Seifer.

"Dinner will be in half an hour, sir."

"Thank you, Nailah. Mr. Almasy, would you care to join me and my daughter for dinner tonight?" Seifer smiled-Caraway was practically playing into his hands.

"I would love to, sir," he responded flashing Rinoa a friendly smile.

"It is settled then. Rinoa, go tell Nailah that we will have a guest join us for dinner tonight."

"Yes, father." Returning Seifer's smile, she walked out of the room.

"I can't thank you enough, Mr. Almasy for bringing Rinoa back to me safe and sound. I don't know what I would've done if something were to happen to her."

"It was my pleasure, sir." Cut the small talk and get on with it! No wonder Rinoa doesn't like him. He's full of bullshit.

"Well, dinner will be served any minute now. Let us proceed into the dining room. You can leave your weapon by the door."

"I'd like to keep it if that's ok with you, of course. Force of habit. Always be prepared."

"No problem. Don't let Nigel give you any grief about it."

Grinning at the bodyguard who stood patiently by the door, Seifer proceeded to follow Caraway through a long hallway that led into the dining room. The hallway was decorated with the General's photographs in full uniform shaking the hands of different political leaders around the world. He has a high opinion of himself, does he… Well, enjoy it while you can, Caraway. Seifer nearly gasped at ornateness of the dining room table. After all, this was a simple family dinner yet the long wooden table was decorated with a beautiful white tablecloth embroidered with a very elegant design of white flowers. On top of the table stood three large crystal wineglasses next to a set of three forks two of which served an unknown purpose. Seifer thought that the aroma that was emanating from the covered dishes was simply divine. Seeing his uneasiness, the general offered him a seat and proceeded to pour wine into everyone's glass. After a moment's indecision, Seifer picked up the largest fork and dug into his food thinking that he probably wouldn't even have time to try the other two. He looked over at Rinoa who was rearranging her food with her fork, but wasn't actually eating anything. He noticed that she was nervously observing the dining room clock. Hoping that the general didn't notice the direction of her stare, Seifer engaged him in conversation. How he hated small talk!

" Rinoa tells me that you are an excellent fighter." Hearing these words Rinoa raised her eyebrow at Seifer but kept her silence.

"Does she really? That's very kind of her. Yes, it's true that I trained countless soldiers in my old days. I still remember my first time in the battlefield. That's where I earned my first medal…" Blah, blah, blah… You'd think he was the President by the way he speaks. Seifer zoned him out and inconspicuously looked at his watch. Already 6:45!!! Where the hell are they? His eyes met Rinoa's who looked at him with fear clearly evident in her large brown eyes. Seifer thought it was lucky that the general was too busy droning on about his life's accomplishments to notice. 6:55… They are late! Never trust anyone to do their job right. Even Seifer, who although he remained outwardly calm, began to worry. The clock struck seven when all the lights suddenly went out, leaving everyone only with the light emanating from the tea lights on the table. Caraway's bodyguard, who was a big man with a scowling red face, went to open the dining room door and peeked into the hallway. A single muffled shot was heard as his body twitched suddenly and fell prostrate onto the floor. The heavy wooden door came closed on his head, crushing his skull. A large purple puddle was forming by the area around his temple, the blood gleaming eerily in the low illumination of the candles. Both Seifer and Caraway immediately jumped on their feet brought out of shock by Rinoa's scream. Not a second later, the door was violently kicked open, and two men wearing black masks walked into the room, unceremoniously stepping over the corpse of Caraway's guard.

"Your time has come, Caraway. Prepare to die," one of them yelled pulling out a shiny black gun which he aimed at the center of Caraway's head.

"Father!!!!! No!!!!!!"

What happened next was a blur of light and moving bodies. Somewhere in the back of his mind, Seifer heard another shot--saw Rinoa jump out in front of the general, shielding him with her body. Then he heard the familiar sound of a bullet piercing soft human flesh. For what seemed like an eternity, Rinoa's body swayed from side to side, her eyes wide with shock, her pretty features distorted into a grotesque grimace of agony. A trickle of dark red blood seeped out of the corner of her mouth as she gasped for breath.

"Nooooo!!!!!!" Pure animal rage possessing him, Seifer grabbed his Hyperion off the floor and ran toward the assailant unloading the contents of his gunblade into him as shot after shot disturbed the now silent room. Seeing the fate of his companion, the other masked man backed away before turning around and running out of the room. He barely reached the end of the hallway when Seifer finally caught up with him and threw his entire weight onto his back. They struggled knowing that one wrong move would mean the other's death. Collecting all his remaining strength into a single outburst, Seifer fisted his hand and punched his opponent with all his might. The stranger's nose made an unnatural cracking sound as he slipped into unconsciousness. Leaving him bleeding on the white carpeted floor, Seifer ran back into the dining room. General Caraway held Rinoa's limp head on his lap as he tried to stop the blood flow that by now nearly soaked her entire shirt.

"She's hurt bad! Call the doctor!" Seifer squatted beside Rinoa's body, his blood pounding against his temples as he felt her pulse.

"There's no time to call the doctor. If she doesn't get help under ten minutes she will die."

TO BE CONTINUED

If you take the time to read this story, please please review it! There's no better feeling than to know that your efforts are appreciated. It truly inspires me!!! Thanks to everyone who has stuck with me thus far! I love you guys!