Many apologies for not updating sooner. School is really kicking my butt right now. I hope that this chapter is not too confusing. It introduces a couple of characters that you haven't met before but if that confuses you, ignore it because they are not vital to the plot of the story although they do explain the motive behind certain things. If anything in this chapter confuses you, let me know please and I would be more than happy to explain. Looking over a couple of previous chapters may also be helpful. I really hope you enjoy this chapter because I worked REALLY hard on it. Read this chapter carefully because it does set the stage for the rest of the story. There are still a few more chapters to go. Please review! I want to know what you think.

***Most likely there won't be another update until early May because I have many school papers to write, a competition in New Jersey to go to next weekend, and many hard finals ahead of me before this year is finally over. Look for regular updates in May though. At least in the beginning and the end, because I will be going out of town for about a week sometime in mid-May.

Chapter 19

Seifer carefully locked the bathroom door behind him and examined the surroundings to make sure that the room wasn't bugged. Satisfied that he could have some privacy, he reached into the inside pocket of his trenchcoat and extracted a small black cellular phone.

"Fujin. It's Seifer," he whispered into the receiver.

"STATUS?"

"Everything going according to plan. Looks like I won't be coming home for a while though. I think the best thing right now is to keep our dear general under a 24- hour surveillance lest someone tries to end his glory days again. What do the Deling papers have to say about it?"

"Yo Seifer," Raijin cut in, "what the hell is going on there, ya know? You playing hero or something?"

"Listen, Raij, no time to chit chat, tell me what Deling Times has to say about what happened here last night."

"No one knows for sure. They think it may've been the Crimson Rose. There have been a couple of demonstrations downtown but they were broken up by Deling police, so it's all quiet for now. Man, you're just lucky you don't have your picture plastered all over the front page, ya know. Cid would skin you alive."

"Thanks for the lecture, Raij. Is there anything else?"

"Nah, that's all. Be careful, Seifer… Ouch! Fuu! That hurt, ya know!"

"CAUTION. CALL IF NEED."

"Don't worry about me. Just be ready in case something does go south. I have to go now." He hung up the phone. Well, it definitely wasn't Crimson Rose… so who the hell is behind all this? Eager to get some answers, he headed directly to Caraway's office. After a short meeting, Seifer was ready to go question the prisoners with Caraway's explicit instructions "to do whatever it takes to make sure the bastards talk and if they refuse… well, with a little creativity and the right tools they won't refuse."

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Accompanied by two of Caraway's guards, Seifer descended into the basement holding cell of Caraway's prison. He shrank back from the dank stench of rotting water that assaulted his nostrils as he opened the large wooden door. A dim, flickering light bulb illuminated the room as the eerie shadows that it created, danced erratically around the walls. As soon as his eyes adjusted to the near darkness, Seifer saw that the prison was divided into three separate holding cells, each one protected by a heavy wooden door and connected by a lobby in which he found himself now. Who needs creativity when a week in this hellhole would make even the most stubborn person into a great conversationalist… Seifer's thoughts were interrupted by one of Caraway's men who patted him lightly on the shoulder.

"Mr. Almasy, the interrogation room is on the right past the lobby. We should begin as soon as possible. General Caraway isn't known for his patience. Also, all the rooms are soundproof so the prisoners don't know what is going on in the next cell." Nodding his head, Seifer went to open one of the cells and stepped inside. Although it was dark, he could make out a man's figure lying in a motionless heap on the stone floor in the corner of the room. Taking out a small flashlight, Seifer approached the man and directed the beam of light directly into the man's closed eyes.

"Rise and shine, bastard," he whispered but the man remained motionless. One of Caraway's guards approached the figure and kicked it with his foot, suddenly jumping back with a horrified look on his face.

"He…he…he's dead," he croaked before quickly backing into the corner of the room.

"He is what?!" Incredulously, Seifer took off his glove and leaned down beside the man to feel for a pulse in his neck. His eyes widened in surprise. Cold as a fucking ice cube. What the hell is going on here? Ignoring the goose bumps on the back of his neck that formed as he touched the corpse's flesh, Seifer forced open his mouth and shined the flashlight onto his tongue. Green… Just as I thought.. Anacondaur poison. Beside the man he found a tiny flask filled half way with a greenish bubbling substance. Moving away from the corpse, Seifer turned around to face one of the guards who stood frozen to his spot with an expression of horror clearly registered in his wide eyes.

"He died of Anacondaur poison," Seifer announced his discovery in a casual tone of voice.

"But how? Nothing can get down here."

"Simple, he killed himself rather than be questioned by anyone. Admirable, isn't it? Let's just hope his buddy isn't as eager to die in such an unpleasant manner. Next time, do us a favor and tie them up for carefully," he continued, flashing the light onto the torn rope that lay a few feet away from the man's arm.

The guards nodded and looked at Seifer as if awaiting further instruction. Giving them both a contemptuous look, Seifer exited the room and headed toward the farthest door on the right. Somehow he doubted that he would be able to gain any information out of the second prisoner even if he were still alive. Slowly he opened the door and motioned for the guards to enter. As soon as the first man stepped across the threshold into the room, Seifer heard a low groan as the guard collapsed to the floor unconscious. Not waiting to meet the same fate, Seifer drew his Hyperion and fully kicked open the door.

"Make another move and I'll kill you!" Seifer warned, stepping over the unconscious man.

"Not if I kill you first, asshole," came a low voice from the shadows before Seifer felt the wind knocked out of him as a powerful kick sent him flying across the room. Diving for Hyperion that landed a few feet away from him, Seifer quickly recovered and jumped to his feet, launching his body into his attacker. Grunting, they both landed with a loud thud onto the stone floor, each one trying to grab the other's throat. After a short but brutal struggle, Seifer had the other man pinned firmly to the floor as the blade of his sword dug slightly into the flesh of the man's neck.

"Tch, tch, I thought I told you not to move. Now get up!"

"Don't bother. I won't tell you anything."

"I said get up!" Seifer roughly pulled him up by the collar of his shirt, still aiming his Hyperion at the man's neck.

"Now move it!"

Seifer looked at the man who was still lying on the ground. "You," he addressed the guard, go get him some help and then come to the interrogation room." The prisoner chuckled.

"You are all pathetic, you know that? Three against one, and I still almost had you."

"Let's hope you are this talkative when the time comes to answer some questions," said Seifer giving him an unpleasant smirk. He strapped the man to a single metal chair that was located inside an otherwise empty room. After making sure the rope was secure, he stepped back to get a better look at the prisoner. His eyes registered surprise as he looked upon the young man who looked no older than eighteen, with stormy blue eyes and very short dark brown hair. A large red welt cut across the man's nose and upper lip that distorted his otherwise pleasant appearance. Even in this unfortunate position, he stoically held up his head while observing Seifer with equal interest. For a second, Seifer turned away as if mentally noting something to himself then turned back to the prisoner.

"You are not one of them, are you?" the young man inquired. "You are too good. No simple guard could've done what you did yesterday."

"Let me do the asking. Who do you work for?"

"Someone who thinks that the world would be a better place without bastards like Caraway."

"Give me a name."

"No." He raised his eyes at Seifer in a silent challenge.

"You might want to rethink that."

"Or what? You'll torture me? Go ahead, give it your best try. I'll die before I'll tell you anything."

"Really?"

"I swear it!" he yelled with boyish ardor. Suddenly he lowered his eyes and quietly added, "Were there any other survivors?"

"Oh you mean your brother?" The simple question had the same effect on the prisoner as getting punched in the stomach. He looked back up at Seifer with fear visible for the first time in his large blue eyes.

"How did you know?"

"Let's just say you two look alike. Your brother is in the next room. He isn't being very talkative though." Seifer turned away, unable to look him in the eyes.

"Don't you dare hurt him, you bastard!" He struggled against his restraints, flashing Seifer a look of utmost disgust and hate.

"Now, that depends solely on you. I ask again, who do you work for?"

"I can't tell you that."

"You and your brother close?"

"You lay one finger on Nicolai, and I swear I will kill you!"

"Yeh, I'd say you are pretty close. That's good. He'll be glad to hear that he still has a chance to live." Seifer gave him a quizzical smirk but his green eyes were dark.

"What the hell do you want?"

"Your name for starters."

" Vin Killstrom." He spoke reluctantly as if each word caused him unbearable mental anguish.

"Good," Seifer smiled. "Now that wasn't so bad, was it? Who do you work for, Vin?"

"How do I know my brother is alive?" His blue eyes were filled with distrust.

"You don't. Would you want to take that chance though?" Vin lowered his head as if trying to weigh his options.

"Will you guarantee my brother's safety if I talk?"

"I'll think about it. Now talk. My patience is running low… Or perhaps you need a little incentive. Don't tempt me to make this more painful for you than I have to."

"I don't care what you do to me! I'd die in a second knowing that my blood was shed trying to bring down that bastard Caraway and make him pay for what he did to my friends! Don't think this ends with my blood. There will be a lot more blood spilt before this is over. I promise you that!" He suddenly stopped, breathing hard through his nostrils as color slowly drained from his youthful face. Seifer remained silent, taken aback by his sudden outburst.

"Please don't hurt my brother," the young man pleaded in a low exhausted whisper. "Nic's all the family I have left." Your brother is dead! screamed Seifer's mind but he tried to keep his composure. He couldn't let the man's emotional plea keep him from getting to the bottom of what happened last night. Running his fingers through his blond hair in frustration, he asked the prisoner again.

"For the last time, tell me who you work for, Vin. Tell me what Caraway did to you that you think he deserves to be shot down like a stray dog." Vin gave him a sour smile.

"I don't have to justify myself to anyone and especially to you! If you want to know, why don't you try opening your eyes!"

"Then tell me where to look." Seifer's face was inches away from the prisoner's, his green eyes boring into him like intense pools of molten lava.

"Go up to Caraway's office. There is a black file cabinet that stands against the right wall. The code to open is 17 23 19. On the second shelf, you will find what you are looking for."

"Why are you telling me this?" asked Seifer suspiciously.

"Because I know you are not one of them. I can see it in your eyes. I don't know who you are, but I have a feeling you would have good use for the information contained within that file cabinet. Take it, it's yours. Kill me if you have to. I am not afraid of death. Just please don't let Caraway get his dirty paws on Nicolai."

Seifer sighed and wiped off the droplets of sweat that collected around his temples. This wasn't going to be easy.

"Vin, listen to me carefully. It's about your brother…" Before he could finish, Caraway's guard walked back into the interrogation room.

"Mr. Almasy, General Caraway has been notified that the other prisoner is dead. How would you like to proceed?" Seifer stopped dead in his tracks, hoping that his ears were deceiving him. Hyne, no! Shut up, you moron! He turned to face Vin whose pale face was momentarily frozen into a grimace of horror.

"My brother is dead?" His voice was shaking as he gasped for breath.

"I'm afraid so," replied Seifer, averting his eyes. "I'm sorry… if it makes you feel any better, your brother died a hero's death."

"You mean you killed him, you bastard! How could you?! How could you?!" He struggled as the restraints dug mercilessly into his skin causing rivulets of crimson to escape from his injured wrists. Seifer looked at him, slightly offended.

"I didn't touch your brother. He killed himself before I had a chance to ask him a single question."

"I don't believe you! I thought you were better than them. I should've known better than to trust scum like you! Don't worry though. My brother's death will be avenged, if not by me, then someone else! I swear to it!" He fell back exhausted, silent tears streaming down his cheeks. A pained expression quickly passed over Seifer's face only to be replaced by a malicious grin a minute later.

"Stupid boy. Did you really think I would betray General Caraway so easily? Don't worry you'll be joining your dear brother soon enough after you tell us who your work for." He turned to the guard who was observing the entire spectacle with interest. "Untie him and take him back to the cell, " Seifer continued. "I'll deal with him later." Conflicting thoughts were running through Seifer's head as he turned around to look at Vin one last time before he was to be taken away. Why do I care what happens to him? Rinoa almost died because of them… And Rinoa is his daugther after all. If he was as big of a monster as Vin makes him out to be, then how did he raise someone as compassionate as Rinoa? Makes no sense… Was he just following someone's orders? Seifer knew what it was like to have to follow orders. No… It's definitely personal. Probably settling an old score of some sort. Revenge? But who does he work for? Something doesn't add up… He remembered the clue that the boy gave him before the guard interrupted their conversation. It's worth checking out at least. The guard untied Vin from the metal chair and immediately cuffed his wrists, not wanting to repeat his earlier experience. He was silent--it seemed as though he had accepted his fate. Seifer was still contemplating what had happened during the ill-fated interrogation, when he heard an awful cracking sound a few feet behind him. He spun around sharply as the guard whose neck had been masterfully snapped a few seconds earlier fell lifelessly at his feet. Seifer drew his Hyperion and pointed it at Vin's heart who looked at him with the desperate eyes of a cornered animal.

"Enough, Vin. There's nowhere to run. You'll never get out of here alive. If you stop now, I might be able to help you still."

"Stop your fucking lies. I won't let you murder me like you've murdered my brother. If I should die, it will be on my own terms." With these words he leaped forward, Seifer's gunblade meeting his heart, welcoming it like a long lost friend.

"You'll pay… for this yet.. Almasy," he gasped, blood sipping slowly out of the corner of his mouth. Seifer leaned beside the dying man and looked into his blue eyes that no longer reflected any pain. His breathing was fast and shallow but he was still alive.

"Vin, listen to me. Caraway is not my employer. If all goes according to plan, Caraway will be removed from power before the end of the summer. Murdering him will not help further your cause because Deling will only use him as a martyr and incite the general public against you. Don't you see?! Caraway must be discredited in Deling's eyes, and the plan to do precisely that is being carried out right now. It's the only way! Tell me who you work for so that we can avoid making a huge mistake. " Vin looked at him, understanding slowly appearing in the depths of his slightly glazed over eyes.

"I…I work…" he gasped between labored breaths. "… I…work for…

His mouth formed a tiny 'o', his stormy eyes at last frozen over with the mask of death. NO! You can't die without telling me more! It was too late. Seifer carefully closed Vin's glassy eyes and moved away from his body. It was time to go explain what had happened to General Caraway. He could only imagine the expression on his face…

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Kona sat on the couch reading the Deling Times when a knock on the door interrupted his attention. Checking his watch, he went to open it. A tall young man with light brown hair and piercing gray eyes stood in the doorway, nervously shifting his weight.

"Hey, Jed. Come on in."

"I see you've read the paper. Do you think it's them?"

"Oh, it's them. Ugh! If only I had stopped them before it was too late…then none of this would've happened, and they'd still be alive. I should have known that Vin couldn't do it by himself! It was my job and my mission, now I've lost them all. " He punched the wall with his fist with all his might, enjoying the pain that coursed throughout his entire body.

"Do you think either him or Nic told Caraway about us?"

"No, I'd trust Nic with my life. The paper states that the only ones taken prisoner were Vin and Nic. That son of a bitch Almasy butchered the rest of them like rats! The prisoners died last night of an undisclosed cause. And it's all my fault! "

"Don't be so hard on yourself, Kona. You did what you had to. When you put Vin and Nic in charge, they knew as well as I know now that failure was not an option. They failed. You did what you had to. "

"I turned my back on my friends, Jed! I turned my back on them when they needed me the most! They loved Sirun as much as I did!" He closed his eyes, his mind unwillingly taking him back to the night that still gave him nightmares nearly every time he tried to close his eyes. It was supposed to be a routine surveillance mission. The purpose simple--gather crucial intel and move out. There wasn't supposed to be any casualties. Only things didn't go as planned. It was a trap. All was quiet as they entered the building. Vin and Nicolai, who led the first team, had almost reached their destination when machine gunfire disturbed the silence of the room. Three were killed immediately. They had to retreat. It was the only logical step. Only the order to withdraw was never given. Not aware of any trouble, the second team led by Kona and Jed moved into position. Big mistake. In less than five minutes, nearly the entire team was taken out like blind kittens by Caraway's snipers…among them Sirun. Sirun. The only woman he thought he'd ever love. He was so angry. The next day, he told Vin and Nic and whoever would go with them to go to hell and never show their face in front of him again.

"Kona! Kona! Wake up, man. We've got work to do. Stroke of Justice needs you. I need you!"

"Sorry, Jed. I guess I'm just not feeling myself right now."

"Look, man. I know that Vin and Nic had forgiven you a long time ago. What happened two days ago only proves it. Why else would they have undertaken such a risky operation by themselves if not for you to forgive them. You can't bring them back now, Kona, but you can still save Laine and Joshua who are rotting as we speak in Caraway's prison. There is no doubt in my mind that saving them was why they did this in the first place. You gotta continue where they couldn't, Kona. You owe it to them!"

"You are right. But first we need to get rid of that Seifer Almasy guy. That bastard will pay with his blood for what he did to them."

"Glad to have you back, man. Let's hold off on Seifer Almasy for a bit though. We need to find out what his weak spot is first. I think Mission Alpha is what we should focus on right now. Caraway is in for a big surprise."

"So what are we waiting for? Let's call the others."

TO BE CONTINUED

Thank you everyone for continuous support! This week I want to thank two very special people. Psyjester for always being there for me when I feel like I can't write another page and inspiring me to do more than I ever thought possible. And blakdove who suggested that Kona's resistance name group be The Stroke of Justice. Your input is greatly appreciated. Winged Sorceress, thank you for your thoughtful comments! Everyone else, you guys rock my world and I love you all!