HI! I'M BACK :D! Sorry, it takes so long to update due to my mental health problem. It has been six months since I start medical therapy. I think I'm getting better now and ready to write again :). So, enjoy this new chapter!

That Sunday morning was the most awful feeling he'd ever felt for the last twenty-five years of his life. His hair tangled with each other. His body was so hard to lift as he'd just come out of the pool after taking hours of swimming.

Sephiroth shuffled from the bed to the bathroom. He washed his face harshly, then stared at the reflection that glared at him from the mirror. Water dripped from his pale skin, a purplish shadow on his eye bag, and a deep frown crooked his stiff face.

He'd confront the girl today and demand an explanation on everything—especially about last night's odd situation. How should he express it? I felt high. Though it was faint and somehow, he could feel the familiar feeling of being enhanced by Mako's injection. But shortly after that, he felt so numb. Just like before.

Sephiroth rubbed the water away, took a shower, and surged back to his bedroom. He snatched his PHS and dialed a number. After several missed calls, finally, the line connected.

"Come to my house now. I have the Chicobo," he said curtly.

There was a long delay. ["General, can we meet in another place?"] she drawled with a hoarse voice.

"No. Here, in my house. Or I won't give it to you," he admonished.

Her voice cracked. ["Okay!"] She paused. ["Can you give me another hour?"]

"I said now."

["Oh, General. Please. The headache kills me,"] She pleaded.

"It's not my problem. Come here now, or I'll call Tseng to drag you out," he said with an injunction tone.

["God. You're so mean!"] she screeched, ["Fine!"]

Sephiroth hung up and tossed the PHS to the bed. Then he stormed to his closet room.

He was in the middle of seeping his dark coffee when a doorbell barged through the stillness. Putting back the cup on the coffee table, he strode to the door and found the girl already standing there with a sour face. A scowl plastered on her brows. Her pastel skin looked dull as there was no flush on her cheeks. Although her nose was a bit red, and her eyes looked wet. Is she genuinely sick?

Sephiroth's eyes freely traveled down her features. She wore a short pleated plaid skirt in pastel blue, a black long sleeve crop top that showed her middle slightly, and a pair of white sneakers. He was debating with himself about seeing her choice of clothes. Why do you wear so little if you feel unwell? He mused. But he said nothing and inclined his head to let her in, leading to the living room. He sat on his last spot on the armchair and pointed to a small wooden birdcage on the table.

"It's what you want," he said.

Her eyes followed the direction. Then she sat at the end of the sofa. "Thanks," she said with a softer gaze when she looked at Sephiroth.

He leaned back casually and said, "Now talk."

Luck pursed her lips and lifted her chin. "I hardly sit here for a minute. Shouldn't you treat your guest first? Like a drink, perhaps."

He raised his eyebrows. "Ah," he said, "my bad. What do you want to drink? Tea or coffee?"

"Tea is fine," she said, crossing her arms and reclining in the backseat. "Hot is better."

"Alright. I'll make you one."

"Thanks," she mumbled, with a ghost of a smirk on her lips.

Sephiroth went to the kitchen for several minutes and back to his living room again. He placed the white cup on the table. A warm stream came from it.

The girl grabbed and drank it slowly while he sat beside her, giving a few spaces between them. He rested his back and crossed his leg. "So?" he asked.

Lucka's body tensed. She glimpsed and turned her body to face him. "What do you want to know?"

"Everything," he said.

She frowned and put down the cup with a clink. "We didn't agree on everything," she said, "isn't it just about my family history?"

Sephiroth's lips twitched. "Lucka, I wouldn't say the Chicobo was easy to get," he said with a firm, ruling tone.

"Duh. Fine," Lucka grumbled.

She started with a serious expression as she said, "I'm the last descendant of an ancient Greek creature, Ladon. He was the only son of six offspring from the Sea God Phorcys and Ceto. Ladon was a guardian of the Garden of the Hesperides; he had a task to guard the gold Apple against… Hesperides themselves, his sisters. Because they often eat the apples discreetly. That's why the Goddess Hera, the Apple tree owner, sent him over."

Sephiroth gave her a frown. It'd been bothering his mind since she revealed the dragon pendant. He asked, "What do you mean by Ladon is a creature, but I can clearly see you're a human?"

Lucka eyed him thoughtfully. "He could change his body into a humanoid form. He made offspring with a human woman. That's where I've got my mundane blood from my human ancestor," she said, "and that's why I said the magic no longer exists. I don't have a clue if my ancestors wield magic or not… I can't talk to the dead to find the explanation. Moreover, my aunt is so stingy with her knowledge."

"Who is your aunt?"

"She's… what should I call her? Kind of deity? But she's also a monstrous creature. She's one of the three Gorgons, an immortal being as old as ancient. Her true form is so scary, with snake hair and huge wings," she said while lifting her hair to illustrate, "If you hear her scream without being protected by a charm, you'll die. But rest easy. Most of the time, she'll disguise herself in her human form."

Sephiroth was deep in thought. What kind of family is that? "In other words, you're a half-human and half creature?"

Lucka slid her eyes up for a second and back to him. "You hardly call it 'half,' isn't it? The bloodline gap is exceedingly far."

He stared at her with critical eyes. "But, you're wielding magic as a human. How's that possible?"

Lucka took a second to think. "She'd told me… I'll know the purpose of my restored magic once it's complete. The completion is a way to find the Hesperides, then I can ask about it. But hell, I don't know how to complete it! And as long as I can't find them, I'll never know the answer!" she said, sighing with loosened shoulders.

"Can't you ask her how to complete it?" He asked.

"Ugh. I don't know, General. That old hag ain't doing charity. She'll ask for payment in return, and it'll only get higher." She said.

Sephiroth observed her response and kept going to ask another question. He said, "The dragon I'd encountered was hard to kill. Is it the same creature? Did he hadn't died yet in your world? Or perhaps, he was actually transmigrated to this world."

Lucka became more solemn. She shook her head, "No, that's impossible. The death has been confirmed. That's why I'm the last one."

Sephiroth's frown deepened. "Then, the bloodline," he asked, "why did it stop at you?"

"We… being hunted down," she said while catching a sharp breath.

"Hunted down?" Sephiroth raised his eyebrows as he didn't expect her answer. He asked, "Why?"

"It's… A fate created by God and the Goddess." She said, "There's one Hero named Heracles. He had 12 labor to be done. One of the last two of them was to steal Hera's Golden Apple. Since Ladon was the guardian of the garden, Heracles should beat him. He was a powerful dragon. It's not easy to overcome him. But in the end, Heracles was successful, and they started to hunt us down," she continued with a grim expression. "Although I never know why they keep hunting us despite already having the apple." She finished, her eyes cast down.

Sephiroth had never expected a story like that. It was beyond his imagination; it's such a complex issue. She didn't even know the root of the problem yet. Is it why she was so stubborn, resisting me at all cost? Suddenly he felt a tightness in his chest. But he pushed aside his troubled mind and said, "It's roughly about the conflict between the two families."

"Yeah, kinda." She nodded.

"But since you're staying on Gaia, doesn't that mean you're safer here?" He suggested.

She averted her gaze while her hands crumpled her skirt. She inhaled deeply, "Our definition of safe is different, General."

"What do you mean?" He arched an eyebrow.

She only shook her head and rubbed her upper arm.

Sephiroth didn't push further. This far, he was satisfied with the information she gave. But, another thought disturbed him. He shifted closer and tilted his head. "Lucka," he called.

"Uh-huh," she replied and met his eyes.

"What have you done last night?"

Lucka froze entirely at his question.

Shit, I just remember it.

Last night, she'd said they'd talk today. What would he ask, though? Are you just curious about last night's incident? Or would you ask me about my past too? But it's a private subject.

Genesis never asked or commented on whatever she'd said during the cover. Because before the mission started, she briefed him by telling Ilona's back story was covert. In reality, it was her own story. Hence, she could blur the fact.

But this was the General. He was too damn cynical. Sure enough, if he wanted the complete story, he would do anything to gain them. Should I ditch my dignity and just tell him the truth? Or would he agree to have another bargain? Lucka gulped down. She chose the latter; she should try defending herself again, even for the slightest.

"It has nothing to do with you. Chill, General," she said, mustering all of her courage to her front.

He narrowed his eyes while his lips formed into a fine line.

Oh, fuck.

Her heart skipped a beat. A dread pushed her to talk faster. "I mean, you shouldn't have any concern about it—"

"I should," he cut coldly, "because of the bond. What you've done also affected me."

"O-oh." Lucka gaped.

"Don't 'Oh' me," he said, looming over her, "tell me now. Don't make me repeat myself." His voice rang an emergency alarm inside her brain. It was a tone that awakened the chills on her back.

She jerked backward, her spine pressed on the sofa arm. "General, remember, we're still working on our reconciliation. You shouldn't scare me like this."

He paused, his jaw clenched tight. "You shouldn't make things hard."

Lucka peered up behind her wavered eyelash. She murmured, "Let's have a trade."

The General gave her a vicious smirk.

Zeus, please, not again. Haven't you had enough fun? Why do you keep putting me in a difficult situation? It's already a bad idea to come to his house, and only the two of us alone like this.

"What an opportunist," he said, leaning in and whispering with an overly sensual tone while his eyes traced down her body, "should I do what I didn't do last time?"

Lucka quickly clasped her hands to her upper arm, sinking further away from him. Goosebumps appeared on the back of her neck from the remembrance of how lewd he'd treated her before. "General, please! We can do this without making a scene!" she shrieked.

He pulled back slightly, giving more gap between them. His eyes shone bright green while his voice sharpened like a dagger, making her feel skinned alive. The General said in his deep husky voice, "What do you want this time?"

What did she want? Contradicted to his insult, she wasn't an opportunist. She didn't want anything. She just wished him to stay away from her. Then, her mind instantly replayed the last time he touched her lips; it daunted her.

"Don't touch me," she said, almost losing her voice, "ever again."

"And if I don't?" he said mockingly.

Lucka's eyes quivered. What could she do if he didn't want to? What exchange would he accept instead? She didn't have anything good to offer. But she should say something. "I'll never tell you about everything you want to know, ever," she said.

The General kept his silence, then to her ease, he backed off. "Alright," he said, "Now, tell me."

Lucka slowly blinked while straightening her melted spine. She cleared her throat and took another sip of her tea. Her heart was still beating violently, and her fingertips trembled when she placed the cup back on the table.

"I have a mission on a drug dealer," she whispered, "and he drugged me."

"You simply let him drug you?" he asked with a suspicious tone.

"No! You don't understand. It's complicated."

"Explain." He commanded.

Lucka let out a weary sigh. "The guy is in a high-up class. He has a private circle. I need to get close to him to take the information. He should trust me. So, yeah,"

"Oh," he said, eyeing her up and down, which left a hot trail behind. "Is that the reason I heard your sultry voice? The two of you must be pretty close."

Lucka's face blazed up. How can you say something so rude? Do you try to make me look like a slut? "I—it's not what you think!"

The General brushed aside her inadequate reason. Instead, he asked, "Was that your first time using the drug?"

Lucka lowered her eyes. See? He starts to dig. Her fingers circled the side of her skirt. "No. I was an addict."

Lucka could hear the General inhaling a deep breath gently. Though, his face was indifferently stoic.

"Do you have it with you?"

Lucka doubtfully nodded. "Yes. It's for evidence."

"Does Tseng know all of this?" He fiercely stared at her.

Lucka held her breath. What should I say? Yes, or no. Yes, or—oh fuck. The General narrowed his eyes. She said hesitantly, "...N…no."

"I'll let him know."

She went white and snapped out. "No! Please, don't! I don't want to get into trouble. I don't know what he'll do to me!"

"You're already in trouble," he said sharply, "drug abuse violates the law. And you've failed the mission by using it."

"General! You're my summoner, so we're an ally. You shouldn't sell me like that. You should help me instead!"

He smirked.

Zeus. Why does he smirk out of the blue? Have I said something wrong?

"That means I'll oppose the law and the Turks. It's your responsibility for your mission. But your recklessness had inflicted me. How can I get any benefit if I help you?"

Other chills made her stomach cramped. You mother fucker, emotionally disabled bastard!

Now he cunningly used it against her. How should she reply? Had he planned to trap her from the start? Was she brave enough to ask what he wanted in return?

What do you want from me?

"General. It's Tseng who assigned me to this mission." Lucka blabbed out.

His smirk widened. "Why, you blame him for your blunder."

Lucka greeted her teeth. "If he's not giving me this shit in the first place. I wouldn't relapse and blow up my secret to your face."

"It's such a lame, unprofessional excuse, Lucka," he retorted.

"How the fuck do I want to act professionally with this fucking job?!" She jolted to her feet, staring at him with a deadly glare. "It's you two who dragged me into this mess!" She said with an enraged tone.

The General ignored her and took his PHS out. "I'm calling him."

"No!" She cried.

"Then, on your knees," he commanded.

WHAT?!

Why the fuck do you told me to kneel?

Lucka didn't move. Then, he dialed Tseng's number on a loudspeaker. She stared at him in disbelief. Every beat of the ringtone made her blood turn into a lump.

["Yes, General?"]

"I need to inform you about something," he said, eyeing her, "It's Lucka."

["Yes. What's that?"]

No! You son of bitch! Don't tell him!

Lucka's heart beat faster and faster. Although Tseng appeared to be more friendly towards her lately, the man was still a Turk. She knew how ruthless he was. And she didn't want to get punished or get any implication that could worsen her situation. How if Veld knew this? Didn't she agree to act accordingly?

"She... "

Lucka decided quickly. Her body reacted first before her sane mind.

The General stopped when his eyes caught her kneeling harshly on the fluffy rug. He arrogantly smirked and said, "I have another thought. I'll talk to her directly."

["Is there any problem?"]

"We are working on it, actually."

["Do you need any assistance?"]

"No. But if this doesn't work, I'll let you know," the General said with a mischievous smirk.

Lucka devoured her pride while flaring up her glare. The burning of humiliation almost demolished her control entirely.

["Sure. Please keep me notice."]

"Yes. Thanks for your time." He hung up.

The General put down his PHS on the sofa cushion casually. Then he locked his unreadable scrutiny gaze while shifting closer to her.

Lucka held her breath the moment his thumb stroked her lips. She slapped his hand as she fell on her arse. She cried, "You've agreed you won't touch me again!"

"It's not relevant anymore. Now we have a new agreement, don't we?" He inclined his head and stretched out his hand again.

Lucka hurled back until her shoulder blade bumped into the edge of the coffee table. Her eyes opened in horror when he slid his thumb into her mouth. The taste of his skin filled her taste bud right away, along with his rich, elegant perfume that wafted her nostril. He circled her soft, wet tongue slowly, deeper and deeper.

"Open your mouth wider," he murmured.

She almost forgot how to breathe. Her heart uncontrollably hammered while goosebumps rose on her skin. Should she submit? No, bitch. It's so wrong. Why are you doing this? Lucka twisted backward her head, but his firm grip kept her in place. He seized her to dive into a sudden thrill that settled in his eyes. Oh, Zeus. No, no, no.

He kept pushing his thumb until she opened her mouth wider. She held back his hand, but he kept going. And somehow, the coiling warmth in her stomach gradually turned her hands into jelly and made her brain cloudy.

"Good girl," he purred in an impossibly deep, suggestive baritone.

Lucka was dumbfounded by hearing the tone of his voice. Good girl? What do you mean? She quietly watched him move back and forth his thumb, twisting her tongue in turn until she felt something damp inside her pants. Shit.

Zeus, this's atrocious. I should stop him.

Right?

Ugh.

Why am I so lost?

Does living in a rural area and being single my whole life makes me thirsty? Am I too tired to suppress my sexual desire after that scandalous night with Ryuu? But ain't it just puberty hormonal mechanisms?

No. Wait. Why do I reason myself, though? And now of all times?

Damn. Quit being distracted, moron.

Move, move, move. I should move!

Lucka jerked her body away. A scowl stuck on her flaming face.

The General watched her breathing heavily. He towered over her, placing both hands on the table edge.

"I thought you liked it." He lowered his head, showing off his seductive smirk.

"No!" she screeched, "Fuck off!"

"Oh?" He whispered smugly, "you little liar. Who knows I can feel you to this extent?"

Luck strucked. Say again?

"No way..." she mumbled. "You're lying!"

"No, I'm not," he said, "What such a fascinating connection. Although, that's a barrier that covers you now. Is it the drug?" He curiously tilted his head. "If you're fully clean, can you imagine how great it'd feel if we do something intimate?" The General said with dark eyes. His voice was dangerously bewitching.

Lucka swallowed. Did he blatantly lure her into doing sexual intercourse? Would he force her if she said no?

She went mute. Her body became stiff while her eyes caught her reflection in the green pair of clear demonic eyes.

"Aren't you curious how wonderful it'd be?" he whispered while almost closing the gap between their faces.

Lucka held her breath as her eyes slid down to his lips. That damn pheromone trapped her in, again. Why does this bastard have such a divine scent? She cursed. Her lips unconsciously parted as she noticed he tilted his head to the other side. Are we seriously doing it? No, no, no. We shouldn't do it.

Last night, she just turned down his friend. She was so persistent as to avoid any kind of complicated relationship. But now, she was stupidly caught in something worse than a romantic attachment. Did she become crazy? Did the General lose his mind early?

Lucka tried her best to speak. Yet she stuttered, "N-n-no..." She shut her eyes tightly. While her hands curled so hard, her body became more rigid in anticipation. Would he withdraw? He wouldn't rape me, right? RIGHT?!

She stayed still in her chaotic mind. In fear, she cloaked herself. In silence, she counted every second left before hell emerged. It's only the steamy breath and uneven heartbeat that go with her.

But nothing happened.

Lucka waited another second before nervously opening her eyes and found the General had already reclined on the sofa. Casually.

He watched her with his calm demeanor. "Too bad," he said, "then, what do you want to do with that Chicobo?" He inclined his head toward the birdcage.

Lucka was stupefied. Where is the hunger that crossed his eyes a while ago? Is it just my hallucination? How could he change his expression so easily like that? Did he only toy her around? Suddenly a wave of rage overflowed her. She said in a thick, poisonous tone, "It's none of your fucking concern. Send me to Earth."

"Sure thing," he said.

Lucka stood with a trembling leg and grasped the birdcage clumsily. She cast a last scowl at him before she faded away into another world.