Extract information from Ava. It was one of the simplest missions ever delegated to him, yet Reno found himself on an impossibly pointed tip of a sword. One wrong move and he would be paying dearly. On one hand, if he failed to find the right information in time, he would likely pay with the lives of his colleagues. On the other, if he was barking up the wrong tree, which he doubted but was still a possibility, the results could be exactly the same. His attention would be distracted from the real attacker, thus leaving them all vulnerable.

On the tip of a sword, that summed up the situation well. The best course of action would be one in which the fallout was minimized. Even if Slater wasn't behind the attacks, they would need to find such information quickly. If they came to the conclusion without wasting time, it would be far less likely to give the real attacker time to take advantage of their distraction. That settled his plan of action. He would have no choice but to reveal his suspicions to Ava and gain her cooperation. She would know Slater better than most, and perhaps her insight would help the case. Elena would be proud. Normally, he did not think such decisions through quite so thoroughly. However, this situation was far more important than a crime lord getting out of hand or a rebel faction attempting to blow up reactors. This meant the very existence of Shin-Ra. The existence of Rufus, Reeve, Rude, Tseng, Elena, himself and now Ava, and all this rested on his shoulders. About time he stepped up to the plate.

Around the hall, he inspected the door that hid the meeting from the world. A closer listen provided him with the notion that the meeting was still underway. He would have a bit of time to manipulate this situation. Manipulation was definitely in his tool box of skills. With a light swagger, he trailed into the room where he'd left Ava. She was sitting in the same position, toying with her cell phone in her hands, perhaps the perfect opportunity to interject some comments about Slater. All he could hope is that she was loyal to her job and would not divulge such information to her fiancé.

"Did he call?" Reno asked, moving from the doorway to sit across from Ava.

"Yep," she nodded, the corners of her mouth tugging downward.

"Still being an ass?" he asked, not quite concerned with the actual answer, but that was part of the act.

"Of course. Get this, he's having a party with only close friends and whatnot. He actually expected me to drop everything and rush over there to decorate his arm and smile at his dip shit friends," she said, nearly laughing.

"Smooth," he remarked. "So will your pops be going?" He hoped she would answer; the wheels in that scheming mind of his were turning on this party idea.

"No. Nor will Slater's father. Only his seedy friends from Edge and Junon and whomever they bring along," she answered.

"I have to be straight with you, Ava." The look on his face concerned Ava quite a bit, almost as if he were about to tell her something compromising. "We've been looking into Slater's files. He's a fucking suspect."

"You suspect him in the attacks? Why, exactly?" she asked, looking anything but surprised.

"The way he tracked you down, the bad blood, the resources he has access to… this list is pretty damn long."

"I'm not sure why I hadn't thought of him and linked him with what has been going on. I can't say that I'm surprised. I figured after he showed up with such contempt in his eyes, he'd be drawing suspicion. I wonder why he risked that…"

"Either he's obsessed with you enough to risk anything, or he's playing a game."

"I'm sure it's the latter," she said with a distant smirk. "You want information on him beyond his case file. Perhaps you'd like me to tell you any reasons not to suspect him, as well?"

"You took the words right outta my mouth," he answered.

"Well, the only reason not to suspect him, at least that I can think of is… chance. There's always that slim possibility it isn't whom you suspect. I can't imagine after fighting so hard to keep his father out of this war that he would—" she paused and lowered her eyes, thoughts crashing in her mind all at once. "It makes sense. I'd be willing to bet he is attempting one of two things. Either he's trying to save his father from falling back into hatred by eliminating the threat, or he is being controlled by his father. The first seems more like him, but I really can't be sure. I can't believe I was so blind as to miss this… Reno," she finished, touching a finger to her temple in frustration.

"Why would you want to suspect the person you're supposed to be spending the rest of your life with?" The point was very true, although as the words left his mouth in all their sentimental splendor, he felt the taste of iron and a tinge of disgust. Many women often overlooked the sins of men in the name of love. For the first time, he realized exactly why Rufus had turned a blind eye to relationships within the workplace while being very skeptical of relationships people outside Shin-Ra. Other companies were opposite, and frowned upon fraternizing with business associates. Being blinded to one's faults simply because of love was absolutely homicidal. And usually those within Shin-Ra could be trusted.

"It is beautifully lethal, isn't it?" she mused, realizing her own mistakes. She should have thought of it, before Reno. Just how would this affect her standing with Rufus? She had the thought in the back of her mind, but voicing her suspicion proved to be the hardest part. "I can honestly say he's capable of all this. When he gets something in his head, it becomes his oxygen. He obsesses over things, and he'd never give up. That's why—" she paused, almost eating her words.

"That's why what?" he asked, cocking a brow.

"That's why we're together, basically. We had something once, we were unstoppable. The feeling was amazing… but then the politics of his family became involved, and the feelings began to fade. We got engaged anyhow, but I feel like it's meant to be more of a business arrangement than a marriage."

"Yeah…" he resisted the urge to tell her how ridiculous that sounded. Being committed simply for the sake of politics? Please.

"I guess I'm off topic," she said with a light laugh.

"Ya think?" he said with a bit of sarcasm.

His dismissive attitude reminded Ava of exactly who she was speaking with. She was quite sure he didn't want a history of the relationship she and Slater shared. "Back on topic, I think it's quite possible that he has a hand in this. But how are you going to figure that out? I know for a fact that his record is spotless."

"We need to get an inside look," he said. As soon as the words left his lips, he realized precisely how they would get that inside look. "We go undercover. You know the layout of his villa, right?"

"Yes, but you aren't suggesti—"

"That we attend the party undercover and do a little research." He gave a suave gesture, realizing the simple brilliance of his plan.

"That'll never work!" Ava exclaimed.

"Why the hell not?" he questioned, looking rather displeased with her doubt.

"You think he won't recognize me beneath a change of clothes and a wig? We'll be caught in seconds," she snapped her finger as if to signify how quickly they would be found out.

"This is my plan. I don't do half-ass scheming, McCall. Have you seen what the so-called makeup artists at Shin-Ra are capable of? They could make you look like a total stranger," he boasted.

"So say we successfully disguise ourselves. We still have the problem of getting in. How do you suggest we accomplish that?"

"We'll worry about that when we get there," he said, rising to his feet.

"You can't be serious…?" she asked, wide eyed and nearly laughing.

"As a fuckin' heart attack, babe." A suave grin perched along with an ever conceited expression.

"Holy hell. What am I thinking? If I'm not loyal even to my fiancé then where… where do my loyalties lie?"

"Rethink that one a minute…" he said, rolling his eyes.

"I know, Reno. Shin-Ra… but it seems so scandalous to back-stab the person I'm supposed to marry."

"If he's behind this shit, back-stabbing will be the least of his worries. And if he is, you should feel nothing for him."

Was it really so simple? The direness of the situation hit Ava at once, making her feel sick to her stomach. In the span of an hour, she'd gone from a relatively normal life to some confusing life of betrayal and webs weaved so intricately that none of a million spiders could cross. Welcome to Shin-Ra.

"You're right. The party isn't until Wednesday night, so we've a whole day and a half to prepare… that's comforting" She opted to ignore the faint tremor that rocked her spine beneath the cool façade she wore.

"I haven't been undercover in a while, this is gonna be fuckin' fun." With that, he brushed his hair back and strode toward the door where he peeked around the corner impatiently. If they were to actually put this plan to action, they would need Rufus and Tseng's cooperation.

While Reno went to explain his devious plans to Tseng, Ava sat in the silence of the room. The feeling that swelled in her was utterly disconnected. Life was changing, and she would need to change with it or be left in the dust. If Slater really was behind the attacks, she would surely witness his demise. So much for the security she'd found in her arranged future. One question floated in her mind: how could she possibly have such horrid taste in men?

After what seemed an eternity of daylight, the sun slowly began to descend to the western expanse of the sky. Tseng had just flipped his cell phone across the room in frustration, though his face showed no emotion. Carefully, he laced his fingers together and rested them in his lap. He was downright boiling.

Why had Reno's plan frustrated him so? It was no more dangerous than anything they'd done before, but he hated the idea of sending Reno and the rookie into such an explosive situation on such little evidence. Reno had been as argumentative as ever, and his resistance to the word 'no' kept Tseng on his toes throughout the conversation. They needed more evidence, and more time. If something happened because the situation hadn't been thought through, it would hang over him like a blanket of shame. Then again, if they were to hesitate and Slater made another move, the guilt would be immeasurable. If there was one thing to be said about Reno's impatience, it was that the trait provided views more analytical minds would never consider. But that was precisely the problem these days: analytical minds. Tseng's mind worked constant overtime, and perhaps it was time he trusted his instincts and Reno's, for that matter.

The heat pent up in his mind began to dissipate, but the sight through the bedroom door helped to further calm him. Elena had finally finished changing from her uniform, adorning a slight black camisole and thinly striped shorts in exchange. She usually favoured pajamas rather than clothing when in the privacy of their apartment. They'd moved in together not three months ago. The events of Kadaj and his brothers had been over a short time when he and Elena finally gave in to desire. Things had escalated since, and one week she began staying every night. Her transition into living with him went without words. Neither suggested it, she because she was avoiding rejection and he because of his passive-aggressive nature. Now that she had been here every night since, he couldn't quite imagine the apartment without her presence. Though she was not one to cook gourmet meals and dote on his every need, she surprised him with nurturing and care. And then there was her wild nature hidden well beneath dormant brown eyes. To say she was amazing behind closed doors would be a grave understatement.

"You look tense," she said in a husky sort of pitch.

"That was Reno…"

"I figured, you never strain your voice with anyone else. What was wrong?" she asked, moving close and brushing her fingers down his back. Her true concern comforted him as it shone in her doe-like eyes.

"Nothing at all was wrong. Reno called with a plan. One of those schemes he spawns on a whim. He wants to go into Slater's villa undercover to investigate and see if he can find concrete evidence that links to the attacks," he paused, watching Elena's eyes.

"Not unlike investigations we've done in the past. Why is this any different?"

"In those cases, we had a bit more to run off. Here, I feel it is like diving into a hole blind. I've no idea whether there is a bottom, and if so, whether it's water or rock." Tseng shifted on the couch, looping an arm around one of Elena's thighs and pulling her close.

"I see what you mean. Reno can handle it though, Tseng. You know he can," she said while caressing his head as it lay against her stomach.

"I'm not as much worried about Reno as I am Ava. Usually we try to test the waters before sending a rookie in on such a mission." The camisole smelled of roses, and for a moment he attempted to bury his thoughts in her scent.

"I know, I remember my first missions were quite a breeze. But Ava will do fine. Especially under Reno. I know that sounds odd to say, but he really knows what he's doing. She'll pick up on that and follow in the confidence."

"It is especially odd coming from you. When did you grow such a soft spot for Reno?" The question was truly quite honest. Ever since she and Tseng had been kidnapped, Elena had begun to change. She was still impetuous as ever, but she held a sense of maturity about her that offered a feminine grace. When they finally succumb to temptation with one another, she took on a new light. If anything, she was kinder, though she could still dish Reno a hard time.

"I don't know… disturbing, isn't it?" she said, feigning a scoff.

"Very."

"So did you already give Reno the go ahead?"

"I did. Though now, I'm glad that I did." He lifted the hem of the camisole and placed a delicate kiss on her skin. She had really been his voice of reason when analysis ran rampant in his mind. The relationship meant much to him and it seemed that despite their opposite personalities, they were perfectly matched.

"And we'll have to go to Rufus?" she asked, cocking a brow.

"Well, for the time that Ava and Reno are traveling and working the mission. I'm sending Rude along with you, but I'll be staying here."

"Oh," she paused, displaying a little disappointment. "I won't miss you one bit."

"Oh really?" he asked, looking rather unconvinced.

The meeting in Wutai had ended, and the journey began again. The helicopter was waiting when they arrived, and Reno busied himself with working up how he'd introduce his scheme. By the time Reno had actually finished telling Rufus of his plan, he'd navigated the helicopter all the way to Rocket Town. Rufus had explained that an interested party had requested a meeting there, and Reno was more than disappointed. The little town was boring. More so than many of the other small towns; he always preferred Midgar and Junon to anything. They'd only be there for one night, and that was quite long enough.

"I hope this plan of yours is successful," Rufus stated, breaking the silence that had wrapped the helicopter since their destination was learned.

"It will be," Reno assured.

"Ah, there's the helipad," Reeve said, sounding relieved to see that ground was approaching.

The helipad was indeed only a little ways off, adjacent to the launch pad for purposes Reno guessed to be the delivery of goods and astronauts. Of course, that was before the program was all but abandoned. The sun was but a sliver of orange above the hills, but that was perfect. That meant even less time spent in Rocket Town.

Reno piloted the helicopter to another safe landing, and assisted in getting their things out and ready to travel. The motel was nothing shy of a large home turned into a business. When they arrived before the ragged building, Reno found a rather distinct frown on his lips. There would be no comfort in this place. The door opened with a horrendous squeak, stinging the ears of anyone within a mile. The musty smell burst forth, offending his nose. The dim chandelier above the foyer provided enough light to make a path across to the front desk without tripping, but no more.

Rufus approached the front desk, a distasteful glance given to the clerk. The young woman looked like a rag-doll trying to play the part of a princess. What a combination. He reserved two rooms, as they had only two vacancies, and led the way upstairs to the designated rooms. The four pooled in the hallway, peering at one another in curiosity.

"I guess considering the vacancies and set up, Reeve and I will take one room while the two of you take the other," Rufus instructed, glancing at Reno.

"And what are we to do for the remainder of the evening?" Ava asked, rather curious given the early evening time.

"Reeve and I are going to dinner to discuss a few things, the two of you can tag along or whatever. The restaurant is just next door, we should be okay without your presence," Rufus replied.

"In that case…" Reno grabbed his canvas bag and turned for the door, using the bronze key to gain entrance to the room opposite the hall from where he supposed Rufus would want to stay given his proximity to the door.

With the door opened to reveal quite the odd motel room, Reno shot a wink back at the three in the hall and disappeared into the expanse of green paisley walls. Ava politely took her leave, opting to abandon Reeve and Rufus to their own for the evening. The idea of a noisy restaurant did not sound appealing, nor did listening to the business banter likely to surface at the table.

Just as she closed the door, a rather disturbing squeak sounded from the bedsprings as Reno sat against the mattress. A look of mischief crossed his face, a look that made Ava want to turn and flee the room. Without missing a beat, he began to move his weight just so, causing the springs to wail their protest loudly enough to wake the entire motel. Seconds after the mattress serenade began, he took the liberty of yelling her name in quite the cheesy insinuation.

"Oooh Ava!" he roared, sounding desperately passionate.

Ava was positive that each and every guest had overheard the entire chorus of rantings he bellowed out in the minute that passed until her face grew so red she imagined it to look like a tomato. It was assuredly ridiculous to think Rufus and Reeve would believe that she and Reno would go at it the instant after she closed the door, but their neighbors certainly did not know any better. Despite the fact, she couldn't help but feel the urge to giggle when his noisy rant faded and he sat with a cocky grin, just staring at her. He was outrageously annoying and immature at times, but somehow in the light of cobwebs and green shag carpet, she found him hilarious. Reno really was complicated, despite his simple outer layers. At first glance, one might assume him cocky, cold hearted, troubled and comedic. In actuality, he seemed all of those with a little depth and intelligence. A cautious person would see the more evil side buried beneath the comedy he sought to exert. Perhaps he had a heart only for things he cared for? Or was it that he did feel guilt, but hid it well beneath the layers of humor?

"Well, I'm glad you got that out of your system," she said, feeling the blush creep out of her skin as quickly as it came.

"Damn… no one could get away with having sex in a bed like this." As if to emphasize his statement, he provided another squeak by moving into the mattress.

"Perhaps some find the idea that people are listening to be stimulating?"

"Stimulating? Can'tcha just say hot or erotic or something a little less… prude?" he laughed, clearly amused by her desire to come off as such the professional.

"You're impossible," she said, throwing an arm out dramatically.

"And you're a prude," he teased.

"If you only knew…" she trailed off, biting her tongue to keep from revealing such information to him. There was no need to get defensive over childish antics.

"Whatever. You're prude until you prove me wrong…" he shook his head, glancing over at the ancient oak chair in the corner. His eyes wandered the room, finding a dresser and small nightstand. The bathroom branched off, and the closet stood beside the bathroom… but something was missing. The prude would have to be a little daring. "There's only one bed."

"So I've noticed," she sighed and observed the furniture. "You're probably perfectly used to sleeping on the floor, aren't you?"

An incredulous scoff wiped the smile off Ava's lips, "No way. I'm not sleeping on that carpet. Who knows what the fuck is hidden in there…" he said, glancing at the carpet in disgust.

"Well, we're in quite a predicament then…" A brow rose, her lips pursed to avoid smiling. What could possibly be funny about sharing a ragged bed with a womanizer? She hadn't a clue, but nevertheless she was hopelessly amused by the situation.

Rufus quickly finished the final bite of his dinner, setting the silver fork down on his napkin. Despite the quaint appearance of the restaurant, the food was delicious. Though he attempted to distract himself from the mystery of the black haired creature alone in a corner, he found his eyes locked on the pout of her lips once again. Reeve followed his gaze, all too aware of his staring for the nth time since they arrived.

"Would you just go and talk to her if you're so interested?" Reeve whispered, watching the smirk Rufus formed.

"I think I will," he said.

"Be my guest. I'll have a drink," Reeve said, waving over the waitress as Rufus began to approach his prey. It was rare that a woman ever filled the standards Rufus kept, and when one came along who at least met the physical standards, Rufus was quick to flirt.

A hand swept back through blonde hair, all but a few strands heeding the instruction. With a cool confidence, he brought even steps to this woman's table. Her black hair was like long silk, cascading to an end near her lower back. Though Rufus was more concerned with the delicate break of her pale features and deep eyes, he found the aura she held about her fascinating. This woman was clearly Wutainese, and quite alluring. He touched the top of the unoccupied table, giving little thought to what a woman such as she would be doing in a Rocket Town restaurant.

"May I?" he asked, gesturing to the chair as her focus shifted to him.

"Certainly," she replied, offering a faint smile as he sunk into the chair.

"Do you enjoy dining alone?" he questioned.

"Not usually, but I am traveling alone."

"How lonely," he exaggerated.

"Excruciatingly so." She elegantly swept her hair away, settling her posture while holding his eyes.

"Forgive me, but I would be a fool not to mention that you are impeccably beautiful." As the words flowed, he leaned closer to observe her with a debonair smile.

The woman feigned a sweet blush, shifting as if to prove her shyness. "Thank you, my dear stranger."

"Please, call me Rufus. And what might I call you?"

"Akina will be fine," she said with a slight bow.

"Ah, the spring flower, a fitting name." He swept her hand from the table, applying a light kiss to the tops of her knuckles.

"Perhaps…"

Across the room, Reeve watched with faint dissatisfaction. This strange woman was too familiar. He felt as though he'd seen her somewhere, and he was sure it was recent. In fact, he thought he'd seen her in Wutai. This would be no surprise, given her supposed heritage, but the idea that she had come to Rocket Town at the same time after being in Wutai was too much a coincidence. Nonetheless, sitting her watching Rufus lay on his thick, clichéd charm was not in his to-do list. He paid his due, and excused himself from the table, heading through the door.

Rufus distracted himself with Reeve's exit a short time, before glancing back at Akina. She took notice of his gaze, "A partner of yours?"

"Reeve, yes. He tends to turn in early, don't mind him," Rufus explained.

"So then I would not be welcome to return with you?" she asked, giving the quite the sultry look.

"So you are thinking as I am…" he laughed ever so slightly.

"How could I not? Perhaps you would like to come to my ro—" she began to offer, but was interrupted by the crash of a hand thumping down upon the table.

"Rufus Shinra… well, well," came the drunken slur of a blonde man. Akina observed his ruffled appearance; shabby stubble occupying his jaw along with pilot's goggles atop his head. This man was in his thirties, for certain, and obviously a man of no refinement.

"Cid Highwind," Rufus scowled, glaring down the pilot.

"What in the fucking hell are you doing here?" Cid grumbled, glancing at Akina for only a moment.

"I am enjoying a conversation with a lovely young woman. A conversation you are interrupting. Now, if you don't mind—" Rufus began.

"Actually, I do fucking mind. Get'yer sleazy ass out of Rocket Town," Cid prompted, crossing muscular arms over his chest.

"I'll be gone tomorrow, Cid."

"Tomorrow ain't good enough. Now," Cid boomed.

It was clear the conversation was about to get physical. Cid was belligerently drunk, and had long forgotten the fact that he had no reason to come after Rufus. Perhaps, in his mind, he was reliving the glory days. When Rufus refused to move, Cid took him by the collar of his immaculate white suit and lifted him roughly from the chair. With a strong arm, he swung him around and tossed him toward the bar in a crash of splintering wood and shattering glass. Rufus was glaring from his throne of massacred furniture when Akina sheepishly stood and slipped out unnoticed, listening to the chorus of a brawl.

Just outside Akina stumbled over a curb when she was forced to duck out of the way as the man she knew to be Reeve walked perilously close. Behind him, a redhead and a brunette dressed in black suits flanked the path. As a heavy crash sounded from inside the bar, the three began to run and Akina dipped around a dark corner. She opened her clenched hand, gazing upon the treasure hidden in her palm. At least I accomplished my goal, she thought with a sly smile.

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Oh, Cid… always getting into trouble with that mouth and those alcoholic tendencies. Forgive the silliness of this chapter :) Next up, chapter nine!

To publicly answer Nentikobe's observation that Reno is not over-the-top zaney in this fiction (for anyone wondering): I think Reno is quite different than some perceive him to be. I think there is a darkness inside that he hides with humor and whatnot, but I don't believe him to be slightly on the dumb side or immature side just because of that comedic attitude. I think he's well rounded, more so than we can see through his actions. As for what goes through his mind, one author's guess is as good as the next. I do think he is cocky and rude, sometimes. I do think he can be very funny, and sometimes even a little silly. I think he likes his women and liquor, but I also think he has a side that is more serious (as observed a bit in the first part of the chapter). Though he may get annoyed with Rufus and Elena, I think he has a lot of respect there as well. Loyal would fit, too. I feel he would rise above in a crisis and go to any lengths for his purpose, otherwise… why would he be second in command? I really think he likes to give people a run for their money, though. Teasing and whatnot seem to fit him well. Hence his games of embarrassing Elena and Ava (as demonstrated in the later pieces of this chapter).