Wow. I added "Sephiroth" and all of a sudden I got more reviews than ever! Thanks everyone!

ODSTgirl058 - No, I don't have Arien's death in the plan at the moment, since there's going to be a sequel. Haha. I always wonder if Elena freaked out (like she usually did) and annoyed Tseng witless. I'm guessing Tseng was composed as usual, but if I was Elena I would have hyperventilated because 1. I'm with my favorite sexy guy in the whole wide world, 2. It's friggin cold, 3. Reno left me to die. Dunno. What do you think?

Again - Thaaanks! I want to go canon on most of my things (unless they're humor), so C'Est La Vie was during the game, and this one is right around AC, as it is obvious. I am going to create Before Crisis story about Reno if I get around to it, and definitely a Dirge of Cerberus story (well, probably). I'm currently wondering what will happen to Shinra Company. I don't think it'll just die with Rufus in the lead...

g0ngZhu - Well, Elena and Tseng falling is completely my imagination. All we see in the movie is Reno sitting in the seat and the helicopter and we hear voices, so I tried to make my version of what actually happened. To be honest, I have no idea. Maybe Elena and Tseng were having sex in the back seat (hehehe), and that's why Elena was gasping. I don't know.

DevilAngel - Yup, Rufus feels sorry for the poor girl. I'm guessing Rufus was intrigued by this Turk too, but it never actually got to Rufus having a crush on her, because Rufus crushing on anyone is... just unthinkable. Arien is really freaking out, because she doesn't know what caused Sephiroth to go insane and she thinks she might go insane as well. Add that to Geostigma and you have one picture of misery. Poor girl.

RaspberryPolarBear - Hahaha. It is weird, but I had the idea since C'Est La Vie. I mean, Sephiroth has to have some relatives, so why not her? It's a nice twist anyway. I really don't know how Reno will react when he hears the truth. I'm thinking it's either he'll go crazy trying to find a cure and hating Sephiroth, or he wonders if he's actually gay because... maybe he likes Arien because he secretly likes Sephiroth? (hehehe)

SilverSanctum92 - Thanks! Everyone seems interested in Arien related to Sephiroth thing. This thing is going to play a big role in the unfolding events, but I won't say anymore, because it's going to give away the plot. This chappie doesn't really have anything with the unfolding plot... but Arien is a woman, and she wants Reno's kid (she must be brave) and get married, like everyone else. That might explain this chappie a little.

NarcissisticRiceBall - Thanks! It's kind of hard, because we never ever see Arien in the game or the story (duh). So I have to explain where she was when Cloud encountered Reno everytime. I'm glad you like it. It's going to be very loyal to the script in a sense, but I'm not using the English dub script. It'll be pretty much the same, though. You'll see more characters from the AVALANCHE as well... oops, I said too much.

I hate I had to try to upload this 5 times yesterday.


Chapter 10: Hardships and Matrimonies

Arien DeVir was just stepping out of the shower when she heard the front door rattle impatiently. She hurried into her room, hoping that Rufus or Rude won't randomly barge out, holding the white bath towel around her body, dripping water. Now that she was in her room, she thought for a moment and realized that Rufus' room was too far away to hear anything, and Rude was out again. She was really blanking out.

Whipping her towel off, she pulled on her white shirt that she slept in. It was white linen, no sleeve, halter, with white cloth cut in upside down V-shape above her breasts. A brown plastic ring was fitted on the crest of the V, and a white thong went through it and around her neck. It was empire waist, and pretty comfortable. She had absolutely no time to do anything with her dripping hair; she wrung it out in the bath but it was still soaked. Pulling on blue jeans angrily and nearly tripping in the process, she slid her barefoot onto the wooden floor, and flew out of the room.

Another rattle, this one even more urgent. "Okay, okay, I'm coming!" She yelled, replying to the rattle. Her hair was stuck to her bare shoulders and was soaking the white cloth of her shirt. Shaking her head – and flinging water droplets everywhere – she reached the front door, unlocked it, and yanked it open.

She gaped at what she saw. Reno was standing there, tired, a little bruised, but still him. His eyes were a little dull with pain, and his mouth was not in a usual sloppy grin. He was holding a box in one hand, EMR in the other. His jacket was torn in the sleeve, and his expression was between "oh shit" and "I'm fucked".

"Reno?" She said dumbly. He nodded.

"I missed you. I missed you so much." The words flew out of her mouth from nowhere. She impulsively threw her arms around him, kissing him on the cheek. He stood there, a little surprised, and then a slow, lopsided grin crept to his mouth. He kissed her back.

"Mm, maybe I should come back injured each time so I get some welcome back gifts," he observed cynically. She raised her eyebrow at him.

"I really don't think so."

"Ha." He walked in, placed the box on the floor carefully, propped up the EMR in the corner, stretched, and announced, "I'm back, yo." His walk was weary, slow, unlike Reno's usual quick, wide gait. She looked at him as he tossed the crumpled jacket on the floor, then ran over as she saw a red stain on the white shirt.

"Elena? Tseng?"

"Ah, I'll tell ya later, babe," he said, moving straight to the bedroom, yawning.


The dude was a fucking piss-off bastard, hands down. Reno eyed him with annoyance. His think blond hair, his "I'm so cool and you aren't" smug face, his expensive clothes, his A+ work. Teacher's pet. Teacher's bitch. His enemy.

And currently, on his hit list. Number One too.

"You wanna fight, huh? What about that, you fucking prick?"

"I'll tell Mr. Gayne!" The prick yelled. The next moment, the fucking ass was on the floor, bleeding from the head, unconscious. Reno had his stick in his hand – again. Lethal stick in deadly Reno's hand. His brown hair was matted in blood. Crimson.

Some kid had rushed off to get the nurse. He was just standing there, bloody stick in his hand, his other hand jammed in his pocket, watching the prick bleed. Bleed, bleed to death. Losers don't deserve to live. Bleed. Bleed.

Then suddenly, the prick stood up! People had dissipated; now it was just the prick and him. But the prick no longer had blond hair; it was raven, and it was long. The prick was no longer a prick either; it was a woman, slender, naked. Her face was exotic, delicately chiseled to exquisite beauty. He felt desires for her, to see the lips open to breathe under him, to see her gasp in pleasure.

Yet, the woman did not look at him with interest; rather, there was hatred, bitterness, and grudge living in her eyes. Her hair was wet, and it stuck to her skin, a stark contrast of raven against her powder white skin.

"Murderer…" her voice was soft, yet he could hear it.

"Murderer… you killed me… when I loved you… when I trusted you…"

His vision was turning red. Hatred was burning in her eyes. His head felt like it was splitting. And then he felt warm liquid down his nose, from his mouth, from his eyes.

He touched it. It was not clear. It was crimson.

Blood. It was blood. And he was bleeding to death...

"Arrrrrrrgh!"

"Reno! Reno!" Arien was shouting in his ear. "Wake up! Goddamn it, wake up!"

Reno woke up. Arien was next to him, sitting up, hovering over him. She looked worried, wondering.

"Oh god, Arie…" he trembled. "It's freezing, yo."

"No, it's not, you're drenched in sweat." She answered mechanically, then pulled out a T-Shirt from the dresser and tossed it into the bed. "Wear those. And you have to report to Rufus. He's awake."

"Ah shit." He pulled on his shirt. He was still in the slacks. The white shirt was stained with blood, and was on the floor in a heap. His now-cleaned wound still stung like hell. It looked like he was in for a godawful day.

"Enter," said Rufus' voice.

Rufus Shinra always reminded Reno of the school captain in his high school that he never completed. His high school was rowdy – in the sector slums, it was difficult to find good education. The goal of most of the male students was to be at the higher level of the social hierarchy, and that meant either licking up to the school captain – which, he could assure, almost never worked – or literally fighting the way up. He took the latter course, and by the end of the freshman year he had made himself a little name, both as a lady killer (his grin and his few words could open a lot of pair of legs), and a tough fighter. Needless to say, the school captain took notice of him.

The school captain, named Legend, used to be like him, or that was how the rumor went. Until, that is, when the Dean of Students tried to save him from crashing out the fifth storey window when they were fighting. Legend survived, but the Dean did not. That calmed Legend a little; when Reno was a freshman, Legend was a quiet senior with control of the school gang in his hand. He was a good student, but rumor had it that he probably could beat anyone in the fight still. Dressed in a blue shirt, a navy tie and a white suit all the time with his black hair neatly combed back, he really looked like a weak stunt for him. Yet even a hulking junior weighing 200 pounds obeyed Legend with absolute loyalty. There was a sense of leadership and responsibility around the school captain. Rufus Shinra closely resembled him, not just because he had his hair combed immaculately or because they both wore white, but because for the exchange of absolute loyalty, Rufus and Legend both took responsibilities for the subordinates. It might have helped that they both sought to keep the peace.

He had always liked Legend, even after he dropped out.

Sometimes, he hated Rufus.

"Sir, Reno reporting."

"Good, Reno. Since I never read your reports anyway considering that they're non-existent, let's hear the report from yourself."

So Reno talked. Renaldo Miller, the famous killer, was definitely not dumb enough to cross this young blond who was sitting in a chair, a white cloth draped over him. Rufus was patient up to a point, and then it was explosion. And then the best idea was to run like hell for your life. After telling the story, he had to get to the part. The bad part.

"We have to casualties, sir. Elena and Tseng."

Rufus tapped his finger on the arm of the chair. "Explain."

"We were under an ambush. I retrieved the box, but Elena and Tseng are… well..."

"Missing." It wasn't a question. It was a tone of finality.

"Yes, sir."

"Reno, this is appalling. Those two must be retrieved back at once." Rufus' voice was emotionless, and he winced. He really didn't feel like running around the world looking for the kiss-ass boss and a ditzy blonde. Besides, it was unlikely that he would be able to move his arm again for at least a few days.

Fuck.

But he could not say no to Rufus. Rufus Shinra did not take no's. No was not in his dictionary.

"Sir." Arien was standing behind Reno, and the redhead whirled. "May I borrow Reno for a second?"

"You may, if you explain the reason."

"Sergeant Miller has a wound to his side that he did not mention. I'd rather take care of it now than have a large infection later."

Suave. Arien had successfully defeated Reno's predicament and Rufus' anger in one move. He sometimes thanked for Arien's tactical manipulations. Like now, for instance.

"Wounds?"

"Yes, sir. A severe cut in a shoulder, and a large bruise and a medium cut to the side. They won't be a problem if it's taken care of."

Rufus waved his hand imperiously. "Reno, you're dismissed."


"You know you landed yourself in a big shit, right?" Reno asked as they walked down the corridor. It was lit with white hazy mist, the sun streaming through the window. Healin was a nice place, if not as extravagant as Shinra Mansion. It was more than big enough for Rufus and the Turks anyways.

"Yes, I know," she replied. "But Rude's tired, and you're out of question. Don't worry, I can handle myself."

"Yeah yeah. You're such a big girl, you can tie your shoes!" He mocked her. "Come on, Arie, you're an intelligence agent, not a fighter, yo."

"I can." She snorted. "Now I'm going to get that wound before I leave a feverish lunatic in Rude's hands. That'd be too much."

Whether because it was simply necessary or because Arien was a little annoyed, Reno never knew, but the treatment was more than painful. When she was done, he was wondering what on earth he had done to deserve such treatment.

"Now lay back and stay low for a while," she told him. "I'm going to find Elena and Tseng."


She could not leave right away, however. In a sudden bout of turbulence, people around the two were getting married. First it was Ivana and Zen. This time, it was Vera and Shiv, which surprised the two. Arien wanted to leave as soon as possible, but since she had absolutely no lead as to where the two were, she had to search for that first. Reno had simply reported "The Crater", but she doubted they were still in it. Nothing and no one – save Sephiroth and Jenova – lived in there since the Meteor Fall.

"I can't believe they're getting married," Arien said as she got dressed in their bedroom in the house in the Edge. This was her second time being a bridesmaid, and she was decidedly refusing any other offers from her friends. She was not exactly superstitious, but "thrice a bridesmaid, never a bride" was playing an influence on her. Reno personally thought it was just a bunch of crap. Who believed in those old wives' shcmuck these days? He constantly reminded her that they can just get married if need be, but she still adamantly refused.

"I didn't know Vera and Shiv were going out, yo," came the reply from the closet. "Goddamn it, I can't find my tie."

"You never had one," she replied automatically, then reminded herself that Reno had an outfit decked out for today. Reno happened to be one of Shiv's best friends, and so by some twist of fate, they were paired up as a bridesmaid and a groomsman. Personally, Arien thought that Reno in any kind of formalwear was strikingly hilarious. His red hair and his tattoos on his cheeks clashed terribly with whatever elegance the suit was going to have.

"Yes I do," came back the muffled reply. Arien adjusted the pale flowers in her hair, noticing – not for the first time – that next to curvaceous and attractive Vera who sported smoldering grey eyes and bright red lips and golden hair, she would look quite washed out. Her dress was a simple pink with a full-length cigarette skirt. It was a halter top with dark pink embroidery at the hem; her hands were bare, but a silver chain with a pink crystal dangling as a charm decorated her wrist. A matching necklace was around her throat. Her hair was up, with two locks, one on each side, curled around her face. A large rose quartz was sitting on her earlobes. She would have looked alright but a constant lack of sleep in addition to the bachelorette/bachelor party the night before had made her pale. It was a joint party with strippers and alcohol, and while the Turks didn't lose their control, Reno suddenly gained an avid interest in the female stripper, Rude went crazy over a game of pool, and Arien nearly passed out from laced punches. All in all, the party was rowdy.

She was sitting in front of a mirror applying make-up when Reno finally finished. Shiv, in his eternal wisdom, had decided that Rude and Reno in tuxedos were just going to be a comic relief. Instead, he opted for a regular suit, and Reno was in a black suit with a pale pink shirt and a black tie. She looked at Reno in the mirror reflection, and laughed.

"What?"

"Hello, Mr. Valentine," she snickered. "Red and black. What a bloody Valentine. Where's the chocolate for me?"

"Oh, shut the fuck up," he replied. And then, he observed her with an interest. "You look, er, nice."

"You can tell me I'm flat-chested, I'm sure you know," she replied. She stood up, dusted herself off, then kissed him on the mouth.

"What the fuck! Now I have pink mouth!"

"That was my general idea," came back the reply. "Shall we get going?"


The wedding was very traditional, with flowers and bells and everything. Reno made gagging sounds right next to her, and she had half the mind to step on his foot. In her heel. However, Reno foresaw exactly what was coming, and he hopped away. He nearly crashed into Shivvalan in the process.

"Jeez, Miller, watch out!" Shiv shouted cheerfully. "Or are you that wasted?"

"I'm always wasted," he retorted. "Where's the bride, yo?"

"There. Don't even go near her. I don't want her running off with anyone, especially you."

"You don't trust me?"

"Wipe that pout off your face, Reno. It's fucking sickening."

Reno laughed. "Ah, same old Shiv, yo," he noted. "I thought you decided to turn into a mush after deciding to get married."

"Not quite."

Arien was talking to Vera, who was still missing a glove. "Believing in superstitions?" she teased.

"Not really, but it won't hurt." The blonde smiled through the veil. Then she said, "I'm guessing that you came unarmed?"

"Of course. And I'm also a virgin." The two exploded in laughter, and the males looked at them.

"Seriously, Arien, why don't you get married? I was expecting you to wear the veil first."

"Ah, well." She shrugged. "What can I say?"

"Haven't you been living together for a while now?"

"Reno?" She waved at Reno, who was gesturing that they were going to go in. "Mm hmm."

"Well, you have to invite me to your wedding, dear. And to the christening of your first baby."

Arien laughed again. "If we ever get to that stage." She gestured to the church door. "Your hubby's waiting, Vera."


"I'm bored," Reno muttered. They were sitting in the seats beside the aisles, right up in front. Arien tried not to look worried. When Reno was bored, that meant one and only thing: trouble.

Reno being bored was like the word trouble flashing in red neon. It was just too awful to think. She nudged him and said, "Reno, try not to cause havoc, please."

He grinned slightly, slid his hand up her half-bare back, and winked.

Arien refocused on the bride and the groom. For once, Shiv did not look like a sleazebag pimp who was trying to sell crack cocaine in the streets. He looked… normal. Vera, who was famous in the former Shinra HQ for being voluptuous with rumors of her liberal relationships flying around, looked virginal. Shiv had just placed a ring on Vera's well-manicured finger, and was now kissing her liberally.

People were cheering, and Reno whistled. She heard one word amidst the burst of voices: "porn." Giggling, she stood up with her partner and congratulated the newlyweds, who were waving and smiling like there was no wrong in the world.

The cars left one by one, all heading to the banquet hall nearby. Reno drove through the streets expertly, dodging the passers-by and other cars with an excellent handling of the steering wheel. Arien was absently looking at him, and he finally looked at her. "What?"

"Nothing."

"Yeah, right. Don't play poker face with me, babe. I know you too well. Out with it."

"We're here," she said, trying to distract the persistent question.

The inside was just filling with people, and as soon as the main hall was half-filled with people voices calling for dance music darted around in a wild fury. Reno made a sick face.

"Reno, what's wrong?"

"I ain't waltzing."

Arien giggled again, imagining Reno waltzing… or perhaps even a slow minuet. "Aw, Reno."

"I ain't waltzing, yo," he said adamantly. She grinned knowingly and said, "Don't worry, I know you can't waltz."

"You bitch."

"I've been called worse."

Vera's veil was off now, and she was changed in a simpler, yet still white dress. The two were greeting everybody, but came over with Ivana and Zen when they spotted the Turks. Tseng was talking with some former Shinra official; Elena was talking with Rude. Rufus had given them all leave for today.

"Are you enjoying yourselves?" Vera asked. Arien laughed again, and Reno scowled.

"What's so funny?" Zen asked curiously.

"Apparently Reno can't… ulp." Reno's hand swiftly covered her mouth. She continued giggling. She stopped laughing suddenly, and said, "Happy marriage, you four."

It looked to Ivana as if Arien's eyes were teeming with dry tears. But the next moment, she was laughing at something one of the men had said, and she lost the sight of the glimpse of the sadness in those icy blue green. But she did remember the moment when there was a hopeless despair in those blue-green eyes, the bitter, fathomless despair.