"How's my little angel been?" Barret asked over the phone.
Tifa looked over to the girl who was making messy sandcastles out of sand in the backyard of the Blake and Cristal's estate. "She's loving it here. Already made some new friends and we've been checking out a new park almost every other day."
"Awww, my sweet girl. I miss her so much. When ya coming back, Teef? Wasn't your sister's hearing over a week ago?"
She feel silent. Falling into a bit of routine here, Tifa had been finding herself imagining more and more about staying permanently. Every day, she would get to wake up early to pull her sister begruding for a run, then lifting weights, and sparring. Before Blake left for work and Christal pulled Sophia to the library to complete her classwork while she worked, they would all eat breakfast together.
Tifa would still have plenty of time to quietly read, drink a coffee, and shower before waking up Marlene. After feeding Marlene her breakfast, they would normally go out to the backyard, down to the beach were the little girl would play until lunch. When Sophia was done in the early afternoon, they'd head to Jacob's gym for another workout session that was focused more self-defense training.
Afterwards, Sophia would take them to see a park, historical spot, a shopping district, or another point of interest until dinner. After putting Marlene to sleep, Tifa would play a bit on the grand piano in the parlor room, sketch, or watch one of Sophia's cringeworthy reality tv shows she was into.
It was all so...peaceful. There was no planning and preparing for a mission or some type of internal fight between Avalanche groups to worry about. Tifa bit her lips. "Yeah, it was...Being here has been so different, I lost track of time."
"Yeah, well that mission we've been telling you about is happening next week. Teef, we could really use your help. We're not gonna get as much support from the Avalanche as we thought. "
"I will help Barret, don't worry. Sophia seems like she's been doing better since I got here. So let me talk to her first. "
"Of course, Teef. Now can I talk to Marlene? I miss my baby girl so much."
"I'll put her on. Don't worry, I'll bring her back soon."
That night, everyone was in the family room save for Marlene who had fallen asleep. Blake and Sophia were intently watching a football game while Cristal was typing away on the computer.
"Hell yeah! This game is in the bag. I can't wait to rub in Stassi's face!" Sophia said as she gave a high five to Blake. "Hey, when can I get my phone back though? I gotta go to the academy soon. "
Blake was in a great mood with his team up by two touchdowns with less than two minutes to play. "Hmm what do you think, honey? Think it's ok to let her have the phone back?"
Looking up from screen, Cristal frowned. Just like Tifa, she saw through Sophia's mind games. But she always seemed to cave before it, unlike the iron will that made her the VP of a billion dollar conglomerate. "I suppose it's fine. Sophia you've been doing much better lately. Seems like having Tifa around has been the answer. "
"Well having you around has really made us all happy. And Marlene is cute as a button." Added Blake, as Cristal nodded, and Sophia rolled her eyes.
"Actually...," Tifa started to say. "I should really take Marlene back to her Dad. She loves it here, but she's really starting to miss him. And I don't think he thought I'd be here for as long as I have..."
"Sure thing, Tifa. We can take the copter and take her back on Thursday." - Blake
"Well, I was needing to go in two days actually. There's an Avalanche mission coming up and I need to help with preparations."
Everyone's attention immediately darted to Tifa. "So then, you're going back to Midgar?" Asked Sophia.
"Yes, for the mission. It sounds like it's going to be tough and they could use my help. And I should also go make preparations for the bar, if I'm planning on staying here."
"Then you're going to stay here in Seoul...like permanently?" - Cristal
"Well if that's ok." Tifa started to feel flustered. "I know we never really talked about the long-term situation. But...I feel like I want to give it a try."
"Of course that's ok. That's more than ok!" - Blake
"We were hoping you would, Tifa. But we didn't want to pressure you." - Cristal
A sense of relief went through Tifa. She felt guilty enough for wanting to stay. But to continue to live in the home of her god parents after she had been so adamant five years ago that she couldn't stay with them. The rejection had hurt the couple deeply, but Blake agreed to allowing her to stay in Midgar. Her father had made Blake promise to take care of his girls if anything happened to him. But he had also said that Tifa would decide how best to accomplish this.
"I'm not exactly a kid anymore so of course I'll contribute to staying here and everything…." Tifa's said as her shyness began to overwhelm her again.
"Nonsense Tifa. Your parents were much more than our best friends. And we're all family here. We'll help you make a start here" - Blake
"Can I come then? I've never seen your bar. And I might be able to help with your mission." - Sophia
"If Blake and Cristal are ok with you coming, then yes. I would like to introduce you to everyone. But helping on the mission is not going to be part of the deal."
Sophia looked over at Blake and Cristal. "Sophia can go. She's always finished with classes. And she doesn't start at the academy for another week."
"If this mission is going to be tough, it would actually not be a bad idea to have Sophia help." - Blake
"The school system here is not normal, Teef. They train you from kindergarten to fight. Granted, I haven't been here that long. But I'm always rank in the top 5 in sword fighting, shooting, and martial arts. Plus, I've gone on a few missions with the Seoul military over the summer. - Sophia added.
It was true that during their workouts and sparring sessions that Tifa had realized her sister was gifted. In fact, she was better fighter than most of the Avalanche members. But still, Tifa had vowed to always keep her sister out of harm's way. She had already failed that job once, losing her father to that same event.
Cristal seemed to have understood the hesitation from Tifa. "Sophia's a genius when it comes to computers and weapons modification. She should at least help you with that."
This kind of help was more in line with what Tifa was comfortable with. "Yes, that would great. We can definitely use that help."
"But, I -" Sophia
"Take three of our hoverboards. Two people can board them and go over 60 miles an hour. They also have guns and grenades for offensive measures. Sophia and her friends are really good at maneuvering them remotely." - Blake
"It will be short notice, but I can hire an extra sword. And you can take Kai with you. He gets a little depressed if Sophia's not around for a few days anyway. " - added Cristal.
Kai was one of the trio of hybrid wolfhounds that Blake and Sophia adopted as guard dogs. Kona, Kav, and Kai were over 400 pounds of pure muscle and sharp teeth. But they acted like loving lapdogs to the family. Marlene had grown especially attached to them, allowing the massive beasts to take turns giving her rides around the beach and mansion.
"That will be a big help. Thank you."
"Well, whatever I guess I should be glad you're letting me go then." Sophia admitted.
Tifa smiled. "You'll be helping a lot. We don't have a lot of people with your techie skillset. And I can't wait to show off my little sister to everyone!"
A small smile appeared on Sophia's face. "Looking forward to it."
Tifa sighed as she looked at Sophia's large suitcase. "You know, we'll only be there for a few days, did you have to pack a full wardrobe?"
"You're always saying I need to be more responsible. I packed with that in mind so I'm ready for everything!"
"What does everything mean exactly to you?"
"Well I got some boots since I'll be in the slums, running shoes so we can still workout, casuals that will go with anything, and I think you get the point."
Sighing, she agreed. "Wouldn't' expect any less from you."
"Packed my favorite gunsword, pair of pistols, and sai's too for any baddies that get in our way! Oh yeah, I never did show you main weapon. I always wear it." She pointed at her single rose gold bracelet.
Tifa gave a puzzled look. "Your jewelry?"
"Remember when I told you that I've been going to military academy for part of summer? Long story short, I met an alchemist who made me this after I beat his challenge. " She clenched her hand and transforming the bracelet into a shield. "Pretty cool huh? It's virtually indestructible and I can manipulate into a bunch of different forms. I can even store weapons or other things which also morph into the bracelet. "
"And he just gave it to you?" Tifa had never seen anything like that before. She had heard about alchemists from long ago, but had never came across any.
"Yeah, after I beat his challenge. Like I said long story". It was obvious that Sophia didn't want to talk about this "challenge" and Tifa was pretty sure she didn't even want to know.
"Have you learned how to use it for offense as well?"
"I don't get to use it much in real life, but I've got come up with some crazy moves with it. Seems to work pretty good! At least with monsters. I've only been monster hunting with it."
"Well, I'll be interested to see it in action. Maybe you could use it next time we spar. You might actually win a match." While Tifa was usually humble about her abilities, she couldn't pass up a chance to tease her little sister.
"Whatever. Give me a couple more years and I'll have you hanging on the ropes!"
"Until then I'll be waiting", she said with a giggle. "So we're getting a bodyguard for this road trip? Is it someone Cristal and Blake usually works with?"
"It's actually someone you know too. Conner is tagging along."
This came as a shock to Tifa considering Blakes reaction to him during Sophia's hearing. "Really? But isn't he just a student?"
"Geez Tifa, I thought you'd get it by now especially after seeing all the people at Jacob's gym. Everyone in Seoul learns how to fight as a kid. There is the glitz and the glam of the city but at the core, being citizens who can take up arms at a moment's notice is why Shinra can't touch this place. Anyways there's tons of fighting tournaments they hold every year and Conner's one of the top guys in his age bracket. He's really pretty amazing."
"I see. Still I suppose I thought Blake didn't like you spending time with him."
No he doesn't. But there isn't a rational reason behind it. Cristal absolutely adores him and was the one who arranged it." Tifa was curious to get to know him more on this trip.
Marlene was overjoyed to have Conner coming too. She dropped her little suitcase and ran right into his arms when she spotted him in the home's foyer. "I'm so happy you're coming!", the little girl exclaimed.
"Dang Marlene, you really seem to like the older ones. Your dad's going to need to put you on a short leash."- Sophia
"One that's shorter than yours it seems." Remarked Blake who was clearly irritated that he was joining them. Cristal hit his back gently. "Be nice! What is with you?" He grumbled as a response.
" Don't worry sir, I'll keep them safe. And Tifa and Sophia will be back without a scratch." Conner said diplomatically.
"I'll hold you to that. Otherwise you'll find out why I was considered one of the best marksmen in Seoul Air Force" - Blake
"Goodness, I'm so sorry Conner. My husband is unnecessarily rude but what he means to say is that we trust they'll be in good hands."
"Pretty sure we'd be fine on our own. Tifa and I aren't exactly damsels in distress."
"Then why are you dressed like one?" Asked Cristal. Sophia had on a gorgeous red and black dress with matching heels. Her hair had been styled the day before to give it a frayed look with brown highlights. She looked ready to go out to a black tie affair rather than a two hour road trip to the slums.
"Dressed like what? I look nice." Cristal just sighed. "Never mind, just don't ruin it too bad if you run into monsters." Sophia threw up the peace sign. "No problem! I'll probably just shoot them so they don't get close enough to mess up my hair."
After saying their goodbyes , Sophia tried to crawl into the passenger side, Kai jumped in and sat down on the seat. He looked at Sophia as if to say this is his seat.
"Kai, what are you doing! He looked at Tifa who was behind the steering wheel and smiled nervously. "I swear Tifa, everyone that you've met here ends up liking you more than me. It's so unfair." She rolled her eyes at Kai and shut the door.
Instead she got in the back seat next to Marlene who was hugging at Conner. "Yup, this car ride sucks already." She put in her headphones and turned on her music.
This only made Tifa laugh. Despite all her little sister's best attempts at showing how grown up she was, there was no way of hiding her teenage angst.
Marlene feel asleep shortly after they got on the road, curling up Sophia's lap. After a while, it was Sophia who was falling asleep. Adjusting Marlene, against her body she leaned half her upper body on Conner. His eyes widened at the physical touch, but he adjusted accordingly, wrapping an arm and bringing her into him. The other arm went the opposite direction to grasp her wrist.
Watching this from the rear view mirror, Tifa must have stared too long and intently at them. Conner locked eyes with her and turned red immediately. "I'm sorry. She laid on me and I just wanted her to be more comfortable." She smiled back at him warmly as a response.
For as physically imitating he looked, Conner had a gentle and caring nature. He dressed very plain compared to Sophia's extravagant outfits. Today he donned a pair of dark jeans, running shoes, and a red flannel. Tifa noted that he seemed to be a good balance to Sophia's high maintenance qualities. As much as she liked him, it was a good thing that Blake and Cristal wouldn't allow Sophia to date. The girl wasn't mature enough to handle a relationship anytime soon.
About 45 minutes from reaching Midgar, Tifa spotted four monsters up ahead. Stopping the car a safe distance away, she put on her gloves. Conner had pulled his gun sword out from the back and was shifting Sophia off him. "Stay here. She hasn't slept this soundly in weeks."
"But you shouldn't -"
"You'll see, I'll be fine. And Kai here is plenty backup." With that he stopped his protest but made sure he had a clear view as Tifa walked up to the beasts. One of them lunged forward which met a roundhouse kick to its face immediately.
Closing the distance, Tifa dodged the attack of the next one then retaliated with a jab to uppercut. One tried to sneak an attack in from behind, but Tifa had read its movements, moving aside before delivering a deadly punch combo that sent the monster flying. Kai had plummeted the remaining monster, ending the fight almost as quickly as it started.
Walking back to the car, she opened the driver's side, letting Kai hop in before taking a seat. "That was amazing, Tifa!" She smiled as a response. Reaching Midgar, they left Sophia's Jeep on the upper plate of Sector 7 in the parking lot of the condo the Underwoods owned.
Taking a train to the slums, Sophia looked out the window. "Do you even get to see the sun or stars where you live?" She stared questioningly at Tifa.
"You can see it in certain places like the spaces between the pillars…."
"Screw Shinra. I hate them."
"Keep you voice down, Sophia. There are a lot of Shinra employees who live in the slums."
"Then they're the real idiots." Tifa gave Sophia a stern look. "Alright, alright I'll keep my mouth shut."
As they made their way out of the train, Tifa should see Barret and Wedge waiting. Marlene who was being carried in Conner's arms became ecstatic once she spotted them. "Daddy! Daddy! I missed you!" He let her down once they were a few feet away.
"How's my darling little girl been? Daddy has been missing you like crazy little bug!" He scooped her up with his arm.
"Daddy! It was so much fun! I made a ton of new friends! And I got to play everyday in these playgrounds and even went to an amusement park!"
Wedge walked up to Tifa. "Hiya Tifa. We all missed you a bunch. Don't think I've eaten all that great since you left." He pointed as his belly.
"Well, I'll be sure to make you something good!" She introduced everyone and they started to walk over to 7th Heaven.
"Those are some fancy looking heels there. Might hurt ya feet getting over to the bar." Remarked Barret at Sophia.
"I could run a marathon in these and they'd hold up as well as a pair of running shoes. These are specially made Louboutins."
"Lewy what now? Must be something fancy and overpriced."
On the way here, Tifa wondered how long it would take for Barret and Sophia to butt heads. Turns out it was going to happen sooner than she thought.
"You're a dude who totes a gun arm as his fashion statement. Of course you don't appreciate a good pair of fancy, overpriced heels."
"My fashion statement is pretty useful for handling Shinra. Pretty good at handling brats too."
"Ha, oh yeah? Maybe we'll get to see later how you handle a brat from Seoul."
Tifa grabbed her sister's arm and looked at her sternly. "No misbehaving here. Remember, that's why I didn't want to bring you along."
"Ugh. But he's egging me - "
"It doesn't matter, Sophia. I want to see you show some restraint."
Grumbling, she stayed silent the rest of the walk to the bar. Once they reached there, Jessie, Biggs, and other Avalanche members were inside waiting.
"Marlene! Tifa! So happy to see you two!" - Jessie
"Jessie! It's so good to see you. I've missed everyone."
After another round of introductions, Tifa pulled Biggs aside to get the full debrief of the mission. Their division of Avalanche uncovered a huge Shinra operation of mechs in Sector 4. It was still unclear what they were going to be used for but it didn't matter - They had to be destroyed.
The Shinra base was heavily guarded and even the main branch of Avalanche was getting involved. "We are gonna need all the help we can get on this, Tifa. So glad that you'll be here for this. "
"That Connor guy is a good fighter then too? So we can count on his help? What about your sister?" Asked Biggs.
"Sophia's a computer and weapons specialist. I'm sure you can find things that she can do to make herself useful. She'll help navigate one of the hoverboards too."
"Yup, we have weapons that could use some upgrading. And she can help Al with hacking into their security system. Having the full schematics and some eyes on the place will be a huge help."- Biggs.
They went back up to the bar where the others were playing a game of darts. Tifa had told Conner and Sophia to keep quiet for now about her plans to stay in Seoul. She had told Barret the day before that she was coming to help on the mission and bring back Marlene.
But she wanted to tell him, Biggs, Jessie, and Wedge altogether. Tifa was losing her nerve to do that today, though. Coming back so effortlessly after being away for weeks, she couldn't find the words. It was never her strong suit. "We have a few hours before the bar opens, why don't I show you guys around the Sector 7 slums. Jessie, Wedge want to tag along?"
They smiled. "Of course, Teef! I wanna know about this mysterious little sister you've been hiding. And find out more about the men in Seoul!" - Jessie
"Oh, Jessie you have a one track mind. I heard Seoul has some of the best chefs in Gaia. Have you ever eaten at Chef Holladay's fusion restaurant? Their menu looks amazing on the internet!" - Wedge
Tifa laughed. She had missed her friends. Hard conversations can wait another until tomorrow. Today, she vowed to savor these moments so she had them for the rest of her lifetime.
