Tifa got up extra early the next day. This was partly to prepare the bar for the evening, but mostly because she was always nervous the days leading up to a mission.
As she prepared a big mix of Seventh Heaven, she was surprised to find Conner at the door.
"Good Morning. You're up pretty early."
" Morning, Tifa. Sophia is meeting up with a friend at 10 in Sector 5 so I thought I'd get a morning workout in before taking her. Saw the light was on here and I thought someone must be up."
"Just me. Sophia is still sound asleep. Did you sleep ok?"
"Great. I was expecting to be crashing on a couch, but Marle made a bed for me. Are you getting the bar prepped?"
Nodding her head, "Yes, the new bar manager will be coming this morning and then I need help Jessie out with a few things. Did you want some breakfast? I can make some eggs and pancakes?"
"I'll make us breakfast. You've already got plenty to do. Just tell me where everything is." He came around to the back of the bar and grabbed the apron that was hanging by the door.
Conner got to work making a huge plate of fluffy scrambled eggs and lemon riccota pancakes. There was enough for Barrett, Marlene, and Sophia to eat later too.
Taking a bite of the pancake, Tifa said "Where did you learn to cook? This is really good!"
" I cook a few times a week for everyone." He smiled warmly. The more Tifa learned about Conner, the more she liked him for Sophia. He was everything Sophia was not – responsible, level-headed, and thoughtful.
"Thanks for making breakfast for everyone. Now that's off my list. I'll go wake Sophia up. If you guys are going to make it to Sector 5 by 10, she needs to get her beauty routine started soon." – Tifa laughed.
"Sounds good. I told Marle I would fix her kitchen sink and I still have to shower. Can you tell Sophia I'll be back here at 9?
She nodded, making a mental note to have a talk with Sophia about making a nice gesture for Conner before leaving for the military camp.
Sophia got ready in record time, outfitted in black leggings, brown ankle boots, and a navy blue three quarter shirt. It was a causal look as opposed the usual over the top outfits that garnered as much attention as her appearance. "Lemon riccato pancakes? My favorite! Thanks, Tifa!"
"Actually Connor made breakfast. Now it all makes sense." She smiled. "You definitely need to do something nice for that boy. He does so much for you."
"That's cause he likes to do it. I'm not going to turn down lemon riccatto pancakes!"
Tifa rolled her eyes. "Sometimes I wonder how we are sisters."
"You must have got all the good, boring traits. That's why I'm the fun one." She smirked as Tifa did another eye roll. "Speaking of fun, think I could take Marlene out with us to Sector 5 today?
"After last night, I don't think Barret will be ok with that. I hear you're meeting a friend?"
"Really? That guy totally deserved it. And Barret has a gun for an arm and acts like he's short a few screws. Anyways, yeah its my friend Stassi who you met a few weeks ago? Her mom is here on business to expand one of their clothing lines to a big retailer in Midgar. She's tagging along so we're going to get acrylics at this shop there."
"What time do you think you'll be back?"
"I dunno. It's not like I have to do much prepping for this mission you won't let me on."
Shaking her head. "By four it is. And you're not going on the mission, Sophia."
"I can more than keep up with your Avalanche buddies, Tifa. You know you could use the backup."
Another head shake. "This isn't up for discussion. You've been here for less than 24 hours and managed to get a fight."
Conner walked in before Sophia could rebut. "Sophia, we got to get going if you don't want to be late." He walked in wearing a pair of jeans and a rolled up long sleeve shirt that showed off his muscled arms. His gunblade was strapped to his back that was certain to intimidate a group of Shinra soliders if his size didn't do the trick.
Looking down at her rose gold smartwatch she exclaimed "Yeah, you're right. Sorry, let's get going. KAIIII!" She exclaimed as the huge wolf hound emerged from behind the bar where he had been napping.
Tifa gave her a hug and a kiss on the cheek. "Remember, be back by four." Turning to look at Conner she said "Take care of my sister." He nodded in response.
Conner was glad he brought a book to read while the girls spent the hour getting their nails done. He never understood how girls at his high school could waste so much of their time with frivolous things like this. Kai whimpered at his feet. "Don't worry, boy they should be about done."
The girls walked out of the salon about ten minutes later. "I'm sorry That took a little longer than I thought."
He smiled warmly. "That's alright. I made sure to come prepared." He pointed at the book.
"Here let me put that in my bag. Stassi, want to grab some coffee with us before you head back?"
She looked down at her phone. "Yeah, I can swing that. Don't need to meet up with my mom and my sister for another hour."
They made their way to a coffee shop that was a few blocks away. There was a line so Conner offered to grab their drinks while the girls sat in one of the outdoor seating tables. "This mission is gonna be so much fun! I haven't ever controlled a hoverboard before! Might not be as thrilling as riding one but definitely less to worry about."
"The security looks pretty ridiculous. I think we're going to have to take it pretty seriously. It's not like the monster hunts or practice drills we run in military camp.
"Oh totally! It sounds like a real challenge! Plus we're citizens of Seoul. We all have an obligation to fight Shinra." Sophia really lucked out with the timing of coming to Midgar at the same time as Stassi. As much as her friend loved to dress up and get pampered, but had equal love for sports, racing, and all things danger.
Sophia nodded. "That is so true. Tifa's not the only one who gets to make Shinra pay for everything they've done." As the girls started to talk about the latest gossip, Kai suddenly jumped up and started running toward a nearby alley. Sophia jumped up and ran after him, leaving Stassi to save their seat.
"Kai! What the heck! You know better than to run off like –" As she caught up to him, she realized why her pet had reacted the way he did. A girl dressed in a pink dress with brown hair was cornered by a tall dirty blonde haired SOLIDER holding a sword.
"Get the hell outta here!" He yelled.
"Only after you, asshole!" She yelled back as she stepped forward, closing the distance to a few feet.
"Hey, girl. It's ok, you don't need to put yourself in trouble on my account. Please just go!" The girl said, looking at Sophia directly. This only had the opposite effect on Sophia who lunged forward, baiting him into throwing a punch. Dodging the attack easily, she sweeped his feet, knocking him down.
Jumping back up, he sprung forward but was met with Kai's sharp teeth digging into his side. Using the distraction, Sophia punched him in the face. "You got some moves little girl. But playtime's over." He came at her with his sword, forcing Sophia on the defensive.
She flicked her bracelet to activate her shield. As they traded blows, Sophia realized that she had to figure out how to end this fast. The stories she heard about SOLIDER were apparently not overstated.
Just then, two twin blades blocked the SOLIDER's attack, allowing Sophia to land a powerful shield blow that knocked him to the wall. "Should have known you found something fun to do!" - Stassi.
Smirking, Sophia was glad to have her friend's help. She was slightly faster than this guy but needed the offensive game that Stassi could bring to land the right moves to take him out. "Let's end this!" The two quickly exploited the two to one advantage but the SOLIDER's superhuman strength kept him from falling so quickly.
Just as Sophia formulated a different strategy, the SOLIDER lunged for a piercing blow which left her with no choice but to defend. Not feeling the blow of the sword against her shield, she looked to the side to see Conner's back.
He had broken the SOLDIER's sword at its hilt and was landing blow after blow to his face. As the SOLDER tried to retaliate, Kai grabbed hold of his arm, allowing Conner to land a flurry of body blows that finally knocked him out.
Looking back at Sophia, he gave her a worried look. "Are you ok?" She shook her head. "Yeah, just hurt my pride a little not beating him."
Stassi walked up and put a hand on her shoulder. "Those SOLIDERs are no joke. We got to train harder to beat those guys!"
"How did you guys get into a fight with one anyway?" Asked Conner. Sophia looked at the end of the alley at the girl in the pink dress. "He was threatening her." They walked up to the woman who had been watching in surprise.
"You guys are pretty tough! I think that guy would have eventually lost if the fight kept going. Or you might have had a few holes in that nice outfit."
"What the heck just happened? What did he want from you?" asked Stassi.
"He was trying to take me back to the Shrina 's research facility. You all saved me. Thank you so much."
Just then three black suited figures appeared. "Get away from the Ancient." Said the one with the long black hair.
"SOLIDER now Turks. This is turning out to be a good day." Sophia clenched her fists.
"Tseng! It's ok, they're my friends. If it wasn't for them that SOLIDER guy would have hurt me." She exclaimed.
Turning out with surprise, Sophia exclaimed "You know them? They're nothing more than Shinra's bitch!"
The woman took both of Sophia's hands into hers. "It's ok, trust me. They really aren't all that bad." For some reason, this made her calm down.
"Shinra's bitch huh? I'll show you who's the bitch." The red headed Turk said. The long black haired Turk put a hand on his shoulder. "Looks like that won't be necessary. Do you need us to walk you back to your home?"
She shook her head. "No, I'll be ok now. But you probably want to do something about this SOLIDER guy. The black haired Turk nodded at the bald one who had not spoken at all. He went to pick up the unconscious SOLIDER.
"Alright, buddy I'll help too." The red haired Turk grabbed the other side of the guy. "Let's get going then, I'm starving." They walked off as the black haired Turk gave one final look at the bunch before following behind.
Stasis looked at the brown haired woman. "So the SOLIDER goon was trying to take you back to Shinra?"
"Sounded like he wanted to get promoted to first class. Thought if he took me back that would land him some brownie points."
"That Turk called you an Ancient? I thought they were all gone." Sophia remarked.
The women put her hand in front of Sophia. "My name is Aerith. Thank you guys for coming to my rescue!."
Shaking her hand, "I'm Sophia. These are my friends Stassi and Conner. And this big beast dog is Kai."
"Nice to meet you all."
"Ah crud. Well the party's over for me. I'm gonna be late meeting my mom and sister for lunch!" She gave Sophia a quick hug. "Call me later ok? Nice to meet you Aerith." She waved goodbye to Aerith and nodded at Conner. "Make sure our girl stays outta trouble!"
He just shook his head a bit relieved. Sophia might be a troublemaker but Stassi does nothing but egg her on. At least I have less to worry about now.
"Oh bummer. That guy broke one of the wheels on my wagon." Aerith was inspecting a small wagon that was full of flowers.
"No problem! Conner can fix that for you."
"Huh? Sophia?" The original plan had been to grab some lunch and check out the shops topside. But then again, no use arguing. "Yeah, I can fix it for you." His stomach growled. It was definitely lunch time.
"Awww thanks! That would be great!" Aerith put a hand on Sophia's shoulder. "But why don't you come over to my house. My mom can make lunch for us all. It's the least I can do for you."
Sophia smiled. "Sure that would be great! We don't have anything else going on today anyway." Conner shook his head again. In the last 24 hours they've encountered Shrina troops, a SOLIDER, and Turks. I'm gonna need a bodyguard at the rate we're going.
They headed to the Sector 5 slums, with Conner pulling the broken wagon all the way there. Aerith had called her mom ahead to tell her to make a plate for their guests. After eating, Conner began to fix the wagon. Aerith and Sophia walked around the flower garden to kill the time.
"This is so beautiful Aerith. Have you and your mom lived here all your life?"
"I have two moms. My real mom died when I was young. After that I've lived here with my mom that you met." She looked a bit sad with the mention of her first mom.
"Then we have something in common. My mom died when I was four. After my dad was killed five years ago I've been living with my godparents. They officially adopted me last year."
"Your sister too?"
Shaking her head. "No, though I'm sure they'd love to. She's 20 now so a little too old for that. Back then, Blake and Cristal wanted to take us both in. But my sister decided to stay in Midgar and wanted them to take me with them."
"It sounds complicated."
"Yeah, it's a weird dynamic. Now after all these years, she's coming to live with us. Partly cus I was causing trouble and I think she's been having a hard time with some of the choices she made."
"You should talk to her about it and clear the air. You're sisters afterall."
"We will eventually. There's just a lot of ….complicated things we have to work out."
"So Blake and Cristal are your parents?"
"Oh yeah! They are. It's just strange for me to call them that. Somehow it feels like I'd be hurting my real parents if I did, even though they were all best friends."
"I'm sure they understand. And maybe one day, you will feel like calling them that. "
"Well enough of about me and my mess of a life! Are you really an Ancient, Aerith?"
Aerith looked down at the blue lilies at Sophia's question. "The last one apparently."
"You should come back with us to Seoul. We would protect you from Shinra. Everyone hates them there. And Shinra doesn't have any hold there."
She shook her head. "This is my home. It's ok, they won't take me unwillingly."
There was a wave of sadness that hit Sophia. It must be so lonely to be in your shoes. "Well let's definitely stay in touch then. I don't know how much I'll be coming to visit Midgar now that my sister is coming to live in Seoul. But I'll definitely come visit next time!"
Aerith smiled back. "I'd really like that. Maybe I can meet your sister too."
Sophia nodded as they headed back to the Aerith's house. "Hey Sophia, do you guys ever encounter any SOLIDERs around Seoul?"
Shaking her head. "I've heard of a few, but it's usually outside of the city. They aren't exactly welcome there. Why do you ask?"
"Well the other reason I'm tied to Midgar is I'm waiting for my boyfriend to come back. He's part of SOLIDER."
"You're dating one of those assholes?"
Aerith laughed. "They're not all bad people. And he's actually a really great guy. Kinda like Conner here." She winked which caused both Sophia to turn red in embarrassment.
"Errrr well umm, I'll keep an eye out for him. What's his name and what does he look like?"
Aerith sent a message over to Sophia's phone with a picture of the couple in what appeared to be a church. The name typed in after the picture was "Zack Fair".
"Zach Fair huh? Interesting his hair reminds me of a neighborhood kid back in my village. That guy said he was going to join SOLIDER too. But I guess all the boys back then wanted to. "
They talked for a while longer. Once Conner had finished fixing the wagon, Aerith showed them around the Sector 5 slums. It was getting late in the afternoon when Conner said they should get going.
Aerith gave them both a big hug. "Thanks again for saving me today. I'm so glad I got to meet you both."
They walked to the station just as the train was pulling up. Sophia felt a pang of sadness to leave Aerith. There was a feeling of sadness that enveloped Aerith, even with her cheery disposition. It was similar to her own and even Tifa's though each of them dealt with it differently.
"Where have you guys been all day?"- Tifa
"Just checking out Sector 5…guess we lost track of time." Sophia exchanged a glance with Conner. He knew to keep quiet and play along.
"Stayed out of trouble then?" She looked suspiciously at her sister. Something definitely happened.
"Come on, sis. Does it look like we got into trouble?"
Tifa looked at Conner who smiled. "No trouble. Just when Sophia gets around her friends, she gets a little carried away."
Although she still didn't buy it, Tifa decided to let it go. She was trying to treat Sophia more like teenager than the little girl she left behind. "I was hoping to show you the dojo I go to here, but I've got to get dinner ready and work the bar."
"Let's go tomorrow morning then! I haven't worked out in a few days."
Tifa nodded. There were no Shinra troops, broken furniture, or punches thrown, or any other trouble the rest of the evening. Looking at Sophia laughing with Barret and everyone else made Tifa smile. It was nice to have some calm before the storm of the upcoming mission.
