"Unfortunately, there are no records of this Promised Land in any modern or ancient study that's available," Liv began. "So, there's no good starting point,"

"I see, even with Professor Gast's study or what was left of it we're still lost," Tseng replied.

"Unfortunately," Liv sighed.

Liv and Tseng were holed up in the TURKS office in a planning session for their current mission. The TURKS were given the responsibility of locating Aerith and the fabled Promised Land. They had already gathered that Avalanche and Aerith would be heading towards the small east of Midgar and eventually continue to the North East. Tseng had already sent Elena, Reno, and Rude to investigate the Mythril Mines as a starting point.

Liv had informed Tseng that there were several openings of the lifestream in the cavern and perhaps it would give them a clue to their search. Because of that information, Tseng tapped into her strengths of being a Planetologist and Historian and without the prying eyes of Reno.

"I'm sure Professor Hojo may have some insight on Professor Gasts' studies," Tseng pondered. Liv tapped her nails on the table in thought, she knew that Professor Hojo and Professor Gast were colleagues' years prior but with the death of the Professor half of the information was lost.

"I would like to use him as a last resort…and not because of personal reasons," Liv began.

"I will inquire about it, don't worry," Tseng replied, "But what are your theories on the Promised Land?"

"It is assumed…from Shinra's belief that it is a place rich in Mako or Lifestream but the Cetra believed the Lifestream was all around us, in the air, land, our being," Liv began. "I don't know if the place exists because of the Cetra's beliefs," Liv replied.

"I see. So you believe it may be a figment of our imagination," Tseng stated.

"Possibly. But it is also my responsibility to find out if indeed it does exist," Liv replied as she studied the incomplete works of the late Professor Gast.

Tseng silently nodded as he studied Liv seated across from him, this was her field of expertise, this is where she thrived the most and yet she remained in the TURKS. He was grateful for the woman and her loyalty to the company despite the company being against what she stood for.

"I'll continue to research this, I may have a few other resources up my sleeve,"Liv replied as she placed the documents down and turned to the man.

"That would be outside the bounds of your position Liv," Tseng replied, the edges of his lips curling into a slight smirk.

"You're correct but it does benefit President Rufus and his ambitions," Liv countered.

Tseng expected nothing less from the woman.

"You're correct in that matter but I am sure the President has more tasks for you," Tseng replied. Instantly her demeanor changed as the words fell from his lips.

"I'm sure…" Liv trailed off.

"I…would like to speak to you about that specific task regarding…the President," Tseng began slowly, he could feel the woman's weariness of the upcoming conversation but it was necessary.

"The President would like for you to remain with him while myself and the others search for Aerith and the Promised Land—"

"So you do know…" Liv stared at the man, her sharp seafoam green eyes focused on him.

"Yes," Tseng replied.

"So then…" Liv sighed and ran a hand through her ebony knew she was silly in thinking the man had no clue as to what was going on, of course, he did he was the President's right-hand man there was no way that the man didn't know.

"This change in your position comes directly from the President and has two significant meanings," Tseng replied. "Personal and logistical purposes,"

"I…see," Liv replied.

An awkward pause fell between the two TURKS as they sat across from one another. Tseng had been aware of the situation since the night the Shinra heir was expected to arrive. Within the chaos, he was happy that the man was able to find a stable relationship but he was completely taken aback when the man informed him of who he was to be engaged to.

Liv Sumire Donovan.

"As it stands currently nothing has changed with your position, however, I do expect things to change in the future," Tseng reassured her of her position, they both knew the change would come at some point but when was at the President's discretion.

"The spotlight will be on you but I am sure that's something you can handle with ease," Tseng nodded. "I've said this before, but even with your status that changes nothing between us,"

"Thank you," Liv gave a small smile. At that moment, her cell phone vibrated, she quickly took out her phone from her breast pocket and looked at the message.

Pres. R

Wear white.

Liv

Thank you for the reminder.

"Shall we continue?" Tseng questioned

"Yes," Liv replied as she slipped her phone back into her breast pocket.

"Since your relationship with the President has escalated you'll be moved to a temporary undercover mission," Tseng continued. "I am aware that the two of you will be attending dinner tonight, I will be on the premises but since it is an intimate event I am counting on you,"

"Of course," Liv's cheeks were still stained a dusty pink as the man spoke.

"I am sure there will be other events where myself or the others will not be present so I must rely on you for his safety," Tseng bowed his head slightly.

"I understand," Liv nodded.

"That being said your mission starts at 7 PM tonight,"

Liv nodded, she knew that she was now walking a fine tightrope of work and personal relationship with a man she barely knew.

"Since you'll be with the President, you'll take orders directly from him and occasionally from me," Tseng began.

"Understood,"

Tseng took a moment to glance at his wristwatch and took out his cell phone

"I have to check in with Reno and the others, they should be at the Mythril mines, please excuse me," Tseng said and excused himself.

Liv nodded as her phone vibrated, alerting her to a new message

R. Tuesti

Coffee Break?

Normally when she received a message from the man, she would jump at the chance to see him but now there was hesitation in meeting the man.

Liv

Sure!

Liv also excused herself and made her way down to the sixty-third floor where she found the man waiting with a cup of coffee and an extra one for her, she smiled. As she slowly approached she saw the man wearing a pensive look as he looked down at this phone.

"Hey," Liv said as she pulled out the chair across from him.

"Hey," Reeve smiled, the pensive look melting away. "Long time no see huh," Reeve smiled.

"Yeah. Things have been hectic and borderline complicated," Liv replied as she took a quick whiff of the coffee in front of her, she smiled again. "Either you've read my mind or we've been having a lot of coffee together,"

Reeve chuckled and flashed a charming smile, a smile that normally had butterflies in the stomach but now things were different.

"I think you know the answer to that question," Reeves replied.

"Perhaps, I do," Liv giggled. "How is that project going?"

"Ah…about that, do you know about that?" Reeve questioned.

"Personally no, but I'm sure that Tseng is aware of it," Liv replied and sipped her coffee.

"I see…" Reeve trailed off as he looked down at his styrofoam cup. "It's a bit more intense and honestly caught me off guard,"

"It's not affecting your normal duties is it?" Liv asked, concerned about the man's wellbeing.

"Not any more than usual. Still, late nights so nothing new," Reeve chuckled.

"You always say that, "Liv sighed. "You need to take care of yourself,"

"I know, I know," Reeve chuckled. "But you've been busy with your new assignments?"

"Yeah. It's all so sudden but I understand," Liv began.

"You're all working closely with the President, so I've heard? How is Heidegger taking it?" Reeve asked as he leaned back in his seat relaxed unlike just moments ago. Liv knew there was something bothering the man but decided not to press it.

"Well… If he had said anything Tseng hasn't relayed any of that information to anyone. Besides we're too busy with our assignments," Liv replied and sipped her coffee.

"Will you be leaving out?" Reeve asked cautiously.

Liv hesitated for a moment as she studied Reeve across from her, though it was a simple question she knew that there was more behind it. She could see it in his mocha-colored eyes

"No actually, I will be taking Tseng's role but a bit more unorthodox," Liv replied carefully.

"That's good to hear…wait what do you mean by that?" Reeve asked, confused by her statement.

It was a slight movement as Liv gripped her Styrofoam cup and tilted her head slightly. Divulging classified information about her mission, about her going undercover as the President's fiancé even though she is indeed the President's fiancé.

She also knew that she was not obligated to tell the man anything, what they had was just a fling.

"It's classified, at least for now," Liv replied with a smirk.

Reeve stared at the woman for a moment before another one of his charming smiles spread across his lips.

"Spoken like a true Turk,"

"I am what I am," Liv replied, "Well as long as I am in uniform,"

"That…can be arranged," Reeve sipped his coffee as he casually looked off to the side.

"Director Tuesti…" Liv smirked at the man's bravado.

"Hm?" Reeve glanced at her innocently.

"I have to head back upstairs, I was in a meeting with Tseng," Liv began as she looked at her wristwatch.

"Oh? If you were in a meeting why didn't you let me know?" Reeve said and immediately gave the woman an apologetic look.

"It's alright. I needed a break and talking to you was just what I needed," Liv smiled.

"That's good to hear…at least," Reeve nodded.

"Thank you for the coffee…Reeve," Liv said as she stood.

"You're welcome, Liv,"

Reeve silently watched the woman walk away towards the elevators before he leaned back in his seat again and sighed heavily. The past two days were a whirlwind and had recently found himself slipping but selfishly he used Liv to ground himself even without her knowing.

The project that President Rufus had given him instilled a pressure he hadn't felt since first joining Shinra, he was usually dismissed by the late President Shinra but now President Rufus seemed to focus on him.

"With a heavy heart…I must make an announcement of the sudden death of President Shinra of the Shinra Electric Company," The news reporter paused visibly upset by the late President Shinra's passing.

"His remaining family, his son and successor Rufus Shinra has already arranged for the late President to be buried next to the late Mrs. Shinra…"

Reeve turned his attention to the large television screen in the lounge as the reporter announced the death of President Shinra. Reeve and the other Directors were called to the President's office the day of the man's death. He wasn't surprised at the delayed announcement of the man's death, when the young Shinra heir arrived, despite the chaos that had taken over the building the man seemed to jump right into business.

Reeve sipped his coffee as he continued to watch the broadcast

The Mythril Mines was not an easy task to navigate, the terrain was damp, slick, and deadly. The creatures that thrived and resided in the darkness were not average creatures that you would find in Midgar some were visibly exposed to the Mako were mutated and had developed immunities to conventional weapons.

Surprisingly enough the three TURKS were able to traverse and handle the creatures that thought the three were new prey.

"You're kidding…you can't be serious…" Rude trailed off.

"They totally are. I didn't think that Maxi boy had game like that," Reno commented.

"I don't believe you," Rude scoffed. "He's like six years older than her…"

"Six? He's at least six and that's being generous," Reno shrugged.

"I…I didn't know Victoria was into older men…" Rude said as he adjusted his glasses.

"To each their own I guess?" Reno crossed his arms.

"Wait…do you have proof that they're sleeping with each other?" Rude asked.

"Look…I can sense these things," Reno huffed.

"Reno..." Rude sighed.

"Have I ever lied to you about things like this?" Reno clicked his tongue.

"There was that one time with Liv," Rude began.

"Listen, I did that to get a reaction out her-"

"Help! I'm stuck!"

Reno and Rude immediately turned their attention to the voice, it was from the petite recruit. She had slipped through a large fracture in the mines to reach a lifestream vein. The mines held secrets within it that had been untapped since the creation of Mako despite not being utilized for years there were still veins of the lifestream flowing through the mines and had become the starting location for their search of the Promised Land.

"Where are you?" Reno called out, Rude went over to the last place he had seen the woman and reached his hand into the large fracture and seemingly fished around for the woman. Moments later a smaller hand grasped his.

"Found her," Rude said as he gripped onto the woman's hand and pulled her carefully from the fracture.

"Thank you," Elena sighed heavily and began to dust herself off.

"You ok?" Reno asked as he quickly gave her a once over.

"I'm better. I got stuck on a rock and the stench of the lifestream was becoming too much," Elena sighed.

"Did you find anything?" Reno asked.

"The sample I took gave me the same reading as the Mako in Midgar," Elena began.

"And the direction?"

"North," Elena replied. "Or at least that's the direction it seems to be going,"

"So that's two veins, we can't test them to see if they're connected at all so we just—" Reno began when Rude turned his attention elsewhere and nudged Reno in the back.

"Reno we've got company," Rude began.

"Hm? Oh? Well look what we have here," Reno began as the Avalanche group approached the TURKS. Immediately Reno and Rude recognized the blonde-haired man and the others of the group.

"It's the TURKS!"

"You're not here to kidnap me again are you?" Aerith questioned.

"I dunno…I mean we could…" Reno trailed off teasingly.

"What's Shinra doin' here anyway? Y'all after Aerith us or are y'all following us?" the gun-wielding man started as he held up his gun arm to the Turks.

"Ah, the loudmouth one," Reno scoffed. "We're looking for something,"

"Like what?" the blond-haired man spoke up.

"Cloud was it?" Reno began.

"And?" Cloud replied as he reached for his weapon.

"I haven't forgotten about what you did to me, consider yourself lucky," Reno glared down at the blond-haired man.

"What are you looking for?" the ebony-haired woman spoke up, Reno laughed.

"None of your business-" Reno laughed when Elena spoke up.

"We're looking for the Promised Land using the veins of the Lifestream in the region—" Elena began.

"That's enough Elena,"

The three TURKS turned their attention to the man entering into the mines behind them, it was Tseng.

"You talk too much," Tseng sighed as he stood next to Rude.

"S-Sorry Boss," Elena replied meekly.

"Reno, Rude, Elena, head to the next location," Tseng said as he kept his attention focused on the group.

"We're heading to Junon right?" Elena began.

"Elena…you don't get it, do you, let's go," Reno sighed as he walked to the exit followed by Rude.

"I-I'm sorry!" Elena sighed and quickly followed the two men.

"Aerith…I hope you're well," Tseng began as he focused on her. The dark-haired woman and Cloud stepped in front of the woman as if to shield her.

"Your escape was unfortunate as I thought you came with us to help us,"

"Absolutely not," Aerith hmphed.

"Clearly…but I suppose we all should be grateful for Sephiroth…for your escape and the change in power at Shinra," Tseng commented.

"There's no way I would be grateful to that man…" Aerith replied.

"I see…well then Aerith. Be sure to stay out of Shinra's way and take care of yourself" Tseng bowed slightly and exited the mines.

Tseng sighed to himself as he watched his three colleagues ascend to the sky to their next location, Junon. He had arrived because Reno had mentioned that there were signs of Sephiroth traversing through the mines as well as data about the lifestream veins. He didn't expect to see Aerith but in a way, he was thankful for it, the next time they would see each other he knew that he would be ordered to take the woman by force.

Again, Tseng sighed to himself and got back into his small fighter helicopter and began back to Midgar.

7 PM had arrived and Liv was in Rufus' private offices, dressed in a high collar, long-sleeved white mini dress with lace detailing over it. She wore white heels, gold minimalistic makeup, red lips, her hair curled loosely, and cascaded over her shoulder.

Rufus silently looked at the woman from head to toe and smirked as he grabbed his white overcoat.

"Acceptable?" Liv questioned as she slowly turned around to show off her attire for their outing. Based on the man's message and how the man worked she knew that he was particular about details and it seemed to apply to his everyday personal choices.

"It'll do," Rufus replied simply as he slipped his coat on and began towards her. His beloved pet, Dark Nation perked its head up as it looked towards the door.

"Sir,"

Immediately Liv's heart began to drum in her chest as she realized Tseng would see her like this, out of her uniform.

"Enter," Rufus said as he adjusted his tie and coat in front of the mirror near the door.

The door slid open and Tseng entered bowing slightly, his eyes snapped to Liv for a moment before he focused on the Shinra heir. Relieved that the man said nothing she watched as he held out a small box for the blond to take. Silently Rufus took the box and inspected what she assumed to be a ring before he turned to face her.

"Your hand," Rufus began as he extended his hand, she gently placed her hand in his. Gently he slid the ring on to her finger.

"Oh ?" Liv began.

"Sir, your vehicle is waiting below," Tseng began as he caught a glimpse of the surprise on Liv's face and turned to the man. Rufus glanced at himself once more before he nodded to Tseng and motioned to Liv. Tseng nodded and exited the office followed by the couple.

"Alright. Thank you for all of your hard work. It's been a while since I've dabbled in electronics like that," Reeve thanked an auburn-haired woman. "I also appreciate the fact that you showed up so quickly,"

"Oh stop, you know I enjoy doing this," the woman smiled.

"If you need anything please don't hesitate to contact me. I'll do whatever I can to help Kimi," Reeve smiled.

"You're doing too much, I told you I enjoy doing things like this-"

"Look it's President Rufus…wait who is that woman with him?"

"Is that his fiancé?"

"Wait, she looks familiar…"

Reeve glanced at the two Shinra employees that were attempting to remain quiet but failed miserably.

"I think that's Sumire Donovan,"

"Wait?! The Sumire Donovan?!"

Reeve immediately turned in the direction the Shinra employees were looking, he knew the name and the person it belonged to. He saw her gracefully walking next to President Rufus dressed in white, a small smile on her crimson painted lips.

Reeve caught a glimpse of the Shinra heir as they were escorted through the lobby by Tseng and soldiers, Those who lingered looked on in awe as the couple passed and exited the building. Reeve watched stunned as the two passed, stunned at the fact she was with him and how close they were and the cocky look on the younger man's face as their eyes met.

"oh wow!"

"They aren't together are they?"

"Do you think she's the President's fiancé?"

"Reeve your mouth is hanging open," Kimi commented

"Oh! Was it? My bad I—" Reeve began as he tried to collect himself.

"Who is she?" Kimi questioned as she watched the couple exit the building.

"She…she's the daughter of Cecelia and Sebastien Donovan, they're world-renowned researchers focusing on the planet and history of the Cetra," Reeve replied quietly.

"uh-huh…and what is she to you? I know she's cute but that reaction isn't normal," Kimi crossed her arms as she looked at him.

"A close friend," Reeve replied despite the growing pressure in his chest.

"A close friend huh…" Kimi looked unconvinced at the man and his response. "Sure,"

"Good performance," Rufus commented.

"Thank you, I try," Liv replied as she placed a piece of her behind her ear. She knew that all of this was a public stunt to introduce Midgar and the world of the new President of the Shinra Company's fiancé and soon to be wife.

She acted according to her role in both work and outside of work.

"S—Rufus…I suppose this would be a good time to learn about you since all of this isn't completely act," Liv began in hopes of learning more about him instead of what they are taught. Rufus arched an eyebrow at the woman.

The two were seated in the VIP section of one of Midgar's highly renowned restaurants named Chateau Noire. Funnily enough, Liv had managed to secure a table a few months back on an impromptu dinner with the Urban Development Director and now she had returned as the fiance of the world's wealthiest man.

The suite was open and used sheer curtains to provide privacy for the diners inside, however with the dimmed lighting and the sheet crimson curtain Liv could still feel eyes on her. The suite had been decorated with candles and roses to set the mood seated.

Perfect for the wealthiest man in the world and his new fiance.

"What made my application perfect? What if I'm not perfect like you thought?" Liv questioned. "You could have had any woman in the world—"

"You're right I could have had any woman I wanted but…" Rufus began and sipped his dark red wine. "I have standards and less time for flings,"

"Marriage standards," Liv added.

"Yes," Rufus replied with a nonchalant shrug.

"And I suppose I fit your standards…rich, young, beautiful, brilliant, famous," Liv said and sipped her champagne.

"Deceivingly normal, overly confident," Rufus added.

"Looks can be deceiving, especially when you know how to use them to your advantage,"

Liv sipped her champagne as she looked at the man, he watched her for a moment before his eyes fell to her lips, her dress.

"Perhaps you're right, give me your hand," Rufus said as he extended his hand across the table for her to take. Liv placed her hand in his, surprised the man wore no gloves and also the ring on his finger as well.

"How does it fit?" Rufus asked as he looked at the engagement ring and then to her manicured fingernails.

"Almost too perfect," Liv replied honestly.

"Good," Rufus replied and began to gently rub circles on the top of her hand. It was a simple gesture of affection that any couple would lovingly do in public, Liv narrowed her eyes slightly at the man as his eyes were focused on the ring on her finger and slowly his eyes trailed up to meet her eyes.

"You're a good actor…"Liv commented. Rufus slowly looked up at her and smirked

"I know,"

Before Liv could respond the waiter arrived with their meals and their paired drinks. As the waiters placed their dishes on the table, Liv glanced at Rufus across from her, his small smirk still on his lips. As the waiters finished, Rufus spoke to one of the waiters.

"More privacy,"

"Yes sir, right away," the waiter bowed and promptly left their table. Liv watched as the waiter pulled what seemed to be a thicker but still sheer curtain across their suite entrance.

"Oh so romantic," Liv murmured as she watched the waiter attend to other diners.

"Image is important, but you already knew that,"

The two ate their meals with little talk but remained aware of their surroundings and who was watching them. They maintained the image of a couple and soon were on their way out of the restaurant.

"Sir I tried my best to disperse the crowd that had gathered but they're stubborn," Tseng began.

"It's fine…it works in my favor," Rufus smirked. He turned to Liv and extended a hand to her. Liv stole a quick glance of Tseng before she placed her hand into the Shinra heir's, interlacing their fingers together.

"This way sir," Tseng began as he led the couple from the restaurant.

As the doors opened immediately flashes of camera went off nearly blinding Liv and Rufus as they exited. With the help of the soldier cadets and Tseng, they made it to their limo without issue. Tseng quickly opened the door to the limo and bowed slightly, Rufus looked to Liv and lifted her hand to his lips as he pressed a kiss to the top of her hand, she gave the man a knowing look before she carefully slid into the limo. Rufus glanced at the camera, a smug look on his face before he ducked into the limo. Tseng closed the door to the limo and quickly got into the driver's side of the vehicle.

On the drive back to what was assumed was Shinra HQ, silence settled between the two as they sat next to one another. Liv sat deep in thought, she understood that tonight was an act but also felt troubled as the man probably knew more about her than she knew about him. During her initial training, they were given the basics of the late President and the young heir, however, the situation she was in made her want to know more about the man, about the man that she would be eventually married to.

She wanted to know the man behind the name, the real him.

"I-" Liv began.

"Again, you did well," Rufus commented as he pulled out his cellphone.

"Thank you," Liv replied.

"Keep in mind that you will be inundated by paparazzi," He continued, his attention focused on his phone.

"I am aware of that and I assume I'll be keeping this?" Liv asked as she raised her left hand.

"It's your official engagement ring," Rufus replied, "Unless you want out?"

"Just making sure I keep up the image you've set," Liv replied.

"Deceivingly normal, overly confident and sarcastic," Rufus smirked as his attention remained on his phone.

"Some of that comes with the job," Liv replied.

"Clearly,"

Liv silently looked at her ring, the ring was beautiful and was a clear sign of how wealthy the man was. The diamond was large, rounded, it sat in a vintage floral setting and finished in a diamond-studded scalloped band. It looked gaudy but still had an elegance to it.

Though beautiful, she knew things would only get more difficult if they continued like this but there was hesitation in what she could do or should do. He was still her boss.

"I believe we've arrived,"

Liv looked at the man confused as the door opened and he slid out of the car and closed the door behind him and went to the other side of the vehicle and opened the door for her.

They were not at the Shinra HQ, Tseng had driven them to an affluent area in Sector Eight, in front of her condominium complex.

"Oh, I didn't realize, thank you," Liv replied as she took the hand extended for her. He helped her from the car. She felt the heat radiating from the man as she looked up at him and he gazed down at her.

"Well then… Thank you and...have a good night...Rufus," Liv said as she quickly stepped away from him. The blond was silent as he closed the car door and began to walk her to the entrance of her condominium complex.

"Although it was work...I enjoyed it," Liv began as she turned to face him.

"Was it work?" Rufus questioned slyly. Liv's eyes widened for a moment as she watched the man turn and head back towards the limo.

"My office tomorrow morning, wear white, keep the red lipstick," Rufus said before he ducked into the limo.

"Good Night,"