Author note: I hope you all enjoyed the chance to get insight into some other characters. I usually write in third person, so Sophie can be challenging for me just because of the POV. But I wanted to do it as a challenge for myself. I'll probably have more chapters with others' opinions though. Also, if anyone knows any good resources for the games featuring the Turks like Veld, or maybe a let's play, please let me know. I want to get some information on all that situation before I start having those characters involved.

Chapter start

In the end, I was a Shinra. Which meant I had a few things others did not. Like a constant shadow whenever I left my room. Recently, it was Reno. Tseng and Vergil had been assigned to Aerith for now. Which meant Rude was guarding Rufus, and I was with my red headed heart throb.

Promise, I didn't die of delight when I'd been introduced. Riley had a huge appreciation for the deceptively lazy Turk, and it had somewhat carried over. But I had bigger things to handle rather than crushes on animated characters turned reality.

My father had been an unintentional help to this. See, I was fourteen now. And thanks to the old man, I was technically an adult. At least, that was the Midgar rules now, much to Rufus's chagrin. Needing more fighters for that disgusting war, Shinra had lowered the age required to enlist to fourteen. Disgusting. Couldn't legally get a drink, but could go shoot and die for a pathetic cause.

It had taken longer than I'd thought though. I wasn't certain how long the war was supposed to last, but I'd figured it couldn't be much longer. But the age requirement had lowered three months before my birthday, peppered in Sephiroth posters all over. Looking majestic and dangerous. I hated those posters, and tried not to get angry that he'd been in them.

Every angle they had, it was obvious he hadn't consented to the pictures. The shots weren't posed in any way, shape, or form. A shot here of him training, body twisted lithely with Masamune catching rays of sunlight. Even shots of him in battle, materia glowing around him as he cast storms of ice, his apparently favored materia.

I couldn't be mad at him for being a poster boy. What confused me was that the familiar forms of Genesis and Angeal appeared on a few after they'd made it to the top. Sephiroth was more prominent but they were there as well, something I didn't recall.

Still, it was obvious to any who knew me, I hated the war. While I smiled and stood by my family's side during dinners and functions, it became known that there was discord in the family. A line drawn between Father and Daughter. Where Rufus stood was obvious as well, as it was known I usually followed him.

Still, I knew even Rufus didn't agree with this action. Since I was ten I'd received access to my own personal funds. Before it had been things simply appearing in my room, or if I stated I might need something. Now, I could purchase things for myself when I was allowed out into the upper plates shopping districts.

Now that I was fourteen though, I had freedom even Rufus couldn't outright deny thanks to our father, so I'd thought. And so, armed with money and plans, I decided to try and help the slums. I knew nothing would help the lack of greenery, and the illnesses that ran rampant due to the rotting mako.

But I could give them consistent food. And the basic supplies that Shinra seemed to deem as things they could figure out for themselves. Of course, I hadn't been allowed to go below plate. I'd had to stand before cameras and flashing lights, talking about plans and diverting funds. Being adorable took me far at least.

Now, I'd wanted to go further. I'd wanted to go below plate and see the ways I could maybe make life easier. But here was where Rufus put his foot down.

"An adult, you say?" His face was set into a grimace.

I'd stood my ground though, ignoring the way Vergil looked unimpressed beside Rufus. The way Reno had stayed quiet, but fidgety at my back.

"According to Father, yes." My arms were crossed.

Rufus huffed an annoyed breath, dropping his pen and leaning back in his chair. I was glad to have him. I'd remembered some funded attack by Avalanche on the president of Shinra, and I vaguely knew something happened to the Turks eventually. I had warned Rufus away from it though, so hopefully my precious people would dodge the fall out. I hadn't forgiven the Turk director Veld for moving Vergil away from me.

Someone whole… what a crock of garbage he'd spouted when deciding to reassign the bodyguard Turks.

Rufus finally gave me an almost scathing look. "That law is meant for people meaning to enlist in the war. I highly doubt you've suddenly gone patriotic for the company."

I smiled. "I'll be the biggest supporter, once the company stops ruining everyone's future."

"You aren't an adult Sophie. No matter how mature you are." He seemed resigned. "You haven't even finished growing yet."

"Oh, come now. I think I've grown quite a bit."

I didn't have his hope in my continued growth. Being through puberty once before hadn't prepared me for how this body would handle it. Emotionally, sure, I had been prepared for the changes I'd be hit with as hormones attacked. Physically, I had been more startled.

Riley had been slightly below average height, and dark haired, with thick curls that spilled around her shoulders. By the time she was eighteen, her frame had been soft, and womanly assets had been prominent. She'd been "blessed" to be cursed to future back problems had she not died young.

This body might still grow, of course, but already there were differences that jarred me. This body grew in a thinner way, with softer features. It might have been diet related. As Riley exercise had been far from my brain, and food had been a love language along with questionable amounts of alcohol. Sophie didn't have the chance to develop and keep those habits.

Like Rufus, I learned how to use guns for protection, and hand to hand at his insistence, along with materia. So, I was more physically fit than I'd ever been. Boulder had also begun featuring in a defense class, the instructor guiding me to find ways to combine his strength to mine.

Not that I ever had a chance to be attacked. Hence, my current predicament. I wanted to go below plate, really see what the people needed. Finding Aerith would be a bonus. While I'd seen Sephiroth twice face to face since the war began, I hadn't seen her once.

"You have indeed," he murmured softly. I wondered if he felt sad seeing me get older.

"So then, why can't I go below plate? I can take stripes with me."

"Hey," Reno whined a little pathetically. I'd begun calling him that fairly quickly. Especially when a curious swipe under his left eye revealed those red swipes were tattoos, and not makeup as I'd thought.

Rufus smirked a tad. "I have absolute faith that he'd keep you safe. The answer is still no."

"Care to share with the class why?" My head tilted as I decided to hop on to the corner of his desk.

"It isn't a place for you."

"Worried I'll get sick?" I would understand if that were it.

A recent leak of a reactor had caused a splash of the toxic green to flush down through sector three. There were reports of mutations in the animals there, and high reports of deaths and illness. Shinra had sent teams to burn the mako puddles, which I'd thought stupid, and I'd diverted extra funds for protective gear for the citizens. I still wanted to see it.

I didn't fully trust Hojo to be honest with me. I'd had to ask the imp how best to protect against mako. He'd been disturbingly amused by the question. But he'd answered amidst half hidden chuckles and mutterings under his breath. Peppering in questions to determine God's knew what. I believed it had been Hojo who pushed for me to learn materia.

The head of R and D had overseen my reports avidly. Imagine his surprise when I was a regular old user, nothing special in either being too adept or inept with the crystallized circles. My materia was destined to never be mastered anyway. I mainly used fire or ice, depending on what I wanted to do to a beverage.

Reno had rolled his eyes when he'd seen the flash of a cast, and realized I was chilling a glass of water.

"That's part of it." Rufus tugged a folder out from under me. "Will you just accept that for now, I would prefer you don't venture below plate?"

"If it's so important to you," I sighed with resignation. Protective as he was, Rufus had good reasons usually. He'd even diverted a few of his funds into my plans to fund below the plates. Not a lot, but he was providing enough to beef up patrols to halt monster attacks.

Reports topside had begun calling me a "Darling little Angel". If only they'd known I wouldn't have bothered, most likely, if I didn't realize what their reality was.

If I'd just been born Sophie Shinra, with no knowledge of this world… with the same restrictions and sheltering that Rufus provided. I doubt I would have cared about any of this. The added bonus, was I hoped some of what I was doing was helping Elmyra and Aerith.

"Perhaps this will cheer you up. We can revisit this issue once this is settled." Rufus handed me the folder as I lifted my brows. It was rare Rufus allowed me that leeway.

I flipped the folder open and drifted through military jargon that I had zero interest in. Then I found something that was of particular interest to me.

I read through it with keen eyes, before glancing at Rufus. "When?"

"The end of the week. I'd be willing to allow you to go beyond the plates so long as he is around."

I couldn't help the smirk that graced my features. "Such confidence."

Rufus looked bored now. "Well, to be fair he's the only one you could never hide successfully from."

Too true.

Still, he was coming back. I hadn't seem him in years. The letters were my only piece to either of my two friends, and really, they weren't enough. I missed his stoic sass. The way he made efforts to remain loose around us both, how his trust was never implicitly stated, but always prevalent. I missed how Aerith would always be reaching out, a sudden hug. Or waking up with her curled to my back.

Sure, I had Rufus still and he was always willing to indulge the fact I liked to hold his hand or arm. Vergil didn't mind the hugs I gave him randomly, and the other Turks were comfortable with touches such as teasing slaps against their cheeks. Reno especially was okay with it, seeming to recognize something in my actions. I hadn't used to be big on PDA but I'd noted quickly these people were stifled.

I was more than ready once Friday rolled around. We gathered along a private station used specifically for returning Shinra helicopters. Of course, President Shinra had seen fit to make this a media frenzy.

Camera flashes were constantly going off. It was admittedly annoying, and exhausting, maintaining either a smile or a blank facial expression. I was a little closer to Rufus, hand along his arm as he chatted with our Father lightly. It would be hard to hear the small jabs they took at one another in front of the reporters. Of course, they just lapped it up.

I ignored it, smiling coyly the few times a question was directed at me. I'd been told not to answer anything by the President. It had become quickly realized that I knew how to jab with my words like Rufus. It was also clear that I wasn't good at dancing around the media. Maybe if I cared.

Once the helicopter arrived and began making a descent though, all attention turned to watching it. The wind generated swirled around, kicking up my hair and skirt. Rufus shuffled a little to block some of the wind from me.

My heart was absolutely pounding. I knew what he would look like. The game had made it very clear that adult Sephiroth was ethereal and beautiful. His odd features such as the silver hair and mako green eyes enhanced rather than reduced that.

I didn't know if he'd be the same mentally. It was hard to gather personality into letters, especially infrequent ones such as his had been. There wasn't a lot to write about from over in Wutai, after all. Quick updates of being alive, maybe talking over some strange beast he'd come across. He knew I hated and disagreed with the war so he didn't include anything about it to me.

There had been some variety added when he'd met Angeal and Genesis. I read about Genesis setting a tent on fire because some sort of oversized bug had gotten inside. I read about Angeal somehow making palatable food from the uninteresting things they usually had.

I was glad their friendship seemed to be going okay, despite my misgivings. All I could do was hope that the inclusion of myself and Aerith would help him if, most likely when, they left Shinra. I still wasn't sure if I could stop that from happening, or even if I wanted to. Keeping Sephiroth sane, and Aerith breathing, was the main goal. For now. I wasn't vested in much more than the three people who made up my core existence.

When he stepped from the helicopter before anyone else, my breathing paused. The game hadn't prepared me for how tall he was, at all. Absolutely no fair. Silver strands danced with the wind as he surveyed the area around him, eyes slightly narrowed due to the camera flashes. He stepped a few steps forward to allow the others to hop down as well.

Angeal and Genesis. Genesis looked smug as could be while Angeal looked weary. I imagined being in confined spaces with Genesis where he couldn't work out his energy was stifling, even for his best friend. I quickly dismissed them, noticing that Sephiroth had settled his eyes on me.

Something flickered there, before reporters shoved into his face, swarming. I frowned, watching him tense up. Genesis seemed to love the attention, but even he stepped forward a little, forcing some of the reporters back from Sephiroth. Angeal did the same. So, they understood his needs a little at the least. And seemed willing to help keep him calm.

I wondered why the game had set things up as they did. Even in his letters, Sephiroth described Genesis as prickly but warm. Maybe his own Jenova cells had degraded his personality as well as his body. I'd have to get to know him to know for sure.

President Shinra wasn't moving forward. He was going to let the vultures devour their first close up glimpse of the three first class SOLDIERS. A quick glance showed Lazard the lizard had no intentions to intervene either. A way to rain on their parade, and protect a friend. I'd take it. It wasn't like Lazard had done anything to endear himself to me, not that I cared he was a half brother. If anything he seemed to resent Rufus and me.

Rufus didn't try and stop me when I let him go. I heard the President hiss for me to stay put, but I ignored him as I stepped forward. I was thinking of how to get through the sea of reporters but Sephiroth took care of it.

When he noticed me approaching, he stepped forward even more, until the bubble broke. I beamed at him, aware again of his height. Without my heels I would come to his chest. I knew he was over six feet. I knew I was probably as tall as I was going to get, which was at least taller than I had been.

I noted him getting annoyed by the flashes. Without thought I held my hands out for him, giving him something to focus on. He didn't hesitate as I thought he might. His large hands gripped both of mine, the leather of his gloves warm and familiar. I felt myself calm a little, something settling that had been restless for a while. I imagined it was the same for him. If the softening of his features was any indication, I could have been right.

I made my expression as gentle as I possibly could. "Welcome home," I said in a near whisper.

He tilted his head slightly. Genesis and Angeal had also stepped forward, continuing to flank him like good friends. They both looked curious. I subtly shook my head.

"Later," I murmured. "Wanna go?"

He didn't nod but his eyes spoke it all. I shifted to be by his side, releasing one hand as I guided him over to the gathered members of my family. Rufus gave a small nod, stretching his hand out for Sephiroth to shake. He gave the same to Genesis and Angeal.

"I'm sure you're all happy to be back in Midgar. I can see my sister approves."

"Don't be jealous," I teased while the others agreed with him.

The President butted in before anything else could be said. "Welcome! It is the honor of Shinra to see three heroes return to us. Soon, I believe we'll be able to put this terrible war behind us, thanks to your efforts."

Pretty words, that were less than dirt from his filthy mouth. I slipped into my fake smile; unaware my fingers had tightened around Sephiroth until he subtly squeezed back. I sighed, shuffling closer to him, feeling his warmth.

I listened to the flowery words. Took note on how Sephiroth said only barely two complete sentences, letting Genesis take the lead. Angeal was much the same, content to let the fiery red head do the talking. Up close they all looked tired. Sympathy reared it's head.

"We'll debrief, and then I'll have someone show you to your quarters." Lazard was speaking grandly, tone filled with smugness that SOLDIER was looking good right now.

I let a lofty sigh escape. "Absolutely not. They're tired, one look at them would tell you that. You men, always so hard at work."

Lazard quickly schooled his expression. "I understand your concern. However, there are things that must be discussed."

I waved my hand, before patting Sephiroth. "Nothing at all that can't wait. Come now, let's have them relax a bit. Maybe get some good food, some rest. The war won't change tides only because a report by withdrawn SOLDIERS aren't filed in a day."

He was going to protest again, I knew it. The President was addressing the crowds, answering questions about the efforts in Wutai. Rufus finally turned round briefly to address Lazard.

"I believe we all should remember out rolls, who we are. And how those rolls rank when considered against one another."

A subtle jab, one intended to make it well known by all who could hear. He was stating that Lazard didn't mean nearly so much as my or his word. I gave him a wink, noticing how Lazard had stiffened.

"They'll report tomorrow." I stepped away, tugging Sephiroth along. "Let's go boys. I'll get you all nice and tucked in."

End chapter

REVIEW RESPONSES:

XENOCANAAN: Listen, you're speaking my language! I've been playing Hogwarts Legacy mainly now, as a Slytherin, thanks to linking my account. But a friend told me each house gets different side quests so now I'm determined to do a run through of them all. As for this story, I admittedly am hesitant to bringing in the Turks not mentioned in FF7 CC or the OG. Or even remake. I didn't play the other games, so I'm trying to learn what I can before I fiddle too hard core with them. Oh Cissnei… I can't wait to badger her. I'm glad you enjoyed!

CALLMECRAZYLOL: I'm glad you liked that little idea of mine. I wanted to show how others are reacting a little. First person is something I struggle with, as I usually use multiple personalities in a scene to paint a picture. The pink envelopes just had to happen. Sophie would definitely want to tease Sephiroth even from a distance. So, the image of the famed general getting a pink letter every few days was perfect.

JOSHIRO99: Aerith definitely would. I swear, they're all feeding off of each other to become sassier. I hope you're loving their dynamic. Aerith was someone I was nervous writing but so far, I think she's doing okay. Now that Genesis is involved, I think the sane people in the story have no chance though. RIP to their sanities. Hope you keep liking.