Author's note : Na.. I guess I am updating too fast.. I type slow, so I kinda made reserves before I start publishing the story, but.. I think I better control myself.. (but I am getting temped to update, damn it.)
Diclaimer- None of the characters or most of concepts are mine, they belong to Square Enix. Honestly, if they belonged to me.. ..It would have turned MA+ rated.
Warning - Yaoi, M rated for more than a few reasons (later chapters), abusive languages, crimes, etc. Yaoi pairings (AkuRoku, SephCloud, ZexionXDemyx, etc, more side pairing though not in this one. Side stories may be included after the main story gets over)
No. XIII - Organisation XIII
[Chapter 6. Party I]
[In the middle of darkness and light, the shadows of both lay.
The shadows, the midst of the extremes-
They lurk in the most unexpected places at the most unexpected times,
And they reign with the mystery and power,
The shadows call themselves-
Organisation XIII.]
VI . i
"Alright, class is over for today now, and everyone, don't forget your projects. And- Mr. Roxas?"
"Yes, Professor Cid Kramer?"
"There was a request from a police authority from Hollow Bastion. I am not sure if this is correctly addressed, but.. According to the administration office... Do you know Sephiroth Safer who graduated this university two years ago, who majored in international law just as everyone in this class is, by any chance?"
"...Oh."
Roxas moved uneasily as the most seniors stared at him. Why would a letter be sent to the university, when Sephiroth himself knew very well about the adress? And they talked almost everyday.. After glancing once to Axel who sat beside him, Roxas nodded and answered timidly.
"...I know who Sephiroth Safer is, Professor. I knew him when I was in Hollow Bastion. He was famous, and I graduated from the same college, in the same club.. But I don't understand why the letter would be addressed to the university, if he needed to contact me, he could have called-"
"Ah, it's not what you think, Mr. Roxas. The letter is not sent by Mr, no- Prosecutor Sephiroth Safer. Are you aware of the fact that he is in the famous Team SeeD?"
"...Of course, professor, Team SeeD is included in our project topic, Hollow Bastion being the city with the worst crime rate in the world, and them being the best team in the prosecutor office. But I heard he resigned a year ago?"
"Yes, yes, he did- this letter, according to another letter which was sent to me... States that you are requested to come to Hollow Bastion. Don't worry, Mr. Roxas. It is nothing like an investigation, but it says that-... Are you comfortable with your elder brother, Mr. Roxas? If you are not-"
"Yes, professor, I am fully aware of his position as well as his reputation, both good and bad. Unlike my twin... I have no trouble accepting who he is and how he acts."
So it was something about Sephiroth. Roxas tilted his head almost unnoticeably and smiled innocently, ressuring Professor Cid Kramer that he has no problem with professor telling everyone in the class who his elder brother was. After studying Roxas's reaction for a second, Professor Cid Kramer nodded and spoke aloud.
"Alright, then. Mr. Roxas Safer, younger brother of Prosecutor Sephiroth Safer, you are requested to be present in a party on the first of September, which is held for celebration of reformation of Team SeeD. It is not from Prosecutor Sephiroth Safer, your elder brother, but from Prosecutor Selphie Tilmitt- it is stated that the Team SeeD is preparing a surprise for every member who is returning after resigning, and hence asks your participation as his part of surprise."
"...That's unexpected, Professor Cid Kramer... He is.. Returning to Team SeeD? But, when he resigned-"
"You.. You are aware of the reason of his resignment, Mr. Roxas Safer?"
"...He complained to me for a week before the resignment, Professor.. And after he resigned, he came back to home and started to shouting at me about some... 'Stuff'. Professor, is it true that he is re-joining the Team SeeD? I think I have heard something wrong..."
"You've heard it right, Mr. Roxas Safer."
"...Damn it. And he hasn't told me a single thing, after he forced me to promise that I won't tell the other people in our family that he resigned.. What would have happened if they have decided to call someone else beside me? He is impossible.."
Roxas sighed and shook his head as he scrowled a bit. Of all things, Sephiroth didn't tell him anything about this party! Crossing his arms, Roxas sighed again and spoke to a bit startled Cid Kramer.
"Alright, Professor. I'll attend the party, and I'll be there. However, that means I'll be missing classes at least for three days. I will take at least two days while traveling between Hollow Bastion and this town, and then the party will require enough preparation as well as after effects.. ..5 days to be safe. Is that the reason why the letter was sent to the university?"
"Precisely, Mr. Roxas Safer, but.. ...Your family didn't know that he resigned a year ago? What did he do?"
"...He is not in good terms with his forster-parents, meaning my biological parents, professor. He.. Literally hates anyone who carries the name 'Safer'. Somehow I am an exception, but otherwise.. He left the house 4 years ago, and since then he never returned to the house except special occuations, Professor. And.. He doesn't consider the Safers as his family ever-since he liberated himself after a particularly nasty quarrel.. I am the only one who is allowed to visit his house, and honestly.. ...That bastard, he always suffers alone and doesn't even care the others worrying sick about him and-.. E-excuse me.. I got too emotional.."
Roxas winced as Axel elbowed him when his language got vicious. But by his eyes, he silently thanked Axel for stopping himself. Professor Cid Kramer, on the other hand, smiled and told Roxas.
"I was very surprised to know that our new, best model student who is very shy, was none other than Saphiroth Safer's younger brother.. However, Mr. Roxas Safer, I think now I can see similarities between him and you, though you two may not have any biological relationship. You got his temper, hm? Am I right to guess that you are as skillful as your elder brother in martial art?"
"...He taught me for self-defence, professor. Otherwise, I don't know anything about fighting, and I rarely had a chance to fight.. I usually avoid them."
"But your body speaks otherwise, Mr. Roxas Safer. Your reflex is as good as your elder brother, or maybe even slightly faster. I saw you stopping in the middle of evasion just now when Mr. Axel elbowed you. Your temper and your skills.. Any other things? I start to feel curious now, because I know you requested the administration office to keep your surname quiet."
"...Oh. I just got a bad case of brother complex, professor, and I know most of the rumours concerning Sephiroth are bad. ...Last time I got into a fight because some people who didn't know that I was his brother were gossiping about him without knowing anything, and I knew it would be worse if they know that I am his brother, professor. I didn't want to cause as much trouble as Sephiroth would have caused.."
Roxas flushed, looking embrassed. Well, he knew the intensity of the trouble he caused last time. Sighing a but, Roxas murmured in a low voice.. Sadly for him, the room was too silent, and everyone could hear his voice.
"..Like what happened two years ago.. ..No one even dared to talk to me after I was almost killed by three people.. They got to know that I am Sephiroth's younger brother only when I was hospitalised by those gangsters and Sephiroth was furious about it... ...He just went to school in the school hours and he tried to hospitalise those three people, talking about his younger brother.. ...And he was a prosecutor, what a stupid thing he had done.. ..Teachers and professors were shocked to see him and when he told them that he did all that just because of me... ..Thanks god I didn't gain my conscious for five days.. Or else they would have thought that I asked him to do that.."
"...I see. Well.. Sephiroth does have a problem with his temper... Alright, five days.. I will inform the administration office about it, Mr. Roxas Safer. And.. Am I correct to presume that you are.. 'One of the wings' Sephiroth once mentioned to me in his personal interview?"
"..If you are aware of the way he refers other people, professor, I believe the way he refers me is indeed 'One of his wings', but I am only one of them, professor Cid Kramer, and from what I know, when he refers me by such method, he means that I am one of the people who can calm him down when he is angry, and as far as I know, there are.. A very few."
Roxas smiled in sorrow. Yes, very few. In fact, only two. Professor Cid Kramer easily noticed his mood, and spoke up aloud.
"Well, then I'll expect a better project from you, Mr. Roxas Safer, with your special position and your trip. That will make it fair, isn't it? Because others do not have same advantages you have. Alright, the class is over, and when will you leave? I think you already have a plan."
"I'll be leaving on the night of 29th August, Professor. That makes me back in the town on 3rd September noon. I'll be missing classes from 30th August to 3rd September. 5 days, a clear cut."
"...As quick as Sephiroth. Did he train you?"
"No, professor. I think it is just co-incident, how I wanted to be a prosecutor and how he chose to be one- those two reasons are quite different. He didn't train or give any advantage to me- he was as cryptic as usual. If someone needs something from him, then that someone will have to figure it out from him alone. You can say that he did exactly same thing to me, except that I broke his codes.. Which took me almost 5 years. Sephiroth once told me that if I am crazy enough to work on a single code, which might as well have been a frank, for 5 years, he wouldn't be surprised if he one day sees the criminals getting annoyed hell by me."
"...Enough explanation, it seems. Well, I guess that you will be a pleasant surprise for your elder brother, Mr. Roxas Safer. Oh, and for one thing.. ..I remember him talking about his younger brother, he told me that his younger brother is very special to him.. I think I see the reason now."
Roxas raised an eye brow as the professor smiled warmly and went out of the class. Appearently, he wasn't happy about this. Others, especially the seniors- they were looking at him as if he was a walking time bomb or something.. And Roxas could guess a plenty of their reasons. After all, he was Sephiroth's brother and had gone through this before in his college. Shrugging once, he spoke to no one in particular.
"I don't care how others think, but I do mind about my elder brother. I don't mind anything about me, but please don't speak badly about him- I think that much will be enough for our peaceful life in the university. Isn't it natural for anyone to like his family? No offence, I am different from him, I don't start a fight or anything without any reason just because I am stressed. I know how he is like, I just don't like listening rumours. Back in my college, some people were even saying that he killed someone and enjoyed torturing before he killed- I am telling you, he is quite anti-social, but he isn't a psycopath series murderer. How could he become a prosecutor if he is one?"
"Well, you do make sense, Roxas, and I think that's enough- aren't you hungry? They must be waiting."
"..Ah.. Yeah, Axel."
Roxas smiled as he picked up the letter which was left on the professor's table and turned to Axel. No need to get angry now- he knew it. He only needed to shout as loud as he could when he got to call Sephiroth after this... Roxas chuckled darkly and muttered in a low voice, too low for Axel or anyone else to hear.
"...That bastard. He will pay for this, after all those years- Now he doesn't even tell me when he re-joined the Team SeeD... After the whole year I had to lie to others because he didn't want to get bothered by the others, and now he just ditch me.. Oh, yes.. I will give him a heart attack for this, or at least annoy hell out of him. He should have known better than just making me facing it like this.."
VI . ii
Axel crossed his arms when Roxas left cafeteria at his usual time for work. This was kinda ridiculous, Roxas being a brother of a member of the Team SeeD. It is odd. After a short pause, Axel turned his head and questioned Marluxia.
"...Hey, you remember Sephiroth Safer, one of our seniors?"
"...Who wouldn't? His record is a perfect one, the best one in this university's history- and with his look and that chilly voice, with that damned personality... Why? He became a prosecutor, right? At Hollow Bastion."
"..Roxas's elder brother is Sephiroth Safer. You know Professor Cid Kramer.."
"The founder of the Teem SeeD, yes. ..What happened?"
"He gave a letter to Roxas after the class. There is a party for reformation of Team SeeD on 1st September, meaning a lot of their old members are summoned back to their posts.. Roxas was asked to attend the party as a surprise for his brother.. Apperently."
"...This is getting more and more strange.. Roxas doesn't look like a type to be related in such stuff.. But he is Sephiroth's younger brother..?"
"...I still remember what he did to us. Zexion, do you remember that time? What did we do exactly? He just informed the university office that we were trying to vandalise his car- We were just admiring his car!"
Demyx pouted as he remembered the incident. On contrary, Marluxia and Axel moved uncomfortably, because they had a worse incident- They were almost hospitalised once in a fight. (The reason behind the fight was because Axel dropped his cup of drink by mistake, which was happen to land on Sephiroth's bag full of books.) Sighing, Zexion murmured.
"It doesn't matter who Roxas's elder brother is, we will be just as careful as before. But what we need to know is the reason behind that reformation and who are the members returning to Team SeeD. Any idea?"
"...I know one more besides Sephiroth- Prosecutor Squall."
"...Are you serious? That annoying persistant guy?" Marluxia grimaced.
"Yeah.. I talked to him three days ago, which is stupid.. Who the hell would have thought that asshole is working as a professor in this stupid university of all places.. And he knew that Saix was No. VII, too. Saix was his classmate when they were in their highschool and university."
"..."
The three froze, with the look 'what-the-hell-did-you-say?'. However, Axel narrowed his eyes and continued.
"It was ridiculous, really. That guy knew that Saix was No. VII even before he became a prosecutor.. He never arrested Saix. From what I could make out, he couldn't arrest Saix because he never got enough evidences. And.. He called me No. VIII. He knew who we were, too... But he said that he won't do anything because he thinks that we didn't volunteered to be the members of the Organisation XIII. It's another useless point, but at least he thinks like that, and implied to me that he won't do anything to us. I don't believe him, but at least that's what he said."
"...And you didn't tell us about that because..?"
"Because I thought that we don't need to pay attention to his words, Zexion. All we need to do is not doing anything illegal, and I am sure no one is willing to do anything illegal now. And.. I am sure he really can't do anything unless he has evidences... Which is all gone. Back then, we made sure that there's nothing left. Now, we are not doing anything wrong."
"...He has a point, Zaxion, though I don't like that it is Squall of all people.."
"Huh? Marluxia, you don't mind?"
"Of course, Demyx, as long as Squall doesn't cause any troubles."
The discussion was stopped. They didn't have anything else to say anyway.. Soon, Axel stood up first and left the table as he checked the huge clock in cafeteria, and others also left one by one.
"Well, time for next lesson for me. See ya guys."
VI . iii
"...Yeah, that's the point. So.. Brother.. Will you be surprised to see me there?"
[...I will try to look like one. We both know that we should act like a goof brothers.. Ironic. Still, I would be delighted to see you here- things had been hectic without you.. I neglected that Kadaj do not have basic knowledges about certain things.. I need you here.]
"...What's the commotion, Sephiroth? I thought we hated each other?"
[Hate, but still knows each other's utility. Yes, there is a problem.. Do you mind playing a role of hostage? It would be perfect... At the party you're attending, Roxas,, I got a message that the Avalanche will ambush.. Do me a favour, you owe me one, right?]
"...You better get me out safely, you know I am supposed to be a weakling- who is no good in a fight. I know how to retain myself and restrict my movement, even if it means my life would end- that was the way I trained myself. I can help you for that, but if the condition is such- what can I do for you? Just for a display?"
[...To show that I have some past connections with the leader of Avalanche.. That we both hate each other. Oh, he won't do anything to you.. He is too warm-hearted to kill anyone just because that person is a brother of someone who he hates, too weak. Maybe a bit of scratches?]
"..."
Roxas frowned. A bit of scratches.. That could vary from non-bleeding redish skin to a deep slach enough to see bones in both Sephiroth and Roxas's dictionary definitions. Now, which one would he mean by that? Appearantly, Sephiroth could understand the meaning of the silence.
[I mean real scratches. Not what we talk about, just normal definition. Not even breaking bone- though it may be possible if you fight back.. He won't do anything to a scared individual who is not trained to fight.]
"...I got what you mean, Seph. Alright.. See you on 31st, then. Or do you want it to be 1st September?"
[Let it be 1st September, on the party itself. I am busy, because I am moving my place back to old one-room-office where I used to live when I was still working in Team SeeD. My belongings are not that light, you know.]
"...I see. What are you wearing on the day? I think I'd rather wear something I am used to... I prefer that robe rather than formal clothes.. Can I borrow one of yours?"
[...With your height?]
"No, I mean one of your possession- not one of the clothes you wear. The one I borrowed for the first time when I was required to go to a party in order to take of a traitor.. ...That's yours. Can I borrow it again?"
Roxas thought of the garb he wore before.. It was nice, leathery, warm.. And comfortable to fight, too, despite of it's looks. It almost looked like a restrainment, with all those leather bands which would tie his arm tight and all.. And those indeed restrained him perfectly, constantly reminding him that he is supposed to be a normal guest.. That cloth was good. Over the phone, Sephiroth chuckled darkly.
[How many times did you borrow that one? Alright, I will keep it in our usual place- fetch it on 30th August morning, Roxas. Hm, I guess I better give it to you- not just letting you wear. You can have it from now on wards, that's yours. Alright, I'll look forward to our Reunion, Roxas..]
"I'm not one of the Jenova, I am just a messanger between Jenova and Organisation XIII- it is inappropriate to say Reunion.. But yes, I do look forward to see you as well. Till then.."
[...We stay away. Yes, I'll be waiting, Roxas. Remember, any blond whose hair's as gravity-defying as yours- with sky-blue eyes which are tainted by Mako- that's Cloud Strife, who wields buster sword... Or, recently, he changed it into another one called 'Fusion Sword'- 'First Tsrugi'. It's quite a good sword, though I'd never recommend it to you.. You would prefer something more swift and sharp, not that blunt heavy sword.]
Another chuckle.. Roxas shook his head as the connection ended. The cloth.. Well, it can't be said that piece of cloth would worth risking his life once- but with that and what he owed to Seph, it was a fair trade. Taking his PHS in, Roxas turned and sat on Huginn. After all, it was time for work.. 'Cept that he was working in that bar, where Turks' owned. There shouldn't be any problem to get a 5 day break. Casually taking dust off from his cloth, Roxas entered Nineth Prison. A brown haired man from the bar immediately greeted him.
"'ey, Safer! It's only third day ya'r' working, and ya' 'lready got r'gulars! There, he's waiting for ya!"
"Waiting for me? That's odd.. Who-... ...What are you doing here, Loz?"
"...I got a break. Elder brother said that you would be working here.. So.. I.."
"...Crybaby, stop crying. I am the youngest, remember? Ha.. Anyway, take a sit, brother. Elder brother said nothing when I talked to him just now- does he know that you are here?"
"...No.."
...What a big baby, now. Roxas thought, irritated. However, he easily shook his head and spoke smoothly.
"Alright, I can treat you something nice.. Don't worry about the pay, I am giving you free-"
"...But I am not-"
"Don't mind it, if Yazoo or Kadaj have come, I'd do the same. And I do have enough money- you know I work for fun. Alright- something hard? Or the usual, I guess."
"...Yeah, your own mix.."
Roxas showed a nice smile and started making a mix of his. Soon, a glass of drink which somehow had silvery glimpses was done. The brown haired man in the bar shook his head and questioned to Roxas.
"..Hey, your brother? He doesn't look like one. And if he is one, why-"
"Well, no. Not biological brother.. Something more close. And by the way- can you contact Reno? Don't worry, I know the real owners already- Tell them the messanger from Jenova wishes to talk to them."
"...Safer..? You-"
"Oh, don't tell me that you thought I am just a normal person who happened to search work? I knew what is this place for, and it's obvious- who is stupid enough to use real name around the Turks? Well, I doubt that they need one to find out everything inside out, but still better than nothing. Loz, here."
"...Thanks."
Shrugging, Roxas ignored the man panick and rushing to the back room, and leaned closer to Loz.
"..What happened? You like elder brother, right? He is the closest thing to your mother.. and he has most 'cells', too.. Why?"
"Huh? ..I made elder brother angry.."
"...Seph is angry with you? Hn.. That's odd.. He knows enough about you.. What did he ask you to do?"
"...It's my fault, I let him down... I.. Mother.."
"..Well, well.. Isn't it Loz from the Jenova? And he is crying! What a show.. Yo, Safer? You wanna see me?"
"Reno, you don't have to tease him!"
Roxas snapped as the Turk made an entrance. Still, Loz didn't care and only stared silver coloured drink. Sighing, Roxas shook his head and sat beside Loz, hinting to Reno to sit. As Reno sat, Roxas spoke in a cold voice.
"What the hell is that, re-formation of Team SeeD? Seph is called back, and I am supposed to attend a party for his surprise- They said that they prepared a surprise for all the members who are 'returning'. They sent that letter- invitation to the university, so I have to go. It's stupid, because Seph already knows. I am Huginn, after all- I do his bidings. I can't do anything like that."
"...I know about that re-formation, but you are attending? I don't know who is the person who suggested it, but it is true about those surprises. ...Gaia, and you are attending the party? Wanna ride? Appearently I am supposed to be there, too. You won't be working for a while, right?"
"...It takes a day to travel, and I have my own ride. Seph will kill me if I don't bring Huginn along, but thanks for the offer. Well, six days break?"
"Whole week? Well, you got that one. Alright, I am off for that long, too- so let's say that we are on same field trip, huh? Do they know who you actually are? Ah, thanks."
Roxas smirked, handing Reno a glass of another mix, and spoke softly.
"Of course, they don't. I am just a normal university student who happened to have a brother who is a prosecutor. Do I look anything like when I am in the university, Reno?"
"No, you look way cooler-.. Wait, you-"
"I knew you were following me, of course. You failed to tap my PHS, right? Sorry, but I am not welcoming such acts."
"...Damn, you are good. No wonder you are his first.. Safer, so what's he doing here?"
"I have no idea. Loz, brother? I am going back to Hollow Bastion in a week.. Do you want to come along? I will speak with elder brother, don't worry.. I promise, he won't be angry with you.. And Mother, too. I know I have no connection with Mother, but she still cares for those who seek comfort.."
"..."
Puppy eyes. Roxas smiled kindly, pushing Loz's drink closer to him. Slowly, Loz reached out and started to take a sip, muttering in a low voice.
"...Yazoo always tells me I am crying too much.. Kadaj always orders us around.. ...Am I such a burden?"
"No, not at all- I find it pleasant to have you around, Loz. After all, you are very simple. Do you like it? I changed it a bit."
"...Better. It's sweet.."
"'Course, I always do my best for brothers. But I know Kadaj is sometimes annoying, with Yazoo who is quite sly.. And Seph sounded quite frustrated just now. Well- wait a sec. I got a call..."
Roxas took his PHS casually, checking it. ...What a surprise, twice in a day? Roxas twitched a bit as he saw a familiar number on it, but accepted it none the less- eyeing at Reno and Loz.
"What is it? I am working now, you know- and what's the problem with Loz, Seph? I was just clearifying my schedule at the bar with Reno, and Loz-"
[I know that he is with you.. After all, Mother is helping me.. I can hear her. Bring him back with you.]
"...Of course, you would know about your brothers, Seph... ...What is this about? He is depressed."
[...Just a bit of troubles as usual.. I didn't realise how much you were doing when you were with them...]
"Well, can't blame you. Who would have thought a keeper of oath, one who used to clear the traitors would become a babysitter... Damn it. I hate to admit myself, but I did babysit them. Any problem there? Or are you just surprised to find out an assassin babysitting your brothers, who happen to be your legal brother as well?"
[...]
Roxas couldn't help being sarcastic. It was a fact, after all... And of course, they used to say that the Organisation XIII members do not have a heart- not physical one, but emotion- and that was partly true. Roxas had babysat them just because he realised that it would make him easier to deal with them- Nothing more, Ignoring surprised look Reno was giving to him, Roxas casually leaned against the table and spoke again.
"Why aren't you speaking? You know- I just did that because it would give me an advantage- No offence, please. I am a part of Jenova now, no matter you appreciate it or not- brother."
[...Sora would never guess that you threaten me sometimes.. Well, I see your point, and I do accept that you are highly skilled and reliable to certain extend. Of course.. ...No. XIII, I wish that you would bring Loz back to Hollow Bastion with you, and make him stay with the others. I need him here.]
"And I shall act as you wish, Seph. After all, the place where I belonged.. It's gone now, thanks to Team SeeD.. I don't like those who do not know people they are not supposed to be mess with. I am getting crazy over this. Brother, I shall make them pay for it, those fools and traitors.. I am getting closer to it. They will pay for it. Remember that you have your own share, Sephiroth.. I am helping you as a representative, to keep the treaty alive.. You will have to help me later as well. I am not yours to command. ...You better pay right for making an assassin to risk his own life, or else that particular assassin would be after your blood- or else at least be an extremely annoying hinderance."
[...I do see your point.]
Roxas closed his PHS rather agressively when the connection ended without another word, muttering in annoyance as he turned to frozen Loz and Reno.
"Always arrogant, isn't he.. He better be sure about this, making me risk my life for nothing certain..
Loz, can you stay in an inn- wait, this is the address. Go there and tell them that you heard that place from Huginn, they will give you a room for free as well as food and all- It's not bad there. I'll pick you up on 29th night.. Is this alright?"
"Um, ye-yeah, sure.."
"Good. Reno, you have no problem with me taking leave from 29th to 3rd, right?"
"Of course not. Hey.. You've fought with him or sometihng? It ain't nice, ya' know.."
"Oh, I am always like this. I am not his first, after all.. That should be Kadaj, because I never was his own... I used to be in another place, not Jenova, which had an agreement between them.. And now it's gone. One of the great work of Team SeeD, they say.. What a joke.. Only if those traitors didn't help them..."
Roxas scrowled a bit, He was angry at them.. A lot. But it's also obvious that he didn't show it much. Reno only could make it out from the fact that Roxas's eyes shined brighter than it usually did. As Loz left in an akward way with a piece of paper, Roxas started to work again on orders as he talked to Reno.
"So- you would be there, too?"
"Hm? Yeah- I am a Turk, ya' know- Some safety stuff. Obviously, there are a plenty of government officials attending there. And, yeah- Tseng and Rude will be there too, with around- some 5 others? I dunno who else. Rude's my partner, and Tseng said he would be the care taker- so I know that much.. But I am sure that you've already guessed, yo."
"Of course.. Teem SeeD is the best team they've got, especially at Hollow Bastion.. Now, who wants Team SeeD after themselves? No one. And not exactly all politicians and those people in higher classes have clean records.. They want to be in a good term with Team SeeD.. Well, nothing new. Such a party would catch a lot of attentions.. Huh.."
Roxas casually spoke, his face smirking with a clear distaste. Well, they were nagging bastards, and he killed a plenty before for the Organisation.. And hell, he didn't care how many he killed. He was just clearing off jerks anyway..
As Roxas mixed several glasses, chatted with customers, and even flirt- some of the assholes who threw him jokes, Reno couldn't help but narrow his eyes.
"...Safer, huh... I don't think I've seen him like this when he's in public as Roxas.. He is definitely not normal, but the Turks.. I am one of them, but.. I don't like it.. What, no investigation..? Just because he is a member of Jenova.. I don't like any of them. Fucking shit, what kinda life can one have with those abilities? ...He got a worse mask than all the Turks, even Tseng isn't that hard to read.. ...Shit, maybe Rude, but otherwise.. Damn..
..Risking life, an assassin, huh... ...With that slim, lithe body? Hell.. They would believe even if he says that he's a whore, all members of the Jenova.. Fuck, they are hot, god damn it.."
Reno shook his head. Well, it was a fact that all Jenova's known members were cool, and hot- but the Turks, when making reports, sometimes did keep some statements such as 'this unknown Huginn might be hiding his face 'cuz he's ugly' and other random guesses, and- fuck, Huginn, Safer, was god damn hot- only thing was, he was blond, unlike all others who had platinum silver hair and bright green cat-like eyes.. And Safer had bright sky-blue eyes..
Man, Reno remembered how other Turks reacted when he got Safer's photo and showed it to them. They all started rambling stuff, like why the hell he used to hid his face and stuff- though they all silenced when they heard that Safer was actually Sephiroth's legal brother. No one liked the idea, because they knew more than enough about Sephiroth and Jenova. A person who joined Jenova without being related to that inhuman project- the Turks knew enough to guess what it meant. Safer was damn dangerous guy, to be accepted by those.. those.. Well, we-know-what.
Taking another sip, Reno noted someone's presence approaching to him.. A Turk? Reno stood up in surprise, and then sighed at his own overreaction. It was Tseng.
"What was it about, Reno?"
"Hm, just about a break, boss. Appearently he's the 'surprise' for Sephiroth. He's kinda pussy about it, saying that he already told Sephiroth about it anyway, being Huginn."
"..That party? He is attending it? ...That's.. Most unsettling... I thought Sephiroth valued him a lot."
"...Any problem, boss? He just got a call from Sephiroth, and some parts of the conversation was disturbing. Something like, making him risk his life for uncertain thing and he was never a real brother to them, just a connection to keep old treaty.. And there was something like that the place he belonged was destroyed by the Team SeeD, and it was not because they were good but because of traitors... He said he was supposed to be the cleaner and-.. What?"
"...A treaty? Traitors?"
Reno wondered as he realised that Tseng paled a lot, as white as sheet. Does he know something? However, Tseng, on the other hand, snapped and stared at Roxas Safer, his eyes lightly trembling. He didn't even realise that he was muttering to hiimself.
"It.. It can't be.. He can't possibly... ...Too young, it's impossible.. They were disbanded.. He is too young to be one of them.. But.."
"...Hey, Tseng, what's wrong? Who are 'they'?"
"...The youngest, the last member.. ...It.. fits. How he was not detected or known, how Team SeeD never realised-... Because they had a treaty with Jenova.. They sent his own brother as a messanger.. It.. fits.."
"Tseng?"
"...! Ah, no, it's nothing, Reno. Forget it.. This will have to be classified, and it's not even confirmed.. I need to investigate on this matter personally after I report about this to vice-president. Reno, keep an eye on him.. But don't make him annoyed. If it's true.. We have to be in good terms with him, old treaty.. That should be renewed if he is really the last member who remained in the darkness.."
Reno did not understand why Tseng looked so troubled. But he did understand one thing, that this gang Safer originally belonged must had something with the Turks too- It was logical because Jenova had a long history of having treaty with the Turk. If that gang had a treaty with Jenova, it meant that gang was also related to the Turks. And what was this 'last member' shit? Was Safer someone more important, more dangerous than Reno thought? Reno just finished his glass when Safer casually approached him again.
"Ya' want another glass, pal?"
"Yo, that sounds good. Ya' know what? Ya' sounds damn friendly, man."
"Do I? Well, I try to.. It's a good thing, getting closer to others easily, make them and use them as tools.. They are useful. I don't act like a normal gang member or gunner, do I? But I can't call myself a gunner.. I don't use it so often. I prefer shiny, sharp- dangerous stuff, ya know?"
"...Man, why didn't you become a Turk? You should have, ye know.. Or maybe a SOLDIER. Shinra would be very happy to have you-"
"Oh, I am out of their search area. Believe me, they tried- but they immediately took back their proposal when my senior got angry that they dared to touch our candidates.. We don't take many, only one in a few years... And again that's only when there's a vacancy, or as a possible replacement for an emergency cases. So- my seniors were extremely sensitive about their candidates.. I don't know what they did, but I know enough.."
Safer chuckled maliciously, handing Reno another glass. Of course, this Safer- Reno wasn't sure if he was really the same person with 'Roxas Safer', a surprisingly-well-known freshman of Twilight University.. It wasn't common to have a double-degree student in that university, expecially in International Laws major.. He might not realised how famous he was, but definitely, a lot of people were aware about him. He was cool, hot- even in that innovent mask. He fascinated people. He acted a bit strangely, he didn't let others get close to him... But yes, many would be willing to help him.
Who was he, really? Or, rather- what was him? Every movement had its own grace, lithe body swiftly turning as if he was dancing.. He was something. Surely something more than just human.. ..Or something less, maybe. Safer smiled, his eyes cold and emotionless. His expressions were numerous, but his eyes were always the same here. On the other hand.. When Safer was in public, he really smiled, his eyes full of innocence. It made Reno uneasy.. How can the same person be so different? It was too much, almost like two different souls sharing a single body.. Yet, those two different sides were too similar to be entirely different people. Finally, Reno decided to give up for the day and left the place, leaving behind enough sum of gils.