Author's note : Nothing in particular.. Maybe Out of Character warning for Roxas...?
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 7. Party II]
[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.]
VII . i
"Sora, Riku, I am going out. Don't mind me, I won't be coming back until after I come back from Hollow Bastion."
"...Again? I know you won't listen anyway, but come back soon, okay? Sora doesn't say anything, but he is worried- you should know- Sora?"
Riku stared at Sora with surprise as Sora rushed to Roxas and grabbed his arm. Even Roxas were slightly curious about it. Sora knew Roxas didn't like physical contracts much, and hence didn't touch him often. It was rare. Another surprising thing was.. Sora's eyes were full of determination.. Odd. Roxas thought Sora lost it all when that 'incident' happened.. Evidently, it didn't.
"Roxas, can I talk to you a minute?"
"..Sure, why not? Care to talk while going out? I am actually a bit short of time, so let's talk about it while going down."
"I don't mind, Roxas."
Sora quickly picked up a jacket and opened the door to exit. It was clear that Sora wanted to talk to only Roxas, not even Riku- his best friend. Shrugging, Roxas went out with his travelling bag specially designed for his Huginn after Sora.
Sora took stairs instead of lift. A clear sign that Sora really wanted to talk with him.. Rifting his bag easily, Roxas started for Sora in a light manner.
"Well? Sora, what do you want to talk about?"
"...About elder brother, Roxas. I.. I want to ask you something.."
"Sure, go on. He is our brother, after all."
"I... ...What was he doing for a whole year?"
"...? Why do you ask? You know, he is a prosecutor-"
"But professor Leonhart said that his friend called a year ago- that Sephiroth had resigned!"
"..."
Roxas was muted. 'Accursed prosecutor Squall!' His mind muttered to him, but it wasn't his voice. Well.. Of course, it was still him, but you can't exactly call another personality as the same, right? Soon, Roxas spoke in a very low voice.
"..I didn't want anyone to know. After Sephiroth became a prosecutor.. He hated his job. When he started working, he realised that the higher officials were corrupted, more than he ever imagined. Some government officials are even helping, supporting, or even using criminals or gangs.. After a year, Sephiroth had enough. He couldn't endure it, Team SeeD's members were fine but their higher ups.. ..He got fed up of their hinderances and resigned. I... I couldn't tell.. He didn't want to make others worry about him, and he had his friends.. He was investigating the criminals he couldn't chase at the back streets, using himself as an agent with his friends' helps.."
"...He.. What..?"
"...I did everything I can to help him. He didn't want me to, but he had no choice.. His friends were already known, revealed.. I was safe. I had no connection with those people. So he handed me over files and evidenves he collected to me, to keep them safe.. You remember the chest, right? The one I kept all the information and evidences.. ..Sephiroth used to tell me to discard some of them if any of them die in the middle of gang fight or something. I didn't want anyone else to know.. The path he had choose.."
'What a bullshit, he only wants to see his beloved Mother again. He doesn't give a damn about good or bad.' Roxas sneered at himself inwardly. However, Sora was now stunned by this new information.. 'How stupid.' However, Roxas smiled in sorrow and spoke wistfully.
"..You know.. He isn't bad.. Don't tell anyone about this, will you? It's not our story to tell.. It's his own. He is the one who should choose who to know and who to not know.. Not me, not you, him. Keep it with you. Sephiroth won't be happy when he gets to know that I told you about it.. He will get mad at me, and I don't want him chasing after me, brother."
Sora just nodded his head. It was easy to know that he was willing to keep this quiet. 'Stupid thing, but obviously useful to manipulate.' Roxas just sighed and continued to walk down. He never could control his other self, anyway. So logical, full of tempting ideas.. And he had skill to make them real. He was strong. Sometimes those ideas were so tempting, enough to make himself feel that he should follow what his another self wants.. He wished that he could do just the same. Which was, again, against himself. He didn't like killing. He hated fighting. No matter how logical it was to do such acts.. He just couldn't do anything like that.. It was hard for him to do anything like that.. And that was the main reason he could help his another ego. He could fool others just by acting himself. He hated it. More than anyone could imagine..
But he liked it too, perhaps too much. Enough to help himself doing the most craziest things, even massacre.. He wasn't as good or innocent as others thought he was.. He never was. He knew about his dark side very early, and he did not struggle to stand against himself, instead.. He supported himself, encouraged doing more and more of those stuff.. Because he liked it. That's why-...
Roxas stopped thinking as they reached the exit. Roxas's Huginn always caught attentions.. However, Roxas casually kept his bag on his Huginn and spoke in a casual manner again.
"Hey, you know what? I'll bring a gift when I am coming back, Sora. And I will ask Seph to be a bit more nice to you- But don't expect much.. He would be mad at me, really.. He has a reason to hate all Safers, Sora. He didn't fight with our parents without any reason."
"...Huh? Wa-wait! Roxas! What do you mean by that? Hey!"
"It's not my thing to talk, if you want to know- Ask them or Seph!"
Roxas casually spoke and started his motorcycle. Before Sora could catch him, he was already out of his sight .. Left alone, Sora bit his lips and murmured.
"..Sephiroth.. Elder brother had his reason to fight with parents..? But then.. Why would he fight...? Why... ...Wait. A reason to hate all.. Safers..? But he is also a Safer.. Isn't he..?"
Sora stood there alone for a long time, alone.
VII . ii
"Safer!"
"Yeah, Loz, it's me. Come! I'll treat you nicely. Are you in for a drink?"
"Of course, I have! Who wouldn't, if it's you- none other than Roxas Safer? You are hot, you know- Heh, what a pity, others think your name is Safer Saxor.."
"Well, that is one of my names.. Alright, to the Nineth Prison!"
Roxas cheerfully spoke and started his motorcycle as Loz started his. It was pleasant.. Smiling, they reached Nineth Prison. Many greeted Safer- Loz chuckled at the sight, at the irony that they did not realise that the people they were greeting were none other than Jenova's two sons. Irony, that they all knew what Jenova was, but did not recognise them. Smirking, Loz hugged Safer from behind and spoke in a dark tone.
"Heh, brother? It's so funny.. Don't you think? They don't even realise who you are with that motorcycle.."
"Hmm? Haha.. Same with you, brother! Why, don't you feel refreshing?"
"...Maybe you are right, they don't bark off.. It's something new. No one comes near us at Hollow Bastion.. Huginn. You really want to stay in this small town? It's no fun here.."
"But it's peaceful, isn't it, Loz? No fightings- no, there is, but less."
"It's almost none at Hollow Bastion now, no one dares to defy us! They don't even challenge us now, and now you are staying here.. It's so boring! When you were in Hollow Bastion, it was much more fun- Safer, why don't you want to come back? Without you, Jenova is no fun- Kadaj and Yazoo- and elder brother misses you, too!"
The street suddenly become silent. It was very quiet, and another person who was about to greet Safer froze at the spot. Yes, Jenova. Everyone knew that name. However, Safer let Loz molest himself by hugging hard and spoke in a casual manner.
"Don't tell me- Kadaj and Yazoo of all people? They miss me? I thought they didn't like me much! I am the youngest, am I not? And I am Huginn.. Muninn should be happy that I am not there."
"You don't say, Safer! Elderst brother was shouting at us every day! That's more than annoying, and he is scary! Three days ago, Yazoo made a mistake and he was hospitalised! If you were there, he wouldn't have gone that far-.. Uh.. "
"..Yazoo is hospitalised? Why didn't you tell me earlier!"
"Bu, but- he would get mad at me now- don't tell him that I told you that, Safer! He will really get mad-"
"Is that the problem now? You said that Yazoo is hospitalised! He is our brother, how can you say like that?"
"Because I don't want to get hospitalised!"
"But why didn't you stop-... Oh."
Safer stopped in the middle, his face shocked. At this point, Loz released him and spoke in a childish manner.
"Why don't you understand? No one can calm him down, no one! When he is angry, someone who is almost equal in the combat must fight against him and force him back to senses, or someone else have to volunteer to be a sandbag! Elder brother is good, but he is also cruel... He hurts us. You can stop him, because you are not one of us, but in same time you are one of us! We can't, because we belong to him. You don't. Isn't that obvious?"
"..I see your point.. ...How many times did it happen? If Yazoo is hospitalised..."
"...Kadaj was in bed when I came here. I.. ..I knew you would come back to Hollow Bastion if I refuse to go back alone.. I knew elder brother would be very angry if I tell you what he did-"
"I won't tell him, stop worrying, Loz. I just need to see him, now! I don't care if he hospitalises me again, god damn it! You said that I don't belong to him? I am belong to him as much as you are- the fact that I was a successor of a disbanded gang doesn't mean that I am not his brother! I know I don't belong there as you guys do- you are his, nothing more. His to command, his to control, his to do everything! But I am my own. If he does anything wrong, then that's mine to stop! I am Huginn, his thoughts, his supporter- and his blocker! Why am I in Jenova? Why the hell am I still there when I am already well aware that he has no intention of helping me in return? God damn it, because he is my brother! I don't care what others say, I don't care what he thinks! He is my elder brother and that's it!"
Loz froze. It was a real rare thing to see Safer angry.. It required a trememdous amount of luck to witness one, or.. Maybe that much of bad luck. Loz was at least glad that Safer had enough sense of showing it.. When Safer was really angry, it was nothing compared to this.
On contrary, others who had seen Safer glaring at Loz thought otherwise. His eyes cold and voice acidic, everyone thought that he would kill Loz in any second. However.. Safer's voice calmed easily, no matter how bitter looked.
"..I am going to Hollow Bastion tonight. I don't care whatever other people say.. I will grab his neck and shake it until he apologises."
"...What...? No- no! Wait, Safer! You are not serious, are you? You can't possibly-"
"Oh, I, can! Have you forgotten that I used to be an assassin! Picked, trained, used and manipulated- no matter how brainwashed I was when I was young- I was good enough to kill that stupid mentor who almost kidnapped me and go back to him, elder brother! ?No matter I had not been doing anything, I am still training in regular basis and even elder brother will have a hard time if he wishes to hospitalise me, especially when I don't have an intention to be a sandbag!"
"Safer, but... But you.."
"I don't care even if I might kill him by mistake. I was never taught to restrain my skills and powers- that's why generally I just backed off and got beaten up by anyone- but now I don't care whatever happens to him, he asked for it- didn't he? I don't give a damn even if he dies, that would be by a mistake. Who cares."
"..."
Loz swallowed his words, realising that Roxas was more pissed than he showed. It was more clear to everyone when Roxas actually kicked (!) his beloved motorcycle when it didn't start imediately. The part Roxas kicked was bented, leaving his shoe trace clearly.
"Gaia, Odin's curse! Is this because he is the Odin and I am the Huginn? Even the motorcycle doesn't listen when I want to give him a good punch right into his face! And curse him when he used to be in Shinra Army and uses Wutaian God's name! What a joke, Odin, of all gods! Damn it!"
"He-hey, Safer- your Huginn-"
"Oh, cut it out! Don't mind it- it's just a useless cover anyway, I don't need it when I reach Hollow Bastion! And I don't care what others say, Jenova is not exactly an illegal organisation, isn't it? I know we never did anything illegal.. Hospitalising some people, maybe, but I managed to pay for them, legally settling all those stuff everytime it happened.. That made me feel worse. Every time things get out of control.. I am Huginn, but I am not someone who just helps and treats who are sick.. I am someone who is supposed to prevent such accidents. I had been watching, doing nothing more than watching.. But now, I just can't take it any more. I will either kill him for this or make him understand what he is doing. I don't give a damn about others.. Ah, here we go.."
"Wait! No, elder brother will be really angry if you just- Safer~~!"
It was too late for Loz to stop Roxas, as Roxas jumped on to his motorcycle as soon as it started, and left the place. Now terrified by the possible outcome, Loz jumped on to his own and shouted to disappearing figure of Roxas.
"Damn it, Safer! You won't be killed by him any how, but he will surely try to kill me for this! Wait and calm down first! I know you won't do anything, especially because you hate yourself and your past forced to be an assassin without any choice, but he will still be mad at us!"
VII . iii
*Sound of motorcycle engine and its tires colliding with ground as it makes aggressive turn and arrival*
Sephiroth narrowed his eyes when the familiar sounds of motorcycle was heard. Kadaj was still in bed, as well as Yazoo- both were in no state of riding their motorcycle. Now, Loz had gone to Roxas, and Roxas was in Twilight Town.. So there was no one who would ride those particular motorcycles. However, his question was solved when a person with particularly striking features stormed into the house. Roxas- what was he doing here? He was supposed to come tomorrow morning, and it was only 6 am now. However, one thing was clear, Roxas was mad at him. Sephiroth caught Roxas's shoulder as Roxas tried to punch him, and kissed Roxas. Though Roxas protested for a while, he soon stopped protesting and let Sephiroth in.
After a few minutes of passionate moments, Sephiroth let go of Roxas and smirked.
"So.. What made you come early, Roxas? Well, not that I complain.."
"...I don't get you as always.. Why did you do that? I know you are capable of holding yourself back even if I am not there to stop you."
"Oh? Ah.. That? I see, you got worried, hm? Just making them forced to stay quiet while I am going back to Team SeeD, nothing more. Hmm.. Wanna sleep in my room? You didn't tell your parents about this, right?"
"...I have my own place to go, Seph. Not that we shared bed or anything, I am uncomfortable with presence of someone like you.. Who are highly skilled, enough to evade my senses.. I don't like it."
"I see.. Well, take your cloth, then. Wear it, hm? I want to see how nice you look on it... You are mine for now."
Roxas gave a cold stare to Sephiroth, but nodded and walked into the Janova's house. It used to be the house of Kadaj, Yazoo, Loz and of course Seph, but Seph was leaving, and judging by some groans heard.. Kadaj was definitely hurt. Sighing, Roxas took the box Sephiroth handed over to him.. It was full of straps and leatherly materials.. Unless one knew how to put those on, it would look like just useless leather pieces.. Except that those were made of dragon skin, a black one. Chuckling lightly, Roxas went to bathroom in order to put those on. It was easy.. For him, anyway. They were tight on his skin, just like a part of his body.. And next few layers gave him places to hide his weapons.. And the last layer covered his body completely. Another good thing was that this cloth blocked all kinds of sensors.. Meaning a blade hidden under this cloth wouldn't be detected by metal sensors. Good thing, huh? Humming lightly, Roxas finished himself.. Chuckling as he realised how similar his cloth was to that of 'Vincent Valentine' of the Avalanche, Roxas made a swift run through over his appearance. Not exactly formal, but not exactly non-formal either. This cloth looked more formal than that black haired, red clothed man's attires.
After he was sure that he was comfortable in the cloth and he could move freely but with effort with the restrains, Roxas nodded to himself and made his way out. Sephiroth was waiting outside. Looking at Roxas, Sephiroth nodded in satisfaction and smirked.
"This would surprise them a lot, hm.. You look really similar to Vincent Valentine, do you know that? And you are my brother.. Ha.."
"No one will care anyway, Sephiroth. Or do you want me to give them a heart attack? If that's what you wish-"
"Act like him.. I know you can. Speak like him, act like him, anything you can do.. You have his files. Avalanche.. You can easily give them some misunderstandings.."
"...Yes, of course I can... They don't know your last name, do they?"
"They know that I was adopted, but knows nothing related to Hojo.. Unless that Vincent Valentine knew something about me before he started... Hibernating."
"Good choice of words. Hibernating, hm? I will do it, then. Want me to do anything related to that plan of yours?"
Sephiroth smirked and shook his head. He knew better than ordering people from A to Z- Roxas Safer was capable of doing all in his own way. And by doing this, he could really act like he had no previous knowledge of what happens in the party. Roxas soon walked out of his house, his movements gracious and swift. Sephiroth could already imagine how Roxas would look among all those participants of the party.. And Roxas would certainly lead him to Cloud. Sephiroth smirked as he remembered the particular blond who looked extremely similar to Roxas, or via versa, because he was older than Roxas.. Sephiroth already knew what they would think once they saw Cloud Strife and Roxas Safer together, and Vincent Valentine and Roxas together.. He chuckled maliciously, ignoring Loz who carefully entering the house without any sound.
VII . iv
"..Mr. Safer? Is there anything you need..?"
"Hm? Ah.. No, not at all. Thank you for your concern."
Roxas smiled at a poor man who approached him. Sitting in a hotel cafe, playing with his laptop and working, taking the classes through network.. Roxas liked it. However, others, knowing who he is- they were depressed. Well, this hotel was special.. It was owned by one of the backstreet gang, and so it was quite obvious that they were all knew who he was.. Especially when Huginn was the very person who saved this hotel owner's life from Sephiroth, the Odin's hand by offering himself as a sandbag. Another irony- this was the place where they were supposed to have the party for Team SeeD's reformation. They were all aware of the place's owner, but it was chosen by one of the high officers.. Pity them. Carelessly drinking his coffee, Roxas continued listening to his classes until a familiar man with a large gunblade approached him.. Prosecutor Squall Leonhart. With a swift look in the class, Roxas turned his head and looked at Squall who just shook his head and spoke.
"Well, Roxas Safer, you may continue with your classes. I can wait."
[and from this case-.. Squall Leonhart? Is that you?]
"...Ah, excuse me for causing a trouble, professor Cid Kramer.. I am with Roxas Safer at Hollow Bastion now. Appearently he was attending his class through his laptop.. I asked him to meet here. I am willing to stay here too, listening to your words just like old times.. Professor Kramer."
[You give such a credit to an old man? Well, well.. Alright, let's continue this discussion.. From this case, we can...]
Roxas listened his lessons quietly. It was quick.. However, after the class was over, before the class was dismissed... Professor Cid Kramer spoke to him.
[..And it's all for today, alright.. ...Mr. Roxas Safer?]
"Yes, Professor, I am listening."
[Good. ...How was your trip to Hollow Bastion? I heard that you left your house abruptly without any warning from your roommate, and it's a day earlier than you planned.]
"...I got a call, Professor. ...I still do not know the cause behind it, but it seems two of my friends had a serious fight, resulting both of them hospitalised... My friend who is close to them as well as myself called me up, informing that he is quite helpless here. Hence, I came to Hollow Bastion and made arrangements, because I am the one who is taking up such responsibilities in my group I used to stay with- a back up. It went well, taking that both of them are highly skilled in combat skills- their injuries are minor.. Though I am shocked that SOLDIERs also can be that reckless. It was shocking. I was never involved in their trainings, for I am certainly not MAKO enhanced like them, but.. ...I thought they had enough sense to not to get emotional like that... And.."
[...It wasn't just a mistake, was it, Mr. Roxas?]
"...No. They won't tell me what caused the fight, but from what I can understand from my time with them.. ..It seems they had a serious fight, over both logical and emotional senses. I do not see how, but... ..It's clear that they meant to hurt each other. Or else.. I do not see how could they use mastered materia magics against each other, including their limit breaks."
The silent was almost deadly. Limit breaks, mastered materia magics? Those were not supposed to be used, even among the most members of the SOLDIERS. Then.. Who were the people who were hospitalised by such acts? Roxas grimaced to himself, for he knew the answers.. ..Angeal Hewley and Genesis Rhapsodos... The two first class generals ever-since Sephiroth resigned. Rolling his left hand into a fist, Roxas spoke in a low voice.
"I personally do not wish to reveal their identities, professor.. I do not wish to give them troubles, especially when.. They are in officer ranks, and such reasons behind their injuries would cause troubles. They already had a lot of troubles when they filled out forms reporting reasons behind their injuries.. I think it had something to do with.. Another friend, who resigned from SOLDIER and left Midgar.. ..He was famous and really good officer from what I've heard, yet he came to hate working in SOLDIER.. He started to hate those conflicts.. ..Those become meaningless, and he didn't want to see his friends getting hurt or make any more close people in the organisation. He left abruptly, making no fare-wells."
[...Something happened?]
"...I found his letter. He resigned years ago, and all of sudden he sent a letter to them with some private issues I do not wish to speak, professor.. ...That letter was the reason. From what I can guess or already know.. They had arguements over the letter. It's very uncomfortable situation, professor."
[I understand. It's about media, isn't it? Though I think Prosecutor Squall, who must be with you now, would be aware of who you are talking about-]
"..I have no idea, Professor Kramer. They must be really high officers, given that it must be classified to me as well... At least Lieutenants."
"..."
Roxas glanced at Squall silently. He actually tried to tell...? Shifting his posture uncomfortably, Roxas finally decided to name one of them, who's identity remains unknown to public.
"...One of their name is Angeal Hewley, if you really want to know, enough to ask Prosecutor Squall about it. ...I hope you have no reason to ask anymore now, unless you want me to ask how did I get to know them... Which I can't answer for their sake."
"...Angeal Hewley? Mr. Safer, how can you-"
[Squall, let him be. You are not questioning him in an interrogating session. I see now.. You are exceptionally well known among high class members of the society.. Surprising, because I know Sephiroth, your brother, wasn't.]
"..I wouldn't say that if I were you, professor.. You just failed to see how well-connected he is, despite his anti-social behaviours. ..It was my dear brother who sent that accursed letter to them."
[...What...? You mean Sephiroth was in SOLIDER before!]
"Special training programme for only recommanded candidates, yes. He was one of the officers and he participated in Wutaian Uprising, too. That's where he got his ranks high. Then after the war, he resigned, leaving his friends.. I do not like his reasons, but I remained silent. Anyway, the party I attend.. It would be in a extra-grand scale, and I am sure that Sephiroth would greet them, revealing his former identity as a SOLDIER- because I know they are on the list of the party participants. They already told me that they are there when I made arrangements for them to be hospitalised without official records. ...I do feel sorry for them, their position force them impossible to have that much of privacy without official records."
Roxas spoke in his matter-of-factly tone, which he is very used to use. Also, he glanced to someone who approached him and Squall- the manager of the cafe. He himself was personally serving the table for Roxas.. Slightly nodding and showing that he wasn't about to rampage in the cafe, Roxas continued.
"And Professor, that was what I used to do in Hollow Bastion all the time, giving them some private time. They never could have a privacy without me, especially Sephiroth, my brother, had been refusing to meet them for years after he resigned. Now, it seems the circumstances have changed- I do not know whether he felt that he should meet them now or any other reasons, but he is willing to meet them.. Nothing surprising about the fight, thinking that one of them is quite calm and must have thought of listening to explanations first.. And another one would have been furious about Sephiroth. I see how it happened, because they always had disagreements... Sephiroth always stood in the middle of them, some times another one between Sephiroth and the last member.. Three of them were good friends. But it comes to one particular incident that Sephiroth was almost betrayed by them.. And he left them.
...One accepts that it was their mistake, another one feels Sephiroth should have understood about it... They never reached to a point of agreement. And now, Sephiroth suddenly showed an interest to see them.. It caused a literal havoc. Oh, who wouldn't.. It's not very pleasant... They are very skilled, so as much as their control over their skills.. If they lose their temper, it's a nightmare to stop.. I never managed to stop them fighting till now. I always watched them helplessly, trying to calm them down and recieve comments like 'shut up' or 'mind your own business'.. Well, I don't think I deserved anything better, being Sephiroth's brother, but.. Yeah,.. ..Well, that's all, professor. May I be excused now? I think I am actually.."
[Ah, an old man took too much of your time out of his curiousity, huh? Alright, Mr. Roxas Safer, have a good time there.]
...And it was over. Roxas closed his laptop and turned to Squall Leonhart, who was staring at him down right. Well, it won't go anywhere, will it? Crossing his legs and taking his cup of coffee, Roxas spoke in a very cold manner.
"And I believe that you have no right to ask anything related to my brother in his personal level.. You yourself being a prosecutor should know what it means by intruding privacy of other people."
"...Surprise. Are you always this cold in Hollow Bastion, Roxas Safer?"
"Only when I needed to be, Prosecutor Squall. You never met my brother as a team member, did you? You will see when you work with him."
"...Hm? And what does it supposed to mean?"
"Nothing you need to know now. I hate being disturbed or other people who tries to stick their noses to wrong places and-"
"Hey, Safer! You are already here? Why didn't you come to work last night?"
Roxas chocked when someone rushed to him and hugged him tightly, while Squall's eyes widened with shock at what he was witnessing. Reno of the Turks... One of the highest member present in the Turks. How could Reno know Roxas? And what was this 'work' about? However, Roxas pushed him back rather violently and snapped at Reno.
"*cough, cough*... I see no reason for you to hug me like that! Were you trying to suffocate me! And I don't swing that way, thank you very much!"
"...Yo, I didn't mean to offend you, pal.. I just wondered because I wanted to have a nice game before you leave Twilight Town.. And you were supposed to work there anyway, so I thought you would show up.. And hell, what was all that about? You were damn pissed off about your brother, right? If I heard you right last night, I think it was something like you wanted to punch him hard or something..?"
"...I haven't met him yet, Reno. And about work, well.. I am sorry about that, I shouldn't have done that. And about a game or two.. You are always welcome to bring cards and your friends as well as your 'boss' and play with me, or invite me to your place as long as I have time. By the way.. What is this about? I can see your 'boss' glaring at you now."
Roxas smirked with his little joke, much to Squall's surprise. Reno, on the other hand, glanced at Tseng who was with Rude and groaned as it was obvious that Tseng was angry at him. However... Tseng soon shifted his eyes to Roxas, and walked towards him. His voice was surprisingly diplomatic when he spoke to Roxas as well.
"Good morning, Mr. Roxas Safer. I hope you have a good day today. It's pleasure to meet you again."
"Of course, Mr. Tseng of the Turks, I am fully aware the significant of this meeting.. I pressume that you are now aware of my identity, both as a messanger and the last survivor with rightful claims?"
"Yes, I am sure that you are the one I need to talk with, sign the treaty with, and make sure all things do not cross the lines, Mr. Roxas. And please pass over to your brother, that the Turks are really sorry for the inconvenience- we didn't know that he was protecting the last survivor with a certain identity as well as a certain alliance.. Please send him our regards, as well as our thanks for his work. We appeaciate his effort as well as help for Shinra."
"I will pass it over, Mr. Tseng. Do you wish to talk about it now? I am sure that you are aware of his presence, Prosecutor Squall Leonhart, the leader of Team SeeD.. I think he is a perfect witness for our treaty. Of course, that is only if he is willing to spare his moments.."
Roxas's attitute equally stunned Squall. What was going on here? There was nothing he could find in their words. However, Tseng shook his head and spoke politely to Roxas again.
"There is no need for it now, Mr. Roxas Safer. I believe your old boss had no mistake in finding his successor, and the treaty can be done later as well.. I am glad to inform that the Turks are willing to help you in any way we can, as well as seeking for revenge. It is legally approved, and henve you will not have any trouble to get them in the future, Mr. Roxas Safer. It is perfectly legal... And no one will stop you from it. It is personal order from the president himself."
"...You confirmed it from him? That's unnessesary and-"
"It was completely nessesary, regarding who you are and skills you possess, Mr. Safer.. You are the last of them. It makes you special, more special than anyone but yourself may guess.. We are aware of the fact that you have all information and contacts related to your past involvement with them. It makes you invaluable."
"...Thank you for the comment, but I'd rather not take it, Mr. Tseng. I don't need your help to punish our traitors, and I am sure that you are aware how territorial we are.."
"...Of course, that can be arranged. We won't step in your work, Mr. Roxas Safer."
"Accepted and appreciated."
Tseng smiled. He knew this reaction well.. It was along the exactly same lines with Xemnas's actions, though it was different.. So it was Roxas's way of showing gratitute while working, hm.. Slightly nodding, Tseng got hold of Reno and spoke.
"I look forward our next meeting, Mr. Roxas Safer.. I know your kind. You do not wish to ask a favour.. You do the favour, and we pay for it.. I do not wish that the day I have to ask a favour come faster, but I do wish to meet you again. You are very insightful."
"As much as my mentor? I doubt that, and he is still alive. I know he just went missing, never dead.. As long as his body is not discovered, I hold my position as successor, not the rightful master. I am willing to help the Turks, old relations do not die easily."
"Of course.. I appreciate your willingness too, Mr. Roxas Safer. We certainly will do something about your mentor and previous negotiator of your kinds. It's just to renew our old relationship, we made a grave mistake by not searching for you.. We apologise."
"Huh? Hey, Tseng! I wanna talk with Safer-"
"Reno, do it when you don't have any official business with you. I am sure Mr. Roxas Safer won't mind you later."
"But- Hey, Safer! I will see you later, okay?"
"Yea'-, I ain't plan to go anywhere, 's just me 'nd I ain't reject ya', pal-"
"Hey, you used slang again! Told ya' ya' sound hot when ya' do th't, yo! Don't be a stranger!"
Roxas burst into laughter as Reno was dragged away by Tseng and Rude. My, he still flirted him when he was being literally dragged out! After a few minutes, Roxas calmed down, still chuckling.
"Whoa, oh, my.. He is exactly a Turk material, isn't he? Haha.. Though I am sure he is acting like that because he doesn't know who I am.. Well, that's obvious.. Even Sephitoth was quite annoyed about it, though he did protect me from others.. What a useless stuff, being one of the Shinra's employee.. though I do have a bit of influence and all.. Heh..
Now, what do I have here..? Oh, yes.. ..I forgot.. Sorry about it, Prosecutor Squall.. I am sure you'd understand, the Turks are supposed to be treated well."
"...I am aware of it. But.. ..Is it classified? How you got to know about them? And what was it about your 'work's?"
"Oh, nothing classified about those, Prosecutor. Sephiroth told me to meet them, he had been working with them for a full year after he resigned. He is more comfortable with them, because there are less restrictions for him to get hold of the criminals.. He is not a Turk, but he works with them. Do you see how it works, Prosecutor?"
"...He hands over the criminals to the Turks, and they do whatever they want with those criminals. Am I right?"
To Squall's dismay, Roxas nodded casually. Wasn't Roxas aware of the Turks' works? However, it was clear he did from what he said after nodding.
"Kill or utilise or anything they want. That's what Seph helps by catching those people. He is more comfortable that way, and he can be a bit more violent if he needs to, too. So that's how he got to know about them, and told me to meet them when I go to Twilight Town.. I am sure that you are aware of Nineth Prison? I am mixing cocktails there, actually. Customers are quite tamed, too.."
"...A Turk basement. I am aware of it... You know how to mix?" Squall spoke with a hint of dismay. He thought Roxas Safer was one of the model students!
"I am old enough to do that, Prosecutor. Having Sephiroth as an elder brother doesn't encourages me to be a model student, no matter how I act in front of the others.. Not that I am involved in any illegal stuff or out of lines and rules. And about game- I played poker with the Turks. Reno was thrilled when I won against Tseng, Rude, and Reno himself. It was fun, to be honest.. So prosecutor.. What can I do for you? I am supposed to surprise Sephiroth, right?"
"Yes. That, I do not have any idea, because I am also a part of the people who are returning. So.. Basically it's Riona, Zell, Quistis, Selphie and Seifer who are in charge. Irvine, Fujin, Raijin, myself, and your brother Sephiroth are the people who are returning.. But you do look good on those clothes. What leather is it?"
Roxas smiled. He liked the cloth very much.. And he knew that Squall was capable of sensing the magical power it possessed. Caressing it, Roxas smiled innocently and spoke.
"Dragon, an ancient one.. Or so I heard. I do not know well about it, but it gives me enough defence despite the fact that I lack physical skills. It's good, because I can hardly protect myself.. And it looks formal, too.. Letting me have enough defence any time I need it."
"...Black dragon? That's... Rare. Where did you get it?"
"Sephiroth got it. Turks gave it to him for a payment, or more precisely, they gave him a chance to choose what he wants from their valute and Sephiroth took this. He didn't do it for me- he did it to annoy them because this is quite invaluable treasure- but anyway, he gave it to me, and it's mine now."
"...I see. He actually.. ..He actually tried to annoy the Turks."
"Yes, Sephiroth has every right to, because he is working for Shinra now- when he has every right to sue Shinra for it.. He was a victim of Shinra's small mistake before. Well, even though he will win the case for sure, he doesn't want to make the case public.. So it came to the Turks that they have to be very careful while interacting with Sephiroth, because they can't just kill him and make it end of the story.. Sephiroth is too strong for them to kill without any trouble. Turks are aware of Sephiroth's dislike towards the company, so.. They don't want troubles. Sephiroth has a justified reasons and evidences which are impossible to debuff or destroy. He is.. Practically out of hands of the Shinra."
Roxas chuckled, but Squall couldn't find it funny. Out of hands? It was impossible. Shinra produced almost everything and was practically a government itself.. Only possible way of winning was making it as public as possible. ...Well, if Angeal Hewley and Genesis Rhapsodos was involved, that would be enough for publicity, but still.. As he assessed Roxas's words, another thing came to his mind. What about Roxas himself?
"And I don't think you are as strong as he is, Roxas. Why the Turks want you?"
"A logical question, expected from someone like you, Prosecutor Squall Leonhart. I do admit that they can try killing me.. But I doubt that they will try their luck. This cloth.. It has materia slots, and I have all-defensive materia sets. For example.. Counter, Pre-emtive, Wall, Magic Barrier, and all others.. ...I have Final Strike = Revive, Pre-emtive = Magic Barrier, Counter = Ice, and Wall = Add Effect... As well as Elemental = Fire. I am as good as a moving castle in a sense, Prosecutor. If they want to take me down.. They will have to risk a lot. I may be weak in physical sense, my magic isn't something they can just look over.. They will have to kill me if they can, but.. I am capable of giving them a nightmare. I can at least destroy a building or two, especially with my Summon. Unless they are willing to spend a whole squad or two, they have to tolerate my existence."
"..."
Squall stared at Roxas, trying to find his voice again. It was quite.. Unsettling to see Roxas chuckling when he mentioned about his 'Summon'. Whatever it was.. It couldn't be good. However, Roxas soon shook his head and spoke.
"But Turks want my information and my knowledge in certain areas, and I am the last one left- There are other survivors, but they can't trust them because they don't know who's the traitor among us. In case of me, I am only one who has solid alibi and who wasn't killed in the incident involved. Some of the missing people of my kinds who are trust-worthy... Those people would be very cautious, and wouldn't believe anyone or reveal who they are easily. So, they need me.
And, to be honest.. This position gives me a dreadful handicap. I can't reveal my skills at all even if I die... There are certain restrictions for our power, and if it's public places, where the secrets cannot be hidden.. Then I have to die without resistance. That's why this cloth is good for me.. They will think that I am just acting due to effects of materia, not my own skills.. And I don't need to use magics by myself in this way. They will be automatic."
Squall wasn't sure whether he was supposed to be happy about this information or not. Roxas had been his good student, but this was quite too much to overlook.. But then, what else could he do beside overlooking this? Arrest him for being a paranoid?
"...A valid argument. But.. Even if you die..? Isn't that a bit-"
"No, it's not too much. I made my choice and it is final, I was willing to take the risk, and I still am willing to carry on. It's my responsibility as the last survivor to pass on my knowledge.. ...Turks do not want me to get killed, our kind gave them a great advantages before.. They want it again, and they know I can give it to them. Either way, they don't want my knowledge spreading, and Shinra needs it.. It's like, they will either torture me to death to get all information from me, or just let me have my freedom and try to make use of me. First one isn't a good option, they are likely to kill be before I become co-operative.. And it will be very hard for them to arrest me or get hold of me, because I am trained to keep myself with others.. As public as I can. That's how I got my- um, 'aura', they say. I easily catch other people's attentions, and they become aware of my presence- making themselves my witnesses without realisation. I am very manipulative in that way."
Roxas smiled and took another sip of his coffee. And being manipulative was good thing for him. Squall was actually getting enough information which made no senses and they did not fit together well, so he momentarily gave up on that. He just started to remember everything Roxas said, nothing more. After sometime, Roxas finished drinking his coffee and shrugged to him.
"Prosecutor Squall? So.. Am I supposed to be here, or go and meet your companions?"
"..Go and meet them. Of course.. That's after Sephiroth is out of the office.. Come."
Roxas smiled as Leonhart stood up and led the way. Chuckling, Roxas left some gils and left the place.