Author's note : Well, no reviews at all.. Is it because I uploaded too fast...? Sigh. Tell me, people.. Is it because of that..? ...Or maybe this is boring. Well, who cares. I am still posting.
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 8. Party III]
[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.]
VIII . i
"Whoa, this is Roxas? He looks really cute!"
"...Doesn't look like Sephiroth much to me. Are you really his brother?"
"What a surprise... He is, sure, different from Sephiroth, huh.."
Roxas smiled shyly at comments. Riona, Zell, Quistis, Selphie and Seifer.. He knew who they were, one by one.. After all, they were too unique to not to be recognised. After sometime, Roxas spoke in a soft voice.
"Um.. Okay.. I'm Roxas Safer, as you all already know... And.. Do I have to do anything particular in the party or something...?"
"Not at all, kid. You just need to show up when we announce for the surprises."
"...Kid..? ..I am a university student, you know..."
Roxas sighed a bit. Yeah, he was younger than they were, but still... shaking his head, Roxas smiled cheerfully, ignoring one of the suspects in the room turning as white as a sheet. That person met Roxas before.
"Alright! Then I will be there on time! Should I go there before other people arrive?"
"That will be great. Around 0400, maybe?"
"Hmm- yeah, I can manage that. Okay.. I'd rather stay at the hotel anyway, 'cuz I am sure my brother's friends must have already guessed that it's me.. It's kinda obvious.. Not many people are close to my elder brother, and he hates some of the usually close relationships.. His friends are very smart, too. With his lack of social skills.. Anyone can guess the possible list, and that's not over 3 including myself. So- they must be already knowing or guessing that it's me, and they already met me while they were going somewhere yesterday night.."
"What? Then it's not surprise! Does Sephiroth already know?"
"Huh? Oh, no, he doesn't. He had been avoiding his friends for sometime now."
Roxas smiled innocently. Or was that really innocent smile? Squall narrowed his eyes, but his companions didn't realise anything off from Roxas's smile. His eyes were shining brightly with innocence.. What an odd experience. Squall figured that it will be extremely hard to see who Roxas really was, just like his brother Sephiroth.
VIII . ii
It was a beautiful, luxurious hall. Bright lights filled up the hall and shining decorations reflected those lights.. In a maddening way. Sephiroth didn't even glance towards the crowd filling up empty spaces in the hall. He knew he was supposed to be with the other members of Team SeeD and greet guests, but he never intended to be a good host anyway. He learnt enough, but he had no desire to make a fool of himself by being out in a display. While he was on it- Sephiroth raised an eyebrow when Zell approached him.
"Hey, Sephiroth? Come on, I know you don't like this kind of stuff, but at least be helpful- or at least stay with us."
"...At the door?"
"Yeah, why not?"
Sephiroth nodded and walked to the place casually- he didn't care much, but he knew that it would look better in public display.. What a displeasure. He complained a bit inwardly, but didn't show it and co-operated with other members. Others were equally uncomfortable with his presence, but no one really said anything. After all, Sephiroth was too perfect. However, he regretted positioning himself at the door as soon as he spotted the people from Shinra. Co. entering the hall.. And they all froze at the place when they spotted Sephiroth, except two- Genesis and Angeal walked casually to him, and before any other Team SeeD members realise what was going on- they greeted Sephiroth.
"..What a pleasure to see you again, old friend. You can't run away here.. Can you? What an opportunity.. There is no hate, only joy;For you are beloved by the goddess.."
"Well, I do agree with Genesis that at least I am happy to see you without you running away from us, Seph. Are you done with running away?"
"...Angeal Hawley, Genesis Rhapsodos.. You two.. What are you doing here? I thought Shinra SOLDIER Generals had more important matters than attending a normal boring party-"
"You didn't seriously think that we will miss a chance to see you, did you? Though I do find it funny to see you in a formal cloth besides your armor, you still have your sword.. Infinite in mystery is the gift of the goddess;We seek it thus, and take to the sky."
"...Loveless, act I."
Genesis grinned when Sephiroth sighed in distaste and answered. If it wasn't Angeal who stepped in and seperated them, Genesis knew that Sephiroth would have drawn his Masamune.. And it would have been fun. Hence, Genesis snorted and murmured in a quite loud voice.
"I miss sparring with him, Angeal. What's the problem with you?"
"Did you ever win? Accept it, Genesis. You never won against Sephiroth, and it's not a good idea to start a fight when we came to congratulate him in particular."
"It doesn't mean I never will."
Genesis snarled at Angeal, Well, it was well expected.. Ignoring the others who stared at him with great curiousities, Sephiroth snarled back to Genesis.
"You never learn, do you? Genesis, stop it right now or just go back to your quarter, I never invited you two to come. I am not supposed to know you two."
"Neither the president, but he came to pay a visit for you, Sephiroth. Well.. President..?"
"Sephiroth.. It had been a while."
"...President Rupert."
Sephiroth turned and stood very still, making Team SeeD's members' eyes widen with recognition. That was a particular stand that only SOLDIERs would get accustomed to- And Shinra's President confirmed their unspoken query.
"General Sephiroth. I see that you still have your old habits. You haven't changed a bit. I recently got a report from the Turks about your effort to keep a person, who might be a precious resource to us, alive.. I appeciate it."
"...I haven't tried anything out of ordinary, President. He is my brother."
"Your dislike toward your family is already well-known among Shinra's board members. It was surprising to know that you went that far to protect him- not just to keep him alive but sound and safe as well."
"..."
Sephiroth did not answer, nor was it requested. The president simply nodded and passed Sephiroth. However, Genesis and Angeal remained with Sephiroth. As soon as the president was far enough, Genesis crossed his arms and spoke in a cold voice.
"What was that about, your brother? He didn't mean Roxas, right?"
"..I don't feel good about that, too. Precious resource? Turks? ...I hope that wasn't Roxas. Who's your brother who has connection with Shinra?"
"...I don't like it either, Genesis, Angeal.. And they can't do anything to him anyway. He has enough protection over him, and even if he refuses, I will directly drag him into Team SeeD right after his graduation, and he will be better off here. I won't let them have him no matter what.. I will kill them if anything happens to him. I don't care whatever it takes from me, no one harms him no-matter-what."
Others stared at Sephiroth, surprised at his protectiveness towards his 'brother'. However, Angeal made a face at Sephiroth, and Genesis snarled.
"I am not playing with you about this, Sephiroth. Did the President talking about Roxas? You didn't answer our question."
"...Yes, Roxas Safer, my younger brother. He was talking about him. I don't like a single bit about it either. The Turks wanted him, and I know why."
"...Turks? Roxas isn't exactly a Turk material. He may become a good SOLDIER, but he doesn't want to be one too."
"I don't think it was anything legal, Genesis. Sephiroth?"
"Roxas is far more than what he let others know.. And he is willing to work with Shinra. It's nothing, Angeal. He is not in danger of being killed or something.. He is just capable of a few stuff far more than normal people without mako showers, like using materia. I didn't teach him in depth, but he knows enough knowledge not to kill himself or some others while equiping one. He has enough MP to accidently activate an materia and blow up, so I taught him just enough not to make that mistake, and never go near them, unless he needs protection. He knows enough to equip it, but not to use it unless he is in real danger. However.. I doubt that he will use a materia even if it costs him his life.."
Sephiroth sighed, clearly concerned. Genesis and Angeal chuckled in their heads at his display- well, both of them knew that Roxas used materia very well. Or rather, Roxas didn't need materia to use magic... The blades he wield were more ironic. Oblivion, and Oathkeeper.. With those two, and the lights.. Roxas was a very dangerous opponent when he was willing to show his powers. Angeal swiftly took a step forward and continued to argue in a smooth manner.
"You are sure that he can protect himself, Sephiroth?"
"I gave him Final Attack and Revive, along with Pre-emtive and Reflect, Angeal- and they are mastered. If he can't protect himself with them, I doubt he will ever."
"...Fair enough. And he has them equiped?"
"Even when he sleeps or taking shower, yes. I forced him to give me his words, and he keeps them once he gave them."
It's not like he will keep them if he has more important stuff, but that's true. Sephiroth added in his thoughts. Rather thankful for him, Squall came near Sephiroth and spoke.
"Sephiroth? It seems you haven't meet your.. friends, for a while.. Why don't you join them? We can take care of the rest."
"That's-... ..Alright, professor- no, prosecutor Squall.. ...Gen, An, what do you want?"
"That's our leader.. Why don't we talk first? We haven't met you for years, you have been avoiding us after that incident.. Gen, don't you agree?"
"There is no hate, only joy;For you are beloved by the goddess."
Sephiroth made a face at Genesis who smirked and quoted Loveless again. Sephiroth hated it, thanks to Genesis.. But Angeal easily took a stand between them again and smiled.
"You two never change, don't you? Well, Genesis is always like this, but Sephiroth.. It's funny imagining how you would act if Roxas was here-"
"He must be getting over-protective over Roxas again, when Roxas clearly doesn't need one. Though I didn't know about his other abilities, he is good in martial arts, enough to defend himself. I wonder how he can endure you, when he likes Loveless as much as I do-"
"At least he doesn't quote as much as you do, Genesis."
Genesis snorted again as Sephiroth hissed, but didn't comment on it.. Instead, he walked towards an empty space in the hall with Angeal, following very unwilling-looking Sephiroth. After the three were gone, Squall crossed his arms and inquired.
"...Anyone knew he was a SOLDIER?"
"...No one, Squall. If he knows them and he is an ex-General, that makes him that 'Devil of Wutai', the General who led the SOLDIERs and the Army against Wutai. ...I should have known, his sword.. I thought I heard about the sword as long as that, but I couldn't connect it with his sword and Masamune."
"It's none of our fault, really. Who would have thought the Great General so young.. How old was he at the time? 15?"
"10, when the Wutaian War started and he participated the war as SOLDIER, 3rd class, and 13 when the War was over and returned as The Great General."
All of them jumped and whirled back, startled. However, Roxas just shrugged at their reaction and leaned against the wall.
"I got to know about it when he was 16.. But I wasn't that close to him at the time. When he was 17, we got into a fight- he saw me fighting with a few Turks and I saw him meeting with Ang and Gen. So we both blew up. Well, I was only 11- no wonder he was aghast to see me running away from the Turks."
"...Explains a lot. But Roxas.. From the Turks?"
"Ah, they didn't know who I was back then, and they didn't realise I was already registered individual in Shinra's Database.. I am one of the un-official members of Shinra employees, actually. But due to some circumstances, the Turks weren't informed of my existence at the time.. What luck. I had to fight for months untill my mentor clarified the situation to them. And- after my mentor went missing in an accident years ago, I lost connection to Shinra. I was alone for years. That's why they were unaware of my existence, they thought I died with him. Recently I met Tseng, thanks to Sephiroth.. He told me how to contact them.. Safely."
Squall just stared at Roxas, who was very indifferent about what he had informed. How the hell could he be so indifferent? And since when was he there? However, Roxas just smiled innocently and walked away from Squall from behind the curtens used for decoration of the hall. When Squall was sure that Roxas was out of ear-shot, he murmured quietly.
"...Anyone who knows what he meant by 'un-official employees'?"
"...Shinra's unofficial employees include magic users and special ability users who are not welcomed by public. Of course, there are some illegal things related, but I doubt Roxas is related to those departments. And Roxas certainly has enough qualities to be employed that way, his magic power was very strong."
Quistis answered to Squall's question. However, Quistis did find it strange for them to care so much about a young boy. Did Roxas had more powers or abilities than Quistis sensed? It was impossible to explain unless Roxas had a lot more than he showed.
Anyhow, it soon became time to start the party. People sat at their assigned tables, and Squall (very very) unwillingly walked up onto the stage at one side. Yeah, he was very unwilling to do this, but he couldn't help himself. And those media.. Squall internally cringed at thinking of dealing their questions. Reporters always tested his patient.. But whatever he was thinking, Squall knew better than showing it openly. Forcing himself a smile, Squall bowed and spoke.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, I thank you all for coming to this party. As you are all aware, this party is to congratulate the re-formation of Team SeeD. I, Prosecutor Squall Leonhart, thank you all for your blessings. The re-formation of Team SeeD was required step with the crime rate of Hollow Bastion which shows no sign of declining as well as a dreadful news. Recently, anonymous informant contacted and alerted us about a previously unknown individual in Organisation XIII, which had fallen 3 years ago. Team SeeD, after arresting 3 of their major members, were in search of the other 9 members. However, according to this informant, in fact, Organisation XIII had the thirteenth member, a.k.a. No. XIII, nickname being Key of Destiny, and this member was the successor of the Organisation XIII.
With him or her still on loose and free, Team SeeD had realised that it is a great danger to our citizens and hence we saw the need of this re-formation. As everyone know, Organisation XIII is a very dangerous-..."
While speaking, Squall couldn't help grimacing. Why were they announcing it? For heaven's sake, this information was supposed to be kept highly classified if they really want to arrest this No. XIII, whoever he or she was. But those higher officers thought otherwise. After a quick overview of history of Organisation XIII, Squall continued to obvious one- the members who had returned.
"-and hence all past members, who are elegible to return to their original posts, are called back. That is, Irvine, Fujin, Raijin, Sephiroth, and myself, Squall. We had left our posts due to various reasons, some to return to their home town, some to seek peaceful life, and some due to personal reasons. Now, we had returned- to protect our friends, to serve our community, where we are rightfully belonged.
Now - Words for the people who came back will be delivered by Quistis, because I myself is one of the people who have returned."
"Good evening, guests. I am Quistis Trepe, the one who had been substituting our original leader Squall while he personally chased a few criminals. He was away from Team SeeD, but unlike others, he was still working with us, hence I can say that I was only a partly leader who just took care of immediate daily decisions. Still, I'd like to congratulate ourself for having our old companions back to our team. May I call our old members back? Accordingly, Fujin, Raijin, Irvine Kinneas, Sephiroth Safer, and Squall Leonhart. All of them were elite prosecutors who had proved their talents."
One by one, people rose as their names were called and walked up to the stage. Soft murmurs were there as some of them recognised Sephiroth, the Great General, but otherwise it was quiet. But then, Quistis grinned and announced aloud.
"And now, there is surprise gifts for all those who had returned to Team SeeD! First, of course, our ex-leader Squall Leonhart- Riona?"
"...I said I don't need-"
"Oh, hush, Squall, everyone is getting one. Riona, go up fast- before he hides."
Squall crossed his arms as Riona rushed up in a hurry, carrying a big box. Squall stared at Riona for a while, but still took the box and opened it- and almost dropped the box. Inside, there was his old gunblade, upgraded to almost unrecognisable state- looking at Squall's shocked face, Zell laughed aloud.
"That's Lionhart- we took ages to collect materials! No need to thank us, really- that was Riona's idea. Okay, then- Selphie? You have Fujin and Raijin's, right?"
"Yes, I have them with me! Fujin, Raijin, those were Seifer's idea- here we go! It's materias- Wind and Lightening, both mastered."
"..."
"Seifer, thank you.."
"Don't say it."
It was rather smooth. Irvine got a nice guntlet for keeping his hand safe when he is using fire-arms. Finally, it came to Sephiroth- and Riona smiled and spoke to Sephiroth.
"Sephiroth, your gift is not something, it's someone. You know, you never visited your family at all- and they are living in Hollow Bastion. We thought it would be nice for you to meet them-"
"If that's the case, I'd rather not meet them."
"...Sephiroth, they are your family."
"Not biologically, but by laws, yes. I am an orphan anyway- I don't like them at all, and I won't meet them."
Sephiroth answered in an icy manner and turned around- that is, until a cheerful young voice rang over the hall.
"Aww, Seph, you didn't miss me? That's mean, ya'know- I thought you didn't mind me, at least. And I didn't tell my biological parents and brother about this for your sake! To think I had go through all those troubles to sneak out quietly and meet you, and just to be rejected like this..."
"...Roxas? ...Roxas! What.. What are you doing here! You are supposed to be in Twilight Town..."
"I am majoring in International Laws, remember? Professor Cid Kramer was kind enough to help me taking permission to leave. Professor Saix didn't mind it too- he just told me to study all lectures I miss by myself. And Ang! Gen! It had been long time!"
Silent. Sephiroth stared at Roxas, dumbstruck. But soon, Angeal and Genesis burst into the laughters.
"That's... Hahaha, we got you this time, Sephiroth!"
"Who'd have thought... Sephiroth of all people... Haha! Roxas, nice one! It really had been long time- When the war of the beasts brings about the world's end;The goddess descends from the sky-"
"Wings of light and dark spread afar;She guides us to bliss, her gift everlasting- I missed you, Gen- no one to recite poems with!"
Roxas grinned happily, answering back to Genesis. However, before Genesis stood up to talk to Roxas- Sephiroth hugged Roxas very protectively and glared at Genesis.
"Roxas, you better stop playing with Genesis if you don't want to be aloof and away from everyone. He sees faults in everyone and everything, I don't want you to be like him."
"But Seph, he is nice, too-"
"No. Way."
Team SeeD members looked at Sephiroth, startled. They were shocked enough. Who would have thought Sephiroth would be protective? However, Angeal and Genesis grinned and smirked accordingly, looking very familiar to the situation.
"So you still have that brother complex, huh? Who would have thought Sephiroth of all people to have such thing.. And Roxas, too.. Roxas, you still have brother complex?"
"Uh- yeah.. ..I think so.."
Roxas blushed, nodding. Angeal and Genesis laughed again, ignoring Sephiroth growling at them- anywhay, he didn't really look scary while hugging Roxas very protectively. Hiding Roxas behind him, Sephiroth growled at them.
"How the hell- when did you two get to know Roxas? I only mentioned him a couple of times- and I never introduced you all!"
"Ohh- so you thought we won't look for your beloved brother when you are so protective about him? Roxas helpled us a lot, too- We can't go public places without getting blocked by fans. Roxas helped us by buying tickets for movies or something like that. Of course, after he went to Twilight University- we were on our own again. It was boring as hell.. Genesis missed times he could peacefully go and watch Loveless without disturbances."
"...Roxas.. And you never told me about them..?"
"But you are not living with me and parents, so I never got a chance to tell you! And you were always busy, too- How can I tell you when you are so busy with works? Gen and Ang were really nice to me, Seph.. I didn't want to disturb you.."
Roxas looked up at Sephiroth, his eyes wide. Sephiroth only stared back at him. As the silence got longer- Angeal and Genesis stepped in.
"And we couldn't believe that Roxas was your younger brother. And Roxas is very shy, very unlike you.. In a good way. Infinite in mystery is the gift of the goddess;We seek it thus, and take to the sky."
"Well, I agree with Gen about that point- Roxas is really different from you, Sephiroth. He actually cares about the others.. In a cute way. He reminds me a lot about Zack... I know he is different person, don't worry, Sephiroth. I am not taking your brother as his substitute."
"..You better not, Angeal. Alright.. Aren't we supposed to continue, Prosecutor Leonhart?"
"Huh? Oh, yes... ..This is all for us to show.. Ladie and gentlemen, please enjoy the party."
Team SeeD's members moved out from the stage, to a seperate room for their own party. It wasn't appropriate thing to do, but anway the guest were more interested in their higher officers. Soon, the room was full of noise and laughters.. Well, it was what usual people call party, not extravagant ballrooms and such. Squall was talking with Riona, Quistis was debating with Irvine about women, Zell between them looking rather uncomfortable- While Raijin, Fujin, and Seifer sat together and chated quite quietly. On contrary, Sephiroth was with Roxas, Genesis and Angeal (They just came together). Genesis was constantly talking about Loveless with Roxas, while Angeal was filling Sephiroth up about the recent events in SOLDIER. It was rather peaceful, and Squall thought it was nice to be with his companions again. He did understand that he was back to his old duties, not-this, not-that, and let-criminals-go, but it was still nice.
..Well, no reviews at all, but still.. I thank whiteflame17 who kinda helped me for some characteristic and personality references and thankful questionings.. At least someone does show a bit of interest.. Though I know quite a lot of people don't like mean Roxas... Well, it's not even actual beginning of the main plot yet.. What else can I say? wait.