Chapter 8

The day was slowly coming to an end and Aeris was ready to turn in for the night. As she was heading up to her room, she looked at the indoor bridge that led to the official office buildings. She wondered why no one was allowed to go across it, but she was to arrogant to care what others said. For the first time she walked across that bridge with Zack's voice telling her about the general with every step she took. The other side of the building was spectacular. The 'lobby', which she saw below her from the bridge, had rich, dark wood floors with leather furniture and what seemed to be a sitting area with a widescreen television. Tall windows were peeking out from elegant draperies which only Shin-Ra could afford. Even though it was only a lobby, there was a restaurant attached to it. A staircase was jetting off of the bridge which only caused her to wonder, so she decided to go to ground floor. As she walked down the stairs she noticed how extravagant the architecture really was. An iron cast chandelier was dangling from the high ceilings, which gave it a mysterious aura about the room. The molding around the ceiling was designed elegantly with lines so artistically formed. She walked around a bit to get a better glance of her surroundings. She was interested as to what the restaurant was. This must be were he eats. She mentally smacked herself for thinking of him at such a short notice.She backed away from the restaurant door just incase the door suddenly opened. After a good while, she headed back up the stairs to tour the rest of the building. When she began to walk, she noticed how many doors and hallways there were, must be many employees and officials. She turned down a hall and found an area that that a miniature set of stairs (like 5 steps) which lead to another hall. Of course, she went down the hall. A glimpse of a light could be seen out from underneath the door; she walked closer and saw the name plate: GENERAL SEPHIROTH. She shrugged and placed her ear on the door, she herd nothing, not even paper shuffling.

"And what calls you to be here at this time?" she couldn't believe her ears. She slowly turned around and there standing in front of her with the most irritated look on his face was the devil himself.

"What makes you think you deserve an answer? Mr. Big Shot can't stand a curious lady?"

"I wouldn't say lady, as much as I would say an obnoxious vixen." A loud smack echoed through the empty hallway. The general turned his head back to center facing the irritated woman.

"You bastard, why can't you just accept it that you can't fool me? Why does everything have to be sarcasm to you?"

"Calling you a vixen wasn't sarcasm. He pushed her into the wall and whispered, "If I were you I wouldn't push your luck, because so far, you haven't had very much of it." She attempted to slap him again but he caught her hand and twisted it into an uncomfortable position. Shock crept up on her face. Zack was right; this man could not be challenged. He released his grip and threw her hand down to her side, "get back to the barracks, next time, I will report you. Now go before I kill you."

"You wouldn't kill m-." She saw the look on his face. The man wasn't kidding. She bowed her head and headed back to her room feeling the cold stare of the beast on her.

--

Zack and a group of SOLDIERS were sitting out on the side of the road. The engine was steaming and they had no other transportation. They called headquarters but it would be another two hours before anyone could go and pick them up. Zack let out an agitated sigh and stood up for a minuet.

"Damn, why in hell does this have to happen to us right now? This has got to be the worst thing EVER!!!" he took off is armor and threw it to the ground in a fit of anger, "I mean come on, they should send a helicopter at least to pick us up. We're First Class SOLDIERS!!! They should have more respect for the best!!! AHHHHH!" Zack punched the truck and on impact it fell over.

"Zack, calm down, don't get so caught up with this, its fine."

"How can you say it's FINE Missurani? It's getting dark and we have no way of returning to headquarters! No food, no water, no nothing! The General took the truck with all the supplies!" Missurani stood and put a hand on Zack's shoulder, "Listen, we are all in the same boat, hell this isn't the first time this has happened. What's wrong, somethin's eating you, tell me." Zack let out another sigh, "I… I" he started chocking on his words, trying to hold back his tears that he held in for so long. "I'll let you be Zack." Missurani returned to sitting on the side of the road, letting Zack sort out his emotions. A little while after, the sounds of helicopters could be herd, Zack felt a little better, but not enough to smile.

--

Zack opened his door and stepped inside. He herd something crinkle beneath his feet, there was a letter lying on the floor. He picked it up and read it. He couldn't believe what he was reading! He sighed and walked to Aeris' room.

"Aeris open up now!" he heard a muffled cry on the other side. Moaning and groaning was also herd. The door opened quickly and a pissed off girl was standing in the door way.

"What is your problem?" he swore she had circles under her eyes, which caused him to flinch a bit.

"I got a letter I need to read to you." Zack pushed his way into the living area and took a seat on her couch; motioning her to do the same.

"Aeris, this letter is from Professor Hojo. He is demanding you for a mako shot. You can't go. He will probably come up to you personally and ask you to go. Say no."

Aeris gave Zack a go to hell look, "That is what you came here to tell me, at one 'o'clock in the morning!!!?" she got up off the couch and stormed into her room and slammed the door. Zack hung his head and mumbled, "I only want to protect you," he left the letter on the coffee table and walked out the door. Aeris clenched her heart on the other side of the door, "does he really care?" Aeris put the thought on hold and climbed into her bed.

--

Sephiroth sat at his desk, with her eyes engraved in his memory. He tried so many times to shake them from it, but never succeeded. He decided to give up what he was doing and return to his room. While he was walking back he saw Zack sitting in the middle of the hall, with his head down.

"Zackary, do you know how late it is?" Sephiroth waited for an answer, but he didn't get one. He walked closer to the soldier and knelt beside him.

"They want her. They want to experiment on her. Why the hell does Hojo want to screw with her life?"

"Same reason why he screwed with my life, he wants control, he will keep at it until he gets what he wants. Why do you care so much for this girl?" Zack looked at Sephiroth and opened his mouth to speak, but nothing could be said.

Sephiroth changed subjects on the man's account, "Why are you sitting out in the hall anyway?"

"I guess I got side tracked with my thoughts. I was planning to go to bed, but I ended up on the floor," Zack's facial expression infatuated Sephiroth, especially when he mumbled softly; "How did I get on the floor?" Sephiroth rolled his eyes at Zack's silly innocence and helped him up.

"Don't worry Zackary, I won't let Hojo get his hands on anyone, let alone Aeris, I don't want anyone to be treated like I have been. It looks like you need sleep, remember, you have classes to teach tomorrow." Zack grunted in agreement to Sephiroth, "Thanks Seph, I owe you." Sephiroth shook his head in disbelief and headed his way, one more thing to make his life a living hell, babysitting a grown woman.

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Sorry for the long delay, I had life to attend to. Anyway, I hope y'all enjoy this chapter!! Don't forget to review!!! Luv ya!!!

jazzybutclasy28