"What on Gaia is going on?" Zack asked, flipping through the photos. Image after image showed surveillance of a small band of Genesis copies mercilessly slaughtering other Genesis copies. Dead Genesis copies had been cropping up for days but this skirmish in Junon had showed exactly why. Genesis' forces were having some kind of civil war.
Vice President Shinra said, "I would hazard a guess that it's too optimistic to believe Rhapsodos has seen the error of his ways and wishes to clean up after himself."
Sephiroth simply frowned at his own stack of perplexing photos. It was impossible to guess what the general thought of his former friend's forces imploding in on themselves. Zack didn't know what he thought for himself let alone the general.
"The one leadin' the rebel charge," Reno said, "is probably Genesis because of that sword, but that psycho bastard never stops to chat after slaughterin' his own damn copies so we can't say for sure."
Almost absently, Sephiroth said, "It's certainly lightened the mission load to not have to hunt down the copies ourselves."
Zack eyed the general worriedly, wondering if Sephiroth could see his friend in the one leading the Genesis copies to kill all the rest. Trying to imagine a crazy Cloud leading a group of Cloud copies to kill a bunch of other Cloud copies left him marginally unsettled.
"Genesis or not," the vice president said, "it does have a connection to CS Delivery."
"What?" Zack demanded, blood running cold at the prospect of two dangerous groups combining forces.
Sephiroth's sharp gaze landed on the vice president and even Reno looked a mite surprised.
"What the hell do Genesis copies have to do with that asshole?" Reno demanded.
Cissnei asked, "Where did that intel come from?" The question seemed a bit vague to Zack, like she didn't want to outright accuse the vice president of believing questionable sources.
"Tseng," Shinra said.
Sephiroth's eyes narrowed. "When exactly did you receive intelligence about Genesis from CS Delivery?"
Shinra's head tilted ever so slightly. "Three days ago, and from Tseng, not CS Delivery. Though the terrorist didn't exactly dissaprove of Tseng's communication."
The general's jaw clenched for a moment, but he didn't say anything. Zack had to wonder why Shinra hadn't even told Reno about it. The redhead was supposed to be in charge of the Turks after all.
As though answering the silent question, the vice president said, "It seemed imprudent to act on unverifiable information."
"What was said?" Zack asked.
Shinra regarded him neutrally for several moments before directing his words to Sephiroth. "The first message was cryptic. 'Crimson alive. Movement possible.'"
Sephiroth nodded. "Notification that Genesis is alive and may begin to take action."
The vice president nodded slowly. "Approximately two hours later, I received a second message saying, 'I've been informed sneaking messages is useless. We crossed paths with Genesis when we were in Banora. It's difficult to say if he and CSD have made any sort of agreement. There was a great deal of arguing.'"
Zack had to wonder at why the vice president went to the trouble of memorizing the message.
"It's quite possible," Sephiroth said, expression dark, "that Genesis' actions or those of his copies resulted from the disagreements he had with the terrorist." Sephiroth's gaze slid to Zack. "Any word from Strife?"
Zack shook his head with a worried frown. "He won't pick up his PHS and all the messages he's sending just say he's really busy."
"Any more from Tseng?" Sephiroth asked the vice president.
Shinra shook his head. "I tried only once. Yesterday. No answer. I surmise leaving messages would be equally fruitless."
Sephiroth frown deepened to a scowl. "What possessed you to think no one needed to know that Genesis may be on the move and may begin to act out again?"
The vice president smiled. "'Act out' is a rather peculiar turn of phrase for a traitor."
Sephiroth's jaw clenched for the barest of moments. Zack hardly dared breathe. He felt like the general should be spitting mad at the vice president but he was only getting hints of deep irritation. Zack would have been mad if someone deliberately evaded a question like that. Was the vice president trying to irk Sephiroth? Zack had thought the general made his opinion of being left in the dark perfectly clear.
Voice morphing into something chill and polite, Sephiroth asked, "Why was this information kept classified from me? It would have been prudent to make preparations or at least give the troops some semblance of warning."
Shinra's slight, friendly smile freezing in place, he said, "I didn't wish to alert CS Delivery or Rhapsodos that we were taking the information into account."
That…made no sense to Zack.
"I understand," Sephiroth said. Then he spun on his heel, and with a quick flick of his wrist, motioned Zack to follow him from the room.
Out in the hall, Zack whispered just loud enough for the general to hear, "What the hell was that, Sephiroth?"
In an equally quiet voice, Sephiroth said, "The vice president wanted to see what CS Delivery and Genesis would do. He's taking his so called alliance as he sees it, rather than how CS Delivery has declared it. He seems to think it's a good idea to let that terrorist do as he pleases." The general's expression darkened. "Vice President Shinra also wished to see how I would react to a more abrupt display of evidence supporting Genesis' continued survival."
Zack's eyes widened. "Does he think you'll defect, too?"
Sephiroth's eyes flicked to his for a moment, probably gauging his reaction. "Possibly. First Class Soldiers aren't exactly renowned for their stability."
Zack moved his gaze to stare straight forward. He didn't know what to think about the vice president's actions or what he seemed to think about the general. It seemed so counter productive and confusing to test the general's loyalty in a way that might actually push him away.
Zack followed Sephiroth's lead through the halls and in the elevator, both remaining silent. Zack didn't even know where the general was going. When they slipped into one darkened room full of computers and random pieces of half assembled electronics, he knew they had to be in Tuesti's office…or lab…or perhaps a hobby room.
"Tuesti," Sephiroth called, frown tugging down the corners of his mouth.
The executive appeared from behind a tall rack of monitors, eyebrows lifted and eyes wide in a marginal show of surprise.
Sephiroth asked, "Did you know about those messages the vice president received?"
Tuesti shook his head. "As soon as he started telling you about them, I pulled up the message logs. They didn't show up on my alerts because they didn't seem conspicuous to the monitoring program I use. I've rewritten it already."
"How could they not show up?" Zack asked. "They seem pretty conspicuous to me."
"Your flurry of messages with Strife sends up flags because of frequency and keywords my software looks for," Tuesti said, rearranging a few unidentifiable parts on a rack near the wall. "I'm still building the keyword database and these single two messages didn't register as unusual in frequency."
Zack frowned. "But did they show up like Cloud's messages show up on my PHS?"
Tuesti shook his head. "They came from Tseng's phone, no strange back tracking blocking. I can't pinpoint the location the messages came from because the communication tower tags are scrambled. Strife's messages appear out of nowhere." The executive massaged his forehead briefly. "Rest assured, I'll catch the messages next time."
"Any more progress?" Sephiroth asked.
"Aside from finding oblique references to a Lucrecia Crescent working with the Science Department alongside Professor's Gast and Hojo, and Grimoire Valentine, nothing. Her records were expunged decades ago. Whoever erased her has had a number of years to be thorough. It also seems as though Professor Hojo had a hand in getting rid of her research. He thinks that whatever this Chaos Theory is, it's ludicrous."
"Chaos Theory?" Sephiroth asked.
Tuesti shook his head again. "I haven't been able to find details yet."
After a moment, Sephiroth redirected the subject. "Lucrecia Crescent?"
"Nothing really new. She only worked on the early stages of Project S. She simply vanished after that."
Zack frowned. Even he knew that no one simply vanished from the Science Department. Especially not when they'd been working for Hojo.
Sephiroth actually blew out a small sigh as he pinched the bridge of his nose. "Any progress on getting in touch with that terrorist or tracking him down without the Turks or the vice president knowing."
Tuesti grimaced, shaking his head.
Zack couldn't help but add his sigh to Sephiroth's.
Tuesti couldn't find anything. The vice president was keeping secrets, sort of. CS Delivery had kidnapped Tseng. Cloud wasn't answering his calls and Zack still hadn't had a chance to try out his plan.
"There is one thing, though," Tuesti said slowly.
That brought Sephiroth's attention into sharp focus.
"Reno received a call from Veld early this morning."
Zack tilted his head. The way Tuesti said it sounded ominous.
"Avalanche is divided over how to deal with CS Delivery."
Sephiroth's eyes narrowed as Zack's eyebrows climbed.
Tuesti said, "Their leader and their muscle want to see what CS Delivery is going to do. Their brains want to kill, capture, or control CS Delivery. There's been…quite a lot of infighting about it."
Zack's face twisted up in slightly amused confusion. That was…good? Perhaps it would leave CS Delivery as the reigning terrorist group.
Tseng still hadn't decided whether he preferred Strife's presence or absence. Neither Valentine nor Nanaki were any more prone to conversation than the probably delusional swordsman, but Strife was, oddly enough, more approachable. In the days Tseng and Strife's two companions had been trekking south along the western continent, no one had said a single word. Valentine and Nanaki even had the scouting and hunting split between the two of them with precision despite the nonverbal nature in which they coordinated duties.
Tseng had thought that with Strife gone, the two might discuss their unofficial leader. Tseng had hoped to glean better insight into Strife's character that way.
He shook his head and brushed back a lock of hair that had strayed from his low ponytail. Such useless musings. His thoughts had looped through the same logical trail countless times since Strife separated from them in Costa del Sol.
The swordsman wanted to go to Wutai alone and neither Valentine nor Nanaki had disagreed. In fact, both seemed unusually eager to run this errand for Strife. Tseng wished to know what they were actually doing, but the others all seemed to know without explicit explanation and without Strife's presence, Tseng didn't think he could afford to seem nosy about the terrorist's business.
Despite what Strife said about Tseng's participation, Tseng felt as though he was in a precarious position. Strife hadn't reacted the way he'd expected after the vague message about the meeting with Genesis, and so Tseng didn't know exactly what the swordsman thought of it.
Strife watched him warily when he was there. Nanaki's bestial expressions were difficult to decipher. Valentine only ever watched him speculatively, but didn't seem to make any facial expressions at all in Strife's absence.
With a sigh, Tseng brushed away those useless, circling thoughts and focused his attention forward. They'd been heading through the high grasses on the plains toward a rather distant cottage since early morning. Considering the ocean stretched out to the horizon beyond the dwelling, he gathered that was their destination. But why Strife would have errand at some remote cottage east of Gongaga, Tseng had no idea.
Perhaps if he spoke, neither of Strife's companions would acknowledge him.
Tseng asked, "Where will we meet Strife after this errand is complete?"
Both Valentine and Nanaki directed their stares at him. Fortunately for Tseng's nerves, they refrained from exchanging a glance between them.
Valentine said, "Costa del Sol."
Tseng sighed. They would be taking the whole trip back with still no conversation. Tseng wasn't a proponent of excessive chatter himself, but even he enjoyed a reasonable discourse every now and then. He was still debating the merits of asking what the other two would think of him making a few calls when they reached the cottage's door.
Valentine rapped sharply and nearly two minutes passed before the door swung open. The middle aged man was unassuming looking, a hat on backward to keep his hair out of his face. The scent of metal wafted through the open door.
Valentine said, "Cloud sent me to pick up his order."
The man's facial expression didn't change much, but it seemed to light up in an unexpected way with his crooked, half smile. "Yeah," the man said, "the kid told me he couldn't make it himself. Described you pretty accurately, too."
"I expect so," Valentine answered in that vague, quiet way of his.
When Valentine moved to enter the cottage, Tseng steeled himself and asked, "Do you mind if I make a personal call?"
Valentine paused on the threshold and eyed him, speculation tainting his neutral expression.
Tseng said, "I won't tell anyone anything critical."
After several moments of consideration, Valentine shot Nanaki a look and the beast nodded. Without further comment, the gunman disappeared inside the cottage and Nanaki turned to face the near endless plains that stretched inland, sitting down on his haunches, tail wrapping around him idly.
Taking that for permission, Tseng pulled out his PHS and stared at it.
Who on Gaia should he call?
Reno would do nothing but insult Strife. Rude was no conversationalist. Cissnei would tell the other Turks. The vice president would be irritated with no pertinent news. Zack would only ask about Strife. Kunsel might need to be bribed not to tell Zack. Most of Shinra Company employees were not an option. That left him with trying to hold a conversation with Sephiroth or Tuesti.
He stared blankly at the PHS.
Sephiroth or Tuesti.
A faint frown pulled his mouth. Both had their positives and negatives.
A conversation with Sephiroth would be awkward. The general asked questions and Tseng didn't know how to explain that he was bored of the silence. A conversation with Tuesti would be equally awkward in an entirely different way. Not only would he have to listen to something about gadgets, he would have to endure Tuesti's subtle teasing about the reasons why Tseng was calling.
Tseng flipped open the PHS and dialed. It rang only twice.
"You have news, Tseng?" Sephiroth asked.
"No, general," Tseng answered quietly.
Sephiroth didn't immediately respond. "Then why did you call?" he asked cautiously.
Tseng took a calming breath and said, "We've been traveling for two days without speaking."
Again the silence stretched. "But you've stopped traveling now?" The question was vague and slow, as though Sephiroth were aware that Tseng couldn't say much.
"For the time being," Tseng said. "I don't expect much conversation for a while."
"If you can't say much," Sephiroth paused, "is this call simply to break the silence?"
Tseng didn't hesitate before saying, "It is."
Sounding marginally uncomfortable, Sephiroth asked, "Is there a particular procedure for this type of conversation?" He paused. "Neither Angeal nor Genesis ever called without a particular topic in mind."
"No particular procedures," Tseng said, wondering if he should have just dealt with the boredom and monotony of silence instead of making any calls. "As my topic list is restricted, if you had anything you thought interesting to share, I would suggest bringing up that topic."
The silence stretched for several moments. "Angeal told me that making small talk involved discussing topics of mutual interest for politeness' purposes. However, Genesis said that I should talk about my own interests because if people don't like what I like, then they aren't worth talking to. What philosophy do you hold to?"
Tseng was left at a loss for words. Who discussed the philosophies behind small talk? With a sigh, he said, "I suppose I have always been more inclined to say whatever happens to be on my mind, if it isn't classified."
Sephiroth then said, "That seems to be an acceptable compromise between the two stances. In this case, I would ask for your opinion on something I've been thinking about for a while."
"Yes?" Tseng asked, more surprised than anything else to hear the general ask for his opinion.
"Do you think it feasible to use the ventilation system as an alternate means of sending messages within Shinra headquarters during emergencies? I thought it might be possible for the Third Class Soldiers to use them for means of stealth as I don't believe the regular administrative personnel would have the necessary musculature to climb between levels."
Tseng snapped his lax jaw shut and listened in amazement as Sephiroth continued.
"Since CS Delivery's last infiltration of headquarters and subsequent use of the ventilation ducts to speak with Vice President Shinra, I've been analyzing the logistics and I think it presents a viable opportunity. I've never heard of anyone using a ventilation system in such a way, and there are bound to be fewer intruders or monsters in the ducts, allowing messengers to get to their destination more quickly. I've been considering creating a proposal to present at the next board meeting, but have been hesitant for the fact that I've never heard of something like this before. I'm not sure what building maintenance would think."
"That's," Tseng started out slowly, "an…interesting idea." And it truly was. It sort of bothered him. And he wondered why no one had thought of it before. Then he wondered why the air ducts were so large anyway. Fully armored Soldiers could move around in them if they wanted. "If you would, show it to Cissnei and she can give you input from the Turk's end. She does well in communication coordination. Even if she doesn't think it's the best plan for the Turks, she could give additional input for your Soldiers."
"Cissnei?" Sephiroth asked. "Not Reno? He's the next in command."
"Reno has many talents. Neither communication nor coordinating lines of communication are included as any of them."
Sephiroth hummed thoughtfully. "He does excel within his specialties, though."
"Of course," Tseng agreed, wondering what the general thought Reno's specialties were.
Tseng's attention was drawn back to his present location when Valentine exited the building. Tseng frowned slightly at the sight of a single sword.
Tseng said, "It appears my free time is at an end."
"We'll speak another time," Sephiroth said. The line went dead immediately afterward.
Tseng returned his PHS to a pocket and rejoined Nanaki and Valentine. Running a quick eye over the weapon, he didn't think it looked much different than Zack's Buster Sword, perhaps a slightly different shape.
"For Strife I assume," Tseng said.
Valentine regarded him with an unreadable expression for a moment before nodding. The gunman then slung the sword onto his back and started back the way they'd come. He presented an odd picture with the atypical weapon.
"That's it?" Tseng asked, following after gunman and beast. "We're done here?"
Nanaki glanced over his shoulder and said, "Yes. We're going back to meet with Cloud."
Tseng stopped walking and closed his eyes for a moment to take a deep, calming breath. Days of silence to pick up a sword. And days more just to deliver the sword.
Subject: Introductory Test
From: Treasurer of Wutai, Assistant to Treasure Princess Yuffie Kisaragi
Your partner with the weird mustache and ugly shorts told me about your interest in the Treasure Princess. I want you to prove yourself first. If you pass, I'll let you talk to her. The Treasure Princess has more important things to do than interview treasure hunting fakers.
Somewhere along the beach in South Wutai, there's supposed to be treasure hidden by Wutai's Crescent Unit members. If you manage to find it, I'll ask the Treasure Princess if she wants to give you her own test. That's a good deal, right? Good luck.
Cloud never would have thought going back to traveling by himself would be boring. The others never said much, but he never really needed to hear the words to know what they were thinking. He'd spent enough time with Vincent and Nanaki before coming back, and they hadn't changed enough that everything he knew about them seemed to still be true.
Tseng was a bit easier to read, flashes of emotions—mostly confusion—showing in his expression. Cloud didn't know him as well but the company wasn't so bad. He was intelligent and not overly chatty.
Being shadowed by marginally incompetent Avalanche troopers was not, however, alleviating his boredom. They weren't attacking. They weren't closing in on him or trying to herd him in any particular direction. They weren't doing anything and they hadn't been doing anything since the boat had dropped him off at the beach.
He sighed, fiddling with his goggle and pulling the bandana off entirely. It was far too hot to have anything but hair on his head.
Subject: Real Introductory Test
From: Treasurer of Wutai, Assistant to Treasure Princess Yuffie Kisaragi
What were you thinking! You never showed up for the test. That's really rude you know. :( I've decided to give you a second chance though because someone stole the treasure before I got there.
Somewhere near the Wutai bridge, there's supposed to be treasure hidden by Wutai's Crescent Unit commanders. Go find it. The Treasure Princess is the best ninja ever so you'd better do your best. She won't wait forever.
Cloud eyed the wide, rickety bridge with a slight half smile. He rubbed the back of his neck and vowed to himself that he would never take his attention off Yuffie again. It wasn't like he couldn't live without his materia but a teenager with boatloads of leveled up materia was bad enough. A child with boatloads of leveled up materia would be even worse.
His smile left him as his gaze fell on the far side of the bridge. No less than two dozen Avalanche troops were arrayed in rows, the front on one knee and the back standing, all training their guns on him from afar.
There would be no using the bridge then, he thought wryly to himself. He didn't really want to know if they planned to capture him or attempt to gun him down in the middle of the bridge.
Without another thought, he moved up next to the bridge and eyed the drop to the valley below. He cocked his head as the corners of his mouth drew down. It wasn't a straight drop. With a shrug of his shoulders, he stepped off the edge of the cliff and set to skid down to the bottom. Thankfully, his boots were extra durable.
Subject: Are You Serious?
From: Treasurer of Wutai, Assistant to Treasure Princess Yuffie Kisaragi
You didn't show up again! Do you really care about working for the Treasure Princess! How are you supposed to do that if you won't even take the test? :((( I'm so nice that I'm going to give you one more chance to prove yourself. Besides, that thief stole the treasure I wanted you to find again.
Somewhere behind the Da Chao Mountain, there's supposed to be treasure hidden by the Five Saints of Wutai. The monsters are pretty nasty but if you'd have found the first treasure I sent you after, you wouldn't have to fight them. You'd better get the treasure for me this time.
Cloud was starting to get really hungry. Of course he had plenty of rations and water, but he wanted real food and he'd been wandering around outside of the main Wutai settlement for hours without so much as recognizing an edible plant. It didn't help that there were more traps in the forest on and around Da Chao Mountain than the entirety of the rest of the world. Perhaps Lord Kisaragi let Yuffie do whatever she wanted back here.
A tiny movement caught out of the corner of his eye had him somersaulting out of the way as three crossbow bolts sliced thought the air where his chest had been, and embedded themselves in a nearby tree.
Cloud took another survey of his surroundings and swore under his breath. He was mere inches from a leg trap. He plucked up a nearby rock and threw it down onto the trigger. The trap snapped up viciously, sending leaves flying up in a fountain of dead vegetation.
Cloud sighed. This was ludicrous. It would add hours to this leg of the trip to keep tiptoeing around traps. He pulled his single sword and readied the blade.
Heedless of the triggers, he charged directly through the woods toward the back of the Wutaian village. He set off three more crossbows, jumped over a pitfall, and sliced his way out of a falling cage in under thirty seconds.
At least charging his way through this ridiculously over trapped forest would get him a tiny amount of exercise.
Subject: This Means War!
From: Treasurer of Wutai, Assistant to Treasure Princess Yuffie Kisaragi
I don't care that you STILL haven't shown up to find any of the treasure you're supposed to get! That thief took the treasure from last time again! It's time to show me what you're made of! You'd better get this next treasure or I'll make that thief rob you, too!
Somewhere inside Da Chao Mountain, there's supposed to be treasure hidden by Lord Kisaragi himself! You'd better find it first and protect it from the thief, or else!
Turtle's Paradise was the first building he entered in the main village. The bar's atmosphere differed greatly from all the other bars Cloud usually frequented. Everything looked rather polished and tacky, like the tourist trap it was. He spotted Dio in his creepy shorts right off the bat.
"There you are, boy," Dio shouted across the length of the bar, through the small group of poorly disguised Avalanche troopers. Cloud ignored them and headed straight for Dio.
"I got here as soon as I could," Cloud said, joining Dio at the far end of the bar. "I was a few continents away, you know," he muttered.
"Hungry?" Dio asked. Then without prompting, the businessman ordered him a meal. "Eat up before we meet with the locals. Lord Kisaragi can be a tough man to deal with, shrewd business mind that one, but it's all those Crescent Unit and Avalanche people that we really have to watch out for. They're working together supposedly, but they don't much like each others' methods or philosophies." Dio smacked a hand down on the table, startling the nearby Avalanche troopers. "Such childish behavior if you ask me. Who needs all this warring when there's profit to be had and people to entertain?"
Dio was still nattering on as Cloud's food was brought to him.
"Lord Kisaragi seems rather keen on our business proposal but his Avalanche advisors and all their troops are unreasonably put out and keep trying to push for him to ignore us. You'll have to impress him to override what they're saying. He may like the idea, but he won't simply agree unless you actually make sense."
Cloud sighed, pushing the noodles around in his bowl. "I thought we were closer to closing the business deal than this. I thought I was just supposed to come sign paperwork or something."
"That's the way it was." Dio huffed and folded his arms. "I don't know what changed the Avalanche people's minds but for the last three days they've been pushing for Lord Kisaragi to completely ostracize you, and by extension, me. I don't know what you did to piss them off but they're set to ruin any ties you might form at this point."
Dio kept on in this vein throughout the whole of Cloud's meal. Cloud mentally warred between wishing Dio would shut up and grudgingly admitting that quite a bit of useful information was threaded through all the chatter. Even well after the meal, Dio kept nattering on. It actually took the Avalanche spies complaining to the pub to ask Dio to be quiet before the man quit talking long enough to lead Cloud deeper into the village.
When they turned down another path leading somewhat into the trees, Cloud realized that Dio had been having his meetings with Lord Kisaragi in the pagoda, or at least right outside it. There was nothing in that corner of the village except the pagoda.
When they entered the small clearing in front of the pagoda, not a person was in sight. Cloud couldn't help feeling wary. He would have at least expected someone from the Crescent Unit guarding outside. The lack of visible Avalanche troops was questionable but still more understandable than troops from Wutai.
Dio slid open the sliding doors of the pagoda like he had every right to be there, and perhaps he did because no one came flying out of nowhere with a spear to ward him off. Cloud followed the businessman inside to find the whole bottom floor of the pagoda full to the brim with soldiers, warriors, and probably half of Wutai village. The only reason he was able to spot Lord Kisaragi was because he sat cross-legged in the middle of a small opening among the people in the center of the floor.
The severe looking man sported a rather pointed goatee with accompanying moustache. His black hair was slicked back and that narrow-eyed scowl was probably his default expression. A few high-ranking officers of the Crescent Unit sat near their leader. Several high-ranking Avalanche officers were also prominently positioned near the center, but Cloud still saw no sign of any of the three leaders. As for everyone else, it appeared as though anyone was allowed into this meeting with Cloud and Dio.
Conversation ceased on Cloud and Dio's entry, leaving Cloud somewhat unsettled. Attention almost always led to being shot at.
"So this is your young business partner, Dio," Lord Kisaragi said, breaking the silence as Dio and Cloud made their way to the center of the room through the only path clear of people.
"This is him, Lord Kisaragi," Dio said, throwing himself on the floor.
Cloud gave the lord of Wutai a short bow before sitting cross-legged on the floor himself. "Cloud Strife, sir. I hope we'll be able to finally agree on a mutually beneficial arrangement, Lord Kisaragi."
Lord Kisaragi narrowed his eyes at Cloud for a moment before turning to the Avalanche officers. "He doesn't sound like an impudent brat." They shifted uneasily but didn't respond.
Attention back on Cloud, Lord Kisaragi said, "Dio has already told me your plans and we have the corresponding contracts drawn up. I want to hear what you think we're doing, why it's a good idea, and what's in it for you and for us."
The corner of Cloud's mouth quirked up. It seemed like Lord Kisaragi just wanted to hear Cloud's side. Cloud wouldn't put it past Avalanche to just feed as many hysterical lies to Lord Kisaragi as possible to keep him from allying with Cloud.
"You allow me to set up a tourist resort as a sovereign province in Wutai. We buy local and give you gifts proportionate to what we earn. We bring in tourists and you expand your profit base by providing additional attractions. Provided we are a sovereign province, we aren't bound by your treaty with Shinra Company in banning the use and possession of materia, meaning anyone in the boundaries of our resort may use materia belonging to our establishment. Anyone who is a resident of our territory won't be bound by the treaty either, and it will be a prime means of bringing materia into Wutai. I will get a base of operations free from any and all Shinra regulations and control and every excuse to protect my assets."
Cloud quite liked the bright gleam in Lord Kisaragi's eyes.
"I may have one or two more…points to cover," Cloud said, "but I would prefer them without the Avalanche or business audience."
Dio and the Avalanche officers protested at the same time as everyone in the crowd of onlookers broke out in irritated whisperings.
Lord Kisaragi held up a hand, the people from Wutai quieting instantly, but the Avalanche people took a few more moments to settle.
Dio leaned in close to Cloud and whispered, "What do you think you're trying to pull, boy? We're negotiating a business deal here. You can't lock me out."
Cloud fought the urge to roll his eyes and whispered back, "Trust me on this one, Dio. Leave when he sends out Avalanche."
Dio glared and huffed in irritation but didn't say anything else.
Through his little conversation with Dio, Cloud nearly missed Lord Kisaragi's order to the Avalanche officers that all were in fact going to leave. The terrorists actually tried to convince the leader of Wutai that he wouldn't be safe against one man even with the Crescent Unit in attendance. Lord Kisaragi had laughed at them then and said that if they didn't leave in the next ten seconds, the Crescent Unit would escort them out with due force.
Cloud was amused to say the least at the speed with which the Avalanche troopers vacated the pagoda. Dio followed after, taking his grumblings with him.
With no one but Cloud and the Wutai citizens left, Lord Kisaragi turned his attention expectantly to Cloud and said, "They're gone now. What's so important that you didn't want any Avalanche witnesses?"
"Would you also ask your daughter, Lady Kisaragi to join us?" Cloud asked instead of answering.
Lord Kisaragi gave another narrow-eyed scowl but the man motioned toward one of his Crescent Unit officers who promptly disappeared through the pagoda doors.
"Why," Lord Kisaragi started, "may I ask, do you want my daughter in on these negotiations?"
"She contracted me for a bit of work," Cloud said, eliciting a confused turn of the man's frown. "I thought you would like to be present when I reported to her."
"Yuffie contracted you?" Lord Kisaragi demanded. "For what?"
Cloud whipped out his PHS and scrolled through the emails. He opened it up to the first message and handed the device over. Cloud thoroughly enjoyed watching Lord Kisaragi's incredulity increase with every passing second as he read through Yuffie's not so subtle messages, though he was careful to keep his expression as flat as possible so as not to aggravate the man.
Lord Kisaragi sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose while he handed Cloud's PHS back. "Did you see the thief that did manage to raid our stores?"
Cloud quirked a brow. He supposed he should have expected that conclusion. "Let's wait until Lady Kisaragi arrives. I don't want to tell the story more than once."
Scowling, Lord Kisaragi gave a sharp nod.
Cloud sat quietly, letting nothing but his eyes behind their obscuring goggles move about. He didn't recognize any of the regular villagers or the Crescent Unit members. His encounters with Wutai natives were minimal beyond the regular interaction with Yuffie. Zack's memories were few and far between regarding Wutai as well. About the strongest recollection he had was of the Crescent Unit taking it into their heads that Zack was their ultimate nemesis.
"It's the failure!" came the sudden childish shout from the pagoda doors behind Cloud.
He twisted to see Yuffie standing petulantly, fists on her hips, glaring at him. Once she had his attention, she took the opportunity to dramatically storm into the building, her Crescent Unit escort trailing behind. Yuffie marched straight up to him, for once, taller than him because he was sitting on the floor.
Yuffie shook her fist angrily in Cloud's face. "It's your fault the thief took all my treasure!"
"Sit down, Yuffie," Lord Kisaragi demanded in exasperation. "He claims to have something to say to us both."
Yuffie narrowed her eyes and glared for all her nine-year-old little self was worth, but sat next to her father. It was all Cloud could do to not crack a smile. The little thief probably wouldn't take well to that. Cloud was actually surprised she shut up to do what her father ordered.
Lord Kisaragi gestured for Cloud to speak, curiosity sparking in his eyes.
Delving into one of his pants' cargo pockets, Cloud felt carefully for the first item. "Treasure number one," Cloud said. He waved it about in the air and set it on the floor in front of Yuffie. "A deck of playing cards with pictures of important Wutai places and people like Da Chao Mountain, Turtle's Paradise, and the Young Lady Kisaragi."
Yuffie's mouth hung slack-jawed while the bit of curiosity in Lord Kisaragi's curiosity turned to amusement.
Cloud made for the second item and pulled it out of the same cargo pocket. "Treasure number two." The folded up sheaf of papers joined the deck of cards. "A ranking of how well the Crescent Unit commanders like their underlings and the duties they are assigned based on that ranking."
Yuffie still sported her gob smacked expression but Lord Kisaragi was attempting to hide a smile in his moustache.
Cloud produced the third item from his cargo pocket, and this time, Lord Kisaragi's eyes widened and some of the Crescent Unit officers had the grace to look abashed. "The tag says this is Godo Kisaragi's lucky belt." Cloud laid the purple, gold flower patterned monstrosity with its short tassels next to the other two items.
Lord Kisaragi glared daggers at the surrounding Crescent Unit officers and Cloud spied three surreptitiously slip out sight behind their leader's back.
Cloud pulled one last item for the Kisaragi's to see. This one was a small box and Lord Kisaragi's cheeks darkened, probably in some form of embarrassment. "A collection of photos of Yuffie Kisaragi as an infant and toddler."
Tense silence hung in the air when Cloud placed the photos with the other items. Yuffie's mouth hung open and all the color drained from Lord Kisaragi's face. The Crescent Unit officers looked ready to curl up and die while what appeared to be average Wutai villagers seemed about ready to burst out laughing.
Yuffie practically rent the air with her shriek and sudden lunge toward the treasure items. Lord Kisaragi moved even faster, though, and snatched up the box of photos. Yuffie surged to her feet and stomped with another inarticulate shriek, but made no move to try and snatch the box from her father.
Yuffie rounded on Cloud and shook her fist at him again. "You lied to me, you thief."
Cloud spoke flatly. "You contracted me to retrieve your treasure. You never said you wanted confirmation. I brought it to you in the end. I never lied. I did what you wanted."
Yuffie deflated in confusion before scooping up her precious and rather useless treasure and sitting back down next to her father.
Seeming to recover himself somewhat, Lord Kisaragi asked, "Are you actually this CS Delivery terrorist that Avalanche claims you are?"
"Would it matter either way?" Cloud asked.
Lord Kisaragi's mouth quirked up. "Are you planning on pilfering our treasures anymore after this?"
Cloud smirked. "Not unless Lady Kisaragi contracts me to do it."
"So any skills you have would be used for the benefit of this tourist resort and the betterment of Wutai?"
Obviously careful to choose his words, Cloud said, "Any skills I have around going to be used for the benefit of people, not corporations."
"What about your own corporation?"
"A tourist attraction is for entertainment and stimulating the economy. It's not for building countries or supporting political parties."
"You know," Lord Kisaragi said, "what makes your proposal so suspect is that it doesn't look suspicious. It's an unquestionable prize worth having, but that just makes me wary. It's too good to be true."
One side of Cloud's mouth kicked up in a rueful way. "I'm not looking to take advantage of you. I'm looking to reduce the monopoly Shinra Company has on everything. The only places they don't have a choke hold on are the little, out of the way farms and extremely remote settlements. If we set up this new place, there won't be anything I've got dependent on Shinra. And for you, it's a completely Shinra-free venture."
"And I know that by Shinra-free you mean none of the business contracts are with them. Once Shinra Company hears about this, they won't let it alone."
Cloud nodded. "They like their monopoly."
Yuffie glared at Cloud with a rather pinched expression, but Lord Kisaragi regarded him speculatively for several long moments before gruffly saying, "This requires some deliberation. Return after sunset and we'll have an answer for you."
Taking that as his dismissal, Cloud nodded and pushed to his feet. Surprisingly, he didn't feel the itch of impending attack between his shoulder blades when he turned his back on the best warriors of Wutai to walk out of the pagoda.
AN: Any and all random author's comments, disclaimers, and notes are on my profile page. If I get asked a question enough times, its answer is there too.