Treasures: Past and Present

By: Illusion of the Mirror

Tifa awoke to the sound of pounding rain and muffled giggles. The thudding in her head had subsided leaving behind a dull ache. Feeling movement on the bed next to her, she cracked open an eye.

"Shhh!" More hushed titters… "You'll wake her up!"

A wide grin split Tifa's face as she sat up abruptly, causing the two girls on her bed to start. "Wake who up, Marlene?"

"Tifa!" The young girl practically launched herself across the mattress, capturing Tifa's abdomen in a hug. "I'm so glad you're alright! We were scared, weren't we, Yuffie?"

The older brunette smiled and waved her off. "Pfft! I wouldn't say scared. Maybe worried."

Marlene let go and leaned back to look Tifa up and down before stating matter-of-factly, "Yuffie cried."

"What!? Did not, you little brat!" She scooped the child up into her lap and proceeded to give her a playful noogie.

"Ack! No! I'm going to tell Daddy!"

Tifa laughed at the girls' antics and leaned over to fold both of them into an embrace. "I missed you two so much!" She placed a gentle kiss on the crown of Marlene's head before releasing them. "But what are you doing here?"

"Daddy got a phone call from Mister Vincent. He said you were hurt and needed help and Daddy was gonna make me stay at home but I told him-"

"She told him that if you were in trouble, it wouldn't be fair to leave her at home," Yuffie interrupted with a grin. "Isn't she just adorable?"

"I was telling the story," Marlene frowned, crossing her arms over her chest with a huff.

"Sorry, Marlene…go ahead."

The young girl instantly brightened. "So he said both me and Denzel could come with him. And on the way here we stopped for waffles. And I brought Stripes to help you feel better. He always makes me feel better." At this, Marlene reached behind Yuffie and brought out her favorite stuffed tiger, its once bright orange fur a now dingy brown from years of washing.

Tifa felt her lip quiver as she accepted the offered doll. She gave it a squeeze and a long emphasized kiss before handing it back. "Wow!" She gasped to the expectant child. "It really worked! I feel so much better now!"

Marlene beamed. "I knew you would. Denzel said I was being silly but I told him he was just being contrary! That's a word I learned from Daddy," she clarified at Tifa's bewildered expression.

"Hey!" Yuffie protested as the girl crawled over her lap and hopped off the bed. "You could just get off on the other side."

Marlene ignored her. "He and Daddy are downstairs with Uncle Cid and Aunt Shera and Mr. Vincent."

"Cid and Shera are here too?" Tifa untangled her legs from the sheets and pushed her sore body out of bed.

Marlene nodded vehemently, her wide brown eyes glimmering in the lamplight.

"In the flesh," Yuffie concluded, stretching before rolling over onto her belly, her feet in the air behind her. "Everyone's being extra quiet, though, so you can sleep. Vincent was all frowny when I got here so I've been hanging with Mar."

"Marlene." The girl corrected.

"Whatever."

Tifa's smile only broadened, heart light in her chest. "Well, let me get changed and then we can go say hi!"

- O -

Marlene led Tifa down the stairs by her hand, letting go in order to hop the last step.

Cid, who was engaged in a game of chess with Vincent, was the first to look up. "Well, now! Look who's finally awake! It's three o'clock in the afternoon, ya know?"

"Cut her some slack, ya old codger," laughed Barret from his place on the couch. "Head injuries tend ta have that effect on people." He lifted his bulk from the sofa and approached Tifa with out-stretched arms. "Feelin' better, Tifa girl?"

Tifa embraced her old friend with a chuckle. "Much, thanks to Stripes."

Cid, who had also risen from his seat, pulled the toothpick he was gnawing on from his mouth. "What?"

Barret guffawed and plucked Marlene up from the floor, placing her on his shoulders. "That's my girl!"

Shrugging, Cid pulled Tifa into a hug, his scraggly beard tickling her ear. "Glad yer back on yer feet, Tifa. Shera's been near burstin' with worry."

"Now don't you believe a word he says," Shera interrupted as she entered the main room, a tray of steaming teacups balanced on one hand and a plate of chocolate chip cookies on the other. "My old man has been worrying enough for the both of us." She set her burdens down and motioned Tifa over for an embrace which was graciously given despite the fact that Shera's prominent belly made the hug awkward.

"It's so good to see you," Tifa sighed. "How's the baby doing?"

"Healthy as a horse," Shera flexed her arms for emphasis. "I've been making sure Cid doesn't smoke around me."

"Damn near killin' me," the pilot interjected with a grimace, but then smiled proudly as he draped an arm over his wife's shoulders. "But as long as I can still have tea, it'll be okay." He kissed her cheek and then lifted a cup and saucer from the silver tray on the side table.

Tifa scanned the room, her eyes settling fondly upon the young boy reading a comic book in the wingback chair by the fireplace. She crossed over to him and cleared her throat, causing him to look up and meet her gaze. "Hello, Denzel."

Denzel's smile didn't reach his eyes. "Hi, Tifa. Glad you're better."

She patted him on the head as he went back to reading, heart twisting painfully in her chest. Denzel had never been the same since Cloud abandoned them. In fact, he was the one who had taken the loss the hardest. It was one more reason Tifa resented Cloud so very much.

Yuffie, who sat cross-legged in a chair she had brought in from the kitchen, coughed pointedly. "So, Vincent. You said you'd tell us what was up once Tifa was awake." She took a cookie from the stack in her lap and nearly devoured the whole thing in one bite. "Wanna enlighten us now?"

Marlene frowned from her exalted position. "Don't talk with your mouth full Yuffie."

The ninja rolled her eyes.

For the first time since she had joined the party, Tifa was aware of Vincent's presence. She felt a stab of guilt at her forgetfulness, but she was so overwhelmed by the presence of so many loved ones, the feeling quickly faded. "What are we talking about now?"

Vincent, who hadn't even risen from his seat in the second wing-back, motioned for the group to sit.

After placing Marlene on the floor, Barret addressed both the children. "Ya'll need to go upstairs now, okay?"

Marlene sighed but agreed and Denzel rose from his chair, collected his possessions, and crossed to the stairs without meeting the eyes of anyone in the room.

The door to the children's room upstairs snicked shut and Tifa turned her attention to Vincent, letting herself sink into the cushion of the couch nearest to him. Shera and Cid took the other two, Barret the second chair.

Jaw set, Vincent drew in a deep breath, his eyes falling shut. "I would not have called you all here unless the matter was of the utmost importance and I would like to premise by saying that I had every intention of dealing with the situation on my own." His eyes flicked open at this and instantly locked on to Tifa's. "But now I have dragged this danger to Tifa's doorstep." Vincent's severe gaze dropped away and Tifa instantly felt cold. "It is for her sake that you are here."

Cid poured himself a second cup of tea, fingers twitching visibly as they passed by the pack of Chesterfields tucked behind his goggles strap. "What kinda danger are we talkin' about here?"

"Are any of you familiar with term 'Darknation'?"

Yuffie made a strangled sound and began to cough violently, fist pounding her chest. Barret uttered a curse.

"What?" Tifa asked worriedly, gaze shifting back and forth between all the members of the group. "What's a dark nation?"

"Not what…who," Barret growled. He looked to Vincent, who motioned for him to continue. "And nobody really knows who they are." The black man's rumbling voice dropped several decibels as he spoke, almost as though he feared being overheard. "They mostly operate in the city, fixin' elections and organizing hits and stuff like that. These guys are bad news, Tif."

Yuffie, the coughs that had been racking her body dying out, leaned forward in her chair, eyes watering. "I've heard of these Darknation guys. A lot, actually, since I run with people in the thieving business." She cleared her throat with a frown before continuing. "You could say they're like a gang, except none of them ever show their faces. They wear dark robes with masks…and they could be anybody…but the scariest part is that even when everyone knows it was them that did something, no one can prove it. They're like ghosts."

Barret snorted, crossing his bulky arms over his chest. "More like murderers. They've had the city under their thumb for years now, give their 'orders' by video. Anyone who gets in their way ends up in the river wearin' cement shoes."

"Sound like a buncha pansy asses to me," Cid scoffed, earning a light elbow to the ribs from his wife.

Vincent fixed the pilot with a grimace. "'Pansy asses' or no, they pose a genuine threat predominately due to their anonymity. Their leader, known as Kale, is the one who addresses these video recordings. None of the others even have aliases."

"So…" Tifa ventured carefully planning her words. "Are they who you had the 'altercation' with?"

Vincent's reply was succinct. "Yes."

"Because they think you stole something of theirs?"

Steepling his fingers before his nose, Vincent answered gravely. "Yes. In fact, I had intended to."

This statement was met by perplexity all around. Yuffie stifled a rogue cough. Cid fidgeted.

Vincent took another deep breath and continued.

"For the past two years I have been working free-lance for numerous employers. My usual assignment ranges from gathering information to protection services. Compensation is usually…impressive, and it is fair to say that I have made a bit of a reputation for myself in certain circles." He paused and messaged the bridge of his nose.

"About two weeks ago I received a call from one such potential employer. He requested I meet him in his private room at an exclusive club so he could discuss a prospective assignment with me. When I met him, he introduced himself as Thomas Warren and offered me a drink.

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"Please, Mr. Valentine, take a seat." Thomas gestured with an outstretched palm.

Vincent nodded curtly, and sat across from him, ever wary of his surroundings. He removed his sunglasses and crossed his arms expectantly. As the man ordered them drinks, Vincent took the opportunity to study his potential employer. He was a stocky man with a thick neck and red cheeks, perhaps in his late forties. His fine clothing and lavish adornment suggested considerable wealth and his graying, chestnut hair was very well groomed. Vincent noted his meticulously plucked eyebrows and manicured nails. Clearly this was not a humble man.

After the waiter exited the room, Thomas smiled in a way meant to seem congenial, but Vincent detected no congeniality whatsoever.

The man lifted a ringed finger to his chin and sat back in his chair. "No doubt you are curious as to what my business with you is. Well, I won't waste your time beating around the bush." He removed a photograph from the alligator skin briefcase sitting in front of him on the table and slid it to Vincent.

Vincent dropped his gaze to the image. It was of a small, round, golden talisman with a cut red stone in the center. It was sitting on what appeared to be a green, velvet backdrop. All around the outside of the talisman were markings in some ancient dialect and an etched design that resembled a snake curving around to eat his own tail.

While Vincent surveyed the image, Thomas continued. "This talisman was once part of my personal collection of rare and valuable artifacts." He took the photo and replaced it in his briefcase. "Just two days ago, it was stolen from my home." The waiter came in and set two glasses and a bottle of wine on the table. Expensive wine, Vincent observed.

"Thank you," Thomas said, and the waiter exited.

Vincent ignored the offered drink. "Perhaps you should be speaking with the police. Retrieving lost items is not in my area of expertise."

Thomas sipped his wine. "Ah, now, you see, I cannot alert the authorities; it would do no good. I already know who stole it."

Vincent glanced at his watch. "Then I do not see how I can be of use to you."

"Hm." Thomas leaned forward and his cold, gray eyes hardened though his smile remained in place. "It was taken by a society known as Darknation."

Vincent's brows lowered, his mouth forming a hard line.

"No doubt you have heard of them, Mr. Valentine. It is highly unlikely that my property will be returned. Do you understand my dilemma?"

Vincent locked eyes with Thomas. "I have heard enough to know that only a fool would take such a job."

Thomas pulled a manila envelope from his briefcase and slid it to Vincent, completely ignoring his statement. "These are the floor plans to the building where they are holding my artifact along with directions on how to get there. Word has it you have a talent for being…unseen."

"Perhaps I was not clear. This is a fool's errand, Mr. Warren. And you are wasting my time."

The man's thin lips curved into smile as he lifted his wineglass to his lips and took a sip, savoring the liquid as he rolled it across his tongue. After swallowing he hummed in appreciation. "I am a man of fine tastes, Mr. Valentine. I crave quality, only buy the very best. I do not suffer fools and I do not settle. And with my fortune, I shall never have to. Thomas pulled a check out of his briefcase, laying it on the table and smoothing it out with his hands.

"This is a check for one hundred thousand Gil, Mr. Valentine, and that is only the first half. If you succeed, there is another hundred thousand that awaits you."

Vincent scanned the slip of paper. This was a great deal of money.

Warren seemed to take his silence for indecision. "You see, Mr. Valentine, you are the best there is, and I will accept no less than the best."

Vincent mulled over the man's words. Had the job involved any party but Darknation, Vincent would've turned Warren down simply due to his aversion to the man. But…the prospect of a real challenge was extremely tempting. Finally, he fixed the man with a contemptuous glare. "What are your terms?"

"Only this: return my talisman to me. It is priceless and money is no object. I care not what methods you use, just do so as quickly and as quietly as possible." He sat back and a sickeningly confident expression settling in on his face. Vincent had to resist the urge to remove it.

Not the look, but his face. His dislike for this man was increasing exponentially.

"Four-hundred thousand," Vincent stated, hands folded on the table top. "Two now, two after. In cash."

Thomas smiled, revealing a row of perfectly white, overly-large teeth. "I thought you might prefer to have cash in hand." He collected the various papers from the table and opened his briefcase wide, turning it so Vincent could see inside. "Two-hundred thousand Gil," he stated with a flourish as he placed the floor plans on top along with a business card. "You can reach me at this address. When the guard asks for identification, simply show him this card."

He then stood, clicking the briefcase shut. Vincent stood as well. "Do not come unless you have brought my artifact. I enjoy the sanctity of my home and do not like to be disturbed."

Eager to take leave of this vile man, Vincent nodded curtly. He took hold of the case's handle and turned to leave. Warren pulled aside the curtain separating them from the rest of the club, but instead of ushering Vincent out, he leaned in close, his voice low, breath sickeningly sweet. "I sincerely hope you do not fail, Mr. Valentine. It would be such a shame to besmirch so promising a record."

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Vincent finished his retelling of the events, dark eyes fixed on the dancing flames in the fireplace. A heavy silence settled like thick fog and Tifa cast her eyes about to observe her companions' expressions. Cid gnawed his mangled toothpick with renewed fervor while Shera picked pointedly at the fringe of her sleeve. Barret's breaths came out in great gusts, his nostrils flaring, eyes squeezed shut. Red met her questioning gaze with a shrug; head cocked and tail swishing, careful to avoid singeing the area rug beneath him.

Yuffie was the first to venture into the pregnant pause. "So…" Her brows knit together in impatience. "Then what happened?"

Her words seemed to break the spell. Cid gave a low whistle as he leaned back into the cushions. "Four-hundred thousand Gil. That is pretty impressive. You have some expensive vice I don't know about?"

Vincent ignored the quip, the invisible aura around him becoming increasingly darker. Tifa doubted Cid noticed. Barret opened his eyes and fixed a withering glare on the gunman. "So ya stole the jewelry from Darknation and now they want it back."

Tifa could see the muscles along Vincent's jaw tense. "Vincent didn't steal anything," she answered more firmly than she'd meant to. All eyes turned to her and she swallowed hard; the room was suddenly very, very warm. She looked to Vincent for help, attempting to keep from flushing any redder. He was watching her with that steady gaze, eyes devoid of any namable emotion.

The seconds of silence that followed were painfully long, but at last Vincent turned his crimson eyes back to the fire. "Tifa is correct. After careful research I found Warren's information to be accurate. I had managed to infiltrate the target, but on the night my plans were to come to fruition, the artifact was no longer on the premises."

Yuffie gasped, a little too excitedly. "Someone beat you to it? Whoa! That has totally happened to me before."

Tifa cast a quick grimace at the thief before replying. "Did they know you were coming?"

"I doubt it," Vincent responded, eyes still trained on the flames licking the blackened stone of the fireplace. "My methods are thorough. I'm afraid that it is just as Yuffie says. Person or persons unknown had stolen the relic long before I arrived on the scene. The entire premises was up in alarm. I didn't even enter the building."

"The next morning, I went directly to Thomas Warren's estate only to find the place a din of lights and sirens."

"Oh yeah," Yuffie interrupted in realization. "I heard about his from a friend. There was a fire, right? Almost took the entire place down." She shook her head and tutted. "Shame about all that treasure. I heard that guy had some nice stuff."

"Just so." Vincent responded succinctly. "Warren perished in the fire. The official police report called it an accident; a malfunction of the wiring."

"But you suspect foul play."

"I am no fool, Miss Kisaragi." The response was nearly hissed through clenched teeth. "Darknation was undoubtedly involved. And somehow, they learned of my employment."

Yuffie was unabashed by the reproach. "Well, why not just tell them it wasn't you."

Barret snorted and crossed his huge arms over his chest. "I imagine that went well."

Vincent's right hand settled over his left forearm where he had been injured just three nights ago. "It did not."

Yuffie rose from her seat. "Do you still have the picture of the talisman?"

Vincent gestured dismissively toward his duffel. "Front pouch."

"So," Barret grumbled. "That's why Tifa's in danger now? Because of this job gone wrong? Damn."

"Darknation must not have found the Talisman at Warren's place," Tifa chimed in. A dull ache had begun to form behind her eyes. "…now what do we do?"

She was answered by a squeak from Yuffie. "I know this piece," she proclaimed excitedly, brandishing a small photograph before flopping back into her chair. "It's solid gold and the rock in the center is called a bloodstone. People in the old times used to think they had supernatural powers." She chuckled to herself as she slid an affectionate finger across the image. "Not that it matters if it really did. They're still super valuable. I heard about some archaeologists stumbling across a relic like this. I'm thinking it was the same one."

The young ninja looked up to see that the entire party was staring at her and the smile froze on her face. "Oh…did I interrupt you guys or something?"

"You don't miss a thing, do ya," Cid smirked and leaned towards Barret. "A regular detective, this one."

Yuffie bristled. "Why don't you come closer and say that again, old man."

Shera cleared her throat, effectively silencing the two and proceeded to pour herself another cup tea. "Anyway. That's why you called us here, right? To help keep Tifa safe until we get out of this mess sorted out?"

"Yes." Vincent leaned forward, lifting his gaze to settle directly on Tifa. "By any means necessary."

- O -

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