*Chapter 7: Shinra Charity Ball*
When Cyrus returned to the Shinra Building, she bumped into one of the Turks. Cissnei. She is one of the nicest ones. Cyrus talks to her once in a while. The young woman smiled at the silver haired teen.
"Hey there. Had a nice stroll out there?" Cissnei asked. Cyrus placed her finger over her lips to silence the Turk. "So, you got Tseng's text about the upcoming ball? You going?"
"I've never been to one." Cyrus said with a small frown. "I don't have a dress. But what do we do at the ball?"
"Well, it's just an event to celebrate. You can dance, eat, or just hang around." Cissnei replied. "Surely your brother is going."
"That's...the thing. I wonder if he'll let me go." Cyrus said. "Did Tseng talk to him about it?"
"Hm. Not sure. But you should go! I'm sure you'll have a good time." Cissnei said. "Tell you what, we can go dress shopping since we have a month. I can help you do your hair and everything."
"That'd be nice. But we have to wait and see..."
"You sure this is a good idea? What if they get suspicious?" Quinn asked as Elfe is gathering formal clothing for her and a selected few to go with her to the mission at the charity ball. The plan won't fail once the president is assassinated by one of the AVALANCHE members. Quinn was nervous about it. What if things go wrong? They could get caught.
"Rufus will tell me every single info once we're there. Once his father is alone, one of us will strike. We make sure the Turks or anyone from the building won't see us. The president will be called into the suite alone." Elfe explained. "The cameras will be down. If anything happens, fall back."
"Gods, this is crazy. We're going into the home of the vultures who bleeds our planet dry." Quinn said.
"You getting cold feet?" Elfe asked, crossing her arms.
"...No."
"All you do is keep watch on some places." Elfe said as she found a green dress to wear for the ball. Quinn crossed his arms and remained silent. This is a very risky plan. He and Dakota are only lookouts. He feared of getting caught and they will be killed.
Once the day arrived for the charity ball, Cyrus will be turning 18 the next day. She was a bit bummed that Wyatt hasn't given any updates on Hiedra. Where could that warlock be? Wyatt only told Cyrus that no one has seen him in the Honeybee Inn. Hiedra puts his spell on them of course. They will forget that he has been there. Right now, Cyrus will focus on tonight. She is surprised that her brother agreed to let her come along, but she must be escorted by the Turks. Cyrus can't complain.
Cissnei did help Cyrus find the perfect dress weeks earlier. She will be helping her with the hair and makeup. Cissnei is skipping the ball this year, but she is happy to help Cyrus get ready for tonight. The dress is red with short sleeves, the skirt is short up front, and long in the back. Cissnei thought Cyrus should have the red flower clips in her hair to match the color.
"Think it was a bit much?" Cyrus asked as Cissnei looked through the box of hair clips.
"Oh c'mon. You'll look so beautiful. Think of it as you'll be the belle of the ball. Like a fairy tale." Cissnei told her with a smile. "We got a few hours for you to get ready." Cyrus picked up the dress and Cissnei walked out of the room to let Cyrus have her privacy to change. After a few minutes, Cissnei walked in and see Cyrus in the dress. "Wow. It suits you! But wait till the final touches and you will complete." She said.
"Ready when you are." Cyrus said as she sat on the chair. Cissnei grinned as she picked up the brush.
A knock is heard outside the door. Cissnei opened the door and stepped out of the room to see Sephiroth and Tseng. Sephiroth is dressed in a dark gray suit with a black tie. He looks sharp. But his long hair remains the same. Tseng is still in his usual Turk suit. Cyrus walked out of her room soon after. Some of her silver hair is in curls with red flowers clipped on, she is wearing red shoes, and a silver necklace with a locket. She looks beautiful. Sephiroth never saw her looking so formal.
"Well?" Cissnei asked the men. "Isn't she lovely?" Cyrus looked up at Sephiroth and smiled a little.
"You look...acceptable." Sephiroth spoke, trying to find the right words.
"So do you." Cyrus spoke. Sephiroth smirked a little. He brought his arm out. Cyrus linked her arm into his and they started to walk down the hallway as Tseng followed them. Cissnei smiled as she crossed her arms. She hopes this night will go well.
XX
The ball takes place in the large room where everyone dressed formally, and President Shinra is in his best black suit. He is speaking with Scarlett and Palmer as he smoked his cigar. Their conversation was cut when they hear other people gasp. Palmer's eyes widen. Scarlett and the president turned to see Sephiroth and Cyrus coming in. Cyrus looked around as everyone stared, she gripped on Sephiroth's arm a little.
"Is that the Phoenix girl?" Scarlett asked.
"I don't recall her being invited..." President Shinra grumbled.
"But sir, she did save you from that Hiedra character, didn't she?" Palmer asked. President Shinra sighed a little. He would just let this one go. Cyrus wouldn't do anything foolish.
Sephiroth and Cyrus walked past everyone as they tried to make it to Genesis and Angeal. Cyrus tried to avoid eye contact with anyone. Most of them have never seen Cyrus around the building, only her name. One person is in the crowd who took notice of her. Quinn is in his dark blue suit. He couldn't help but to think Cyrus looks pretty in that red dress. But he is worried that he might be noticed by her and the plan will backfire.
"Keep in sight. The Turks are watching from every corner." Sephiroth told Cyrus. "And don't be nervous. Try and have a good time."
"I'm fine." Cyrus spoke. "Just need to get used to this. I...I think I need some water. You want anything?"
"I'll get something later. You go on." Sephiroth gestured the nearby bar. Cyrus squeezed through the crowd to reach the bar, but she accidentally bumped into someone wearing a white suit. He turned in annoyance until his face changed to see Cyrus.
"I'm so sorry! I never meant to bump into you." Cyrus said. The man, Rufus, stared at her.
"It's...it's alright." He said. Cyrus was about to walk past him, but he stopped her. "Hold on. Aren't you Cyrus?" The silver haired teen looked up at him.
"Yes. Um, do I know you?"
"You don't remember me? Well, it has been nearly 10 years since last saw each other." Rufus said with a smile. "I'm Rufus Shinra." Cyrus's blinked. She started to recall the day they met and the day at Kalm.
"Oh. I...I didn't recognize you. I'm sorry, sir." Cyrus said. Rufus took her hand gently.
"Why do you apologize?" He kissed her hand. Cyrus blushed a little. "Shall I get you something to drink? We should catch up on things."
From the other side, Genesis watched Rufus and Cyrus sit by the bar and he formed a smirk. Angeal turned to notice him. Sephiroth looked over what his friends are staring and couldn't believe his eyes.
"Seems like Cyrus is talking to the Shinra heir." Genesis spoke. Sephiroth was about to head over to the bar, but Angeal stopped him.
"Whoa, hey. Where are you going?" He asked.
"My sister doesn't know much about Rufus." Sephiroth said.
"Rufus won't try anything. Besides, the Turks are watching. Remember?" Angeal reminded the war hero. Sephiroth looked over at Cyrus and Rufus in silent. Cyrus is drinking a glass of water at least. Rufus is the one who couldn't be trusted. Any false move on Cyrus, Rufus will be in for it. For now, Sephiroth will listen to Angeal. Tseng, Reno, and Rude are the escorts.
"So, you've been visiting back and forth Midgar and Junon?" Cyrus asked. Rufus nodded.
"I hardly stayed in this building, even though it is my home. But I'd rather have my own space." Rufus told her. "And I've heard about the attack that happened here. It was the cause of Hiedra, wasn't it?"
"Yeah. But we haven't seen him since." Cyrus said. "Wish I knew where he is."
"Oh? Why is that?"
"I wanted to take him down myself. To show my brother and everyone that I am ready to be out in the world and I can handle myself." Cyrus said. "I don't like being trapped in this building..."
"Because of your Phoenix abilities. But you are more than that, Cyrus." Rufus told her. Cyrus looked at him. Before Rufus could continue, he hears music playing. He got off the stool and had his hand out. "Shall we dance?"
"...I don't know how." Cyrus admitted. Rufus gently took her hand and lead her to the floor.
"Just follow my lead." Rufus placed his hand on the small of her back and held her hand with the other. Cyrus placed her free hand on his shoulder as Rufus started to dance with her. Everyone started to watch the two waltz around the floor as the music played. Quinn and Elfe watched Rufus dance with Cyrus. Elfe forms a small smirk on her face.
"There's the Phoenix." Elfe whispered.
"Was this part of the plan? I didn't think Cyrus would show up." Quinn whispered back.
"Rufus will give me the word when his father stepped out. Just keep a lookout when the time comes." Elfe replied. Cyrus moved under Rufus's arm and made a spin, and Rufus dipped her. He pulled her up and smiled.
"You danced well. Not so hard, is it?"
"I guess not." Cyrus said. The two finished their dance and everyone clapped. Cyrus smiled a little. Rufus kissed her hand once more. "Thank you for the dance."
"Of course, my dear."
"Ahem." Someone cleared his throat. They turned to see Tseng. "Cyrus, would you excuse us for a moment? Your brother would like to have a word with you." He said. Cyrus nodded and walked away. Tseng turned to Rufus. "Treating her well?"
"You know I am great with the ladies, Tseng." Rufus said with a smile. "Cyrus is one special girl."
"May I warn you not to try anything funny? Cyrus is different." Tseng said with a stern look in his eyes.
"Why Tseng. What do you take me for? You think I'm going to take her to my suite, offer her a drink, and maybe get her in my bed?" Rufus asked. Tseng remained silent. Rufus sighed a bit. "I'm kidding. You really don't have a sense of humor."
"Cyrus is off limits. But if you want to be friends with her, there is no harm in that." Tseng spoke. Rufus rolled his eyes at the Turk. "Just remember the rules-"
"I know. I never said a word about her being half Phoenix."
When the rest of the evening went well, President Shinra left along with Scarlett. Elfe and Quinn nodded each other and tried to look for Rufus's signal. But he is nowhere to be found. Elfe frowned a little. Quinn turned to her and shrugged. He doesn't see Rufus or Cyrus in sight. Elfe puts her drink down and began to walk across the room.
"Where you going?" Quinn asked, following her.
"Going after the president. What do you think?"
"What about Rufus? He's supposed to give us the signal!" Quinn hissed.
"I don't see him anywhere. He better have a good excuse of not being around when we need him." Elfe said as she continued to walk to follow President Shinra.
XX
"So, tomorrow is your birthday?" Rufus asked as he and Cyrus are taking a walk down the hall as Tseng followed them.
"Yeah. I'll be 18. Finally an adult." Cyrus said as she held the locket. Rufus noticed her wearing it.
"That's a beautiful locket you have. Anyone dear to you inside?" He asked.
"Yes. My mother. This was Sephiroth's locket, but he gave it to me." Cyrus told him. She was about to open the locket, but a sneeze is heard. They turned to see Quinn in the corner. Tseng's eyes widen.
"You!" He cried out as he reached for his gun. "He's part of AVALANCHE!"
"Quinn?" Cyrus wondered. Rufus glared at the young man. Quinn started to flee. Tseng got out his phone out to call the Turks. Rufus took Cyrus by the hand.
"Come on." He dragged her down the hallway. "I know where you should be safe."
"Wait, Rufus!" Cyrus tried to stop him, but Rufus pressed the button of the elevator. The doors open and they walk inside. Rufus pressed one of the buttons to get to his suite. "How did AVALANCHE get in here?" Cyrus asked.
"They snuck in. And how do you know Quinn?" Rufus asked.
"Uhh, well...out in the streets." Cyrus replied.
"Then they could be after you. I'll keep you safe." Rufus said. The elevator doors opened, and they are in the suite. The alarms go off, warning the whole building that there are intruders. Cyrus couldn't believe that Quinn is part of the anti-Shinra group. Is AVALANCHE after her? Rufus opened the door of his suite and led Cyrus inside. He hurried over to the desk, opened one of the drawers and brought out his gun. "Wait here. They won't find you here." He said. He left the suite as Cyrus stood by the living room. How could she wait this out? She wanted answers.
XX
Elfe hid behind the wall with a pistol in her hand as Tseng and Rude silently walk around the halls with their guns. Elfe was ready to shoot them until a hand went over her mouth and felt a body from behind. She was dragged in the nearby closet. Elfe moved away and glared up at Rufus.
"What the hell?!"
"What are you doing?! One of your members blew a cover! You need to retreat now!" Rufus told her.
"What do you mean?"
"Cyrus is aware of Quinn is part of AVALANCHE! Things won't be pretty if she finds you! For your sake, run! Take Quinn and go! We'll talk when we get a chance!" Rufus hissed. Elfe wanted to argue. But she knew he was right. Shinra knows that she is here. Elfe left the closet and went off to look for Quinn and they will flee. Rufus's plan failed, but at the same time, he wanted to protect Cyrus.
XX
Cyrus heard a knock on the door. She cautiously stared at the door when a flame appeared in her hand. She wasn't sure if it was the intruder. But a voice is heard from the other side.
"Cyrus, it's me."
"Brother?" Cyrus walked over to the door to unlock it. Sephiroth stepped in to look at her.
"Are you alright?" He asked.
"Yeah, but what was going on? Rufus said it was AVALANCHE."
"The Turks scared them off. I hear there's only two. They came to assassinate the president."
"Really?" Cyrus gasped. She couldn't tell her brother that she met Quinn in Midgar or mention Rufus claiming the group is after her.
"I suppose the evening is cut short." Sephiroth said.
"It's fine. In fact, I had a good time." Cyrus said, trying to lighten things up.
"Rufus... He didn't try anything to you, did he?" Sephiroth asked, crossing his arms.
"No. Why would he?" Cyrus replied.
"...Nothing. Now come. I'll take you to your room." Sephiroth said, walking out of the suite. Cyrus frowned a little. As they walk down the halls to get to the elevator, Rufus spotted them.
"Oh. I was just about to retrieve you." Rufus said. Sephiroth didn't say anything. But Rufus ignored him. He smiled at Cyrus. "I apologize about this. But I do hope we meet again, Cyrus. And I wish you a Happy Birthday tomorrow."
"Oh, um, thank you, Rufus." Cyrus said with a nod.
"Have a good evening, you two." Rufus gave Cyrus a wink before walking off. Sephiroth huffed a bit. Cyrus looked up at her brother in wonder. Does Sephiroth not like Rufus? They walked in the elevator. Sephiroth turned to Cyrus.
"Keep your distance from him, little sister." He said.
"Huh?"
"He cannot be trusted."
"But he's-"
"Don't fall for his charm." Cyrus tried to argue, but Sephiroth silenced her with the look. If only Cyrus would understand more about Rufus. He's nothing but a playboy causing trouble and will get in bed with any woman he finds. And Cyrus won't be one of them. At least Rufus isn't always around the Shinra Building.
Sephiroth took Cyrus back to her room, but before she could enter, she turned to her brother.
"Do you have to leave tomorrow? On my birthday?" She asked.
"I'll return tomorrow evening. I'll bring you something." Sephiroth replied. Cyrus frowned a little. Sephiroth gave her a small smile. "Come now. You're gonna be an adult. All grown up. You don't need to pout."
"I'm not pouting. I'm just... I wish for once you could be around on my birthday. That's all." Cyrus said quietly. She felt his hand on her shoulder.
"Tomorrow night I'll return. I promise you that. Now, go get some rest." He told her.
"...Alright. Good night, Sephiroth."
"Night." Sephiroth turned away to leave. Cyrus walked in her room and shut the door. Time to change out of her dress.
"Cyrus knows we're AVALANCHE now?!" Dakota cried out after hearing what had happened. Quinn sat on the chair with his face buried in his hands. He really screwed up. Cyrus might demand answers if she's gonna see them again. Quinn is afraid of what she might do. She would crisp them. "Goddammit!" Dakota shouted.
"Be calm." Fuhito spoke as he walked in. "Elfe is speaking with Rufus now. Quinn, we are displeased with your mistake, yet there is always a chance to get to the president. Don't worry about the Phoenix girl."
"What if we see her in Midgar? What will we say?" Quinn asked.
"No need to lie to her. We do need her to be on our side. Convince her that Shinra is not what she seems. They cannot be trusted, and they bleed the planet dry. Surely, she will listen to you since we do have a common enemy..."
"Like Hiedra?" Dakota asked.
"Precisely." Fuhito grinned. "If you find Cyrus again, catch her and bring her. Use a sleep spell if you must." Quinn and Dakota didn't say a word but nodded. Cyrus probably won't be on their side. Things will be ugly if Cyrus fights back.