1st POV: Tseng
''This... is a disaster. You are my Turks, you must know something about this! What else am I paying you for?!'' President Shinra yelled in his office, spit flying on his table.
''There is a lot of mystery involved, President Shinra. We Turks already suffer from a lack of cameras down there so we need to be on hand and on site to conduct our investigation there. But that hasn't stopped us. Already we found out a lot.
Whoever it was, must have a good information net cast. The human trafficking syndicate fell in one night, that much we know. That suggest what I previously mentioned as well as a certain logistical competence. The kind that can not come from one single man, but off that from an organisation. They were throughout. But not throughout enough for the Turks. We are continuing to investigate and I am sure, sooner or later, we will find more evidence that will lead us to our culprits,'' I reported calmly.
Shinra scoffed and drank his coffee for a few moments.
''AVALANCHE?,'' he asked.
''We doubt that. It does not fit their MO. They go after Mako reactors. Any killing that they do do, is a byproduct of them bombing said Reactors. Personally killing so many people, is simply not what ,'' I denied truthfully.
''Unless they knew what we were buying these people for. You said they left evidence around, on the people's bodies, that implicated us?,'' he asked me.
Not exactly on the peoples bodies, otherwise the papers would be unrecognizable from the blood. But, yes, in essence.
I carefully kept my face blank.
Human experiments. I knew. He knew. Hojo and all the other Head Departments knew. Mentioning it was prohibited.
''Yes, they did. I assure you, no mention to the public about that was made,'' I began and then I was interrupted.
''But that still leaves this organisation in the know. Whoever they might be, unknowns that they are, if only my Turks could do their damned job,'' he accused.
Hm. It has been a while I saw him so agitated to the point he accused the Turks of something.
''Again, I assure you the Turks are working as diligently and fast as they can. Knowing the gravitas of the matter, I assume you wish for the ACTUAL culprits and not just some scapegoats,'' I placated him. He gestured with his hand for me to return to my previous point.
''The only way the evidence implicated us was that we made use of their services. Nothing more besides that was revealed in the evidence. The Human Trafficking Ring themselves didn't know what we were using these people for,'' I finished my point.
''You think it was a wronged party?,'' President Shinra suggested.
''The Turks consider it a possibility and are looking into past enemies,'' I told him.
He narrowed his eyes at me, in displeasure or suspicion for some reason, while I was trying to remain calm. The last thing I needed was to be considered an enemy of Shinra.
''Very well. Bring me that organisation,'' he dismissed me and with a nod I made my way out of his office.
---
Reno, Rude and Cissnei were waiting, as instructed, in my office when I entered.
''Any new developments in our case?,'' I asked them as I took my seat.
''No, yo,'' Reno replied, occupying an entire couch by himself. At least his boots were this time not on the expensive leather.
''Not any more than what we have already found,'' Rude added.
I nodded and interlocked my hands.
''Should we make a list of 'culprits', yo?,'' Reno sat up and asked me with a wiggle of his eyebrows. It was a testament to the precariousness of the situation that the Turks may very well not deliver the actual culprits to Shinra, but a fall guy or guys. The Turks never failed a mission after all and that reputation was both a boon and a curse.
''We will continue to investigate of course. But, yes, making a list of 'culprits' could give us some insight and narrow down our targets. President Shinra already made that suggestion,'' I replied.
The four of us knew each other well enough that we could talk like this and know what we meant without inflecting language. If, by chance, my office was bugged, whoever listens, will only hear a normal conversation between Turks. By Turks standards at least.
''And what about the Cetra's new... friend? Should we... discourage him from socializing with her?,'' Cissnei asked me.
I looked at Reno and Rude.
''He is weird, yo. He has no Mako enhancements and yet he continues to go deeper and deeper into the sewers. It's kind of hard following him in there without monsters jumping us as well and alerting him through the commotion, but he always comes out pretty unharmed,'' Reno explained.
That...says a lot, even if no specifics were provided. The deeper one went into the sewers the more the Reactors leaked Mako. A little by design and thus monsters formed, powerful monsters. It was an accident turned security measure. And the deeper one went the more powerful the monsters became.
''We know that for certain?,'' I asked him to clarify.
''No,'' Rude replied pushing his sun glasses up,'' As you know, he opened a pharmacy. He hasn't yet done anything beside provide people potions to people. Somewhat cheaply at that too compared to the others. But we thought it prudent not to ask people about him...yet. So we just observed him.''
''Has he made any indication that he knows what is in the sewers?,'' I asked them.
''No. He just wanders. He doesn't look around as if looking for something specific. Just for monsters, as you know the more dangerous the more they yield too,'' Reno laid back down on the couch after replying.
''Then continue to observe him as much as reasonable, but our first priority is to find the culprits for 'The Night of the Red Rivers','' I told them.
It would also let Aerith have a friend. The girl deserved some sort of happiness before...
''And our other concern?,'' Cissnei asked me.
''We are still looking for those two as well, but right now President Shinra really wants the culprits for that night. We are the Turks, we can, of course, perform all our tasks, but considering the urgency it is better to prioritize some things over others.
Reno, Rude, continue to observe the Cetra, but don't interfere for now. If you think you can make head way in our efforts with her and her friend, do so. I'll leave that to your judgement.
Cissnei, you look after our other two targets.
As for me? I will take the rest of the Turks, those I can at least and investigate the 'Night of the Red Rivers'. Which means that you will be alone. Keep that in mind, don't take too many risks. Dismissed,'' I ordered them.
Rude and Cissnei nodded and Reno saluted playfully, but they all left in the end.
I sighed after a while of being alone in my office and pulled open a drawer opening the hidden compartment in them. Several dozen letters were revealed.
Aerith's friend? Or Aerith's 'friend'? That will have to remain seen, since it was still to early to tell. The poor girl is probably conflicted as well, knowing her.
If they succeeded in finding him, this is all gonna be a big dramatic mess and he will, of course, partially blame me.
...She hasn't written a new letter in a while...
I sighed. Sometimes I hated my job.
I hid the letters again and closed the drawer before making my own way to perform my duties.
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1st POV: Nox:
''Thank you. Please,feel free to come by again,'' Naomi kindly waved as the customer left.
A few days have passed since I heard the news on the TV about Heidegger's speech.
I was to the side, going through some documents. Monster parts, trade agreements (if there were any changes that is), buying new glass objects in case any got destroyed during my disciples schooling. Stuff like that.
By and by, I didn't have to do too much this time. Nothing much changed and there are more then enough monster ingredients lying around in the storage room.
My mind was somewhere else, though.
Where Shinra kept it's actual secrets. I could make educated guesses, but with Mako and magic in the mix I wanted assurances.
Was my suspicion correct that Jenova and the Calamity from the Skye's were the same? The Temple of Ancients didn't specify where they sealed The Calamity from the Sky, but depending on what I found in Shinra, where they found Jenova, I may make a reasonable assumption in connecting the two.
What other significance did Jenova hold for Shinra? That is also a question I needed answered.
Man. They are REALLY making me work to make sense of anything.
''Sup. I delivered the package to the physician,'' Astrid said as she came in. I nodded, briefly looking up from my papers and then back down.
Astrid and Naomi began talking about something I wasn't paying attention to, when suddenly the door burst open.
''Tadaaaa. Missed me?,'' Aerith posed as she burst through the door, the bell ringing more loudly then usual from the force.
''You have no sense of personal boundaries. Do you?,'' I drawled.
''Hey now. Don't be like that. Your friend came to visit, you're supposed to act happy,'' Aerith chastised me.
''He has friends?,'' I heard Astrid mutter playfully, Naomi hushing her. Both women were behind the counter.
''Get bent,'' I immediately replied.
''Hey! That is no way to talk to a lady. I swear. Your face really is wasted on your personality. How will you ever find someone like this?,'' Aerith complained and wagged her finger.
''Still sounds like a Me-Problem. Why did you come Aerith. Today is Friday, you know that after opening hours I have to teach these two,'' I pointed at them.
''Helloooo,'' she waved at the two women cheerfully. Then she turned back to me.
''Well, aren't you going to introduce us? Where are your manners?,'' she put her hands on her hips while addressing me.
I sighed as if in great pain.
''The younger one is Astrid. The older is Naomi,'' I waved my hand.
''Nice to meet you,'' Aerith waved to them again.
''Why are you here, Aerith?,'' I asked her.
''To surprise you, silly,'' she replied.
''We literally saw each other during breakfast and dinner the past few days. Hell, we would have met each other tonight for dinner again,'' I pointed out.
''Yup. But then, what of after? Once the payment is up how can I be sure you won't disappear again. This is assurance for me and a warning to you. I know where you work, so I will hunt you down, if you pull that stunt with me again. ...I also really wanted to see how potion making is done. It is not for me, I know, but I'm still curious,'' Aerith shared her reasons with me.
''Then why should I let you in in the brewing room? Unauthorized personal is not allowed, since it is a danger to you and us, because you don't know what you are doing,'' I leisurely explained, playfully.
''Oh, come one. Please, please, pleeeeeeeeease? I showed you mine, so show me yours!,'' Aerith pleaded and grabbed my arm jumping up and down.
''Don't make it sound weird.''
''I promise to sit in the corner and watch quietly. Then we can go to my home together,'' Aerith assured me leaning into my face.
I sighed.
''You have no sense of personal boundaries,'' I gently pushed her by the shoulder away from my face,'' Sure. Stay quiet. Don't make a fuss. If you have answers, reserve them for after. And whatever you do, don't touch anything.''
''Got it. Promise,'' Aerith nodded firmly.
''Your still early, though. We start lessons in two hours. Go explore or something, I don't know,'' I waved her out.
''Are you done with your papers?,'' she asked me.
''Hm. Yeah, but I can't always leave selling only to my employees,'' I told her and leaned into my seat, looking (probably) bored to tears.
''We can run the shop. You two go and hang out together,'' Naomi told us, having been silent till now.
''Well, you heard the ladies. Show me your home,'' she demanded getting in my face again. I gently pushed her back again.
''Why?,'' I asked her.
''I showed you mine so show me yours,'' she explained.
''Don't make it sound weird. I don't wanna,'' I denied.
Aerith narrowed her eyes and leaned back in my face again.
''Why? Do you plan on ditching me again and abandoning this shop as well? Do you plan your home to be your last bastion of recluse or something?,'' Aerith accused.
''If me ditching you got you so annoyed, why forgive me so quickly. As a matter of fact, why not let your mother chew me out more? Also, no. I don't plan on ditching you again. I just don't think we are close enough for you to show you my home. Unlike some people, others have personal boundaries and it will take a while for them to open up to others,'' I explained to her.
Also, she was just an assignment. Unlike Astrid and Naomi she was not my employee and I would not have any obligations to her.
'If, gods willing, you are not so weak again not to remember that.'
Shut up.
''I have my reasons. Now, you can either show me your home or I will drag you around by the ear for two hours till you show me your home,'' Aerith crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes at me.
I sighed as if in great pain.
''Stubborn woman. Fine. Let's go, cause I got no interest in your temper tantrum,'' I muttered and pushed myself from the seat.
''Maybe I should throw more temper tantrums if it gets you to do something,'' she joked.
''Have some dignity, woman,'' I muttered as she trailed after me, the bell ringing.
''Posh on that. Unlike someone, I don't like being serious all the time. You only got one life, so why not live it to the fullest?,'' she shot back.
I hummed.
Point to her, it was hard to argue against that.
---
1st POV: Aerith:
''What is this?,'' I asked him shocked and looked around the small condo.
''My home. Not as luxurious as yours, but I'm satisfied with it. It gets the job done,'' Nox replied, his arms crossed as he leaned against the wall.
''It's just a bed and ... (*I leaned a little to look in the small bathroom*) some hygiene products and a table to write stuff on,'' I complained.
''Yes. And?,'' he asked me, as if this was completely normal.
''So you DO plan to just up and leave eventually. Easy to pack your stuff, when there is so little of it,'' I accused him again.
He dragged his hand across his face and then pushed his hair back and out of his eyes.
''No. I just live spartan. Opulence is not my thing. I'm satisfied with very little. And if that does not convince you. Remember our talks about habits? I traveled a lot for a long time and I had to do with very little. Suddenly having a lot of stuff would be weird,'' he explained, looking utterly done with me.
I huffed and put my hands on my hips.
''Maybe. But this is not good for your head space. It will get you all depressed. There is spartan and then there is whatever this is. I mean... at least something that allows you to cook. A herd or microwave or something. Maybe a chair. Breath some life in this room,'' I gestured wildly.
''I sit well enough on my bed and can drag that table to the bed. And I won't be cooking in my condo since there is a risk I will mess up, get the place dirty and attract cockroaches and then my landlord will throw me out. 'Sides, I can't cook. Remember?,'' he explained.
I puffed my cheeks and got in his face again.
''Personal space,'' he pushed me gently away.
''I'm a functioning adult and can take care for myself. And I have the money. 7th Heaven is not far,'' he shrugged,'' Anyway. You've seen my home. It's not much, but it is mine. Come on, let's go.''
He shoved himself off the wall and opened the door. I followed him reluctantly.
And after some wandering around, we got back and I watched him teach Astrid and Naomi. Sure, I payed attention and much of it flew over my head. So I spent some leisure time planning on how to solve the issue that appeared.
His living condition won't do.
They just won't do. Not at all.
As I am his friend, I need to beat some sense into him.
...
Then it is decided.
I know just what to do.
---
''By the way, have you heard about what happened in Sector 4?,'' I asked him as we were making our way to my home for dinner after he got done with his lessons.
''Who hasn't?,'' he asked bored.
''Don't you think that is sad? So many lives lost. And the children...,'' I trailed off.
''So? People die. It's the way of things. If you weep for the departed, you'll never stop crying. And you really don't need to cry about those sort of people. As for the children? (*he shrugged*) Their bad luck to have been born to those wretches. Now, without an income, they will have to manage on their own. Though I heard people made an orphanage for just that reason. So that those kids don't need to steal and commit crimes and continue the cycle. Smart of the people, honestly,'' Nox commented.
''Who do you think did it?,'' I asked him already knowing the answer. Thanks Planet.
He shrugged.
''The problem with making the whole world your enemy and stepping on everyone's toes is that eventually you will anger someone that you have no way of beating. The larger the pool of candidates the more likely that is to happen.
That is the truth that is not often spoken off. By anyone. Crime pays, and crime does not make you friends, just partners in crime. Until it doesn't. And on that day, you will realize just how alone you really are, your partners in crime abandoning you and perhaps selling you out. And on that day, the world will ask an exacting price, indeed. One that will be too high for you to pay, as you will realize, I'm sure.
So no, Aerith, I do not weep for these people. Good riddance, I say and I tip my hat to whoever did it. Though knowing how many people they may have angered, whoever I'm tipping my hat to could be anyone,'' he explained and made a gesture where he tipped an imaginary hat.
If it weren't for the planet, I wouldn't suspect, let alone know that he was the one that did it. I'm sure the Planet tried telling me why he did it, but I didn't hear the words, which is why I'm asking him about the matter.
He was right. I should not care about those people. And I don't, in fact. But he could care a little more about the children.
''What would you do if they kidnapped me?,'' I asked him curiously, while thinking about something else entirely. The question a font.
He looked at me and then turned away.
''Your my friend. Don't ask stupid questions,'' he replied as he crossed his arms.
I felt my face warm up a little. It was nice to hear those words. When the day comes and Shinra takes me captive it was nice that at least one person would worry. Aside from my mother of course. Though either way, I would hope that none would be stupid enough to take on Shinra. I would hope friends will stay safe.
''Come on. We are here,'' I grabbed him by the arm and dragged him after me, when my house came into sight.
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1st POV: Nox:
''By the way, you probably haven't heard, but there has been a Mako leakage today on the top plate above us and it spilled down,'' Tifa informed me when she handed me my meal. I just came back from visiting Stella. We know each other good enough that she knows/observed I leave every Satruday somewhere for the entire day.
I'm somewhat rich, considering how often I fight monsters and they inexplicably drop Gil.
Mako/Magic.
Always blame that when in doubt.
And of course my shop also generates some profit.
Buying a motorcycle was easy enough. It won't raise questions when I drive out till out of sight and then fly the rest to the Chocobo Farm, leaving the motorcycle somewhere hidden in the rock formations outside of Midgar. Or when I drive back.
Hmm. I wonder what Choco Bill and Choco Billy think of me just walking up to their farm with no vehicle in sight. Probably that I am making use of that Lure Materia, capture a wild Chocobo and walk close enough to walk the rest of the way to their farm. Just so that Stella does not see me riding another Chocobo and get angry.
That or they don't care or are smart enough not to raise questions.
It doesn't really matter, anyway. So long as they keep their silence.
''Thank you,'' I told Tifa making her smile shyly and tuck her hair.
Barret slammed his prosthetic hand on the table gathering our attention and those of Biggs and Wedge.
''It is not enough that damn Shinra sucks the lifeblood of this planet. No, they have to give us Mako poisoning too and make us deal with monsters. Damn it,'' he slammed the prosthetic hand down again, after his small tirade.
''Marlene is behind you looking unimpressed with your cursing,'' I told him.
He widened his eyes and immediately turned back.
''Listen, sweetheart, you know daddy - Hey!,'' Barret snapped back around towards me when he noticed I tricked him. The others laughed at the small prank I played on him and even I smirked a little. There. I can make myself seem approachable.
''Your fault for forgetting you tucked Marlene in her bed already,'' I shrugged.
''Damned pharmacy boy,'' he grumbled.
I grabbed my plate of food and was about to make my way to the usual spot.
''W-Wait. Do you want to eat with us? I say, food shared always tastes better. I know I don't like eating alone,'' Wedge called out.
''I don't want to impose,'' I shook my head.
''You won't. Come on. Don't you get tired, always eating alone in your corner? At least give this a chance and if you don't like it you can at least say you tried,'' Biggs gave me a thumbs up and a smile.
Bingo.
I'm not blind to the eyes on me. I can present myself as part of the community.
''Hmm. Sure. Tifa, give me a Cosmo Canyon,'' I ordered. Tifa nodded and began shaking and mixing a drink.
Barret grunted.
''So your loner ass finally got lonely enough to lower yourself to our level. Eh?,'' Barret grunted.
I frowned.
''I do no think myself better then you or something... weirdo,'' I denied truthfully. Unless, someone was my enemy. Then neither their words or their meat could be considered worth anything. Except their intel. But aside from that? Nothing else.
''Who are you calling weirdo, pharmacy boy?,'' Barret slammed his fist down.
''You. Thank you, Tifa,'' I replied genuinely and handed some money to Tifa.
Barret spluttered making Wedge and Biggs laugh. Tifa giggled quietly not wanting to seem rude.
What a weird girl. A killer bod, knows it and yet shy as a cucumber... and passive. She always hesitates I noticed. So much that even basic passing observation of her character revealed that to me. But also not afraid to fight and kick someones butt. What an absolutely fascinating list of characteristics to have.
''Anyway. It is good that you are here, actually. Say,'' Barret leaned in to talk more quietly,'' Do you hate Shinra?''
''Barret,'' Tifa warned.
''Quiet, Tifa. You want us to do nothing? Damn it, I'm getting angry just thinking about it. You! Do you hate Shinra?,'' Barret continued to whisper. Biggs and Wedge leaning in to hear my answer.
I twirled my Cosmo Canyon and took a sip, the beverage tasting sweet. That... does bring memories. Not the beverage, the talk.
''Your AVALANCHE,'' I whispered to them.
''Shut up. How would you know?,'' Barret got on the defensive.
''Hm. No. Not quite. You want to establish a branch of AVALANCHE here in Midgar. Mighty undertaking. You will need a lot of resources,'' I continued mildly.
''Shut up. How would you know?,'' Barret repeated again, then he suddenly widened his eyes,''You're a Turk. I knew it was to goof to be true. A pharmacist, right when we needed one most. And you had the capital to buy a business.''
Biggs, Wedge and Tifa stiffened.
''What? Don't be daft. This is not the first time AVALANCHE tried recruiting me, that is how I know... Weirdo,'' I added at the end.
Barret slammed his hand down and the others seemed to relax.
''And you refused. Do you not hear the planet crying out for help as Shinra sucks it dry of everything. Don't you see the evidence of their crimes all around Midgar? Damn it, your kind are the worst. You don't care, do you?,'' Barret harshly whispered.
''Oh, I do care. I just fail to see what bombing Mako Reactors will accomplish,'' I told him.
I also needed Shinra for a few more things and until then there is no point in getting rid of them. Others can do what they want, though I doubt the will succeed.
''Maybe it will make Shinra finally listen to what we have to say and see reason,'' Wedge replied, Barret and Biggs nodded.
I began chuckling-
''You think this is funny? The planet dying is funny,'' Barret slammed his fist down.
''No. As a matter of fact, no. I'm laughing, because of your naivety. Do you know what the people in the slums are for Shinra?,'' I asked him taking a sip from by glass again and watching him shake his head,'' Rats. Vermin. Imbeciles. Worms. Take your pick. To them we have no value and thus anything we do and say has no value either. At worst we can be likened to an annoying fly buzzing in their ears.
And also what purpose would it serve to bomb Mako Reactors and kill innocents bystanders, when Shinra has the infrastructure to repair the Mako Reactors in a few days. At best you would have made them lose a lot of money, but they literally own the world so in the grand scheme of things it is not much,'' I explained to him.
He shook his head.
''You don't see it, but you will. That is not the point I was trying to make anyway. You are a pharmacist and we will get ourselves involved in a lot of fighting. We were hoping we could make a deal and get potions at a discount?,'' Barret spoke.
''What kind of deal? I hope you're not naive enough to suggest I hand them over for free,'' I was willing to hear him at least out.
''I'm not naive damn it. Stop accusing me of that. We were hoping that we bring you the materials and you make us the potion. We already have contact with the main branch of AVALANCHE. They will supply us, but shipping so much potions can raise questions. Ingredients on the other hand... You just need to brew the stuff and do you potion making thing, your so good at,'' Barret explained.
''Mhm. And when should I start?,'' I played along, not shooting down his request yet.
''Not for a while at least. There is still a lot of stuff we need to take care off, if we don't want Shinra to catch us immediately after the first bombing,'' Barret explained starting to look hopeful.
''And what will you pay me for the process of brewing itself?,'' I asked him and began twirling my drink.
''Don't be so stingy. Can't you throw us a bone and make the potions for free?,'' Barret tried.
''No,'' I immediately shot that down.
Barret cursed and the others looked disappointed.
''Fine. What price do you want?,'' he reluctantly asked.
I stopped twirling my drink and took another sip, making sure to keep eye contact with Barret while doing so.
''You're a free lancer, are you not? The three of you? You take any job so long as you can do it. Repairing pipes, transporting. No?,'' I asked him and set my glass down. Biggs, Wedge and Barret nodded.
''Do you talk? With your clients?,'' I asked him.
''More or less. Not every client wants to talk, but when they do we try to keep them happy. Helps spread the word, helps if we are approachable and friendly,'' Biggs explained.
''Mhm. Then here is what I want as payment. You provide the ingredients. I brew it for you. In return I want any information you get on Shinra, treasures, dangers, etc. I don't care how trivial you think them or how unlikely or if you think them just rumors. You just bring me the information to me and I decide their worth to me,'' I told them.
Barret, Wedge and Biggs shared glances with each other. Having a silent conversation, they finally nodded at each other.
''Deal. But can we ask why you want to have that information?,'' Barret asked me.
''Shinra wronged me too. And I'm looking for something that they took,'' I gave a vague answer. Barret slowly nodded, and then leaned back giving me a friendly nod.
''Thank you,'' Tifa said.
''Hm? What for?,'' I asked her and began finally eating.
''For trying to tell them that the bombings can get innocents killed. We all hate Shinra, but... I don't know. It doesn't sit right with me,'' Tifa shook her head and looked down.
''Then you have a kind soul. Rare. Most people who suffer turn ugly in their desire to get revenge. By the end they are someone unrecognizable and they always ask themselves were they went wrong. If the price they paid was worth it all. 'Sides I failed to convince them,'' I shrugged.
''But you tried. That is more...,'' she shook her head,'' Nevermind. Just take the thanks, will you?''
''Sure, sure. Stop making a big deal out of it,'' I waved her off and she gave me a shy nod.
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I snapped my eyes open at the commotion outside. I quickly grabbed my sword and exited my condo. I saw Tifa do the same at the end of the floor.
Without any words being spoken we decided to investigate together.
Being on the 'street' (more like a dirt path) we could see people fleeing in one direction. I tried to get one to stop and ask him one or two quick question, but there was no need as we could see fire spewing in the distance and a creature flying up.
...Shit.
That is a Black Dragon. I fought one once and they are a PAIN to fight.
''Were are you going?,'' Tifa grabbed me by the shoulder.
''What does it look like where I'm going? To engage it. You can fight too, no? Focus on keeping people safe,'' I instructed her and tried to go again.
''It's dangerous. We should wait till SOLDIER comes and takes care of it,'' Tifa told me.
''You're wasting my time,'' I forcefully slapped her hand away making her stumble,'' Focus on keeping the people safe or run away. I'm engaging it.''
I bolted immediately not waiting for her response, after saying that to her. I pulled my hoodie up and turned my sword into a sword spear. Hopefully that will be enough to throw Shinra off, if they decide to investigate me.
---
3rd POV:
The Black Dragon tried to eat a father and his wife and child when it received a massive bolt to the face being shoved away from them. Tifa quickly catching up to them and helping them to safety.
It snarled and immediately tried to spew fire, only to receive a knee to the face, forcing it's jaw shut. It instantly spun around, finally seeing the threat in front of it's eyes, and hit Nox with it's tail.
Nox immediately flew away crashing and cracking a concrete wall.
For a dragon it's size it moved insanely fast. It was twice as big as a house. With the durability to match and magic to throw around like it's going out of fashion. The only weakness were it's two small eyes, if Nox could shove his sword spear and hit it's brain it would suffer catastrophic damage. Problem was it was a small target on an insanely fast target. He would probably need to hack and slash till it sustains damage, unless he hits it's eyes.
How was that possible, that a creature like that existed.
Fucking Mako.
When in doubt and something does not make sense, just blame Mako.
Always works.
Nox bolted away from the wall, several icicles slamming into it and destroying it.
Nox was already near the Black Dragons skull, ready to pierce it's eye when it snapped to him and he was forced to defend himself from a claw swipe. Immediately he had to block an attack from it's other claw and jump a little away when it's jaws snapped at him. The Black Dragon slammed it's wing into the ground kicking dust and a shock wave at him, forcing him to cover his eyes least he get blinded for a moment.
The Dragon used that opportunity to swing his wing out of the ground and casting an earth spell at him. Not that it worked as Nox easily jumped over it, immediately receiving a tail to the face and shooting off crashing trough several houses and landing in some open area.
Nox cursed as he jumped up from the ground.
The Dragon is not really doing damage to him. But hitting it's eye would be infinitely easier if he could use his Mako Strands to aid in the fight. Alas, he already risked much and if he showed his Mako Strands Shinra would definitely want him since he was a singular entity and they would want to copy his abilities for their own.
So he would just have to do with his Materia and physical enhancments.
Nox looked up as the Black Dragon began flying around him in a circle.
Nox jumped out of the way, dodging a Comet and casting another Bolt. He learned to control the magic in the Materia just a little, so this time the Bolt turned into a serpentine dragon and began chasing the Black Dragon.
Nox started running after them and eventually across the rooftops as well and eventually when the Black Dragon screwed up in dodging the lightning, Nox jumped on it's back.
With no hesitation lighting began dancing across the blade of the sword spear, making it hot and do just the little extra bit of damage and slammed it into the bone of the wing where it was connected to the back.
''Pitiable wingless creature. Return to the earth,'' Nox demanded and twisted the sword spear cutting the bone off. He could only do that since the bone was small enough. Besides, Nox would know since he already did it to the other Black Dragon, just because he cut the bone off did not mean he secured a big advantage. Just the bone was cut of making the wing temporarily useless and forcing the Dragon on the ground. It will regenerate if too much time passes.
The Dragon began spinning in the air out of control, Nox tried jumping off, but the Black Dragon caught it with it's other wing and twisted around to put him under it when it crash landed into the ground.
Nox huffed and kicked off the dragon that was laying on him and jumped towards his sword spear. Again lightning began cursing through the blade and he cast Comet at the Dragon. It didn't manage to get quick enough on it's four feet after getting kicked off and was hit by it.
Nox followed it up immediately by an Ultima, the Dragon getting shoved backwards and finally Nox lunged for it's eye, but in it's last moment the Black Dragon slightly tilted it's head and the blade landed on it's forehead.
Nox being in the air was left vulnerable as the Dragon snapped at him and he was forced to drop his sword spear to hold it's jaw open, using one leg and two arms for each part of it's mouth. Nox turned his head slightly as he was hit with the worst breath he was ever hit.
The black hole of it's throat began brightening up.
''Enough of your insolence,'' Nox muttered and removed one of his arms from holding the maw open. He gathered all his Mana and poured it all into one spell, casting the more overpowered Icicle he could.
Suffice to say, it went through it's throat and easily through it's soft tissue of it's intestines finally coming out of it's rectum. Guess Black Dragons in particular have another weakness, Nox morbidly thought.
It collapsed and Nox couldn't help but huff. What an undignified end to such a mighty creature. He dusted himself of and grabbed his sword spear, while the Black Dragon exploded into Mako, Nox feeling himself even stronger.
He still wasn't sure how that worked, but probably by absorbing some of the Mako from his defeated enemies. That wasn't something unique to him, since he noticed the same happening with his former sword master.
Say it with him.
When in doubt? Blame Mako.
In any way, the threat was gone now.
Two people jumped onto the ground and Nox tilted his head slightly, so that his hood would hide his hair and eyes better. He also turned his body slightly, spear hugging his back and blade pointing at the ground ready to be made use of, if necessary.
''Your later to the party. You're welcome for doing your job,'' Nox greeted playfully.
''You have to come with us,'' the SOLDIER got to the point.
Nox began humming.
''I don't think so,'' Nox replied.
''I wasn't exactly asking,'' the SOLDIER grinned and he and his friend pulled out their blades.
''And I don't particularly care. Toddles,'' Nox playfully waved before MOVING.
The SOLDIERs blinked, trying to get the dust out of their eye and coughing to get the dust out of their lungs.
''You're bleeding,'' the one who hasn't yet spoken told his partner after looking around for their traget.
''What?,'' SOLDIER Nr.1 replied with disbelief.
SOLDIER Nr.2 pointed at his own cheek, causing SOLDIER Nr.1 to drag his fingers across his own cheek. There was blood making him shudder.
''One thing's for sure,'' SOLDIER Nr.2 began,'' Our friend knows how to leave an impression.''
''Fuck impressions. Shinra won't be happy with our failure,'' SOLDIER Nr.1 spat angrily.
''Eh,'' SOLDIER Nr.2 shrugged,'' I, for one, am willing to see the silver lining. We're not dead.''
''Like he could have killed us,'' SOLDIER Nr.1 spat angrily.
''Mhm. True. Come and let's report to our boss,'' SOLDIER Nr.2 knew not to fight a losing battle.
---
1st POV: Nox
I cursed silently.
Not ideal, the situation I found myself in.
But meh, I couldn't rightly leave people to die and I worked with less optimal conditions. Shinra hunting me, will be annoying, but ultimately no trouble.
Hmm. Though perhaps I should infiltrate them again and bug all the offices of the important people. The Heads of each department and the Turk office.
Honestly. Why didn't I do that from the very beginning?
Eh. Whatever. I will rectify that soon.
Urgent knocking came from the door and I tensed. Did I fuck up in returning here without making a connection between that Black Dragons slayer and me?
...
Well, my last checkpoint is still before the 'Night of the Red Rivers'.
I opened the door and Tifa bolted in, she took a brief look around and then went to my table beginning to unpack something.
''Eeeeeeeh. Hello to you too?,'' I asked her confused.
''Are you hurt?,'' she asked me turning around.
''Why are you looking guilty?,'' I asked her instead.
''I should have helped you in fighting it, instead of running away like a coward,'' she replied with a shake of her head and looked away, a frown on her face.
''You helped that family to safety. You did far more then most other people and aside from that, the battle was fought away from others. Don't feel guilty, but I thank you for the concern. You may pack and leave,'' I waved my hand around.
She got all up in my face, looking at me accusingly.
''Undress,'' she commanded.
...I'm never going to make sense of women, will I?
'Like you need to. You can already manipulate them.'
Shush you.
''Eeeeh. No?'' I laughed with disbelief.
She got even closer up in my face and I tried to push her away, but she pushed back. Finally I shoved her back, creating some distance.
''I know you are hurt. You don't need to pretend you are fine. I just want to help you,'' she crossed her arms and tapped her forearm.
I sighed.
''I appreciate your concern, but I really am fine,'' I assured her.
...
...
...
....
....
''You are not going to leave, are you?,'' I asked her after a while of standing around.
''Not till I know you are fine,'' she nodded.
''I could kick you out,'' I threatened.
''I will resist,'' she replied defiantly.
''But if I have any wounds, you will aggravate them,'' I pointed out cheekily.
She looked away briefly, but then turned back around starring me defiantly in the eyes.
I sighed and rubbed the bridge of my nose.
''Just my upper body. You're not getting more then that,'' I relented.
Perhaps... I got Tifa all wrong and this is an attempt to get in my pants? I doubted that. I did judge people wrong sometimes, but to this extent?
Credit to Tifa, the moment I removed my hoodie and T-Shirt she began inspecting me carefully for any wounds.
''Any broken bones?,'' she asked me as she turned me around.
''No,'' I replied.
''There. You have a massive bruise on your right shoulder. Are you SURE, you have no broken bones?,'' Tifa asked me.
To demonstrate I casually rolled my shoulder and raised my arm up.
''A simple Cure will fix it. Honestly I'm surprised I have any evidence from the fight. When the Dragon landed on me, I must have been slammed harder into the ground then I thought,'' I commented. If there was a bruise it was superficial and, like a said, a Cure will fix me up. Or even my natural healing will take care of it by tomorrow.
Tifa meanwhile went to her backpack on the table and grabbed something out of it.
''This is a salve Master Zangan recommended to me. It is good for bruises like yours,'' she picked out some with her fingers and began applying it to my shoulder blade and rubbing it in.
''Master Zangan is who, exactly?,'' I asked her.
''My Martial Arts teacher,'' she sighed,'' He would probably be so disappointed I didn't help you in the fight. I really feel guilty about that.''
''Don't,'' I assured her and turned around when she was done. I rolled around my shoulder again.
''You should stay like this before dressing again. To let only the skin absorb the salve instead of the clothes,'' she murmured closing the container with the salve and gripping it while ducking her head and looking the opposite way.
''If it gets you off my back, you mother hen,'' I joked.
''Sorry. People say they are fine when they often aren't,'' she shook her head.
I hummed in agreement.
''Not many people saw you when you put up the hoodie and turned your sword into a sword spear and those who did will keep mum. You don't need to worry. We take care of our own down here. Some people already asked around, but we all denied knowing anything,'' she informed me.
''Shinra works fast, I'll give them that. Probably best to wear different clothes as well,'' I looked down at my black clothes. Luckily I have different set of clothes instead of just black ones. Jeans and a brown jacket could do for a while. Still, won't update my checkpoint for a while in any case.
''I...,'' Tifa began and then shook her head,'' No, nevermind. I'm glad you are fine, Nox. Thank you for helping us and saving the people. The next few meals are on the house. And I insist.''
She stood up and began packing her bag and left like the wind not saying much more.
Oooooooookay?
That was weird at the end there.
Actually scratch that. Her behavior was all over the place.
...
I grabbed a bottle of water and twirled it while crossing my legs, before finally drinking the liquid.
Women.
I was gonna blame Mako for that too.
(A.N.: 7656 words. Hope you enjoyed reading that. Cheers and stays safe out there.)