Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction ❯ A Hearts Second Chance ❯ Chapter 33 ( Chapter 33 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: whitetiger9953 
Non Anime: Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Fantasy | Type: Yaoi | Uploaded On: 06.13.2012 | Pages: 1 | Words: 2.6K | Visits: 192 | Status: Work In Progress
Non Anime: Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Fantasy | Type: Yaoi | Uploaded On: 06.13.2012 | Pages: 1 | Words: 2.6K | Visits: 192 | Status: Work In Progress
Mrs. Strife paced the halls of the Highwind as she awaited the arrival of Cloud, Lilly, Sephiroth and Vincent. She had gone to see them yesterday to see when the doctor would allow them to leave. While visiting with them she had asked if they would attend a meeting to discuss some important matters. The four of them had agreed without hesitation. Now she hoped the meeting would go smoothly or everything they had been through would be for nothing. The sounds of footsteps stopped her pacing, turning she watched the four walking down the hall towards her.
“I’m glad you are here,” she said smiling and waiving them to enter the room. As they stepped past her, Lilly and Sephiroth gave her a questioning look. She supposed they could feel her nervousness over this meeting so she gave them a reassuring smile.
Once inside the room Sephiroth halted at the sight of Rufus sitting at the table glaring at them. Giving Cloud a brief look, Sephiroth chose a chair across from the new president of the Shin-Ra Corporation. Vincent took a chair at one end of the table and Lilly sat on the side between Vincent and Sephiroth.
“Well let’s get this meeting started.” Mrs. Strife said as she walked up to them to sit at the head of the table. “I have asked everyone here because I wish to discuss the future of the Shin-Ra Corporation and our places within the company.”
“I hardly think it is any of your business what I do with my company.” Rufus said crossing his arms.
“I’m sorry to tell you this but we will not be allowing you to run the company as you see fit. Your plans are just as twisted as your fathers.” Mrs. Strife said calmly.
“What?” Rufus growled as he stood from the table. He really wanted to throttle the bitch for daring to talk to him like that and how dare she tell him what to do with his company!
“If we allow you to do as you please we would be rate back were we started and another war would break out. Do you really want to die like your father did?” Mrs. Strife barked.
Cloud had seen that face many times as he had been growing up. That was the face of a woman who would get what she wanted no matter the cost. “Rufus please listen to my mother before you start throwing a fit. I’m sure she has a plan that could be satisfactory to everyone.”
Rufus shot the blonde a filthy look than dropped into his chair. “What are your terms?”
“Not much. I would like you to incorporate members of avalanche into various positions in your company.” Mrs. Strife began as she watched the muscle twitch under Rufus’s eye.
“And just what position do you want?” Rufus growled.
“Only an advisor position under you.” Mrs. Strife said with a smile. She almost laughed when his eyes widened in surprise.
“You don’t want to be Vice President?” He asked.
“No. What I would like is to be allowed to show you a different way to gain the power you want without creating the mass of enemies your father did,” she said plainly. She knew Rufus was a smart man and that he would be able to think through her offer logically. She just prayed his need for power would not overshadow his logic.
“Very well continue,” he said.
She explained her idea carefully to him, how she believed their should be a handful of people on the board two from avalanche two from Shin-Ra plus one person neither of them would be able to control in case of a even split in votes. She also explained the many ideas she had to replace the Mako power plants.
“And just whom should be the odd man out?” Rufus asked. Everyone looked lost in thought trying to think of one person whom could not be swayed by either Shin-Ra or avalanche.
“There was a girl back in Nibelheim when I was growing up who had the unique ability to see both sides of an argument and help to defuse the situation in a way that made everyone happy. I think her name was Robin. Do you remember her mother?” Cloud asked.
“A little. But don’t you think this position may be too much for her?” Mrs. Strife asked.
“No, I think she would do just fine.” Cloud said.
“I’ll send someone to find her and bring her here.” Rufus said.
Mrs. Strife clicked her tongue at him, causing Rufus to glare at her. Seriously, was that the only facial expression the man had? Mrs. Strife could feel a muscle tick under her eye now as she struggled to keep a smile on her face. This was going to be the roughest thing she had ever done in her life, and that was coming from a woman who had spent two day in labor with her son. Taking a deep calming breath she said, “It would be better if we went to see her. She may be more willing if she wasn’t taken against her will.”
Rufus growled but agreed. Mrs. Strife felt her muscles relax. He had listened this time and that was a start.
“Now that that is settled will you be joining us General Sephiroth?” Rufus asked.
“I’m afraid I must resign from my position,” he said as everyone looked at him in surprise except for Cloud, whom gave his hand a reassuring squeeze, “the men feared my power before but it was a fear born of respect. Now they fear the demon lying dormant within me, not knowing when I will go berserk again and turn on them. I can not lead them like that.” Sephiroth said. He had been thinking on this long and hard. He had never known a life outside the military but he was sure he could find something he could do.
“Well if you don’t want to be part of the military would you consider a guard job?” Mrs. Strife asked.
Rufus looked at the woman, realizing what she wanted and felt a smile trying to break through on his face. She was definitely going to be helpful during this transition. She knew what the people wanted but she also seemed to have an ability to know what a business needed. In addition, she had a way of coursing a person into doing the deed her way.
Rufus turned to Sephiroth, “The solar plants Mrs. Strife talked about will need someone on site to make sure the workers remain safe from people and beasts.”
Sephiroth looked down at Cloud, “I believe I could accept that position but only if I could choose my own people.”
“Agreed,” both Rufus and Mrs. Strife, said.
“I would also like to suggest Zack be given the general’s position. He is more than capable and I believe he would be a great asset to you.”
“I will think on it.” Rufus replied.
“What about you two?” Mrs. Strife asked Lilly and Vincent who had remained quiet up until now.
They both shared a look then Vincent said, “We had already planned to locate all of Hojo’s labs to be sure the man is finally dead.”
“We also need to make sure all of his experiments are ended.” Lilly added.
“I see. You could start at the lab here in the Shin-Ra complex. I will make sure the scientists know they are to cooperate.” Rufus said.
“Thank you” Lilly and Vincent said at once.
Sephiroth could not believe that the first building these people rebuilt was a bar and that Cloud and Zack had managed to convince him to join them for a celebratory night out. However, he did not mind the overpowering scent of alcohol and the obnoxious singing of the patrons as much as he thought he would. Cloud dropped onto the bench seat beside him and held out a bright blue drink. “Here.”
Sephiroth wrinkled his nose at the glass. “I do not like the taste of alcohol.”
Cloud smiled brightly. “Please, for me.”
Sighing Sephiroth took the glass from Cloud. Raising it to his mouth, he took a sip of the surprisingly sweet drink. “There’s no alcohol in it.”
Cloud just smiled in response then turned to where Zack, Lilly and Reno were standing on the bar arms locked over each other’s shoulders singing off-key. Vincent sat on the bench seat across from Sephiroth and Cloud with his arms crossed and his head down. Clearly not enjoying the performance.
“I knew she was a cheerful person but this seems new.” Sephiroth commented.
A single red eye opened to pin him with an angry look. “I am sure it has something to do with the alcohol the scientists gave them.”
Cloud paled a moment as he set his drink aside. Zack had been the one to give it to him and Cloud did not want to have a hangover tomorrow.
Vincent raised his eyes to watch Lilly through the fringe of his dark hair. The trio had finished their duet and was trying to get down from the countertop while everyone cheered or laughed. Lilly let out a squeal as she missed the bar stool and dropped to the floor. He watched her stand, stagger towards him, and then trip landing on her knees at his feet.
Just how much had she drank? He thought to himself. A mischievous look darkened her eyes as she placed her ands on his knees and began running them along the top of his thighs. Surely she would not, not in front of everyone.
Oh yes she would, Chaos purred.
Vincent quickly stopped her questing hands mere inches from his grown. He heard someone snicker and looked up to see Cloud’s face buried in Sephiroth’s chest as he tried to contain his laughter. His eyes shot back to Lilly when he felt her move towards him, the heat of her breath seeped through his pants the closer she got.
Sitting forward suddenly, Lilly fell to her butt and shot him a confused look. Reaching down he grabbed her around the waist and hoisted her to his shoulder as he stood.
“Hey,” she shouted.
“We are done for the night.” Vincent said as he turned on Zack and Cloud’s hysterical laughter.
Sephiroth watched them leave the bar with a smirk on his face.
“I bet she passes out before he gets her home.” Zack slurred as he leaned back against the bench.
Sephiroth turned towards the raven-haired man, “Why do you say that?”
“Because I’m not long for this world and she drank twice what I did.” Zack whispered as his eyes drifted shut. Moments later, he lost consciousness causing Cloud a bit of concern, but the steady rise and fall of Zack’s chest kept panic at bay.
Vincent arrived at the room he and Lilly were sharing. Opening the door, he walked up to the bed and dropped her onto it with a sigh. She had quieted her tantrum about halfway home and he had suspected she might have passed out. Now that suspicion was confirmed as she lay on the bed her pale hair fanned out around her body. Vincent leaned down to remove her shoes, and then went to work removing her clothing. Once Vincent had her tucked into bed he entered the bathroom to wash the scent of the bar off his body. Tomorrow was going to be an interesting day, Vincent thought with a smile. They would begin their hunt of Hojo’s labs in the morning, and he was sure Lilly would be suffering the aftereffects of the alcohol.
Cloud sat on a pile of debris soaking in the heat of the morning sun as he watched the workers take their morning break. He was a little board sitting here waiting for Sephiroth to finish his meeting with Rufus, but Cloud had not wanted sit through another boring meeting. At this moment, his mother and Rufus were giving Sephiroth a run down on where the solar plants would be located and an estimation of when Sephiroth’s services would be needed. It would be a few months before they would begin their guard duty because the engineers needed time to draw up the plans and begin manufacturing the parts, so Cloud had decided they would take a vacation. Cloud smiled at the memory of Sephiroth admitting he had never had one.
A young boy with brown hair came running from the other side of the pile with a group of children. They were laughing and smiling but that was not what drew Cloud’s attention.
“Denzel,” he whispered as he stood, watching the boys play. He took a step towards the boy when he heard a woman call out to Denzel. The boy smiled and waived at his friends as he rushed off, running into the arms of the woman from the picture Cloud remembered from his previous life. He felt tears well up in his eyes knowing Denzel’s family had survived this time. He would be able to grow up with the parents he had missed in his other life.
“Cloud?” Sephiroth asked from behind him, wrapping his arms around Cloud’s waist he added, “Do you know them?”
Cloud smiled “From another life.”
“Maybe one day you could tell me about it.” Sephiroth said quietly, but Cloud remained quiet. Maybe one day but not for a long time. That world had been painful.
“So are you ready for your first and probably last vacation?” Cloud asked as he turned in Sephiroth’s arms.
“Anywhere you want to go is fine with me.” Sephiroth said as he kissed Cloud lightly.
Vincent stood on the hill overlooking Midgar. The city had nearly been destroyed during the battle but work had begun to repair as much of the damage as possible. It had been decided not to rebuild the plates but instead to expand the city to the surrounding areas. Lilly leaned into his side as she interlaced her fingers with his with a pained sigh. Just as he had predicted she was suffering the effects of a hangover, but had stubbornly refused to stay in the city one more night. She had said ‘our job of hunting down Hojo is more important than my comfort, besides it was my own damn fault for drinking that shit.’
They both looked down at the grave marker for the fallen brothers. While in the lab, Vincent and Sephiroth had kept their promise and located the body of the pale haired mans brother. They had also uncovered the men’s names, Weiss and Nero. As promised Vincent and Sephiroth had buried them together here at Cloud’s suggestion. Vincent had wanted to ask why but the pained look on Cloud’s face stilled the words in his throat. Turning him and Lilly headed towards Nibelheim to inspect the first in what seemed like an endless list of labs.
“I’m glad you are here,” she said smiling and waiving them to enter the room. As they stepped past her, Lilly and Sephiroth gave her a questioning look. She supposed they could feel her nervousness over this meeting so she gave them a reassuring smile.
Once inside the room Sephiroth halted at the sight of Rufus sitting at the table glaring at them. Giving Cloud a brief look, Sephiroth chose a chair across from the new president of the Shin-Ra Corporation. Vincent took a chair at one end of the table and Lilly sat on the side between Vincent and Sephiroth.
“Well let’s get this meeting started.” Mrs. Strife said as she walked up to them to sit at the head of the table. “I have asked everyone here because I wish to discuss the future of the Shin-Ra Corporation and our places within the company.”
“I hardly think it is any of your business what I do with my company.” Rufus said crossing his arms.
“I’m sorry to tell you this but we will not be allowing you to run the company as you see fit. Your plans are just as twisted as your fathers.” Mrs. Strife said calmly.
“What?” Rufus growled as he stood from the table. He really wanted to throttle the bitch for daring to talk to him like that and how dare she tell him what to do with his company!
“If we allow you to do as you please we would be rate back were we started and another war would break out. Do you really want to die like your father did?” Mrs. Strife barked.
Cloud had seen that face many times as he had been growing up. That was the face of a woman who would get what she wanted no matter the cost. “Rufus please listen to my mother before you start throwing a fit. I’m sure she has a plan that could be satisfactory to everyone.”
Rufus shot the blonde a filthy look than dropped into his chair. “What are your terms?”
“Not much. I would like you to incorporate members of avalanche into various positions in your company.” Mrs. Strife began as she watched the muscle twitch under Rufus’s eye.
“And just what position do you want?” Rufus growled.
“Only an advisor position under you.” Mrs. Strife said with a smile. She almost laughed when his eyes widened in surprise.
“You don’t want to be Vice President?” He asked.
“No. What I would like is to be allowed to show you a different way to gain the power you want without creating the mass of enemies your father did,” she said plainly. She knew Rufus was a smart man and that he would be able to think through her offer logically. She just prayed his need for power would not overshadow his logic.
“Very well continue,” he said.
She explained her idea carefully to him, how she believed their should be a handful of people on the board two from avalanche two from Shin-Ra plus one person neither of them would be able to control in case of a even split in votes. She also explained the many ideas she had to replace the Mako power plants.
“And just whom should be the odd man out?” Rufus asked. Everyone looked lost in thought trying to think of one person whom could not be swayed by either Shin-Ra or avalanche.
“There was a girl back in Nibelheim when I was growing up who had the unique ability to see both sides of an argument and help to defuse the situation in a way that made everyone happy. I think her name was Robin. Do you remember her mother?” Cloud asked.
“A little. But don’t you think this position may be too much for her?” Mrs. Strife asked.
“No, I think she would do just fine.” Cloud said.
“I’ll send someone to find her and bring her here.” Rufus said.
Mrs. Strife clicked her tongue at him, causing Rufus to glare at her. Seriously, was that the only facial expression the man had? Mrs. Strife could feel a muscle tick under her eye now as she struggled to keep a smile on her face. This was going to be the roughest thing she had ever done in her life, and that was coming from a woman who had spent two day in labor with her son. Taking a deep calming breath she said, “It would be better if we went to see her. She may be more willing if she wasn’t taken against her will.”
Rufus growled but agreed. Mrs. Strife felt her muscles relax. He had listened this time and that was a start.
“Now that that is settled will you be joining us General Sephiroth?” Rufus asked.
“I’m afraid I must resign from my position,” he said as everyone looked at him in surprise except for Cloud, whom gave his hand a reassuring squeeze, “the men feared my power before but it was a fear born of respect. Now they fear the demon lying dormant within me, not knowing when I will go berserk again and turn on them. I can not lead them like that.” Sephiroth said. He had been thinking on this long and hard. He had never known a life outside the military but he was sure he could find something he could do.
“Well if you don’t want to be part of the military would you consider a guard job?” Mrs. Strife asked.
Rufus looked at the woman, realizing what she wanted and felt a smile trying to break through on his face. She was definitely going to be helpful during this transition. She knew what the people wanted but she also seemed to have an ability to know what a business needed. In addition, she had a way of coursing a person into doing the deed her way.
Rufus turned to Sephiroth, “The solar plants Mrs. Strife talked about will need someone on site to make sure the workers remain safe from people and beasts.”
Sephiroth looked down at Cloud, “I believe I could accept that position but only if I could choose my own people.”
“Agreed,” both Rufus and Mrs. Strife, said.
“I would also like to suggest Zack be given the general’s position. He is more than capable and I believe he would be a great asset to you.”
“I will think on it.” Rufus replied.
“What about you two?” Mrs. Strife asked Lilly and Vincent who had remained quiet up until now.
They both shared a look then Vincent said, “We had already planned to locate all of Hojo’s labs to be sure the man is finally dead.”
“We also need to make sure all of his experiments are ended.” Lilly added.
“I see. You could start at the lab here in the Shin-Ra complex. I will make sure the scientists know they are to cooperate.” Rufus said.
“Thank you” Lilly and Vincent said at once.
Sephiroth could not believe that the first building these people rebuilt was a bar and that Cloud and Zack had managed to convince him to join them for a celebratory night out. However, he did not mind the overpowering scent of alcohol and the obnoxious singing of the patrons as much as he thought he would. Cloud dropped onto the bench seat beside him and held out a bright blue drink. “Here.”
Sephiroth wrinkled his nose at the glass. “I do not like the taste of alcohol.”
Cloud smiled brightly. “Please, for me.”
Sighing Sephiroth took the glass from Cloud. Raising it to his mouth, he took a sip of the surprisingly sweet drink. “There’s no alcohol in it.”
Cloud just smiled in response then turned to where Zack, Lilly and Reno were standing on the bar arms locked over each other’s shoulders singing off-key. Vincent sat on the bench seat across from Sephiroth and Cloud with his arms crossed and his head down. Clearly not enjoying the performance.
“I knew she was a cheerful person but this seems new.” Sephiroth commented.
A single red eye opened to pin him with an angry look. “I am sure it has something to do with the alcohol the scientists gave them.”
Cloud paled a moment as he set his drink aside. Zack had been the one to give it to him and Cloud did not want to have a hangover tomorrow.
Vincent raised his eyes to watch Lilly through the fringe of his dark hair. The trio had finished their duet and was trying to get down from the countertop while everyone cheered or laughed. Lilly let out a squeal as she missed the bar stool and dropped to the floor. He watched her stand, stagger towards him, and then trip landing on her knees at his feet.
Just how much had she drank? He thought to himself. A mischievous look darkened her eyes as she placed her ands on his knees and began running them along the top of his thighs. Surely she would not, not in front of everyone.
Oh yes she would, Chaos purred.
Vincent quickly stopped her questing hands mere inches from his grown. He heard someone snicker and looked up to see Cloud’s face buried in Sephiroth’s chest as he tried to contain his laughter. His eyes shot back to Lilly when he felt her move towards him, the heat of her breath seeped through his pants the closer she got.
Sitting forward suddenly, Lilly fell to her butt and shot him a confused look. Reaching down he grabbed her around the waist and hoisted her to his shoulder as he stood.
“Hey,” she shouted.
“We are done for the night.” Vincent said as he turned on Zack and Cloud’s hysterical laughter.
Sephiroth watched them leave the bar with a smirk on his face.
“I bet she passes out before he gets her home.” Zack slurred as he leaned back against the bench.
Sephiroth turned towards the raven-haired man, “Why do you say that?”
“Because I’m not long for this world and she drank twice what I did.” Zack whispered as his eyes drifted shut. Moments later, he lost consciousness causing Cloud a bit of concern, but the steady rise and fall of Zack’s chest kept panic at bay.
Vincent arrived at the room he and Lilly were sharing. Opening the door, he walked up to the bed and dropped her onto it with a sigh. She had quieted her tantrum about halfway home and he had suspected she might have passed out. Now that suspicion was confirmed as she lay on the bed her pale hair fanned out around her body. Vincent leaned down to remove her shoes, and then went to work removing her clothing. Once Vincent had her tucked into bed he entered the bathroom to wash the scent of the bar off his body. Tomorrow was going to be an interesting day, Vincent thought with a smile. They would begin their hunt of Hojo’s labs in the morning, and he was sure Lilly would be suffering the aftereffects of the alcohol.
Cloud sat on a pile of debris soaking in the heat of the morning sun as he watched the workers take their morning break. He was a little board sitting here waiting for Sephiroth to finish his meeting with Rufus, but Cloud had not wanted sit through another boring meeting. At this moment, his mother and Rufus were giving Sephiroth a run down on where the solar plants would be located and an estimation of when Sephiroth’s services would be needed. It would be a few months before they would begin their guard duty because the engineers needed time to draw up the plans and begin manufacturing the parts, so Cloud had decided they would take a vacation. Cloud smiled at the memory of Sephiroth admitting he had never had one.
A young boy with brown hair came running from the other side of the pile with a group of children. They were laughing and smiling but that was not what drew Cloud’s attention.
“Denzel,” he whispered as he stood, watching the boys play. He took a step towards the boy when he heard a woman call out to Denzel. The boy smiled and waived at his friends as he rushed off, running into the arms of the woman from the picture Cloud remembered from his previous life. He felt tears well up in his eyes knowing Denzel’s family had survived this time. He would be able to grow up with the parents he had missed in his other life.
“Cloud?” Sephiroth asked from behind him, wrapping his arms around Cloud’s waist he added, “Do you know them?”
Cloud smiled “From another life.”
“Maybe one day you could tell me about it.” Sephiroth said quietly, but Cloud remained quiet. Maybe one day but not for a long time. That world had been painful.
“So are you ready for your first and probably last vacation?” Cloud asked as he turned in Sephiroth’s arms.
“Anywhere you want to go is fine with me.” Sephiroth said as he kissed Cloud lightly.
Vincent stood on the hill overlooking Midgar. The city had nearly been destroyed during the battle but work had begun to repair as much of the damage as possible. It had been decided not to rebuild the plates but instead to expand the city to the surrounding areas. Lilly leaned into his side as she interlaced her fingers with his with a pained sigh. Just as he had predicted she was suffering the effects of a hangover, but had stubbornly refused to stay in the city one more night. She had said ‘our job of hunting down Hojo is more important than my comfort, besides it was my own damn fault for drinking that shit.’
They both looked down at the grave marker for the fallen brothers. While in the lab, Vincent and Sephiroth had kept their promise and located the body of the pale haired mans brother. They had also uncovered the men’s names, Weiss and Nero. As promised Vincent and Sephiroth had buried them together here at Cloud’s suggestion. Vincent had wanted to ask why but the pained look on Cloud’s face stilled the words in his throat. Turning him and Lilly headed towards Nibelheim to inspect the first in what seemed like an endless list of labs.