Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction ❯ Final Fantasy Seven: Shadows of the Light ❯ Arc One: Rebirth of ShinRa ( Chapter 6 )

Arc I: Rebirth of ShinRa

Part VI:

As the group approached Riya's estate on the edge of the city, Silvara sighed with relief. After that last guard, there hadn't been any other difficulties in sneaking out of the jail and in a few more minutes she could...well, she could at least decide what to do next. They didn't have a large enough group to go rescue Raven; Sierra's troops would slaughter them.

However, what were the odds of one person sneaking in and freeing Raven and managing to escape. She frowned. 'Not good, but what other choice do I have? It's my fault she's a prisoner!' Silvara clenched her fist in frustration. 'Whether he moved or not, I shouldn't have missed that man.' anger simmered just below the surface of her thoughts. 'I will not miss him the next time.'

The high arched gates of the short bricked wall bordering Riya's home came into view and Silvara saw a group of people come running towards them. The handful of young recruits rushed up to Riya and began to shoot off a rapid report, each overlapping the other but not quite interrupting.

"Lady, the prisoner escaped."

" ...he sneaked out of the window m'lady, took the black chocobo."

" Kelly here tracked them.."

" Towards the docks, he met up with some others, one was Rufus ShinRa and the other was a wounded woman!"

The oldest one seemed to take charge of the group of teenagers, and they fell silent. " I followed them back, lady Riya, the man and a dark haired woman are both at Rufus's mansion right now. There were some others with them but I couldn't get close enough to get a good look."

Silvara had managed to follow the rapid flow of words and laughed with delight. "It's got to be Raven, Riya! I saw her talking to Rufus and Ferris at the bar, they must have saved her!" She glanced at the group and the young scout. "It looks like we'll be heading towards Rufus's mansion, Riya? I assume we can raid your armory?" She grinned at Kidd. "It looks like we'll be going after your chocobo sooner than I thought!" Before her friends could reply Silvara sprinted towards the house. 'Raven's safe, or is she? Maybe Ferris plans to use her as a hostage against me.' A grim smile played on her lips. 'Either way...I'll deal with him once we reach the mansion.'

****

Rufus stood in his study cleaning up the mess he had made when he had ran back to get his rifle. Picking up the shells, he placed them back in their case. It took his mind of what had happened since he had awakened in the ruins of Midgar. He had taken a shower after talking with Raven for a few minutes, now he was in another of his black turtleneck shirts and a pair of white suit pants. He reached for another shell and realized, upon finding there were no more, that he had picked them all up. Closing both cases, he picked them up carrying them across the room to the gun cabinet where his rifle was leaning. He moved it and opened the door to place the cases inside. He listened to the footsteps approach as he picked his rifle up to place it inside as well.

Turning silently to glance at the door, he saw Ferris in the doorway. He sighed quietly and turned back to the cabinet placing the rifle back inside with the other few guns the cabinet held before closing the door. He turned around and leaned against the cabinet to study Ferris." So. I have a question to ask you...Why were you so upset back there in Junon? And *who* was that woman you were fighting?"

Ferris pulled his damp hair from the silk shirt's collar before answering. "I wasn't 'upset' Rufus, enraged yes...upset no." He flopped down on a plush sofa and stared at the ceiling. "Her name is Silvara Aerindale." He glanced at Rufus. "Heard of her? No? Anyway, she's got a fairly nasty reputation as a bounty hunter, not many of her victims are delivered alive." He chuckled mirthlessly and a small smile tugged his lips. "Of course, she also hires herself out as a general mercenary from time to time." The smile turned nasty. "She'll do anything for money."

Ferris turned his gaze back to the ceiling. "When I learned that she'd killed Marcus, I tried to find out as much as I could about her. It seems Marcus hired her once to escort his fiancée, Kiko, to his estate, the girl was delivered and the witch got her money and moved on to her next job." Ferris shrugged at Rufus's questioning glance. "I thought it was strange too, Marcus never wrote me about her or any wedding plans, but then, we never did get along...not with him being so much older than me. Anyway, a month goes by and Silvara shows up on his doorstep demanding that he hand the girl over. Evidently, the Kiko's parents weren't thrilled that their daughter had eloped with an older man and hired Silvara to get her back.

Marcus and Kiko refused and Silvara left. She disappeared for a few months and everyone began preparing for the wedding. Then, out of nowhere, Silvara killed the bride's parents, burned their house to the ground and went after Marcus. Of course, all of this information came from the few servants I could find, but it fits what I've heard about her...and I saw their bodies." He shuddered as he remembered what had been done to Marcus and Kiko. I don't know what she did to Marcus, it looked like he'd been tortured and starved for months, must have been some sort of spell or poison." his fist clenched. "Then she cut off his head. Kiko must have tried to run, she had a dagger wound in the back of her throat and we know how Silvara loves to play with knives."

He stood and walked to the window. "Kiko had been severely beaten, and it was a wonder she could move at all." Ferris smiled. "It doesn't matter anymore though. It'll be over soon enough." He glanced over his shoulder at Rufus and laughed. "They'll have no idea that you rescued Raven, and I would imagine that they'll try to go after her at the docks. When that fails, if they survive the attempt, Silvara will probably manage to track us here. All I have to do is wait."

****

Riya led the others through the gates and into her home, leaving to speak with Silvara after a servant brought food and drink to her companions. Riya found her friend in the small, but impressive armory, testing the balance on a handful of throwing blades. Riya watched her for a moment before leaning against the doorjamb. "Silvara, what are you doing?"

Silvara tucked the blades into her boots and lifted her gaze to Riya's face. Cold violet eyes clashed with somber hazel before Silvara turned away and slipped a larger dagger into the sheath on her thigh. "I'm going after her."

"Her...or him? Alone?" Riya narrowed her eyes as Silvara tensed and snarled softly. 'What is it Silvy!? Why won't you trust me?' For a moment, she thought her friend wouldn't answer and was shocked when Silvara's soft laughter filled the small room.

"Both and yes!" She flashed Riya an annoyed glare. "It's none of your business, I have my reasons and that's as much as you need to know. Besides, I don't like this...I'm not so sure Raven IS safe, this whole situation doesn't feel right."

"What do you mean, they wouldn't.."

Silvara shouldered her quiver and bow before slipping on the claws. "My, my aren't we being the trusting one. Think about it Riya, what makes you think this isn't some sort of trap? Rufus manages to spirit Raven away from Sierra and make it all the way to his mansion where they're relaxing and waiting for us to join them, right. Ohh, and Ferris just happens to have decided to help save the damsel, even though she's a member of the group I'm involved with, but I'm sure that never crossed his mind."

Riya gaped in disbelief as Silvara continued. "At worse, Sierra's troops will have an ambush set out for us, at best Ferris will try to trade Raven's life for my own. Either way, it'll be best for one pers..."

"No." Riya smirked as Silvara narrowed her eyes. "You heard me. What makes you think you're giving the orders? You're not in charge here Silvara and I wouldn't follow you if you were, not the way you've been acting lately. However, if you want to dash off by yourself for the sake of the group, fine, but I'm going to be right behind you."

Silvara stared at her for a moment, anger and relief filling her eyes. "Then lets go."

As Silvara brushed past her to leave the room, Riya shook her head in disbelief at the empty cases and storage racks. Silvara must be carrying at least a dozen different blades but only two were visible, not to mention the short sword she'd grabbed on her way out. 'Why do I get the feeling I'm going to regret this?' Turning, she followed Silvara back to the others.

Anaimone had been walking around the yard of Riya's place in search for some kind of steady pole she could use as a weapon, because the guards in the jail had took her dragon lance. She came to a baby tree that must have been diseased; it obviously fell before its time. Anaimone knelt down beside the rotting tree, and picked at the cold, moist bark. It seemed well enough to hold through battles, if she used it properly, that is. "Kuku." She called to get the Ku's attention, and then patted the tree.

Understandingly, the Ku leaped onto the tree and started clawing at it with her powerful fore claws. Anaimone smiled at Kuku, and rose to her feet. Turning, she began to walk away to leave Kuku with her work. Anaimone could hear the determination of getting this small job done in her loud scratching strikes. Riya and Silvara departing from one of the buildings nearby caught Anaimone's eye, and she ran up to meet them. "Do you eat here?" She asked out of the will of her stomach.

***

Rufus shook his head at Fenris. Then he walked over to his desk again, sitting on the edge of it he looked at Ferris thinking quietly. Finally he spoke softly to him. "Can I ask you a favor? I want to retake Junon, to do that I need to have the Junon ShinRa building under my control. I have the Turks, will you come with me? I plan on using the broadcasting area in it to announce to Junon that I am still in charge and I plan to stay in charge. I think that once the people here know I'm alive that maybe that...that man.. Sierra might lose some of his support here. While I'm nowhere near as insane as he is.. I can be very.." he thought for moment, then gave up trying to find the right words he was looking for. "Anyway you get my point don't you?"

He stood up and walked over to look at the ocean view in the large windows that spanned the entire wall of the study behind the desk. His ocean blue eyes were cold as ice and seemed to glow slightly as he spoke again. "I won't let him get away with this.. Nobody.." His hands clenched into tight fists at his sides. "Nobody.. messes with ShinRa and is allowed to get away with it.. I will see him dead."

Ferris steepled his fingertips and studied Rufus for a moment. A slight smile tugged his lips as he thought about his friend's words. "So that's it. I figured as much." With a short laugh he swung up from the sofa. "You honestly think you can do it don't you?"

He shook his head in admiration and then met Rufus's eyes. "Count me in." He laughed. "Besides, it'll be nice to have friends in high places again." His expression sobered as he folded his arms over his chest. "What about the mercenaries? They could prove useful." he shrugged. "After I deal with Silvara, of course." Ferris grinned. "And what about Raven?"

Still looking out of the window he replied. " I told their Leader.. Izlude, that I would help and that he could use the mansion for a place to hide and since I keep my word.. I will. Raven will be safe enough here, while we're gone and the mercenaries should be coming in shortly, she'll be safer if she stays here with them." He unclenched his fists and crossed his arms over his chest.

Turning away from the window to face Ferris now. He looked at his friend with a raised eyebrow. "If you can hold off from killing the Silvara woman for a little while, she could come with us and be of some use.. also on these types of trips accidents do happen.. and the Turks are good at making sure they happen to the right people." He started walking towards his desk.

Seating himself in the chair behind it he flipped a small switch on the side of the desk. The small computer in the desk was uncovered and he started typing. A few minutes later he tapped the screen of the computer that held the blueprint of the ShinRa building, then looked over at Ferris. "This is the way we'll go in.. There is a back door that leads to a tunnel that goes just outside of the mansion grounds. We can use that and if anyone has noticed it and set a guard.. the Turks can put him to sleep."

Ferris chuckled as he studied the blueprints. "Do you have any idea of the chaos this will cause in Sierra's little organization?" He flashed Rufus a wicked little grin. "The forgotten prince arising to reclaim his throne, it's perfect!" His grin was replaced with a thoughtful frown as he moved over to the window. "And while I hate to admit it, Silvara would be very useful. Among her more detestable skills, she's a fair lock pick and has had experience in breaking into secured areas."

Ferris smirked and shook his head in annoyance. "If nothing else, she can scout ahead for guards and as you said, accidents will happen." He chuckled darkly. "But as tempting as your offer is, I would prefer to be the cause of those accidents myself. I know the Turks are more than capable of dealing with annoyances, but it just wouldn't be as enjoyable."

For a moment he stared out across the grounds. "Of course, Riya could be a problem. After our little spat at the bar, she'll insist on coming along to protect Silvara...It could make things difficult." Ferris frowned and stated in a soft voice. "I don't want her to get hurt, but I can't let her stop me this time." he glanced up at Rufus. "After you make your announcement, perhaps the Turks could distract Riyathena long enough for Silvara to meet with her accident. After that," he saw Riya's eyes flashing with anger as she drew her sword. "well, I guess I'll just have to deal with that when I come to it."

****

Silvara frowned slightly. 'so much for sneaking off' she thought as Riya gave a sharp command to a nearby junior guard. He disappeared into the house, returning a few moments later with a protesting Kidd and several leather packs. Silvara waited impatiently while everyone shouldered their packs of rations and refused to take one for herself.

"For the love of...Riya! We're not going on a picnic." She sighed in disgust. "I'm going ahead. You want to come with me? Fine, than keep up!" With that Silvara whirled and took off at a fast lope towards the mansion. 'Glad I got Riya to tell me how to get there.' She winced as she thought about the choice words her friend would have to say the next time they spoke. 'but it doesn't matter. This is for the best, if everything IS fine then we can just chalk it up to my paranoia...if not, then it's best for one person to take the risk. I've let to many people down before not to do this.'

"SILVARA!!" Riya swore loudly as her friend sped away. 'gods that girl can MOVE!' Turning to Anaimone and Kidd, Riya explained what was going on as she shouted an order to a cluster of junior guards. "...so Silvara is sure that this is a trap and wanted to check out the mansion on her own." She frowned in annoyance. 'not to mention getting another shot at Ferris.'

"I though I'd convinced her that she was wrong, but evidently she's a lot more stubborn than I thought." She lifted her eyes as three chocobos were led to them, each sporting the black and green war tack Riya's guards used. The mythril spikes covering the bridles and the gleaming talon sheaths on their claws were as useful for clearing a path down crowded streets as they were in actual combat. As she swung up onto one she glanced at Anaimone, frowning in concern. "I figure we can beat Silvara there if we take the chocobos. Can you ride? They're well trained, all you have to do is hang on."

Anaimone knelt down when Kuku head butted her shin, and patted her on the head rewardingly. Kuku had dragged her finished piece of work from where the fallen tree was, and dropped it by Anaimone's side. Anaimone took the wooden spear and examined it. "Oooo." She looked at Kuku and her mouth widened into a smile. "Good work Kuku." She crouched down low enough for Kuku to board her back, and straightened when the Ku's paws hugged her neck.

Anaimone was surprised at the sight of the chocobo, and stuck her tongue out in disgust. "Hang to that?" Anaimone wasn't used to seeing large animals, and wasn't quite fond of the thought that it had to be her ride. She looked at the chocobo closest to her for a moment, resting her chin on her thumb. "Hmmm... If Riya needs me to use that, then I will." Shrugging to Riya, she approached the chocobo and jumped onto it, pulling Kuku over her shoulder to sit in front of her. Kuku just couldn't help herself, and swatted playfully at the birds feathers.

****

Rufus looked over at his friend "I have a very good idea of the chaos that this will cause Sierra's little organization. In fact I am hoping he decides to tuck his tail and run from Junon. After Junon's mine, I will work my way across the continent till he has nowhere to run. Then I will kill him." He looked down at the screen again.. not looking up he added. "I think that Reno would be able to distract the other lady if she decides she has to come with us, and with the other Turks' guarding the doors it's not likely she will be able to exit the room without me knowing about it." He stood then and flipped the switch on his desk as he walked around to the front of it. Dark Nation got up from her place beside one of the study's wooden doors and walked over to Rufus. He laid a hand on her head as he spoke one more time to his friend.

"You might need to get a quick nap in.. We strike at dusk tonight." With that said, both he and Dark Nation walked out of the study. Nation looked back at Fenris before she left, she seemed to snarl once showing her fangs to him. Then she turned back around to continue walking with Rufus as if nothing had happened.

****

Three people entered the tunnel leading from the back of the cliff that Junon had been built onto to the middle of the city. Elena looked up at Reno who had his Nightstick out once again watching their surroundings in case something decided to have them for a snack. "What did he say? Are you sure it was him?" she asked him. Rude was following behind them also paying close attention to the darkness of the tunnel which could be hiding who-knows-what. Reno glanced at Elena briefly before returning his attention back to where they were going.

"Yes, I'm sure. He told me several things, which I believe only two people would know. And one of those is back there in that mansion. So, it has to be him."

Then they came towards the end of the tunnel and saw a figure standing there. Slowly the three walked up towards it. It heard them and turned to face them. Elena gave a small shout and ran at the black-haired man standing there. "Tseng!" Reno grinned slightly as the Leader of the Turks looked at all of them.

"I heard that He wasn't dead. Was that information right or wrong?" Tseng asked. Reno nodded then pointed back towards the other end of the tunnel.

"Your right. He's back there in the mansion and he's planning on retaking this city away from Sierra."

****

Riya grinned with approval as Anaimone leaped onto the chocobo's back and then wheeled her own mount towards the gate. With a smile, she touched her heels to her own mount and the chocobo took off with a loud "whark." The chocobos were trained to run in tight formation across a battlefield, so there was little chance of becoming separated, but they tended to follow their training regardless of their rider's commands. That meant a difficult ride through the turning streets as the chocobos dodged the occasional person and hurdled across obstacles in their pathways.

Riya frowned as she glanced back, Kidd seemed fine if a touch nervous at their pace, but it was Anaimone and the Ku that concerned her. Kuku's playful swatting had annoyed their chocobo who seemed to be giving them an unnecessarily rough ride. "Silvara be damned, no one's getting hurt because of her stubbornness." Pulling back on her mount's reins, Riya fell back beside Anaimone and pulled Kuku into her own lap. "We'll slow down." she saw the silent apology in the other woman's eyes. "It's not your fault. We couldn't catch up to her on foot, not the way she runs, and I didn't expect the streets to be like this, it's normally not so crowded. Besides, Silvara can handle herself and hopefully a few minutes delay won't make too much of a difference." She answered Anaimone's smile and laughingly scolded Kuku who was happily munching away at the food in Riya's saddlebag.

****

Ferris chuckled as Nation followed after Rufus, leaving him alone in the study. "A quick nap...right." Drawing his sword he stared down the honed edge, searching for grooves or chips and smiling at the flawless expanse of mythril. After carefully buffing the blade with an oiled polishing cloth, he sheathed the sword in a fluid motion and moved to open the wide windows overlooking the grounds. With a sigh, he seated himself on a sill and looked out in the city's direction.

Closing his eyes, Ferris tilted his head back against the frame as a grin tugged his lips. 'Wonder what she'll do...crash down the gates or try to sneak in? Definitely sneak. No way she'll just rush in knowing I'm here, regardless of Rufus's promise to their leader...she's not that dumb.' He sighed, the difficult part would be convincing Silvara to join their little mission before she started attacking him. As he sat there, Ferris heard a distant "whark" and realized that Silvara's chocobo was still loose on the grounds. A brow lifted. "Well that would be one way..."

****

Reeve watched as Tseng talked with the other three Turks. He stroked his goatee again as he waited for Tseng to say something about his being behind him hidden in the shadows of the tunnel. After a few minutes the voices died down and he heard Tseng say his name. Straightening himself and his black suit he walked out into the open.

"Hello Reno, Elena, Rude. I'd like to ask you three for a small favor." He said running a hand through his shoulder-length black hair. His violet eyes looked at the three Turks in front of him a little uncertain as to what their answer would be. He caught himself raising his hand to stroke his goatee again and lowered it back down to his side. Finally he looked at Reno and asked. "Where is President Rufus? I know he's here. One of my men told me he was. I wish to speak with him."