Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction ❯ Shattered Dreams ❯ Betrayal's End ( Chapter 38 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: dracoqueen22 
Back to Midgar... a threat to their existence... and startling conclusions.
Non Anime: Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Hentai / Drama / Action | Type: Yaoi | Uploaded On: 08.15.2006 | Pages: 4 | Words: 5.3K | Visits: 279 | Status: Completed
Back to Midgar... a threat to their existence... and startling conclusions.
Non Anime: Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Hentai / Drama / Action | Type: Yaoi | Uploaded On: 08.15.2006 | Pages: 4 | Words: 5.3K | Visits: 279 | Status: Completed
Ayachan: Glad you enjoyed. I've only seen the first four episodes of Naruto so I can't really say what you meant by that... lol. And trust me, I'm working on finding Tseng a more permanent man but for now, hee hee, well, you'll just have to see! As for Zack and Sephiroth... get ready for lots of love between the two. Though you might be surprised what's coming. Thanks!!!
Miko: Zack is quickly becoming one of my faves, too! And yes, I suppose everyone has an awful backstory. Well, except Elena and Shera and Rude and ummm, that's it I guess. Oh well, wouldn't make for good angst without it. It's funny you should sing that song... you'll know why when you get to read Chapter 47. I know a good distance from now, but just keep it in mind. Thanks!!
Ri: Why you ask? For the continuance of the plot. LOL. That was an idea sprung up out of nowhere for me. But ya know? It works. And angst is how I do things. Hope this one keeps your interest as well. Thanks!!
ChessyKat: I thought that was too cute! I love the interaction between Sephiroth and Zack. To me they are like the perfect duo. Be prepared to see a lot of them. Zack is one of my favorite underdone characters. I'm glad you're still enjoying this! Hope you like this one, too! Thanks!!
Chapter 38: Betrayal’s End
Reno was in heaven, of that he was certain. Well, if Heaven consisted of a small bathroom with blue walls and a blue shower curtain on the airship Highwind. Oh, yeah, and the dark-haired man on his knees in front of him. He mustn’t forget that part.
Reeve had to have the best mouth on a male Reno had ever come across. It was hard to believe he had once been straight. The Turk was more than glad his lover had found his gay side.
Another moan escaped Reno’s mouth as he helplessly thrust forward into Reeve’s warm cavern, his knees feeling weak. A tongue traced along the underside of his cock as hands massaged his scrotum.
The redhead sank back against the wall of the shower, hands tangling in dark hair. The hot water beat against his back, and he couldn’t deny how good it all felt. A hot fire curled in his belly as the executive’s cheeks hollowed with suction. He thrust with abandon into the warm mouth, emitting sharp cries of pleasure.
Reeve only continued to suck him harder, increasing the pressure and lightly pressing a finger to his puckered entrance.
Electricity tingled across his veins, igniting his every nerve as he succumbed to the inevitable. The executive was just too damn good at it. The Turk came, pushing forward into the older man’s mouth even as he greedily drank down every last bit, his practice over the years keeping him from gagging.
With a gasp and the last tremors echoing through his body, Reno slumped, his body being caught by his lover, who had anticipated that and rose to his feet.
“Damn,” muttered the Turk, exchanging a sloppy kiss with his lover and enjoying the way he could taste himself on Reeve’s tongue. It was almost like a mark of owning or something. “I swear you get better every time, yo.”
Reeve smiled as he wrapped his arms around the younger man, grinding a reawakened erection against his flat abdomen. “How about a little show of appreciation?” he murmured, leaning over to nibble on the redhead’s ear. He traced his tongue along the flesh and rubbed his arousal a little harder against Reno’s flesh.
The red-haired man grinned and reached around the executive’s body to grab his ass and squeeze the flesh there. “How about we take this to the bed, and I show you just how appreciative I am?” He cocked an eyebrow as one finger traced the crease, slipping between Reeve’s cheeks.
The amber-eyed man practically purred in his arms as he reached around the Turk to shut off the water and grab blindly for a towel. “Sounds like a good idea to me.”
Reno laughed as they struggled to extricate themselves from the small shower stall and head for the bed just in the other room. Sharing sloppy kisses along the way and halfway drying off, they stumbled towards the bed, a horny gleam already in the younger man’s eye.
Yet, before they could fall into the blankets and make themselves more comfortable, the intercom for the entire airship crackled to life. The voice of one Captain Highwind filled the airwaves.
“Get yer ass out of bed, Mr. President. We landin’ in Midgar in ten minutes!”
And that was all there was. With a clunk, the intercom was shut off and that was it.
Reeve groaned and knocked his head against Reno’s. “He has no shame.”
The Turk grinned and continued to press his lover back towards the bed. “He’s just jealous because he wants to mark his airship with Vincent from this way to that and can’t--”
Reeve’s knees hit the bed and tumbled backwards onto it, Reno pouncing almost immediately and absorbing him in another kiss.
“We only have… ten minutes,” panted the executive, already losing himself to the sensual dance that the Turk was creating as his hands roamed over the older man’s body, finding every one of his sensitive spots with practiced precision.
A reddish eyebrow rose. “That’s plenty time. I can be quick,” he promised before diving down to suck a nipple into his mouth and pulling hard.
Any protest was lost in that moment.
***
Twenty minutes later, the three ShinRa employees were walking into the building that housed Reeve’s office. Cid and Vincent were trying to find a better place to land the airship, though Reno secretly suspected that the pilot just wanted a few minutes alone with his newly rediscovered lover. Nanaki and Yuffie had gone to find Cloud, the ninja muttering something about materia promises, while the lion wolf appeared deep in thought. The three weren’t sure where Rude and Shera had gone but knew that they would return by the allotted time.
They walked into the first part of Reeve’s office. His secretary greeted them warmly, though she seemed a bit surprised to see his quick return.
“Good evening, Mr. Tuesti,” she said as she rose to her feet, giving a slight bow.
Archer grinned cheekily. “Miss Jennifer, a pleasure to see you again as always.”
The secretary flushed slightly as she ducked her head. “Good evening to you, Mr. Kyle. I do hope you all had a pleasant journey.”
The engineer’s eyebrow twitched oddly as a strange expression crossed his face, though he kept up the big smile. “It probably would have been more amusing had you been able to go with us.”
Before he could go any further, however, Reno sighed heavily and passed by the flirtatious man, slapping him the back of his head as he did so. “Let’s go, lover boy. Lot’s of work to be done, yo.”
Jennifer giggled as Archer rubbed the back of his head and shot the red-haired man a glare of death, though it was not as fearful as it should have been. He muttered something under his breath that caused the secretary to giggle again before trouping after the two other men towards the door to Reeve’s office.
“I trust Tseng handled everything with expertise,” the executive questioned briefly as he stopped by Jennifer’s desk.
The brunette nodded, reaching down towards a stack of papers and rifling through them until she found the proper one. She pulled it out and handed it to him. “I took the liberty of recording all actions made while you were gone.”
Reeve smiled. “Thank you. If you want, you can take the rest of the day off and head out of here early.”
Jennifer nodded. “No, thank you, Mr. Tuesti.”
With that said and done, Reeve headed towards his office, ignoring the foot being impatiently tapped by the Turk and the look of annoyance on Archer’s face. It seemed with the recent return of all of those missing, some of the original joy in the group had come back. The executive only hoped that it could last, though he knew deep down that there was much more to come… probably even worst than what they had experienced already.
Reno and Archer allowed him to enter the room first, switching on the light as he did so and glancing on the paper that Jennifer had handed him. This was partially the reason he was the last to realize the reason for a twin set of startled and angry gasps. The President looked up from the sheet after having read the first line, only to narrow his eyes in anger and crumple the paper firmly in his grasp.
“What the hell are you doing here!” he demanded on a growl, storming into the room.
You referred to Tifa Lockhart, calmly sitting behind Reeve’s desk, as if she hadn’t a care in the world. She was smiling, smug satisfaction evident on her face as she leaned back in his chair and had her heavily booted feet on the top of his expensive, wooden desk. She was wearing the same outfit that Reeve recognized from the video, and on the sight of her, his blood boiled inside, still remembering what she had done to his Reno.
Tifa laughed at his demand but did not answer, her brown eyes sparkling with her own amusement. Though, it appeared that the sane look once residing there had long departed.
The executive heard the sound of rustling behind him and knew that Reno and Archer had drawn their weapons. He quietly flicked his wrist, bringing a dagger into his hand as he approached his desk, determined to take Tifa into custody and put her behind bars once and for all. He couldn’t just kill her, that wasn’t his style. However, Reeve couldn’t guarantee he wouldn’t beat her up a little first… woman or not. That bitch had done much to try and destroy him.
“If I were you, I wouldn’t move any closer,” the brunette intoned, eyes flashing as the men began to advance towards the desk.
Archer frowned. “Have you a rocket launcher hidden under that unimpressive rack?” he questioned. “Since other than that, I’m sure the three of us can handle someone such as you.”
“Especially since I can’t see you’re little kid bodyguards around, yo,” retorted Reno.
Tifa smirked, one of her hidden hands coming up and holding what appeared to a small black box that was about the size of her palm with five gleaming buttons on it, four tinier green ones and a big, bright red one.
“I don’t need those twerps,” she commented. “Not when I have enough explosives wired to tear down this building and probably all those around it.”
Reeve narrowed his eyes in anger as the two men behind him growled with annoyance and frustration. “You wouldn’t dare, not after working so hard to try and take it.”
The woman frowned, sitting up angrily in the chair as she clutched the device firmly in her grip. “Do not tell me what I would and wouldn’t do. If I can’t have the ShinRa corporation, then I will destroy it before you can do any more of your damn good works with it.”
“But you would die here, too,” pointed out Archer. “You’ve backed yourself into a corner.”
The brunette snorted imperiously. “At this point, death is of no consequence. I do not fear the here after.” Her eyes flashed with something akin to insanity with much the same look as Hojo the night of his death. “And don’t even think about wresting away the controls from me either. The bombs are on a timer as well, and only I know the code to disarm them.”
The President growled angrily, hand clenching into his fist. “How the hell did you get into the ShinRa building? Tseng would’ve-“
“Tseng is too busy with his new pet!” interrupted Tifa. At his odd look of confusion, she laughed heartily. “Oh, you will find out soon enough. As for how I got in, well…” she waved a hand towards the doorway.
“I let her in,” came a female voice as the three men turned around, eyes widening in shock surprise.
“J… Jennifer?” exclaimed Archer. “You betrayed us?”
The brunette sneered. “I hated having to be respectful to you everyday of this miserable existence, but for the money promised me, I endured. My father was an executive under Rufus ShinRa, wealthy beyond measure, until you little pricks came in and destroyed it all.”
Reno gritted his teeth in anger. “How long until the bombs go off, yo?” he questioned, turning back towards Tifa.
She grinned. “Well, I thought a little test run would be appropriate.”
Before anyone could react, Tifa lifted the device and pressed one of the smaller green buttons. Almost immediately the sound of an explosion rocked through the air, shaking the building around them. A bright orange light flared outside Reeve’s window, and the executive couldn’t help but run towards the glass, looking in shock as one of the newly rebuilt buildings crumpled to the ground in a tumble of broken stone, steel, and glass. His only consolation was that no one had moved into that particular structure yet. At least, not officially.
“Bitch!” exhaled Archer forcefully, though he made no move to attack.
Tifa laughed. “That was just so you know that I’m serious. The other four bombs are in this building, and they will start a chain reaction that will surely ignite the rest of this miserable city… unless you give me what I want.”
“And then you will just hand over the device and disarm the bombs, right?” Reeve sneered, turning with a face full of anger towards the brunette. “Then we can all act as if nothing has happened? We are AVALANCHE!” he declared.
“We will take you down in the same way Cloud took down that bastard before you!” argued Reno.
“There is no way you can win,” Archer gritted out his eyes flashing fire.
The brunette laughed again, even more maniacally then before. “You haven’t even guessed the terms of your surrender. After this, AVALANCHE will no longer be a threat.”
(Do not worry,) Seiryu spoke within Reeve’s mind. (Leave the location of the bombs up to us.) The executive nodded internally, while outside, he seethed.
The sight of Tifa sitting behind his desk, threatening his loved ones and him yet again was causing his anger to reach a crescendo within him. Though his anima had told him that they would find the bombs, Reeve did not think that his patience would last. He didn’t get beyond furious often… or even close to it, but the sight of Tifa had pushed him over the edge.
The woman smirked just then, distracting him. “Speechless, are you? Of course, you would be. After all, I have you in the palm of my hand.” She tapped the control device thoughtfully against her hand.
Amber eyes narrowed as Reeve took a step forward, the look on his face sending even a shiver down Archer’s spine. “While you have spent this time wallowing in revenge and deceit, the world has degraded into war!” the executive spat, pointing furiously out the window. He continued to stalk towards the brunette at a slow pace, the grin slowly sliding off her face.
Brown eyes widened in shock and perhaps a tad bit of fear as all those present watched Reeve build up to a storm. “Do you honestly think that I will stand by while you sully all that I have suffered to save!” he demanded in a voice gone tight with fury.
Tifa stood up from the desk, locking eyes with the older man. “With one press of this button, I will destroy it all.”
But her words were ignored. Reeve continued to stalk towards her, his entire body taut with adrenaline. There was nothing to stop him.
“You tried to kill my lover and put me through hell.” He had yet to raise his voice, yet there was something in his manner that made it worse than yelling.
Without intending to, Tifa found herself being filled with a fear unlike any she had known. Her body began to shake as she stood frozen, unable to move in the face of undeniable fury.
Jennifer shifted behind Reno, the movement catching the corner of his eye. He angled his body slightly to keep watch on her, although he never took his gaze off of his lover and the woman who had tried to destroy their lives.
(I found a bomb, Strawberry!) Asclepius exclaimed to his animus. (Hee! It was in a vending machine, yo!) The distinct sound of munching could be heard, though the Turk knew that he was probably faking it. Shaking his head internally, Reno continued to watch the scene.
“You have schemed and plotted to destroy what’s important to me all for your own selfish reasons!” The President growled, hands balled into fists at his side as he approached the desk. “And I’ll not stand for it anymore!”
With that said, he gave a fierce snarl and launched himself at the brunette without any warning and tackling her to the ground. They landed with an intense thud, knocking things off the desk as they did so. The control device skittered from Tifa’s hands, sliding across the floor to innocuously lie by itself several feet away.
Jennifer made another subtle movement behind the Turk and not taking any chances, he turned and whapped the traitor upside the head with the base of his electro rod. He didn’t bother to turn on the electricity either. She crumpled to the ground, crying out in pain and clutching the side of her head as she struggled to keep herself upright.
Archer’s eyes widened at the turn of events. Although he knew that the anima were looking for the bombs and had actually found one, he didn’t expect for Reeve to make such an unplanned move. Yet, he knew he couldn’t stand idly by, not with three bombs still missing.
The engineer darted forward, vaulting over the desk and pulling open the first drawer on the right side. He slipped his hand inside and felt along the top of it, pressing the button that was contained within. A shrill and piercing alarm suddenly sounded, echoing through every corridor and room of the building. It was the evacuation alarm that Reeve had installed when the threats against his company and him had started getting more serious. Luckily for them, they had finished it less than a week prior.
(Do not worry, my hatchling,) Tiamat purred. (I have found another. It was on top of a stack of filing cabinets in one of the offices. I shall keep looking.)
He breathed a sigh of relief for just a moment until the sound of a struggle, reawakened his attention. He glanced over the edge of the desk and found Reeve and Tifa struggling about on the floor. The controls lying dangerously close. The slightest wrong move and either one could land on top. Paling slightly, the engineer dove and retrieved the bomb device, his heart pounding.
Tifa hissed as she struggled to break free from the executive’s hold, surprised by how strong he was. He certainly didn’t look it, but perhaps adrenaline only added fuel to the flame. She beat against him with her gloved fist, but he absorbed the damage as if it didn’t matter at all. The brunette lifted a knee, slamming it into his abdomen.
He let out a burst of air, momentarily distracted, before pushing down hard on her shoulders, knocking her head against the floor. She saw stars but was not willing to back down. Fingernails raked down the side of Reeve’s face, drawing three lines of blood. He growled angrily and reared back to backhand her, not even considering the fact that she was a woman. He didn’t care. In his eyes, she was just the enemy, and she had tried once again to kill those he loved.
Reno moved forward to help his lover when a blade whizzed past his face. He abruptly turned, only to find Jennifer throwing herself out at him, another dagger in her hand. He was mildly impressed at her courage but only for a moment. He simply smirked before flicking the handle on his electro rod and slamming it into her.
The weapon sizzled and popped as it shocked the traitorous woman, causing the blade to fall from her hands and her to crumple to the floor. Her body convulsed, and Reno was sure it would cause a painful wound. Though, Jennifer would live… unfortunately. Both women would survive to face the consequences of what they had schemed.
Two seconds later, the door to the office burst open, Tseng standing there with one hand on his sword. He paused for a moment, taking in the scene. Reeve and Tifa were still wrestling around on the floor. Reno was standing over the executive’s secretary, who was unconscious, and Archer was holding some mysterious device.
“What is going on?” he questioned, stepping into the room and frowning. “Tifa?”
At that moment, the executive punched the conniving brunette in the face and knocked her out cold. She slumped against the floor, eyes rolling into the back of her head. Reeve was breathing heavily as he struggled to his feet, hair mussed and suit askew.
“We have no time,” Archer said, shaking his head. “She’s hidden bombs in this building, and they are on a timer.”
The Wutaiian’s eyes widened as he reached for the handcuff’s he kept on hand. He had only one set, though, and he opted to put them on the more dangerous Tifa.
“Asclepius has found one,” Reno explained.
“And Tiamat another,” Archer added in. “That leaves only two more, but that doesn’t mean we know how to shut them off. Tifa said only she knew the code, and now, she’s out.”
Reno grinned. “That doesn’t matter. The demi-gods can destroy whichever bombs we find. Asclepius has already taken care of the one he’s found, and I’m sure Tiamat can handle one tiny human-made bomb.”
“Tiamat? Asclepius? What are you talking about?”
Reeve shook his head. “No time to explanation. We have to make sure this building is empty in case we cannot find the other bombs on time. Everyone, out now.”
----
Outside, what few employees had still been working in the building stood, burning with complete curiosity as to what was going on. Some of the people from the nearby businesses had gathered, also wondering at the occurrence. The lights from the alarms could still be seen flashing through some of the windows, and if one strained their ears, the sound of them could be heard as well.
The members of AVALANCHE stood outside the building, looking in worriedly. What was perhaps most comical about the sight was that Sephiroth had been put in handcuffs, for precautionary measures of course. Denzel was clutching at the former General’s side, shooting Cloud outraged glares, which was pretty spunky for a child not even five years old. Zack stood on the other side of Sephiroth, teasing the man relentlessly even as he tried to convince the blond swordsman beside him to release Sephiroth. Aeris was holding on to Cloud’s hand as Elena chewed her lip in indecision, seriously considering going back into the building after her boss.
“What’s going on?” Aeris questioned, speaking the words that were on everyone’s mind. Hephaestion did not know what was happening either, but he was attempting to find out. Her eyes flickered over to the bound former General, not surprised that he easily submitted to the bindings.
Elena shook her head. “I wish I knew. We’ve been telling Reeve to take those damn threats seriously. I’m just glad he finally put in the alarm.”
The blonde swordsman raised a brow. “Threats? I never knew he was getting any threats.”
“Tifa’s behind them, isn’t she?” Aeris asked even as she sighed. “What happened with her?”
But before anyone could even offer up an opinion, an excited squeal sounded from behind them. They managed to turn just barely before arms wrapped around Cloud’s waist and brought him to the ground with a slight oomph.
Zack laughed loudly as the two came to a rolling halt, a thin dark-haired girl planted on Cloud’s chest as she squealed happily. The low sound of feet padded up beside him, Nanaki coming to rest on his haunches as he shook his head.
“Yuffie, girl, get off me,” the blond panted as he tried to shove the ninja off of him. Around them, everybody was laughing at her enthusiastic greeting.
“Spike! We looked everywhere for you!” Yuffie exclaimed as she moved from her leader’s chest and stuck out a hand, helping him get up from the ground. He brushed off his clothes and eyed her with a slightly irritated expression.
“What’s going on?” Nanaki queried, his calm voice easily breaking through the loudness. Just then, however, the little ninja squealed, moving over to Aeris’ side and giving her a big hug.
“Aw! How much longer? You look so good,” the teenager commented.
The lion wolf shook his head and turned to look at his friends, golden gaze flickering over those gathered. He opened his mouth to speak again when his eyes fell on Sephiroth and then on the dark-haired man standing next to him. He, of course, recognized the former General on sight and fell silent, eyes widening in surprise.
“So, what’s going on…” Yuffie trailed off as she grinned and turned to greet her friends, finally spotting the tall, leather-clad man with a child clinging to him. Like her friends, she recognized him immediately, especially considering that he was in handcuffs. “Woah! Sephiroth! But… we killed you!”
A sudden explosion on the roof of the Neo ShinRa building stole all of their attention. The ground beneath them rumbled for a short moment. Elena breathed in sharply as many sets of eyes widened in surprise. The sound of roaring flame reached even those on the ground below. Some of the random observers cried out in shock as orange flame shot into the night sky, lighting up everything around them and casting eerie reddish shadows.
“What the hell!” Zack exclaimed, startling everyone with his outburst even as his friend unconsciously pulled on his cuffs and took a step forward.
“Tseng!” Elena called out, hand moving to her mouth.
No one else could speak a word as shocked as they were by what had just occurred. The flames licked high into the sky before suddenly vanishing without a trace as quickly as they had appeared. It went eerily silent.
Elena didn’t even wait before plunging forward, heading straight into the building, concern for her boss first on her list. It didn’t take long before the others followed.
***
The door to the roof burst open as a crew of AVALANCHE and recent ghosts come to life tumbled out onto the top of the Neo-ShinRa building, the smell of a recent explosion meeting them flash in the face.
A tired Reeve turned towards them, surprise on his features as he wiped at sweat on his brow. Reno and a giggling Asclepius stood beside him. Archer and Tseng were nowhere in sight.
“Where’s Tseng?” demanded Elena, looking around.
”What the hell is going on?” Cloud questioned, taking in the haggard look of both Reeve and Reno and the mysterious, odd looking man? Woman? Teenager? Whatever it was standing beside them.
The executive shook his head. “I think its time we all had a little discussion. These attacks are anything but small. War is on the horizon.”
A cheerful, exuberant tune filled the sudden and surprised silence. They looked around until Cloud dug into his pocket a bit embarrassed, flipping open his PHS and answering it.
“Hello?”
“Spike!” A most familiar voice echoed across the rooftop. “I’m gonna kick your ass!”
“Uh… Barret?” Cloud questioned, running a hand through his blond spikes as Aeris’ eyes widened in surprise, and she mouthed the dark-skinned man’s name. “Now’s not a good time-”
“Didja think I wouldn’t notice the fucking world gone to damn hell?” demanded the former AVALANCHE leader, his voice clear for all the others to hear.
“I didn’t think it-“
“Shuddup! Me ‘n Marlene ‘n Elmyra are comin’ to Midgar, Spike! I wanna know why the hell I’ve seen demons flying about like they ain’t scared. Ain’t nuthin you can say gonna stop me!” With those words, the phone call ended.
Cloud blinked. “I guess he’s coming here.”
His wife smiled. “Fate has a crazy way of working things out. I guess the old crew’s getting together again.”
Reeve nodded his head, glancing down at the scorched roof top then out across the tattered remains of his city. “And just in time it seems.”
There was a general consensus of agreement.
***
I know this chapter is a bit confusing with the way I change POV’s. Nothing seems to be explained, cleared up or solved, and the like. Yet, don’t worry. Everything will come together, including the bomb locations and all that stuff in the next chapter. In fact, be prepared in the next two chapters for PLOT. See you in a week! I hope!
Miko: Zack is quickly becoming one of my faves, too! And yes, I suppose everyone has an awful backstory. Well, except Elena and Shera and Rude and ummm, that's it I guess. Oh well, wouldn't make for good angst without it. It's funny you should sing that song... you'll know why when you get to read Chapter 47. I know a good distance from now, but just keep it in mind. Thanks!!
Ri: Why you ask? For the continuance of the plot. LOL. That was an idea sprung up out of nowhere for me. But ya know? It works. And angst is how I do things. Hope this one keeps your interest as well. Thanks!!
ChessyKat: I thought that was too cute! I love the interaction between Sephiroth and Zack. To me they are like the perfect duo. Be prepared to see a lot of them. Zack is one of my favorite underdone characters. I'm glad you're still enjoying this! Hope you like this one, too! Thanks!!
Chapter 38: Betrayal’s End
Reno was in heaven, of that he was certain. Well, if Heaven consisted of a small bathroom with blue walls and a blue shower curtain on the airship Highwind. Oh, yeah, and the dark-haired man on his knees in front of him. He mustn’t forget that part.
Reeve had to have the best mouth on a male Reno had ever come across. It was hard to believe he had once been straight. The Turk was more than glad his lover had found his gay side.
Another moan escaped Reno’s mouth as he helplessly thrust forward into Reeve’s warm cavern, his knees feeling weak. A tongue traced along the underside of his cock as hands massaged his scrotum.
The redhead sank back against the wall of the shower, hands tangling in dark hair. The hot water beat against his back, and he couldn’t deny how good it all felt. A hot fire curled in his belly as the executive’s cheeks hollowed with suction. He thrust with abandon into the warm mouth, emitting sharp cries of pleasure.
Reeve only continued to suck him harder, increasing the pressure and lightly pressing a finger to his puckered entrance.
Electricity tingled across his veins, igniting his every nerve as he succumbed to the inevitable. The executive was just too damn good at it. The Turk came, pushing forward into the older man’s mouth even as he greedily drank down every last bit, his practice over the years keeping him from gagging.
With a gasp and the last tremors echoing through his body, Reno slumped, his body being caught by his lover, who had anticipated that and rose to his feet.
“Damn,” muttered the Turk, exchanging a sloppy kiss with his lover and enjoying the way he could taste himself on Reeve’s tongue. It was almost like a mark of owning or something. “I swear you get better every time, yo.”
Reeve smiled as he wrapped his arms around the younger man, grinding a reawakened erection against his flat abdomen. “How about a little show of appreciation?” he murmured, leaning over to nibble on the redhead’s ear. He traced his tongue along the flesh and rubbed his arousal a little harder against Reno’s flesh.
The red-haired man grinned and reached around the executive’s body to grab his ass and squeeze the flesh there. “How about we take this to the bed, and I show you just how appreciative I am?” He cocked an eyebrow as one finger traced the crease, slipping between Reeve’s cheeks.
The amber-eyed man practically purred in his arms as he reached around the Turk to shut off the water and grab blindly for a towel. “Sounds like a good idea to me.”
Reno laughed as they struggled to extricate themselves from the small shower stall and head for the bed just in the other room. Sharing sloppy kisses along the way and halfway drying off, they stumbled towards the bed, a horny gleam already in the younger man’s eye.
Yet, before they could fall into the blankets and make themselves more comfortable, the intercom for the entire airship crackled to life. The voice of one Captain Highwind filled the airwaves.
“Get yer ass out of bed, Mr. President. We landin’ in Midgar in ten minutes!”
And that was all there was. With a clunk, the intercom was shut off and that was it.
Reeve groaned and knocked his head against Reno’s. “He has no shame.”
The Turk grinned and continued to press his lover back towards the bed. “He’s just jealous because he wants to mark his airship with Vincent from this way to that and can’t--”
Reeve’s knees hit the bed and tumbled backwards onto it, Reno pouncing almost immediately and absorbing him in another kiss.
“We only have… ten minutes,” panted the executive, already losing himself to the sensual dance that the Turk was creating as his hands roamed over the older man’s body, finding every one of his sensitive spots with practiced precision.
A reddish eyebrow rose. “That’s plenty time. I can be quick,” he promised before diving down to suck a nipple into his mouth and pulling hard.
Any protest was lost in that moment.
***
Twenty minutes later, the three ShinRa employees were walking into the building that housed Reeve’s office. Cid and Vincent were trying to find a better place to land the airship, though Reno secretly suspected that the pilot just wanted a few minutes alone with his newly rediscovered lover. Nanaki and Yuffie had gone to find Cloud, the ninja muttering something about materia promises, while the lion wolf appeared deep in thought. The three weren’t sure where Rude and Shera had gone but knew that they would return by the allotted time.
They walked into the first part of Reeve’s office. His secretary greeted them warmly, though she seemed a bit surprised to see his quick return.
“Good evening, Mr. Tuesti,” she said as she rose to her feet, giving a slight bow.
Archer grinned cheekily. “Miss Jennifer, a pleasure to see you again as always.”
The secretary flushed slightly as she ducked her head. “Good evening to you, Mr. Kyle. I do hope you all had a pleasant journey.”
The engineer’s eyebrow twitched oddly as a strange expression crossed his face, though he kept up the big smile. “It probably would have been more amusing had you been able to go with us.”
Before he could go any further, however, Reno sighed heavily and passed by the flirtatious man, slapping him the back of his head as he did so. “Let’s go, lover boy. Lot’s of work to be done, yo.”
Jennifer giggled as Archer rubbed the back of his head and shot the red-haired man a glare of death, though it was not as fearful as it should have been. He muttered something under his breath that caused the secretary to giggle again before trouping after the two other men towards the door to Reeve’s office.
“I trust Tseng handled everything with expertise,” the executive questioned briefly as he stopped by Jennifer’s desk.
The brunette nodded, reaching down towards a stack of papers and rifling through them until she found the proper one. She pulled it out and handed it to him. “I took the liberty of recording all actions made while you were gone.”
Reeve smiled. “Thank you. If you want, you can take the rest of the day off and head out of here early.”
Jennifer nodded. “No, thank you, Mr. Tuesti.”
With that said and done, Reeve headed towards his office, ignoring the foot being impatiently tapped by the Turk and the look of annoyance on Archer’s face. It seemed with the recent return of all of those missing, some of the original joy in the group had come back. The executive only hoped that it could last, though he knew deep down that there was much more to come… probably even worst than what they had experienced already.
Reno and Archer allowed him to enter the room first, switching on the light as he did so and glancing on the paper that Jennifer had handed him. This was partially the reason he was the last to realize the reason for a twin set of startled and angry gasps. The President looked up from the sheet after having read the first line, only to narrow his eyes in anger and crumple the paper firmly in his grasp.
“What the hell are you doing here!” he demanded on a growl, storming into the room.
You referred to Tifa Lockhart, calmly sitting behind Reeve’s desk, as if she hadn’t a care in the world. She was smiling, smug satisfaction evident on her face as she leaned back in his chair and had her heavily booted feet on the top of his expensive, wooden desk. She was wearing the same outfit that Reeve recognized from the video, and on the sight of her, his blood boiled inside, still remembering what she had done to his Reno.
Tifa laughed at his demand but did not answer, her brown eyes sparkling with her own amusement. Though, it appeared that the sane look once residing there had long departed.
The executive heard the sound of rustling behind him and knew that Reno and Archer had drawn their weapons. He quietly flicked his wrist, bringing a dagger into his hand as he approached his desk, determined to take Tifa into custody and put her behind bars once and for all. He couldn’t just kill her, that wasn’t his style. However, Reeve couldn’t guarantee he wouldn’t beat her up a little first… woman or not. That bitch had done much to try and destroy him.
“If I were you, I wouldn’t move any closer,” the brunette intoned, eyes flashing as the men began to advance towards the desk.
Archer frowned. “Have you a rocket launcher hidden under that unimpressive rack?” he questioned. “Since other than that, I’m sure the three of us can handle someone such as you.”
“Especially since I can’t see you’re little kid bodyguards around, yo,” retorted Reno.
Tifa smirked, one of her hidden hands coming up and holding what appeared to a small black box that was about the size of her palm with five gleaming buttons on it, four tinier green ones and a big, bright red one.
“I don’t need those twerps,” she commented. “Not when I have enough explosives wired to tear down this building and probably all those around it.”
Reeve narrowed his eyes in anger as the two men behind him growled with annoyance and frustration. “You wouldn’t dare, not after working so hard to try and take it.”
The woman frowned, sitting up angrily in the chair as she clutched the device firmly in her grip. “Do not tell me what I would and wouldn’t do. If I can’t have the ShinRa corporation, then I will destroy it before you can do any more of your damn good works with it.”
“But you would die here, too,” pointed out Archer. “You’ve backed yourself into a corner.”
The brunette snorted imperiously. “At this point, death is of no consequence. I do not fear the here after.” Her eyes flashed with something akin to insanity with much the same look as Hojo the night of his death. “And don’t even think about wresting away the controls from me either. The bombs are on a timer as well, and only I know the code to disarm them.”
The President growled angrily, hand clenching into his fist. “How the hell did you get into the ShinRa building? Tseng would’ve-“
“Tseng is too busy with his new pet!” interrupted Tifa. At his odd look of confusion, she laughed heartily. “Oh, you will find out soon enough. As for how I got in, well…” she waved a hand towards the doorway.
“I let her in,” came a female voice as the three men turned around, eyes widening in shock surprise.
“J… Jennifer?” exclaimed Archer. “You betrayed us?”
The brunette sneered. “I hated having to be respectful to you everyday of this miserable existence, but for the money promised me, I endured. My father was an executive under Rufus ShinRa, wealthy beyond measure, until you little pricks came in and destroyed it all.”
Reno gritted his teeth in anger. “How long until the bombs go off, yo?” he questioned, turning back towards Tifa.
She grinned. “Well, I thought a little test run would be appropriate.”
Before anyone could react, Tifa lifted the device and pressed one of the smaller green buttons. Almost immediately the sound of an explosion rocked through the air, shaking the building around them. A bright orange light flared outside Reeve’s window, and the executive couldn’t help but run towards the glass, looking in shock as one of the newly rebuilt buildings crumpled to the ground in a tumble of broken stone, steel, and glass. His only consolation was that no one had moved into that particular structure yet. At least, not officially.
“Bitch!” exhaled Archer forcefully, though he made no move to attack.
Tifa laughed. “That was just so you know that I’m serious. The other four bombs are in this building, and they will start a chain reaction that will surely ignite the rest of this miserable city… unless you give me what I want.”
“And then you will just hand over the device and disarm the bombs, right?” Reeve sneered, turning with a face full of anger towards the brunette. “Then we can all act as if nothing has happened? We are AVALANCHE!” he declared.
“We will take you down in the same way Cloud took down that bastard before you!” argued Reno.
“There is no way you can win,” Archer gritted out his eyes flashing fire.
The brunette laughed again, even more maniacally then before. “You haven’t even guessed the terms of your surrender. After this, AVALANCHE will no longer be a threat.”
(Do not worry,) Seiryu spoke within Reeve’s mind. (Leave the location of the bombs up to us.) The executive nodded internally, while outside, he seethed.
The sight of Tifa sitting behind his desk, threatening his loved ones and him yet again was causing his anger to reach a crescendo within him. Though his anima had told him that they would find the bombs, Reeve did not think that his patience would last. He didn’t get beyond furious often… or even close to it, but the sight of Tifa had pushed him over the edge.
The woman smirked just then, distracting him. “Speechless, are you? Of course, you would be. After all, I have you in the palm of my hand.” She tapped the control device thoughtfully against her hand.
Amber eyes narrowed as Reeve took a step forward, the look on his face sending even a shiver down Archer’s spine. “While you have spent this time wallowing in revenge and deceit, the world has degraded into war!” the executive spat, pointing furiously out the window. He continued to stalk towards the brunette at a slow pace, the grin slowly sliding off her face.
Brown eyes widened in shock and perhaps a tad bit of fear as all those present watched Reeve build up to a storm. “Do you honestly think that I will stand by while you sully all that I have suffered to save!” he demanded in a voice gone tight with fury.
Tifa stood up from the desk, locking eyes with the older man. “With one press of this button, I will destroy it all.”
But her words were ignored. Reeve continued to stalk towards her, his entire body taut with adrenaline. There was nothing to stop him.
“You tried to kill my lover and put me through hell.” He had yet to raise his voice, yet there was something in his manner that made it worse than yelling.
Without intending to, Tifa found herself being filled with a fear unlike any she had known. Her body began to shake as she stood frozen, unable to move in the face of undeniable fury.
Jennifer shifted behind Reno, the movement catching the corner of his eye. He angled his body slightly to keep watch on her, although he never took his gaze off of his lover and the woman who had tried to destroy their lives.
(I found a bomb, Strawberry!) Asclepius exclaimed to his animus. (Hee! It was in a vending machine, yo!) The distinct sound of munching could be heard, though the Turk knew that he was probably faking it. Shaking his head internally, Reno continued to watch the scene.
“You have schemed and plotted to destroy what’s important to me all for your own selfish reasons!” The President growled, hands balled into fists at his side as he approached the desk. “And I’ll not stand for it anymore!”
With that said, he gave a fierce snarl and launched himself at the brunette without any warning and tackling her to the ground. They landed with an intense thud, knocking things off the desk as they did so. The control device skittered from Tifa’s hands, sliding across the floor to innocuously lie by itself several feet away.
Jennifer made another subtle movement behind the Turk and not taking any chances, he turned and whapped the traitor upside the head with the base of his electro rod. He didn’t bother to turn on the electricity either. She crumpled to the ground, crying out in pain and clutching the side of her head as she struggled to keep herself upright.
Archer’s eyes widened at the turn of events. Although he knew that the anima were looking for the bombs and had actually found one, he didn’t expect for Reeve to make such an unplanned move. Yet, he knew he couldn’t stand idly by, not with three bombs still missing.
The engineer darted forward, vaulting over the desk and pulling open the first drawer on the right side. He slipped his hand inside and felt along the top of it, pressing the button that was contained within. A shrill and piercing alarm suddenly sounded, echoing through every corridor and room of the building. It was the evacuation alarm that Reeve had installed when the threats against his company and him had started getting more serious. Luckily for them, they had finished it less than a week prior.
(Do not worry, my hatchling,) Tiamat purred. (I have found another. It was on top of a stack of filing cabinets in one of the offices. I shall keep looking.)
He breathed a sigh of relief for just a moment until the sound of a struggle, reawakened his attention. He glanced over the edge of the desk and found Reeve and Tifa struggling about on the floor. The controls lying dangerously close. The slightest wrong move and either one could land on top. Paling slightly, the engineer dove and retrieved the bomb device, his heart pounding.
Tifa hissed as she struggled to break free from the executive’s hold, surprised by how strong he was. He certainly didn’t look it, but perhaps adrenaline only added fuel to the flame. She beat against him with her gloved fist, but he absorbed the damage as if it didn’t matter at all. The brunette lifted a knee, slamming it into his abdomen.
He let out a burst of air, momentarily distracted, before pushing down hard on her shoulders, knocking her head against the floor. She saw stars but was not willing to back down. Fingernails raked down the side of Reeve’s face, drawing three lines of blood. He growled angrily and reared back to backhand her, not even considering the fact that she was a woman. He didn’t care. In his eyes, she was just the enemy, and she had tried once again to kill those he loved.
Reno moved forward to help his lover when a blade whizzed past his face. He abruptly turned, only to find Jennifer throwing herself out at him, another dagger in her hand. He was mildly impressed at her courage but only for a moment. He simply smirked before flicking the handle on his electro rod and slamming it into her.
The weapon sizzled and popped as it shocked the traitorous woman, causing the blade to fall from her hands and her to crumple to the floor. Her body convulsed, and Reno was sure it would cause a painful wound. Though, Jennifer would live… unfortunately. Both women would survive to face the consequences of what they had schemed.
Two seconds later, the door to the office burst open, Tseng standing there with one hand on his sword. He paused for a moment, taking in the scene. Reeve and Tifa were still wrestling around on the floor. Reno was standing over the executive’s secretary, who was unconscious, and Archer was holding some mysterious device.
“What is going on?” he questioned, stepping into the room and frowning. “Tifa?”
At that moment, the executive punched the conniving brunette in the face and knocked her out cold. She slumped against the floor, eyes rolling into the back of her head. Reeve was breathing heavily as he struggled to his feet, hair mussed and suit askew.
“We have no time,” Archer said, shaking his head. “She’s hidden bombs in this building, and they are on a timer.”
The Wutaiian’s eyes widened as he reached for the handcuff’s he kept on hand. He had only one set, though, and he opted to put them on the more dangerous Tifa.
“Asclepius has found one,” Reno explained.
“And Tiamat another,” Archer added in. “That leaves only two more, but that doesn’t mean we know how to shut them off. Tifa said only she knew the code, and now, she’s out.”
Reno grinned. “That doesn’t matter. The demi-gods can destroy whichever bombs we find. Asclepius has already taken care of the one he’s found, and I’m sure Tiamat can handle one tiny human-made bomb.”
“Tiamat? Asclepius? What are you talking about?”
Reeve shook his head. “No time to explanation. We have to make sure this building is empty in case we cannot find the other bombs on time. Everyone, out now.”
----
Outside, what few employees had still been working in the building stood, burning with complete curiosity as to what was going on. Some of the people from the nearby businesses had gathered, also wondering at the occurrence. The lights from the alarms could still be seen flashing through some of the windows, and if one strained their ears, the sound of them could be heard as well.
The members of AVALANCHE stood outside the building, looking in worriedly. What was perhaps most comical about the sight was that Sephiroth had been put in handcuffs, for precautionary measures of course. Denzel was clutching at the former General’s side, shooting Cloud outraged glares, which was pretty spunky for a child not even five years old. Zack stood on the other side of Sephiroth, teasing the man relentlessly even as he tried to convince the blond swordsman beside him to release Sephiroth. Aeris was holding on to Cloud’s hand as Elena chewed her lip in indecision, seriously considering going back into the building after her boss.
“What’s going on?” Aeris questioned, speaking the words that were on everyone’s mind. Hephaestion did not know what was happening either, but he was attempting to find out. Her eyes flickered over to the bound former General, not surprised that he easily submitted to the bindings.
Elena shook her head. “I wish I knew. We’ve been telling Reeve to take those damn threats seriously. I’m just glad he finally put in the alarm.”
The blonde swordsman raised a brow. “Threats? I never knew he was getting any threats.”
“Tifa’s behind them, isn’t she?” Aeris asked even as she sighed. “What happened with her?”
But before anyone could even offer up an opinion, an excited squeal sounded from behind them. They managed to turn just barely before arms wrapped around Cloud’s waist and brought him to the ground with a slight oomph.
Zack laughed loudly as the two came to a rolling halt, a thin dark-haired girl planted on Cloud’s chest as she squealed happily. The low sound of feet padded up beside him, Nanaki coming to rest on his haunches as he shook his head.
“Yuffie, girl, get off me,” the blond panted as he tried to shove the ninja off of him. Around them, everybody was laughing at her enthusiastic greeting.
“Spike! We looked everywhere for you!” Yuffie exclaimed as she moved from her leader’s chest and stuck out a hand, helping him get up from the ground. He brushed off his clothes and eyed her with a slightly irritated expression.
“What’s going on?” Nanaki queried, his calm voice easily breaking through the loudness. Just then, however, the little ninja squealed, moving over to Aeris’ side and giving her a big hug.
“Aw! How much longer? You look so good,” the teenager commented.
The lion wolf shook his head and turned to look at his friends, golden gaze flickering over those gathered. He opened his mouth to speak again when his eyes fell on Sephiroth and then on the dark-haired man standing next to him. He, of course, recognized the former General on sight and fell silent, eyes widening in surprise.
“So, what’s going on…” Yuffie trailed off as she grinned and turned to greet her friends, finally spotting the tall, leather-clad man with a child clinging to him. Like her friends, she recognized him immediately, especially considering that he was in handcuffs. “Woah! Sephiroth! But… we killed you!”
A sudden explosion on the roof of the Neo ShinRa building stole all of their attention. The ground beneath them rumbled for a short moment. Elena breathed in sharply as many sets of eyes widened in surprise. The sound of roaring flame reached even those on the ground below. Some of the random observers cried out in shock as orange flame shot into the night sky, lighting up everything around them and casting eerie reddish shadows.
“What the hell!” Zack exclaimed, startling everyone with his outburst even as his friend unconsciously pulled on his cuffs and took a step forward.
“Tseng!” Elena called out, hand moving to her mouth.
No one else could speak a word as shocked as they were by what had just occurred. The flames licked high into the sky before suddenly vanishing without a trace as quickly as they had appeared. It went eerily silent.
Elena didn’t even wait before plunging forward, heading straight into the building, concern for her boss first on her list. It didn’t take long before the others followed.
***
The door to the roof burst open as a crew of AVALANCHE and recent ghosts come to life tumbled out onto the top of the Neo-ShinRa building, the smell of a recent explosion meeting them flash in the face.
A tired Reeve turned towards them, surprise on his features as he wiped at sweat on his brow. Reno and a giggling Asclepius stood beside him. Archer and Tseng were nowhere in sight.
“Where’s Tseng?” demanded Elena, looking around.
”What the hell is going on?” Cloud questioned, taking in the haggard look of both Reeve and Reno and the mysterious, odd looking man? Woman? Teenager? Whatever it was standing beside them.
The executive shook his head. “I think its time we all had a little discussion. These attacks are anything but small. War is on the horizon.”
A cheerful, exuberant tune filled the sudden and surprised silence. They looked around until Cloud dug into his pocket a bit embarrassed, flipping open his PHS and answering it.
“Hello?”
“Spike!” A most familiar voice echoed across the rooftop. “I’m gonna kick your ass!”
“Uh… Barret?” Cloud questioned, running a hand through his blond spikes as Aeris’ eyes widened in surprise, and she mouthed the dark-skinned man’s name. “Now’s not a good time-”
“Didja think I wouldn’t notice the fucking world gone to damn hell?” demanded the former AVALANCHE leader, his voice clear for all the others to hear.
“I didn’t think it-“
“Shuddup! Me ‘n Marlene ‘n Elmyra are comin’ to Midgar, Spike! I wanna know why the hell I’ve seen demons flying about like they ain’t scared. Ain’t nuthin you can say gonna stop me!” With those words, the phone call ended.
Cloud blinked. “I guess he’s coming here.”
His wife smiled. “Fate has a crazy way of working things out. I guess the old crew’s getting together again.”
Reeve nodded his head, glancing down at the scorched roof top then out across the tattered remains of his city. “And just in time it seems.”
There was a general consensus of agreement.
***
I know this chapter is a bit confusing with the way I change POV’s. Nothing seems to be explained, cleared up or solved, and the like. Yet, don’t worry. Everything will come together, including the bomb locations and all that stuff in the next chapter. In fact, be prepared in the next two chapters for PLOT. See you in a week! I hope!