Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction ❯ The Divine and Atonement ❯ Chapter Six ( Chapter 6 )

Ta Da! Behold my latest chapter in this thrilling saga! Take a whiff, its fresh! Hope you all enjoy! Be forewarned, this chapter is twice as long as the last. I'm going to make it standard that all my chapters for this story be around 10,000 words. Ha ha! Means more story for you folks. Ooops, more work for me.

 

~Isa

 

Standard Disclaimer: I own nothing you can't take away from me. At a price!

 

 

Chapter Six

All Work and No Play…Wait, Yuffie is Never Dull!!

 

 

It was official. This was it. Set it in stone and alert the media. Someone was going to die. Yuffie didn't know who as of yet, but she had a list of potential victims and this time she was going to do it. Hell, maybe it would turn into a bloody massacre. Newly crowned Empress of Wutai makes bold statement with mass murder. Imagine the shock that would reverberate across the land. Hell, maybe the world. But Yuffie didn't care at the moment. It was finally the day of her coronation and she had had enough.

 

She fought hard not to glare at the attendant whom had accidentally poked her again with a needle while making last minute adjustments to her ceremonial kimono. One of eight she would have to wear that day. Someone needed to remind her why she was doing this again.

 

The sun had not yet risen and already Yuffie Kisaragi could feel a headache coming on. In fact, it had yet to leave the past three days. Instead of thinking about all the ceremonies and rituals she would have to go through that day, and refraining once again from threatening a certain needle challenged seamstress; Yuffie tried to focus on her previous meeting with Cloud and the rest of her former Avalanche gang.

 

Cloud had arrived just as scheduled. The sun had just set and the sound of the Shera's engines filled the air as everyone waited in the field behind the palace. Yuffie was excited to see her friends again; excited to hear what news they had to bring on the Purists. Cloud had been the first to exit, followed by Nanaki, Cait, and a cursing Cid.

 

Yuffie gave them all a quick hug, even a somewhat surprised Cid, and led them inside. After seating everyone once again in the `Planning Room' as Yuffie had dubbed it, Cloud quickly took over and got to business; falling ever so easily into the leader role he claimed to despise.

 

“Well, it would seem Malakai and his followers are branching out further and faster than we had at first thought. They have already taken over much of Midgar, Junon, Kalm, Mideel, and Gongaga. It would seem the Purists are now setting their sights on Cosmo Canyon, North Corel, and Nibelheim. These places have yet to be swayed only because of their strong attachments to the members of Avalanche. Midgar also has some levels that are not touched by the Purist's influence. But who knows how long that will last. They play recordings of Malakai's teachings over the airwaves almost constantly in some of theses places.

 

“Threats are made to those who do not comply and follow in his vision. His latest crusade was to get the Gold Saucer shut down, claiming it to be a pit of sin. This though was not as successful as he had hoped. Gold Saucer is still running yet protests are held outside it's gates daily and they have had terrorists threatening to blow the place up. All of this and more had been going on in the past three months. But just last week, many of his so called `Converters', those that go around in the hooded cloaks doing his dirty work have almost disappeared, only to show up outside of Wutai. A few were left outside of Cosmo Canyon, yet Nanaki has set up a constant watch to be certain none enter.”

 

Nanaki nodded at this while Cait patted his head and gave a thumbs up. “Even while I am away, a Guardian never leaves his home unprotected.”

 

“And I've worked out a way to get our PSA'S to work with no outside channel's being able to listen in.” Cid added while blowing a large amount of smoke out from his ever present cigar. “Yup, there aint no way those damn Purists will be cuttin' in on our frequency.”

 

Yuffie grinned at the pilot before turning back to Cloud. “What about Tifa and the kids? Barret should be here too. Where are they?”

 

“Tifa took the kids to Nibelheim and Barret is making sure things are locked down in North Corel.”

 

“Well they need to get here within the next two days. I had a little conversation with a certain Xyler Malakai today…”

 

“Wait just a damn minute, Kid! You had a conversation with the leader of the Purists organization and you decide now is the time to tell us?! It should `ave been the first thing outa that mouth of yours!” Cid bellowed as his cigar wagged in his mouth as he continued on. “What in the Sam hell were you thinkin'?!”

 

“I was thinking that I wanted to hear what you all had to say first. And I see now how it ties in with my conversation this afternoon. That his thugs are now circling my country does not surprise me after what I heard from him today. And because of that conversation I have decided to move my coronation up. That is why I want everyone here.”

 

“Yuffie,” Cloud interjected, knowing how those two could go at each other for hours. “What did he say to you?”

 

So Yuffie had told them the same thing she had told Vincent and her advisors that afternoon. When she was finished, Nanaki looked grave, Cloud was looking off to the distance deep in thought, Cid looked shocked, and Cait, well looked robotic.

 

After a long pause, Cloud finally spoke up. “What I don't get is why he is targeting you. While he may have a problem with Vincent, Nanaki, and I because of our `altered' existence, you don't have that. Wutai was also the least targeted area that Hojo kidnapped people for his experiments. So your people aren't really affected by any Mako alterations. Yet it seems more personal with you. What could he be after?”

 

Vincent chose that moment to speak up and Yuffie found herself extremely grateful towards the gunman. “Cait, what about the information I asked Reeve to look up? The information on the missing files?”

 

Cait seemed happy to finally be able to join the conversation and hopped up on the table. “Yes it was a strange request indeed yet we would not fail you oh Vincent Vinnie Vin Valentine; oh no we would not. Searched for hours we did, days even. Looking and looking and looking…”

 

“Git to the point yer bloody robot!” Cid yelled, kicking the table.

 

“Fine then, always so impatient, you loud smoke stack. Where was I, oh yes, we were looking and looking and then we found these.” The feline robot produced a small stack of papers and handed them over to Vincent who proceeded to quickly go through them.

 

“These are incomplete copies. Were there no originals?”

 

Cait hung its head and pressed its ears flat. “These were all we were able to find. We are very sorry.

 

“Then my fears are confirmed. Hojo's list of the people he experimented on as well the notes on what those experiments were must be in the hands of Xyler Malakai and he is using those lists to target specific people and families.”

 

“That is grave news indeed.” The giant cat said.

 

“It gets worse.” The little robot said as he then brought out pictures taken from a bird's eye view and ground level to be passed around.

 

When Yuffie got hers she gasped. In the photos were what looked like various single storied buildings surrounded for miles with barbed wire fences and dozens of armed guards. There were people in dark cloaks all around. But that wasn't what bothered the young shinobi woman. In these photos, buses of people were being dropped off, people of varies ages and genders. Whole families brought in then separated. Children were being pulled from mothers' arms while men fought to keep their wives and loved ones from being taken away. People were being beaten and starved; raw sewage and dead bodies floated in the small stream where these poor people were forced to bathe and drink. Yuffie couldn't take anymore and quickly passed the photos to Vincent who went stiff upon examining them himself.

 

“These photos were taken by a spy we sent to investigate reports we had on a concentration camp located in the Mideel area. We believe there are at least four more of these camps located in various places around the world. Mr. Reeve has started to set up a resistance force in Fort Condor to combat the growing number of the Purists. Our spy was able to report much information back to us before being captured. We do not know what happened to him although it would appear that there is an underground strong hold located beneath the compound. It's entrance is a cave not far from the main camp. What goes on there we can only guess at but the screams he heard coming from there at night leave little doubt to the cruel intentions of this group.”

 

Yuffie had listened to Cait with mounting concern. Things were worse than she had thought. So far her people had been lucky in avoiding the influence of the Purists. But it did not seem they could remain unaffected by it for long. Already she seemed to have the personal attention of Xyler Malakai and she shuddered to think of the implications of their conversation. If he was really after what she thought he was, things were going from horrible to Meteor Fall. To think total annihilation by Sephiroth's hands looked better than what Malakai had in store from them should he succeed. That was bad.

 

“Well, the good news is that for the moment, Wutai is safe. The Wu Shang is mobilized and all my people are on alert. We will not be caught off guard. Wu Shang is a superior fighting force and even our civilians would be more than they could handle as most of them have been trained in the ninja ways since they were small children. If worse comes to worse my people can hide until the nastiest part of it is over and an opportunity comes for them to attack. My people will not fall even if this palace burns to the ground.”

 

“What do you mean they can hide?” Cloud asked, though still in a bit of shock over the change in the former prankster.

 

“Let's just say that if my people don't want to be found, they won't be. They can hide for years if need be. Trust me on that one.” The usual smirk had found its way back onto the ninja woman's face.

 

“Alright then. Hopefully it won't come to that. But it still brings us back to the problem at hand.” Cloud indicated the photos before him. “We cannot allow this to continue. No matter what this has to stop. But the question is: how do we do it? We don't even know where this Xyler Malakai is.”

 

No one that night really had any answers and when it started to run into the morning hours, it was decided that none would be found that night as they had enough to think about for now. Cid promised Yuffie that he would leave later that afternoon to pick up the others as they figured there would be safety in numbers. Yuffie in turn had assured Cloud that they could use Wutai as a sort of base and a place to keep the kids safe. The blond swordsman said he was grateful and servants lead everyone to their guest rooms.

 

The next couple days for Yuffie though had been pure hell. As soon as word got out that the coronation was to take place in three days, people started to lose their minds. Or at least they had in Yuffie's opinion.

 

“Leviathan give me patience!” she would almost yell as yet another fabric swatch was shown for her to choose as one of her eight ceremonial kimonos. And then there were fittings, and more fittings, and she had been poked so many times by the same seamstress it was a wonder she still had any feeling left at all. Yuffie the World's Greatest Ninja and Savior was NOT a pin cushion!

 

She had counted on some changes in the way people treated her, but she hadn't known it would be so dramatic or that is would annoy her so. The constant bowing and apologizing was grating on her nerves. So much so that she almost constantly walked around with a scowl on her face by the end of the second day. Her `Friends' for the most part avoided her. She barely got the chance to see them anyway with all the organizing she had to do. Didn't she have people to take care of at least half of this? What good was it being Empress if you had to take care of EVERYTHING? Couldn't someone else pick out the color of the flowers going around the altar? Or figure out what noble sat by this noble at the dinner? It was getting ridiculous!

 

She had actually growled at Cloud, Vincent, and Tifa when they had passed by her in the garden and asked how she was doing. “That bad, huh?” Tifa asked, while Cloud and Vincent had disappeared in the wake of such feminine anger.

`Typical.' She thought to herself.

 

Before she could answer her friend though, her servants had found her hiding spot and quickly converged upon them. Yuffie noticed their hurried approach and leapt off the bench she had been sitting on, taking of at a run and leaving the shocked servants in her wake calling out for her return.

 

“Empress! Empress come back! We need you to pick out…”

 

Yuffie hadn't heard the rest, she was too far away. She hadn't even been crowned yet and all ready the formality was starting. She had even caught Nanaki and Cloud bowing to her with the others and had just about lost it then.

 

Another sharp prick to her side brought Yuffie back to the present. This time she wasn't going to put up with any more. “Enough Tika! Enough. If it isn't ready by now it won't be. Now please, go with the others to get ready for the ceremony. Really, it's beautiful, you can't perfect it anymore.” The elderly seamstress nodded reluctantly and taking her assistance with her left Yuffie in a rare moment by herself.

 

Yuffie took the opportunity to look at herself in the large mirror. She didn't recognize the reflection. They had never let her see what she looked like with the ceremonial kimonos on, so she was somewhat shocked at what she saw. Her hair was done up in an ornate style she had no idea how it had been accomplished. Various loops had been made where her hair was pulled back, each held in place by one of her mother's jade hair pins while a large and fragrant white lily was pinned into the side of her hair behind her left ear.

 

A deep maroon eye shadow with hints of gold had been placed over her eyelids, and kohl added to her lashes. And dark red gloss had been added to her lips, her top fully covered and a single red stripe down the center of her bottom lip. No other make-up had been added as they said she need no more. Long earrings with diamonds at the end of them hung from her ears and necklace that had belonged to her mother also hung around her neck, it was made of pearl and abalone. The end result made her look exotic.

 

But it was the dress that really drew her attention. It was the first layer of the eight kimonos she would don that day. A pure white with delicate silver embroidery running all through it. Almost invisible until the light hit the silver threads when she moved. Long sleeves belled out where they stopped just past her finger tips. The soft flowing fabric accentuated her figure nicely and flared out at the hips, its delicate folds ending in a long train that was currently pooled at her feet. For the first time in her life, Yuffie felt beautiful. And she was amazed at just how much she looked like her beloved mother.

 

`If only you could be here.'

 

But that was a sad thought, and Yuffie refused to have those today. A knock on the screen alerted the ninja to the fact that her moment of private reflection was over. Quickly she slipped into her getas, thankful for the ninja training that allowed her to balance and walk in them gracefully, before answering the door.

 

Chekhov's daughter, Shia, was there. She had taken over for the former guardian in the wake of his death. Shia had dressed in her formal Pagoda garb and bowed low before her empress as she entered the room. Yuffie fought rolling her eyes. She really did.

 

“You're Highness, all is ready. It is time for the ceremony to begin. Please let me escort you to your friends.”

 

“Lead the way, Lady Shia.”

 

If everyone else felt the need to add titles, she could to. Maybe it would be twice as annoying when she did it. And maybe Cid would quit smoking. Maybe.

 

The morning was peaceful and still, crickets continued their light chirping before the sun drove them back into hiding. Yuffie had followed Shia to the covered walkway outside that lead to her wing of the palace. It was surrounded on either side by a shallow pond filled with lily pads and koi fish that were barely visible in the pre-dawn light. Servants lined the hallways and corridors as they entered the main part of the palace, all bowing low as their future Empress passed.

 

They continued on until they reached the doors leading to the Royal Gardens. Here all her friends had been assembled as well has the other guardians and advisors. Everyone had dressed up for the occasion, even Barret and Cid had forgone their usual T-Shirts and Mesh in favor of something more formal. Cid still had his cigar of course, it was just unlit. Vincent though still looked the same, although he had removed the gold plates that covered the tips of his boots and his hair looked a bit tidier.

 

Yuffie smiled at them all and winked at Denzel as he yawned loudly. His eyes got extremely large as he blushed and looked away. Shia bowed low once again before turning to join the other Guardians. Everyone stood waiting. Suddenly a gong sounded and the doors were opened wide. Servants had scattered flower petals on the path leading to the center of the garden where an altar had been erected before a large pond with a statue of Leviathan rising from it.

 

Yuffie set her arms in her sleeves and walked down the path, lead by the High Priest and six of his monks. Slowly, everyone else followed a discrete distance behind and was made to kneel on various cushions that had been placed on the grounds around the altar and off the main path. Yuffie could almost hear Cid grumbling at this. The monks stopped when a gong sounded again and proceeded to kneel with everyone else before the altar. Yuffie kneeled on a white cushion as well as the High Priest began the process of The Blessing. No one could get crowned without The Blessing having been bestowed upon them by the High Priest.

 

Birds began to chirp as a glow started to fill the sky behind the altar. Soon The Blessing was completed and Yuffie rose gracefully from the ground.

 

`No small feat in these shoes. Feat, shoes, Leviathan I crack myself up! Speaking of which…'

 

The High Priest stepped aside as Yuffie slipped her getas off and proceeded to walk out across the pond. It might be considered a miracle to some but it was something ninja had been doing for centuries. Yuffie just focused her energy to the soles of her feet. When she got to the center of the pond, she stopped and turned to face the witnesses.

 

“I, Yuffina Kisaragi of Clan Kisaragi, daughter of Empress Mei-Zhen Kisaragi and Lord Godo, summon Leviathan, Lord of the Waters and Watcher of the Waves. I ask for his blessing so that I may rule these lands with wisdom and in peace. Let our lands be fruitful and the seas plentiful. May our people prosper and know the grace and divinity that is your own. This blessing I ask of you.” Yuffie finished the prayer with her head bowed and her palms pressed together before her. `Leviathan, give me the strength to protect my people.'

 

Her summon materia glowed and pillars of water rose up and arched around her. Leviathan also rose up out of the waters and spiraled around Yuffie. The sun chose that moment to rise and the glow of its light shinning through the pillars causes multitudes of rainbows to appear and Yuffie's kimono seem luminescent. Slowly the giant sea serpent lowered its massive head till it rested lightly on Yuffie's upturned hand. A low whistling was heard as Leviathan slowly nodded its approval of the young ninja woman before disappearing in an amazing display of light. The water also just evaporated with the departure of the water god leaving Yuffie surprisingly dry.

 

Yuffie stepped out of the pond feeling somewhat light headed. Sure she had summoned Leviathan before but the results had never been anything like that. And with the blessing of their High Priest and their God, it meant all she had to do was don the rest of the kimonos and the crown and she was officially Empress. Suddenly her knees felt very wobbly. It didn't help that her friends were staring at her like she had grown a third limb. Which she might have. She didn't know. Anything was possible after what she had just experienced.

 

All of a sudden she wanted to get away. She wanted to bolt and hide. But the unexpected weight of seven layers of kimonos, each a different color representing the seven blessings an Empress must have, shocked the young woman enough to root her to the ground. Someone must have helped her into her getas for now she was walking through the palace once again, this time being escorted by the Guardians. Staniv and Shake in the front, followed by Gorky and Shia.

 

Before she knew it she was on the steps leading up to the palace, looking out upon a multitude of her people who had waited a long time for this moment. Some had even camped out the night before to reserve a spot where they could see her better. All were cheering and smiling and waving, hoping to get her to wave back at them. But Yuffie could only stand there, trying to feel anything but shock and cold fear. The High Priest came seemingly out of no where carrying a large ornately carved wooden box. The crowd recognized it for what is was and went absolutely silent. Yuffie tried not to find it eerie.

 

The priest opened the box and removed the black velvet that was covering something precious. And it was very precious indeed. Yuffie hadn't seen it since before her mother's death nine years ago. It was still beautiful. It glimmered in the early morning sun as the High Priest bade Yuffie to kneel, raising the object above her head. Yuffie did so and soon felt the weight of the solid gold Crown of Heaven set upon her head. She rose and watched as all around people bowed down to pay homage to their new Empress.

 

Three hours later, a shoji screen quickly slid open then slammed shut as Yuffie leaned against its frame panting. Who would have thought she could move that fast in layers of silk and in these shoes? No one at the feast that was for sure. Metallic grey eyes scanned the room she had run into to make sure she was really alone. Finding it empty, Yuffie let out a deep breath. Kicking off her shoes she walked over to the nearest chair and flopped ungracefully into it. If anyone expected her to move in the next twenty years they would have to pry her out. She had been on her feet in those gawd awful shoes since four that morning and now it was almost noon. She hadn't even been allowed to sit at her own banquet, instead having to move around and have random people stop and pay their respects to her.

 

 

Her head ache had returned full force; a pounding that made her want to bury her head under the nearest pillow. It reverberated in her head and went in tandem with the knocking on the door.

 

“Empress? You're Highness are you in there?”

 

Yuffie closed her eyes and tried to melt into the seat.

 

“Yuffie, it's us, your friends. We know you are in there, Vincent followed you and Nanaki sniffed you out. Is everything all right?”

 

`Damn cat thing and his superior nose. Damn Valentine and his Vincentness. And damn Tifa for sounding so worried.'

 

“Nhg.” Was the only reply she could make at the moment however.

 

The door slid open and light flooded the room, causing Yuffie to hiss and fling an arm over her abused eyes. The door slid back shut and Yuffie continued to sit there, choosing to ignore those around her.

 

“Yuffie, everyone was worried. You disappeared and we couldn't find you. You can't run away from your own coronation, you're Highness.”

 

“Can it, Tifa. I've got the mother and father of all headaches and guess what, their making babies. So if you would please turn that light back off so I can put my eyes back in their sockets that would be great.”

 

Everyone was quiet for a moment till Yuffie sighed, lifted her arm off her eyes and proceeded to stand up. “Look, I'm sorry I snapped at you. But really, I can't handle all this formality. Especially from you guys. It just isn't right.”

 

“Well I sure as hell `ave no intentions of kissin' yer pampered ass. You'll always be a brat to me.” Cid said as he crossed his arms in font of his chest, his now lit cigar miraculously still perched on his smiling lips.

 

Yuffie did the only thing she could at that moment to express her joy at his words. Walking over to him, she plucked his cigar out of his mouth, and before he could protest, planted a smacking kiss right on his mouth before placing the cigar right back in his now gaping mouth.

 

“There, never knew I could shut you up so easily.” The young woman said as she winked at the now blushing pilot.

 

“All right then, escort me back to the torture chamber please. I'm sure some one out there hasn't seen me in this getup.”

 

Just then, the screen slammed open and Li Jong stood there with the other Guardians lined up on the hall behind him. Instantly Yuffie was on the alert.

 

“You're Majesty, we have to get you out of here now. We have received word on an attempt on your life and we must escort you out of the Palace immediately.”

 

At that moment there was a loud explosion that shook the entire Palace. Soon screams could be heard and people were panicking. The lights flickered then went off. Yuffie tried to breath from beneath the pile of bodies that had thrown themselves over her in an effort to shield her from the blast.

 

“Damn, Girl, you sure know how to throw a party.” Came Barret's gruff voice as he picked himself up off the floor.

 

Yuffie laughed mirthlessly as two sets of hands helped pull her up as well. One belonged to Li and the other to Vincent. She smiled gratefully at them both as she dusted herself off.

 

Tifa was being helped up by Cloud, but her knuckles turned white where she griped his forearm. “Cloud, the kids, we left the kids in the banquet hall.”

 

Everyone looked to Yuffie who only nodded and marched back towards the door. “Let's go then. It would seem my first act as Empress of Wutai will be damage control. Come on Tifa, I'm sure they are fine. The explosion sounded like it came from outside the main part of the Palace.”

 

“Highness…!” The Guardians called out startled as she took of down the halls ahead of them. “We have to make sure the area is cleared first.”

 

“You forget I guard the top level of the Pagoda now. So either keep up or shut up.”

 

All down the halls, servants and guests were running around, trying to figure out what was going on, looking for answers; looking for her.

 

“Oh, Empress! We are so glad you are safe, when that explosion happened and you were no where to be found we all feared the worst!”

 

“My Lady! Are you alright? We looked everywhere for you!”

 

“What is going on? What are we supposed to do?”

 

And so on and so forth. Yuffie did what she could to reassure those she met along the way but she was in a hurry to make it to the banquet hall. She had sent Li on ahead to find out where the explosion had taken place and if anyone had been hurt. Li hesitated for only a moment before taking off to follow her orders.

 

They made it to the banquet all to find it relatively undamaged. The windows had been shattered and a few of the chandeliers had fallen down upon some tables, but no one seemed hurt. Yuffie found Denzel and Marlene with the Head Priest surrounded by a few monks. Other monks were going around and tending to a few people who had received minor damage from the broken glass, or helping to calm others down.

 

As soon as they came into view, the children left the safety of the monks and ran into Tifa and Barret's arms. Both were talking about a mile a minute as they told the others what had happened while Yuffie walked over to her High Priest to thank him.

 

“There is no need to thank me, You're Grace. Children are to be treasured and protected. I would not have let anything happen to them if it was in my power to do so.”

 

“Well, thank you anyway, Father Hao Shin. You and your fellow brothers have done well in taking care of my people and helping to calm them down.”

 

They bowed to one another before Yuffie turned once again to her friends. Walking over to them, she ruffled Denzel's hair and smiled as once again he blushed and looked away, then hugged Marlene. “I'm so glad you are both ok, Kiddo.”

 

“Father Hao Shin and the other monks looked after us. He's pretty fast for an old man. I told him so and he just smiled and said it was because he ate his vegetables. As soon as the explosion happened, he was right there with his arms around both of us, making sure the glass didn't hit us. I was actually very scared but he talked to me to keep me from thinking about it.” Yuffie sometimes forgot how Marline could talk 100 miles per minute. Very much like herself at that age.

 

“I wasn't scared at all.” Denzel said proudly, doing a very good impression of Cloud with his arms folded and his head turned away.

 

“Really, Denz?” Yuffie said as she walked over to him.

 

“Yeah, I just wish who ever did this would show themselves so I could kick their ass!”

 

Yuffie laughed and stood back up as Cloud gently bonked Denzel on the top of the head with a fist. “Tifa doesn't like it when you talk that way.”

 

The boy quickly mumbled an apology. Li Jong returned at that moment with a small handful of other Wu Shang warriors. Yuffie nodded to them and to Judoki whom had arrived with them. Turning once more to the kids, she tried to keep the weariness out of her voice. “Hey guys, how about you follow Father Hao Shin back to the Main Temple for a cool tour and then he could have his monks show you just how fast they really are.”

 

“Are you trying to get rid of us?” the thirteen year old asked.

 

“Yes. But I promise you won't be bored. Just be on your best behavior or I'll have them ordain you and shave your head bald.”

 

Denzel put a hand up to his unruly locks while Marlene laughed. “Come on Denzel, at least she was honest with us about it.”

 

Yuffie waited till the children had left with the High Priest before leading the others back up stairs while servants began the task of cleaning up the now ruined banquet hall.

 

“Shake, I want you to organize the clean up of the banquet hall and assist the monks in finding and treating those that need it. Shia, please assist him.” The duo bowed low as Yuffie turned from them and let everyone one back into the Council Room. Everyone chose a seat except for Li and the rest of the Wu Shang. Yuffie shrugged off her outer kimonos till she was left in the white one and slipped her getas off once again. Laying them across the back of the chair, she finally took her seat at the head of the large round table.

 

Judoki started to protest this, “You're Grace, those ceremonial kimonos must be worn till the sun has set, they can't be thrown across the back of a chair like…like…”

 

Yuffie held up a hand, preventing her most trusted advisor from continuing. “Before this gets any further there are a couple rules I'm going to have to insist you all follow. Under no circumstances while we are alone are you to refer to me by any title. My name is Yuffie. Nor are you to drone on about the proper protocols and etiquette of an Empress as if they hadn't already been drilled into my head since I was born. Yes I know it tradition to wear the robes till the sun has set and the ancient fan dance is preformed but incase you haven't noticed, there won't be a fan dance tonight. As for where I lay them, the way I see it I bought them, I was poked within an inch of my life with a needle by a blind seamstress for them; so if I want to lay them over the back of a chair, or chocobo or on the floor I will. And no one can say a damn thing about it.”

 

Everyone was silent as they took in the words of the deceptively calm young woman before them. Cid though just took a long drag of his cigar. “What about `Yuffina'? Can we call you that?”

 

“Absolutely not. The Old Man gave me that name when I was born and I have yet to forgive him. Any other stupid questions?” Yuffie just winked at Cid as Barret and Cait guffawed at the other side of the table. “Li, I take it you have your report?”

 

Li bowed before coming forward. “Yes, Y-Yuffie.” The man seemed to be having trouble with the informality. But then an order was an order. “The explosion took place on the East Wing of the Palace. Most of it was completely destroyed. It would seem it was empty though as no bodies were found and no one has reported any major injuries.”

 

“So they took out my private rooms. Were they armatures? Surely they didn't actually think I would be in them at this time of day.”

 

“At this time I don't believe they were looking to kill you or anyone else just yet.”

 

“A statement then.”

 

Yuffie looked over to Vincent. This was the first time she had heard him speak in days. She hadn't realized she had actually gotten used to the timbre of his voice. But then, she did hide out in a cave for nearly two weeks with only him for company. Of course she would have grown accustomed to it. Interesting that she would actually miss it.

 

“Yes, it would seem that way. Again, no one was seriously hurt. If they had been looking to cause that kind of collateral damage or hurt you, they would have aimed for the place with the highest population of people.” The Wu Shang Captain said before turning once again to face Yuffie.

 

“Hell kid that was nothin'.” Cid said as he rested a boot atop the rim of the table.

 

“You shoulda seen what we had dealt with about three or so years ago. I don't think a little bomb is gonna take down this girl.” Barret added his own two cents.

 

“We still have much to discuss and take care of. Yuffie, you have to reassure the people that you are safe and that everything is ok. There is much panic out there.” Staniv broke in.

 

Yuffie sighed and rubbed her temples. What a great day this was turning out to be. Why did these sorts of things have to happen to her?

 

“Li, take your men and do a sweep of the area. I want the person responsible for this found by tonight. Do not report to me unless you have found them or something else as important comes up.”

 

Li Jong and the rest of the Wu Shang members in the room quickly bowed and just as quickly disappeared. Her friends, with the exception of Vincent and Nanaki, shook their head in amazement at their apparent speed.

 

“Judoki, I want the air waves opened for a mass transmission. Cid, please help him set it up. All of Wutai needs to hear this. Staniv and Gorky, I want an updated status report of all our temples. Cloud, Tifa, Barret, Cid, Cait, and Valentine, I just want to thank you guys for coming to my coronation. It wasn't exactly what I had in mind, but if you give me a little while, I promise to make it back to you guys so we can discuss our plans on what to do about Malakai.”

 

“You think he is behind this?” Cloud asked.

 

“Don't you?” the shinobi countered.

 

 

 

It had taken a few hours to get everything ready for the mass broadcast Yuffie had wanted. That hadn't stopped her from entering town and talking with people, reassuring them by her mere presence that all was well. She talked with all the servants and thanked them for the extra hard work they had put in restoring the banquet hall and all the general preparations they had gone through to get the palace ready for the coronation on such short notice. She met with her council members to discuss further plans about the protection of the people. And she visited her Chocobo Shiva just for the comfort the giant golden almost silvery bird gave her. She had been very busy. It was a good thing she was an adrenaline junky, otherwise she would be exhausted.

 

The sun was just getting ready to set when Li Jong as well as six other members of his squad marched into the palace with a prize for their Empress. After locking him in an interrogation room located under the Palace, the Captain of the Wu Shang left his six men to guard the prisoner while he went in search of Yuffie.

 

“You've found him?” Yuffie exclaimed as she turned to face the man who had just tapped on her shoulder. They were getting ready to do the broadcast but she figured that could wait. She wanted to be able to tell her people that the one responsible had been captured but she wanted to be certain of it first.

 

Everyone followed Li down several flights of stairs to where the old holding cells were kept. They had been updated over the years so that even a member of the Wu Shang would have found escape almost impossible. The guard bowed down to Yuffie as she approached his room.

 

“He hasn't done anything but sits there and chants quietly to himself. We believe he acted alone on this.” One of the guards informed her.

 

“We caught him attempting to make a run for the boarder.” Li said as they watched the captive through the one way mirror. The man on the other side was wearing the trademark black cloak and was swaying back and forth. His hood had been pushed back to reveal almost white short hair and very gaunt features. His age was impossible to determine but his sanity was quite obviously gone.

 

“Is he completely restrained?”

 

“Yes, Empress.” The guard next to the door informed her.

 

“Good, then I'm going in.” Yuffie said as she grasped the door handle.

 

“But…You're Majesty…” came the startled voice of Li Jong.

 

“Do you not trust in your abilities to properly restrain a criminal?”

 

The captain of the Wu Shang straightened his back noticeably. “Of course. But this man is deranged. Who knows what he could try?”

 

“That's why Valentine is going in with me. I'm sure he can handle whatever that man tries.” Yuffie turned towards her silent companion, “Ready to play good cop, bad cop? You being the good cop of course.”

 

She could see him wanting to smirk at that. “Of course.”

 

Vincent opened the door for Yuffie and bowed at the waist as she walked by. She tried not to roll her eyes as she knew it was just a show for the man who had currently stopped swaying to watch them enter. She had to be seen as the powerful and strong Empress of Wutai.

 

Yuffie took the seat at the table on the opposite side while Vincent closed the curtains before the mirror, blocking the others outside from viewing. Yuffie kept the smile off her face thinking of how Li would be very upset by this.

 

“Well, don't you look like Death warmed over? Really, it seems Xyler will take in just anyone these days.”

 

Than man before her refused to say anything. He just closed his eyes and continued to chant. Yuffie though refused to be deterred.

 

“Why does he see me as such a threat? Why does your master fear me? Not that I blame him really. I would be scared of me too if I were him. Thank Leviathan I'm not. The guy can't even fight his own fights. That's a sign of weakness if you ask me. Pathetic really that he hides behind people like you.”

 

Yuffie noticed Vincent had moved to lean against the wall beside the table with his arms folded. His eyes appeared as nothing but slits as he stared at the pitiful man before him. She wondered what he was thinking.

 

“They say that you are only as powerful as the people you have following you, and if you are anything to go by, Xyler isn't much a leader.”

 

Finally she got a reaction from the cloaked man before her as he stopped chanting to open bloodshot eyes and glare at her.

 

“You dare to speak of the Master with such disrespect? He is wise and powerful, while you are nothing.”

 

“And look at where we are at, you are captured, I'm crowned Empress, and your `Master' is in hiding. You're not doing a very good job of convincing me.”

 

“He does not hide. He fears nothing.”

 

“Then why does he not come here himself? Why does he send fools like you to do his dirty work?”

 

“His Divinity must not be soiled by such actions. He is pure and will remain so. I gladly do as he asks to keep it that way. I have already been forgiven for my actions. But you and that abomination with you will never know of Gaia's divine light! Of Master Malakai's divine love and guidance!”

 

“Than give me a chance to learn. Where can I find him? Surely if he is as great as you say he will be willing to guide me to the right path?”

 

“I will tell you nothing!”

 

“I'm trying to be nice. There are ways of making you talk.”

 

“I do not fear you.”

 

A kunai embedded itself on the table before him while Yuffie rose from her seat with a devilish smirk. “Maybe not. But the Wu Shang can do all kinds of things with that little knife there. Shall I expound upon them for you? Or perhaps a demonstration?”

“No matter what you do, it is nothing compared to what the Master does to those who betray his love and trust.”

 

“Empress.”

 

Yuffie as startled for a moment as she was getting ready to reach for the kunai. It was a bit unnerving to hear Vincent refer to her as such. She decided she didn't like it.

 

“Yes?”

 

“Allow me to be left alone with the man. I have a few questions of my own.”

 

Yuffie looked over at Vincent before returning her attention to the captive. His eyes had gone over to where the former Turk was still leaning against the wall, but his face was now covered in sweat. He obviously did not like that idea.

 

“Go ahead. I will leave you to it.” She picked up the kunai and placed it back in her robes. “And to think you could have done this the easy way. What a waste.”

 

Yuffie walked to the door and quickly shut it behind her. Li Jong and the rest of the Avalanche members quickly converged upon the young woman. Yuffie chose to ignore all their questions for a moment and sat on a chair directly across from the interrogation room. If she couldn't see it in person, this would be the closest she could get to a front row seat. People continued to talk around her as Yuffie found herself in deep thought.

 

“Empress, you should know better than to close the curtain. How can I protect you when I cannot see you?”

 

“Why did you leave Vincent in there?”

 

“Were you able to git anything outa the bastard?”

 

It surprised her that Vincent had offered to take over though. She may not know much about his exact experiences as a Turk, but she knew enough about them and his desire to relinquish that past to be somewhat concerned. She had only asked him in there to intimidate the guy. Yuffie had no qualms in doing what she had to in order to get information out of the guy. He had blown up her palace and could have killed many people. And he obviously felt no remorse for it. She was trained as a Wu Shang assassin so therefore knew all kinds of techniques. Then again, the simple fear of those techniques usually got people to talk before a single drop of blood fell. Either way she was ready to do whatever she had to.

 

“You weren't in there very long, Yuffie. What did you say?”

 

“Are you sure it is safe to leave Vampy in there wit the guy?”

 

“Is Vincent ok with this?”

 

Of course Cloud would wonder something like that. Who knew more about being haunted by the past then the former emo boy? But why did Vincent volunteer? Why would he willingly assume the role he had tried so hard to destroy? Either way, Yuffie knew she would have to thank him. She could only guess at the difficulty he might have over having to do this. Chaos though might enjoy it.

 

`Oh God, Chaos!'

 

Even she had noticed the slight changes in Vincent while they were killing monsters. There was more bloodlust to it. And Vincent seemed to stare off into space a whole lot more than usual, something Yuffie had figured out as moments when he would be conversing with the demon; or being forced to listen to it. Despite his not so obvious efforts; Yuffie noticed that Chaos seemed to be closer to the surface than usual. He would relish an opportunity like this.

 

Just as that thought crossed her mind, a blood curdling scream pierced through the normally very soundproof walls of the interrogation room. Yuffie shot up from her chair and zoomed over towards the door. A hand on her arm stopped her just as the screaming came to an abrupt halt. Everyone in the hall was silent as they waited for something, anything to happen to let them know what was going on. Li Jong kept his grip on Yuffie's arm though just incase the tried once again to enter the room.

 

Ten minutes went by as whimpering steadily grew from the other side of the door. Suddenly the door opened and Vincent calmly walked out. “You may retrieve him if you wish.”

 

Yuffie wondered if there was anything left to retrieve. Li quickly let go of her arm to see for himself and Yuffie followed him after one last quick glance to the once again silent gunman as he leaned against the opposite wall. She caught his eye as he nodded for her to go ahead and Yuffie couldn't help but give in a small smile before following her Captain.

 

“It's true. Everything my Master says is true. M-m-m-monster!! You are all MONSTERS!! DEMONS! Every last one of you!”

 

Yuffie looked at the man as he raved non stop while Li and the rest of his men unlocked the chain that kept his arms behind his back and attached to the floor. From what the ninja could see, there didn't appear to be a scratch on him. But he still looked horrible. He looked like a man who had just experienced hell and came out the other side ruined.

 

“YOU WILL ALL BURN! ONLY THE HOLY FIRE CAN PURIFY YOUR FILTHY SOULS! IT IS TOO LATE FOR REPENTENCE! DEATH IS THE ONLY WAY! IT COMES! MY MASTER SHALL SCORCH AWAY YOUR SINS! DEMON! DEMON!”

 

With a quick nod Yuffie's way, Li swiftly knocked the man unconscious as they carried him down the hall towards his cell. Everyone else that was left quickly turned towards Vincent who proceeded to ignore them all. Yuffie was having none of that.

 

“Well, what did he say?”

 

“Nothing of much help. He doesn't know where Malakai is, has never even met him. Only those higher in the Order, as he called it, actually get to meet Malakai. Apparently after he did this he was supposed to get promoted.”

 

“Great, a man with a career path. Anything else?”

 

“He had hinted at another attack happening in the near future. He doesn't know when though.”

 

“Well alright then, we'll just have to work with that. Now I must go and inform my people that the culprit has been cap…”

 

At that very moment loud explosions rocked the area and caused the lights to flicker. Yuffie's heart sped up as she raced towards the exit. This could not be happening now. Why now?

 

`Like I really needed this today?'

 

“Seems like Malakai wanted to start the fireworks early. Damn it! What the hell is going on?”

 

Yuffie started to run up the steps but was stopped by a solid wall of red. “What the…Valentine?”

 

“We do not know the situation up ahead. It would be wise if you did not go first.”

 

“Whatever, just hurry. I'm not in the mood to stand around while my country is under attack.” Yuffie shouted as another round of blasts shook the building.

 

Together with Vincent in the lead, Yuffie and the rest of the Avalanche gang hurried up the steps to the main level of the palace. People were running everywhere, panic evident in their voices and on their faces. There had not been an attack on Wutai since Shinra tried to invade many years ago. Palace guards spotted her and instantly rushed to Yuffie's side.

 

“Empress, you are safe!”

 

“I need to know the situation, gentlemen! What the hell is going on?”

 

“We do not really know ourselves. So far the blasts are happening outside the palace.”

 

Yuffie did not wait to hear anymore, she quickly left the guards standing there and rushed to the main steps leading up to the palace. Pushing the large double doors open wide, she stood at the top of the ancient stone steps with dread settling in her heart.

 

Her village was on fire. Everywhere people were running around in a panic as their homes and businesses were being destroyed. People were dying; her people. Yuffie watched in horror as more missiles appeared in the sky, taking deadly aim at her country.

 

Judoki, Cloud, Tifa, and Vincent appeared beside her, each at a loss for words at the sight before them. “So this is Malakai's `Holy Fire'?”

 

“Empress.”

 

“Where is Li?”

 

A shadow appeared to kneel down at her feet. “I am here.”

 

Yuffie did not even spare him a glance, her eyes fixed on the destruction of her country. “The prisoner?”

 

“He had an unfortunate accident.”

 

“Fine. I want the Wu Shang to get this city and all other villages evacuated.”

 

“Yes, you're Majesty.”

 

“Empress.”

 

“All temples are to be secured as well.”

 

“Yuffie!”

 

Yuffie spun around to face her advisor. “What Judoki?!”

 

“We have to get you out of here.”

 

“Excuse me? My people need me…”

 

Judoki walked forward and wiped the tears out of Yuffie's eyes. Tears she hadn't even realized she shed. “Your people need to you be kept safe. This can't be done here.”

 

“Yuffie,” Cloud took a step forward. “Cid is getting the Shera ready for take off. We're going to take you with us.”

 

“But…”

 

“More missiles are heading this way. They are showing up on the radar and are expected to arrive within the next five minutes. The projected target is the palace.”

 

“Denzel and Marline?

 

“Are in a secure location surrounded by temple monks. Yuffie, it is time.”

 

The newly crowned Empress of Wutai turned once again to face her city. The glow of the fires lighting up the night sky and the smell of smoke filled the air. This was her home. She used to run around on those streets. Jump across those roof tops. Hide in the various shops from her servants when she was younger. And now…

 

“Your people will understand. Come, we must get you out of here.”

 

Tifa came and put an arm around her tense friend as they led Yuffie through the palace. Servants were already being escorted out by the Royal Guards, as well as other ministers and lords. Each stopped to bow as Yuffie and her group passed by.

 

“Wait! You're Grace!”

 

Yuffie turned around to see two of her ladies in waiting rushing up to her. They skidded to a halt before her and proceeded to bow low. “Majesty, we have packed your belongings and brought your weapons.”

 

“You can't take down this Malakai character dressed in your Ceremonial Robes.”

 

Tears sprung anew in the ninja's eyes as the stepped forward and grabbed each girl in a fierce hug. “Thank you.”

 

The girls smiled and stepped back. “Now you must leave.”

 

“Yes, and don't worry about us. We'll be here waiting for you to return.”

 

Yuffie could do nothing but nod as once again she was lead away with her belongings in her arms. She sent a silent prayer up to Leviathan to keep her people safe. She only felt too helpless at the moment.

 

Once they reached the grounds behind the palace Yuffie looked up to see Barrett and Nanaki waiting at the top of the ramp for them. “'Bout time you got here. We've got to go. Cid's ready to take off.”

 

“Yuffie, get up there.” Judoki came forward to hug her. “The guardian's and I will stay behind to take care of things here.”

 

“We will rebuild.” Yuffie said with steel and determination.

 

“Yes, we will. We always do.”

 

“You know I must go after Malakai for this.”

 

Judoki smiled a somewhat sad smile as he cupped her cheek. He had never told her how much she was like a daughter to him. But then he never had to. “Of course. We knew what we were getting when you were crowned Empress. We are proud to have a fighter for the world as our leader.”

 

He stepped away from Yuffie as Li came forward to take his place. “I hate that you are going where I cannot see you and protect you. But if you are not safe with friends such as these, I feel you can't be safe anywhere.”

 

Yuffie moved as though to give her childhood friend and training partner a hug. “Li…”

 

The Captain of the Wu Shang stopped her by setting his hands on her shoulders and placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. His move shocked her and made Yuffie guess at some things Judoki had been hinting at for a while. “Be safe, Yuffie.” Came the whispered words as he pushed her immobile form up the last of the ramp and stepped back as the hatch shut between them and the ramp was drawn up.

 

Yuffie rushed to the deck and leaned against the rail, her hands gripping it tight as she felt the lurch of take-off. In no time at all, Yuffie could only make out the sharp angles and steeples of the palace roof and the bright twin lights of the missiles gaining on their target. She held her breath as Cid took her further away from her home even as the deadly threats drew closer. Tear streamed unchecked down her cheeks as she watched the once beautiful and proud Palace of Heaven, the center of Wutai, and her home go up in a blaze of glory. The explosion heard and felt even from the airship.

 

The young woman continued to stand at the rail and watch as the distance between her and the destruction of her home grew greater and greater until all that remained was the bright glow of the fires in the distance. Ashen faced, she joined the rest of her friends on the Bridge and sat down on the floor besides Nanaki. Her fur covered friend licked her chin before resting his great head on her lap. No one said anything as no one really knew what to say.

 

“Cid.” Came the unusually subdued voice of the young ninja.

 

Startled by the sound of her voice, Cid jumped a bit before leaning over the wheel of his airship to look down at Yuffie seated on the floor below him. “Yeah?” Came his gruff voice though toned down to almost a whisper.

 

“I need a bottle of your homemade whiskey.”

 

Cid gulped, before pulling his cigar out of his mouth. “Now?”

 

“Yes, Cid. Now.”

 

 

 

A/N: There you have it. Another chapter in this thrilling saga! I hope you all enjoyed this. I used this chapter to give you all a glimpse of just how evil Xyler Malakai really is. I also thought you could see how Yuffie takes to her official role as leader to her country. I couldn't really picture her jumping for joy about it. Yes she loves her people and Wutai, but the finality and actuality of the situation would be hard for anyone to really deal with. As always, I love reviews!! I love to hear about what you all think.