"Rufus' Twin"
By Jen
Chapter Eleven - Needle Phobia
*****
Yuffie tried to get as comfortable as was possible in the vents above
Reeves office. Although she was quite slim, it was still a tight fit.
But at least from here, she could she the maps clearly and could memorize
them while the others droned on.
Reno stood against the wall, not wanting to get very close to Reeve or exchange
anymore words than he had to. He was still steaming over the fight they had
earlier. Obviously, Reeve was too, for he only glanced at Reno when it was
necessary and directed most of his words at Elena and Rude.
This looks like a city, Elena murmured, looking closely at the
maps.
It is, Reeve said. At one time, there was a great earthquake
and the ground broke open just under Midgar. It seemed that the city was
built on a dormant fault line. But not dormant enough, because there was
an earthquake and Midgar collapsed into the crack. Rather than relocate,
they salvaged what they could and built a new city over the old one.
Elena frowned. Wouldnt that still be dangerous? I mean, what
if the fault line acted up again?
Reeve shrugged. Extensive studies were done, and the scientists were
sure that it wouldnt become a problem again. Even if it did, I believe
the city would safe since its sitting on top of another one.
Yuffie stared at the maps in disbelief. A whole city was underneath Midgar?
Who knew what sort of things they would find when they went under there?
There could even be materia that hadnt been used in ages. She could
only imagine how pure it would be, and how strong.
Automatically, she began adding up the figures in her head and determining
how much more profit that would make Wutai. Maybe this wouldnt be a
wasted trip after all. She could teach Reno a lesson, and make a little
money off of it.
Let me get this straight, Reno spoke up, theres a
city underneath of the one we are in now, and you want us to go down there?
Theres probably some colony of mutants who only want to live in peace.
Well go down there and theyll consider us a better meal than
the rats.
Elena made a face. Oh Reno, cut the theatrics.
Reeve grit his teeth and refrained from making comment. He knew Reno was
just trying to goad him into an argument. He had gotten the impression when
the Turks arrived, that Reno wasnt ready to forgive him for earlier.
As far as Reeve was concerned, although he felt bad, part of the fault lied
with Reno. And he felt it was better for them just to keep their distance
for awhile.
Reeve ignored Reno and said, Itll probably be chilly under there,
so youll want to dress warmly. I hate to say this, but Im not
sure how long youll be under there. The underground city is enormous,
and theres no telling where the energy Red spotted has moved to now.
So youll want to pack plenty of food.
Ive been studying these maps, he continued, and I
think it might be better for you to get a good nights rest and head out early
tomorrow morning. From these areas here, he said, pointing to the map,
I think that they would have collapsed and created the equivalent of
the Da Chao mountains.
Rude leaned closely to the maps and studied for a few minutes before
straightening. Hmm. Then well need climbing equipment.
Reeve nodded. That would probably be a good idea.
How many soldiers are you sending with us? Elena asked.
Reeve scratched his goatee, Ive been thinking about this. A large
group of soldiers just might get in your way. If you were to travel down
alone, you might-
Alone?! Are you kidding me?! God only knows whats under there!
Reno interrupted.
Elena rounded on him. Shut up, Reno! You didnt even give Reeve
a chance to explain. Now quit it. You arent acting like a professional
Turk here.
Reno was about to reply, when one look from Rude silenced him.
From above, Yuffie covered her mouth to stifle a giggle. Elena was really
putting Reno in his place, and at the moment, she became one of Yuffies
favorite people.
The trip underground was starting to sound a lot more difficult than she
had thought. But she was a ninja, and she had climbed Da Chao many times.
Besides, if she followed Reeves advice and packed all of the things
he said to, she would be fine. And she had no intention of staying down there
until they found whatever it was they were looking for. She just wanted to
make Reno look like an idiot, and find that materia. Then she was out of
there. The Turks were on their own after that.
Reeve sighed and rubbed his temple, where a headache was forming. As
I was saying, if you go down there alone, you can get around much more quickly.
Since it would only be you three, all you need to do is find out what this
energy is and then get back here. From there, Ill take care of
it.
Elena swallowed uneasily. What if... what if we find something... well,
something like what Reno mentioned?
Reeve rolled his shoulders to relieve some of the tension that had been gathering
there and answered, Honestly, I dont know what youll find.
I wish I did, but all Red could tell me was that it was a large mass of energy.
He couldnt tell if it was human, or other. Im afraid youll
just have to go down there and find it. Because, if it is a danger to all
of us, we need to get rid of it as soon as possible.
Elena nodded. We gave our word that we would do whatever job you set
before us, so well do it.
Rude agreed, and Reno remained sulking in the corner.
Okay then. Inside the cave, just before you reach Junon, there is an
exit to the underground that was dug during the war with Wutai. Shinra used
it to ship soldiers out in the night without Wutais sentries getting
word. But when the Mako reactors were built, strange creatures began migrating
up to the light and Shinra was forced to seal it off. Im telling you
this, because if you get in trouble and find yourself far away from the entrance
in Midgar, you can always bust out through there.
Yuffie silently fumed. Stupid Shinra. If I was alive when Wutai was at
war with them, I would have found out about their secret passage and stopped
them.
So wheres the entrance here in Midgar? Reno asked.
The Sector Five slums.
Elenas face expressed her surprise. Where?
According to the architectural plans, there is a manhole in the north
eastern section of the town. It may have got covered by dirt over the years,
so you might have to search a bit.
And no one seemed to notice large groups of soldiers sneaking through
the town and using it? Reno asked, clearly skeptical.
Reeve shrugged. It was the middle of the night. Besides which, what
does it matter? Its ancient history.
Sounds like we got all the information we need, then, Reno said,
turning around and leaving.
Elena and Rude gathered up the maps so that they could study them further,
and Yuffie silently crept back through the vents.
Before they got out of earshot, she heard Rude say, Well meet
you in Sector Five at 6:30 sharp, Reno.
Why so goddamned early, Rude? Reno complained.
Oh stop, Reno, Elena replied. Go to bed early for once,
and you might be able to get up that early without being such a grouch.
*****
Cid, Shera, and Mandie sat at the kitchen table, finishing up the last of
their dinner. Evening had set in, and the time for them to fly to Mideel
was drawing close. Now that Cid wasnt so worried about the mako in
the shot, he began to think about the fact that he was getting a shot. There
were very few things that could make Cid Highwinds skin crawl, and
unfortunately, a needle was one of them.
Mandie didnt seem overly concerned. She was simply happy to be getting
rid of the itchy spots.
Mom, can I go to school tomorrow? Mandie asked, between bites
of her soup.
Shera set her spoon down and replied, Well see. It depends on
whether your spots are gone by the morning or not.
Mandie frowned. I thought you said that they would be gone in a couple
of hours.
Thats what the doctor said, but we want to make sure you arent
contagious first.
Mandie shrugged. I think theyll all be gone. Wont they,
Dad?
Huh?
The spots. Theyll all be gone just like the doctor said.
Cid nodded absently. His mind was still on the shot he was going to be getting.
It seemed that every time his mind pictured it, the needle seemed to get
longer. By the time he reached Mideel, the damn thing was going to be as
long as the Highwind.
Cid? Are you all right? Shera asked.
Yeah. You ready to go yet? he added reluctantly.
Yeah! Mandie yelled, jumping up and racing from the room.
Amanda Cid! Shera called after her.
Mandie immediately trotted back into the room and smiled sheepishly. In her
excitement, she had forgot to clear the table of her dishes and push her
chair in.
Quicker than Shera would have liked, given the clanking sounds coming from
behind her, Mandie put her dishes up and pushed her chair in. She then ran
out of the room again and came back wearing her coat before either Shera
or Cid had even risen.
Come on, Dad! We gotta get rid of these spots!
Cid gathered up his dishes and rose, grinning at the sight of his daughter.
Every spot that cropped up Shera had covered with lotion to reduce the itching.
They had dried to small, pink splotches that looked worse than the original
red bumps.
Shera rose last, stretching to relieve the ache that had settled into her
lower back. She wasnt sure why she had aches and pains already, because
it wasnt like this with Mandie. That, and her stomach seemed so much
larger at this stage than it had with Mandie. She was thinking of setting
up another appointment with Doctor Thomas and having him check her over to
make sure everything was fine.
Cid pulled his worn, blue flight jacket on and helped Shera into her coat.
The weather was taking on a slight chill here in Rocket Town, and he knew
that winter was fast approaching.
Mandie ran ahead of them and started climbing the rope ladder with such a
speed, that it was reminiscent of a monkey. She loved machinery the same
way her old man did, and it was something that Cid was so proud of, he fairly
burst every time it was mentioned. He knew he couldnt have gotten any
luckier than the day when he came to his senses and told Shera his true feelings.
He had Mandie, and another baby on the way to show for it.
After helping Shera onto the deck, and then heading inside, he started up
the controls and watched in amusement as Mandie got as close to the front
window as she could. The Highwind lifted off the ground much more silently
than it ever had before, thanks to Cids tinkering over the years, and
headed for Mideel.
*****
She was running again. Her bare feet slapping against the icy pavement, her
white robe flapping behind her and exposing the pale smoothness of her legs.
She knew they werent far behind. Their boots made too much sound and
their voices carried far. This was the third time she had escaped since being
captured. She couldnt remember how long she had been here, she had
lost all track of time. If they caught her this time, he would be very angry.
And he would perform more of the tests she hated so much.
She had no idea why he had taken her. She only knew that one minute she had
been selling fruits in the city for her mother, and then she had been taken.
Taken to this place with its pristine white walls and its antiseptic smell.
There were others. She had heard their screams and pleading when she wasnt
sedated. She had tried covering her ears, and when that didnt work,
covering her head with her pillow, but she still heard them.
She rubbed absently at her arm where she had ripped out the IV. He wasnt
satisfied with the amount of the greenish-blue liquid he had injected into
her veins, so he was adding more. He hadnt allowed her to look in any
mirrors, but she knew there was something different about her. She felt it.
She felt the new strength coursing through her body as she ran.
All she knew was, that she wanted to go home. Back to her parents and the
small house that they shared in the Sector Seven slums. It was dirty there,
and they were poor, but she loved her parents and all the people that lived
around her. She didnt want to be here anymore, being experimented on
by him. She couldnt see why he would want a weak girl from the slums,
who couldnt even fight. Surely, they couldnt expect her to
become...like him. The man with the long silver hair and the even
longer sword.
Each breath she took sounded harsh and overly loud to her sensitive ears.
Everything in her environment was enhanced now. He had ran many tests on
her to make sure that she was progressing at the rate he wanted her to. And
the others. She wondered if the same things were happening to them, and what
their fate was.
Up ahead, she suddenly saw her escape, and her heart leapt for joy and she
nearly cried aloud in relief. And then she saw him. His long sword
was still at his side, but he blocked the whole doorway with his large frame.
They had sent him to stop her from leaving this time.
She stopped immediately and turned quickly, only to find herself facing the
soldiers and the man whose face she hated the most. They were going to take
her back to her prison.
No! the scream was torn from her throat as she sat up in the
bed, her chest heaving and sweet running down her face and between her breasts
in rivulets.
Frantically, she looked around. The room was very dark, and had an almost
old, musty smell that the new sheets and the scent of lemon could not quite
wipe out. Wherever she was now, she had the feeling that she was safe.
The curtains were drawn over the window, but she could tell that night had
descended, and she wondered how long she had slept. And then she remembered.
The man who called himself Vincent Valentine had brought her to his home.
She only remembered waking long enough to find him putting her in this bed
and then she fell back to sleep. It had been a blissful, dreamless sleep
until now.
Are you all right?
She nearly screamed again, when a shape became apparent near the window.
How was it that she had looked there moments before and seen nothing?
I - you frightened me.
Vincent shifted slightly. I am sorry. You were having a nightmare.
Are you all right now?
Yes. Had he been sitting there the whole time she was asleep?
She looked down at the white sheets and fidgeted with the strands of hair
that fell over her shoulder. Her dream had been so vivid, that she was certain
it was another memory. Two faces haunted her, the man with the long silver
hair, and the man with white lab coat. Who where they? The man with the white
lab coat had been in her other memory, and she knew he had caused her a great
deal of pain.
It-it wasnt just a nightmare, it was a memory, she said,
surprised to be telling him this.
At a time when everything was so confusing, it was hard for her to want to
trust anyone. And yet, she felt as though she could trust him. He had saved
her from those men in...why had that place looked so familiar, yet she could
not put a name to it?
Vincent rose from his chair, and walked over to the bed. He was surprised
when she did not cower away from him, but looked up at him with a mild curiosity
and...trust. Most people, save for his friends, shied away from him. He knew
he looked dangerous, with his blood red clothing and his golden claw. Truthfully,
he had no intentions of changing that image.
Do you want to tell me about it? It might help if you talk about it
aloud.
She stared at him, finding she couldnt look away from his crimson eyes,
so red in a face so pale.
Maybe it would. Here, sit down. Its hard to talk to you when
youre standing over me like that.
A small smile formed on Vincents lips, and he sat in the space she
made when she moved over. Swallowed up by the white sheets, she looked even
smaller and even younger. She couldnt be more than seventeen, unless
looks were deceiving. Which Vincent knew was not impossible.
She glanced at him again and pursed her lips, narrowing her green eyes.
First, where are we?
In Nibelheim. In my home.
Nibelheim. she tested the word on her tongue. It sounds
familiar... but I cant picture it.
Vincent waited in silence, knowing she had more to say.
I-I dont know my name, my age, or where I come from. All I know
is, I awoke in some strange, dark place and the light... the light blinded
my eyes and it was like I hadnt seen light in years. So I ran. I ran
as fast and as far as I could, but my legs were really weak. I dont
know how...but I found this opening... it was like a vent, you know, the
kind with bars. So I pushed on it, but I couldnt move it. Then, it
was strange, but I got really mad and pushed as hard as I could and it moved.
I climbed out, and found myself in some kind of city. The people looked at
me oddly, but I guess I cant blame them since I had just crawled out
of a vent.
Anyway, she continued, I wandered around, but it was like
I knew where to go, even if I couldnt remember why. When I got to the
place I was sure I had to go... no wait, in my dreams, I remember a place...
the Sector Seven slums? What does that mean? Does it sound familiar to
you? she asked, her voice taking on a desperate tinge, as she gripped
his sleeve.
Vincent stared down at the tiny, white hand. Yes. It was the place
where I found you.
She smiled, the effect making her look even younger. I remember, I
used to sell fruits there for my mother. But I cant remember what she
looked like. the smile faded, and she retreated into her thoughts for
awhile.
Vincent watched her, still unsure why he had brought her here. He could have
simply taken her to the Midgar Hospital, where she would be cared for until
they found out her identity. But he had brought her here, an impulsive action
that was so unlike the man he had become.
Vincent... do you suppose that my parents are still alive? she
suddenly asked, her voice startling him out of his own thoughts.
Her clear green eyes locked with his, and he found himself wishing he could
give her the answer she seeked. I dont know.
She turned her face away from him, and he knew she was done talking for now.
Her dream and the answers it might hold would have to wait.
Are you hungry? he asked.
There was moment of silence and then, Yes, please.
What would you like to eat?
She looked back at him, and the expression on her face caused him to regret
his words. I dont know, she said softly. I cant
remember.
Vincent rose from the bed. The bathroom is just through there, if you
want to freshen up while I fix you something. I will just make you some soup.
I dont know the last time you ate, and that may be all your stomach
can handle.
She nodded, but didnt get up from the bed until he had left the room.
When her bare feet touched the carpet, she marveled at its softness. The
last time she remembered her feet touching anything, it had been the cold
tile in her dreams.
She pushed through the door that Vincent had said led to the bathroom, halting
when she realized she was afraid to see her own image. What would it
reveal?
Quit being ridiculous, she told herself. Youll never
find out who you are if you dont get a little bravery.
Flipping on the light switch, she walked into the room and gripped the sides
of the sink, looking into the mirror. The face that stared back at her was
pale, with a bruise discoloring one cheek. She noticed her eyes seemed to
glow, and she wondered if that had anything to do with the experiments that
were performed on her. She touched her long black hair, and then suddenly
a memory hit her.
Youve got such beautiful hair, why dont you take better
care of it? a soft, sweet voice asked, and she felt a brush being pulled
through her hair.
Oh, Mom! I take care of my hair. I was just racing Jimmy again and
it came undone, thats all.
Hmph. If I didnt know any better, Id say that Jimmy was
more than just a friend.
Mom! she cried, feeling a blush heating her cheeks.
Better hurry up. Youll miss the parade, a deep voice said
from behind her.
Whats so important? she asked, wincing when her mother
tugged too tightly on her hair.
Did you forget? Its the Presidents sons fourteenth
birthday.
She made a face. Whats so special about that? Why dont
they spend the money they waste on that stupid parade and fix up the
slums?
Morgan. her mother said softly, her hand on her shoulder.
Im sorry. But I refuse to watch the parade. Therell be
so many people there, Mom, let me sell our fruits? Im sure theyll
get hungry by the time the festivities get rolling.
Her mother laughed. Sure. Always practical, my girl...
Morgan. Her name was Morgan. And she remembered an important event. Maybe
if she told it to Vincent, he could tell her what year this was. In her
excitement, she ran out of the room, leaving the bathroom lights on, and
forgetting that she didnt know her way around.
*****
Cid walked into the clinic in Mideel, Mandie holding his right hand, and
Shera on his left. He was not looking forward to this, even if it would only
take a few minutes. God, he hated needles.
He remembered the last time he had needed a shot. It was when he was just
entering the flying academy for Shinra Inc., and they were all given routine
physicals. One look at the size of the needle in the doctors hands,
and he had punched the nearest orderly and was heading for the door before
the doctor could so much as sneeze. It had taken five orderlies and two other
recruits to hold him down while the doctor administered the shot.
Hello there, Dr. Thomas greeted, coming out from around his
desk.
Hey Doc, Mandie replied, letting go of Cids hand and walking
eagerly forward. So, when are we gonna get our shots?
Dr. Thomas laughed. What a brave girl you are.
I dont like these itchy spots, and I want to go to school
tomorrow.
Ah, important business then, Dr. Thomas said, and winked at
Shera.
The nurse came into the room and helped Mandie remove her jacket and get
seated on an examining table. Shera came forward and sat next to her, having
no idea that Mandie wasnt the one who was going to need her hand
held.
Dr. Thomas left the room and returned with a tray carrying two, large needles.
Needles that looked far too big for Cids liking.
Now, this will only take a moment. Youll feel a slight pinch
and then it will be all over. As I said to your Mom, these wont have
any harmful side effects and in fact might keep you from getting so many
colds.
Mandie held up her arm and asked, And thesell be gone in a few
hours?
Dr. Thomas laughed, Sure will. Two or three at the longest.
Cid, whose face had grown considerably pale, moved away from the tray of
needles and crept closer to the window. He was getting the feeling that he
might need a little air.
A few moments passed, and then he heard the sound of Mandies feet hitting
the floor.
All done. Here you go, a lollipop, he heard Dr. Thomas say.
What do you say? Shera prompted.
Thanks, Mandie said, in between licks.
No problem. Now, for Dad. Cid, are you ready? Dr. Thomas asked,
looking toward the pilot.
Cid turned around reluctantly, his face ashen. Shera rushed over to him,
concerned. Cid, are you all right?
Cid glanced to the needle, then to her face, and back again. Shera...
I hate needles.
Her face creased into a smile, and she took his hand. Her fearless Cid was
afraid of something after all. Dont worry. Itll be all
over in a few minutes, and Ill sit right next to you if you want me
to.
He allowed her to walk him over to the table and remove his flight jacket,
but when Dr. Thomas raised the needle, he swung his hand up and snapped,
You aint jabbin me with that damn thing.
Mandie frowned. It only takes a few minutes, Daddy, and then you get
a lollipop. Here, Ill sit on the other side of you. See, me and Mommy
will protect you.
Cid managed to give his daughter a shaky smile, his heart constricting with
the love he felt for her. Her innocence was the only thing that kept him
from growing bitter sometimes.
Okay Cid Highwind, quite bein a pansy and get it over with,
he muttered, low enough so neither Mandie nor Shera heard.
He slowly lifted his arm and let the nurse prepare it for the shot by cleaning
it. When Dr. Thomas lowered the needle, he closed his eyes and waited for
the feel of it piercing his skin. After a few moments, he opened his eyes
to find the doctor looking the other way. It was over.
See, Daddy? That didnt take long, did it?
The nurse bandaged the small spot, and Cid shrugged back into his flight
jacket. Shera rose from the table and took Dr. Thomas aside for a moment.
Cid wasnt sure what she was talking to him about, but he would ask
her later. Just as soon as they were out of this damn place. He had always
hated hospitals and doctors offices.
Shera came back to collect him and Mandie, and on their way out Dr. Thomas
stopped them.
Cid, can I interest you in that lollipop youve earned?
Cid gave him a sour look, tempted to tell him to go to hell if it werent
for the fact that Mandie was here.
He was about to say no, when Mandie took the lollipop and said, Here
you go, Daddy. See, I told you you get a lollipop.
Cid sighed and tucked the thing away in his pocket.
What do you say? Mandie prompted, sounding so much like her mother,
that Cid burst out laughing and thanked the doctor.
Wrapping his arms around Shera and Mandie, he said, Come on girls,
lets get home.