The Forces Between 6/9, FF7

[AngelOfDeath]

Disclaimer: (see first chapter)

Chapter 6

It was a weekday and she was home before the a.m. It was almost unprecedented. She had forgotten how natural light, even dulled by the clouds outside, made the penthouse blindingly white. Tifa had discovered that Rufus did little else besides sleep or eat here and that's why it stayed so clean, but it needed a lived in feeling anyway. Maybe her creative energy could be poured out here as well. It wouldn't be adding that 'woman's touch' that some of the ladies talked about, simply a humanizing touch so that she didn't live in constant fear of staining something.

She could talk to Rufus about it when he came home, as well as update him on everything she had managed to do today. Besides setting up her charity as a non-profit, she had already tried to begin to recruit some of the more socially active society women to join her. She had a lunch date with about four of them for tomorrow, and she should be done in plenty of time to change and go over to the bar for her goodbye party.

That remained the only damper on her ebullient mood. A chapter of her life was really closing. It seemed almost as if she were not the same person anymore, what with her fancy new life and a husband she was only just starting to see as more than an evil demon out to ruin her existence. Maybe his dark side would come out when he realized she wanted to redecorate.

For the first time ever she greeted Rufus as he came home, watching him carefully as his tired expression pulled back into a falsely energized one. Not happier, just stronger. She could sympathize since she didn't like anyone knowing when she was close to collapse either. Even though he clearly wasn't up for it, Rufus still suggested that they go out and celebrate Tifa's new leap into the realm of helping others. Something seemed to be worrying him, but he refused to let her ask and instead changed the subject to make her tell about her day in great detail. It was something he always did; forcing her to talk about her day rather then mentioning what was troubling his mind.

As a change of pace, Tifa had them go to a little local place down near the edge of where the blue collar neighborhood met part of Old Downtown. The food was basic, but pretty decent for the prices and Rufus seemed overly conscious of the stares they were getting. Tifa, completely at home in place like this, ignored everyone around them and after a time even the people that recognized them just accepted the fact that even rich or famous people needed to eat. Since Tifa obviously wasn't acting as if she was slumming, there was no resentment and even Rufus seemed to be enjoying himself by the end.

"Must you insist on calling it the Lockhart Foundation? I mean, seriously Tifa, if you don't like the last name I gave you we could just change it to something else." She couldn't tell if he was joking. He took another bite of her cake.

"Well, you said it was going to be mine and I see nothing wrong naming it after myself in a way. And besides, I wouldn't know what name to change it to. Though I admit Tifa Nova sounds a little bit silly. The 'a' at the end of each word makes it sound odd." She slapped at his hand as he stole some more of her cake. "You didn't want a piece remember? I don't see why I have to share."

His eyes laughed at her as he took another bite anyway. "Because you think I'm a good person."

"That's a low blow. See if I ever compliment you again if it means you get to steal my dessert." Tifa paid (after arguing for nearly fifteen minutes about whether she should be allowed to pay for her own celebratory dinner), leaving a generous tip, and they walked towards home in the drizzle that was only just starting as dusk forced all the streetlamps to switch on.

Tifa thought about what she would be doing if Rufus hadn't forced her to marry him. Probably she would be in her bar, serving drinks and laughing at inane stories. It would have been happy, and at the time she knew that it was a great way to live, but she didn't know how long she expected to go on like that. At what point would she wake up and realize that she didn't want to serve another drink? How many years until she started to be lonely more often than just those few hours she was at home?

Even if it started out as enforced, she was willing to admit to herself that Rufus was good company. He could talk intelligently about many subjects besides business or politics, and he had had much more formal education than she had been able to supply herself with. Their dinners alone had been silent and awful at first, but he proved himself an adept conversationalist once both of them had given the other half a chance.

But he couldn't tell jokes worth anything, and he sometimes had a habit of being obsessive about keeping his appearance immaculate. Since he didn't really have any friends that came to call, most of his time seemed to be consumed by work or more reading. Surprisingly, he had a fondness for music of all sorts. It was a strangely sentimental thing about him. Also, he was vain, and had a tendency to check himself out in any available shiny surface.

Rufus was fairly ordinary, is what this all told her, and he was grounded in reality and strangely well adjusted. Maybe it was that near death experience. She had heard things like that often caused people to put things into perspective. Now instead of desiring world domination, he'd settle for one town. Instead of a private secret police, he had a formidable staff of lawyers. Her mind gave itself up to some free association.

"Rufus?" He looked at down at her. "Is there anyone you trust? I mean, like how I trust Yuffie or Vincent."

Her question had clearly caught him off guard. "I suppose I'm obliged to trust some of my lawyers. My assistants and secretary are also under confidentiality agreements. Besides that, they all fear me. Most people do, because of who they think I used to be. Fear is useful, it means I don't actually have to take actions against them." Tifa looked disappointed, as what he described didn't sound like her friendships at all. Maybe he had missed the point. "I have to trust you, simply on your honor. More then all the rest of them."

"I see."

The streets were nearly deserted as people ran home to get out of the rain and back to a warm dinner. Spring hadn't been very warm so far this year. They turned a corner and walked a few more blocks.

"You know," Rufus kept his voice low so that it would only carry to Tifa. "after the hotel is finished, you can divorce me if you want. Irreconcilable differences. I won't stop you. Though I want you to know that I never would have destroyed the Wall, even if you had said no in the beginning. I was desperate to save my work, and I would have said anything."

Tifa laced her arm into his. "I'll think about it." It wasn't a yes or a no. She would need to consider the state of things some more. Between her growing attraction and growing respect for this man, maybe that divorce wouldn't be necessary. Of course, she had months to think about it.

"Oh yes," He unwound his arm and reached into his coat pocket. "I got this for you quickly after work. They were closing and it isn't the most expensive thing I could have gotten, but considering how you almost never wear any of those other baubles I thought you'd appreciate something less flashy anyway." It was a small solid gold heart on a silver chain. Yes, she could wear that. "Congratulations on the 'Lockhart Foundation' and may your projects be terrorist free." She pushed him a little harder than she meant to and he gave an 'oof' as he hit the side of a building.

"Sorry! Sorry! I just don't know my own strength sometimes." She watched his wounded expression with some circumspection. "Though I have my doubts that you are ever actually caught unaware."

Rufus smirked. "You know I like to let others keep their illusions."

"Like how you're a mean, evil, sinister man who would stop at nothing to succeed?"

"That's true. You just seem to not want to accept it." Now his eyes were sparkling with held back laughter. "You make me sound like an ogre. Do I really seem like that?"

"Yes." She didn't hesitate a moment.

"Good." Now Tifa did laugh out loud.

"You're impossible!" When her arm laced back into his, clutching the necklace, it seemed natural enough. It hadn't occurred to her until now that maybe he was trying to make this marriage work, but she just hadn't noticed before. If gifts were his way of showing affection. . . then he felt more than the diffident apathy she had accredited him with. The thought, rather than disturbing her, made her feel warm. Tifa knew how to love people, even if she wouldn't admit to being good at anything else, and the more love she could create in the world made her that much happier.

She gave Rufus' arm an extra squeeze.

* * *

Tifa gave herself a final going over as she stood at the entrance of The Citizen. The name would probably change once Simon got some time and thought it out. Maybe he would keep it, but that didn't matter so much to her any more. Right now all she wanted to concentrate on was how happy she was for Simon to take over and keep the bar alive or sell it as he would. She knew that the property that she had just handed over to him would skyrocket in value once the hotel was finished and he would be secure for the rest of his life if he ever wished to sell. That was the main parting gift and the greatest use that bar could have been. For years of faithful service, it was the least she could do for the old mercenary.

The day had even cleared up some, as if to reflect her happy mood. The streets had that partially damp look as the most saturated bits began to feel a little bit of warmth from the sun. It was getting lighter in the evening and she looked forward to the day that the trees around here would sprout leaf buds. That would start any day now.

Luncheon with the ladies had gone well, and she was sure she could raise more support for the Lockhart Foundation given a few more weeks. The idea of actually going to clean up and beautify the slums made her really joyous. Maybe even a community garden could be planted. Remembering her own days in the slums, it was so rare to find a place that seemed untouched, and she knew she would have cherished something like a garden or a playground. It wasn't a handout, which people there would have seen as an insult, it was a way to share the prosperity she had come into.

While she stood there, thinking, Simon opened the door. At his rare smile she walked in and handed him a bottle of somewhat expensive champagne.

"Alcohol?" Simon seemed truly perplexed.

"I thought it would be funny. Besides, I don't plan on drinking anything. That's really for you as congratulations." He seemed to look sad at her words. "Is there anyone else or will it just be us and Yuffie? Did Vincent say he would come? I know he doesn't usually show up for parties. I remember how he refused to show up to his own birthday party this year. Yuffie was so angry, after working so hard to organize it."

"There are a few others. Yuffie will be a little late. Would you like a glass of something?" He shuffled back with his limp to the bar.

"No thanks." The five people who were here were unfamiliar. Tifa felt insecure now, the hairs rising on her arms and her muscles flexing as if she were tensing for a fight. She should have been relaxing before fights, but tension wired her system too much. "I don't believe we've met before. . ."

"I insist. Have a drink." Simon pushed something to her across the counter.

"I said I was fine. Thanks though. Are these your friends?"

"You could say that." Simon looked tired. "Please, Mrs. Nova, it would go much better with you if you just had a drink."

Tifa was trusting, but she wasn't slow. "Tell me what's going on Simon. I don't like the way this is going. If these people have something to say to me then they should just come forward and say it without all this skulking."

"They don't have anything to say to you. Just to your husband. I'm sorry, Mrs. Nova, I really am. We just don't know what else to do."

Tifa calculated in her head how close she could get to winning when she was outnumbered this badly. It had been a while too, since she had fought so many people at once and the tactics were not something she usually planned. Hopefully, it just came back to you, like riding a bike or calling a chocobo.

"Simon, I'm very sorry. But you understand I won't come quietly."

"I wouldn't expect any less, Mrs. Nova. He warned us you wouldn't go without a fight."

Tifa didn't stop to analyze the curious nature of that statement as she crouched down and sprang onto the bar counter gracefully. As Simon tried to grab her ankles she did a back flip to land behind him in the small space behind the bar. If it had been anyone else in that room she would have broken his neck and made for the back door, but she wouldn't hurt Simon even after all this. However, she would seriously threaten him. Picking up the knife she used to cut limes, she pressed it against his throat and backed away holding onto him, despite his tall stature. She was sure his back had to bend painfully to conform to the position, but she didn't care so long as this kept the other people in the room at bay.

"I'd take you all in a fair fight, but I'd much rather not hurt anyone. I only fight for self defense. . . and sometimes for fun, I'll admit. But somehow I don't think you'll all face me one by one so I can conveniently beat you, so I'm going to walk out of here and you aren't going to stop me or else I'm going to give Simon here a puncture wound in his neck." She hated it. All her battles were supposed to end after Meteor. It never ended.

As she pulled Simon back, none of the people stopped her. The hats that obscured their features did nothing to mask the odd smiles on their faces. It was creepy and she wanted out of this loony bin. What about Yuffie? Had they done something to her? Where was she?

"I'm sorry about this Simon," Tifa whispered harshly. "I won't press charges or even mention that you had any connection to this. But know that if I ever see you anywhere near me again, I'll make your other leg lame. Friendship can only give you so much forgiveness with me for this." That wasn't entirely true, but she was pretty angry at the moment.

"And I'm sorry too, Mrs. Nova." As she backed into the kitchen what she could only assume was a pot came down on the back of her head. It stunned her but didn't bring her down. She pushed Simon forward through the swinging kitchen door as she tried to get her bearings and focus on her attacker.

Her punch landed with a satisfying crunch into the nose of the woman who had hit her, but now she realized how na?ve she had been to think there wouldn't be more as backup. Now the best option would be to fight her way through the front and try to get to the public street. Once she was in public, her odds improved greatly. She dove through the small window where Simon slid the orders in from the kitchen and hid behind the bar a moment. Simon looked her in the eyes from his position on the floor, remorse shining, and she gave a brief nod before she sprang up and faced the first two men.

A lump was going to form on her head, that was for certain, but the pain was already fading as she got a rush of adrenaline. While she dropped the first man and held back the second, someone grabbed her from behind. She yelled to get all the air out of her lungs and give her extra push as she picked her attack up with a powerful jump and tossed the both of them onto a table which broke beneath the force. The rush of air that signaled her attacker being winded gave her enough confidence to break from his hold only to perform a stunning set of kicks and punches to a woman who had stepped up to take advantage of their prone position. Someone tried to stab her with something, but Tifa was moving too quickly to feel more than a prick or two.

Tifa was half way to the door. There were two people in her way and she faced two more, one getting up from the broken table. Tifa's eyes had lit with battle and she could feel where bruises were going to form from throwing her body around, but it didn't matter. She was winning.

If only Yuffie were here, she would love this, she found herself thinking as she dodged most of the punches a man threw at her. One hit her in the arm with enough force to cause it to go numb. At least they weren't holding back and they had a little skill. Not much, but enough to be trouble for all their number. Well, she wouldn't hold back either then. She became a flurry of activity, moving her way steadily towards the door and warding off the attempts to block her by the four conscious and effective people in the room.

With a sense of victory she reached the door, and she kicked it open, knocking it off of its hinges to leap into the street. . . and face seven more people, all with hoods and standing in front of a dark van.

She was screwed.

Seeing a blur of movement, she moved her hand fast enough to catch the first dart or two, but they had shot four at her from different angles. The world became hazy almost instantly and she tried to hold her fighting stance and ward them away. She wouldn't go down easily. As someone tried to restrain her, she threw them past her shoulder and onto the ground, pinning their neck under her shoe. More darts impacted into her body, but she could barely feel them now, as her whole body went numb.

"You'd never take me in a fair fight. . ." She mumbled as she fell forward. Her legs just couldn't stand anymore. But she fell with a smile. At least they hadn't underestimated her. They had sent fourteen people to capture one unarmed one. It was nice to know she wasn't losing her touch entirely.

* * *

The ropes were strong and the gag was tight, that much she knew even before she fully regained consciousness. Part of that had to do with the fact that she couldn't feel any blood in her hands and she was just about choking on the gag, and part of it had to do with the fact that she was sure they weren't going to give someone like her any chance to escape by being so sloppy.

It was dark and cold, wherever it was, and she tried to get a better idea of where she was, other than that it was dry here. After she struggled around for a while, as much to generate heat as any attempt to survey things or escape, the door opened and Simon limped in. He removed the gag and offered her some water, which she accepted. Tifa figured that as a kidnap victim, they would have a vested interest in keeping her alive and if the water were drugged she'd deal with as she may. Her plans often didn't extend beyond 'beat them all up and get the hell out' so plotting to escape seemed like a headache and a half.

Speaking of headaches. That woman with the pan had hit *hard*. Tifa smiled a little at that, since she had given back as good as she got. Probably broke the bitch's nose, from the feeling. She knew she didn't hit the teeth because her knuckles hadn't cracked open at that point in the fight. Taking stock of all her injuries was easy enough: bloody knuckles, various bruises on her ribs and arms, lump on head (possibly a concussion if the sleepiness wasn't just from the drugs), rope burn on her wrists and ankles. Nothing felt broken, which was a mercy, and if she was cut anywhere she didn't know.

"Take a picture, why don't you." She spat at Simon, who was just looking down at her.

Simon looked sad again, and she was immediately sorry for hurting his feelings. She couldn't help it, she always had a soft spot for friends and Simon hadn't really done anything physically to her. His motives were still cloudy, so she didn't want to leap to conclusions.

"Don't give me that look. . .look, you can't expect me to be nice when I'm all tied up like this. Can't you loosen them up? They really hurt." He shook his head. It had been worth a shot. "Then give me another drink of water and get out of here."

After Simon had done so, he was about to leave when she called out one last thing.

"Are Yuffie and Vincent safe?" Simon looked surprised, then nodded.

"Only you were taken, Mrs. Nova." And then he was gone. She saw daylight through the door, and rubble. Tifa surmised that they were not in Jarta anymore and that she had probably slept a full day or maybe a little less, because the light was too bright to be anything but morning or early afternoon.

Tifa lived like this for the better part of a day. Tied and on her side, cold enough to feel numb but not cold enough to freeze to death or actually get frostbite. Simon was the only one she saw when he brought water and some oatmeal-like substance for a meal, but he let her get up and released her long enough to take her to a place to go to the bathroom and that's when she saw where she was.

It had to be a compound within the ruins of Midgar. They wouldn't have been able to hide in Jarta since Rufus would have found them immediately, but this far away gave them a measure of safety. As people with guns and swords eyed her malevolently, Simon guided her forward to a portable toilet where she did her business and came out to let herself be bound again, though Simon didn't pull it quite so tight. The sentries had their guns trained on her, and she hadn't missed that. Today was a good day to live.

"I demand to see your leader. This treatment is terrible, and I refuse to be peacefully led around much longer if someone with some authority doesn't speak to me." Few people had ever been able to meet her angry stare for very long, but Simon's mournful eyes refused to give up.

"You won't have to wait much longer. He returns tonight." Those words did nothing to reassure her, but she didn't let her stare waver. Holding her head high, she marched back into the shed. Until evening fell, and at somewhat regular intervals, people threw things at her shed. They yelled obscenities about Rufus, mostly, rather than her. Tifa understood their frustration, and at one time she might have done something similar, but since she was at the undeserving receiving end of things she felt less understanding than normal.

Patience was not one of her virtues, but she stored up all her anger and waited to meet this man who had ordered her capture for the sole purpose of terrorizing her husband. She used to call Rufus a monster in her head, and he hadn't entirely redeemed himself yet, but whoever had done this had just found the monster-sized hole in her expectations and filled it. She would very much enjoy punching someone at the moment, maybe even several someones. At least Yuffie and Vincent weren't involved yet. She knew they would come for her. The three of them were a force to be reckoned with and this small group would learn that there were better ways to get what you want than brute force.

The door opened, the light nearly gone in the sky, and a figure strode in with no visible limp. Without light she couldn't make out features, just the general very muscular outline of the arms and an unruly mane of hair.

"I'm so sorry, Tifa. They misunderstood when I instructed them to use a minimum of force and treat you as well as possible. I'll discipline them later." She knew that voice, and all the parts of her that weren't numb seemed to freeze. It was silly, but her first concern was the fact that she looked a mess. Then the anger she had been holding in surged forward to overtake her brain and vocal chords.

"Cloud Strife, you bastard, I'm going to beat you to a pulp!"

"That doesn't exactly make me want to move you to somewhere more comfortable." Was he laughing at her? Her eyes burned into his, the dying light of the day reflecting off of them and making them glow almost red. Cloud took a step forward. "Tifa, we need to talk."

Through the pain and the stress of everything that had gone on, this was by far the worst thing she had faced so far. "Then talk. It isn't like I can walk away."

[Tumbleweed]

Sheesh, that's a rather intresting plot twist.

Let's see, Rufus or Cloud.

To tell the truth, I was never that much of a Cloud fan and where the hell was he? Anyone with any kind of class knows you don't abandon a lady like that.

Anyway, good chapter.