Keys to the Past

Not much to say here. Thank you if you have taken the time to get this far. I will pop as may chapters out as I can.

Chapter 5

Meanwhile at the new secret Shinra labs, Tseng, Reno, Rude, and Elena reported their findings to Rufus.

Rufus sitting at his desk looked up and said, “Anything new?”

“We have a problem Boss. There was a trespasser at the Halcyon ruins snooping around. It was a woman,” Tseng said, annoyance tingeing his voice.

“Was there anything special about her? Did you find out why she was at the ruins?” Rufus said hearing the uncharacteristic annoyance in his associate’s voice.

Reno chuckled and answered, “She was a dark angel with black hair, sexy eyes, a sweet looking body, and deadly fighting skills to compliment. Oh she was hot. She rolled Elena like an egg roll, and then…”

Tseng glared at Reno. “Shut your face Reno or I can have it arranged to be rearranged. Yes, there was something very special about the girl. She is the Great Sword Sato’s granddaughter. She had his ring, and used his fighting style. Elena fought with her, and shot her when she tried to get away. She was an excellent fighter, and will cause trouble for us,” Tseng said.

Rufus’ eyes widened. “ The Great Sword Sato had a granddaughter?! I had some soldiers pay a nice visit to Sato, and he killed them. He must have been protecting her.” Standing with aid from a cane, Rufus walked over to a computer placed in a wall. Pressing some buttons, he checked records on the Sato family’s deaths.

“Hmmm it seems that when Sato’s son and daughter-in-law were killed, the house was searched to make sure no one else was there. The Turks found a room decorated for a girl child. The child was never found… I wonder. I’m thinking they did have a child. If that is the case then I will be a very happy man.” Rufus finished his thought, and broke into an evil grin. “This woman is the last heir to the Halcyon and Sato families. We will have to find this woman and bring her here. I’m sure she knows where the key is if she was at those ruins. This is definitely the highlight of my day my friends. Tseng get your team together and bring me that woman. Get as many of the Turks that trained under Sato together as well. They may know some of his tricks that we don’t, and I’m sure she will know them too. I want her here alive and unharmed.”

“Yes Sir. I believe the only one left that trained under Sato may be Vincent Valentine. He’s the oldest living person that trained as a Turk, but I’ll check.”

“Damn it. Bring her to me as soon as possible. I want Sato rolling in his grave.”

“We will give you any up to date info we gather on the way to get her. I promise that she will come to no harm Sir.”

Elena gave Tseng a dirty look that promised a fight later. They all turned to leave when Rufus started to laugh. They all looked at Rufus, and then at each other wondering what was going through Rufus’ mind. He had not laughed like that in a long time.

~~~~

“Hikari, Cid is here, we must run quickly. It’s not far to the airship. Will you be able to keep up with me?”

“Of course, I haven’t had a good run in a few days, so this will clear my head.” Stepping through the front door, it was still dark outside, but the dawn was approaching quickly. She put on her cloak, so the dark side made her almost invisible. Nanaki started to sprint down the trail leading away from the observatory, and Hikari followed. As they ran Hikari told Nanaki of her fight with Elena.

Nearing a small field Hikari could hear the sound of the airships engines. Running a little faster her heart pounded, and her shoulder hurt. She arrived a little behind Nanaki, and fell to her knees.

Nanaki turned from the man he was talking to, and came over to her. “Are you alright Hikari?”

“I’m fine. Just exhausted from everything that’s happened the past few days, and I haven’t eaten since yesterday morning.”

Cid came over to check on them, and he looked cranky. “This had better be damned good, or I’m gonna hurt someone,” he said taking out a cigarette and lighting it. “We spotted some Shinra soldiers in a town near here. They must be searching for her. We need to quit fucking around before they spot us. Come on, I will carry her.” Stepping over to Hikari, Cid knelt to pick her up. She pushed his hand away.

“Please Hikari, let him help you. You need to rest. It will do you no good to be stubborn right now,” Nanaki said.

She sighed, and held up her hand. Cid helped her up, and supported her with his shoulder. She thought that if Nanaki trusted him, she would too. She felt no evil intentions from this man. He smelled of engine oil, sweat, and cigarettes. He was very well put together physically, and not too shabby in the looks department. He did not shave yet due to leaving on such short notice. He looked a little annoyed too.

The research center told her about him. He built two of the most the most amazing airships, the Highwind, and the Sierra. Grandfather refused to ever step foot on any airship. He said the feet should stay on the ground, or in the water, and that is how it should be. Her heartbeat raced with excitement knowing that she would be able to fly in the air, and see the world below.

Nanaki padded ahead of them. “Cid we must speak with you. Can you please take us to where we can talk privately?” he said.

“Sure, no prob, and you will have your own rooms to rest in until we get to Midgar,” Cid said.

“Lift off, we have to get to Midgar quickly. Try not to get the attention of Shinra or the Turks. I will be back to give you landing coordinates in a few minutes,” Cid said as they passed the control room.

“Yes Captain,” the first in command said.

Cid walked down a hallway and into what appeared to be the dining area. He helped Hikari to a bench, and rubbed the stubble on his chin. “This must be really important for Tifa to ask me to come here on such short notice. She didn’t give all the details. She just said there was trouble brewing with the Turks and Shinra again. I’m going to be nice this morning, so tell me what the hell is going on. You can help yourself to what ever you like in the kitchen. Miss…?”

Hikari pulled the hood of her cloak down.

“Hikari Halcyon-Sato,” she answered raising her hand to shake his. Looking him in the eye.

Cid’s eyes widened and he almost dropped the new cigarette he just lit. His jaw hung open at the strange beautiful woman revealed to him. He took her hand, and shook it, but would not let go. He had never seen eyes that color before, and stared deeply.

Red closed his eye and prayed for patience. “She cannot fall into their hands. It is imperative that we keep her safe. She is the granddaughter of the Great Sword Sato, and was a student of mine. Her parent’s had a secret lab, and Rufus wants into it. She is the only one who can open it, and we believe that it may contain information on the experiments that Hojo was working on. There may be a chance that Sephiroth may be reborn again.”

“Damn it all to hell! We have to fight that asshole again? He’s like a cockroach, you kill one and another comes along,” he said as he let go of her hand.

Hikari took her cloak off and Cid started to stare again. “Captain I hope you will tell your crew to keep their eyes and hands to themselves. I may have to knock some of them on their ass if they don’t,” Hikari said.

“You better behave yourself my friend, or she may have to do what she says. She carries a big sword too. She’s got a lot of spirit, and will not hesitate. Besides, Tifa would beat you senseless if you didn’t warn them,” Nanaki said after he gave a growling chuckle.

“Did you say she carries a big sword? I didn’t see one. What sort of game are you playing?” Cid said getting annoyed.

“I carry my grandfathers Great sword, and the sword of the Halcyon. Stand back and I will show you,” she said.

As Cid took a few steps back Hikari raised her arms, the tattoos under her gloves started to glow, a white light came from her hands, and started to swirl in front of her. The light took on the shape of a large object, and became the sword.

Cid whistled and gave a big smile. “Now that’s what I call a fucking sword. It’s as big as Cloud’s. How can a little lady like you handle that thing? Wait… Did you say you carry two swords? Is that both of them together?”

She nodded, and the sword started to vibrate in her hands and lit up blinding her. A vision came into focus as she opened her eyes. Her mother was sitting near a pond. There were trees, a soft breeze, and flowers all around. Hikari could not believe this was real. Her mother turned, smiled, and said, “Little Light come sit here with me. I have some things I must tell you.”

The presence of her mother was warm and gentle. She walked to where her mother was, and sat down next to her. Her mother put an arm around her shoulders, and leaned Hikari’s head on her shoulder. Hikari barely remembered her mother doing this. Mother how is it you are here? Is this a dream?” she said as she looked up at her mother.

“No dear, it’s no dream. Our spirits have always been with you. You have always had protection, so your father and I did not need to come to you then. Now is another story. You are in danger, and we must help you. I see you brought the swords together. This is good. You will face many trials ahead, and only you will decide your fate in the end. You will gain many friends long the way, and you will gain their help as well.”

“Grandfather said some things before he died. I don’t understand them, but maybe you do. He said that I am to go to the secret laboratory, but I need to know how to get in. I don’t understand the clue on the picture. He also said ‘ The Heavenly Light and The Beast will become one.’ What does that mean? I know now that I am the Heavenly Light, but who is the Beast?”

“So many questions. You were always asking questions when you were a child,” she said and chuckled. “The lab is in a secret area in the Ancient City. You will know it when you feel it. Your sword is a part of the key, but there are three more parts to the key you must find. You will know these when you see them. The Heavenly Light and the Beast are part of a prophecy my mother saw long ago. When Sephiroth was born we thought he was the beast of the prophecy, but it has not come to pass yet. Now it comes down to you dear. Some things are not shown to me, so you must find out about them on your own. I’m sorry,” her mother said as sadness filled her eyes. “Your Grandfather may have been a hateful old man, but he would do what was best for the family. It is time for you to go back now dear. People are counting on you, and know that we will always be with you.” Her mother gave her a warm smile and a hug.

“Thank you.”

Hikari’s vision blurred, and a bright light blinded her. She awoke to the sound of Nanaki calling her name.

When she awoke she saw him standing over her with deep concern in his eyes. “Hikari are you alright? After you called the sword you fainted.”

“Yes Nanaki I’m fine. I just had a vision of my mother, and she told me where the lab is. It’s in a secret area in the Ancient City. She told me that the sword is part of the key to the lab. She also said there were three more keys, and that I would know them when I saw them. I’m sorry I did not mean to alarm you. How far are we from Midgar?”

Cid offered his hand to help her up. She took it and stood.

“I will check. Then I will be flying the ship to where we will land. I will contact Barrett to help sneak us in. You shouldn’t scare us like that young woman. We’re not young you know, and there’s a lot that has gone on recently, so if I behave, will you?”

“Of course I will behave, but I need to eat and rest.”

“Sure. Red knows where your rooms are. If you need anything else let me know.”

“Thank you Cid.”

“Your welcome pretty lady. If you’ll excuse me?” At her nod, he winked at her and headed out the door.

Hikari ate, and talked to Nanaki about the research center. When she was done she stood, put on her cloak, and followed Nanaki out the door. They walked in silence until Nanaki stopped at a door.

“This is your room Hikari. I will be in the one next to you. There is a door connecting them, so if you need me just call out ok? For now I will be on the bridge with Cid. There is a communications panel here if you need me while I am there.”

“Thank you Nanaki. I will. Please wake me before we get there. I wish to prepare in case something happens, and we have to change plans.”

“I will Hikari. Rest well.”