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Trinity’s Savior
Prologue:
Date: Early May 2012
Location: Honolulu/Waikiki, Hawaii @ Ala Moana Shopping Center Post Office
Scene: Hanai sister bugging the living crap out of me as I send off one last package to my sister in law as the Turks wait all too patiently for me and my Hanai sister

“Onee-chan! Oii!” My hanai sister yells as I drop the package into the drop box.

“Itai…my ears.” I groan. “You have my attention now what is it?”

“Are we really going to Diamond Head Mountain?” My hanai sister asks nervously.

“Hai imouto.” I nod. “I hope you’re prepared for this.”

“I’m not letting you do this on your own.” My hanai sister smiles.

“Of course you wouldn’t.” I shake my head in slight amusement.
That’s the one thing about my hanai sister- she’s loyal to a fault. It’s just sad though…knowing that she and I may die because of what she and I are about to do. It’s a good thing she got self-defense lessons and learned to wield battle fans well enough to survive in battle.
Still though, my hanai sister and I just ordinary girls trying to save our homeland and possibly the world from a tyrant known as Shinra Electric Power Company. I honestly wish that I could say that this was an elaborate story but I simply can’t. The presence of Shinra has grown ever since I met Rufus Shinra about a year and half ago. Not to mention that Mako actually exists on Earth. Predictably Shinra wants to monopolize the alternate energy market to rule the world.

“Neechan!” My hanai sister brings me out of my musing.

“Gomen. Gomen.” I sigh as she almost literally drags me toward the escalators. Pair of Turks follows quietly behind us.
To be honest, my hanai sister and I are practically living out what could be our last moments on Earth. Call it morbid irony but it’s true.
My hanai sister excitedly pulls me towards the ATM machines. I happily pull out my debit card from my Crisis Core style wallet. My hanai sister and I double check the balance and grin like the otaku we are. I quickly put the card back into its place. The first my hanai sister and I go to is Hot Topic. We predictably get new outfits and shoes (combat boots) and wear them out. The next place my hanai sister and I go is the salon to get our hair and nails done. The last place we go is Center Stage. There my hanai sister and I see our friends. They greet us with a hero’s welcome. I smirk in amusement knowing that our friends remind us of characters from the Final Fantasy 7 saga.

“Oii! Sempai!” My junior calls me over.
I shake my head know just how much she reminds me of Zack the Puppy. Her smile pains me but I don’t let it show. If anything, my junior’s smile is just a way to remind me of my fate. Normally, I don’t believe in fate but I just know I won’t come back alive.

“Sempai, you’re coming back right?” My junior asks.

“Shirimasen.” I shake my head. “There’s one thing that’s certain Shinra’s a** is goin’ down.”
I see my hanai sister laughing it up as our small group go about their antics as if we were definitely coming back from this. If anyone’s going to come back alive it’d be my hanai sister.

My junior hugs me and pouts. “Sempai is coming back alive.”
I don’t blame my junior for her pouting. I sigh and shake my head. I knew she didn’t accept me telling her that I wasn’t coming back alive. To be honest, none of our friends would accept me telling them I would come back alive.
I see a Turk pointing to a clock. I feel my junior clinging to me as she saw the time. She starts to cry but I wipe her tears away while reminding her that I’ve got some time left. My hanai sister looks at the clock and suggests that we all go to the nearest Japanese noodle house for an early dinner. With a smile everyone follows me and my hanai sister to the limousine. The Turks silently drive as they focus on their orders. I quietly watch everyone’s antics, trying to memorize every detail knowing I would miss it all. I watch my junior curl up on my lap insisting that I would come back alive. I ruffle her neatly braided hair just as we arrive at the Japanese noodle house.
Dinner lasts about an hour. I pull out my iPod and check the time. 6 p.m. My hanai sister takes a breath and we start heading toward Diamond Head Mountain. An hour later, my hanai sister and I find ourselves hiking up Diamond Head after a final farewell from our friends and receiving our weapons.
Two hours later, my hanai sister and I find Rufus at the summit after being escorted by Turks. Rufus keeps his eyes on me. I immediately send my hanai sister ahead, hoping that she’ll be able to stop the Shinra drilling machines.

“You have such a heart breaking beauty to you. It’d be a shame if you died here.” Rufus says in mock heartfelt pain.

“I really was hoping you’d become my girlfriend someday. We’d rule the world someday, quite literally.”

“Cut the ******** bullshit Rufus. I will not become some thoroughbred chocobo.” I snap. “My soul, corrupted by vengeance, hath endured torment, to find the end of the journey in my own salvation and your eternal slumber!”

“You are the last person I’d expect to hear LOVELESS from.” Rufus clicks off the safety on his.50 caliber. “My friend, the fates are cruel. There are no dreams, no honor remains. The arrow has left the bow of the Goddess.”
I draw my sword, Gin Jundo pointing it at Rufus. Rufus immediately opened fire on me. I effortless dodge the bullets. I go to hack at Rufus but he blocks every blow with his gun. The fighting turns intense an instant. Rufus quickly had me on a defensive playing field, deliberately shooting in the direction my hanai sister had gone. I cursed my ‘older sibling syndrome’ as I desperately deflected bullets. Rufus just didn’t dare play fair. To be expected with any Shinra a*****e.
Out sheer anger and fury I go on the offensive, forcing Rufus to engage in hand-to-hand combat. I exploit the fact that he has little experience in close combat. It only takes me 10 seconds to pin him to the ground.

“Embracing your fate?” Rufus asks smugly.

“No. This is called karma coming back on your sick, twisted little a**.” I smile evilly as I hold the blunt side of Gin Jundo to his neck.

“Breaking the ‘no killing’ precept are we?” Rufus smiles. “You’re Buddhist right?”

I flip the blade in my hand and draw a minuscule amount of blood from his neck. “I am still Buddhist. Beyond that I’m human, so I can repent later.”
Rufus notices the blood and pales at the sight. Just to screw with Rufus even more I press my blade a little more into his neck. In complete fear and rage Rufus desperately tosses me off his back. Reaching for his gun, he manages to fire a shot that grazes my left leg. It was only seconds and we were back at each others throats without a second thought. Rufus shoots Gin Jundo out of my hand. I pull out my hidden battle fans known as Akai Bitoku. Rufus smirks as if he thinks he’s going to truly win. I feel the southern Trade Winds picking up and surrounding the area. Rufus foolishly charges me as I channel winds to my will. I watch as flies a good 20ft. backwards. Rufus snarls in anger as he unloads a whole clip of bullets. With a flick of the wrist the wind deflects them all. Rufus quietly and quickly loads another clip. Knowing that the winds are temporarily in my command, I exploit the distance to prevent Rufus from firing. I watch as Rufus switch tactics once more. Rufus bobs and weaves his way through my windy defense. Having the upper hand, I simply toy with Rufus without care. Time starts flying but neither of really notices it. The Trade Winds die down and I lose my advantage immediately. Rufus forces me into close combat knowing my battle fans aren’t suited for it. Akai Bitoku gets knocked out of my hands but I simply adapt and knock Rufus’s gun out of his hand once more. Much to the chagrin of irony, Rufus simply pulls out another gun and strategically unloads a full clip. I retreat back a few hoping to gain some ground. I manage to pick up Gin Jundo only have Rufus get me from at gunpoint.

“Shinde.” Rufus smirks.

I point my sword toward my abdomen. “Iie. Shinou.”

“You wouldn’t dare!” Rufus snarls.

“Borderline sadist.” I call out in a sing-song voice.
I stomp on Rufus’s foot, reveling in the fact that he’s screaming bloody murder. Taking advantage of his surprise, I turn around and deliver a hard kick to his chin. I start assaulting Rufus as much as possible. I feel myself go numb as blood descends to the ground. It didn’t matter whose blood it was. What does matter is that one of us is going down; I’ll be damned if Rufus doesn’t go down here and now.
It doesn’t take long for me and Rufus to just total the area we’re fighting in. At this point, we’re both running on desperation, will power and adrenaline. Neither one of us are willing to give. I can tell that Rufus and I have lost insane amounts of blood. I check my surroundings and curse profusely in Japanese.

“s**t. The cliff side…” I mutter in English panting pretty hard.

“Game over.” Rufus slow makes his way over to me with his gun at the ready.
I point my sword at Rufus knowing that I’m making one last stand. I let Rufus get close enough to shoot me point blank in the heart.

“Sempai…tell me something…doesn’t Buddhism say…” Rufus struggles to breathe. “…that we might…be…connected…some…how…; that…we…keep…coming…back…until…we get…it…right?”

I stab Rufus 7 times in the heart. “You…actually remembered…the concepts…of…” I cough up blood. “…interdependence…and…reincarnation…Ru-kun? To answer…you…you’re…right. Perhaps…one…day…we’ll be…friends…until…then…Ja ne. See you in the next life.”

“Damn…you…a writer…to the…end. Doushite…Sempai?” Rufus sadly pulls the trigger as I stab him in the heart one final time.

The last thing I manage to hear before fading is a truly painful and heartfelt ‘Itte irashaimase, Sempai.’
//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
I ******** died. I died before getting into college. That just sucks epic balls. It sucks knowing that I died by the one thing I hate most. I died via gunshot-point blank straight through the damn bloody heart. Guns have ruined the art of war fare. Yet a shitty and sissy gun gave me a one-way ticket to Purgatory. Now that I think about it, the b*****d who shot me looked a lot like Rufus Shinra from Final Fantasy 7. Yes, I got shot by Rufus Shinra (The blond a*****e who happens to be the heir of Shinra Electric Power Company). I know the idea sounds insane but when you’re sitting around in Purgatory waiting for a deity to come around, you remember everything…at least some major details.
Speaking of deities, it seems I spoke too soon. There’s just one problem, it wasn’t the one I was expecting. Before you dare say I was expecting Jesus Christ, I’ll tell you I was expecting the Buddha. Yes I’m Buddhist if you must know.

“Ashley, come to me. It’s time for a second chance at life.” A benevolent voice beckons.
I turn around to see a female warrior figure in full armor and glory. Like a child being called by their mother, I obeyed her call.

“Minerva?” I ask having a blond moment.

“Yes my child. It’s almost time for you to begin your new life on Gaia. I believe you know your mission.” Minerva smiles. “Tell me, where you would like to start your life?”

“Why does this sound like it’s a little too good to be true?” I ask blatantly.

“You do not trust so easily yet it is quite understandable.” Minerva pats me on the head. “I can assure you that this is no lie. I shall prove it to you if you so wish.”

“Please do.” I request not expecting much due to major skepticism.
I watch her summon an orb in her hand. She then hands it to me. I look into it with skepticism and curiosity. The orb flashes and a movie started to play. I immediately recognize the movie as a memory of the time Rufus and I first connected as much as I want to deny it right now. Well damn, the Goddess wins.
I start pacing as I think. Modeohiem? No too suspicious not to mention too damn cold. Midgar? Bad idea especially since running into SOLIDER and the Turks would blow my plans to high heaven. Pain in the a** Turks. Cosmo Canyon? s**t, Nanaki (Red XIII) would find out and possibly snitch on me. Nibelhiem? Maybe if I can be sent into the events of Crisis Core. Damn, I need more information.
I frown in frustration due to indecision. I look to Minerva hesitantly.

“What year is it on Gaia?” I ask aloud.

“May 2000.” Minerva answers. “Have you made your decision yet?”
Score! That’s it! I’ve got a game plan! Sorry Vincent Valentine but you’re in for a rude awakening! I can’t believe I’m saying this but…

“…Send me to Nibelhiem.”

“As you wish my sweet baby girl.”
Green ribbons of Lifestream surround me as the Goddess disappears from view. I feel my body go numb as I feel the Lifestream setting me down on a …barstool? Looks like I’m meeting Tifa Lockheart first. Eh, not much of a problem.
//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Tifa enters the bar with Master Zangan. Tifa notices a strange woman asleep by the bar. She could tell the woman had been there for a little while. Master Zangan took the courtesy of waking the woman.

“Excuse me miss, are you alright?” Master Zangan shakes the woman.
The woman awakens and nearly freaks out, while busting into tears. She shakes her head composing herself.

“I am Master Zangan and this is Tifa Lockheart. Did something happen?” Master Zangan asks carefully.

“My name is Ashley Claymore. I lost my best friend a couple of days ago. She was shot……” The woman identifies herself as she wipes away her tears. She hoped that she wouldn’t attract too much attention to herself. Not to mention being caught telling a technical lie.

“I’m sorry for your loss. May your best friend return to the Lifestream peacefully.” Tifa says politely.
Master Zangan nods and sits down beside Ashley. Tifa sits beside her master. Zangan treats Ashley to lunch and offers her a place to stay. For Ashley this is perfect opportunity to put her plan in action. Ashley kindly takes Zangan’s offer.
///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Looks like I’m thanking the Goddess. It seems like I’ve made the right choice so far. At least I can attempt to wake up Vincent. First thing’s first, checking my gear. I check out my satchel and dump out its contents on the bed I sit on.
Wallet. Check.
Toothbrush and Toothpaste. Check.
Feminine Supplies. Check.
Lipstick, Gloss, Chapstick, Basic Make Up. Check.
Hairbrush, Pocket Mirror, Extra Ponytails and Bobby pins. Check.
Extra clothes, Pepper Spray, Mace. Check.
I pack everything away neatly in my satchel. Tifa comes in the room carrying a few potions, a couple of Phoenix Downs, an Elixir and a few Ethers in a small crate.

“Will you be okay Ashley?” Tifa asks.

“I’ll be fine Tifa. What’s with the crate?” I nod.

“Oh Master Zangan said you might need these for your journey next week. You’ll also need to get some Materia just in case.”

“Thank you. By the way are there any rumors about the mansion on the outskirts of town?”

“I heard the mansion is haunted. A lot of people have tried to go in but they don’t ‘cause they’re scared. Why you plan on going in there?”

“Yeah. If you don’t mind could you keep a secret?”

“What kind of secret?”

“Life or death.”
Tifa nods and raises her right hand. I take as confirmation.

“Tifa. After I figure out what’s up with the mansion, I’m burning it to the ground.” I said with a straight face.
Tifa nods once more and leaves with a smile on her face as if she didn’t believe me. It’s probably a good thing Tifa doesn’t. Oh Gaia I sound like a Turk, don’t I? I just told a 14 year old Tifa I was going to do that. Minerva, I know you’re watching. I shall carry out my task without regret.
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
I get up the next morning (about 6:30 in the morning according to the alarm clock), trying to get used to the fact I was once dead. Master Zangan looks at me concerned. Not that I could blame him; I must have the most pathetic look on my face. At least Master Zangan isn’t pushing the issue. But he’s insisting that I eat breakfast. Not to offend Master Zangan but I’m stressed and I know I’m going to vomit if I eat!
Still, just to appease him, I insisted that I’ll eat later. The first thing I do is take a walk around town, trying to figure out a safe route to the Shinra Mansion. So far, all I’ve managed to do is run into Tifa’s father. I acknowledge him and run to the outskirts of town to clear my mind. I couldn’t help it.
I notice the fork in the path. I knew the left one took me to the mansion while the right took me to the reactor that’s housing JENOVA. I stat heading left but an all too familiar voice in the back of my head stops me.


‘Are you sure you want to go over there right now?’

‘Rufus of all the people on Gaia to hear in my head…you have my attention but you can’t stop me from what I’m about to do.’ I sigh and turn to go the other way.

‘You know both places are forbidden territory so why go to those places?’

‘They are the only places where I can obtain the information I seek, Ru-kun.’

‘You could work for me again, Sempai. I’d be able to provide anything and everything you could possibly need. I’m surprised you addressed me affectionately.’

‘I’m just being nice for now. You better not revert back to old habits on me. I hope you know that I’m pretty damn angry with you for your s**t back on Earth.’

‘Holding that against me Sempai? You’re harsh. But seriously you should reconsider your actions right now.’

‘I get it. Just don’t pull any bullshit when you see me. I mean it Ru-kun.’

Rufus’s voice disappears as I quietly make my way back over to the water tower. I see Master Zangan waiting for me. Well s**t…this is so the part I get lectured and get my a** handed to me, ne?

“Feeling better?” Master Zangan asks.

“A little, please forgive for me earlier.” I answer honestly now that my appetite came back.

“Would you like to come back for breakfast now?” Master Zangan raises an eyebrow.

“Sure.” I nod.
Wait a minute! Could you just lecture me here, please? Damn, I sound so insane right now. Maybe I am but time will tell.
I go back and eat breakfast. Master Zangan surprisingly left me alone for the rest of the day. For me it gave me time to think about the people I miss. The one person I miss right now is my sister-in-law, Bianca.
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
In El Paso, Texas, Bianca sat on the edge of her bed, staring at the T.V. She was watching the national news. Bianca didn’t believe what she was seeing.

“This just in! International business heir Rufus Shinra of Shinra Electric Power Company died today at Queens Medical Center. He was declared dead at 2 am HST. The cause of death was determined to be a sword wound to the heart. Police and F.B.I. agents are looking for the suspected killer. She is described to be 19 years old, coffee cream skin tone with green eyes and curly, brown shoulder length hair. Suspect is considered armed and dangerous and on the run.” The news caster says passionately.
Bianca watches the camera pan over to a picture of the ‘suspect’. She recognized the picture of the person.

“No way! Sis, that can’t be you!” Bianca screams. “You don’t believe in murder! Why Sis! Please give me a sign that this is a bad dream!”
The news caster droned on as Bianca starts swearing in rapid Spanish. Bianca turns her attention to the manila envelope sitting on her desk by the computer. She opens it and pulls out a letter written on Japanese stationary. She reads it, ignoring the other contents.

‘Dear Bianca,
If you’re reading this right now, I’m dead. I’m sorry to even say that but it’s the truth. Yep, Rufus Shinra killed me. Most likely cause of death: gunshot to the heart. My body will be found at the bottom of Diamond Head Mountain in Hawai’i. That’s where Rufus and I fought things out.
I know you don’t want to believe this. I know sorry won’t ever cover this. I know was supposed to be an honorable college student finally getting to achieve my dreams. Hell, I know we talked about our futures and we would end up in Japan with my little bro. It just hurts knowing I failed in this world.
As far as the next life is concerned, I think get the big break I deserve. But that’s up for the higher powers to decide. If anything right now, I need you do some things for me.
You have all my evidence of Rufus’ s**t. I need you to fly to Hawai’i. I already have arrangements made. I need you to submit all of the evidence to the local F.B.I. Don’t forget to submit a copy of this letter as well. Once you’re in Hawai’i, let things play out for a while. Fight when you have if necessary. After the autopsy, have me buried in the Buddhist traditions. After that, I’ll be happy you did these things for me.
-Ashley
P.S. Make sure to play some J-rock and J-pop at my funeral. You’re the only person allowed to ball your a** off if you need to. Consider this a wild adventure to get out of the barrio. By the way, there’s a plane ticket for you and your flight out is 11:45 p.m. There’s also a debit card (with $2,500 on it) and 600 dollars with your name on it. Don’t worry too much. I’ll be alright in the next life. Besides, I’ll still be takin’ names, kickin’ major a** and cleanin’ house. wink
Bianca cries and calls all her homies to hold a meeting. Later that afternoon, Bianca tells the news to all her homies. They hold an impromptu balloon release for Ashley. Bianca heads back home with a few helpers to prepare for her journey to Hawai’i. She packed the things she needed. Silence filled the house as everyone moved quickly and quietly. The moment the suitcases were packed in the getaway car, Bianca laughed her a** off. The last thing she does before leaving is leave a note for her mother. She takes shotgun and tells her driver to punch it to the airport in Houston. She arrives at the airport about 9:30 p.m. Bianca couldn’t help her bouts of cynical laughter.
‘Sis, where ever you are right now, I hope you’re safe and happy. By the way, when I find you you’re gettin’ an a** kickin’ for this s**t!’ Bianca thought as sat down at the gate waiting for her plane.
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
I’ve been laying here in Master Zangan’s guest bedroom thinking for Gaia knows how long. I sneeze suddenly.
Sis, you must want to kick my a** for whatever reason. I don’t blame you, in fact I’d actually welcome as a** kickin’. I hope you know I’m just fine and I’m starting anew. I’m on a different planet with dreams waiting to be seized. I’m going to seize them. If you do get here, you need to tell me everything that happened on Earth after I died.
I take a look at the alarm clock. 9:30 p.m. Strangely, I’m not hungry and go straight to bed. I spend the next few days just thinking and going for an occasional walk. I know Master Zangan worries for me but I reassure him that I’ll be okay. With everything about to be set in motion, I simply smile and embrace fate.
Humph. I know you’re okay Sis. As for me I’ll focus on the next thing. Rufus will fall when everything’s said and done. After all, I’m karma’s messenger.
///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Waking up to hearing about Rufus Shinra in town isn’t the best way to go about it. I can’t believe my murderer is here. So now I’m rushing over to the store to get some Materia and hopefully get a decent weapon. Did I mention that Master Zangan is yelling at me for skipping breakfast? Damn I wish I didn’t skip breakfast…guess I’ll have to find a way to make it up to him.
I calmly walk into the store, noting that Turks happen to be here. It also means my blonde murderer is in here. You can’t mistake them in their immaculate navy blue suits. At least they aren’t attracting too much attention to themselves.

“Hey Ashley, need anything today?” The shopkeeper asks as if she knew all my life.

“Oh, yes I do actually. I need a bangle and a couple of Materia.” I answer.

“What kind of Materia?”

“A Fire and a Cure.”

“On the …”

“…That won’t be necessary. I’ll pay for it” Rufus interrupts.
Rufus shamelessly drops 700 Gil on the counter. Minerva, why do I get the feeling he has a selfish ulterior motive? My day just went to s**t. What’s worse is the fact that’s only beginning.
///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Tseng wondered why Rufus would do what he just did. Rufus wasn’t known for being a Good Samaritan. When he did something, there was always a motive.

“Rufus, sir, are you f-feeling a-alright?” The blonde Turk stammers.

“I’m fine Elena.” Rufus sighs.
Ashley took her items gratefully and runs out the store. Rufus signals to Tseng that he’s ready to leave. Tseng and Elena dutifully follow Rufus back to the local inn.
At the inn, Rufus confides in Tseng and Elena that Ashley sparked his interest. He wasn’t going to admit how. Tseng didn’t question Rufus while Elena held some reservations about the girl she just saw.

“Tseng, have Reno tail Ms. Ashley Claymore.” Rufus orders.
Tseng obediently pulls out his PHS and dials Reno’s number, grateful for the fact he picked up.

“Reno. You are to tail a girl named Ashley Claymore.” Tseng says flatly.

“You’re kidding me boss man. You’re asking me to tail a local bishoujo, yo?” Reno laughs. “On it boss man.”
Tseng cuts the line and offers Rufus one of his rare expressions of concern. Rufus simply laughs and eats his late breakfast contently.
///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Making it back to Master Zangan’s house, I find that breakfast is still waiting for me. Gratefully I eat while thinking of ways to murder Rufus Shinra and finding a way to get to Shinra Manor without being tailed.
Master Zangan lectures me about eating breakfast while putting me through some self-defense drills. I won’t lie, there’s a reason that he is ‘Master’. After lunch Master Zangan has me spar with Tifa. All I can say is Master has taught student well. I almost had my a** handed to me by a 14 year old. I’m 19 for Gaia’s sake!
I spend the evening hours resting from the impromptu training day. I allow my thoughts to drift.
Damn you Rufus, you had to just ******** show up. You had to bring your a*****e Turks too. What’s your Gaia forsaken motive? Was killing me in my past life not enough for you? I remember why you shot me. You shot me because I didn’t let you control me. ‘Cause I didn’t take orders like your damn ********’ Turks do. Most of all, it’s ‘cause I stopped your fear regime dead in its tracks. ********, I’ll be happy to do it all again in this life. Rufus know this: I am your Grim Reaper and you will pay dearly.
A noise from the living room pulls me back to reality. I look at the clock. 11:00 p.m.

“Yo, is Ashley here? I wanna talk to her.” A familiar voice grins.
Reno. Damn no rest for the weary. Rufus, I know you’re up to something. Oh well time to wake Vincent.

“She’s resting. Can it wait until tomorrow?” Master Zangan defends me.
Please Master Zangan, stall Reno. Even if it’s just for a few minutes.
I quickly pack the potions, Phoenix Downs, Ethers, and lone Elixir. An argument breaks out as I quietly slip out the bedroom window. I bolt under cover of darkness straight to the Shinra Mansion.
///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Reno hears the familiar ‘tap-tap’ of feet hitting the ground.

“********!” Reno curses as he leaves Zangan’s residence to pursue his target.
Outside, he scowls in shame and frustration. He immediately calls his partner Rude on his PHS.

“Rude, I lost her yo! Tseng’s going to rip me a new one for this one!”

“I saw her heading for the Shinra Mansion. I’m in pursuit.” Rude sighs.

“Thanks Rude.” The line cuts off.
Rude runs after Reno’s target. Rude keeps in pursuit as Reno quickly catches up to him. They quickly try to catch up to Ashley. Unfortunately for them, she’s staying several steps ahead.
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
I break into Shinra Mansion via kicking down the front door. I keep in mind that it was a miracle for me to out run Reno and Rude pursuing me and I have 20 minutes to wake Vincent. Not to mention that I also need burn this place.
I quickly go around breaking kerosene lamps and collecting items, not bothering to check my loot. It only takes me five minutes. I double time it to the secret passage on the second floor. I quickly pick lock the passage open knowing that it leads to Vincent. I loot the place while breaking more kerosene lamps and march straight to Vincent’s coffin. I kick off the coffin lid to ensure that Vincent can’t ignore me. Vincent jumps out of the coffin and pins me down.

“Who are you and why are you here?” Vincent growls.

“Ashley Claymore and I’m here to tell you that if you dare go back to sleep on me, Lucrecia’s son will burn down Nibelhiem in about a year and a half!” I yell. “We’ve only got 15 minutes to high tail it out of here ‘cause I’m burning this Gaia forsaken place!”
Vincent releases me and remains silent. I see why Square Enix dubbed Vincent their vampire. I get up feeling time quickly slip away.

“Now or never Valentine!” I yell getting impatient.

“…Fine.” Vincent agrees reluctantly.
I pull out a gun and hand it to Vincent. I didn’t give Vincent the chance to interrogate me as I use my Fire Materia to start burning the wretched place. The fire quickly spreads as I continue using my Fire Materia. Vincent and I escape the mansion just seconds before it turns into an inferno. Shinra Mansion burns to the ground as Reno and Rude have finally caught up.
Heh. Looks like I’m ahead of schedule. Getting Vincent to agree to this went a lot better than I thought. I still owe him and explanation though. At least I have time now. Now for the next stage, Midgar. Oh and Rufus, this means war and ******** you.