Midgar High School

This was the turning point.

I didn’t really know how I’d gotten here, miles away from where I’d started. I’d smacked my personal demon a good one. I’d told Elena to quit trying to be a martyr. I’d told myself to stop being a wuss.

And I finally asked him.

For someone so immaculate in his appearance, his desk is messy. It takes me a few minutes, fumbling around between candy wrappers; he always had a sweet tooth, before I find the folder that my once innocent mind had mistaken as proof of his philanthropy.

What was it you said again, Rufus, about them?

“You can’t just let the ignorant masses think for themselves Tseng... some are chosen to be above and some... are just trash. I pulled you out of the trash... why don’t you just rise above it?”

“Do you love me?”

I didn’t need to ask. We were talking about them, about Reno and Elena and Zack and all those good normal kids... I didn’t need to ask. I don’t even need to think about this now; the folder is in my hands... I just need to get out of here.

The list.... the codenames and all that.... the secrets, I have them. But why can’t I leave?

I’m vengeful. Maybe that’s why. Maybe because... maybe I just want to screw over the one who screwed me. Maybe because his office holds far too many memories. Yes, I’m a whore, I accept this. But I didn’t want to be.

You lose, Rufus.

“What relevance does that have to this discussion?”

“You shouldn’t turn your back on me, Tseng... I know how much you like it. I know everything about you and your family. And your supposed friends.”

There are fifty or so ways to lose your lover. It just took me walking out of a room to do it. One step. But there aren’t any steps to destroy your lover. So I’m making this up as a go along.

Fire? No, that’s Seph’s style. Theft? Yuffie’s. I didn’t have a style at all... but that key, dangling from a peg on a wall intrigues me. Maybe I needed a little of everyone’s style... maybe... maybe I would bring the thing that can launch the attack on all that dear Rufus holds to so much regard.

Without his army, he’ll be nothing. That’ll be step one. Next, I would have to get rid of his contacts....

Oh, I was a spiteful little thing, deep down. Maybe because he was partially right... I was nothing without him. Nothing but a vengeful little Wutain without anyone. Not even a wizard in his own right yet.

But maybe... I didn’t need to be anything yet. So when I snatched the key, and lit the match, dropping in from the air duct that I had shimmied into... I couldn’t help but smile.

There was a reason that martial law superceded the government. Well, Rufus, I hope you’re happy. I hope that fucking with me was worth it.

Because it’s my turn to fuck with you.