[Name]

Away from Home, Part 21

Author's Note: This is the last chapter you guys will read that's not an ending.  I still can't believe how many people enjoy this story.  It started out as a lame parody and has become something much better.  It makes me so happy that you guys have read this far and have supported "[Name]".  The next three chapters that will be released are going to be alternate endings.  That means that it will definitely take me longer than normal to update after this.  I hope you guys enjoy the rest of the story and stayed tuned; this isn't my last one by a long shot! :)

You don't know how long you were wandering the halls alone.  But you had one thing in mind: find Rufus Shinra and end this madness.  Eventually, you came across a lit room.  Stepping in, you noticed how cozy it looked.  Unlike the rest of the rooms, this one didn't look like it belonged in a science lab.  The floor was hardwood and covered in an intricate thick rug.  Expensive furniture was placed throughout the lounge and the walls were lined with shelves that held picture frames and ornate objects.  In front of the fireplace that burned brightly, stood Rufus.  His back was to you but he must've sensed you were there.

"So nice to see you again, [Name]."

"This has got to stop, Rufus."

"I don't think so," he said, finally turning around to face you.  He laughed when he saw the spiteful look in your eye.

"You think that you, a silly girl, can stop me?  Well, by all means, go ahead."

"Crap, I really didn't plan this through."

You took a few steps forward so you were closer to Rufus.  Before you could do anything, his hand flew up and slapped you across the face.  The force was enough to knock you to the ground.

"You stupid girl!  Do you know how much time, money, and energy I've invested in this?!  Do you really think I'm going to stop because a pair of doe eyes asks me to?!"  He screeched.  Your foot shot out and kicked him hard in the ankle.  He hissed in pain as you took your opportunity to stand up.

"So that's how it's going to be," Rufus breathed.  He sent punch your way which you thankfully blocked.

"Good thing I never cut training class."

Rufus was unhinged.  He threw wild punches at you and they were becoming harder and harder to block.  Letting out a frustrated cry, he grabbed your shoulders and threw you against the wall that had the fireplace attached.  Pain flooded to your back and shoulder.  He began to approach you so you dove behind one the couches.  You stood in a crouching position so he was directly across from you.

"This can't go on forever, [Name]."  He was right.  You had to do something.  You had to stop him.

Quickly grabbing the bottom of the couch with both hands, you lifted it up and flipped it over on him.  Rufus jumped back but he wasn't fast enough, the couch ended up pinning him to the ground by his shins.  You knew it wouldn't hold him forever, so you reached over and grabbed a poker that was by the fireplace.  You stepped over to Rufus and put the poker to his neck.

"How do I stop this."  Rufus just laughed.

"You don't actually think you're scaring me, are you?  Besides, didn't you read the file?  You should already know how to stop me."  You pressed the poker a little further down on his throat.

"Alright," he choked out hoarsely.  "You essentially have to give me a shot of my own medicine.  That's what all the nonsense meant in that stupid file."

"A taste of your own medicine? What-."  Before you could finish, Rufus grabbed the poker and twisted it out of your hand.  Using his other hand, he wrapped his hand around your ankle and pulled your feet out from under you.  You yelped as your back made contact with the hard floor.  Looking up, you saw that you were face to face with the end of the poker while Rufus stood above you.

"Oh, how the tables have turned."  All you can do is narrow your eyes.

"Don't be like that, [Name].  Did you really think your few months of training class could really stand a chance against me?  I've spent years mastering those military techniques.  Now, are you ready to listen to what I have to say?"  Hesitantly, you nodded.

"Good."  He stepped back and dropped the poker, allowing you to stand up.  Once you were upright, Rufus snatched your wrist.

"Hey!  What-."  He had reached into his pocket and pulled out a syringe.  Taking off the cap with his teeth, he plunged the needle into your forearm and injected a clear liquid.

"What did you do?!"  Rufus just smirked.

"I gave you a tranquilizer.  That way, I know you won't try anything.  It will also make it a lot easier to get rid of you if I find it necessary.  By the way, you should take a seat before it starts to kick in."

"That's not fair!"  You cried in frustration. 

"Nothing ever is."  Rufus gave you a condescending grin and led you to the couch.  You sat down and realized that you were at his complete and utter mercy.  Rufus took a seat on the couch across from you, the one you had flipped over.

"Wow he flipped that back over pretty fast.  I really underestimated him."

"[Name], I started this project with good intentions."

"Well the road to Hell is paved with good intentions."

"You see, I live by the motto that ignorance is bliss.  The less people know about how horrible their lives actually are, the happier they become.  The serum I give to the inhabitants of the island practically makes them caricatures, happy caricatures.  They become less aware of how awful the world is and are able to lead happy lives.  It's just an added bonus that I get to live longer."

It was at this point that your head began to feel heavy and you had trouble connecting your thoughts.  Rufus must've noticed your struggle because you heard him chuckle.

"Looks like it's working.  Anyway, [Name], I thought everything was going perfectly.  Until that red-headed witch almost ruined it last year.  Apparently she developed a resistance to the serum and found out about the whole scheme.  Turns out some people don't like the idea of world domination.  I tried to fix the problem by forcibly giving daily injections of a stronger serum, but that doesn't seem to be working."  Rufus frowned and sighed.

"It's a shame she had to be replaced by you, she was perfect for the role."

"Wh-wha..?"  Your tongue was thick and trying to form a simple word was a hassle for you. 

"What...Does he...Mean...Role?"

 "Ah, I knew I was forgetting something.  As you've noticed, I have multiple islands that are the influence of this serum.  I move onto a new island when every role is taken by a resident.  For example, Vanitas is the Bad Boy, Zack is the Flirt, Leon is the Stoic and so on.  Kairi was supposed to be The Girl Everyone Wants...  When that went south I had to re-assign her to the role of Alpha Bitch.  This is the part where you come in.  I needed someone who could fill Kairi's old role, so after months of researching I finally found you, [Name].  You're pretty, kind, and overall perfect for the role.  I quickly sent someone to take care of your parents and then sent Tifa to act as your long-lost cousin and retrieve you.  As you can see, things didn't work out quiet as planned." 

Rufus stood up and walked around so he was behind the couch you were sitting on.

"I'm giving you this one chance to redeem your self, [Name].  Go back to the role you were meant to play and I'll forget this ever happened.  After all, haven't you always to be surrounded by people that love you no matter what you do?  You're perfect in their eyes.  For once, you don't have to worry about being smart enough, funny enough, or good enough because I can guarantee that the people on this island will love you no matter what.  So what do you say?  Do want to live the life every girl secretly dreams of?"

Your finger twitched.

"Or do you want to face the consequences of crossing me?"