The Ultimate Intention, Nefret's past meets her present... Options

[shadows_fade_awa...]

((Howdy everyone, I'm posting the first chapter of my fanfic so far, so please feel free to comment if you have any questions/comments/criticisms. I'd love to hear feedback. ^^))


Chapter 1 ~

A light breeze drifted through the air, softly tousling Nefret's pulled-back quills. Pulling the collar of her coat up around her neck, she continued to walk down the crumbled city sidewalk.
Nefret stopped at the cross-walk, waiting for the traffic to pass before she continued on her way. Adjusting the folder in her coat pocket, she glanced at the watch of her wrist.
She was late.
With a soft sigh, Nefret crossed the street, picking up her pace a bit. She continued for a few more blocks, coming to the city of Westopolis' main square. She passed the gallant water fountain in the center of the square, pushing her way through the crowd of civilians. Shoving her hands in her coat pockets, she made her way down another sidewalk, finally reaching Westopolis' GUN office tower.

She entered through the automatic glass doors of the tower, walking through the extravegant foyer to the main desk. Hearing her approach, the desk clerk looked up, giving a slight nod.
"The Commander has been expecting you", the clerk muttered, typing busily on a computer.
Nefret smiled faintly, returning the nod. She crossed the foyer, stepping into an open elevator. She pressed the button for the top floor of the tower, the elevator doors closing behind her.

Once the elevator had come to a stop, Nefret stepped out, passing the desk of the Commander's assisstant. She looked up at Nefret, smiling warmly.
"Commander Crystal is in his office, Miss Nefret", she said bubbly.
Nefret forced a smile. "Thank you", she muttered, acknowledging her comment.
The Commander sat in his large desk chair, slowly rocking back and forth. He faced away from the door, staring out the large, panoramic window that circled his office.
Hearing Nefret approach, the Commander froze, turning his chair about.
"I've been waiting for you", he commented as she walked through the doorway. He leaned forward, putting his hands on his desktop.
Nefret closed the door behind her, reaching into her coat pocket. She pulled out the folder, handing it to him.
Commander Crystal's lips parted into a faint grin. "Ah, so you've aquired it", he said. "Is it all here?"
Nefret nodded. "Not a page missing."
The Commander opened the folder, pulling out a pile of transcripts. He adjusted the spectacles on the end of his nose, skimming through the first couple of pages. His expression fell.
"This is exactly what I feared...", he sighed, pulling his spectacles off and rubbing his eyes.
Nefret raised an eyebrow. "Sir?"
Commander Crystal set the papers down on his desk, leaning back in his chair. He looked up at Nefret.
"Rumors have been going around about a possible terrorist threat on the city", he said, exasperated. "These reports confirm it."
"Any idea of the suspected terrorist?", Nefret asked.
"Not a one", the Commander answered. He picked up the papers again, flipping through the pages. "But I've got my suspicions."
Nefret nodded slowly, taking it all in. "What's our next move?"
Commander Crystal sat silently for a moment, but finally sighed, leaning forward. "I don't usually act without getting all of the facts together first", he started, warily, "But we've got no other option."
"What is it that you want me to do?", she asked.
The Commander, rolled his chair back from the desk, sliding a drawer open. He pulled out a thick file and set it on the desk.
Nefret watched curiously as the Commander flipped open the file, revealing various photos and mugshots of seemingly past criminals. He flipped through a few pages, pulling out a large photo that had been shoved between them.
He handed it to Nefret, his expression tense. "I need you to find all the information you can on this man", Commander Crystal said, almost in a whisper. "His name is Lino Rodrigo."
Nefret looked over the picture. It was a black and white photo of a middle-aged hedgehog, standing amongst a group of others. It looked as if the picture had been taken from afar.
She glanced back towards the Commander, biting her lower lip.
"You suspect this man?", she asked hesitantly.
The Commander nodded, looking her in the eye. "I'm trusting you will keep this conversation between us", he alledged. "I want to hear no word of it until you get the information asked, am I clear?"
Nefret nodded, holding all of her questions back. "Y-Yes, sir."
"Good", Commander Crystal said. "You're dismissed, agent. I'll expect results by afternoon tomorrow."
Nefret took a deep breath, setting the picture of this 'Lino Rodrgio' in her coat pocket. "Yes, sir", she said again.
She left his office, closing the door behind her.

The Commander sat in silence for a few moments after she left, collecting his thoughts. He turned his chair around, once again facing out the window, gazing upon the Westopolis skyline.
"I'll do what I must to protect this city", he muttered, his expression intense.
"And if that means bringing you down, Lino...then so be it."

[arroyo milori]

its pretty cool! can my fancharacter guest star in it?

[shadows_fade_awa...]

Thanks! And sure, just PM me your fc's info and all that jazz. =)

[Guest_.:OnchouNetsu:._*]

Very impressive! Kinda reminds me of the usual beginning of an Alex Rider book. Very awesome.

Keep up the good work!

[shadows_fade_awa...]

Thanks, Ame! ^^ I'll be posting another chapter in the next few days.

[Xaiv]

Kinda reminds me of the usual beginning of an Alex Rider book.

Indeed it does.

Well written, Very descriptive, and a decent length.

This is very well done. I hope to see more soon.

[shadows_fade_awa...]

Thank you. ^^
I'm working another another chapter, so I should be posting soon.

[NotSoFluent]

Wow, this is a nice start for a story. I like how descriptive it is; excellent writing. Can't wait for the next chapter. ^^

[shadows_fade_awa...]

Thanks Shakura ^^, I appreciate it.
As promised, here's the next chapter. (Oh, I'm taking a few fancharacter requests for the upcoming chapters, GameBlast's character should be appearing soon.)

Chapter 2 ~

Nefret leaned back lazily on her couch, sipping hot chocolate from her favorite mug. Setting the mug down on the table next to her, she flipped up the top of her laptop, turning the power button on.
Nefret glanced down at the photo lying beside her, reaching out to pick it up. She held it in the light, looking over it curiously.

"Lino Rodrigo", she repeated to herself, the name sounding eerily familiar.
"Lino...Rodrigo !"
It suddenly hit her. The name...the man...he was her ex-boyfriend, Shade's, father.
Nefret let out a small gasp as the name escaped her, biting her lower lip. "The Commander...he suspects Shade's father as the terrorist?"

Suddenly, a faint knock at the door was heard. Nefret jumped, startled. She sat silent for a moment, but the knock repeated.
Nefret sighed. "Just a minute!", she called out, lifting the laptop off of her lap and setting it on the couch.
She went to the door, opening it a crack. A smiling face greeted her.

"Ah, EJ, it's you", Nefret said, somewhat relieved. "Come in." She opened the door fully, motioning for him to enter.
EJ bowed slightly, still grinning. "Thank you, love", he said in his charming Australian accent.
Nefret shut the door behind him. "What brings you by?", she asked, offering him a seat on the couch.
EJ sat, leaning back. "Commander Crystal called me down for a little chat earlier", he began.
Nefret sat next to him, quickly hiding the picture. She looked up at him.
"What for?"
"Just a follow up", EJ replied. "He told me about the transcripts." EJ let out a soft sigh. "Whoever this 'terrorist' may be, he obviously means business."
Nefret nodded slowly. "...The Commander didn't mention if he had any idea as to this terrorist's identity?"
EJ shook his head, an eyebrow raised. "No...not directly", EJ said. "But I couldn't help but to feel like he was implying something though...as if he truly had an idea."
"Ah", Nefret said, looking away warily.
EJ glanced at her, smiling faintly. "What?", he asked.
"Eh...what?", Nefret jumped, returning the glance.
"What are you hiding from me?"
Nefret shook her head. "I...I'm not hiding anything, EJ. What makes you think that I am?"
EJ rolled his eyes. "Because I know you", he said. "You've got the same look in your eyes as the Commander did, back at his office. Don't shut me out, Nef'. I'm starting to feel like I'm missing out on some big conspiracy", he argued.
Nefret looked away, but hesitantly looked back at EJ. She let out a sigh.
"...Alright, EJ. But you have to swear not to breath a word of this to anyone! Understand?"
EJ nodded eagerly. "Yes, ma'am."
Nefret hesitantly pulled out the photo, handing it to EJ. "...The Commander believes that this man may be our terrorist", she said. "His name is Lino Rodrigo."
"Lino Rodrigo", EJ repeated. "The name sounds faintly familiar." He sat silently for a moment, eyeing the photo. He finally looked up at Nefret.
"...Didn't you have a boyfriend with the last name of Rodrigo?", he asked blatantly.
Nefret sighed. "Yes...Shade. This man is his father, EJ."
To Nefret's surprise, a grin formed on EJ's lips. "This is excellent", he exclaimed.
Nefret raised an eyebrow. "Excuse me?"
EJ set the photo in her hand, still grinning. "This situation may work out to our advantage, my dear."
"How so?", Nefret asked, unsure of where he was going with this.
"Let me elaborate...", he started. "You reconnect with your ex, Shade. You two become close, he opens up to you about his father-"
"What?!", Nefret questioned, interrupting him. "EJ, what you're suggesting-"
"Is perfect!", he said, standing up. "Come on, love. You have to admit this is quite the coincidence. A convenient coincidence I might add..."
Nefret sighed bitterly. "EJ, what you're suggesting is ridiculous."
She stood up as well, directing him towards the door. "Perhaps this is why the Commander 'accidently' left out that bit of information during your chat...", she joked.
EJ rolled his eyes, stopping at the door. He grasped the handle, but turned back to look at Nefret.
"I'm serious, Nef'. I know it sounds completely-"
"Ridiculous", Nefret cut in.
"-Yes, that", EJ said. "But perhaps it's the only way we'll be able to pin this terrorist, if indeed it is Lino, down for good."
He gave her a slight nod, smiling faintly. He opened the door and went on his way.

Nefret stood in the doorway for a moment after, taking a deep breath. Her mind was racing.
Slowly sauntering back over to her couch, Nefret sighed heavily and took a sip of her hot chocolate. As she went to set her mug back down, she eyed her cell phone.
With a trembling hand, she picked up the phone. Nefret took a deep, shattered breath.

"...Hi Shade, it's Nefret. It's...been a while..."

[arroyo milori]

its very well done.

[shadows_fade_awa...]

Gracias. ^^

[Guest_.:OnchouNetsu:._*]

Like I said, very impressive! ^^ You can throw Jake in there if you want. He can be any age, seeing as he has the ablitiy to change his age. I'm pretty sure that I have a profile in the bios section, but I'm not sure how reliable it is.

[shadows_fade_awa...]

Thank you, Ame. =)
Great, I think Jake will come in handy in the future... =P Thanks again.

This post has been edited by shadows_fade_away: Aug 10 2006, 07:35 PM

[lucila]

Wow, this is a REALLY good fanfic, for a first one. Great job, Shadows_Fade_Away! ^.^

[shadows_fade_awa...]

Thanks Lucila ^^

[Cypher]

>.>

<.<

*Kicks Flare through a glass window and up for signing up*

I didn't do that. *Runs*

But seriously, those are two great chapters. And ya can use Flare two. Can't wait to see how this develops. ^^

[kairi-chan]

This story is really good. Please continue. ^^

[shadows_fade_awa...]

Yay, thank you everyone! ^^
I'm in the process of writing the next chapter...hopefully be able to post it sometime tomorrow.

[Xaiv]

That was great, Shadow's_Fade_Away. (Man, I gotta think of a nickname for you! :P ) Very well written, lengthy, and descriptive.

You can throw in Xaiver if ya want, I'll PM you a bio.

If ya got too many characters already, I'll understand. ^^;

This post has been edited by Xaiver: Aug 11 2006, 09:01 PM

[Guest_Sephiroth_*]

This was your first fanfic? If so, it was very well done!

[shadows_fade_awa...]

Thanks guys! ^^

I'd love to use your character, Xaiver. I just might have to wait a few chapters before I can fit everyone in there, but I promise they will. =P

[Guest_.:OnchouNetsu:._*]

Okie Shads, Take your time. =3

By the way, I have an updated version of Jake's profile up in the bios section. Therefore you wont have to rely on unreliable information. >.>;;

Anyway, I can't wait for the next chapter! ^^

[shadows_fade_awa...]

Thanks Ame! ^^
I saw the bio, it's perfect. It shall help alot. =)

[shadows_fade_awa...]

((Sorry, but this is pretty long. =P))

Chapter 3 ~

Nefret awoke the next morning to the bright rays of the sun shining in her eyes. Closing them tightly, she moaned, shoving her head underneath a pillow.
Her cell phone rang.
Nefret moaned again, reaching out to grab her phone on the nightstand. She flipped the cover up and went to put the phone to her ear, but found the pillow.

She sat up slowly, rubbing her eyes. "...Hello?"
"Good afternoon, love", said the voice on the other end. "...Have you given my proposal any thought?"
"...EJ?", Nefret asked tiredly. "...Afternoon...proposal?" She rubbed her eyes again, glancing at the clock.
It was 2:35.
"I take it you had a rough night", EJ alleged.
Nefret sighed. "It was...something", she muttered. "I called Shade."
"And?", EJ questioned anxiously.
"I'm meeting him downtown at the cafe later this evening", she answered, a bit of regret in her voice.
EJ was silent for a moment, but finally responded with an, "Ah."
Nefret let out a heavy sigh. "Hopefully I can get some information out of him...if indeed his father really-"
She gasped, immediately getting up.
"What is it?", EJ asked worriedly.
"...His father", Nefret muttered, putting her hand on her forehead. "I completely forgot to do a background check for the Commander..."
EJ chuckled, making Nefret pause. "This isn't funny, EJ", she said, exasperated. "Commander Crystal is going to kill me..."
"Relax, love", EJ responded through the phone. "I've done the research for you. I've got everything on file."
Nefret raised her eyebrows. "...What? How did you know...But EJ-"
"-No buts", he said. "I've already faxed it to the Commander, under your name. I've got you covered."
Nefret smiled, a bit relieved, but also confused. "Why would you do that?"
"It's what friends do", EJ answered simply.
Nefret was silent for a moment. "Thanks, EJ."
"Not a problem", he said. "I'll let you go, you've obviously got a busy day ahead of you. Take care, love."
"I will, EJ", Nefret answered. "And thanks again...for everything."

She set the phone back down on the nightstand, rubbing her eyes tiredly again. She glanced at the clock.
It was 2:38.
Nefret sighed, falling back into her bed. She let out a deep breath.
EJ was right...it was going to be quite a busy day.

---
Nefret pulled open the door to the cafe, stepping inside. She held the door open for another young couple, letting them walk through. She looked around.
There was no sign of Shade.

Nefret walked slowly over to an empty table, sitting in a chair. She had an anxious feeling in the pit of her stomach, one that was making her feel sick. She began to fidget with the bracelet around her wrist.
Suddenly, another hedgehog approached her, pulling a chair up to the table.
"Are you dining alone or do you mind if I join you?", he asked, smiling.
Nefret looked up at him, returning the smile. "Of course not", she said. "I could use some company."
The hedgehog sat. "The name's Flare", he started. "You're a new face - I haven't seen you around here before."
"My name's Nefret", she replied. "I'm...um...supposed to be meeting someone here", she added warily.
Flare smiled. "Well, it's nice to meet you, Nefret."
"It's nice to meet you too", she said sweetly.
Flare went to stand up. "I think I'll get something to drink...what would you like?", he asked. "My treat."
Nefret looked up at him. "Oh, thank you, but I couldn't-"
"-I won't take no for an answer", Flare said. "Just name it...a coffee, a soda...a smoothie perhaps?"
Nefret smiled at Flare. "That would be fine", she succombed. "Thank you."
Flare smiled back. "I'll only be a moment", he said, going to get their drinks.

Nefret leaned back in her chair, the smile remaining on her face.

---
Shade approached the cafe, glancing into the lighted windows. He spotted Nefret in the back.
Plucking a rose from the gnarled rose bush outside of the cafe, Shade grasped the handle of the door. However, he froze, seeing another hedgehog sit with Nefret. They were smiling and laughing together.
Shade gripped the handle tighter.
"Well...what have we here?", he mumbled, watching Flare and Nefret. He clenched his fist, making the rose snap in two.

Unknown to Shade, a figure appeared behind him, standing completely still.
Shade flung the cafe door open, going inside. The figure remained behind, watching him from the window.

The golden glow of the figure's halo reflected faintly off of the window.
"This isn't going to end well..."

[Cypher]

That ain't going to end well. >_>;

Be lucky Cypher ain't there with his giant mallet. XP

But, that was a good, if not, lenghty chapter.