Edit: 4/22/10

(a/n): Hey guys! If you're just tuning in, then let me warn you first off; this was the first fic I have ever written for this website, so it fails entirely. Especially the first few chapters. So, feel free to skip to chapter four so your eyes won't burn and you won't weep in utter agony for being tortured. I wrote this when I turned 15, and I am pushing 18 now. So. I know my mistakes. I am continuing this story, though, because I played Crisis Core and I have the rest of the plot planned out, and I even considered re-writing the first few chapters. However, that's later down the road...Anywho, I hope you enjoy this fic! Though I doubt it…I compare it often to Sense and Sensibility; survive the first three chapters, and you're good to go. I personally like the second half of this fic…oh well.

Disclaimer: All rights to Square Enix; all I own is the stupid high school-drama based crap I thought up for this story…-fails-

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Guardian Angel

Chapter 1: Letters from Elena

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A warm breeze swept through the blooming trees that surrounding the large brick building, stealing petals away from their flowers. Whistling as though it were laughing, the wind carried the soft red petals closer to the building, dancing with them to a song of its own and would have continued to do so, but a bell rang loudly from within the building, and the dark green metal doors opened, letting loose the mob of young adults inside. The wind abandoned its partners, letting them flutter to the concrete sidewalk, only to meet a fate as cruel as being crushed under the weight of people bustling to get home for the day.

One red petal, however, managed to maintain its flight, for some time, drifting into the building itself, and floated over to where a young girl was sorting through her numerous books in her small, green tinted locker. Unbeknownst to the young girl, the petal settled upon the crown of her head, just before the sectioned off blonde hair was gathered into a ponytail, shining in a slightly dull tone in the light provided to her.

Nikki Hirome opened her rustic locker in the midst of the crowded hallway, attempting to achieve her S.A.T. hardcover study books. It was close to the end of the school year and the shy girl of sixteen summers was nervous about the final test. Nikki would have to have a perfect score of 180 at the least on her test in order to accomplished what her older sister had done; becoming a Turk. The qualification of that profession was near impossible for an average teenager to achieve, though Nikki was no average teenager. Every night, she spent hours studying, keeping her desk lamp on until the ungodly hours of the morning. Nikki was known throughout the school, but in a manner of carelessness. Numerous times, the girl would be most likely sitting in a corner by herself, with a study book resting upon her lap whilst her classmates played sports and gossiped amongst themselves.

Nikki's intense thoughts were disrupted from her thoughts by the sound of the locker door slamming shut, almost crushing her small fingers. All that went through Nikki's mind was that someone was keeping her from her beloved books, and the worst, from it was that the suspect was Nienna, a girl who was known throughout the school as well, but held high upon a pedestal by other teenagers, and known for her ruthlessness.

In an exceptionally cocky manner, the seventeen year old brunette stepped her foot in front of Nikki and closed the locker door. To her, there was nothing more fun than teasing the shy, blonde bookworm and making her even more uncomfortable and unsecured. The popular girl, Nienna, had on a black velvet mini skirt and a tight pink short sleeved blouse with a white tie. Topping the look off was a pair of new black kitten heels. A playful smirk was fixed upon her pretty face as she chewed her mint bubble gum she had smuggled in class earlier that day.

"Oh, so sorry, Nikki. Were you getting something?" Nienna smacked profoundly, with the fake apology, the harsh smell of mint emitting from her mouth. Not skipping a beat, Nikki simply blinked and spoke no words for she was tired and longing for home since school. Unfortunately, that option had been denied, and the grey-eyed wonder was on her last nerve.

"I guess you don't intend answering me, huh?" sneered Nienna. Fortunately, Nikki thought, the girl was on an 'off' day: when she never had anything cruel to say. Usually, her comments involved Nikki's mother…All of the sudden, Nienna opened Nikki's locker and fished out her study book and began to look through it, flipping through the pages, not looking for anything in particular; a reason for Nikki to become vexed, which was Nienna's goal. As she turned a page on mathematics, a small, worn photo slipped out and floated softly to the hallway's black and white checkered floor. Nikki took a double take while Nienna bent over, revealing her cleavage, and snatched it. It was a picture of Nikki's mother before she died. Consequently enough for Nikki, it happened to befall to the hands of her rival. But the logical girl remained silent.

"Aw, is this your mum?" Nienna questioned sweetly. Lucky for her, Nikki knew an extremely rude statement was coming up. Then it came.

"That bitch of a mom should have had an abortion, that way she would still be alive and you wouldn't be here," Nienna placed the treasured picture in the book, snapped it close and set it back in Nikki's locker, skipping away in a flaunt and a bright 'cheerio' over her shoulder. Speechless, Nikki's lower lip quivered uncontrollably. At this time, no one else was in the hallway except for a handful of punk girls, for everyone else was eager to head back to their houses and watch TV to their hearts' content. Taking a few deep breaths, Nikki scooped up her books and proceeded down the hallway and out from the two story brick building, trying to control her emotions. As she paced down the sidewalk, Nikki took note to her surroundings. It was a nice neighborhood, indeed, with plenty of property. Her father and she lived off the boundaries of the ShinRa Electric Company, where her sister, Elena, worked as a Turk: a bodyguard for the president of the company. Often times, Nikki dreamed of being a Turk. How exciting it must be to investigate crimes, assassinate fugitives and capture runaways. In order for her dreams to happen, though, she must study and pass the dreaded finals. Unfortunately, Nikki was shy and an easy target. Always would she let teasing get the better of her. It wasn't good at all…

After what seemed like a walk that lasted for eternity, Nikki found herself at her house's front door. Fumbling for her keys, Nikki discovered them in her pocket and entered the metal contraption into the lock and opened the door. Delicately, she slipped into the house quietly. Her father was not home yet from his new job, so she decided to get her homework situated. Exhaling sharply, Nikki went to her bedroom and dropped her blue school bag onto the hardwood floor. Nikki really was fond of her room: There was a remarkable design of beautifully painted flowers on her walls and her matching bed and desk seemed absolutely perfect for Nikki's picky tastes. Placing her study books on her dresser, the girl looked longingly into the mirror. Carefully, she picked up her hair brushed and brushed though her medium length blonde hair and fixing her black lacy headband. In her opinion, she wasn't the lease bit attractive.

She was…plain.

Suddenly, disturbing the silence, Nikki heard the front door opened. Even though she acknowledged the fact that her father was home, she continued brushing her hair. Often times her dad would come home and she would not even utter a small 'hello.' He knew how she was: One who liked to keep to herself. But this time, something was different…

"Nikki, honey?" her father called her name. Quite unsure and interested as to why he asked for her, Nikki poked her head out of her door.

"Yeah, Dad?" she quizzed, curious. No one was in the hall. He was obviously in the kitchen. Hearing her quiet voice, her father went to her bedroom door and greeted her by handing her an envelope. It was addressed to her.

"It's a letter for you…it's from Elena," he smiled as he strolled casually back to the kitchen. As he did, Nikki leaped back into her room and onto her comfortable bed. Eagerly, she tore open the envelope and a small card fell out along with a picture. Taking a few minutes to gaze at it, Nikki observed it. It seemed to be a picture of the Turks and Elena was in the front row, standing in between two men. One was dark haired and tall and the other was young with fiery red spiky hair. After glancing at it for the last time, Nikki settled the photo on her pillow and opened the card. It was a pretty card; it was light blue with a pretty white design on the front. Nikki read it with an open mind:

'Dear Nikki,

I can't tell you how much I miss you! Every day that passes, I wish more and more that you were here. Amazing; even though we live so close by, we can never see each other. Well, enough of feeling sorry for ourselves. I need to tell you what has happened recently! Reno, the one with the red hair, has asked me out on a date. I refused, because, my dear sister, I'm in love with Tseng! He's the one on my right in the picture. He's so serious with his work, so I've decided that maybe if I start being serious with my work, he'll be sure to like me! Now you need to start telling me about your life. I hope art is doing well and your S.A.T. studies! You totally need to finish that and come. I'm bored and lonely. Well, I love you Nikki!

All of my love,

Elena'

In spite of earlier events that day, Nikki smiled at her sister's words on the handmade card. Once in awhile, Elena would send her a note of encouragement to lift her fragile spirits up. Touching the photo again, Nikki lifted herself from her bed to retrieve a piece of rose-colored stationary and a blue fountain pen. Settling herself on the edge of the bed, Nikki began to write her busy thoughts on the paper:

'Dear Elena,

It's so good to hear from you, and to hear that you are doing okay. I'm glad that you are in love: love is wonderful, isn't it? You must tell me more about Tseng and Reno and the rest of the Turks. I hope your work is doing okay…Mine is doing well. Studying is actually fun and art is fantastic. I got a 93 on my calculus test. Unfortunately, Nienna's bullying has not stopped. She insulted Mum again and I almost lost it. Please give me some strength, Elena…I feel myself gradually breaking down. I love you very much and May is only about a month away. Sorry…but no friends. I know you want me to make some but I prefer my life the way it is.

Love,

Nikki'

Sealing the matching envelope with a lick, Nikki walked to the hall and placed it onto the buffet at the front door in a small pile of letters to be mailed. Before work each day, her father always sent the mail to the nearby post-office in Midgar. With every thought passing her mind, Nikki never really thought of spending time with her dad. Biting her lip, she pondered the idea, but then let it slip away, like a vapor of water in the vibrant sun.

Five minutes later, Nikki had made herself delicious hot chocolate and rested on the navy blue couch in the living room, which was dark and warm and secluded from any unwanted visitors…which classified as 'everybody'. Cautiously, the teenage girl took a delicate sip from the chipped white mug and breathed in deeply as she swallowed comfortably. It was warm and comforting and cleared Nikki's thoughts. How could she, the shyest girl in her school, be made a Turk? A Turk was brave and ready for action. Nikki was practically the opposite. Though, she didn't mind. In fact, she fancied the fact that it would be tough. It could help her with her social feelings…probably.

Not only would she have to be a Turk, but also live in Midgar and rarely visit her father. She knew…she knew the consequences of becoming a Turk. Working for the ShinRa Company would do them good…right? After all, ShinRa was the electric company that generated most of the power in their world. Despite the fact that they used Mako energy from the planet's main course: the Lifestream. Nikki had to compose a well written essay on the Lifestream. The curious girl discovered it to be rather fascinating…The planet was a beautiful source. Unfortunately, a calamity they called 'Jenova' tried to destroy the planet and its' goodness. But the Lifestream stopped it and healed the damage of the planet. For some reason, Nikki found out, was that ShinRa used some of the material from Jenova. What they did with it, however, remained a mystery to the young girl. Maybe she would find out in her job…if she passed her S.A.T's. Nikki groaned as she remembered that it was tomorrow when she would take it. Well, she thought blandly, I guess I should catch some sleep. With that left in her mind, she trudged tiredly up the stairs with the cocoa mug remaining in her hand.

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Stepping diligently out from the stuffy testing room, Nikki breathed a sigh of relief, making her way back to her locker. Fortunately, not many people were there that day because of the S.A.T. But the cheerleaders came to practice for their lovely pep rally. The test was slightly hard for the bookworm: she broke a slight sweat at the section of calculus. She usually received 90's on that particular subject, and that was not good enough for a passing grade on the finals. Worse yet, Nikki would not know her beloved fate until three weeks had passed. It was one of the biggest moments of her life…

With her thoughts trailing off ever so sudden, Nikki turned the corner of the hallway to make way, but she found herself falling over, collapsing and her books thrown down. Hitting the floor hard on her cheek, Nikki placed her small, fragile hands on the floor and glanced behind her to see none other than Nienna. She put on her infamous smirk.

"Oops, did the bookworm fall? Does she need help?" she sneered as she offered her tanned hand, showing a sweet smile on her perfectly angled face. Hesitating, Nikki took it, only to be jerked up and slammed into the lockers. The hallway was empty, as usual…so there was no one to help her. Nienna laughed menacingly.

"You know…come to think of it, you remind me of your mum: a weak, pitiful bitch. I bet you won't even pass your stupid test and you will be stuck in here for another year," Nienna glared at Nikki, who, at this time, rubbed her temples, for her head was exceedingly sore from hitting the metal locks on the doors.

"Get up," Nienna jeered again. Nikki grunted as she tried to push herself up, but her head was searing in pain and it prevented her from doing so.

"Did you hear me, bitch?" Nienna was close to shouting at the fallen study freak. Tears burned her eyes as she quietly sobbed, but the two rivals were interrupted by three girls coming around the corner, who always hung around the premises for hours after school was let out.

"I think we all heard you, bitch," the one with straight black hair with witch bangs simpered as practical as she could with a hint of sarcasm laced in her words.

"Yeah, sometimes I wonder why you're so popular with your sucky damn attitude and the shit you have everyone go through," one with two long brunette braids with black shorts muttered seemingly, crossing her arms in front of her chest.

"Haven't you heard? She's only popular with the guys because she has sex with all of them. Isn't that right, Nenny?" The third one, obviously the dominant leader of the group, stepped in an arrogant matter in front of the two other punk teenagers, cocking her head slyly and kiddingly. She was the cutest one of the group: she had chestnut pigtails and black and white striped stockings. Her personality was what stood out so boldly as a main feature for this girl. Nienna seemed speechless for a few moments, but she quickly recovered.

"What, did your boyfriend finally tell you?" she snapped back. The other girl pretended to be shocked.

"Ouch, ooh, no…he didn't have to tell me. I dumped his sorry piece of shit ass as soon as he walked through the door with a guilty look on his face. That prick got what he deserved: a pitiful sucky, one night stand with some worthless road-sucking ho bag."

That was all she had to say. Nienna let out an outcry and turned on her black high heel, hurrying down the hallway and out of sight. Successfully, the punk giggled.

"Yeah, it looks like she's the weak one…" she mumbled to herself. Suddenly, the girl turned her attention to Nikki, who was gazing up in shock: the fact that they helped her was appalling. The girl fixed a bright smile on her face and crouched down, placing her hands on her knees.

"Hullo, what might be your name? Nikki isn't it?" she grinned kindly. Nikki nodded slowly, pushing herself in a sitting position against the lockers. Suspiciously, she examined the girls from head to toe.

"I'm Tink, and this one's Izzy," the girl in pigtails placed her hand on the one with two long braids. "The one with witchy bangs is Miyaki, but we call her Miya. Boy, Nienna is one nasty bitch, isn't she?" Tink offered her gloved hand to Nikki, who took it gladly, and balanced herself up.

"Thank you," she whispered, brushing herself off, "Yeah, I guess she is…did she really sleep with your boyfriend?" she asked with an emotionless set face. Tink stood up with her hands on her hips.

"Yeah, she did. That bastard didn't know what hit him when I kicked his sorry ass. Nienna screws with almost every boy she meets," she rolled her eyes sarcastically. Flinching at the massive inappropriate use of language, Nikki managed a shrug in agreement. Miya suddenly let out a gasp of shock when she checked the time on her watch.

"Bloody Hell! We got to go if we want to make it to the library in time. Want to come?" Miya piped the question to the still-confused Nikki. Fazed by the hurry and impatience of the three girls, Nikki nodded. Tink smirked.

"You see, we always go to the library to hang out. This time, we're planning to do something drastic to get back at that whore, Nienna. Besides, think of all of the shit she's done to you. Never did anything bad happen to her, never did she work hard and never did she get teased on. Maybe we should do something to have her have a taste of her own medicine…" her voice trailed off as she looked off, as if in deep thought. Nikki blinked.

"Sure…" she muttered. Tink let out another playful giggle as she linked arms with Nikki after she picked up her study books. Feeling rather uncomfortable, Nikki swallowed hard as she strolled pleasantly along with Tink, Izzy and the solemn Miya, who remained behind the group as they made their way out the school and onto the library.

"We got a plan…" Miya quoted, as if to herself.

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(a/n) : God that sucked. Oh well. I was young and didn't know anything at that time. XD Please leave a review! I'd love to hear positive comments and critiques. If you flame, I'd most likely agree with you. I wouldn't care, but remember that I know that the first half of this fic is bad.

If you disagree with me and you love this story, let me know!