~*Disclaimer*~ Don’t own any of the FF7 characters or songs used in this story, I swear!

 

Conflicts left unattended in the LifeStream

 

Prologue

 

“What do you mean?” Aeris asked nervously, twirling a strand of her brown hair nervously.

“You heard me, the LifeStream’s in trouble. The planet needs the others held again.” Zack stated, a look of sorrow crossing his face when Aeris looked sad.

“But… they’ve done so much. I think they deserve to live out the rest of their lives in peace.” Aeris said quietly, and Zack went and put a comforting arm around her.

“I think they deserve that too, Aery, but you know how the planet is.” He said, and she nodded sadly.

“Guess I gotta contact Tifa again…”

 

Chapter 1: Farewell to thee

 

Tifa sighed, hugging her knees to her chest, listening intently on what Aeris had to say, Zack butting in occasionally, as she nervously fiddling with her silver materia. From what she could gather, their job as always, wasn’t finished. It was a cold windy night, and Tifa’s thin shirt and Yuffie short shorts weren’t helping. She felt an arm wrap around her shoulders, and she looked up to see Reno, and she smiled sweetly at him.

“Couldn’t sleep again, babe?” he asked, and she nodded, snuggling into the warmth that he offered.

“Uh huh, something bad is going to happen…” she said distantly, looking at the stars. Reno sighed, and pulled her closer to him, resting his head on top of hers, wishing he knew what was going on.

 

“I don’t know. You sure about this?” Christy asked Sephiroth, who smiled and looked down at her. Wrapping his arms around her waist, he snuggled his head on her shoulder, tickling her with his hot breath. Angel rolled her eyes, as if to say, ‘humans, just get a room.’

“You want to see puppet before he leaves, don’t you?” he asked, and Christy laughed and planted a small kiss on his lips.

“I wish you would stop calling him that.” Christy said, giggling as Sephiroth dipped his head toward her and deepened the kiss. “Okay, okay. Let’s go!” Christy said, shrieking when Sephiroth scooped her up and teleported to the bar.

 

“Cloud.” He turned around to see Yuffie, looking awkward with her foot rubbing her knee.

“Yes?” he asked, going back to washing dishes. Ever since Jenova had been, quiet, he just couldn’t think of her as defeated, him and Yuffie had been having more talks. She would ask him questions about how it was to be dead, and he would ask her about other things, like if she kept in touch with Godo. Her father only seemed to let her stay because everyone had talked him into it, and the exception is that Yuffie phone once a month.

“You’re going away, aren’t you?” She said softly, and Cloud looked at her strangely.

“What do you mean? The planet?” he asked, and Yuffie nodded, biting her lower lip. Yuffie was half Saquri, more than he was, so she had a deeper sense of the planet than him or Christy, and sometimes Sephiroth.

“Hi everyone!” Tifa sang cheerily, and Yuffie giggled, both of them catching Tifa’s cheer, which could be a good or bad thing. Chi walked into the room, sniffing the air.

“Angel?” he asked, and everyone looked at the little dragon like he was crazy, but sure enough, a hazy blue mist circled them, and formed into Angel, and Sephiroth and Christy stepped out of the fog.

“Hi guys!” Christy said cheerfully, and Sephiroth just nodded. “Um so what’s up?” she asked sitting down and gave Cloud a peck on the cheek.

“Nothing much.” Reno answered putting an arm around Tifa’s waist

“So how’s it going?” Tifa asked snuggling a little into Reno’s embrace.

 “I think that something bad is gonna happen…” Yuffie said quietly, and as if on cue, Christy shrieked, “Cloud!” They all turned to see their spiky headed leader currently see-through, and he was fading fast.

“Wait! I thought I had another hour!” Cloud shouted, but he was fading rapidly, almost gone.

“Um…look at you guys.” Chi said, and everyone looked down, and saw that they too, were fading.

“Cool!” Yuffie and Christy exclaimed, and Tifa sighed and shook her head. Reno scratched his head thoughtfully, and Sephiroth sat down, or it looked like it anyway.

“Whoa!” everyone screamed, as they felt suction like a vacuum pulling them down. They soon felt the darkness seep over their vision and they all blacked out.

Silver 15

Chapter 2: Welcome to the LifeStream, please enjoy your stay

 

Cloud groaned, and opened his eyes. Sighing, he got up, and turned to see that everyone but Chi, Angel, and Sephiroth were unconscious.

“About time.” Sephiroth said, leaning against the cave wall. Wait, they were in a cave? “We got to get to Midgar before dark.” Sephiroth continued, and Cloud looked up at him confused. “Where are we?” he asked, and Chi chuckled.

“In the LifeStream. We have to save the planet again!” Chi said happily, and Angel rolled her eyes.

 “Ugh…remind me never to do something like that ever again.” Yuffie groaned, rubbing her head vigorously. Christy’s eyes flicked to Tifa, who was sleeping soundly.

“Yo! Sleeping Beauty! Wake up!” Reno shouted, nudging her. She opened her eyes and yawned, getting up.

“C’mon, we have to get to Midgar before dark.” Sephiroth said calmly, and everyone followed him out of the dark and dreary cave.

 

“Gawd! How much farther?” Yuffie complained, trudging through the river that almost swept her downstream. It was a nice clear river; refreshingly cool, but so very cold.

“Yea, Sephy. How much longer?” Christy asked, giggling when he scooped her up and whispered something in her ear, making her smack his shoulder playfully. Yuffie sighed and turned to look at Chi and Angel, who were flying lazily over head.

“Can’t we just fly there or something?” Yuffie whined, and Cloud shook his head.

“We can’t start anything like that until we get to register, believe me, I know.” Cloud said, shuddering slightly.

“What do ya mean Spike?” Reno asked, and Cloud growled angrily at his nickname.

“C’mon Reno, don’t be so mean to Cloudy, he’s just a little cranky now.” Christy said, and Cloud threw his hands in the air, frustrated.

“Right! It’s pick on Cloud day and everyone pick on me.” He said sourly, and Yuffie patted his shoulder sympathetically.

“Oh! Stop being babies! We’ll be there soon.” Tifa said, pointing ahead. Everyone just stood amazed at the site. It was Midgar as it was now in the real world, and it seemed exactly the same except for one tiny detail. The people were all transparent, with an occasional one you couldn’t see through.

“Wow…” Yuffie said, whistling. Sephiroth put down a disappointed Christy, and started down to Midgar, still holding her hand.

“I don’t see how she got him to do those things. She totally got him on a leash.” Reno said, and Yuffie and Tifa elbowed him, making him wince.

“C’mon ladies! Let’s get this started!” Reno exclaimed, running off, the two dragons following him.

“Men.” Yuffie and Tifa said, rolling their eyes. They grabbed Cloud’s arms and pulled him down to the city, seeing him cringe visibly when the neared it.

 

“Hi and welcome to Midgar!” a computers voice rang cheerfully, and Cloud winced. It was obvious this place made him feel uncomfortable. Giggling, Christy grabbed Sephiroth’s hand and dragged him into the city, and everyone heard an audible groan. Seems Sephiroth didn’t like this place either.

“C’mon! Let’s go!” Yuffie cheered, linking arms with Cloud, Tifa, and Reno and headed into the city, the two guardians trailing. Midgar in the LifeStream looked exactly like it did in real life, except, maybe cleaner. Dead people seemed to like cleaning.

“Ugh! I’ll never learn to like this place!” Reno complained, not liking all the clean, it thoroughly disturbed him.

“I guess you’ll be able to fit in perfectly Tifa.” Christy said, latching onto on of Sephiroth arm, and resting her head on it as they walked.

“Get a room!” Angel and Yuffie shouted, and they both giggled when Christy glared at them, sticking out her tongue. Yuffie copied, and Cloud rolled his eyes.

“So immature.” Cloud stated, and Yuffie whacked him playfully on the shoulder, and he stuck his tongue out at her.

“Grow up!” Sephiroth and Christy said, laughing when Yuffie and Cloud turned bright red.

“God, how did I end up with you people?” Tifa asked, and Reno slung an arm around her.

“Cause you’re just as insane as the person next to ya’.” He said, and Tifa smiled softly.

“Ohhhh!” Everyone cooed, nearing the building where they were supposed to ‘sign in’.

 

“Hello! You must be Avalanche! We’ve been expecting you!” a perky desk clerk said, ringing a bell and shouting, “Aeris! Your friends are here!” Everyone turned around, anticipating her arrival. “Um, it may take a while. The LifeStream’s been complicated ever since you defeated that Jenova virus.” The young woman shivered at the thought, and Christy looked curious.

“Why is that?” she asked, and the woman sighed.

“When you destroyed Jenova and her family, they came here. Their spirit energy is evil, and they tried to take this place over, knowing if that happened they would also get your world. They’re still trying, and there have been talk about another war.” She said, and Tifa looked worried.

“Does that mean we have to fight them again?” she asked, and the woman shrugged.

“I wouldn’t know. Maybe you should ask the Cetra Council.”

“Cetra Council?” Reno asked, and Cloud stepped forward.

“It’s the council that decided if you go to the Promised Land or not. And if you don’t get to go there, you stay suspended in nothing until they decide, or you get tortured until you’re reincarnated.” Cloud said, and Chi and Angel nodded, looking a bit ruffled up about the very thought.

“Hi everyone! Sorry I’m late!” everyone turned around, and stared dumbfounded. There stood Aeris, looking like she did last time everyone saw her. And she wasn’t alone.

 

Chapter 3: We’ll met again, I promise

 

“Brad?” Yuffie shrieked, running up to her brother and hugging him. “I thought that you were lost or dead! Gawd! You didn’t even call me!” Yuffie exclaimed, beginning to choke the poor soul, then dropping him and ran to Aeris, giving her a huge hug. The others did the same, with the exception of strangling Brad, and they caught up with the times.

“But, I’m sure you know the reason that you’re here.” Aeris said, and everyone nodded, Sephiroth a little shy around the woman he had killed.

“Anyway, I’m tired! Let’s hit the sack!” Christy said, and to prove her point, she yawned loudly.

“Yeah right, it seems like someone’s going to get a little action tonight,” Reno said, and Sephiroth growled threateningly, making Reno retreat behind Tifa, who was busy catching up with her friend.

“Yeah, I have to agree with Christy. This place gives me the creeps.” Cloud said, and everyone pinched themselves to see if they’d heard right. Cloud, actually saying he was scared? Angrily, Cloud stalked off, following the clerk to his room. Tifa was about to follow, but Aeris grabbed her arm.

“Are you ready?” Aeris asked, and Tifa nodded, following the half-Cetra out the door.

 

“I don’t like it! Where are they going?” Reno hissed through gritted teeth, and Christy laughed, and brushed her hair.

“Oh, be quiet Reno. Tifa will be fine.” She said, and Sephiroth wrapped his arms around her and kissed her neck softly, making her giggle.

“Get a room!” Yuffie said, wrinkling her nose up in distaste. Sephiroth scooped up a shrieking Christy, and promptly carried her to their room, locking the door. “Gawd! Grossness!” Cloud and Yuffie said, and Angel and Chi laughed.

“You spend too much time together.” The dragons howled, mirth shinning in their eyes. Brad just grinned and nodded, and Reno turned to look back out the window, watching as Tifa’s form disappeared.

 

“I don’t know Aery. What if he doesn’t remember me?” Tifa asked, fiddling with her silver materia, a nervous habit she had and Aeris laughed softly.

“Of course he’ll remember you!” she said, and led Tifa to a nice looking cottage, like the one Aeris used to live in the slums.

“Ryan! Someone’s come here to see you!” Aeris called, and dragged Tifa to the backyard.

“Yeah, who is it Aery?” she heard Ryan’s voice ask, and Tifa felt a little weak in the knees. Will he even recognize me? I’ve changed a lot… Aeris opened the gate and peeked around, and spotted Tifa’s long lost friend.

“Ryan! You’ll never guess who I met at the inn today!” Aeris sang out, and motioned for her to stay put until told to come out.

“Yea, who? Did you see Santa Clause? I always wanted to meet him. Did you get his autograph for me?” she heard Ryan ask, but she didn’t hear Aeris’s reply. He’s still got some sense of humor… she thought a small smile on her lips as she reminisced.

“No, much better! You can come out now!” Aeris called, and Tifa timidly stepped into the beautiful garden, like the one Aeris had in Midgar.

“Hi Ryan, long time no see.” She said softly, and Ryan’s jaw was left hanging open.

 

“I can’t believe it! It’s no fair! How can you win again?” Yuffie complained, as she shoved her M&Ms toward Reno, who smiled. “I’m the master at this game! C’mon Spike, want to play another game?” Reno teased, but Yuffie could see he was still worried. Tifa had been gone an awful long time.

“I think not.” Cloud said, switching the channel to the news. It was pretty neat in the LifeStream; it had everything that the real world had, except for living people.

“You guys should get some sleep. We have a long day tomorrow. You shouldn’t waste time like this.” Chi yawned, stretching out comfortably, while Yuffie pouted.

“We just want to play for a while, and maybe get hyper, wreck some havoc, kick some butt… is that so wrong?” She asked, and Brad snorted, getting up and heading to his room.

“I don’t get it…” Angel said, a little confused.

“Don’t worry Angel, I don’t understand Yuffie either. Talk to Spike, he probably understands.” Reno said, propping up his face with his hands.

“This game bites! You wanna play chess?” Yuffie asked, and Cloud looked surprised.

“You play?” he asked, and Yuffie nodded.

“I guess you two be lovey dovey and play a game of chess together. I know when I’m not wanted.” Reno said, getting up and stretching.

“Honey! I’m home!” Tifa’s voice rang out happily, and Reno turned around and grinned. He was about to say something, but he stopped cold when he saw who was with them.

 

Aeris could feel the tension emitting from the two men, and both of them had their hands positioned over their weapons. Ryan rarely found use for his short sword, but now was obvious he was going to use it without hesitation.

“Um…it seems you two have met.” Yuffie said, inching away from Reno, who was growling.

“Long time no see, Ryan.” Reno spat, and Ryan scowled.

“Come on, let’s all get along. Surely you guys can talk this out.” Aeris said, and it was obvious they wouldn’t. Even Aeris’s peace talk wasn’t going to help this.

“Um…I think I’ll go to my room now, bye.” Yuffie said, retreating quickly to her room.

“Hey Ryan.” Cloud said, trying to shake the tension, but the black haired man ignored him, narrowing his aquamarine eyes, that were about the same shade as Reno’s. Cloud remembered the guy from his childhood, well a little anyway. He had been one of those funny guys everyone laughed with, but no one was laughing now.

“Listen, it’s been a long day, and I really want to sleep. Maybe we could talk about this tomorrow.” Tifa suggested, and both guys’ eyes softened when they looked at her, but they turned cold when they looked back at each other.

“Yea, we can finish this later.” Ryan snapped, and he slammed the door shut.

“I think that went very well, don’t you?” Cloud asked, and Aeris and Tifa glared at him. Chi yawned and stretched lazily and looked at Reno and asked, “How do you two know each other.” Reno just turned his heel and stalked to his room, leaving a confused group.

 

“I don’t get it. How come guys are so jealous?” Christy asked, plucking Sephiroth’s arm from off her waist and running a hand through her tangled hair, and getting up, looking for a brush. Sephiroth shrugged and said, “Why don’t you ask them yourselves. I don’t see how women can just play with guys like toys.” Christy made a face in the mirror, and said, “You hang out with Yuffie and Tifa too much. You know they’re only like that because of all the love novels they read.”

“So you’re saying it’s because of books? Interesting…” Sephiroth said, and Christy giggled and snuggled into his arm.

“Anyway, you’re off the subject. Do you think we can get home?” Christy asked, and Sephiroth kissed her cheek.

“Course. Now get to sleep. I’m tired.” But it was a wasted command, because Christy was already out cold. “How can people just fall asleep like that? Sephiroth wondered, following Christy’s example and sleeping.

 

“Ugh! Okay, I’ll play you again!” Yuffie challenged, sitting on the floor in her room, playing chess with Angel. The dragon was actually a very good player, and had beaten Yuffie a lot.

“I think you’ve had enough. Besides, I’m getting tired.” The dragon said, lazily closing her eyes and soon, she started snoring.

“Gawd! How can some people do that?” Yuffie complained, getting up and deciding to see if anyone else was up. Peeking out in the hall, and seeing that there was some light illuminating the hall, Yuffie walked down the short passageway to the lobby, and was surprised to see that guy, what was his name? Ryan! That was it, Ryan. “Hi Ryan. I thought you went home. I didn’t think anyone would be awake at this time.” Yuffie said pleasantly, and Ryan turned around and grinned a very Reno-like grin.

“Hi, I don’t seem to recall your name miss…” Ryan said, and Yuffie smiled.

“Yuffie, Yuffie Kisargi. Nice ta’ met’cha.” Yuffie said, and they shook hands.

“So how’s it going Yuffs? Having fun in the LifeStream?” Ryan asked, folding his hands behind his head and looking at her expectantly. Yuffie shrugged a little shy with a guy who seemed so straightforward, and not to mention kind of cute.

“I don’t know, give me a day.” Yuffie said, and Ryan saluted her.

“Yes ma’am! I expect a report in 24 hours. Now if you’ll excuse me, I got some work to do Private Kisargi.” Ryan said, smiling widely before turning back to his work. Yuffie smiled, seeing why Tifa liked him, and turned back to her room, snuggling under the covers and was fast asleep.

 

“Should we bring Zack in? I think he might want some action too; besides, he might want to come and baby-sit me. I swear, he acts as though I can’t defend myself!” Aeris said, braiding Tifa’s waist long hair, as she chattered away.

“I think you should. Maybe Cloud will want to see him again.” Tifa said, and she could feel Aeris smile on of her famous warm smiles.

“I suppose you’re right. I missed talking to you in person.” Aeris said, weaving Tifa’s hair together, and Tifa smiled.

“Ditto.” She said and both girls giggled.

“You know, I think you being here will do Ryan some good.” Aeris said, finishing Tifa’s braid and tying it off with a piece of string.

“It’s good to see him again. But I’m not sure about Reno though…” Tifa said, and Aeris nodded sympathetically.

“You’re right, the last thing we need is another love triangle.” And both girls laughed, remembering being in one together.

“Y’know, it’s really nice talking to you again Aeris, I missed you advice.” Tifa said, and Aeris smiled, hands planted on her slim hips.

“Well, that’s the past and I’m here now. So go, go to bed now. You’ll need it for tomorrow, believe me.” Aeris said, and Tifa giggled as she waved and headed to her room, leaving Aeris sitting on the couch, who was smiling sadly.

 

Reno growled at Ryan, who growled back. Breakfast was strained, and everyone’s hands were hovering over their weapons, and Chi and Angel looked ready for anything.

“Um…I think we should get started to the Cetra Council, it is a long journey.” Aeris suggested, and Cloud instantly tackled the idea.

“Don’t we have to register?” he asked, trying to find a way to delay the inevitable. Tifa smiled and shook her head.

“We registered last night.” Tifa said, and Cloud groaned, and Yuffie giggled.

“I think you should get over it puppet. The Cetra Council hates me more than you.” Sephiroth said, sipping some soup, and Christy looked at him worriedly.

“Oh? Well I’ll give them a piece of my mind!” Christy declared, pulling up her shirtsleeve, while Sephiroth tried to calm her down.

“C’mon! What are we waiting for? Let’s go!” Tifa and Yuffie shouted, punching the air, and the gang sighed.

 

“C’mon! Can’t we teleport some more?” Brad complained, and Yuffie sighed, trying to be patient.

“Everyone’s been sucked dry of their energy, and no one knows what the place looks like. They all say it’s too hazy for them.” Yuffie growled, waving her hands in the air to emphasize her point. “I think Chi or Angel should know something, but no! They’re as clueless as us! Why do we have to bring them anyway?” Reno asked, and Tifa and Christy only hugged their guardians tighter, glaring at Reno. Cloud sighed, a little exhausted about the fighting and about being in a desert with the sun beating down on you.

“Stop being so cranky. We’ll get there soon.” Tifa said optimistically, and everyone groaned. Aeris nodded in agreement and said, “Don’t whine so much, this is only the beginning.” Everyone looked at her for another answer, but she gave none, and nobody else would either. Man, it sucks not being anything but human. Reno concluded, trudging after the group wearily.

 

 “Okay, so how do you two know each other.” Cloud asked again, and Ryan and Reno ignored him, while Christy tried guessing.

“You used to be best friends?” she asked, and they both glared at her like she was crazy.

“Um…I’d take that as a no,” Yuffie stated, and even Sephiroth joined in.

“Were you in the Turks together?” he asked, and Reno snorted.

“That little wuss couldn’t join the Turks if we were desperate for recruits.” He said, and both looked about to get into another fight…again.

“Why can’t we all just get along?” Tifa and Aeris asked, and Chi nodded along with Angel.

“I think now would be a good time to go home now, don’t you think Angel?” Chi asked, and Angel nodded, and the two conveniently disappeared.

“Gawd! I wish I could do that!” Yuffie whined, and Ryan and Reno gave a sigh of relief. Maybe they would stop pestering them now. No such luck.

“Maybe they both fell in love with the same girl and got jealous of each other.” Brad suggested, and everyone turned to look at Tifa, who was arguing with Cloud.

“No! I’m sure that it’s this way.” Tifa said, gesturing straightforward, and Cloud shook his head.

“No! It’s this way!” Cloud said, pointing right.

“Actually, I think Cloud’s right.” Sephiroth commented, and Tifa and Cloud stuck their tongues out at each other.

“Gawd! I’m more mature than them sometimes!” Yuffie exclaimed, sighing, as she continued to trudge after the weary group.

 

“We’re here!” Aeris sang cheerfully, and the group sighed in relief.

“Wait a minute, where are we?” Brad asked, and Aeris pointed to the huge mountain peak that was right in front of them.

“We’re at Gugauyd’s peak!” she exclaimed cheerfully, and Reno scratched his head.

“Who’s Gugauyd?” Reno asked, and Yuffie grinned.

“He’s a famous Saquri general that helped win the war over the Jenova virus.” She said, and Cloud looked at her confused.

“Why does she get to be smart again?” Cloud asked, and Christy shrugged.

“C’mon, we have to get to Kalm before sunset.” Sephiroth said calmly, starting to climb the rocks, and Ryan followed.

“Can’t we teleport?” Yuffie whined, and Reno looked confused. “Why do we have to get to Kalm before sunset?” Reno asked, and Tifa grinned, and said, “We can’t teleport, or our presence will be detected. And we have to get to Kalm because we might be attacked by-“ before she could finish, a shrill battle cry was heard, and Yuffie paled. She remembered that shriek all too well.

 

Chapter 4: Poison? Aren’t they supposed to be dead?

 

Everyone looked up, and to their surprise, they saw Poison, that’s right, Poison.

“What are they doing here? I thought they were dead!” Yuffie shrieked, and Cloud growled.

“Of course! That’s why they’re in the LifeStream!” he snapped, and he unsheathed his sword, and Sephiroth followed. Christy snorted, but reached for the magnum that hung on her slim waist.

“Oh, I think that I should stand back and cast magic.” Aeris said helpfully, scooting away from the crowd as the offending gang that was charging.

“Ok Aery! If you want to be a wuss!” Ryan yelled, and Aeris stuck her tongue out at him.  Reno just stole a glance in Tifa’s direction, and saw she had drawn her sword, and deciding that was a good idea, he drew his nightstick. The first person to arrive was Rini, and she glared at Yuffie in annoyance. Seems like Yuffie had to watch her back…

“Brad! Good undercover work! You can stop the whole charade right now.” James said, stepping forward with a smirk and an arm around a woman’s waist. Annita… guess they finally hooked up. They all whirled around to look at Brad, and his usual cheerful face was grim and cold, and Yuffie watched in horror as he stepped toward them.

“Brad! What are you doing?” Aeris yelled, and Brad reached the enemy’s side.

“What does it look like! He’s a traitor!” Christy snarled, and Yuffie wailed.

“He’s not a traitor! My brother’s not like that!” Yuffie sobbed, and Brad grinned an evil grin.

“Of course I’m not your brother. Foolish child!” Brad snapped, and he began to laugh insanely, and he began morphing into a blob.

“He’s… Koji!” Tifa gasped, and the newly formed Koji cackled evilly.

“Yes you are correct.” He snickered, and Cloud turned a little pale.

"Care to explain?" Reno snarled, and Annita grinned evilly.

"You see, Brad did die in that war. Jenova knew that Koji would die, so being the clever being she is, she made a clone into a boy, who happened to be ninja brat's brother. He was reincarnated with ninja brat's brother, but was buried deep in his subconscious, until Jenova died. Then he finally awakened. You had an enemy under your nose without even know!" Annita cackled superiorly, while Yuffie growled angrily, bound for revenge for using her brother's name.

“Maybe we should get this started,” Tifa growled, getting into a battle stance. Yuffie let out a stifled sob, and stole one last look at her ‘brother’.

“For once, I agree.” Annita said, and Aeris cocked her head and looked at her.

“Daughter, I think you should think this through. I know you’re not entirely evil, you still have a chance.” Aeris whispered, and Annita giggled evilly.

“You should talk, you’re a softy! I’ll never be like you!” Annita snapped, and Aeris looked a little sad.

“Let’s stop whining and get to fighting!” Tora yelled, and there were cheers from each side.

“Yes, let’s see who will win.” Koji cackled evilly, and everyone looked a little disturbed, but they quickly got into battle stances.

 

 “I guess I can fight you. You must be Annita’s mother, the fruit.” Alana said, laughing a little as she stared down the Cetra, who casually twirled her rod over her head.

“I’ll show you who’s a fruit!” Aeris snapped, hitting the girl on the shoulder, but it was blocked. Alana hit for her neck, only to meet Aeris’s rod, and Aeris twirled it around, hitting Alana square on the jaw, making the woman cry out and hit the floor. Alana quickly tripped Aeris by sweeping her feet out from under her with her rod. While she fell, Aeris whacked the girl on the knee, making a sickening cracking sound and Aeris quickly jumped to her feet.  Alana tried to sweep under again, but Aeris jumped up, and twirling her staff, hit the woman on the side of the stomach, missing her head when she rolled. Seeing she had the advantage, Aeris raised her staff over her head and hit the woman out until she was unconscious, and she sighed, not liking violence. But it turned into a gasp as Alana’s body glowed a bright green, and to her surprise, the woman shimmered then disappeared.

“But where’d she go? She was already in the LifeStream.” And as if the planet heard, a dark cloud started forming. “I see.” Was all the half Cetra said, before turning to look at the others.

 

Ryan blocked when Tora tried to cut his arm, but quickly pulled out his short sword in an untraceable speed, slashing the brown haired man across the chest. The man cried out, but straightened and thrust his sword forward, but Ryan blocked, and slashed the guy’s cheek, barely missing his neck. Tora came back, cutting the cross of Ryan’s back and sending him flying a few feet.

“Ryan!” he heard Tifa yell, but he couldn’t let her worry. Getting up and gritting his teeth, he twirled around and thrust his sword forward, getting a nice cut on Tora’s side stomach, when the man had tried to get him when he was down. Tora instead cut his arm as he thrust forward, making Ryan grit his teeth harder, trying not to scream in pain. Pulling another short sword hidden in his back, Ryan cut the man straight through the stomach, making the man cough up blood and fall down. To Ryan’s surprise, he shimmered green and then disappeared.

“I’ll never get used to what the LifeStream does.” Ryan grumbled, before limping to Aeris to be healed.

 

“I’ll get you little ninja b****!” Rini screamed, as she thrust her glaive forward, only to meet Yuffie’s shuriken. With an arrogant smirk, Yuffie thrust their weapons apart and threw two ninja stars, but Rini dodged, much to her disappointment. “You think the same tricks will defeat me twice? Little girl, you’re mistaken!” Rini shrieked, and Yuffie growled angrily and formed a purple energy ball, and shot it at the redheaded girl. She screamed when the thing hit her leg, making her fall down to the ground in pain. Without hesitation, Yuffie killed her and didn’t look back, trying to ignore the high-pitched scream.

 

“You don’t talk much, do you?” Reno asked, smacking away Talons gloves with claws, which reminded Reno of Wolverine’s on the X-Men. Talon didn’t say anything, just tried to slash down by Reno’s neck, but he dodged and pivoted, slamming an elbow into the huge man’s chest, making him grunt. Talon growled, and slashed down, getting Reno on the shoulder, making him yelp.

“Reno!” he heard Tifa yell his name like she yelled Ryan’s, but still, it made him feel special that she actually cared. Not wanting to let her down, Reno slammed a knee into Talon’s groin, making the man double over.

“Go Reno! That’ll stop anyone!” he heard Yuffie say, and he agreed. Taking out his gun, Reno shot Talon, and like the others, he flashed a bright green before disappearing. 

 

“I hope you thought long and hard about what you did, father.” Annita snarled, twisting and trying to slash Sephiroth at the stomach, but he blocked and slashed upward, making a wound that began to bleed rapidly. Shrieking, Annita jumped back, and looked at who remained, and by what she figured, most of the team had gone back to mother. Even Claire and X had just been slain, and from what Annita could gather, James was still alive. “James! Let’s go! The others have returned to mother!” she yelled, before disappearing along with a bruised James. 

“Returned to mother?” Yuffie asked, and Cloud shrugged, still a little pale.

“I think that they went home. Maybe we should get to town before something else attacks us.” Ryan suggested, walking toward the town.

“Is that what you were talking about Tifa?” Reno asked, and Tifa nodded, glancing from him to Ryan, before following the black haired man.

“I’m so tired! And sore! Let’s go Cloud!” Yuffie said, grabbing the older man’s hand and dragging him after their two companions. Christy looked at Reno, an apologetic look on her face, and she grabbed Sephiroth’s hand and said, “I’m beat. C’mon you guys, we don’t want to fall behind.” With that, Christy and Sephiroth started walking hand in hand.

“I’m sure Tifa means well. Don’t worry; I’m sure she just wants to catch up with Ryan. How do you know him anyway?” Aeris said, trying to get the ex-Turk’s mind off a certain brunette.

“Yea, sure whatever. I didn’t say anything.” Reno said coldly, shoving his hands into his pockets and stalking off. Aeris sighed and shook her head sadly, and then she ran to catch up with the others, who were fading along the horizon.

 

“She loves me, she loves me not.” Ryan said, plucking a flower while he sat in a flower field. He was of course, thinking of Tifa. Ever since they had checked in at a hotel in Kalm, Tifa had been a little uneasy, so Ryan had left, letting her take her time. With a pluck of the flower, it landed on not. With a groan of frustration, he tossed the thing on the ground, and rolled over and lay on the field, sprawled out. He had his gloved hand partially covering his aquamarine eyes, so he could see the stars him and Tifa used to watch together. With a dejected sigh, he covered his eyes, as if trying to block out the memories, but he could still hear his and Tifa’s childish laughter float through his ears, sounding like music, bittersweet, yet soothing all at the same time. Confusing, wasn’t it. But yet, everything was confusing.

“Ryan.” He uncovered his eyes to see Yuffie, who was looking at him a little shyly.

“Yeah, what’s up?” he asked, sitting up and turning to look at her. She was pretty cute, he decided, with that button nose of hers, and those sparkling eyes of hers. She was of medium height, but compare to him she was pretty short. Not that he was tall, but he was at least a head taller than she was.

“Uh, I came here to report.” She blurted out, and Ryan chuckled. “What? What’s so funny?” Yuffie asked in a confused voice, and that only made Ryan laugh harder. Deciding that his laugh was contagious, she too, began laughing and soon they were rolling in the flower field, laughing until they had tears running down their faces. Aeris smiled tenderly at the scene, seeing that Ryan didn’t need her to cheer him up.

“Laughter is the perfect medicine Christy, don’t you agree?” Aeris asked, and Christy stepped out sheepishly from the shadows. “Well?” Aeris asked, putting her hands on her hips, looking over her shoulder at the woman expectantly, and Christy tucked a stray strand of blond hair behind her ear.

“I agree.” She said softly, sitting down on the bench, and wrapping her arms around her slender legs. Aeris cocked her head to the side, seeing that Sephiroth’s wife was as tall as her, maybe an inch or two taller, with slender legs, a creamy complexion, and she was a little busty, not as near as Tifa though. Maybe guys liked that kind of thing? She looked at herself, a little depressed. She had been living with Zack ever since she had died, and yet, he still pretended they were friends. Maybe if she changed her looks, she’d be more appealing to him?

“I think that you should stay the way you are Aeris, you’re sweet enough. If he doesn’t like you for who you are, find another.” She turned to see Christy, smiling at her shyly, and Aeris gave her a sunny smile.

“I guess you’re right. What was I thinking?” she asked, and both girls giggled. Yes, Aeris thought, laughter is the perfect medicine. 

 

“D***it Seph! Are you addicted to this game or something?” Reno groaned as Sephiroth beat him in another chess match. Ever since the girls left, there was nothing good to do. It seemed they were doing some ‘bonding’, and they said that the guys could do that too, but so far, they were only bored.

“You think they’re singing karaoke again?” Reno asked, and the other two men present, Cloud and Sephiroth, shrugged.

“As long as they’re not doing anything ‘bootylicious’.” Both men said, and Reno cracked a grin.

“Great minds think alike.” Reno commented randomly, and Cloud shrugged while Sephiroth just leaned back in his chair and stared at the ceiling, so much for boy’s night out.

“Why don’t we go out to a bar?” Reno asked, and Cloud looked at him like he was crazy.

“One, you’d get drunk and make a fool out of yourself. Two, the girl’s would kill us; well Christy would Sephiroth if he got drunk. Three, I could probably out drink both of you, no sweat.” Cloud said, ticking off his fingers. Sephiroth and Reno sat up from their laid back positions and asked, “Is that a challenge?” Cloud smirked, and got up, getting his coat.

“Loser pays for the drinks!” Reno declared, getting up and following Cloud out the door.

“This will be interesting.” Sephiroth said, and followed the two men out the room.

 

“Is this cute, or this one?” Christy asked, putting one dress in front of her, and then another one.

“I don’t care! Can’t we get this over with?” Yuffie grumbled, and Tifa and Aeris giggled.

“Why? So you can see Ryan again?” Tifa teased, while Yuffie blushed and Aeris giggled, but Christy looked confused.

“Isn’t he like your childhood love?” Christy asked, modeling in front of a store mirror.

“Yea, but, I don’t know. I guess I don’t want to think about it right now.” Tifa said, propping her head up with her hands.

“Anyway, I think Yuffie and him would make a cute couple.” Aeris commented, and Yuffie made gagging noises while the girls giggled.

“Aeris! I thought you were the sweet one! But I guess you’re truly evil!” Yuffie exclaimed, and Aeris gave her an innocent look.

“Who? Me?” she said, looking around, and looking back at Yuffie, smiling.

“Oh! C’mon girls! It’s our night out! Let’s talk about something other than guys.” Tifa suggested, and in union they said, “Ice cream!”

 

“Master, all is well, take it.” Demon said, bowing before James and Annita, who sat on thrones. But their surroundings looked anything but a palace. It was more like a cave, with cobwebs as curtains and dust as a carpet. The only splash of color besides the golden thrones and the plush red chairs on them was the thin red carpet that was long and narrow, trimmed with gold. It climbed the three stone steps to the throne, and the stretched to the only entrance in this gloomy room. The only light was the merry glow of seven torches, lined up against the wall. It seemed like the perfect place for a mad man’s secret hideout.

“Yes, yes. It all went smoothly, if you count killing Poison.” James said dismissively, and Demon winced. He was beginning to like his predecessor group.

“Very well m’lord. I will report to mother.” Demon said, bowing before he turned and walked the long carpet out of the room.

“Do you think that they suspect? Now they know one is a traitor, surely they’ll think that there will be another.” Annita asked, only brash when others were around, but sensitive with only James.

“Of course not, they think only of themselves and the planet.” James said, but that didn’t wipe the worried look of Annita’s pretty face.

 

“I don’t know about this Demon, I think that they’re not telling us something.” Ashley said, following Demon down the corridor that was dimly light, an occasionally torch lighting the way. They were scurrying to the main quarters, where mother sat, incased in her icy prison, but it still didn’t mean mother couldn’t hear. A mother always watches over her children.

“I know that Ashley, but who cares? Mother knows, she will tell us.” Demon said, and Ashley, but followed him.

“Do you trust Koji?” she asked, trying to start a conversation as they came to a fork in the corridor, but Demon picked the left way, bounding down rocky stars that crumbled beneath his weight.

“No, and I don’t think anyone does.” Demon said, pushing open the wooden double doors, and stepping into a room that was lit far brighter than the others, and it was lit by lights, with a huge circular keyboard running around the small area, hugging the walls. In the center of the ceiling, hung a huge claw, like the one in vending machines, and it gleamed evilly in the light. The floor was white marble, as were the walls that weren’t covered in scientific looking equipment. A huge computer stood in the back, with a large screen that took up most of the wall. Not missing a beat, Demon walked over to the huge keyboard and punched in a code. Soon, making a hideous mechanical noise, the crane started moving toward the bottom of the ground under it, and the floor opened up to reveal test tube looking things, only bigger, and lined up in a neat little row. Picking up one delicately, the crane cranked and moved, until it set it in a resting hole, and it snapped into place on the metal ring.

“Mother,” Demon and Ashley whispered, getting a dull lifeless look in their eyes. Because, floating in the liquid that had to be mako, was Jenova herself, looking like she did when Sephiroth first found her.

 

Chapter 5: Barry? Fruit boy’s back?

 

“Ugh! I can’t believe I lost to a Turk!” Cloud snapped, and Reno looked at him with out of focus eyes.

“Ex-Turk.” He slurred, looking a little bit more than tipsy. Even Sephiroth had a drink, but only one because Christy probably would have hurt him.

 “You are so trained.” Reno said drunkenly, and him and Cloud howled with laughter, while Sephiroth didn’t look amused.

“I think you’ve had enough for one day.” Sephiroth said, and he felt someone sit down next to him.

“I couldn’t agree more.” A familiar voice said, and all the guys turned and stared, gaping at who had come to visit…

 

“I don’t know… I mean, I like this one, but then I like this one.” Aeris said, looking over the dessert menu, while the waiter stood impatiently by her.

“Miss, could you please hurry. I have more customers to attend to.” The waiter said, and Aeris giggled while the other girls looked embarrassed.

“This one will do fine.” Aeris said, pointing to a random order. “Thank you miss.” The waiter said, before hurrying off.

“Geez Aery, took you long enough.” Tifa said, rolling her eyes.

“Anyway, do you think this dress, or this dress?” Christy asked, pointing to one dress in the magazine, than another, and both looked exactly the same.

“Gawd! Not again!” Yuffie complained, and Christy giggled.

“What’s the special occasion anyway?” Aeris asked, and Christy shrugged.

“I just though these dresses were cute.” She said, peering back into her magazine.

“Geez, what is it with girls and dresses?” a familiar voice said from behind Yuffie, making her turn around. All the girls gasped and stood straight up, ready for a fight.

 

 “So what brings you here, Chi?” Sephiroth asked, sipping a drink. A now human Chi, shrugged, and looked at them merrily. The human Chi looked exactly like the dragon Chi, tall with a pale complexion, with blue hair, and gold eyes.

“Interesting…I didn’t know you had the same name as a friend of mine, only he’s smaller and a dragon.” Reno slurred, and Chi rolled his eyes.

“He better be drunk, I’m not into the whole stupid human thing.” Chibi said, and Cloud scowled.

“And what is that supposed to mean?” he asked, and Chi grinned ruefully.

“No offense. Anyway, I just came here to tell you the girls need your help.” Chi said, and Sephiroth stopped him before he left.

“Aren’t you coming?” he asked, and Chi shook his head, and said something in Cetra that no one seemed to understand. Quickly letting go of Chi’s arm, Sephiroth stood and ushered everyone out the door, hurrying to a restaurant, anger and fear shinning in his eyes.

 

“It’s been a while Barry.” Tifa said coldly, and Barry smirked, leaning against a wall. The other girls fidgeted nervously, and the people around them seemed a little nervous, glancing at them like they expected a fight. And they’d probably get one too.

“I’m hurt Tifa, I thought that’d you’d be glad to see me. Oh well, I guess I’ll just have to toy with you instead of chit chat.” Barry said, drawing a gun and aiming it at Aeris, who quivered, realizing she had forgotten her weapon.

“This is between you and me Barry, I don’t think you’d attack a defenseless girl now, would you.” Tifa said, drawing her sword that had magically appeared from her back. Barry chuckled, swiping his gun down, and to her surprise, a sword blade fell from the gun’s barrel, making it a gunblade. The others gasped, and Tifa narrowed her eyes, turning them golden.

“Didn’t think I knew how to use any other weapon, did you? Well, that’s where your mistake is little missy.” Barry hissed, walking slowly and dangerously to Tifa, whose sword was in a ready position. Yuffie looked around worriedly, hoping someone could help this situation, but she saw no one, and Christy looked like she was ready to summon Angel. Aeris looked calm, praying silently, and Yuffie wondered how she could do that kind of thing at this kind of time. Closing her eyes, she too, began to pray. With a yell, Barry charged forward, slashing downward, only to meet Tifa’s katana. With another lightening fast slash, Barry arched his sword and aimed for Tifa’s waist, but she flipped and aimed to his Barry on his back, but he blocked, twirling and kicking Tifa in the stomach, sending her sprawling. With a groan, Tifa weakly got up, only to met a sneering Barry.

“I have plans for you, but I see your friends are coming. Might as well leave a parting gift.” Barry said, throwing a bomb over his shoulder, before disappearing.

“No!” Tifa screamed, and as the dust cleared, she saw some customers lying dead, not that they weren’t dead already, but they had stopped their movement. Strangely, they began to glow a green color, and they disappeared, leaving a baffled group of girls.

“What happened? I thought that you couldn’t die in the LifeStream.” Yuffie said, and Aeris looked sadly at the destruction.

“They’re going somewhere…to help something…but I… don’t get it…” Aeris said, trailing off, and just then, the guys came skidding into view.

“Are you alright?” they shouted in union, and the girls nodded distantly, looking up. Another dark cloud appeared, like a bad omen or something. This is too weird… Yuffie thought, looking worriedly, and as if sensing the tension, the sun parted the cloud, shinning comforting rays of golden sunlight on their faces.

 

“You failed! Barry, I’m disappointed in you.” James said, shaking his head sadly and making a tsk tsk sound. Barry only grinned up at him and Annita, who were still sitting on their thrones.

“But, I believe it wasn’t the right time. You see, our spy can’t reveal herself yet, it would spoil the fun.” Barry said evilly, and James rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

“He has a point.” Annita stated, and James shrugged, waving his hand, telling Barry that he was no longer needed in the room. With a quick bow, Barry walked out the door, and down the same corridor that Demon and Ashley had taken, and instead of going left, he went right. How easily you can get lost in this cavern. Barry thought, strolling down the passage until he came upon a room that was also lighted by electricity, and three white plush couches were crammed around a T.V. that was blaring some music videos.

“Hello.” Barry said, and Evety turned to look at him.

“What is it Barry? Come to bug us again?” Chris complained, and Barry shook his head and sat down next to him.

“I just wanted to see if you wanted to help me get a present for mother.” He said casually, and now everyone’s eyes were on him.

“What do you mean?” Malanda snapped coldly, flipping her ice blonde hair out of her eyes, glaring at Barry. Barry knew that he couldn’t say anything bad about Jenova or her twisted sisters, or else Evety would tear him apart. Their ‘mother’ was a very touchy subject for them.

“A present that I think she’ll like. Why don’t we give her the very Cetra that helped kill her?” Barry suggested, and Natalia’s lips curved into an evil smirk.

“You mean, get that Tifa girl? That sounds like the perfect present…” Natalia said, and Barry grinned widely, knowing if Natalia agreed, Chris would too.

“Yea…that sounds like fun…” Ashley said, a malevolent twinkle sparkling her purple eyes. Barry smiled and said, “Yes…doesn’t it?”

 

“Ugh! I didn’t know they had these stupid birds in the LifeStream!” Yuffie and Christy complained, looking a little green. Laughing and shaking her head, Aeris grinned as the wind whipped at her face and playfully messing with her hair. At this rate, they would reach the Cosmo Canyon in no time.

“When are we going to get to the Cosmo Canyon anyway?” Tifa hollered to be heard over the howling wind, and Aeris looked at Cloud’s back, as if wondering if he’d answer.

“Well, I think in about three hours!” Cloud shouted back, and Tifa nodded, snuggling up against Reno, who was grinning widely. Then, all of a sudden, the wind stopped howling, and the chocobos seemed nervous, because they stopped running and began looking around frantically, like for shelter.

“Cloud, what’s going on?” Aeris asked, and an evil laugh sounded all around them, chilling them to the bones.

“I was hoping we wouldn’t have to spell it out for you, but I guess we have to.” A voice cackled, and Aeris looked up, surprised. What was going on?

 

“I don’t like this…” Sephiroth grumbled, jumping off the giant bird along with Christy, talking about Barry, Natalia, and Chris.

“You notice that someone’s else is there, don’t you.” Christy whispered, pointing to a girl with waist long blue hair and green eyes. She had on a white oriental dress that reached her knees, and it had a slit up to her mid thigh. The dress also had a big silver cloth that tied itself neatly into a big bow. Another strange thing was she was floating in midair.

“Who are you and what do you want?” Cloud asked, naturally putting a protective arm in front of Aeris, while the other men did the same.

“We just want you to meet our new friend, and we’d thought that you’d have the perfect gift for mother.” Barry said deviously, and the other two nodded.

“I am Bauer Abhor, and I will kill you.” she said, and Reno rolled his eyes.

“Bigger people have said that to us, but we’re still here.” Reno said, and Bauer laughed haughtily, taking out a materia that gleamed golden, she cackled, “Here! Have this!” Forming a huge energy ball, she blasted it at where Yuffie and Ryan used to be, but the two managed to dodge in time, but unfortunately, the bird didn’t.

“Ugh! I was starting to like that bird!” Yuffie snapped, forming a little energy ball compared to Bauer’s and shooting it up at the woman who disappeared.

“Hey! Where’d she go?” Ryan asked, and as if to answer the question, she popped up behind Tifa.

“Say bye, bye to your precious Cetra!” she cackled, and instead of killing her, a huge circle of ice surrounded her, incasing her in a tube like ice shell, Tifa floating unconscious in it.

“Tifa!” Both Ryan and Reno screamed, as the capsule disappeared before anyone could react, Barry smiling evilly and departing also. Reno growled angrily, his eyes flaming.

 “You better stay away from Tifa!” He snarled, and Barry looked at him unimpressed.

“You cannot command me Turk. Bauer, play with them for a while.” Barry said, stepping through a rip in the air that led to a lab looking space, where they could barely make out the case that held Tifa in it. Natalia and Chris soon followed, smirking with victory as they stepped through the rip. Bauer blocked the entrance before anyone could make a run through it.

“Uh, uh, uh. I wanna play some more.” She said, taking up her materia and forming another shimmering ball, and she blasted it at Christy before anyone could move to save her. But the odd thing was, it just went right through her, and after it had disappeared, she collapsed into Sephiroth’s arms.

“I think now would be a good time to teleport to Cosmo Canyon.” Yuffie whispered, taking up Aeris’s hand along with Ryan’s, who had seemed a little dazed since Tifa was kidnapped.

“Yeah, let’s get out of here!” Sephiroth said, grabbing onto Reno, who was frozen with shock and anger, as he got them out of this mess. Bauer pouted as she watched her toys disappear in the wind, but she smirked as she thought of playing with that other girl, Tifa. It sounded like fun to spar with her. Grinning excitedly, she vanished.

 

Chapter 6: Bad news always comes knocking at the door

 

“You what!” James screeched, and Natalia cowered behind Chris, as he stood tall by Barry, who was smirking.

“We captured a present for mother. Using her, we might be able to revive her.” Barry said, and Chris nodded in agreement. James growled, but Annita put her hand on his arm and smiled evilly down at the three people, making everyone in the room nervous.

“I think that’s a good idea, and since Koji is here, why don’t you try it now? I want to get my father and his friends here.” Annita spat, and they bowed, leaving the room.

“You’re dismissed.” James said angrily, and the rest of Evety left, occasionally giving James a backwards glance.

“You shouldn’t be so hard on them James, they only want to help mother.” Annita said, leaning back in her chair while James scowled.

“You’ve grown soft since I came here and started handing everything to you on a silver platter.” James snapped, and Annita smiled at him dryly.

“And you’ve gotten more pathetic since you got Evety back together.” Annita snapped back, and James smiled softly, knowing she was just doing that to get under his skin.

“Do you think it was wise to bring mother’s friends into this? How do we know Bauer is actually on our side?” James asked, and Annita shrugged.

“Don’t worry so much. She is trustable. She got that Ancient, didn’t she?” Annita replied, and James nodded. He guessed Annita won this argument.

 

Sephiroth and Cloud paced back and forth in front of the bathroom door, like guards would, and it was making all the guys a little edgy. But everyone was still worried. They often heard sounds of vomiting, and they knew that Christy was in there sick, and Aeris and Yuffie were trying to heal her, but it didn’t seem to work. It just got worse. Aeris soon came out, shaking her head, and when she saw Sephiroth and Cloud pacing, she planted her hands on her hips.

“Pacing around like that won’t do her any good. Get some sleep! All of you!” Aeris said, ushering them out of the small room. Turning back, Aeris knelt down beside Christy, who looked miserable.

“Please don’t tell them… I don’t want them to worry. With Tifa and all…” Christy said, but then she retched violently into the toilet, and Aeris held her hair back while Yuffie handed her a glass of water when she was done. “Thanks guys, I’m just tired now. Maybe I should get me some rest too.” Christy said, and Aeris and Yuffie helped a stumbling Christy to her room, where Sephiroth waited.

“I don’t want anything going on here but sleep! Christy needs her rest!” Yuffie scolded, and turned embarrassed when everyone turned to stare at her.

“We’ll start for Cosmo Canyon in the morning.” Sephiroth said, before closing the door, leaving a worn Aeris and Yuffie to go to there rooms.

“Night Aeris.” Yuffie called, turning and heading toward her own room, and to her comfy bed no doubt. But Aeris knew someone else needed comforting, so she walked out to the balcony, and hopped onto the roof from there. Cocking her head to one side, she saw him. Reno. He needed some much more help than Christy right now, and he seemed lost now, and his eyes seemed dull and lifeless. With a sigh, Aeris sat down by the former Turk, peering into his face intently. He was somewhere else, and Aeris knew she couldn’t reach him. He’d only be all right when Tifa came back… Aeris sighed heavily, putting a comforting hand on Reno’s shoulder, and he only turned to look at her with a lifeless gaze.

“Do you think…she’s alright?” he asked, and Aeris nodded, a little surprised he talked. He hadn’t uttered a word until now since Tifa was kidnapped.

“You should get some rest. We’re starting for Cosmo Canyon tomorrow.” Aeris said, and Reno nodded slowly, before getting up and stumbling down to the balcony. Aeris sighed again, looking at the stars wistfully. She too, longed to be by the person she loved. “Zack…” she whispered, and the wind carried his name on its wings, making Aeris smile softly and get up, deciding it was time for bed.

 

“You will do what I say!” James hissed, and Tifa tossed her head sideways in a defiant gesture, making James even more enraged. Tifa was still floating in the capsule, but she was awake, and her capsule was clicked into place by a huge metal ring, like the one Jenova was on. “Fine! If you want to play it hard, we’ll play it hard!” James roared, getting to a switch and pulling it all the way up. Suddenly, Tifa wasn’t too sure if her defiance was a good thing. She cried out as a fiery pain shot up her body, engulfing her. She knew what he was doing. He was torturing her like she had Jenova. She cried out again as it started to worm its way into her head, making if pound and ach so horribly, Tifa thought it would explode. With a scream, tears sprung out of her eyes as the pain got so intense Tifa passed out.

“Do you think that was wise?” Bauer asked, and James shrugged, turning to Annita and holding out an arm for her.

“Shall we go to my dear?” he asked, and Annita nodded, taking his arm and both walked out the lab door. Bauer turned to Tifa’s case, a look of malevolence etching across her face. Walking up to the capsule, she rested her pale hand on its surface.

“I think that this torture is fun, don’t you? And while you sit there in agony, so does your little boyfriend who loves you so dearly. Try and think about him next time that pain shots through your body.” With an evil smirk, Bauer left the room, just as Koji entered the room. Walking up to the case, Koji smiled evilly.

“My precious specimen.” He cackled, and his evil laughter echoed in the halls.

 

“Bugenhagen?” Yuffie, Aeris, and Cloud exclaimed, when they saw Nanaki’s deceased grandfather ‘walk’ over to them.

“Ho ho hooo! It’s nice to see you! I’ve been expecting you.” Bugenhagen said, and he ushered the group to his observatory. It still looked the same as always, and Bugenhagen motioned them to take a seat.

“How’d you know we were coming?” Sephiroth asked curiously, after everyone had been introduced. The others murmured in puzzlement too, and Bugenhagen just laughed.

“The planet knows everything.” Bugenhagen said mysteriously, and the group was forced to except that answer. Suddenly, Christy looked very ill.

“Uh oh, we got to get you to a bathroom. C’mon.” Aeris said, leading the miserable woman out the door. Sephiroth and Cloud tried to follow; Yuffie stopped them in their tacks, blocking the door.

“No! You stay right were you are! Christy will be fine!” Yuffie said, not sounding so sure. Both men crossed their arms across their chests and glared at her.

“Ho ho hooo! That isn’t a way to treat a lady gentlemen!” Bugenhagen said, and both men sighed, defeated, as they plopped back into their chairs.

“Anyway, could you tell us if Tifa’s alright?” Ryan asked worriedly, and Reno looked up at the mention of her name, eyes dull and lifeless. Bugenhagen sighed and shook his head, before answering, “Ho ho hooo! Only the planet knows, and if it feels you need to know, it will tell you.” Everyone looked a little confused by this, but Bugenhagen continued. “Ho ho hooo! Maybe you should sleep, it’s a long journey.” Bugenhagen said, as they filed out the room to go to the inn. Maybe sleep is a good idea…everyone thought, piling into bed, while Sephiroth went to go check on Christy. It seems that everything would be normal for one night…

 

Reno bolted out of bed, sweating, and gasping for air. Tifa! What had those b******s do to her? Looking out the window, Reno felt the stars wink dully at him, hidden by clouds. ‘Stars are like peoples emotions. They can glitter like jewels or be hidden by dark clouds.’ Tifa had once said, and now, the stars seemed to mirror his feelings. “Tifa…” he whispered wistfully, before climbing out of bed, only in his boxers. He wasn’t really ashamed of anyone seeing him like this, plenty of women had already. With a sigh, Reno walked up to the window and opened the window, letting the cold breeze gently brush his face, like Tifa’s hand would do, and he almost conned himself in believing it was. With a groan, Reno walked out of the room, knowing he wouldn’t be able to sleep tonight, with his head clouded with thoughts and it was working to hard and fast for Reno to process them all and rest. With another sigh, Reno trudged down the hall, passing Cloud’s room, hearing the man snoring through the door. With another sigh, Reno continued along the corridor until he reached the bathroom. Trying hard not to gag from the stench, Reno splashed some cold water on his face, and then wiped it off with a towel.

“Couldn’t sleep, could ya’?” Reno turned around to see Ryan, who was clad in similar clothes.

“No, could you?” Reno asked, not really feeling like picking a fight. He was too worried about Tifa. It seemed the black haired man was too, for he just nodded miserably.

“Well, what happened to you? It’s not every day you see a Turk in his boxers.” Ryan joked, trying to lighten the mood.

“Nightmare.” Was all Reno said, and Ryan whistled.

“Really? Tell me about it. It must have been horrible to shake you up like this.” Ryan said, leaning against the door and eyeing him warily. Then, noticing that Reno had a tattoo on his left shoulder, he asked, “What’s that?” Reno looked at the tattoo disinterestedly, and said, “It was for the Turks. If you died, and no one knew who you were, well…” he trailed off, and Ryan noticed another on one his other shoulder.

“And what about that one?” he asked, and Reno grinned a little.

“Oh, that one? Tifa and me got one together. I got this…” he said, looking at the little chocker like design with thorns sticking out. Ryan raised an eyebrow, and Reno continued. “She got hers on her right ankle, and it’s kinda like a friendly bond thing.” He snickered, and Ryan steered back to the regular topic, gritting his teeth, trying hard not to be jealous.

“So, what was your dream about?” he asked again, and Reno sighed.

“It was about Tifa. Weird one too…” Reno trailed of, because Ryan’s eyes narrowed, and he growled.

“A dream about Tifa? You got to be joking. I had one too!” Ryan said.

“It’s because of your bond.” They both turned to see Bugenhagen, his old eyes crinkling mysteriously when he looked at the two men.

“Our what?” Ryan and Reno both asked, and Bugenhagen just smiled and ‘walked’ away, leaving the two grown men confused.

 

“Seriously! There’s nothing wrong with her!” Yuffie lied, and winced when everyone heard the loud sounds of Christy puking her breakfast out. Cloud and Sephiroth seemed worried, not just about Christy, but of Tifa as well.

“Tell us what’s wrong already!” Sephiroth snarled, not liking his wife being in there in pain, while he was forced to stay here. He was almost at his breaking point. Sensing that, Yuffie stuttered out quickly, “We think she has the Jenova virus!” A deadly hush blanketed the room, and everyone looked horrified. Wasn’t that the virus that had killed the Cetra?

“How do you know she has it! You can’t even be sure she’s sick!” Cloud said desperately, not wanting his little sister to die, and Tifa being kidnapped with who knows what was going on with her…

“Aeris knows because she’s been talking to the elders. Heavy vomiting, she’s getting thinner and paler. And her eyes are turning silver!” Yuffie shrieked, and everyone held their breath, knowing it was the truth. Ever since she had gotten sick, her once brilliant sea green eyes were fading and turning a little gray.

“How’d she get it? Jenova didn’t even get to do anything to her…” Sephiroth whispered painfully, already knowing how she got it.

“When Jenova was injected into her…and that time Bauer shot at her with that ball…when you two…y’know…on your wedding night…” Yuffie trailed off helplessly, but the others had already gotten the message. Sephiroth’s expression changed suddenly, and now his features were stony and cold. Yuffie knew what he was going to do, and she was sure no one would like it.

 

Chapter 7: Torturous dreams of revival

 

Tifa let out another cry of pain as they sucked another huge amount of energy from her, draining her slowly of her spirit energy, and using it to try and revive Jenova. Koji just kept laughing insanely, pushing buttons and pulling levers, his eyes shinning with wickedness. With another scream, Tifa felt another amount being painfully extracted out of her by the liquid that surrounded her, pumping the liquid with her energy into a tube that led to Jenova’s arm, the liquid coursing through her veins. With the final press of a button, Koji sucked the last energy Tifa had and it drained into Jenova. Koji sighed dreamily, and turned to his precious specimen, his hand resting on the capsule surface. He looked over to Jenova’s capsule and saw her squirm, and his face broke out into a smile. Running to an intercom, Koji snapped, “Mother’s waking!” That would get everyone running down here in a hurry.

 

“I’m fine!” Christy snapped back, and Sephiroth growled angrily. Sighing and holding their heads, Aeris and Yuffie sighed, while Reno and Ryan looked amused.
”As amusing as it is to watch your first lover’s quarrel-“ Ryan began, but Reno interrupted.

“Jerry! Jerry!” He was hooting, and everyone looked at him in annoyance.

“Anyway, shouldn’t we get going to the Cetra whatever?” Yuffie asked, and Aeris looked offended.

“Cetra Council Yuffie, Cetra Council.” Aeris corrected, and Yuffie rolled her eyes.

“Yes, it’s about time you stopped arguing and get going. She is in grave danger.” They turned to see Bugenhagen at the door, and Cloud nodded, getting up and rallying everyone up.

“Let’s mosey!” Cloud declared, and Reno rolled his eyes.

“D***** Cloud! Say something more f***ing manly like move out! *(^&$%^!” Reno said, and everyone stared at him. Smiling and remembering the last time he said that, he stated, “Do a good impression, don’t I?” Cloud rolled his eyes, and ushered everyone out the room, Reno thinking about how this must have been dejavu.

 

“I don’t get it! Why do we have to wait? Bauer gets to have all the fun!” Natalia complained, and Chris covered his face with a pillow, trying anything to stop his crush from whining to him.

“I don’t know why Bauer has all the fun! Just be quiet! I’m trying to take a nap!” Chris complained, while Natalia looked stricken and Ashley whistled.

“Y’know, you must be really annoying if even your boyfriend doesn’t like you.” Ashley said, making Natalia and Chris turn red.

“We’re not dating!” they both shrieked, and Ashley gave them a why-don’t-I-believe-you? look. Just then, Malanda stormed in, fuming. Everyone looked at her shocked, for it’s not everyday you see a quiet girl like her so upset.

“What’s wrong?” Barry asked, looking up from the book he was reading, but Malanda just formed an energy ball and blew up part of the cave wall, making everyone choke. When the dust had cleared, they saw her with her hands on her slim hips, her brown eyes narrowed in anger. Whirling on the group, she snarled, “That Bauer makes me so mad! I don’t see why mother needs her!” And it was true; Jenova had been praising Bauer ever since she had been resurrected from that Cetra’s spirit energy.

“Can we go see mother now, or is Bauer still hogging all the attention?” Natalia spat, and Malanda shrugged.

“Do whatever you want, just don’t kill Bauer. She’s mine.” Malanda hissed, before stalking off to her room.

“Well, I guess we better go.” Barry said, shutting his book and walking out the door, a grumbling Chris and Natalia following.

 

“Are you sure the girl’s not dead? We need her to revive my sisters.” Jenova said, twirling to look at the Cetra. The girl looked dead; floating there she looked weak and fragile, like if you touched her she would shatter in a million pieces. Despite this fact, Jenova had no remorse for the girl. After all, she did kill her and her family, something that Jenova would never forgive.

“Of course Jenova, she is alive. I kept her because I was sure that’d you love this gift.” Koji cackled, making Jenova roll her eyes and toss her waist length green hair over her shoulder. Turning to Bauer who was standing quietly in a corner, Jenova smiled slightly. This old friend of hers would help her get rid of those pesky mortals.

“So Bauer dear, how’s the world treating you?” Jenova asked, and Bauer smirked.

“Fine enough. I found your little lost toy.” Bauer said, holding up a golden materia.

“Oh really? That’s lovely. You can keep that little trinket. I think that little girl has more power than she lets on. I feel better than I have in ages.” Jenova said, flexing her fingers, smiling as she felt the power run through her veins.

“It’s nice to know that this treatment works, mother.” Koji said wiry, casting a glance at his once healthy specimen, frowning. She was a once in a lifetime opportunity! If she died, then so did his dreams of breeding more Cetra. Well, there was Jenova’s son Sephiroth, and that hybrid, but they would be hard to capture, since the others would be on their full guard. With a sigh, Koji turned back to making his preparations for the next energy suction, while the rest of Evety came bursting through, quite nosily might he add.

“Are you okay mother?” Chris asked, and the rest chorused with similar questions.

“I’m fine children. No need to worry about me. That’s my job, to worry about you.” Jenova scolded, and Evety grinned sheepishly, and Bauer looked about to gag.

“Anyway, I think we should wait for them after they visit the Cetra Council.” Natalia said, trying to gain mother’s praise.

“Child, child, child,” Jenova said, shaking her head sadly, “they won’t get to the Cetra Council.”

“Why is that mother?” Barry asked, and the others looked at her expectantly.

“Well, they need a full blooded Cetra to pass through the gates, and there is only a hybrid and my son, and he doesn’t count for my blood runs through his veins.” Jenova said evilly, grinning as she turned to look at the last full-blooded Cetra alive. But for now, not for long, if Jenova had her way.

 

“What do you man we can’t pass through?” Cloud Yuffie, Christy asked, and everyone was relived that Christy was feeling better, especially Sephiroth and Cloud.

“You can’t come in. Orders of the Council.” Was all the stony guard said, blocking a pearl like gate, so they couldn’t enter, and they didn’t want to fight him…

“Couldn’t you make an exception? I’m Aeris Gainsborough, I think you know me.” Aeris said, and the guard looked at her in surprise and respect, but he didn’t let them in.

“I’m sorry miss, but you can only get in if you’re a full blooded Cetra or if you have approval of the Council.” The guard said, and Reno spoke up.

“How do we get the approval of the Council?” Reno asked, and the guard looked very grave.

“You have to go on this quest. They said anyone who found the golden materia would be worthy, and they would be allowed in. Not that you aren’t Ms. Aeris.” The guard said, and Yuffie snickered.

“Suck up.” She whispered to Christy, and they began giggling. Sephiroth shushed them with a look, and they both quieted, anxious to hear their new adventure.

“The Council said it was stolen by an Ancient who is in league with Jenova, since only Cetra can use the blasted thing. Anyway, no one knows where they are, so no one’s been able to find them. But there have been rumors that they’re by the Nibelhiem Mountain Range. Plus, that little orb packs quite a punch, so not a lot of people are into getting it. I know I wouldn’t want to mess with whoever has that thing.” The guard said, and Ryan punched the air in a Tifa-like fashion.

“Let’s do it!” he exclaimed, and he ran off, the others bolting after him, except for Cloud.

“Thanks for the information.” Cloud said, before hurrying off after the others. Once out of sight, the guard smirked evilly. Taking out a walkie-talkie, he dialed a number and listened.

“Sir, the fools took the bait, just like you said they would.” He said, the paused, listening. “Yes sir, I’ll alert the others sir. Yes, thank you sir.” The guard closed the phone, and turned to the ‘gates’ he was guarding. Going up to the side of one part of the gate, he stroked it with his index finger and is shimmered, disappearing. “Phase one complete.” Was all the guard said, laughing as he disappeared.

 

Chapter 8: When nymphs strike back!

 

“Gawd! Can’t we stop! I’m tired!” Yuffie whined, and Cloud sighed. Yuffie was getting pretty annoying to tell the truth.

“Yuffie, shush. Just think about what the Saquri had to go through.” Ryan said, giving Cloud a little wink, and Christy groaned, knowing a history lecture was on the way.

“Ohhh! What did the Saquri have to go through?” Aeris asked, playing along, and the funny thing was Yuffie was taking the bait.

“You don’t want to hear about it do you?” Ryan asked, and Reno jabbed him in the ribs, and the two snickered. They seemed to be on good terms ever since they had left the Cosmo Canyon. Yuffie nodded enthusiastically and even Sephiroth looked a little interested.

“Well, when the Jenova virus came, the Cetra and Saquri all got very sick.” Ryan said, and Christy turned a little green, and began making choking sounds. Ignoring this, Ryan continued, “They began dying by the thousands, until only about a hundred Cetra and about a million Saquri were left. The Saquri survived because of…of…” Ryan stopped, and Yuffie looked interested, wanting to know more about her heritage. Even Christy looked curious, besides being green, her gray green eyes flickering.

“Why were they left? I mean, I never found out.” Cloud said, and Sephiroth cut in.

“In the journal Nanaki found, it said something interesting. It said that the Saquri put their sick in capsules filled with a liquid that was said to suck out the bad spirit energy of Jenova, but, the treatment didn’t seem to work for the Cetra.” Sephiroth said, and Christy snapped her fingers.

“I’ve got an idea!” she exclaimed, and everyone looked at her, saying ‘that’s a first.’ Snorting indignantly, Christy continued. “Well, that capsule that Jenova and Tifa were in, maybe that would-“ she started, but turned green, and Aeris and Sephiroth led her to a patch of bushing, vomiting was soon heard.

“That doesn’t sound too good.” Reno said, and Cloud nodded, a worried expression on his face.

 

“Moniva! Koshinee! It’s so good to see you!” Jenova exclaimed, hugging her once frozen sisters, now re-animated.

“Thanks sister dear. That dreary prison isn’t something I like.” Moniva stated, looking distastefully at the capsule that was now broken open.

“So that’s the Cetra. Can we kill her now?” Koshinee whined, and Jenova shrugged, looking uninterestedly at the floating Cetra.

“I don’t know…Koji and Hojo might want to experiment on her.” Jenova said, and Moniva gasped.

“Hojo? Where is that son of yours?” she asked, and Jenova grinned.

“I think we’ll keep that information secret…for when the time comes.” Jenova said, smirking evilly as Koji bustled and worked in the background, the buttons making music as they were pressed.

 

“So…where can we get this formula? I mean, it can’t be lying around the place.” Reno said, hands in his pocket as they trudged through the now swampy regions of the LifeStream. Well, to Reno anyway. It was humid, and the ground was damp and felt like it was sucking your foot down whenever you took a step.

“I don’t know…do I look like I do?” Cloud snapped, not in a good mood. His once spiky hair was starting to droop, and no amount of gel would get it spiky again.

“Geez Cloud, calm down…I’m sure someone at the Council will know.” Aeris said, glancing over at a healthier looking Christy, who was chattering away by Sephiroth.

“Yeah Cloud! Don’t get so bummed out! Let’s go!” Yuffie exclaimed, punching the air with a fist as she shot off.

“Ahh youth. Something I wish I had.” Ryan said wistfully, looking at where Yuffie just was.

“Wouldn’t we all?” Sephiroth said, smiling slightly as Christy hugged his arm and continued chatting.

“I don’t get it…do you have a feeling we’re on a wild goose chase? I mean, we’ve been walking for…I don’t know three days, and we haven’t gotten anywhere.” Reno pointed out, and Christy’s head perked up.

“Now that you mention it…” she said, as they continued walking until the reached Yuffie, who was standing by a cliffside that was blooming with colorful flowers that looked over a region where there was a crystal blue lake.

“C’mon! Let’s do something fun! I feel so depressed you guys! Why don’t we go swimming?” Yuffie suggested, tearing down the cliff, whooping with joy.

“C’mon Sephy! That sounds like fun!” Christy said, tugging on Sephiroth’s arm, who reluctantly followed.

“Let’s have a party!” Ryan and Reno exclaimed both running down, leaving Cloud and Aeris.

“Well, shall we go Cloud?” Aeris asked, giggling as she followed the others to the crystal clear lake, taking some time to admire the beautiful scenery and peek at Cloud over her shoulder.

“I don’t get it. We have to save Tifa…destroy Jenova again, and all they can think about is having fun…maybe it’s a good idea.” Cloud said, walking down briskly, wanting to join in the fun.

 

“Look at them! Acting like they have not a care in the world! It makes me sick!” Moniva snapped, looking into the golden materia, which was now the size of a basketball, and acted very much like a crystal ball or something.

“Don’t worry ladies, some of my friends are on the way.” Koshinee said, smiling innocently, though the smile didn’t reach her eyes.

“As in?” Jenova asked, gliding over from the corner she had occupied.

“You know, the ocean god that these humans praise have been in my debt. Since they are in the water…well…” Koshinee said evilly, and her sisters smirked.

“Oh…I see. Let’s see what my children have to do. Sephiroth, Cloud…make your mother proud.” Jenova said smiling insanely as Tifa thrashed against the confides of her capsule, tears streaming down her face.

 

“Ugh! Cloud you jerk!” Yuffie screeched, chasing around Cloud, who had just dunked her.

“I guess some things will never change.” Christy commented randomly, watching as the two splashed at each other, laughing. Sephiroth didn’t say anything, but he didn’t need to, Christy understood. “Sephiroth! Be quiet!” she said, slapping his arm, while Reno looked at Aeris, confused.

“I don’t get it…” Reno said, and Aeris laughed.

“It’s a couple thing, I don’t get it either Reno.” Aeris said, patting him on the shoulder as she dangled her feet in the refreshing water. It was such a nice day… but Aeris was sure it would have been better if Tifa and Zach were here. A high-pitched scream tore her out of her daydreaming, and she whirled around to see Christy, struggling in what looked like a miniature hurricane’s ‘hand’.

“Christy!” Sephiroth shouted, getting up and running over to his wife, who was gagging as the water tried to force its way down her throat.

“How can we fight water?” Ryan asked, as the hurricane took the form of a lady. She could have been a water nymph, with long blue hair, and pale blue skin. She was no taller than Yuffie, but her outstretched arms formed a small hurricane around Christy, who was still fighting desperately.

“Well, look what I caught today!” the nymph said, showing her long fangs, gleaming white in the sun.

“Let her go!” Cloud snapped, and the nymph laughed.

“Come and get her if you can!” she shouted gleefully, arching her hands over her head, bringing Christy with her. With a growl, the Saquri of the group, including Ryan, formed an energy ball, shooting it at the girl, only to have her bring Christy down like a human shield.

“Give her back!” Sephiroth snarled, and the sprite smiled.

“Sure, I’d just love to do that.” The girl said, disappearing, Christy dropping to the ground. Cloud caught her, and everyone rushed to her side.

“Christy? Christy wake up!” Sephiroth pleaded, sounding fearful, which was unusual, but it seemed the Christy was in a coma or something. She didn’t even flinch as Sephiroth growled dangerously hit a nearby tree in anger, causing it to have a large dent.

 

You weren’t able to protect her, child. Now look at her… Jenova’s voice pierced through Cloud’s mind, making him grab his head violently, shaking as the voice brought pain. Shut up! He hissed mentally, trying to drive Jenova away, but he could still hear her laughter. First Aeris, then Tifa, and now Christy. How many people must die from your mistakes? You’re a failure without me child. Come to me child, and they’ll all be- Cloud cut her off, not wanting to hear anymore.

“Are you alright Cloud?” he looked up to see Aeris. Sweet, kind, Aeris. He hadn’t been able to save her, and she had died form his failure.

“I’m fine Aeris, let’s keep moving. The quicker we get to Nibelhiem, the better.” Cloud said, watching as Sephiroth stood up and picked up Christy, piggyback style. “Everyone ready?” Cloud hollered, and everyone nodded, Sephiroth not giving an answer.

“C’mon…let’s go.” Yuffie said with less enthusiasm, and Reno groaned.

“Kid, you got to do it better. Everyone expects you to cheer them up.” Reno said slowly, and determination filled the young ninja’s eyes.

“Alright! Let’s get this party started!” Yuffie exclaimed, bolting off, leaving the gang to wonder how people could have such mood swings.   

 

“Why do we need her for? She’s weak.” Bauer asked Jenova, who cackled into her hand. They were discussing her son’s wife, Christy was her name, but Jenova didn’t really care.

“We need as many people to get rid of that pesky group Avalanche! Besides, hitting close to home is a style that these mortals seem to enjoy.” Jenova said, thinking about when they had killed her and her family. Revenge would be so sweet.

“I don’t see why we just don’t meet them there. It’s so dull here.” Koshinee whined, patience never have been a virtue she acquired.

“That sounds like a good idea. We should take her along too…it would be fun to see her kill her comrades once she’s injected with our blood.” Moniva said, and Koji sniggered.

“Mother, I could have everything prepared-“ Koji was cut off when Chris came running in.

“Mother! Avalanche will be here soon!” he reported, and Jenova smiled.

“Good work child. Get James and Annita off their thrones and get everything prepared. I want to greet our guests when they arrive. Wouldn’t want to be rude, now would we?” Jenova smirked, walking up to the capsule where a now healthy Tifa was. “What should we do with this one, Koji?”

“Well, I wanted to breed her for further research-“ Koji was cut off again when Jenova whirled at him, eyes narrowed to angry slits, and you expected to see steam coming out of her nostrils.

“Breed them? Breed them? Koji! Shame on you! If you haven’t forgotten, the Cetra is a mortal enemy of us, and yet you want more running around! Koji, haven’t I been generous to you? We don’t need more!” Jenova shrieked shrilly, making everyone wince, and Koji cowered by his computer, mumbling something.

“Anyway, I’ll go get Evety to greet them mother.” Chris offered, breaking the deafening silence in the room.

“Bring Bauer.” Moniva said, Jenova still a little riled up over Koji’s suggestion. Chris nodded, starting off, but Koshinee stopped him.

“Here, you might need this. Give everyone one of these.” Koshinee said, holding out individual crystals for Evety, each sparkling. Unsure, Chris cautiously took on, and when it touched his skin, it melted.

“Where’d it go?’ he asked, and suddenly, he felt mother’s true power flow through his veins. Grinning, he flexed his now budging muscles, knowing Avalanche had no idea what they were getting into.  

 

Chapter 9: Revealing True Loyalties

 

“Finally! Some action!” Chris exclaimed, twirling his scythe over his head, almost hitting James, who growled at him. They were waiting in a huge cave room, sitting on the narrow crevices so that they could watch everything but not be seen.

“Be quiet you fool! I don’t understand why I have to put up with you!” James snarled, and Chris flinched, recoiling away from the agitated leader. It seemed that Annita and James had switched personalities, Annita now sweet while James was brash.

“James! No need to be under stress! Just settle down.” Annita said gently, instantly James quieted, looking forward as Avalanche drew closer.

“Maybe I can get revenge…” Ashley said softly, eyes flashing as she remembered that red headed Turk who had slain her.

“Now dear, what’s all this talk about revenge? It only gets people killed.” Bauer said musically, floating cross-legged in the air, while Malanda shot venomous glances at her. A hush fell over the group as they now heard the loud arguments that echoed off the cave walls.

 

“Watch it Ryan.” Sephiroth hissed dangerously, as Ryan got too close to the silver haired general, who had been moody since Christy had slipped into a coma.

“Geez! Calm down you two! We have to get Christy well, and your bickering not helping!” Aeris scolded, as the two men glared at each other. Yuffie looked over her shoulder, hands entwined behind her head, amusement written across her face.

“If they want to act like children, let them. Besides, it’s interesting, huh, Reno?” Yuffie said, jabbing the now serious ex-Turk in his chest, but he didn’t wince.

“They’re near.” Cloud said, changing the subject as Sephiroth’s, Yuffie’s, Ryan’s head shot up, feeling the presences also. 

“Oh dear,” Aeris said nervously, pulling out her rod, knowing that a storm was brewing.

 

Reno’s eyes darted to a spot where movement had just been, but darted to another place as a piece of stone fell away from the huge chunk of rock wall that seemed to be full of holes and hand holds, a perfect wall to rock climb. But that wasn’t the point. Reno had felt like he was being watched, and not that feeling you got every time, but the gut wrenching feeling that stated someone really was watching him. He didn’t need a heritage to know that, only Turk training.

“Glad to see you’re here! Now the party can start!” the group whipped around, to see that Ashley girl floating in mid air, arms spread apart, as if she was going to hug them, but energy cackled in each of those palms, like lightening was going to strike any minute.

“Where’s Tifa?” Reno roared angrily, all the rage of not knowing what they had done to his…friend, getting the best of him.

“Okay, let’s make a deal-“ Ashley started, but Sephiroth cut her off.

“Last time we made your kind of deal, it backfired!” Sephiroth hissed, very upset over the fact that his wife was laying in a coma on the ground by him.

“Oh, tsk, tsk, my friend! Oh well! I guess we can play!” Ashley cackled, the rest of Evety appearing from a dark corner.

“They pulled a Vincent!” Yuffie said, and everyone glared at her, wondering how she could be so immature at this kind of time.

 

“I don’t understand these mortals at all.” Jenova commented, looking up from her gold materia and at Koji, who was sitting on the floor, pouting in a childish fashion.

“Mother! I want this specimen for research! Maybe the others too!” Koji whined and Jenova rolled her eyes.

“Child, you can’t get everything you want-“ she was cut off when the capsule around the captured Cetra burst, the shards flying around her, forming a glass rings around her, a white blinding light emitting from her very core. “Oh, I see our Cetra is angry.” Jenova said in amusement as the water shot forward, turning into a withering claw that tried to grab Jenova, but failed. “You think you can beat me! Foolish Cetra!” Jenova howled, turning the water against the previous owner, battling for a while when a beam shot out of the Cetra, and forced Jenova back a bit as she used her silver materia, but Jenova toughened the water with another blast of power, slamming Tifa into the wall, unconscious. Koji looked impressed, and he turned to his mother, awe shining in his beady black eyes.

“Intriguing mother! I never thought that the Cetra could do such things! I must right this down!” Koji cackled, writing things hurriedly into a notebook. Jenova sighed sadly; turning back to the scene her materia was showing, glowing at the sight of destruction.

 

“Ow!” Aeris shrieked, feeling a pain hit her head, knowing that Tifa was in trouble. With a quick glance around the room, she saw that everyone that Avalanche was fighting, they were losing. Aeris wondered what she had to do. She had to summon a guardian. Focusing her spirit energy to call to the planet, Aeris went rigid, eyes growing dull as her spirit left her body, racing to find one of the guardians that could help.

“Aeris?” Yuffie asked, but shrieked as Natalia brought down her rod, knocking Yuffie shoulder, Yuffie gritting her teeth in pain as she kicked the girl in the stomach, barely fazing her. With a snarl, Yuffie snapped down her wrist, driving her shuriken into Natalia’s arm, making the girl cry out and stumble backward, Chris cursing furiously as he stopped fighting Reno for a second. Using this for his advantage, Reno brought his nightstick with such a force, it sent the brown haired man sprawling toward the ground, but instead of glowing green and disappearing, he just vanished, reappearing by Bauer, who was scowling deeply.

“Pesky mortals! Honestly!” Bauer’s words echoed down to Avalanche, who scowled up at her, but Ryan grinned almost insanely.

“You’re in for a surprise.” Ryan said dangerously, and at that moment, a bright light engulfed Aeris, turning and twisting into a familiar slender female dragon. Angel. To their surprise, Bauer smiled evilly and looked down at them.

“On the contrary, I think it’s you whose in for a big surprise.” Bauer laughed insanely, while the gang looked confused, until Bauer pointed to Angel, and they turned, dreading what Bauer had in store for them.

 

Chapter 10: Twisted Reflections

 

“Angel?” Cloud asked cautiously, but the dragon didn’t listen to him, instead, she began a small dangerous stalk toward them, like a lioness hunting her prey. Sephiroth instantly growled defensively, drawing his sword, but Yuffie shrieked.

“Sephiroth! What in h*** do you think you’re doing?” Yuffie screamed, but Sephiroth said nothing. Aeris looked pale and shaky, and her knees gave out, sending the half Cetra down to the floor on her knees, shaking uncontrollably. Ryan was gritting his teeth, and Cloud was snarling angrily, his hands clenching his sword so tight that Reno was surprised the handle didn’t break off. Evety was forgotten as the little silver dragon made her way over.

“Why so scared? I’m here to help.” Angel said in a voice that was sweet, but dripped of poison. Sephiroth was livid, as he stepped in front of Christy’s prone form.

“Get out of here.” Sephiroth hissed lowly, his voice full of loathing.

“Wait! What’s going on here? It’s Angel.” Reno said, but Ryan’s head snapped back to look at him.

“You fools! Angel is the reincarnation of Hojo!” Bauer howled, laughter now making her shake. “Oh! C’mon Hojo! Come on out!” Bauer said, and everyone looked at Angel, who was grinning madly, an insane twinkle alight in her golden eyes.

“Hojo?” Cloud hissed, and Yuffie looked at him worriedly, knowing that Cloud loathed the man with a passion. Then an evil cackle formed inside Angel’s throat, and she stepped forward, smirking evilly.

“A-A-A-Angel?” Yuffie said, and then she fainted, Cloud catching her before she hit the ground.

“Anyone care to explain?” Reno snarled, and Natalia laughed. “You see, your dear little guardian was brought back, but she was fused with another soul, Hojo. He’s been asleep inside your Angel all this time, and you didn’t even know it!” Instantly, Angel’s figure shimmered, and Hojo’s profile replaced it.

“I think…I’m gonna be sick.” Ryan said, glaring angrily at Hojo, who just smirked evilly.

“Oh no!” Aeris said, her knees looking wobbly as she stepped away from Hojo.

“Ahh, my precious specimen.” Hojo said, advancing toward Aeris, but Cloud stepped in front of her. “Still trying to protect people Strife? Oh well, I still have the other one.” Hojo said, while Reno and Ryan turned scarlet. Hojo just shrugged, strolling out the double doors, Evety disappearing after him.

“Let’s go! I wanna rip that b****** with my own hands!” Sephiroth growled, hurrying after Hojo, as Avalanche followed. Soon, they were lost in the maze of corridors, but they soon came across a lab room.

“Tifa!” Ryan and Reno called, relived, as Reno went over to pick up their beaten up friend, who smiled slightly when she saw them.

“Hi, guess I’m not at my best.” Tifa said weakly, before fainting in Reno’s embrace.

 

 “I can’t believe you’re so cowardly sister!” Moniva screamed, going blue in the face. Jenova glared at her, and it looked like there was going to be a catfight, but Koshinee stepped between them.

“Girls! Calm down! We just have to think about a better way to get rid of Avalanche! Nothing that we weren’t going to do before!” Koshinee said, playing peacemaker. Jenova and Moniva growled at each other, and Jenova stormed out of the room, on the way to common room where most of her ‘children’ would be. Koshinee sighed as Moniva soon followed, and she turned to look at the two brothers, both of them looking amused or intrigued, she couldn’t tell.

“Well, that was interesting.” Koji commented, and Hojo nodded, then both of them turned to the monitor of the computer and began some scientific blabber that didn’t interest Jenova’s youngest sister in the least. Turning a heel, Koshinee almost missed what Hojo said.

“You mean you saved enough of the Cetra’s blood samples and tissue enough for her to be-“ Koshinee stalked out of the room, not interested, just wanting to get away from those two wacko scientists.

 

Tifa’s lips twisted to a frown as she saw Christy’s prone figure. Then she turned to the rest of the group, her head cocked slightly.

“You think I, know how to fix this?” Tifa asked, and the others nodded, and she put her hands on her hips. “I hate to burst your bubble, but I’m as clueless about this about you guys. Sorry Sephiroth.” Tifa said silently, as the silver haired man’s shoulders slumped, Tifa being his last hope.

“I know! We could go ask Bugenhagen! We can go visit him and…” Yuffie stopped when she saw that Ryan and Aeris were shaking their heads.

“He probably wouldn’t tell. But, I know someone who might…” Aeris said mysteriously, and Cloud grinned, catching on. Seeing everyone’s confused looks, Aeris looked shocked. “Red!” she said exasperated, and everyone’s mouth formed an ‘o’, but Reno looked a bit skeptical.

“If his granddad doesn’t even know, how can he?” Reno asked, and Tifa smiled and slung an arm around him.

“The journal of Tashina, Reno. The journal.” Tifa said, grinning with him.

“Okay, enough of the lovey dovey crap, now how are we going to contact him? It’s not like we have long distance calls.” Ryan joked, and Sephiroth rolled his eyes.

“Cetra can communicate with people in their dreams. Call it a power or whatever.” Sephiroth said, and Yuffie grinned.

“Yeah! Now not only can I bug Cloud all day, but now all night!” Yuffie cheered, and Reno looked at her a little concerned.

“Yuffie, aren’t you too young to bed with Cloud?” he asked, and both Cloud and Yuffie turned an interesting shade of red. Aeris giggled, while thinking, oh, how interesting…

 

Nanaki… Nanaki stirred in his sleep, his good eye opening half way, revealing a golden pool, before closing and continuing his slumber. Nanaki, I need your help. Nanaki! Nanaki opened his eye, but not to see his grandfather’s observatory, but to see Yuffie, Tifa, and …Aeris! Nanaki ran forward, happy to see his friends. There had been reports that Avalanche had gone missing-Nanaki stopped himself. How could they be in his dreams if they were alive? A thought hit him that made him a little sick. What if they died? Aeris’s twinkling laughter brought him out of his reverie, and he looked up to see her kind smile.

“No Nanaki, we’re not dead. Well…some of us aren’t any way.” Aeris said ruefully, and Nanaki nodded understandingly.

“Anyway Red, we have a favor to ask. Do you still have Tashina’s journal?” Yuffie butted in, and Nanaki snorted, as if to say, ‘and you think I’d let something as valuable as that slip away?’

“What do you need? I’d be glad to help you in your quest if you tell me what’s happening…” Nanaki said, and Tifa smiled.

“Okay, it’s like this…” Tifa started, and Nanaki listened intently as the Cetras and Saquri explained their situation.

 

Cloud looked worriedly at the three women as the sat in chairs, their eyes dull and lifeless, and their mouths were moving like they were talking.

“Don’t even try it Reno.” Ryan said with mock anger, as Reno bent down and to ‘kiss’ Tifa while she was in this state.

“Hey! This is a once in a lifetime opportunity!” Reno grinned, and Cloud snorted.

“You really think Red has a cure?” Cloud asked, and Sephiroth shrugged, brushing a strand of blond hair tenderly from Christy’s clammy face, picking up her delicate hand and kissing it.

“Let’s hope so, let’s hope so.” The silver haired general said softly, emitting a depressed sigh. Noticing this, Reno strutted over to him.

“C’mon Sephy boy! She’ll be fine! She’s related to Spike isn’t she?” Reno said, Cloud growling at his nickname, Sephiroth uttering a dangerous growl, and Reno backed off. “Tch, fine. I was just trying to lighten the mood.” Reno said, and Sephiroth growled again, making Reno roll his eyes and put up his hands defensively. A yawn from Aeris stopped the fight that was brewing, and the guys turned to her, hopeful.

“Well?” Ryan asked, and Aeris sighed tiredly.

“He said he’ll look into it and we can come back tomorrow. She doesn’t seem worse than before, so I guess that’s a good sign.” Aeris said, failing to mention she wasn’t better either.

“Gawd this place is so depressing! What are we? Old people now! Let’s go have fun!” Yuffie said, getting up on her chair and began swaying to and fro.

“Yuffie! Get down before you make a fool out of yourself.” Tifa chided, leaning back in her chair, as Yuffie smiled and hopped down, sticking her tongue out.

“Ruin my fun, well, I think I’ll go anyway. You people are sometimes worse than a grumpy Godo.” Yuffie declared, sprinting off to do some mischief. At least she didn’t steal materia anymore.

“I’ll go after her.” Cloud suggested, running after the ninja, not wanting to see his little sister in her state and Reno hanging all over his best friend.

“Well, seems like Spike and Ninja chick are going to do some bonding time.” Reno said, sliding behind Tifa slyly and wrapping an arm around her shoulder. “Now what about us?” Reno asked, and Tifa rolled her eyes good naturally.

“Um hm, sure Reno. Whatever.” Tifa said, and Ryan’s eyes flashed dangerously, a warning to get Reno to step away from Tifa. Sensing the tension, Aeris cleared her throat.

“C’mon, I think everyone’s hungry. I’ll whip up something. C’mon Ryan!” Aeris chirped, dragging a struggling Ryan to the kitchen forcefully, leaving the others to sweat drop.

“You know, dancing doesn’t seem like a bad idea after all, c’mon Sephy! You need a distraction!” Tifa said, grabbing onto his arm, but turning to see Reno’s masked hurt expression, she smiled sweetly. She figured they needed to get over the fact that Hojo was back. “C’mon Reno! What are we waiting for?” Tifa exclaimed, dragging the two men off in the same direction Yuffie went, while Aeris giggled and pushed Ryan out the door.

“Ryan, you go too! I have to stay here and watch Christy.” Aeris said, noticing the confused look he sent her, but he ran, calling for the others to wait up. Aeris smiled at the sight, and turned to look at Christy, whose lips were now moving, turning a bluish color. “Tifa…I hope you know what you’re doing.” Aeris said quietly, her voice full of strain as she wrung her hands on her dress, nibbling on her lower lip. Something was amiss, and Aeris was sure that it had something to do with Christy’s current condition.

 

“C’mon Cloud! Let’s go daaaaaaaannnnnnciiiiiinnnnng!” Yuffie exclaimed, dragging along a flustered Cloud.

“But Yuffie, I c-c-can’t dance!” Cloud stuttered, and Yuffie gave him a ‘why don’t I believe you look’? Planting her arms on her waist, she cocked her head to look at him.

“Cloud James Strife,” she said, smiling a little when he winced as she used his full name. “How am I supposed to believe that? I saw you dancing at Christy’s wedding! Now c’mon!” Yuffie declared, carting him off to a dancing club that she had seen earlier, even if it was also a small bar, but Cloud didn’t need to know that. With a defeated sigh, Cloud allowed Yuffie to haul him to a rundown looking pub, but it had a nice comfy feeling emitting deep within its walls, and Cloud could hear the blaring music within. He guessed even dead people liked to have a good time. “Doesn’t that sound like fun?” Yuffie asked, bounding up the rotted wooden steps to the place, before opening the equally rotted wooden door, allowing him a small glimpse of people having a good time, even if they were transparent. Cloud grinned, guessing that nothing bad could happen here, and besides, him and Yuffie could defend themselves. Taking Yuffie’s arm, Cloud smiled at her.

“Well there lovely lady, I guess I cannot deny you your wish to dance!” Cloud said goofily as Yuffie laughed, tugging his arm as she led him to the crowded dance floor.

 

“This makes me feel sick! Honestly!” Ashley exclaimed, scrunching up her nose as her and the rest of Evety crowded around the big golden screen that used to be the golden materia.

“Aw suck it up! It seems like fun!” Natalia exclaimed, grabbing Chris by the arm and twirling him around. Jenova’s eyes narrowed at the foolish sight, making both of them stop in their tracks. Turning her attention to the orb, Jenova’s eyes flickered, wincing as she saw one of her children dancing clumsily to the beat. Maybe now would be the ideal time for revenge…Jenova thought evilly, her lips curving into a smile. Placing her hands around the golden materia orb, Jenova began chanting in her native tongue, while Evety looked at her confused. Hojo and Koji were busying themselves by taking not of everything Jenova did, their fingers nimbly dancing across the keyboard, the only other noise than Jenova’s chanting. Opening her now red eyes, Jenova exclaimed, “Do my bidding!” and as if the orb heard her, it flashed with a bright light, then went perfectly still, gleaming as evilly as Jenova’s blood red eyes. Things should get interesting…Jenova mused, settling herself in front of the orb, while Evety positioned themselves on the cold floor.

“Now is when the fun really begins.” James said evilly, his eyes twinkling evilly. Malanda shrugged, focusing her attention back on what the screen displayed. It showed Strife’s sister, which she found odd. What did she have to do with anything?

 

Aeris looked fearfully at Christy’s body, which was going through spasms or something.

“Christy! Christy! Please snap out of it!” Aeris said fearfully, Christy’s lips were quivering, and her eyes had flung themselves wide awake, her once teeming with life sea green eyes were now dull and devoid of anything, and turning silver fast. Clutching her hand to her mouth in fear, Aeris tried to heal her, holding out her trembling hands, feeling the white light surround Christy, probing for anything to cure, but the odd thing was there was nothing to cure. Opening her eyes quickly, Aeris rushed to her friend, trying to pin her down, cursing how weak she seemed now. “Ugh! Why couldn’t Tifa have stayed her or something! Oh! What are you doing Gainsborough? Contact them!” Aeris scolded herself, closing her eyes and reaching out, sensing Tifa’s energy force right away. Tifa! Help! Aeris mentally begged, clasping her hands in front of her like she was praying.

 

Tifa froze, earning a concerned look from Reno, but her lips moved silently, like she was talking.

“Babe?” Reno asked worriedly, as Tifa began biting her lip and fiddling with her silver materia, habits she had when she was very nervous or worried.

“We gotta get out, this is a trap…this is a trap.” Tifa whispered, chanting over and over, and Reno shook her shoulders hard, trying to rouse her from her trance.

“Tifa? Snap out of it!” Reno whispered fearfully, and Tifa began shaking.

“Oh no, no, not now.” Tifa whimpered, flinging her arms around him, making him stumble back, startled.

“Tifa! Are you okay? Answer me!” Reno demanded, feeling fear gnaw at his stomach, making him feel sick. He felt a gloved hand fall on his shoulders, and he looked up to see Ryan, his face tense.

“We have to get back to the others. Something’s amiss.” Ryan said quietly, and Tifa laughed bitterly, making them turn to her, surprised.

“We’re losing her, all because of Jenova. D*** her. Can you feel it? The planet, it’s scared!” Tifa laughed, tears running down her face, as if it were the funniest thing ever, and Reno looked at her in concern.

“We gotta go now.” Reno decided, pulling up the Cetra who was in hysterics, and making a run for the front door, only to have a familiar figure drop in front of him.

“Long time no see.” The figure said, and instantly Reno and Ryan stiffened.

“We’ll take care of this.” Reno hissed, and Cloud nodded, grabbing Yuffie’s hand as they ran out, Sephiroth following. Reno growled when he turned back to see the smirking figure. It seemed you never knew when the past came back to bite you in the a**.

 

Chapter 11: The Past Can Haunt

 

 “What’s wrong?” Aeris’s head jerked up when she heard Sephiroth’s distressed cry.

“Sephiroth! Here! In the living room!” Aeris called, and at the sound of his name, Christy started crying in a language that Aeris couldn’t understand. Sephiroth had just reached the living room, but froze when he heard the familiar tongue.

“Christy! Is Christy all right?” they heard Cloud bellow, and suddenly, Christy’s body went rigid.

“Is that good? Is that good?” Aeris shrieked, completely scared now.

“She was speaking Jenova, and that alone isn’t good.” Sephiroth said coldly, kneeling down beside Christy, stroking her hair affectionately, worry etching his battle worn face.

“What’d she say?” Yuffie asked fearfully, and Cloud stood behind her, looking in concern at his baby sister.

“ ‘She is only the beginning. Beware of those you hold dear.’” Sephiroth said softly, and everyone paled.

“You don’t think…that’d she’d kill Christy?” Yuffie whispered, tears shinning in her eyes.

“Not yet…” Cloud said softly, and Sephiroth closed his eyes, suddenly looking frail and old.

“Oh no, please…not death, not that.” Aeris whispered, knowing that if the woman in front of her died, Sephiroth might snap and try and destroy the world again.

 

“Hello, long time no see.” The figure stepped into the light was a redheaded man with brown eyes and both Ryan and Reno were shocked.

“B-Ben?” they both stuttered and the man smiled evilly.

“Well it seems I’m not forgotten.” he said an amused smirk playing on his lips.

“What the h*** do you want?” Reno growled, putting a protective arm in front of confused Tifa. Reno and Ryan’s dad noticed this, and he put his hands in front of him, in a sign of peace.

“Come to kill another woman Ben? Mom’s blood on your hands too little for you?” Ryan snarled viciously, and his dad smiled sadly.

“Reno, Ryan, it was an accident.” Ben pleaded and Reno snarled again, with more hostility.

“We saw you kill her with your own hands!” Ryan snapped, and Ben sighed and closed his eyes.

“What did happen that night?” Tifa asked, temporarily the planet’s grip of fear leaving her so she wasn’t hysterical anymore.

“Ben here came home drunk off his a**.” Reno said angrily, his voice full of hate as he started reminiscing…

 

“Mommy! Is dad home yet?” a ten-year-old version of Reno asked his mom excitedly, to his mother, who laughed and shook her head, her curly midnight black hair floating around her porcelain face.

“Not yet Reno honey, is Ryan home yet?” Reno’s mother asked in a musical voice, and Reno nodded vigorously.

“Yea! I’ll go get him!” Reno exclaimed, dashing off as his mother grinned slightly. She turned back to the broken mirror in their rundown apartment to adjust her turquoise dress, the same shade as both her and her children’s’ eyes. Smoothing out invisible creases, she smiled after deeming herself perfect. She always tried to have Ben happy, just so she could live out her dream of being married. Even if she lived in a crummy apartment, she was still with her family, even if they weren’t always happy. She winced, remembering the beating she had received yesterday, just because Ben couldn’t hold down a job.

“Mommy! Mommy! Guess what?” an eight year old Ryan shouted happily, tracking mud all over the clean floor she had just cleaned. Ryan was Reno’s half brother, mostly because she had left Reno’s dad and her first husband since he abused her too, but it seemed every man she turned to did that…

“Ryan! Look what you did!” Reno’s mother scolded, a mock scolding smile lighting up her face, while Ryan looked sheepish, racking a chubby hand through his black hair that he had inherited from her.

“Sorry!” Ryan said, before running to get washed up.

Eve smiled and shook her head as she set the table for dinner,

“Dad’s home!” Reno exclaimed running into the kitchen and a drunk looking Ben entered.

“Hey honey how was your day?” Eve asked cheerfully and tried to kiss him but he pushed her away. She yelped as she crashed onto the floor and looked up trembling as she saw the utter hatred swirling in his eyes. She guessed that he had lost his job again.

“Daddy please stop it!” Reno begged tugging onto his sleeve, and Ben smacked Reno away, knocking him into a wall, and Eve winced as she heard Reno’s cry of pain.

“Ben please stop his only a kid,” Eve pleaded, but he slapped her in the face.

“I don’t need you to tell me what to do you b****!” Ben roared, hitting her again, this time in the stomach, making her bend over in pain.

“Daddy! Stop! Stop it right now!” Ryan wailed, and Ben whirled at him, knocking him also into the wall. Reno hugged his sobbing brother, as he glanced back at his father horrified.

“Stop daddy please! You’re making mommy cry!” Reno hollered as loud as a ten year old could, hoping that a neighbor would hear, but it was no use. Abusing one’s family was something that was an everyday occurrence in the Slums. Ben looked at him, a drunken sneer playing on his lips.

“You wanna see mommy cry? Okay!” Ben roared, gripping his wife’s collar as he threw her against the wall, and both boys winced as they heard their moms head snap back, making her cry out in pain. Ben staggered over to her, and began choking her. “You little slut!” Ben snarled again, tossing Eve against the stove, and she screamed again as her arm burned on the lit stovetop.

“Please stop it! You’re hurting mommy!” Reno yelled, tackling his father as best he could, and Ryan also tackled him by the legs, making the man fall over.

“Mommy! Mommy are you okay?” both boys asked, once their father had been knocked unconscious as they rushed toward their mother. She didn’t look good, with her pretty face all bruised and her right arm burned, her hair in disarray and huge ugly purple bruises around her whole body. Eve cracked open an eye weakly, and smiled slightly as she saw her two handsome young sons. It was a pity she wouldn’t see them grown.

“Take care of Ryan Reno. Get out of here…and don’t forget I…” Eve never did finish that sentence, and a howl of pain and rage escaped the two young boys as they cried for their mommy to come back.

 

Tifa’s wine colored eyes widened when Reno finished, and she understood at once why they hated the man that was supposed to be their father.

“Oh…Reno, Ryan…I’m so sorry.” Tifa whispered, but her sympathy fell to deaf ears.

“I’m thinking we should do what he did to mom all those years ago.” Ryan growled through clenched teeth, and Reno nodded, whipping out his nightstick, and Ryan pulled out both of his short swords.

“No! Stop! I’m sure your mother wouldn’t want this to happen!” Tifa said, and they both ignored her, stalking up to Ben, who was cowering against the corner.

“No please, listen to her!” Ben whimpered, and Reno growled, giving him a punch to the cheek, snapping his head back.

“You b*******! You never gave mom any mercy, so don’t expect the same from us!” Ryan snapped, also giving Ben a punch to the gut, making the man scrunch over in pain.

“This ought to be fun…” Reno said, smirking evilly, while they hovered over the terrified man. Ryan gave another vicious kick to his stomach, and Reno followed, as the man whimpered again. Just about to punch his lights out, Tifa grabbed Reno’s fist, and kicked Ryan in the shins, making him yelp in pain.

“Stop it right now! You guys should be ashamed! Honestly! Trying to kill your own father!” Tifa scolded, and Reno turned and snarled at her.

“He’s not my father! And he killed my mom!” Reno bellowed, and Tifa slapped him across the face, anything to get that horrible hate and rage out of him. Reno went reeling, and he looked at her shocked, a hand going up to touch his wounded cheek.

“That’s not a good reason! Would your mom be proud of you killing him?” Tifa shrieked, tears spilling down her pale cheeks and Ryan crossed his arms across his chest.

“Yes.” He said flatly, and Tifa stood there with her mouth hanging open.

“Forget it! Just forget it! Become killers for all I give! I’m leaving!” Tifa exclaimed, kicking open the bar door, and stalking off. Reno and Ryan looked at a terrified Ben, and gave him one last kick before Reno glared down at him.

“I hope you rot in h***.” He spat, and then Ryan and him ran after Tifa, hoping they could sort this stuff out.

 

“I don’t get it! First she has these spasms and then she’s as rigid as a board! I don’t know about you, but that’s plain freaky.” Yuffie said, crossing her arms over her chest, glancing down at Christy thoughtfully.

“Maybe we should check back with Red, he might have found something.” Aeris suggested, and Yuffie nodded.

“I’ll go, you need some rest Aeris.’ Yuffie stated, and indeed the half Cetra looked worn out from today’s events.

“Alright, only if Sephiroth gets some rest too.” Aeris said, and a very tired looking Sephiroth looked up at her.

“I’m not (yawn) tired.” Sephiroth said, rubbing his eyes then straightening, and Cloud rolled his eyes good naturally.

“Sure Sephiroth. Anyway, you do need sleep. I can watch over Christy.” Cloud said, kneeling beside Christy, who was still staring at nothing.

“Yeah Sephy! You really need the sleep.” Yuffie said in concern, another way of showing she had grown up from the immature materia stealer she used to be. Seeing that everyone was against him, he sighed and nodded, giving Christy a quick kiss on the lips before heading to his room.

“Yuffie? You gonna go see Red?” Cloud asked, and Yuffie slapped a hand to her forehead, then nodded, sitting down in a comfortable chair and shut her eyes, only to have them shoot open dull and lifeless. “Aeris…” Cloud said, and Aeris giggled, giving him a hug before heading toward her sleeping quarters. With a small smile, Cloud turned his attention to Christy, whose mouth was twitching. “Please get better…Christy…” Cloud said worriedly, setting his head by her arm, sleep taking over him.

 

“This is my new formula! Isn’t it wonderful!” Hojo exclaimed gleefully, James not looking impressed.

“Tell me what it’s for again.” Ashley said, and Hojo gave her an annoyed look.

“Impudent girl! It creates a perfect clone of the Cetra! We could use her to our advantages!” Koji cackled evilly, and Malanda shuddered.

“We don’t need more Cetra running amuck.” Chris said coldly, and Hojo sighed.

“She will be completely under our control.” Hojo said, and Chris glared at him.

“What’s the catch?” Chris snarled skeptically, and Koji looked insane.

“Yes, yes, a sacrifice must be made. We need a body that is in perfect condition, but the donor must be deceased.” Koji said, and they winced.

“Any volunteers?” Barry asked, smiling slightly, and nobody stepped forward.

“Why can’t you get someone else? Like from Avalanche?” Annita suggested, and Bauer shook her head.

“Silly girl, we couldn’t get one of them, their guard is too high.” Bauer said, and Annita stuck her tongue out at her back when she turned around.

“Well! Honestly, that little b****.” Annita mumbled, and James smirked, while Bauer either chose to ignore that comment or didn’t hear.

“Again I ask, any volunteers?” Hojo cackled, and Natalia pushed Malanda up, startling the magic user.

“Excellent!” Both brothers cackled, and Malanda gulped nervously. This obviously didn’t sound good.

“Nice knowing you Malanda!” Chris hollered over his shoulder as he led Natalia out the door, and Malanda paled; sweat breaking out on her forehead.

  

Chapter 12: Reaching out

 

Tifa sighed, staring up at the stars again. She still remembered the burning hatred in both Reno and Ryan’s eyes when Ben confronted them, and Tifa was surprised that the man was Saquri, and that was probably how Ryan inherited his Saquri blood, and it would explain how Reno hadn’t. With a depressed sound escaping her lips, Tifa closed her wine colored eyes, trying to block out the stars, which winked brightly at her. They reminded her too much of the two men’s eyes who were so close in shade that Tifa could hardly tell the difference. With a groan, she buried her face in her arms, trying to find solace in her own warmth, but found none. She felt an arm slid around her shoulders, and she looked up to see Ryan, a small smile bitterly tugging at his lips.

“Tiff…I’m sorry about what happened earlier. I was like… I couldn’t control myself.” Ryan said apologetically, and Tifa sighed, unconsciously leaning into his warm embrace. After a moment of sweet silence, Tifa looked into his beautiful, stunning eyes, smiling a bit.

“I don’t understand it Ryan…why me?” Tifa asked, hoping to get an answer. The question had been gnawing at her insides since she had seen the Saquri again.

“I don’t know Tifa…maybe your…aura.” Ryan said, tilting back to gaze wonderingly at the stars.

“Aura?” Tifa probed, closing her eyes as she sunk deeper into his warmth, a look of confusion etching on her pale face, lit by the moonlight’s kiss.

“I don’t know…the way you carried yourself.” Ryan said desperately, trying to grope for the words to explain his devotion to the brown haired beauty. Tears welled up in Tifa’s eyes, unsure of what to say back or how she felt right now. Ryan noticed, and was instantly concerned. “Please Tiff, don’t cry. Was it something I said?” he asked, and Tifa shook her head. Not wanting her to cry anymore, Ryan cupped her face to him, inching his face dangerously close to hers.

“I don’t know what to say…I just…I need to think okay?” Tifa said quickly, getting up and walking swiftly off to her room, leaving a confused Ryan, and in the shadows, a jealous and angry pair of mako aquamarine eyes.

 

Yuffie yawned, stretching a little, one shoulder of her pajamas hung off her shoulder, leaving it bare. With another yawn, Yuffie headed toward the kitchen, with having a midnight snack in mind, having to wait until later to find out if Red had found anything, because he wasn’t a sleep for her to do the dream-walking thing. But she stopped when she got to the living room, and put a hand on her hip, a small smile playing on her lips. There was Cloud Strife, savior of the planet more than once, sleeping like a baby by his sister. She would have rushed back to her room to get her camera, but decided it wasn’t the time. So, she rolled out a sleeping bag out by him, and gently lifting him onto it, and making sure his head was on a comfortable pillow. With motherly instincts, she tucked a blanket tenderly around him, brushing back a stray piece of spiky blonde hair. Yuffie felt something else draw her, she caressed his cheek too, making a small smile appear on Cloud’s worried face. Quickly, she yanked her hand away, like a snake had just bit her. What on earth was she thinking? With that thought she turned to checked on Christy too. Satisfied with her work, she got up, only to see a cocky Reno in the doorway.

“Didn’t think you had any motherly instincts in ya’ kid. Guess I was wrong. Want to tuck me in bed too?” Reno teased, and Yuffie sighed, planting her hands on her hips.

“No Reno. Why don’t you go ask Tifa to do that?” Yuffie retorted, and she saw Reno’s grin fade a little.

“Thanks but no thanks kid. Night.” He said coldly, turning and walking away quietly, leaving Yuffie confused. Was it something she said? With a shrug, Yuffie decided that it was probably a guy thing and to just leave it be. With one last glance over her shoulder, she made her way to her room, feeling that warm, fuzzy feeling nestle deep in her stomach.

 

A small smile lit Christy’s face as she heard Yuffie talk with Reno. From what she could gather, Yuffie was tucking in her bigger brother. Aw, how cute! I have to get Aeris or Tifa to help me hook them up! Christy thought, a small twitch in her eyelids the only thing that showed she heard. Sure she couldn’t talk or control her body, but she was very aware of what was happening around her, especially the worried Sephiroth. Oh…Sephiroth, I miss you so much! Christy thought bitterly, sniffling a little. It was like there was a miniature version of her stuck in a seeping black pit that had to be her mind, the only place she could go. But wait! Yuffie did that, that ‘dream walking’ thing, so maybe I can too! Whoo hoo! Now I can see Sephiroth! The miniature version inside her head jumping up and down in joy. Then she stopped her celebrating, looking a bit thoughtful for a moment. Wait! How do I do this? Oh! I should’ve paid more attention when they explained how to do this! Sighing, Christy shrugged, deciding that she could just work with what she had heard. Sitting down cross-legged, Christy began to gather her heritage’s powers until she radiated a blue aura, then she disappeared in a blue flash of light.

 

Sephiroth was walking aimlessly in a pitch-black room, unsure of what was happening. Even his glowing mako eyes could see nothing, and his Jenova enhanced abilities didn’t help either. Suddenly, he heard a musical voice call out to him.

“Sephiroth…” he turned around, but saw no one, so he continued his walk until he bumped into a wall. He blindly followed the brick wall until he felt something jam into his side. Fearful that it might be one of those dreams were puppet killed him, Sephiroth slowly felt it, and to his relief, it wasn’t a sharp blade, but a… a… doorknob? Suddenly curious, Sephiroth turned the rickety knob, only to have it creak open. The place looked like a small karaoke bar, with a microphone one a small wooden stage, and bright lights lit it different colors. A wooden piano sat some ways away from the microphone. Wooden chairs were crammed into rows, with just enough legroom not to be too cramped. Deciding to take a seat, Sephiroth looked up to see the door open, and puppet stepped in.

“Hey! What are you doing in my dream?” Cloud asked, and Sephiroth shrugged, turning back to the stage.

“I believe this is my dream.” Sephiroth replied coldly, and Cloud shrugged, sitting down also. Soon, everyone began pouring into the small room, even Yuffie, who was giggling.

“What if this is one of those big group dreams! Wow! How exciting!” Yuffie giggled, and Aeris smiled kindly. The last person to come in was Tifa, and by that time, there were no more seats.

“You can sit on my lap babe.” Reno offered, and she snorted and went on stage, sitting on the piano bench comfortably.

“Any clue what’s going on?” Ryan asked, and Yuffie looked up toward the ceiling, getting a distant look in her eyes again, signifying that the Saquri were going to give her more knowledge.

“Someone’s trying to talk to one of us, but accidentally brought all of us here…” Yuffie said, then her eyes turned bright again. Suddenly, the curtains behind the stage opened, revealing Christy, who looked transparent, her eyes totally silver now. Tifa smiled at her friend brightly then began playing a melody, entrancing the audience as Christy began to sing, and sounding distant, with a dreamy look in her eyes.

Making my way downtown

Walking fast

Faces passing

I’m home now

 

Starring like we have

Just making away

Making away

Through the crowd

And I need you

And I’ll miss you

And I wonder…

 

If I could fall

Into the sky…

Do you think time

Would pass me by?

Cuz you know I would walk a thousand miles…

If I could see you

Tonight

 

Though its times like these

When I think of you

And I wonder if

You ever think of me.

 

Everything so wrong,

And I don’t belong

Living in your precious memory

 

Cuz I’ll need you

And I’ll miss you

And now I wonder…

 

If I could fall

Into the sky…

Do you think time

Would pass me by?

Cuz you know I would walk a thousand miles…

If I could see you

Tonight

 

I…I…

Don’t want to let you know

I…I…

Don’t need your memory

I…I…

Don’t want to let this go

I…I… don’t

 

Making my way downtown

Walking fast

Faces passing

I’m home now

 

Starring like we have

Just making away

Making away

Through the crowd

 

 

And I still need you…

And I still miss you…

And now I wonder…

 

 

If I could fall

Into the sky…

Do you think time

Will pass us by…?

Cuz you know I would walk a thousand miles…

If I could see you…

 

If I could fall

Into the sky…

Do you think time

Would pass me by?

Cuz you know I would walk a thousand miles…

If I could see you…

 

If I can just hold you…

Tonight…

Silence hung heavy in the air as Tifa finished the melody of the song, but it didn’t matter. The rest of Avalanche felt like they were intruding on some sacred moment, the way that Christy and Sephiroth were looking at each other, like there was nothing else in the world. Slowly, a crystal tear fell from Christy’s face, and she flung herself on Sephiroth, but she went straight through him, and Christy looked shocked. Closing her eyes, another tear drop fell, splattering loudly on the floor, then she shimmered, vanishing, but not before her eyes opened, and showed devious blood red eyes.

“Keep those dear to you near, or you will suffer the same fate.” Christy said in Jenova’s voice, and she laughed insanely, flames engulfing her body as she disappeared.

“Christy…” Sephiroth whispered brokenly, and Aeris hesitantly put a comforting hand on his shoulder. Even if he had killed her, Aeris felt the need to comfort the poor man whose wife was tottering on the edge of death and something worse.

 

Chapter 13: The Exorcist

 

Ryan yawned, trying to shake the haunting melody from last night’s dream, as he made his way to the kitchen, where Yuffie was sitting and mixing a cup of tea with milk. Funny, he had never thought a girl like her would drink tea, but from what he could gather, she was from Wutai, and in Wutai, tea was like water. You had tea with everything.

“Morning Yuffs.” Ryan said tiredly, and Yuffie gave him a huge grin.

“Oh, morning Ryan. Sweet dreams?” Yuffie asked innocently, and Ryan sighed.

“You should know Yuffs, you were there.” Ryan said, sitting down by the ninja, as she giggled.

“Aw, how sweet. Already dreaming of me.” Yuffie teased, and Ryan smiled warily.

“Yea sure. Where’s breakfast?” Ryan asked, looking around, and to his dismay, nothing looked edible in sight.

“Tifa isn’t up yet.” Yuffie stated, and a weary Cloud dragged himself in, plopping himself down by Yuffie.

“(Yawn) Is Teef up yet?” Cloud asked, his stomach grumbling and Ryan snorted.

“Yuffs, can’t you go make breakfast, I mean, you are a woman.” Ryan stated, and Yuffie grumbled angrily.

“For your information, the only thing I can cook is gourmet burnt food, and I’d like to see you cook!” Yuffie said huffily, and Reno whistled as he came in.

“Don’t tell me it’s that time of the month again kid.” Reno said, and Yuffie instantly flushed, getting the nearest thing, which was unfortunately for Reno, her shuriken, and began to chase the Turk around, yelling about it wasn’t that time and he was going to die.

“What’d he say this time?” they looked up to see Aeris, who was rubbing her eyes sleepily. Ryan grinned and leaned back in the chair, almost tipping it over.

“He asked her if it was that time again.” Cloud yawned, and Aeris shook her head, tut tutting. Walking over to the table, she too, sat down, narrowly missing the shuriken that whizzed by, its target Reno as he zoomed past Aeris.

“Can you cook Aeris?” Sephiroth asked hopefully, and Ryan burst out in laughter.

“Oh be quiet Ryan! No, sorry Sephy, can’t cook.” Aeris said, and Ryan howled in laughter, and Sephiroth decided that he’d check up on Christy left.

“Aeris cooking! Oh that one’s good!” Ryan howled, and Reno stopped running, catching the shuriken that Yuffie threw at him with ease and sat down.

“What’s so funny about Aeris cooking?” Reno asked in interest, and Yuffie calmed down long enough to nod her head in agreement.

“She, she, she almost burned down the house when she tried to cook once, and the, the, fire department had to come!” Ryan howled, and Reno grinned cockily while Aeris flushed, embarrassed as she snorted indignantly.

“That sounds like something Yuffie would do.” Cloud stated, affectionately ruffling Yuffie’s hair.

“Fine! If you want to insult me, I’m going to see if Red found anything!” Yuffie snapped, stalking out of the room.

“Guys, that was mean!” Aeris said, while Reno slid an arm around her shoulders.

“Aw, but you don’t seem affected babe.” Reno said, and Aeris smiled sweetly.

“That’s because you’re entitled to have your own opinions of my cooking.” Aeris said, as a disheveled Tifa entered the room. Immediately Cloud pounced on her.

“Teeeeeeffffff! Make breakfast pwease!” Cloud whined in a childish voice, the grumbling in his stomach agreeing with him.

“Honestly! None of you knows how to cook?” Tifa asked, everyone nodded. “Amazing.”

 

Hojo flipped a switch on, cackling evilly as Koji lowered Malanda’s body into a capsule containing some liquid extracted from the LifeStream.

“Ready?” Hojo asked, and Koji nodded, closing the door to the capsule, pushing another button. The liquid began to pulsate; seeming to have a life of its own as it glowed a brighter green.

“Phase one complete.” Koji stated, and Hojo nodded, taking a vile and slotting it into the machine, and slowly, a needle appeared into Malanda’s capsule, injecting itself into her arm.

“Is she ready?” Barry asked, coming out of the shadows, one of his brother’s favorite moves. Hojo snorted indignantly.

“Of course not! We have many things to prepare before our precious specimen can come out! We have to perform tests and take samples of her blood to see if she’s accepting the Cetra’s-“ Hojo said, but Barry silenced him with a wave of his hand, not wanting to know all the boring details.

“Will she look like Lockheart when she’s done?” Barry asked having been wondering that ever since Malanda had ‘volunteered’. 

“It depends if her cells decide to-“ Koji started, but James stepped into the room also, his fists clenched.

“Yes or no! You don’t have to make this a lecture Koji!” James sneered, and Koji sighed, straightening.

“If she wants to look like the Cetra, she will. If she doesn’t, she won’t.” Koji said simply, looking distastefully down at James, obviously not liking the leader of Evety at all.

“Now, now, don’t fight. What about that Saquri that Jenova insists toying with? What’s her purpose?” They turned to see Annita, a small smirk tugging at her rosy lips.

“Aw, Annita. It’s good to see someone that isn’t stupid around here. I don’t know mother’s purpose for her, but maybe…” Hojo trailed off, turning to the capsule that Malanda’s corpse was locked in. the liquid was fogging the glass, giving off an almost blinding light.

“What’s happening?” James asked, looking a little awestruck.

“She’s being infused. Haven’t you seen this before?” Barry snapped in anger, looking at James in annoyance. Barry knew the exquisite pain but the overwhelming power the infusion caused, and Barry was glad he had only had to have that happen once.

“Phase two complete. Liquid draining.” A computerized voice stated, as the tube began draining itself of its liquid, Malanda’s head coming into view, and everyone in the room was shocked by her appearance.

“Good God.” Annita whispered, as she clutched her hilt to her sword so tight, her knuckles turned white.

 

“So how do you know each other again?” Yuffie asked, trying to pump how the two knew the other.

“We’re half brothers.” Ryan said, and there was a choruses of ‘what’s’ and ‘how is that possible?’.

“What! And you never told me before!” Aeris asked, and Ryan looked sheepish, while Sephiroth cocked his head to the side.

“Now that you mention it, they do look alike.” Sephiroth stated, and Yuffie was hopping up and down excited.

“Wow! That’s so cool! How come you never told me?” Yuffie asked, and the two brothers looked so swamped, that Cloud pounded a fist on the table.

“Be quiet!” Cloud roared, and instantly everyone was silent.

“Why do you two hate each other so much if you’re related?” Tifa asked, and both guys glared at each other.

“It’s your fault for being so weak!” Reno snarled, while Ryan jumped up, getting out both of his short swords.

“NO! It’s your fault for being such a b******!” Ryan snapped back, and everyone looked at them in confusion and shock.

“Okay calm down and tell us what happened before you kill each other.” Aeris said getting up. Both men glared at her, but sat down, both crossing their arms across their chests.

“Now how did this start? I mean, if you’re brothers and all, shouldn’t you have a ‘bond’ or whatever.” Yuffie said, and Ryan glared at her.

“Bond my a**! This jerk right here couldn’t careless about me!” Ryan snarled, and Reno growled dangerously.

“Just start from the beginning. We don’t have all day.” Sephiroth stated calmly, wanting to go check on Christy and not interested in the least with these family squabbles.

“Well, mister hot shot over there decided to send me to Nibelhiem just because he thought that I was too weak and be dead weight for him!” Ryan barked angrily, and Reno flustered.

“It’s not my fault that you couldn’t defend yourself and got yourself killed in the soldier program!” Reno snapped, and instantly everyone’s eyes went to Ryan, who looked ready to go atomic.

“Shut up!” Ryan yelled, grabbing Reno by the collar, slamming him against the wall.

“Oh! Fight! Fight!” Yuffie yelled, and Aeris paled.

“Stop it! You might kill each other!” Aeris shrieked, and Cloud snorted.

“If you’ve forgotten, Ryan’s already dead.” Cloud said dryly, and then two balls of black surrounded the two men, trapping them in different balls, with a casual flick of the wrist, electricity shot from all sides of the balls, making the two men yelp. Tifa’s eyes turned golden, and she stepped into the shadows, instantly blending in.

“What the-?” Cloud asked, whirling around, and they saw Christy standing there in the doorway, an evil smirk placed on her features, her eyes blood red.

“Christy…” Sephiroth said sadly, and her eyes flickered to him, and she lifted her hand, forming another energy ball and shooting it at him, throwing him against the wall, blood dribbling from the side of his face from his forehead.

“Christy! What are you doing?” Aeris shrieked, and Yuffie snorted.

“That’s Jenova, duh!” Yuffie said, rolling her eyes, and Christy’s eyes slowly drifted to her direction.

“Stupid Saquri, you have no clue what I am truly capable of. This is just playtime with your little friend. I hope you’re impressed.” Jenova’s voice cackled, coming deep within Christy’s throat.

“This isn’t good.” Cloud said solemnly, pulling out his buster sword, and Jenova/Christy laughed.

“Oh, child…come with me. You know you want to. You could be great child, greater than Sephiroth ever could be.” Jenova said seductively, and Sephiroth gave a groan of pain, Aeris helping him up. Cloud’s face instantly turned pained, as Christy’s/Jenova’s eyes glowed. “Come child, come to me…” Jenova said, and she cried out in pain as Yuffie threw her shuriken deep into Jenova’s arm, and Cloud instantly looked relieved. “Little Saquri b*****! Your petty toy will not destroy me!” Jenova hissed, waving her arm, sending Yuffie crashing into a wall.

“How is she this powerful now? I don’t get it…” Cloud asked confused as Jenova cackled evilly eyes glowing brighter. Suddenly, a blur came from the shadows, tackling Jenova.

“Chi!” Yuffie and Aeris shouted happily, and the blue haired man gave them no regard.

“Get out of her Jenova! Don’t make me use force.” Chi hissed dangerously, clutching Christy’s shirt collar.

“Aw, still pinning for that Hime girl? Oh Chi, I’m truly sorry.” Jenova said sarcastically, and Chi snarled, bashing her head on the floor, and Jenova cried out. “Fine! But I’ll be back Chibi!” Jenova laughed, disappearing, her evil spirit vanishing in hellish flames, leaving Christy’s limp body on the floor, a gash running down the side of her head.

“Chibi…” Tifa said, putting a comforting hand on her guardian’s shoulder, and he looked up at her.

“She knows mistress…that b****…Hime…” Chi said sadly, and Sephiroth walked over to Christy, Cloud following cautiously. “Christy’s now dangerous. I think you should be weary of her, mistress.” Chi said, standing up, and Reno and Ryan groaned, rubbing their heads and wincing.

“Geez, Christy did this?” Reno whistled, but Yuffie stared sadly at her friend’s limp body.

“Christy is injected with both Jenova and Saquri cells, so I guess, that mix is very lethal.” Yuffie said, and Aeris sighed.

“I think we should take a breather. This is too much.” Aeris said softly, touching a hand to Sephiroth’s wound, making him wince, but it healed as her magic flowed from her fingertips.

“I’ll agree with Aery.” Ryan said tiredly, walking out the door, Chi and Yuffie following him.

“That sounds good I guess.” Cloud said drained emotionally as he looked back at his pale sister. He immediately left, Aeris following.

“Sephiroth…get some rest…I’ll watch over her.” Tifa said, putting a hand on his arm, and Sephiroth sighed, deciding that he wouldn’t help Christy at all if he was this tired. He shuffled out the door, leaving Reno, Tifa, and an unconscious Christy. “Could you help me get her to the couch?” Tifa questioned and Reno gently lifted the Saquri to the couch. They sat by couch in silence, Tifa sometimes tucking the blanket tighter against the blonde’s form.

“Do you…love him?” Reno asked, and Tifa looked away.

“I don’t know. You should really get some rest.” Tifa said, and Reno sighed, getting up and walking slowly to his room, ignoring the worried look Tifa sent him.

 

Chapter 14: Truth unfolds

 

 “Chi?” Aeris asked in concern, as her dragon friend, now human, watched sorrowfully as the sun rose over the valley, the flower fields shone with the fresh dew.

“Not now…I don’t feel like talking.” Chi said coldly, and Aeris looked hurt, but nodded, walking away.

“How is Chibi?” Tifa asked worriedly, and Aeris sighed.

“What is wrong with him? It can’t be Angel, because he warned me that she was a traitor...” Sephiroth said, and Cloud leaped up, fuming.

“You knew that dragon was a traitor and you didn’t tell us!” Cloud roared, and Sephiroth glared coldly at him.

“Don’t wet your pants puppet, you weren’t destined to know.” Sephiroth stated calmly, and Reno pounded a fist on the table.

“Bull! You could have gotten someone killed!” Reno snarled, and Tifa put a hand on his shoulder, trying to shush him.

“Don’t curse at him, I told him not to tell you guys.” They turned to see Chibi standing the doorway.

“Chi… who was Hime?” Yuffie asked, and Chi’s eye twitched.

“You have a good memory Yuffie.” Chibi said, and left, Tifa glancing worriedly after her guardian.

“Anyway…what about Christy? We can’t exactly allow her to be unguarded, I mean, what if she freaks out again?” Ryan asked, and him and his brother winced, remembering all too well the pain of being electrocuted in those ball prisons.

“Well we just have to take shifts guarding her.” Aeris suggested and groans were heard throughout the room.

“We should have our weapons nearby just in case she wakes up.” Cloud said, trying hard not to look like this worried him, and Aeris nodded in agreement. Sephiroth’s mouth had drawn into a thin line, signifying that he didn’t approve at all of this.

“Well then it’s settled.” Tifa said and everyone nodded and looked over at their sleeping friend, hoping she wouldn’t be possessed again.

 

“So when do I actually be able to use my new powers?” Malanda asked, flexing her arms in amazement, feeling the power run through her veins.

“In a few hours, we still need the cells to settle in.” Koji said behind his notes as they scrambled around the lab, noting everything that Malanda did.

“So when will we battle Avalanche?” James as he walked in rubbing his hands in excitement.

“When her powers settles in, but that might take awhile.” Hojo said as he noted some more Malanda’s actions. Malanda snorted indignantly, flinging some hair over her shoulder.

“Hey is Malanda out-whoa! Malanda?” Natalia asked, gaping at her former ally.

“Of course it’s me! Who else would I be? Bauer?” Malanda snapped, and Bauer smiled and waved.

“Malanda, have you looked in the mirror lately?” Ashley asked, and Hojo and Koji were motioning for them to keep their mouths shut.

“What? What’s wrong with me?” Malanda snapped. Picking up a mirror. Her face twisted in horror and she let out a blood-curling scream.

 

“So where it the Cetra Council?” Yuffie asked, and Chi shrugged, walking off, looking around.

“It’s somewhere by the ruins of the Temple of the Ancients.” Chi said slowly, like he wasn’t sure himself.

“Great, not even Chi knows. They probably won’t let us in; we don’t even have the gold materia. We’re all just gonna die, huh?” Reno said sarcastically, and Aeris sighed.

“Reno, we’re not going to die. Besides, I really don’t think I want to go there…” Aeris said, casting a glance at Sephiroth, and he smiled malevolently at her, a smirk on his face.

“Don’t worry shishcabob Cetra, you have nothing to fear.” Sephiroth said evilly, hitching Christy more comfortable on his back, and Aeris shuddered while Cloud sent him a glare.

“Oh, be quiet Sephiroth. Maybe we could go to the Northern Crater and let Cloud and you have a fight.” Tifa said sweetly, and Sephiroth paled and shut up. “That’s what I thought.”

“Anyway, this death and gore stuff is getting freaky. Why don’t we do something fun and catch a chocobo so my feet can rest?” Ryan suggested, and Yuffie nodded.

“Even if I hate those birds, they do come in handy, especially the gold ones if we’re gonna cross the ocean.” Yuffie stated, and Cloud rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

“Why don’t we rent a boat?” Cloud suggested, and Reno grinned.

“Yea, and do you see any big neon signs flashing, ‘boats for Avalanche! Free! Just give us Tifa’!” Reno said, and Tifa kicked him hard in the shins, making him yelp.

“If you’re done flirting, let’s go.” Chi said, walking off as they Avalanche crew followed him.

   

 Malanda’s hand shook as she stared at herself in the mirror in horror. “T-This is a joke right? I don’t really look like this?” Malanda asked looking around the room their looks telling her no. “Oh God! What did you two do to me?” Malanda wailed, pointing a trembling hand at them, and the two sighed, glaring at everyone else in the room for pointing out her looks.

“C’mon Malanda, you don’t look that bad…” Natalia said, suddenly feeling guilty that she had volunteered Malanda in the first place. Malanda had slimy green tentacles for hair, like Medusa had snakes for hair. Her eyes were like a dragon’s, golden with a black slit in the middle. Her skin, well, her skin was shiny, full of scales, gleaming light blue like a reptile’s. Her teeth were fangs, gleaming bright white in the lights, and her nails were claws, lethal weapons.

“I think you should leave us alone with our specimen. We need to run some test now.” Hojo said, and Malanda snarled, whirling at them, flicking her wrists, causing an energy ball to form around the two scientists, like Jenova had done with Reno and Ryan. Her eyes gleamed a bloody red, and she growled, showing her fangs.

“I’m not your specimen!” She roared, clenching her fists, and before she could shoot electricity through them, Moniva stopped her.

“We need them! Stop this foolishness! What are looks when you have power?” Moniva asked, and Malanda lowered her arms, glaring angrily down at the scientists, who cowered behind their machine.

“Can you change me back?” Malanda asked quietly, and Barry shook his head.

“Naw, once you’re infused, they can’t get it out of you.” Barry said, and Malanda’s eyes flashed. With a turn of the heel, she stalked of the room.

 

“So this is the Cetra Council, huh?” Reno asked impressed, looking around the Coliseum sized room, where some of the wisest elders from the Saquri and Cetra were seated, each dressed in a white robe. Cloud flinched as their gaze fell to him, but Sephiroth showed no emotion as the Cetra turned to glance disapprovingly at him. Aeris curtsied in front of the eldest elder, who was an old man with many wrinkles on his face, his brown eyes observing them wisely, and his robe was nicely decorated with gold designs and letters.

“Wise Elder, we are here to-“ Aeris started, but he waved his hand to silence her.

“We know why you are here, yet sadly, we are not sure how to finally rid this world of Jenova. But, there is a legend that foretells this…” The man said, his voice carrying burdening wisdom.

“Legend? So you mean you people are as clueless as us?” Yuffie snapped, and Aeris looked horrified at the way she spoke to the elders and Cloud and Sephiroth winced, waiting for a punishment to befall the young ninja. But to their surprise, he chuckled.

“You are certainly right, but unfortunately, we no longer hold the knowledge here. You must seek-“ but the elder was cut off by a woman who stood up, her nostrils flaring.

“Elder! You shouldn’t send them to do something that dangerous! Some of the wisest-“ but the white haired woman was cut off as the white gates opened, revealing a young woman, with forest green hair, and sky blue eyes, with a womanly figure, and she walked gracefully as people began to bow down as she walked by.

“It’s been a long time.” The elder said respectfully, and Aeris, Yuffie, Tifa, and Chibi all bowed down, chanting something quickly as the woman smiled warmly.

“No need for that, you’ve done a wonderful job.” The woman said musically, and Reno scratched his head in confusion.

“Who is she?” Reno asked, and Yuffie glanced at him.

“I am the planet in a form you humans can associate with.” The woman said in a melodious voice, and Sephiroth paled. “I have forgiven you, my child. You have proven that you aren’t evil, even if it took some sacrifices…” the planet said, taking a glance at Aeris, who shuffled her feet nervously. “Anyway, the task ahead is something some of my finest warriors couldn’t accomplish, but I trust you. There is a legend that a great warrior from another universe will come and save the planet from destruction, but the journey is hard and trying…” the planet said softly, and Cloud stepped forward, looking determined.

“We’ll do it, though I have one request.” Cloud said firmly, but respectfully, and the planet smiled at him brightly.

“Your sister will be fine, just leave her here, she might ruin your mission, now go, I will aid you if you ever need it. My children know what to do.” The planet said, and two elders came and took Christy from Sephiroth, who looked crushed and worried, but then quickly hid it. With a respectful bow, everyone left.

 

Chapter 15: Shocking Murders, shocking as the Murderer

 

“I feel so bad for Malanda…” Natalia said, and Ashley nodded, pausing to look at her shinning blue nails she had just painted.

“You should, after all, you did do that to her.” Ashley said, waving her hand to get her nails to dry faster.

“Ugh! Do you think that she’ll come after me and kill me for what I did?” Natalia asked, worried, and Ashley shrugged, deciding that this subject was boring, changed it.

“Where’s mother?” Ashley asked, not having seen her since Jenova had decided to make that one girl do her bidding.

“Mother is going to stop Avalanche, they’re going to try and summon the Angel.” They turned to see James, a small smirk on his face, Annita behind him, her hands on her hips.

“Now what do you two think you’re doing? Go out and train!” Annita snapped, and Chris looked at her lazily.

“Why? We can beat those Avalanche flunkies with the power mother gave us.” Chris said confidently, and Annita scowled.

“Go now before I force you too.” Annita snapped, pulling out her sword and pointed it at Chris, who gulped.

“Alright lady! Geez, I’ll go!” Chris said, hastily getting up as the others followed him. Barry stopped before leaving the room and turned to look at Annita.

“Don’t be so harsh on them. They think that mother will care for them, but they haven’t seen the light.” Barry said, and Annita glared at him, eyes flashing.

“Mother will always take care of us.” Annita hissed through clenched teeth, and Barry smirked.

“Yea, just like she protected you when your own father killed you.” Barry retorted, leaving as Annita clenched her fists, and turned to glare at James.

“That man gets on my nerves! You sure we can’t kill him?” Annita snapped, and James smiled lightly.

“Yes love, calm yourself. His death will come soon.” James said, and Annita grinned, giving a high kick in the air, beginning to shadow box as James watched her, transfixed.

 

“Sephiroth’s worried! Sephiroth’s worried! Maybe he’ll get gray hairs. Oops! I forgot! He already does!” Yuffie teased, while the general didn’t look amused.

“C’mon Yuffie, stop teasing the poor guy. His wife’s in a coma while he has to go save the planet.” Aeris said, casting a sympathetic look at Sephiroth, who ignored her. He didn’t deserve her sympathy, especially since he had killed the woman.

“Anyway, how are we going to find this summon oh great leader?”
Reno asked sarcastically, and Cloud snorted, ignoring his temporary nickname.

“She said we have to find the one who will be the host body for the summon. Any ideas?” Cloud asked, and Chibi looked thoughtful.

“Yes…I have someone in mind.” Chibi said mysteriously, and Ryan glanced at him.

“But the host for the summon, don’t they die in the end? I mean, c’mon, we got to set our priorities. Don’t want to tear up lives.” Ryan said, and Chibi gave him a grin, showing his pearly whites.

“Oh, but I already thought of that.” Chi said, walking off.

“What is he talking about?” Reno asked Tifa, and she shrugged.

“What do I look like? A mind reader?” Tifa asked, and everyone nodded. She sighed, exasperated, and went to go catch up with Chibi.

 

“Do my bidding!” Malanda hissed through clenched teeth as her hands hovered over the golden materia, which was emitting a dark black aura. Her hands flashed, sending a spark into the orb, making it pulsate, then it went dead, but Malanda smiled, turning to Jenova.

“Good work my child. Now, proceed with phase two of our plan.” Jenova said, and Malanda nodded, turning to the orb, her golden eyes turning a deep red, then the orb flashed again, a ghostly howl released within it.

 

“Elder! Elder! She’s being possessed!” a young woman shouted, hitching up her white robe as she ran through the halls, toward the Council room.

“Possessed? Get the sorceress team in there!” the Elder commanded, and the woman nodded, quickly fleeing the scene. The Elder briskly made his way to the room where the Saquri was, and indeed, she was being possessed. Her eyes were now totally silver, and her lips blue. She was having those spasms again.

“Excuse Elder, but I must do my work in here.” the Elder turned to see a blonde haired woman with sea green eyes.

“Ah, Felicia, nice to see you again my dear.” The Elder said pleasantly, and Felicia waved him away.

“I have to get her the antidote before she turns into one of them.” Felicia declared, spitting out the last word like poison. The Elder nodded, leaving Christy’s ancestor to do her work. Felicia opened a flask, and took it to Christy, tipping it into her open mouth, and instantly Christy stiffened.  “Oh dear, she’s worse than I thought.” Felicia said worriedly, and she began mixing various herbs and antidotes, until she had found the right one.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you dear.” Felicia turned around, and gasped, her flask dropping to the ground, shattering to pieces. Christy laughed insanely, disappearing before Felicia could utter a word.

“Oh no! Elder! Elder!” Felicia screamed, running out of the room, her robe almost tripping her.

 

“You think she found anything?” Cloud asked worriedly, glancing at Yuffie’s form, as her lips moved in frustration as she ‘dream walked’.

“Just wait, I know Yuffie can do this.” Aeris said calmly, while Tifa nibbled on her lip nervously. Sephiroth was in the other room, brooding or something. The guy got more like Vincent everyday.

“Yea, have some faith Spike.” Reno said, sauntering in the room, a bottle of beer held in his hand. Ryan eyed it distastefully, and looked up at his half brother.

“You’re not gonna drink that, are you?” Ryan asked in concern, and Reno shook his head, grinning impishly as he uncorked the bottle.

“Thought Sephy boy could lighten up a bit.” Reno said, walking out the room while everyone stared after him.

“I’d like some alcohol!” they whirled at the voice, glaring to see Christy, but her eyes were cold, and blood red.

“She’s being possessed…” Chibi hissed, still stirred up about the encounter he’d had with her earlier.

“Why yes child, of course. I had to train Malanda somehow.” Jenova said, twirling around, sending flaming sparks of energy shooting down at the group, one almost missing Yuffie.

“You b****!” Reno hollered, entering the room as Christy’s little flames shot through his alcohol bottle. Sephiroth glanced at Christy, then at his sword, like he was fighting if he should strike her down, or not. Sensing his hesitation, Chibi launched up, growling as his fingernails turned to claws, and he gripped Christy’s neck, choking her.

“Chibi!” Tifa cried, as his claws drew blood from Christy’s neck. Chibi glared back, but dropped her, Christy’s hand over her neck to stop the bleeding.

“Leave her Jenova, or I will personally kill you.” Chibi hissed, his nostrils flaring as Christy glared up at him.

“Fine! I’ll leave you your little whore!” Jenova spat, disappearing as Christy’s limp form fell to the ground, Sephiroth catching her before she landed.

“Hey guys! I got it! Hey, why’s Christy here?” Yuffie asked, snapping out of her dream state, and everyone looked wearily at her.

“I’ll tell you later Yuffie.” Aeris said kindly, and Yuffie nodded, wondering what in the world could have happened.

 

“Hahahaha! I can’t believe you let them get you sister! Hahahaha!” Koshinee exclaimed, laughing annoyingly into her hand.

“Shut up.” Jenova said, sulking while Malanda looked thoughtful.

“Mother, I was able to control her, so would that mean I have some sort of an edge over you? After all, I am injected with Cetra cells.” Malanda stated, and Jenova glared at her angrily.

“Child! Of course not! How dare you even ask that?” Jenova hissed, and Evety looked up at their ‘mother’ stunned.

“I-I-I was only curious.” Malanda stuttered, cowering away from the furious alien, who glared down upon her. With a flash of fire in Jenova’s eyes, Malanda was sent crashing into a wall, a trickle of blood flowing from a cut above her eye.

“Be quiet!” Jenova hissed, while Malanda looked up at her mother in shock.

“I told you mother doesn’t care.” Barry said through clenched teeth, while Annita looked at him coldly.

“Shut up! She must be doing this for a reason.” Annita said, with less conviction in her voice.

“Oh man! This isn’t going too well.” Ashley said worriedly, and Demon nodded, turning his glance back to Malanda, who looked about to explode.

“You b****! After all this time, I’ve been loyal to you! And this is the thanks I get?” Malanda shrieked shrilly, glaring daggers at Jenova, who was livid with rage.

“How dare you! I’ll teach you a lesson!” Jenova screamed, lunging forward, her nails turning into claws.

“Cat fight.” Chris said, after trying hard not to make a comment. Natalia glared at him, but turned back to the fight, her hazel eyes filled with annoyance.

“You two shouldn’t be fighting like this!” she snarled, but Malanda and Jenova ignored her. They both got into battle stances, their eyes flashing with fire. With a yell, Malanda charged forward, but Bauer stepped in her way.

“Get out of my way Bauer.” Malanda snarled, but Bauer shook her head angrily, her blue hair swishing around noiselessly.

“You have to get through me to get through her.” Bauer snarled, and Malanda growled dangerously, but her lips curved into an evil smile.

“Gladly.” She hissed, still bearing the grudge for winning her mother’s affection, but now, she was just pissed. With a flick of the wrist, a black barrier surrounded Bauer, and she screamed as electricity ran through her veins, tearing through her very being. With a startled cry, she dropped to the ground, the barrier disappearing. With a quick glance at her, Malanda extended her claws, about to slice open her throat, but Jenova, threw her against the wall, making a sickening cracking sound, and a cobweb of cracks appear. With a triumphant smirk, Jenova ascended to her victim, a twisted smile forming on her face.

“You just had to try and oppose me. You could have been such a good puppet, like Sephiroth, injected with Cetra cells and my cells, well, my child. I hope you die.” Jenova spat, but while she was gloating and making her speech, Malanda cracked her eye open, her fingers inching slowly away from her side to Jenova’s neck. Evety was too transfixed on Jenova’s evil smile and haunting voice that they didn’t see Malanda’s clawed hand move until it was too late.

“Jenova!” Koshinee screamed, just as Malanda’s clawed hand sliced Jenova’s throat open. With a gurgle escaping her lips, Jenova fell to the floor, unable to react before Malanda was on her, her palms in her face. With a twist of her face, Malanda formed an energy ball, blasting Jenova’s head off, making it fly over to where Koji and Hojo were standing taking notes of the spectacle. They immediately gathered her head and scurried off somewhere, not like Malanda cared. She felt better than she had in a long time, and she felt Jenova’s power being sucked into her veins, making her stronger. Wiping the blood off her hands onto her skirt, she turned to Moniva and Koshinee, who were glaring daggers at her, trying to coax Bauer back to consciousness, Koshinee looking even more stricken for the last thing she said to her older sister.

“We should kill you.” Moniva hissed, and Koshinee nodded, helping up a shaky Bauer. Malanda just looked at her hands in amazement, like she wasn’t aware of the power she had until now. With a smirk, she turned quickly to them, her eyes daring them to try. With a battle cry, Koshinee and Moniva darted forward, tears streaming down their faces as the both formed energy balls, using them as a beam and the bright lights surrounded Malanda, and they smirked victoriously, thinking revenge was complete. But, a whirlwind of light came shooting out of the beams, forcing them back, and Koshinee and Moniva gawked as Malanda smirked superiorly at them.

“Is that the best you can do? Well, two can play that game!” Malanda hollered, a beam of light shooting out from her palm, engulfing the two sisters as they screamed in agony, their forms disintegrating as the beam surrounded them completely. Their power too, was drawn into the outstretched palm of Malanda’s hand, and Malanda smirked evilly, glancing at the shocked Evety. “Anyone who disobeys me will end up like them. Any questions?” Malanda asked evilly, and Evety shook their head, too shocked to say anything. “Good, cause I’ll be taking over.” Malanda said, and Evety gaped at her like she was mad, and maybe she was.

 

Chapter 16: The cards fate deals

 

“So you’re saying that we have to get the gold materia, which just so happens to be in our archenemies’ clutches, then somehow be able to squish some sort of juice out of it and mix it with the silver materia’s juice and get the possessed one to drink it. Is that all we have to do or find another planet and name it Aiud?” Reno asked sarcastically, leaning back in his chair as he eyed Yuffie wearily. The young ninja fidgeted for a moment, but nodded.

“Yea, that’s what Red said to do.” Yuffie confirmed, the impossible feeling of having to actually try the task was stifling. It sounded stupid enough when Reno said it.

“Excuse me, but that sounds kinda impossible.” Ryan added, and Cloud sighed.

“Don’t give up already guys, I mean, it’s not like we’re up against Sephiroth again. No offense.” Cloud added hastily, seeing Sephiroth’s glare.

“Any clue how to do this Chibi?” Aeris asked, trying to coax an answer out of the dragon, who seemed to be sulking in a corner, out of his human form.

“I don’t know, why ask me?” Chibi snapped, and Aeris looked hurt, and Tifa glared at her guardian.

“Chi! Honestly, behave. They don’t know what happened.” Tifa said, and Chibi sighed, saying nothing. Sephiroth looked up from Christy in interest, but sensing the sudden tension in the air, he decided to offer his assistance.

“We should act now. I don’t feel…Jenova’s presence right now.” Sephiroth stated, his eyebrows knitting in confusion. That couldn’t be right unless…he looked up at Cloud, who was also looking confused.

“Is she…?” Cloud asked, not even getting the last part out, he was too shocked. Who would have been able to kill Jenova and her sisters so quickly? Aeris and Tifa sent each other a startled glance, and then got up, both quickly making their way to the door.

“What in the h*** is going on now?” Reno asked exasperated, getting to his feet, following the girls slowly out the door.

“What happened? Jenova’s dead and so are her sisters…who could be that powerful?” Yuffie wondered, also getting up, scooping up Chi from his brooding, deciding that wasn’t healthy for such a cute dragon.

“This is just getting too d*** weird.” Ryan admitted, standing up, heading out the door. Cloud’s eyebrows knit in confusion, but he stayed rooted in place.

“Just what on the planet is going on?” He asked to no one in particular, and Sephiroth looked back down at Christy, who seemed more normal now. Hopefully they’d be able to cure her soon. It just wasn’t right with her being so quiet.

 

“I don’t understand it…” Aeris whispered, getting out of the stuffy hotel they were staying in, glancing up at the stars. God’s own Braille, if you will, something that foretold tremendous things if you listened, and right now, the two Cetras were listening.

“We need to get this done soon before she gets too powerful.” Tifa stated, while the rest of the gang looked at them confused. It seemed the two women didn’t notice them at all, in their own little Cetra world.

“Who are they talking about? Any ideas from the peanut gallery?” Reno asked sarcastically, and Yuffie shrugged, looking at Ryan, whose mouth was drawn in a thin line.

“Something’s shifting in the planet.” Chibi offered, and Reno sighed, starring back at the girls, one in particular.

“Why does the planet have to mess things up?” Reno wondered softly. He was content way back, before this whole mess of s***, with Tifa’s affections solely focused on him. Now, his brother was back, and how was he supposed to do anything about it.

“Life’s screwy.” Ryan agreed, having a vague image of what his half brother was thinking. Maybe after this was all done, he could actually talk to the brunette, really talk to her without her having to worry about hurting his feelings or his brother over hearing the whole mess.

“Aw, c’mon, lighten up. I’m sure whatever’s gonna happen isn’t gonna be that bad.” Yuffie assured them, looking back at the hotel, the wind seeping through her outfit. She had to admit, she still was wearing the outfit she had worn with Avalanche, and let’s face it; it wasn’t that protective of the cold. She shivered, and Ryan noticed.

“Hey, we better get you inside before you catch a cold there Yuffs.” Ryan said, taking her arm and dragging her back inside, while Reno watched amused.

“Now that Chi, is what I call weird.” Reno stated, turning back to the little dragon that seemed to be out of brooding, and smiled at him, showing his glistening fangs.

“I beg to differ. I’ve seen weirder things than that my friend.” Chibi declared, stretching like a cat and yawning.

“Well, best get some rest. I have a feeling tomorrow won’t be exactly pleasant.” Chibi said, turning and trotting back to the hotel, Reno starring after him. He suddenly felt a hand on his shoulder, and he looked to see Tifa, smiling wearily at him.

“C’mon, let’s go to bed. I think we have a big day tomorrow.” Tifa said, leading Reno back inside, but he stopped to look at Aeris, trying to prolong this moment as much as possible.

“What about Aeris?” Reno asked in concern, knowing all sorts of things could befall the half Cetra, once again forgetting that they were in the LifeStream.

“She’ll be fine. She just needs to do something.” Tifa said, steering him away, while Reno sighed. This Cetra and Saquri business was getting to him, and he wondered why fate had to choose him to be the only person in this group that had no special heritage. That’s the way life goes. You win some and you lose some. Reno thought, a small sad smile appearing on his face. Maybe he’d be the one to win Tifa, but one could never be sure what cards fate dealt you.

 

Chapter 17: The Effects of Death

 

“I don’t believe it! I let her kill my three best friends and I didn’t even lift a finger! Oh God!” Bauer sobbed, and Evety looked at her in shock. They never suspected gloating, annoying Bauer to feel any sort of emotions at all.

“Well, you did try and help a little…” Barry offered, trying to be nice to the girl. Annita glared at them, her hands on her hips.

“Are we gonna just let her push us around? This is ridiculous! We could all get her together!” Annita snapped, and James looked at her uneasily.

“Annita, calm down. It’s not that bad really.” Ashley said softly, not wanting another one of their number to be killed. She shivered, remembering how Natalia was beaten when she tried to appose Malanda. Who would have ever thought that the silent ice blonde girl could have snapped this far?

“Just don’t mess with her, trust me.” Natalia mumbled, still trying to heal herself. She looked better now than she did five minutes ago.

“You people are wusses, how can you live with yourselves?” Annita asked in disgust, looking about to leave the common room, but James held her back.

“Annita…” he said softly, and her look softened as she sat down, trying to look angry with him, but not succeeding.

“I agree with Annita though, this is stupid! We should fight!” Chris insisted, looking at Natalia for support, but she glanced away, not wanting him to suffer like she had. Even if she didn’t show it, she did care for Chris, but would never tell him that. It would be so embarrassing, and embarrassment was something Natalia liked.

“It would be wise if we didn’t. Unless you want to get killed again and become one with Malanda.” Demon said, the quiet man speaking up for once.

“Bauer, can’t you do something? You have that materia thingy don’t you?” Annita tried again, and Bauer lifted up her pale, tear stained face from her hands.

“I-I-I guess, but I’m not sure it’s enough. Maybe we have to combine it with…” her head snapped up sharply, a fire lit in her green eyes, making them seem to glow from within. “Why didn’t I think of this before?” Bauer hissed angrily, whirling at the group, an angry yet sad look on her face.

“Think of what?” Barry asked timidly, and she whirled to face him.

“That Cetra girl! She has the silver materia! Maybe we could join-“

Bauer started, but suddenly fell silent, and Evety looked at her, waiting for her to finish.

“Join who Bauer? Already pledging your loyalty to someone else?” Malanda asked coldly, walking through the cave entrance, glaring at everyone in the room. The temperature seemed to drop ten notches. Malanda was dressed in a silver dress, parting at the sides to mid thigh; her dress didn’t even have shoulders. Two pieces of cloth covered her elbows to her fingertips, and one piece of cloth was draped from arm to arm. Bauer glared at her defiantly, Malanda’s new form or outfit intimidating her.

“What if I am? I’m not staying around here! Who’s with me?” Bauer snapped, and Malanda’s mouth curved down to a frown. Everyone looked from Malanda, to Bauer, then back again. Annita stood up, glaring defiantly at Malanda. Of course, wherever Annita went, James would follow. Chris also stood, up along with Natalia.

“So, you all wish to betray me, well, I’ll show you.” Malanda hissed dangerously, gracefully lifting up her hand, flicking it open, shooting out a beam. Bauer barely ducked, James and Annita getting out of the way, while Natalia shrieked, and flipped up, Chris too stunned to move.

“Chris!” Natalia screamed, just as the beam shot through him, blood spurting out of his mouth, making him fall to the floor. “Chris no!” Natalia cried, rushing to his side, cradling his head in her arms. “No Chris, no. I have so much to tell you, please don’t die on me.” Natalia sobbed, burying her face in Chris’s brown hair. Chris weakly opened his hazel eyes, staring at her silently, a peaceful smile etched on his face.

“Get out of here…I already know…” Chris said softly, closing his eyes and breathing his last.

“Chris? Chris! Wake up!” Natalia wailed, shaking him as if to rouse him from his sleep, even if she knew he wouldn’t. Tears splashed loudly on Chris’s pale face, but Malanda seemed amused by this turn of events.

“Oh, is he really dead? So sorry. Anybody else want to join him?” Malanda asked, her palm absorbing what Chris’s energy as he turned a bright green, the light flashing as it went straight to Malanda’s palm.

“You b****!” Natalia screamed, failing as she threw herself toward the smirking monster, but Bauer held her back.

“You’ll get your revenge later. Let’s go.” Bauer hissed, opening a portal and fleeing through it, knowing the rest of Evety would be too scared of Malanda to follow her anyway. Malanda turned to the remaining group members, a pleased smirk on her face.

“Glad you decided to stay.” Malanda hissed, sounding like an evil snake, as the rest of the gang looked up at her with suppressed fear. Malanda smirked, knowing that she had them in the palm of her hand. Bauer would never be accepted by those Avalanche fools, and even if she was they were too puny to stop her. “Well, prepare to rock the planet off its rocker! We’ll show them what true fear is…” Malanda stated, opening her palm and letting an insane smile touch her face. This should be interesting…

 

“Morning…” Sephiroth said, stretching as he yawned, and Ryan smiled tiredly at him.

“Geez, how late were you up last night?” Ryan asked, trying to get conversation started. He had been purposely been avoiding Sephiroth until this point. After all, he had made a second class Soldier, but he was killed in a mission. It sucked even more because the general had personally recommended him, because his skills and cunning were that of a first rate Soldier, possibly a Turk. He was sure the general must have been plenty disappointed in him, so he decided to ignore the problem, like he always did.

“I don’t blame you.” Sephiroth stated calmly, sitting down on the couch, while Ryan turned around in his swiveling chair, gawking at him. What was this guy? A mind reader? “No, I’m not. Just thought that I’d get that straight with you.” Sephiroth said, and Ryan sweat dropped. This guy’s mind reading abilities were scaring him. Sephiroth chuckled lightly, but didn’t say anything to freak out the young Saquri any further. Trying to get off the uncomfortable subject, Ryan cleared his throat.

“How is she? I mean, your wife.” Ryan asked, feeling stupid. He didn’t know the woman very well, and nobody seemed to talk about her much, too focused on saving the planet again. Sephiroth sighed wearily, rubbing his temples as if to fight off another headache. Ryan noticed this and quickly added, “Sorry to pry.” Sephiroth shrugged, turning his gaze back to his wife’s room, where she was in a coma or something like that.

“She’s okay…but too quiet. She used to be so full of life…” Sephiroth said distantly, and Ryan nodded. Maybe that was what drew the general to his archenemy’s sister. Yuffie shuffled tiredly into the room, her pajamas once again hung off one of her shoulders as she rubbed her eyes sleepily. Ryan smiled softly, knowing she looked like a cute little kid like that. Noticing she wasn’t alone in the room, Yuffie jumped up shrieking.

“Gawd! Why didn’t you tell me you were there? Honestly! Want me to have a heart attack?” Yuffie snapped, putting a hand over her beating heart.

“My apologies Yuffie.” Sephiroth said, stopping long enough to glance up at her, then began massaging his temples with more force.

“Yea, sorry Yuffs.” Ryan said timidly, running a hand through his unruly hair.

“Holy s***!” Reno’s voice hollered form the kitchen, followed by a nervous laugh.

“Um, we’re not here to cause trouble-“ an unfamiliar voice started, but a familiar voice cut her off. The trio got up, interested as they made their way to the kitchen where the commotion was taking place.

“Not cause trouble! Look at my dress! It’s totally ruined thanks to that b*****!” the voice shrieked, and Tifa’s voice rang out.

“Shouldn’t have sneaked up on him while him while he was drinking the orange juice out of the carton that I specifically told him not to drink out of.” Tifa scolded, and a dainty laugh was heard. Aeris. The three soon reached the kitchen, to find it in a humorous scene. Tifa was scolding Reno, who was rubbing the back of his head, looking sheepish and holding a half empty carton of orange juice. Aeris was clutching her stomach and laughing, while Cloud’s eyes were trained on the corner, mistrust coursing through his veins. Curious, the three turned their heads to look at the corner.

“Oh my Gawd!” Yuffie screeched, and instantly the room was deadly quiet. In the corner, stood no less than part of that horrible gang Evety.

“Why are they here?” Ryan hissed angrily, crouching into a sword drawing his two swords as he eyed the blue haired girl warily, and she glared back, trying to remove the orange juice stain out of her nice dress.

“Listen, it’s not what you think. They’re here to help.” Tifa said, and Sephiroth glared, narrowing his glowing green eyes angrily.

“How so? Help us to an earlier grave?” Sephiroth snapped, and the girl whose face was tear stained glared at him.

“Puhlease!” she said sarcastically, waving a hand daintily.

“We have something you might want, and we want to work with you my friends.” Bauer said, lifting up a chain, connected to… Sephiroth’s eyes widened. The golden materia! Knowing that he’d gotten hooked, Annita managed a semi-non cocky smile.

“So what do you say father?” Annita asked, astounding them when she didn’t spit out the word with hatred like she usually did. Sephiroth sighed, hanging his head. If this was going to help his wife…he sheathed his sword, while Yuffie looked like she needed more convincing. Ryan also sheathed his sword, knowing that if Sephiroth was at ‘ease’ wit these people, then he might as well be too, but alert also.

“Why should we trust you? How do we know this isn’t a trap?” Yuffie spat, and James eyes flickered up toward his ‘mother’.

“Listen mommy dearest, we just want to help. Is that so bad?” James asked, and Yuffie instantly fumed.

“Don’t call me that! I’m not your mother!” Yuffie shrieked, and Cloud smiled, and leaned over by Aeris.

“She’s in denial.” Cloud whispered, and she began giggling again. Yuffie shoot him a dirty look and huffed, crossing her arms across her chest.

“Anyway, have any clue how we’re supposed to get this juice out of the materia?” Reno asked, trying to divert attention to himself again, well partly anyway. He had been wondering how to do that for a while… Bauer nodded her head vigorously and this seemed to tick Yuffie off. With an indignant snort, Yuffie turned heel and stalked out, a startled Ryan walking off after her. Cloud was about to go too, but Aeris held out an arm, stopping him and giving him a glance that seemed to say, ‘let her be. She needs some time.’ Cloud nodded, and Aeris put her arm down.

“Anyway, so when can we get started? I’m sure everyone’s missed Christy…” Tifa said softly, and Sephiroth stiffened, but nodded. Bauer glanced at them, a sad smile on her face.

“Well, it’s not a day process, it takes weeks, even months for this thing to juice up, not to mention yours.” Bauer said, holding up her materia while Tifa’s glowed. “Then again, they might be ready now…” Bauer said mysteriously, motioning for Tifa to follow her into the back room. With a glance around the room, Tifa followed, Reno glancing at her back uneasily. He still didn’t trust those Evety people, but if Tifa did, and she was good at judging character, as was Aeris…

 

“How do we do this?” Tifa asked, and Bauer sat down cross-legged on the floor, holding the chain delicately. Bauer managed a semi-nice smile to her fellow Cetra.

“Well, it’s pretty simple. All you need to do is a chant, and pray really hard, and it considerably drains you. I’ve done this before, so I’ll be out for a couple hours, while you might be out for days. Still willing?” Bauer asked, noting how the Cetra seemed determined, and she had to admire her spirit. With a pleased smile, Bauer closed her eyes, letting the planet’s energy flow to her, filling her like nothing else would. She began chanting in her native tongue, listening with a half ear, hearing the girl chanting along with her, stumbling a little. Bauer’s lips curved into a smile as she heard her awkwardness, but quickly concentrated on what she wanted. Please, give me what I desire… Bauer thought, thinking off the milky blue substance she knew her orb would give her, if her intentions were pure.

“I did it!” she heard the brunette shriek, and soon, she too, felt the cool substance flow onto her hand, and with a flick of her wrist, a flask appeared, catching the spilling liquid. As the liquid flowed into the container, she felt her powers flow away too, like it was sucking the life out of her. Her life force flowed from her fingertips, into the hungry orb, as if it was the one hungrily drinking it. Opening one green eye, she saw the amazed look on the other woman’s face, and her juice too, was spilling into a flask. With a pleased smirk on her face, she set both flasks on the table, and then she settled herself comfortably on the couch.

“What are you doing?” Tifa asked interestedly, and Bauer yawned, already feeling her powers draining.

“I suggest you get comfortable before you…” Bauer yawned again, drifting off, a small smile playing on her rosy lips. Tifa soon felt herself drifting off; not knowing that ‘milking’ the materia would be so draining. Pillowing her head in her arms, she too, fell into a deep slumber.

 

“It’s done.” Aeris stated, opening the door, and Reno’s eyes immediately narrowed, seeing the two lifeless women.

“Are they?” Natalia asked a little fearfully, not wanting another death to their number. She still wasn’t over Chris’s death, and thinking about him made her eyes water and her heart squeeze.

“Anyway, they’re not dead, and the juice is ready.” Chibi stated, shimmering and turning into his human form, and picking up the two jars, staring at them with a half smile on his heart shaped face. He turned back to the group. “Well, they’ll be asleep for a while. We need to get this ready by the time they wake up.” Chibi stated, brushing past the started group, and heading toward the kitchen.

“Well, I think I should you know, put them in a bed? It’s uncomfortable to sleep like that.” Reno stated, scooping up Tifa and carrying her to the room she shared with the girls.

“Anyway, Aeris, Yuffie, Sephiroth, Ryan, and Cloud, I need your help.” Chibi called from the kitchen, and while the others immediately went to aid him, Yuffie glanced back at the Evety members, mistrust written across her face.

“I don’t trust you guys one bit. Just stay out of my way.” Yuffie snapped lowly, then turned a heel to help the others in whatever they were doing in the kitchen. Natalia looked from James to Annita slowly, like she wasn’t sure what to do.

“Just heed her warnings. It’s not like I wasn’t going to do that anyway.” James said with a shrug, and Annita sighed.

“How do you think the others are doing?” she asked, and James shrugged, honestly not knowing. He had assumed that they would all fight against Malanda, but it seemed not. Natalia sniffled in the background; thinking once again of her loved one, but said nothing. The two clones didn’t either; knowing nothing they could ever say would bring her peace.

 

Hojo smiled gleefully to Koji, who was grinning madly. Hojo nodded, and Koji pressed a big red button and the head of Jenova rose in a capsule in front of them. They began digging up their notes from the last Jenova project, rubbing their hands together, twisted science ideas swirling in their heads. But, before they could start anything, Malanda walked into the room. With a look of disgust at the displayed head of her foe, she turned back to the two mad scientists.

“Make me stronger. I want to be more powerful than Mother ever was.” Malanda said, spitting out Jenova’s title she used to use for her. Koji raised an eyebrow, running a hand through his oily black hair.

“Well now, why the sudden request? We have a lot of work to do.” Koji said, and Malanda’s eyes flashed. With a flick of the wrist, she sent Koji flying, and turned to Hojo.

“Now, you start now. I expect it in two days max.” Malanda stated, walking out the room, her dress swishing.

“This could be our experiment.” Hojo stated evilly, and Koji grinned at him, picking himself up from the wall, apparently unharmed.

“Ah, exactly what I had in mind brother dear.” Koji laughed evilly, Hojo chuckling along with him. A potion would be made, and it would show everyone who the real genius was. 

 

Chapter 18: Let’s socialize!

 

“That’s it? Is it supposed to look like that?” Cloud asked skeptically, looking at the puke-like formula that was supposed to be feed to his little sister.

“Grossness! She’s sick enough already!” Yuffie commented, pinching her nose in disgust, waving a hand as if to ward off a horrible smell.

“Aw, it’s okay, let’s just take it to her.” Aeris stated, picking up the flask, and heading out toward the room.

“We should get Sephiroth out of there before he sees the-“ Chibi suggested, getting cut off when a loud bellow sounded through the hotel.

“What the h*** is that?” Sephiroth roared, and everyone winced.

“Maybe I could talk to him.” Annita suggested, deciding that she should help her ‘parents’ if she was going to prove that she was truly on their side.

“I guess, maybe you’ll be able to talk some sense through his skull.” Cloud mused, while Annita rolled her eyes and stalked out of the room, clearly offended.

“Well, try to understand that he thought he lost the one he loved most.” James said, remembering how he had felt when he had lost Annita.

“I could sympathize.” Chibi stated, sitting down while the others glanced at the each other.

 

“Stop pacing Sephiroth, you’re making me nervous.” Aeris stated calmly, trying to open Christy’s mouth to get her to drink the vital fluid. Sephiroth stopped his pacing, but began drumming his fingers against his thigh, watching Aeris like a hawk. He probably thought that Aeris was going to get some form of revenge by killing his wife or something. Aeris rolled her eyes, deciding not to tell him that his noise was annoying, but kept it to herself, turning back to her patient. She tipped the bowl once again, about to let it touch her lips when a shout stopped her.

“Don’t do it like that! It’ll kill her!” Bauer shouted, awake from her nap, snatching the bowl away from Aeris, and turned to the Cetra, scowling. “You have to let her skin absorb it.” Bauer scolded, lifting up Christy’s wrist and pouring some of the liquid delicately onto Christy’s pale skin. The liquid disappeared almost instantly, as if the skin was drinking it greedily. Bauer smirked knowingly, placing on hand on her hip, then turned to Aeris. “Do this every hour and a half and she should be fine.” Bauer said, heading out the room, but Sephiroth’s hand on her shoulder stopped her.

“Thank you.” Sephiroth said quietly, and Bauer nodded, walking out. Aeris glanced from Sephiroth to the doorway, utterly confused. Did the man who just killed her show some emotion? Things are getting stranger by the moment. Aeris thought, wringing out a cool cloth and wiping Christy’s fore head with it.

“I’m sure you’d like to do this more than me, so I’ll come back later to check up on her. Watch over her Sephiroth.” Aeris said, getting up and walking to the door.

“I’m sorry… for killing you.” Sephiroth said sincerely, and Aeris smiled, turning to him.

“I guess you did some good by killing me. I got to meet my mother, so I am grateful.” Aeris said smiling, but she paused. “Sort of.” She walked out the room, leaving Sephiroth to wallow in his thoughts.

 

“This is supposed to be it?” Malanda asked critically, glancing at the vial that held a clear, silver liquid. Koji and Hojo nodded vigorously, and Malanda glanced back at Hojo, a small smirk on her face. “You take it. I don’t trust you.” Malanda stated, thrusting the concoction on Hojo, who stuttered, clearly not having thought of this event. He glanced at Koji, who nodded and a sweat broke out on his brow. With a shaky hand, he lifted it up to his lips, and Malanda smirked, sitting back down on the throne that James had sat on when he ruled. With a casual flick of the wrist, Hojo was sent flying across the wall, cracking the back of his head. With a twist of her thin hand, his life force was sucked out of him to her outstretched palm, leaving Hojo a decaying corpse of a mummy. She then turned to Koji, a superior smirk on her face. “Now, make me the real thing, or you’ll end up like your brother dear.” Malanda said, Koji glared at her defiantly; rage surging through his veins now that his brother had been murdered.

“Well then, you’d be powerless, wouldn’t you, you b****!” Koji spat, and the rest of Evety stared at him, utterly amazed that he had actually used profanity. Malanda smiled again, shrugging as she got up, smiling evilly.

“Well now Koji, I’m not powerless. It just so happens that those little Avalanche fools will summon a ‘God’ or whatever. When they do, let’s just say, power is no longer an issue. I was giving you a chance Koji, but you blew it.” Malanda said, glancing over at Ashley, Demon, and Barry, an amusing idea tugging at the corner of her dark mind. Koji suddenly looked scared, like he was going to wet his pants as Malanda signaled for the rest of Evety to kill him. She watched with flickering interest as they slaughtered on of their own comrades.

 

Reno brushed away a stray lock of chocolate brown hair from Tifa’s sweaty forehead when Chibi entered.

“In good hands I see.” Chibi stated, and Reno bolted up, not realizing someone had entered during one of those ‘moments’ that he only shared with a select few people.

“Uh…” Reno said sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly, while Chibi smiled at him dangerously.

“Just make sure you don’t hurt mistress, or you’ll regret it.” Chibi stated, flexing his hands threateningly, and Reno but his hands up in a gesture of peace.

“Hey! Why would I hurt her for she’s my friend!” Reno said, stuttering on the word friend, and Chibi noticed, a smirk on his features.

“Anyway, your friend Christy should be up soon.” Chibi stated walking to the door while Reno glanced after him. Trying to think of something else than Tifa, Reno wondered if Christy and him were friends. They had only talked once, when Christy had stated her brother was a jacka**, and he still would agree with her there. Deciding not to miss the reunion, Reno walked to the door, shoving his hands in his pockets, giving one last glance at the girl before leaving.

 

“So what do we do?”

“We wait.”

“Why? If we don’t go now, it will be too late.”

“They still need to find the host.”

“Tell me again why they need to.”

“You don’t want to become a twig do you?”

“No.”

“Then shut up and watch. God, you need more patience.”

“That’s just your opinion, I’m fine the way I am.”

“Geez, talk about ego inflation.”

“Shut up.”

“The truth hurts, doesn’t it?”

“…”

“Ah, my friend, silence is golden.”

 

“What do you mean we have to find a host? I thought we just needed to capture the summon, not kill a host too!” Malanda snarled viciously, while Barry grinned up at her with no fear. It wasn’t everyday that Malanda looked so mad and flustered. It was really amusing.

“Yup, that’s what the notes said. They need a host or else the summon could come as a stick or something. Maybe even a piece of s***. Now that would be funny.” Barry snorted; chuckling a bit while Malanda didn’t look at all amused. She turned around, her dress fluttering as she mumbled to herself.

“I didn’t think we’d have to kill someone else, oh well, no change in plans. We can just start the killing spree early.” Malanda stated, turning back around, eyeing what was left of her team critically. Maybe it wasn’t such a good idea to kill Hojo and Koji… “Oh well, I suppose this can’t wait.” Malanda said, sitting down heavily on the throne chair, a look of disappointment written on her face. “I was saving this for later, but I suppose I can give them to you now.” Malanda said, flicking her wrist, a shining green crystal and a weapon of their choice in the air.

“Wow…” Ashley said, clasping the crystal, and it melted into her skin, a bright flash of light engulfed her, and a shriek was heard, but then she fell back to the floor, gasping for breath.

“Ashley!” Demon hissed through clenched teeth, and Ashley got up, starring at her hands in awe.

“How do you feel?” Barry asked in interest, noting that the crystal seemed like a sped up process of being injected, and less painful. Ashley looked up at him, and evil gleam turning her once purple eyes to a dark shade of red.

“I feel just fine.” She cackled evilly, and Malanda smirked, resting her head on a fist, watching the scene with interest. Now they’d see what power she had…

 

“They need some privacy.” Aeris stated calmly, blocking the door with her petite body. Everyone glanced at the door expectantly, except for the ex-Evety members who were a little uneasy, especially Natalia. She hated being around the young ninja that had killed her, and especially since the same person seemed to like sending death glares in her direction.

“Yea, clear out guys, I think they need some time.” Ryan stated, walking off, grabbing Yuffie’s arm as she continued to glare at Natalia. She shouldn’t make an ally, even an ex-enemy feel this bad. It just wasn’t right.

“Yeah well, I see Sephy boy’s gonna get some lov-“ Reno was jabbed in the ribs before he could finish he comment by Tifa, who glared up at him.

“Anyway, I’m hungry, anyone else?” Cloud asked, looking at Tifa expectantly.

“Honestly, I have to send you off to school to learn how to cook Cloud.” Tifa said exasperated as she followed him off to the kitchen.

“How do you ‘cook’. It seems intriguing to me.” Chibi stated, walking off after them, deciding to learn more about human culture and way of life.

“Aw, Chi! That’s a woman’s job.” Reno said, and Yuffie glared at him. Yuffie entered, steaming about something.

“Are you saying men aren’t supposed to cook? You sexist pig!” Yuffie stated angrily, still sending death glares at Natalia, who was glaring back, her lower lip trembling. Ryan briefly wondered what would make such a spunky girl so…weak.

“Yo, Yuffs. I think you need to chill. C’mon, let’s go do something absolutely meaningless.” Ryan said, grabbing Yuffie’s arm, and leading her away again.

“That man has a way with women.” James commented dryly, Annita giggling into her hand.

 

“Yuffs, cool it. They’re on our side now.” Ryan said, continuing the lecture he had been giving Yuffie before she stormed out.

“Please! You expect me to be that gullible!” Yuffie retorted, putting her hands as her hips, cocking it to one side as she stared at him, challenging him.

“Actually Yuffs, I just want you to be nicer to them. It’s obvious that it took a lot of guts for them to come here, so be nice.” Ryan said, wagging a finger at Yuffie, while she stuck her tongue out at him, but looked pleased.

“Okay, I guess. You haven’t won, I’m just anxious to see what will happen in the kitchen. It’s not every day you see the savoir of the planet trying to cook.” Yuffie said smirking, turning a heel and leaving.

“You can come out now, she’s gone.” Ryan said softly, and a shocked Natalia came out of the shadows.

“How’d you-“ Natalia started, but Ryan grinned, holding up three fingers.

“Three words- I am Saquri.” Ryan gloated, and Natalia smiled slightly, cocking her head. This guy reminded her an awful lot of Chris. With the thought of him, she lowered her head, not wanting to appear weak in front of him.

“I just wanted to say thanks. You didn’t have to stick up for me.” Natalia said, and Ryan chuckled, making her look up, startled. With another flirtatious grin, Ryan glanced at her.

“No prob. I like standing up for hot babes like you.” Ryan said, winking in a moment that made him seem so much like his older brother, then he turned and sauntered off, leaving Natalia flustered and blushing. Maybe all these Avalanche members weren’t so bad after all…

 

“Boring, boring, boring, and let me guess, boring.” Reno said unenthusiastically, switching from station to station, totally bored with everything. Sephiroth had yet to come out with his wife, and maybe they were too ‘busy’.

“Mind if I sit here?” Reno looked up to see a smiling Annita, and he cocked an eyebrow.

“Your boyfriend already leave you? Man, you’re quick. Sure, make yourself comfortable.” Reno said, gesturing to the expanse of the couch, and Annita chose to ignore the comment, and sat down.

“Do you think you’re going to die in this battle?” Annita asked randomly, and Reno glanced at her suspiciously, making Annita smile an almost innocent smile. Aeris’s smile. “No, not like that. I meant, what would you do if you died? Would you have any regrets?” Annita asked, and Reno looked at her stunned.

“That’s one of the weirdest questions ever asked me.” Reno stated, leaning back in the couch, sighing. “Well, I don’t think I’d have any regrets…well, maybe one or two, but that’s none of your business.” Reno stated, and Annita looked at him, smirking a Sephiroth smile. It was very easy to see both of those two Cetra in her.

“Aw, I see. Just trying to make conversation.” Annita said mysteriously, and Reno decided to leave it at that, when a huge curse broke out from the kitchen.

“You motherf***ing stove! I outta kick your f***ing a**! Work d****it!” A voice hollered, and Reno glanced up, amused.

“Oh, that must be Bauer. She’s been wanting to catch up with the times. Been asleep for a couple of thousand of years you know.” Annita said curtly, getting up and heading for the kitchen, Reno following interestedly.

 

Christy’s eyelashes fluttered open, her eyes seeing the shining green emeralds in the darkness. It only to her a second to soak in the scene, before she squealed and flung her arms around him, crushing him in a happy embrace.

“Sephiroth! I’ve missed you so much!” Christy wailed, tears streaming down her face, as she cried into Sephiroth’s padded shoulder, as he stroked her now mid back length hair softly, cooing words of reassurance into her ear.

“I’ve missed you too. You’ve got me so worried.” Sephiroth confessed, and Christy smiled through her tears, wagging a finger in Sephiroth’s face.

“Aw, and I thought that medicine would work forever.” Christy joked, trying to lighten the thick air that was full of emotions. A sly smirk appeared on his face, as he inched it closer to hers, and Christy smiled, allowing herself to surrender to the man she loved. It was good to be back.

 

Chapter 19: 'Pure' Luck

 

"This is gonna cost money you know." Aeris said softly, looking at the charred mass that used to be the stove, as Bauer glared angrily at it, then turned to Aeris, scowling.

"It wouldn't work!" Bauer snapped indignantly, and Aeris turned her attention to Tifa, who was stifling laughter next to Cloud, who was staring at in shock.

"Tifa! For shame! I thought you were responsible!" Yuffie shrieked, tears streaming down her face as she laughed.

"Anyway, let's move on shall we? Try and be serious people." Annita said, looking distastefully at the charred mess, while James but an arm around her shoulders, grinning.

"Aw, Ann, isn't it fun? Like old times." James said reminiscently, and Annita scowled at him, falling into her old attitude pattern.

"James, be serious. I want my revenge as soon as possible." Annita snapped, and Yuffie was reminded on how she had said that long ago, sounding like a little child. She supposed all this time didn't help at all in improving Annita.

"She has a point, we should revive the summon as soon as possible." Chibi commented, leaning against the wall, while everyone glanced at him wearily.

"And where, pray tell, will we actually get the host?" Ryan asked, challenging the blue haired man, and Chibi grinned at him, showing his pearly whites that could easily be mistaken for fangs.

"That's easy, I had a candidate in mind..." Chibi said, his eyes roaming around the room, until they came to rest on Bauer, who cocked her head to the side.

"Don't I have to be 'pure' or something?" Bauer asked annoyed, and Chibi shook his head. "I refuse." Bauer stated simply, and Natalia raised her hand.

"I'll do it." Natalia offered, but Chi ignored her, turning to Ryan.

"No way Chi, that's just plain crazy." Ryan said, holding up his hands in defense. He knew that he would die after the summon left his body, and as much as he didn't want to admit it, he wanted to live in the LifeStream for as long as he could, thank you.

"I'll do it." Natalia offered again, and again, Chibi ignored her, turning to Aeris. Aeris smiled softly, closing her green eyes and allowing the sunlight to reflect off her angelic face.

"Alright, I'll do it." Aeris said softly, and Cloud's eyes narrowed. Even if he didn't love her as a lover anymore, due to 'finding someone else', he still cared for her like a big brother.

"Aeris..." he said softly in concern, and Aeris smiled brightly at him.

"It's not that bad, I'll become 'one' with the planet after all, so I'll still be able to see you guys." Aeris said, trying to convince everyone and herself that this was going to work. She had saved the planet once, why not do it again?

"Alright, enough with the mushy stuff! We got to get this working!" Yuffie said, trying once again to break the silence and at the same time be the center of attention.

"When do we start?" Reno asked, rubbing his hands together. Tifa smiled softly, resting a comforting hand on Aeris's shoulder, determination in her garnet eyes.

"We start now." Tifa said with so much authority, it made some people wonder if she wanted to get rid of Aeris this quickly.

"Yea! Let's do it!" Natalia exclaimed happily, kind of relieved Chibi had ignored her outburst and had chosen Aeris.

"Get ready boys and girls! Let's get ready to rumble!" Ryan and Reno exclaimed, using fake microphones, trying to lighten up the mood, and it worked brilliantly. For two guys who seemed to hate each other some times, they had a lot in common.

 

"They are starting now mother." Ashley stated, absently twirling a lock of blue hair, similar to Bauer's in color, but not in length. Malanda snorted, hating the new title she had been given, but slightly pleased. That meant that they feared and respected her more than anything now, even Barry hadn't had a sarcastic comment for her anymore in fear of being killed.

"Good, keep a close eye on them. Where's Demon?" Malanda asked disinterestedly, and Ashley looked at Malanda wickedly.

"He's lying around doing something unimportant." Ashley stated, feeling a little bad about saying that about her only friend, but it quickly disappeared when she saw mother's smiling face.

"Thank you Ashley, and could you summon Barry and Demon here? I want you all to have a little fun..." Malanda cackled evilly, and Ashley nodded, disappearing in a puff of smoke, almost stinging Malanda's eyes. Almost. An evil cackle was heard ringing throughout the corridors, Malanda unable to cope with her evil thoughts swarming around in her head, making her almost insane as Jenova, if not worse.

 

"You sure this isn't some type of kinky thing?" Reno asked cautiously, yelping when Tifa whacked him upside the head.

"No it's not you perv!" Yuffie snapped, and Aeris sighed.

"Calm down! You're even making me nervous!" Aeris laughed lightly, thought it sounded forced. She was currently surrounded by all sorts of candles and written spells on paper, lying on a cold, hard, and wooden table. Aeris wasn't for being surrounded by all the fire, and Chibi standing by her wasn't helping. He seemed to look like he was about to blow some more flames, the way his nostrils were flaring.

"Oh, Chi, down with you, you're scaring my...mother." Annita said, flinching as she said the words, but she might as well be nice to the woman who had helped create her. If she hadn't been alive, then she wouldn’t have meet James...a small smile appeared on both woman's lips, but neither said nothing.

"I bet this is going to be so cool!" Yuffie and Christy said together, and the gang almost jumped out of their skins. They still weren't used two having to perky Saquri running around.

"Keep your woman on a leash Sephiroth!" Ryan complained, as Christy giggled, Yuffie hanging all over Ryan on account of a dare or something.

"I have no control over what she does." Sephiroth said calmly, and Ryan glared at him.

"Boy, that's reassuring." Ryan said sarcastically, while Christy launched onto Cloud, squealing.

"And I swear, you're married. It's amazing." Cloud muttered and Christy giggled.

"Aw, my Sephy loves me!" Christy exclaimed, and Bauer growled, slamming a bowl down.

"Excuse me! I'm trying to make a potion here!" Bauer snapped, and Christy rolled her eyes, but quietly made her way to Sephiroth's side, not wanting that woman to put her back in a coma.

"Anyway, what's supposed to happen?" Aeris asked nervously, as she shuffled around uneasily in her gown, something that was a traditional summoning one she supposed.

"Not sure, never seen this happen before, except once, and I was oh, like two." Bauer continued, mixing potions, looking very much like a doctor.

"Really? Interesting, could you share?" Natalia asked, and Bauer waved her off. Tifa took the golden materia and silver one, concentrating until they molded together, but it was still silver, strangely. Yuffie looked about to drool over the materia, but since she had...matured over the years, she retained herself.

"Anyway, let's get this party started!" Annita said, cracking her knuckles, grinning slightly. Closing her eyes, Tifa began muttering some chants, Chibi bobbing his head up and down as if in a trance, Aeris doing the same. Suddenly, the room got deathly quiet, the view of the stars over Aeris's head starting to glow brighter, the orb in Tifa's hands beginning to shine like one of the stars. It sent out a burst of light, small and multi-colored, reaching into the far amount of space that Cid had always dreamed of going to. Then the room was plunged into darkness, only mako eyes and the orb glowing, the candles having gone out already. Suddenly, a wisp of an image floated from the ceiling from the stars, the beam drawing it down.  Tifa's eyes snapped open, a brilliant gold color, and suddenly the image vanished in a burst of bright light, Aeris crying out, before getting knocked out cold. Waves of white washed over the small room, ripples ripping through the air. A high pitched song came floating around the room, soothing each one of them, before silently flowing into Aeris, the thin smoke curling up, looking like incense. Aeris screamed out loud, her body banging against the wooden table, eyes wide and now colorless, her mouth twitching. Natalia was once again relieved that she hadn't been picked to be the 'host'. Exhausted, Tifa fell to the floor, only to be caught by Reno, who was looking at Aeris in shock.

"Is it done?" James asked a little timid, not sure what to expect, but Yuffie shook her head, looking back at Aeris's unmoving figure silently.

"She needs some rest. She's traveled a long way." Yuffie stated softly, her eyes distant like they were when she was filled with the Saquri's knowledge.

"Okay, why does she get to be smart?" Cloud complained again, and Yuffie just smiled at him, mischief forming in every corner of her mind.

"Because I'm not a blonde." Yuffie snickered, and all the blondes present snorted indignantly, Yuffie giggling.

"Come on you guys, I think...Aeris needs some rest." Natalia said, unsure what to call the woman who was the host for this, 'summon'. What was that supposed to mean anyway? After one more glance at Aeris, the gang left the room, leaving only Chibi in their wake.

"You can get up now." Chibi stated calmly, and in a bright flash of light, Aeris's chestnut brown hair unraveled from her braid, spreading around widely, a light glowing from somewhere within the flower girl's body, the ceremony gown turning a brilliant silver dress. A burst of power coming deep within her, flattening the candles and the spell paper shoving up against the walls, but Chibi looked calm through all of this. With a groan, Aeris opened her eyes, which instead of green where gold, the same shade as the little dragon sitting next to her. With another groan, Aeris sat up, cradling her head in her hands, letting her hair spill over her shoulders. After a moment, she straightened, glancing at the dragon beside her, smiling fondly.

"It's been a long time, Chiioaioraija." Aeris said in a musical voice, that was not her own. Chibi smiled at his full name, and tilted his head to get a better look at her.

"Yes it has, Hyme, too long." Chibi offered, and Hyme smiled. It seemed the two were reunited at last.

 

Chapter 20: What in the world is going on?

 

"I can't believe that's it! I thought there'd be explosions, singing and mystical voices! Honestly!" Christy said, Sephiroth sighing and shaking his head. Sometimes his spouse didn't know when to shut her mouth. Suddenly the group stiffened, sensing some presence.

"Ashley? Demon?" James ventured, looking at his comrades, who now had blood red eyes, demonic wings sprouted from their back. Their feet had turned into something that resembled a dinosaurs, claws extending from the back, their hands also claws.

"It's been a long time." Demon hissed, showing his long fangs. The gang instantly went to draw their weapons, but Ashley raised a finger, pointing it at Yuffie's ready shuriken.

"Bang." Ashley said, a beam shooting out of her finger tip, knocking the shuriken out of the startled ninja's grasp.

"You b****!" Reno snarled, suddenly very aware that they were in big trouble. They were no longer the push overs they had met before, they were now very powerful, but how? It took forever to get infused to this level, so how...? Ashley turned her superior gaze to him, and he froze, waiting for any signal in what she might do. He knew very well that she wanted revenge for when he had killed her, and heck, who didn't?

"Why, Mr. Big shot Turk, never thought I'd see you again. Want to f*** me now?" Ashley asked nastily, and Reno snorted, but remained quiet.

"What exactly are you here for? Well, answer me!" Annita snapped, while James smiled a little on how she had fallen back into her old attitude, not that he minded. Somehow, he liked it when she lost her temper. She looked so cute angry.

"Well, let's just say we're here for that summon of yours and that." Demon stated wickedly, pointing to the necklace which the silver/gold materia hung, and as if a reaction, Reno curved more protectively around Tifa.

"Over my dead body!" Cloud snarled, and Ashley laughed.

"That can be arranged." She said, a sudden hiss emitting from her, a fire ball forming in her...mouth? With a hacking sound, it went whizzing striaght for Cloud, earning a startled shriek for the everyone, well almost everyone. With a determined look on her face, Yuffie pushed Cloud out of the way, jumping off his shoulder when the fireball almost hit her.

"Score one for Yuffie!" She cheered, while Ashley looked at her in disgust, and everyone else in shock. Yuffie, saving Cloud? It would have been funny if not the malevolent look on both demons' faces.

"I hope you have fun as traitors, for mother has some plans for you." Demon called, disappearing with Ashley in a wisp of smoke, leaving some of the Avalanche members hacking.

"Oh! This stuff stinks!" Christy exclaimed, batting the smoke away from her eyes, and when it cleared, she let out a shriek of surprise. Bauer lay dead, unmoving on the floor.

"The smoke of the demons." Sephiroth said knowingly, and Christy promptly looked at him shocked.

"You mean that this 'smoke' can kill people? Look what it did to Bauer!" Natalia shrieked, looking ready to pull all her hair out and scream in frustration. Ryan patted her back awkwardly, not sure of how to comfort the distressed girl.

"We should get out of here fast." Cloud mumbled, shaken from the death and his near death experience. "By the way, thanks Yuff." Cloud said softly, and Yuffie flashed him a bright smile.

"No prob, Cloudy." Yuffie teased, trying to lighten the mood. It didn't work.

 

"You didn't manage to kill him? My, my, and not even get the materia either. Have you two gone soft?" Malanda asked softly, her a under note in her tone promising a very painful death.

"We didn't think it was time mother, but we did manage to kill Bauer." Ashley offered, and a small curl formed on her chapped lips, Malanda grinning at the thought of that pesky girl dead. It would have been so much sweeter if she had killed the b****.

"Well, at least you did something. Is Barry ready? I want to get that summon here as soon as possible." Malanda cackled, rubbing her hands together gleefully, malice showing in her beady black eyes.

"He's still during research." Demon offered in monotone, and Ashley nodded an affirmative, and Malanda sighed. But oh well, knowledge was power.

"Alright, just tell him to hurry. The summon will be weak just being in the body so soon." Malanda said, clucking her tongue, while Ashley looked at her a bit confused.

"What exactly do you know about this summon mother?" Ashley asked, still a little uneasy about using that title with Malanda, since she had been one of those selected to be in Jenova’s Children with her and Demon.

"Well, it seems she has a bond with that little dragon thing, and Jenova had something to do with it." Malanda said, getting up gracefully, spitting out the last word. Without saying anything, Malanda made her way through the maze of corridors into the lab, where Jenova's perfectly preserved head floated around, Barry a couple of feet away, trying to decode the riddle Hojo and Koji had left behind in their notes. He looked up when he saw Malanda glide over to what was left of his former 'mother'. A cruel smirk tugged on his lips as he went back to reading, running a hand through his midnight black hair. Now all he needed was a metal claw and a vampire get up to look just like his brother, he already had the red eyes. "Well Jenova, it seems that your past sins are something that I have to atone for. Well, let's just say that you haven't won, and you enjoy the rest of eternity in h***." Malanda snapped viciously to the head, and Barry wondered briefly if she had gone insane. No, she isn't insane, she's always been insane. Barry thought, going back to his paper work. He didn't know why he stuck around, knowing now with this power and knowledge that he could easily outrun Malanda, but somehow he didn't want to. Playing with Evety had taken all the lone wolf out of him he supposed. With an indifferent shrug, Barry went back to work.

 

"We should have buried her or something!" Natalia wailed, sobbing into Ryan's shirt, because being Ryan, he couldn't stand to see women cry, even an ex-enemy.

"C'mon Natalia, don't be so weak. Bauer...she wouldn't have wanted that." Annita said, trying to comfort her friend, though it wasn't something she did naturally.

"C'mon, cheer up! We'll get our revenge soon! Right?" Yuffie asked, a little unsure of how to comfort the woman she had killed in the past.

"Revenge can taint your soul, are you sure you would want such an evil plagued upon you?" A musical voice spoke, and they looked up.

"Aeris?" everyone but Tifa and Yuffie exclaimed in shock, Yuffie not saying anything and Tifa cocking her head to smile at Aeris's form.

"Hyme, what a surprise." Tifa said softly, and Hyme, or Aeris, smiled, Chibi right next to her.

"I want to thank you for taking care of Chiioaioraija." Hyme said softly, earning a few muffled laughs from the party.

"Chi-a whata?" Christy asked, and Chibi sighed, his head slumping.

"Hyme!" He said in distress, and Hyme giggled, but said no more.

"So you're the all powerful summon?" Sephiroth asked a little skeptically, and Yuffie beat Hyme to the chase.

"Uh huh! I mean, can't you feel the aura!" Yuffie asked happily, and Reno sighed, leaning against the wall casually.

"Are you sure you're clean Yuffie?" he asked, and Yuffie glared at him, but pretended she didn't hear him.

"How are you supposed to help?" James asked in interest, and in truth, he was very curious. This summon didn't look at all different from that Ancient Aeris except for the golden eyes.

"I'm supposed to be a guide, and a help in battle, for I am the one who will seal Malanda's fate, and the demons she has brought forth." Hyme said, with enough information to please you, yet get you terribly curious. The party said nothing, until Cloud broke the uncomfortable silence.

"Then...what should we do now? I mean, the planet said that one of her children will know, but...wouldn't I know too?" Cloud asked, confused a bit by the turn of events, though he tried hard not to show it. Hyme smiled at him, then said softly.

"Are you ready to learn the truth?" She asked, and everyone glanced around, not sure what that was supposed to mean.

"I for one, would like it." Sephiroth muttered, and Hyme smiled, sitting down cross legged in mid air.

"Well, then I guess you're not ready for it yet." Hyme said superiorly, and Reno gaped at her.

"What? Do we have to say pretty please?" He asked sarcastically, and a voice came from behind them.

"Pretty please." Then a blast of cold air came in, nearly freezing everyone in the room, knocking them off their feet.

"What the f***?" Reno snapped and a tsk tsk sound descended the room.

"Such naughty language Mr. Turk, I think that I have to teach you a lesson!" the voice said, and Reno paled. What in the world was happening?

 

Chapter 21: The Signal

 

“But I guess I can’t blame you, with the predicament you’re in.” Came the cold voice of Barry, and the gang looked up, eyes narrowing.

“What are you doing here?” Annita snarled viciously, James putting a hand on her shoulder as if to comfort her, though he had to admit he liked it best when she was mad. Barry gave a sort of mad laugh, his sides shaking as his red eyes cut into them.

“To capture the materia of course.” Barry said in a matter of factly voice, and Reno gave a protective glance at Tifa, his brother for once, not noticing. Yuffie looked back at Hyme, her lips pursing.

“Isn’t there anything you can do?” She whispered urgently, while Barry just smirked, and Hyme shook her head slightly.

“I am only here in spirit, and can only be summoned by the materia.” She said musically, and everyone’s glance once again turned to Tifa, who had shut her eyes, looking away.

“If you can beat all of us first!” Christy said boldly, her gun already out, the others soon following her lead. Barry smirked, shaking his head with mirth shining in his eyes.

“The other two are simple, though I don’t think you could get rid of me that easily. Hand over the materia now and you could even join us.” Barry offered, a grin still on his lips, though Natalia glared at him.

“Join up again? With that woman? I think not! Chris died because of her!” Natalia cried, eyes wavering again, and Ryan looked less than amused at this. Barry shook his head.

“Details, details. You always let your emotions get the better of you. That’s what made you weak.” Barry snarled viciously, while Sephiroth grit his teeth.

“We have no time for talk. Leave now or perish.” Sephiroth said, eyes of steel while Barry looked at him, an eyebrow raised.

“I gave you a fair chance. It will be your funeral.” Barry said, and in a flash, was gone. Christy blinked, looking up over at Hyme, who had remained impassive throughout the whole thing.

“What do we do?” She whispered, and Hyme gave a slight smile, though it was Chibi who answered for her.

“Stop Malanda, of course.” He said with a toothy grin, and a groan was emitted from the crowd.

 

“Wait for the signal.” Cloud stated softly, as if to reassure himself, and Yuffie grinned, looking up at him from their perch. They were currently about fifty feet from the ground, though Yuffie didn’t really mind, hiding in a large crevice that overlooked the large cave room. It was easy enough to teleport here, and being in the LifeStream made it even better. Seemed all the spirit energy pooled up in the Stream, but she supposed that was the case with everything.

“You sound so assured Cloudy.” Yuffie teased, while Cloud sighed, his blue eyes rolling a bit as he watched the masses of seemingly endless evil chant in the room, Malanda on a high throne, with her loyal servants by her side. She was truly an gruesome sight to behold, and his hope had been dwindling ever since he saw the mass of brainless people out to get them. It was a wonder that Malanda hadn’t noticed their presence yet.

“It’s better seeing your little sister hang over the ‘great Sephiroth’.” Cloud said a bit sarcastically, and Yuffie made a face.

“You’re just jealous that she has someone and you don’t. Besides, don’t you want your sister to be happy?” Yuffie asked, a somewhat dreamy tone lingering, and Cloud looked at her with a raised eyebrow.

“I guess so.” He said, and Yuffie smiled, while Christy looked at Sephiroth, crouched a few feet behind her elder brother. They were waiting for Tifa and her group to give the signal, the sign of utter chaos breaking loose, but they had to make sure to be able to make it to Malanda. In doing so, the whole group had to drop their guard, which would happen soon, Chibi had predicted.

“I feel so nervous! You sure you don’t have any medicine on you?” Christy joked, still trying to make light of the situation, though Sephiroth said nothing, eyes narrowed slightly as he looked ahead, and she gave a slight sigh.

“No.” He replied softly, and she blinked, looking up at him a bit startled. She hadn’t expected an answer from him, but she supposed he could still surprise her. With a slight sigh, she squeezed his hand reassuringly, looking ahead while he looked down at her, a small smile on his face as he gave a light squeeze back.

 

“I think it’s cute.” Hyme said dreamily, her voice still musical as she stared at the two ahead, who were looking at each other through side ways glances, though still keeping their heads up. They were in charge of giving the signal, right by the doorway, two feet off the ground in another crevice, since this ancient cave seemed to be full of them. Chibi gave a light sigh.

“Hyme…” He said, almost in a warning tone, though she just smiled back down at him.

“There will be no complications once we leave here, Chiioaioraija, and you can come back with me, to the realm.” She said, in an almost pleading voice, and Chibi blinked, looking up at her in a semi-sad way.

“And Mistress? Abandon her?” He asked, and Hyme laughed softly, a pretty tinkling sound, like chimes.

“She will be in capable hands.” Hyme said with conviction, turning her gaze back to the two, and Chibi sighed.

“I suppose you’re right.”

“As always.”

 

“Signal, signal, signal.” Annita chanted, eyes darting around the room, her somewhat contagious excitement making James smile a bit. Annita was always at her prime in the heat of battle, and half the fun, she had told him, was waiting for it.

“Be patient.” James said, a small smile tugging on his lips as she looked back at him heatedly.

“I can’t! Not when battle is so near! This is a battle to determine fate, and for once James, we’re on the winning side!” Annita said with conviction, while James just rolled his eyes.

“Annita dear, personally I like being bad, but if being good is what we are now, so be it, but I wouldn’t call it the winning side.” James replied, while Annita waved him off, not bothering to say much else.

“Awwww, must be love.” Ryan joked, while Natalia looked back at him, a small smile on her face.

“You have no idea. She’s had him in the palm of her hand ever since they met.” Natalia said with a slight sigh, tilting her head to the side as she remembered Chris. She blinked, sighing again. She probably wouldn’t be able to see him, since his spirit energy had been drawn into Malanda, and when they killed her, Hyme would seal her, or so she was told. Chris…

“I’m sure he’d want you to smile, not frown.” Natalia blinked, looking back over at Ryan with a startled look on her face. He grinned.

“Personal knowledge on the subject, or let me guess, you’re Saquri.” Natalia asked with a smile, while Ryan said nothing for a moment, looking thoughtful.

“Personal knowledge.” He stated after a while. Natalia gave a slight smile, tilting her head to the side, about to say something though was cut off by Annita’s frenzied cry.

“The signal!” No turning back now.

 

~*Author’s Notes*~ Yea! After three years of writer’s block, I’m on this story again! Yea! *cheers* Anyway, sorry if it’s a little quick, I just want to be done with this. It’s been dead weight for a long time. Well, anyway, if it seems a bit weird, forgive me. Well, anyway, please read and review. 2/25/03

 

Chapter 22: Chaotic Seas

 

“Go Chibi go!” Chaos was instantaneous, with a sea of people instantly rushing towards Chibi, who was no longer the cuddly little dragon of portable size. The heat generating from his flames reached into the crowd, burning many, disintegrating much more.

“Good going Chi!” Reno said, bursting into the crowd, nightstick drawn and crackling with electricity. Tifa was right behind him, her sword unsheathed and gleaming in the light of Chibi’s flames. The battle cries of the others were heard, as the swarms were split up into three masses, all crashing against the groups, the objective to get to Malanda alive. The demoness herself just smiled, watching this in amusement as she sat upon her throne. She gestured lazily to her sidekicks, who instantly disappeared into the swarming mass of people that threatened to engulf them.

 

Annita grinned, laughing as she dodged Demon’s nun-chucks, easily jumping up above the crowd. The rush and excitement was getting to her, and the peons of Malanda’s weren’t enough to settle her thirst for battle. However, with a more powerful adversary, this fight might be worth her time. She grinned, her sword clashing down with one of his steel nun-chucks, and she jumped back, ignoring the servants who weren’t worth her time. Besides, as soon as Demon appeared, they had backed off, eyes wide with horror and admiration. She was, after all, their ‘mother’s’ prized possession, or at least one of them. She slashed upwards, though a nun-chuck was there to greet her, and she grinned, kicking her foot out and catching Demon off-guard. He was flung back into the crowd, which parted to let him land on the floor. Annita just smirked, turning back to the crowd.

“Who’s next?” She asked, though was cut off when she felt something jab into her back. With a slight cry, she flew forward, landing with a hard thud on the cave floor, bruising her cheek. She got up quickly, anger flaming in her eyes as she turned around. Demon was behind her, nun-chucks raised, a small smirk on his lips. Annita’s eyes blazed, her lips pursing. He asked for it. With a cry, she dashed forward, sword up, and Demon, who expected her to slash down, brought his nun-chucks up, though Annita had expected it. With a lethal grin, she swung her down, as he had predicted she would, though kicked forward, making him fly forward once again. With a graceful thud, she landed on the ground, taking the sword up once again and driving it deep into the man’s stomach. With a grin, she turned to the crowd, a smirk on her lips as she heard Demon gasp his last. “Who’s next?”

 

Yuffie gave a slight whoop, grinning as she nimbly jumped above the heads of her attackers, letting her materia’s wrath rain down on them in fiery fury. She landed with a slight thud onto the ground, looking around, then she blinked, looking up with a startled as she narrowly avoided the tip of a blade. She growled, looking up, only to meet the fierce gaze of Ashley. Great. Where was the battle hungry Annita when you needed her?

 

Barry fell with a thud, blood spraying from his wounds and pooling down beneath him as he gasped for breath. Sephiroth said nothing, stepping over him calmly as his eyes scanned the chaotic place. Christy… he had lost her in the crowd, though he was certain she would be fine. His masamune slashed about with accuracy and deadly, his eyes cold as he continued on, hearing the distinct war of Chibi in the background, the sounds of fierce, desperate battle. A battle he knew they’d lose if they didn’t do something soon. His eyes narrowed as he spotted over the sea of heads, Malanda sitting on her throne, an amused look on her face as she watched them try, and undoubtedly fail. He felt his lips tug in a grim line. Why was everything always so complicated? He continued to fight his way through the swarm, all of whom were nothing more than flies that were little annoyances. His eyes narrowed as he continued to push forward, despite the masses, spells and materia crackling around the group. He was determined to win, and get this all done for good.

 

Malanda frowned, her lips curving downward as she watched, her golden eyes flickering. They were more of a pain than she had thought, and they had been advancing steadily, not to mention they had killed her three little pets so easily! She felt her blood boil, though she said nothing, letting her eyes flicker across the crowd. Not to mention she wouldn’t be able to get the summon at this rate! She stood up, her robe swirling around her, her eyes flashing. No matter, she would let her disciples take care of this, and if they could survive the masses, then she would crush them where they stood. She let her gaze flicker back to the crowd, seeing only the dragon, who was still crushing countless numbers, and flaming twice that much. She felt her hand clench into a fist, her teeth gritting. They would be upon her, no doubt, so she might as well use their ignorance to her advantage.

“Come to me, my loyal servants.” She said, her eyes turning a deep blood red, her snakes around her doing the same, turning their flickering tongues to the direction their mistress was beckoning. She held out her hands, gathering the energy of the dead, feeling her smile widening into an evil smirk. The foolish mortals would see how insignificant they were when she was through with them.

 

~*Author’s Notes*~ Yea… sucky chapter, lots of battle. Lots more battle to come. I hate battle! Is evil, though fun to watch on big screen. Hehe. Well, anyway, please read and review to tell me what you think. Besides, much more fighting, and I think there’s about two chapters in this story left.

 

Chapter 23: Gravely

 

“That’s not good!” Tifa cried, her hair swirling around her in thick clouds, and Chibi looked back down at her, his cat like eyes narrowing.

“Summon Hyme. We have no more time to waste.” He said gravely, giving another roar when he let his flames loose on the minions who were being a pain to him. Tifa closed her eyes, feeling the wind whip around her, unseen forces tumbling and being sucked toward the Cetra.

“Hyme, full fill your promise to me… come and dispel evil… free yourself from your binds, come at my call!” Tifa cried, flinging her hands up in the air, the materia bursting forth with light as Hyme appeared, golden eyes smiling as she settled herself delicately on the ground. Aeris’s staff whipped around her, along with delicate brown hair, as she smiled. The spirits seemed to quiver and shrink away from her light and power. She smiled, her lips curving upwards as she felt the planet gush around her, and she let a delicate hand curve forward, her other hand clutching Aeris’s staff, twirling it as she got into position.

“Evil, feel my power! Listen to my call!” Hyme chanted, an unseen force whirling around her, her golden eyes turning green, and she smiled, whipping the staff around her. The spirits began coming toward her, creeping slowly, while Malanda gave a slight cry of surprise. With a growl, she thrust both hands in front of her, spirits whirling back to their mistress. Hyme gave another slight cry, chanting in an ancient tongue.

“What’s going on?” Christy cried, the men she had been fending off suddenly dropping to the ground, dark energy swirling back toward Malanda, who was smirking as her eyes burned red.

“She’s trying to summon the souls to her, so that Malanda won’t become more powerful.” Yuffie hollered back over the howling winds, though her voice was barely detected to the others. The souls started departing, dividing into halves, one side pouring over to Malanda, the others being sucked toward Hyme.

“What are we standing around here for? Let’s go!” Annita hollered, jumping up, giving a slight twirl as she yelled, slamming her sword down, breaking Malanda’s concentration as she blocked with a scaly arm. The others soon followed, all letting lose fearsome attacks that Malanda couldn’t possible dodge them all, casting a protective barrier around herself.

“Hyme!” Chibi hollered, once again in the form of a human, and Hyme gave a slight sigh in relief, smiling her thanks as she twirled Aeris’s staff in front of her, light gathering around her like particles.

“Souls of the departed! Feel my power! Banish evil!” Hyme exclaimed, the souls instantly being pierced by the light, everyone shielding their eyes with their arms, the spirits shrieking in agony as they disappeared, and Hyme gave a slight shudder, sweat dribbling down her brow as she fell to her knees in exhaustion. Taking the moment to his advantage, Sephiroth lunged forward, masamune piercing deeply into Malanda’s flesh, and she let out an enraged cry. Darkness seeped out of her, eating away at the cave floor. Tifa’s eyes widened as she stepped back, biting her lip as the black liquid oozed.

“Amedmeckmu, liquid of darkness and lies.” Yuffie said softly, and Cloud nodded at her side, Natalia’s face pulling into one of disgust. Malanda just smirked, Sephiroth being flung back, her wound instantly healing itself.

“You cannot defeat me, and you dare not try.” She snarled, energy rushing from her, and with a cry, everyone but Hyme, Chi, Sephiroth, and Tifa had been flung against a wall, crying out in agony as electrical prisons kept them at bay. Tifa’s eyes turned golden, her aura flaring with anger, making Malanda give a slight flinch, though nothing more. With a cry, she flung forward, materia crackling to life as Malanda smirked, whipping out a tentacle, sharpening to a deadly point, driving it right through.

“Tifa!” Everyone cried in horror, as blood spurted from her wound, and trickling down her mouth. With a slight gasp, Tifa was flung backward, Chibi catching his mistress while Sephiroth turned his angered glare back to Malanda who smirked.

“Like I said, you stand no chance here.” Malanda gloated, while Chibi looked at Hyme in distress.

“I am sorry.” He whispered slightly, and Hyme’s eyes filled with tears.

“Chiioaioraija, please don’t.” She pleaded softly, though a blue light was slowly surrounding Chibi and his mistress, and with a slight groan, he fell forward, seemingly into her wound, which instantly disappeared. Yuffie said nothing, and everyone gapped while Hyme’s tears fell, silence reigning for a moment as for their fallen comrade who had seemingly sacrificed his life for his mistress’. Suddenly Malanda’s cold laughter rang through.

“Oh I’m sorry, did I kill your little dragon friend? Too bad!” She laughed, while Sephiroth’s eyes narrowed, his grip on the masamune tightening, and he stood up, stepping forward, though a slender arm stopped him.

“Hyme?” He asked, looking at her determined golden eyes, now devoid of tears.

“Leave this to me. Just go.” She commanded, and Sephiroth gave a slight nod of his head, helping a shaky Tifa to her knees as she limped over to the prison which the others were being held in. Whispering words of an ancient language, the prison instantly vanished, and as light flared around Hyme, her golden eyes sparkling angrily. Malanda just smirked.

“We should stay, besides, I can’t go running out here like a coward.” Ryan stated gruffly, his brother agreeing with him, and James gave a nod. Annita smiled with a glint in her eye.

“The battle has begun.” She said softly, as more light circled around Hyme, and more generated around Malanda.

 

~*Author’s Notes*~ Plain laziness, pure and simple. I didn’t want to do a battle scene, and I’m tired and want to go to bed. Read and review please.

 

 Chapter 24: Light of the Planet

 

Light clashed with dark, swirling and tangling together, though never mixing. Hyme’s anger generated in pure white light, while Malanda’s hatred boiled the darkest of black. At some times it was hard to see, only hearing the sounds of battle and an occasional cry of pain. The others watched grimly, knowing not to interfere, watching slightly as Hyme continued to win and lose, it was so hard to tell. The battle of angel and demon had begun, the battle for the planet again. Though one thing was certain. Hyme was losing. The summon that was supposed to take care of it was failing, and Avalanche, for once, wasn’t sure if they’d win this. Yuffie had spoken nothing, no prophesies, no knowledge, since it was like the Cetra and Saquri had said nothing, knew nothing about this either.

“Give it up summon! I will win!” Malanda screeched madly, darkness pouring from her wounds, as light was pouring from Hyme’s more numerous ones. Even Annita, as crazed for battle as she was, said nothing about this, now with a grim expression on her face. And then, the angel fell. Malanda struck out another sharpened tentacle, catching Hyme in the neck, sending her spiraling back to the planet, sprawled and broken, light surrounding her. With an evil cackle, Malanda instantly descended, her eyes taking on a reddish glint to them.

“No!” Yuffie cried, knowing that if she absorbed Hyme’s energy, all would be lost. Malanda, however, just laughed, letting her palms form in front of her, hair flaring back. Suddenly, the planet shook, making Avalanche cry out, stumbling as even Malanda fell back, gasping.

“No! It can’t be!” She cried, and Cetra and Saquri alike blinked, looking up. Descending like a Goddess herself, came the planet. Her forest green hair flowed freely to her waist, surrounding her like a silky veil, her sky blue eyes blazing with fire, with mako. Her delicate feet stepped onto the cave, and instantly it was flourished with life, though the planet took no notice,

“Leave this place Malanda. You have no welcome here. It was a mistake to seal Jenova, one I will not make again.” The planet said musically, her eyes sealing themselves, everyone gasping in awe as light spewed from her fingertips, so bright that it made the sun look dull, and Malanda screamed, vanishing. The planet turned her gaze back to Avalanche, a smile painting her lips, making her glow with beauty, and she took a step forward, flowers and lush grass springing up beneath her. Annita just glared at the planet, her face twisted in mistrust.

“Why didn’t you do that in the first place?” She snapped angrily, since it seemed a waste of time if the planet could have just done that in the beginning. The planet just gave a slight smile.

“I can only do as the universe allows, and if my warriors fail, I cannot. I thank you, for all you have done. I will reward you all greatly, and the Promised Land will be yours to behold. Though not yet.” The planet said musically, Avalanche gapping up at her, the Cetra and Saquri bowing humbly. “No need, rise and I shall send you back to your realm, the place you belong. The living and the dead should not mingle.” The planet whispered, and even Annita gave a slight smile. With a slight sigh, the planet walked over to each living member, planting a small kiss on their foreheads, placing the last upon Tifa, who smiled slightly.

“Thank you.” She whispered slightly, while the planet smiled, closing her eyes, light radiating, and instantly they were gone, vanished in a wisp of smoke, along with the planet, who’s parting words were simple.

“Find what you seek.” James looked over at Annita, who smiled.

“I suppose we should go home James, and start over.” Annita stated, and James nodded, a thoughtful look on his face, and both gave each other an affectionate glance, then turning back to Ryan and Natalia, who were looking away from each other, a slight blush on their cheeks.

“I think there is more than one person here who needs to start over.” James stated softly, the two in question blushing, though saying nothing as they all shared a relieved laugh. Natalia smiled, looking up at Ryan a bit hopefully, letting her fingers brush slightly with his.

“Yes, let’s go home.”

 

~*Author’s Notes*~ Unbelievably corny and stuff, but I’m tired, cranky, and had a long day of testing. Haha, I’m so mean sometimes. Well, anyway, the next is the last chapter, the epilogue and all. I’m just glad to have this story off my to do list, which it has been on for about two or three years. Would you believe writer’s block? Well, anyway, I’ll see you around if you please read and review.

 

Epilogue

 

It had been two years since they had saved the LifeStream. Nothing in this realm had been disturbed, and what had seemed like months in the LifeStream was only two days in the real world. Tifa sighed, letting the wind rustle her hair. Go figure. She occasionally saw Ryan in her dreams, as he smiled and told her about him and Natalia, who had surprisingly gotten together, though nothing could be done until they were reborn. The planet had promised them the Promised Land, though not yet. Annita and James, Ryan had said ruefully, had disagreements here and there, though were still together, not like Tifa had any doubts. James was always head over heels in love with the feisty woman, and even though Annita was rough around the edges, she could tell she could care about James. Yuffie and Cloud had gotten together, and were now happily wandering about, Yuffie never really wanting to settle down, and Cloud was just content to spend his time with his new love. Tifa wasn’t sure if Yuffie was what he needed, since he seemed to be so fickle, but maybe it was just a little jealously.

“What are you thinking about?” She smiled, feeling Reno’s arm slip around her rounding stomach, and she giggled, leaning against his comforting embrace. Okay, jealously wasn’t an issue.

“About... everyone and what they’re doing.” Tifa said back, Reno’s warm breath trickling on her ear, and she giggled.

“Christy’s expecting again, if that’s what you’re thinking.” Reno stated, grinning down at her, while she gave a slight gasp.

“Really? Geez, this is her second child, ne?” Tifa asked, and Reno just smiled, giving her hand a slight squeeze.

“And our first.” Reno said, and she giggled softly, as the wind rustled softly with their hair.

“Yes…” she said softly, her lips tugging into a smile. “Our first.”

 

~*Author’s Notes*~ Yea, corny, but at last! The story that has haunted me for three years is finished! Yea! Well, anyway, it sucks, but read and review. I have to admit it was fun to write though. Well, anyway, thanks for everyone who supported me! Well, see you guys around.