FINAL FANTASY:

THE JENOVA STRAIN

by PJ

---

Refus Shinra rested on his back as Jenova shoved her curvaceous hips forward, enfolding his erect cock with her tight clenched pussy. Lush purple hair spread out like a mantle over Jenova's bare back, the violet strands glistening with perspiration while she humped her prone lover, her large breasts bobbing with each thrust of her hips. Jenova leaned forward, her tits pressing against Refus' hairless chest as she kissed him hungrily on the mouth, her tongue caressing his. Refus dug his left hand into Jenova's thick mane, his right hand sliding down her smooth back to the curve of her firm buttocks. The two lovers maintained their mouth lock, inhaling each other's breath, until they orgasmed as one, Jenova's cunt spasming while Refus released a stream of cum into her clenched belly.

"Can I go play now?" purred Jenova, lying against Refus' left side, her left hand idly caressing Shinra's sweaty chest.

"Yes, my pet. Go find my enemies, and destroy them."

Jenova smiled, leaning forward to kiss Refus passionately before rising from the disheveled bed to drape a robe over her tall, lithe body. Refus snuggled under the warm sheets, falling into an exhausted sleep with an untroubled mind.

The 7th Heaven was busy tonight, probably due to the heavy rain pouring outside, thought Melissa as she balanced a tray laden with drinks on her left palm. The lovely red-haired girl walked across the table strewn room, dodging occupied chairs and questing hands. The main door burst open, admitting a young girl with short hair and wide, terrified eyes. Before Melissa could ask the girl what was wrong, the long, feline form of Nanaki appeared from behind the bar, gracefully traversing the short distance to the trembling visitor. Nanaki and the girl exchanged a few quick words, then the two of them left the raucous common room for the small supply room behind the bar. Melissa served the drinks she held before motioning for one of the other waitresses to cover for her while she went to see what was going on with Nanaki and his attractive young friend.

"She's alive, I tell you!" insisted the young girl, Nanaki sitting in front of her, staring up with his penetrating feline eyes.

"I believe you, Yuffie. She kept appearing everywhere when we were fighting Sephiroth," nodded the big cat. "Where did you see her?"

"In the hidden lab beneath Shinra Tower. She was working with Refus."

"Either a very foolish or a very desperate move on his part," remarked Nanaki. "Have you told Cloud and Aeris yet?"

"No, I only knew about this place. Do you know how to reach them?"

"We can go to Cloud's house right now, he needs to know that Refus has resurrected Jenova."

Yuffie nodded in agreement, her fear somewhat abated in Nanaki's soothing presence.

"Let's go," said Nanaki, rising to all fours, leading the way out of the supply room.

"You want some company?" inquired Melissa, leaving her hiding place to block the exit.

"No, Melissa," replied Nanaki with a shake of his mane, "you should stay here where it's safe and watch over the bar."

"I can help! I came with you last time!"

"It's better this way. Please, stay here out of harm's way."

Melissa stared into Nanaki's warm eyes, searching for any sign of wavering that she might be able to exploit. Detecting nothing but concern and resolve, Melissa nodded her head in defeat. Nanaki smiled, baring his fangs before resuming his walk to the exit. As the red cat passed, Melissa fell to her knees next to him, wrapping her arms around his neck and burying her face in his thick, musky mane.

"Be careful," whispered the girl.

"I will," promised Nanaki, playfully licking Melissa's face before disengaging himself from her hug and departing, followed closely by Yuffie.

The rain over Midgar stopped with the arrival of evening. As the sun continued its descent, Cloud walked into the kitchen, scratching his spiky blonde hair, relieved that he had completed the accounts for the 7th Heaven for another week. He stood near the sink, looking out the nearby window at the huge tiered gardens that made up the back yard of his home. Cloud spotted Aeris kneeling in a flowerbed, her bright pink dress outshining the blossoms in the fiery orange sunlight. Cloud poured himself a glass of water, watching Aeris work until she was interrupted by the unexpected appearance of Nanaki and Yuffie. Roughly setting the half full glass in the sink, Cloud rushed outside to see what was going on.

"I'm afraid it's true, Aeris," frowned Nanaki as Aeris gazed down at him in disbelief.

"This could explain the unease I've been feeling for several weeks, that something dark had made its lair in Midgar," murmured Aeris.

"What's going on?" asked Cloud, moving to Aeris' right side, placing his left arm protectively around her slim waist.

"Jenova has returned, she's working with Refus," said Aeris, leaning against Cloud for comfort.

"That idiot! He's threatening the entire Planet by working with her!" snarled Cloud.

"What are we going to do, Cloud?" asked Yuffie softly, her lips trembling.

"Well, an assault on Shinra Tower is out, considering how the last one went."

"We managed to get the Master Materia orbs back," said Aeris.

"Yes, but we couldn't save Tifa. We could have easily been overcome if your magic hadn't saved us."

"Can Elena help us? She gave you information when Shinra was trying to conquer the Planet," suggested Nanaki.

"Elena helps us when it's in her best interest. She'll appear if she has something to tell us."

"Well, what do we do?" repeated Yuffie.

"Let me think about it. Aeris, can Nanaki and Yuffie stay here for the night? I really don't want us separating with Jenova roaming around Midgar."

"Of course," smiled Aeris. "Have you two eaten yet?"

"No, and I'm starving!" admitted Yuffie.

"Then please join me and Cloud for supper," offered Aeris as she led the way back into the house.

Vincent's dark boots splashed through the pools of rainwater that littered the street leading into Midgar. Raindrops trickled down the dark-maned man's black cloak as he advanced into the city, his eyes locked on the rising spire of Shinra Tower. Cold and impassive, Vincent stroked the butt of the short rifle holstered on his right leg, the weapon obscured by the folds of his wide cloak as he resolutely continued his march to the lair of Refus Shinra, his sworn enemy.

The lights of Midgar were harsh and garish after the calm serenity of Rocket Town. Refusing to think about his time there, Vincent narrowed his dark eyes, walking past other pedestrians who were either window shopping or staggering from one club to another.

"Hello, Vincent Valentine, it's been some time since we've met," whispered a feminine voice that Vincent heard easily with his sharpened sense of hearing. He peered into a dark alley mouth to his right, barely making out a woman draped in a dark red cloak, her long purple hair flowing down her back.

"Who are you?" asked Vincent, his nostrils twitching as he tried to discover her scent.

"You knew me as Jenova, the mother of Sephiroth," smiled the woman, her smile baring razor sharp ivory fangs.

"You!" exclaimed Vincent, drawing his rifle smoothly from its sheath.

Jenova laughed, extending her open right palm as Vincent fired a shell into her belly, blasting a hole that spewed purple ichor on the sidewalk and the walls of the alleyway. A materia appeared in the flesh of Jenova's palm before a series of bright blue lightning bolts crackled down from the sky, exploding around Vincent, snapping tongues searing his exposed skin. Vincent twirled his rifle, loading another round before firing at Jenova's chest, blood and bits of purple flesh splattering out in a violet cloud. Jenova snarled, hissing shrilly as long, sharp claws extended from her right hand. She swiped at Vincent, ripping three lines across his black tunic, his torn flesh burning with pain. Vincent twirled his gun again, but Jenova slapped it out of his grasp before he could fire. She punched him across the face, then grabbed a fistful of his shirt and threw him back into a large store window, the thick glass shattering as he smashed through it. Pedestrians screamed as they fled like witless sheep, a few Shinra autos screeching to a stop before turning around and speeding away in the opposite direction.

Jenova walked smoothly towards the broken window, claws gleaming on both arms, a long purple tongue stretching out to taste the air for her prey. A low, animal growl came from the interior of the store, right before a huge grey skinned demon flew out, slamming into Jenova and hurling her towards a stone wall across the street. Jenova crashed into the stone, the wall defaced with an indentation of her body. Jenova's right arm stretched out towards Vincent's fluttering form, the claw slashing at his legs. Vincent rose out of reach, his hands aimed at Jenova, his eyes nearly closed as he focused his power for a summoning spell.

Smoke began to rise around Jenova. She backed away from the wall, looking down at the sidewalk that began to churn like water. A glowing red pentagram formed around Jenova, heralding the arrival of a huge open mouthed skull that exploded from the ground beneath the woman, fire flicking in his bony jaws just before he expelled a pillar of hellfire up at Jenova's hovering body. Jenova screamed as the infernal flames devoured her flesh, she flew out of the fire pillar, falling limply onto the street, rolling to a stop as her scorched body smoked from the incredibly powerful attack. Vincent landed next to Jenova, slamming his right foot into her belly, then smashing his foot into the side of her head. Jenova hissed, snapping out her tongue like a whip, wrapping it around Vincent's thick grey neck. She lunged forward, raking her claws across Vincent's wide torso, hacking his flesh to ribbons. Vincent roared in agony, slapping Jenova across the face, unsheathing his own claws to sever her dripping purple tongue. As Jenova howled with pain, Vincent flapped his large bat-like wings, rising into the air, then disappearing amidst the glowing spires of Midgar.

=====

Tifa examined the battle sight dispassionately while three other Valkyries took statements and searched the area for anything of use. The buxom young woman glanced at the purple blood staining the walls of a nearby alley, then at the shattered storefront across the street.

"Any sign of Vincent?" inquired Jade, her very attractive body encased in one of her favorite green rubber dresses.

"No, he's gone," replied Tifa with a shake of her beautiful head.

"Think you can track him? You've got the best chance of finding him."

"I'll do my best, Mistress Jade."

"See that you do, girl," warned Jade, her green eyes flashing dangerously. "When you find him, don't approach him. Jenova wants another crack at the poor fool."

"Yes, Mistress," bowed Tifa stiffly.

Jade snorted, marching towards the waiting chopper that would take her back to Shinra Tower. Tifa adjusted the combat rifle that hung over her right shoulder, sniffing the air briefly before beginning her pursuit of Vincent.

"Want some company, Tifa?" inquired Jenn enthusiastically, her wide blue eyes shining.

"It could be dangerous. This Vincent can be vicious when he wants to be."

"It's okay, you need someone to watch your back, and other areas," giggled Jenn, her small left hand patting Tifa's ass playfully.

"I guess I could use the company," admitted Tifa, knowing that her addiction to sex would require some satisfaction at some point. She leaned down to kiss the short brown-haired girl's lips, then took the lead down the rubble strewn street, Jenn trailing behind her with an assault rifle at the ready.

Yuffie awoke reluctantly as usual, her eyes still heavy with drowsiness. She turned to look at Nanaki who lay outstretched next to her on the bed, his flanks expanding and contracting with each slow breath. She gently ran her right hand over Nanaki's soft red fur before rising out of the alluring warmth of the bed. The sun beamed through a large window that gave a beautiful view of Aeris' tiered gardens. Yuffie ran a hand through her chaotic short hair, then she plodded out of the bedroom to wash up before breakfast.

Dressed in a fresh white tunic and green shorts, Yuffie sighed when she smelled hot coffee and crackling eggs. Cloud was already at the table, sipping a mug of steaming coffee while reading the latest Midgar News.

"Anything happening in this town?" asked Yuffie as she sat opposite Cloud.

"Yes, two demons were seen fighting near the western entrance to the city," replied Cloud, peeking over the edge of his paper to get Yuffie's reaction.

"Two? One is obviously Jenova, but what could the other demon be?"

"Not what, who."

"Oh! You mean Vincent? Didn't he have a demon form?"

"Yes. I wonder what brings him to Midgar?"

"Does he know where you live?" asked Yuffie while Aeris placed a plate of scrambled eggs, sausage, and toast in front of her.

"No, but he does know about the 7th Heaven. I'll go there and wait for him."

"But Shinra knows about the bar too. You might get ambushed."

"I can take care of myself," smiled Cloud, glancing at Ultima Weapon, his massive sword that laid sheathed next to the fireplace.

"Let me go with you," suggested Aeris, laying her hand on Cloud's right shoulder.

"I want you to be safe here. Look after Yuffie and Nanaki until I get back," replied Cloud, taking Aeris' hand in his and kissing her knuckles affectionately.

"I smell breakfast," growled Nanaki, padding down the stairs into the dining area.

"Take a seat, please," smiled Aeris, disappearing into the kitchen to fix Nanaki a generous plate.

Morning and afternoon were the quietest times for the bar during the work week, mused Melissa as she hunched over the bar, her face resting in her palms. She sighed softly, bored as she waited for a customer to step through the door. The girl jumped when the door crashed open, a tall, dark cloaked man staggering into the common room leaving a trail of bright red blood behind him.

"Sit down!" urged Melissa while she ran to close and lock the door.

Vincent fell heavily into a chair, clutching his bleeding stomach weakly.

Melissa rushed to Vincent's side, making a disgusted face as she looked at the deep wounds marring the otherwise handsome man's torso.

"Don't move, let me get some bandages from the bar!" exclaimed Melissa.

"Where's...where's Cloud Strife? I need to speak with him."

"He's at home with Aeris and some visitors. Who are you, another of his adventuring friends?" asked Melissa as she came back with an armful of white bandages and a bottle of disinfectant.

"Vincent...Vincent Valentine," gasped Vincent, his face dripping with agonized sweat.

"Just hold on, Vincent, let me fix you up," murmured Melissa, helping Vincent out of his cloak and torn tunic, then slowly wrapping strips of bandage around his firm stomach and chest. When Vincent was securely bandaged, Melissa ripped the roll of material with her teeth, her nose filled with Vincent's musky, masculine scent. Her skin becoming hot, Melissa gathered her medical gear, returning to the bar so that Vincent wouldn't see her quickened breathing or the blush reddening her cheeks.

"Can you find Cloud and bring him here? It's really important," insisted Vincent.

"I already know, old friend," smiled Cloud as he entered the bar, his personal key still inserted in the doorknob.

"Cloud! Jenova's back!" said Vincent, attempting to rise, but instead groaning with pain, falling back into his chair.

"I told you not to move!" hissed Melissa, moving quickly to Vincent's side, placing her hand over his on the table.

"Stay, Vincent, I'll get a chair," replied Cloud with an upraised palm before he walked across the common room to sit opposite Vincent at the round wood table. "How did you get your wounds?"

"Fighting Jenova. She ambushed me as I was entering Midgar."

"I thought as much, the paper said that two demons were fighting in town."

"I hurt her, but only enough to get away. We have to stop her, she must be working for that butcher, Shinra."

"Probably," agreed Cloud, disturbed by Vincent's venom-filled tone at the mention of Shinra. "You better come home with me, Nanaki and Yuffie are staying with us."

"We will go after Shinra, won't we? Refus has to pay for what he's done!"

"We will, old friend, you have my word."

"You know, if your house is full, Vincent could stay with me. My apartment isn't huge, but it is comfy," smiled Melissa warmly, her hand stroking Vincent's knuckles.

"He better stay with us, Melissa. We may need to move out quickly when Jenova appears again."

"You let me know if you change your mind, Vincent," purred Melissa, her eyes smoldering.

"Ah, sure," stammered Vincent, glancing at Cloud desperately for help.

Cloud grinned, rising to help Vincent to his feet. The two men slowly walked to the door, opening it to find Tifa and Jenn standing in the street, their rifles raised threateningly.

"Nice to see you again, boys. You're both under arrest!" declared Tifa.

=====

"Get back, Vincent," whispered Cloud sharply, reaching behind his head to draw out Ultima Weapon.

"Let me help you," retorted Vincent, yanking out his rifle from his leg holster.

"No, you're too badly hurt. Melissa, get Vincent to my house as quickly as you can."

"You got it, sir," nodded Melissa, grasping Vincent's right arm tightly, dragging him towards the mouth of an alley next to 7th Heaven's entrance.

"Don't make me shoot you, Cloud," frowned Tifa, her assault rifle aimed perfectly at Cloud's chest.

"The other two are getting away," advised Jenn, pointing at Vincent's and Melissa's retreating forms.

"I'm sorry, Tifa," sighed Cloud before he charged both Valkyries, Ultima Weapon igniting with purple flame along its edge.

"Fire!" shouted Tifa, her rifle bucking in her hands as she sprayed the advancing Cloud with gunfire. Bullets bounced off the protective field generated by Cloud's various defensive items, not slowing him at all as he raised Ultima Weapon and brought it down in a blur, the blade slicing Tifa's rifle neatly in half. Tifa cursed, discarding her gun to kick out at Cloud, slamming her boot into Cloud's stomach. The force of the kick knocked Cloud back as Jenn aimed her rifle at Vincent. Vincent fired his rifle first, blasting Jenn off of her feet.

"Jenn!" exclaimed Tifa, snarling as she hurled a Fire bolt at Cloud with the materia embedded in her left glove. The flaming shaft smashed into Cloud, propelling him through the 7th Heaven's doorway with a shattering of wood.

"I'll go after the other two!" gasped Jenn while she pushed herself back to her feet.

"No! Let them go! Guard the front of the bar while I take Cloud!" ordered Tifa before she dove into the 7th Heaven.

Tifa slowly walked into the common room, with no sign of Cloud anywhere. She checked the ceiling, then made her way towards the back of the bar, her gloved hands clenched into fists. Cloud jumped over the bar, Ultima Weapon flashing in a wide arc. Tifa hissed as the blade bit into her upraised left arm, her blood spraying out into the air. When Cloud landed on the floor, Tifa kicked him in the crotch, then slammed an uppercut into his chin. Cloud hurled back into the bar, Ultima Weapon falling from limp fingers. Lightning crackled around Tifa's right fist as she prepared to smash it into Cloud's face. A materia glowed on one of Cloud's bracers, warning Tifa just before he disappeared in a haze of motion. A fist slammed into her left cheek, then a hand grabbed her left arm and spun her in circles before releasing her to crash into the far wall. Tifa bounced off the wall and landed on a table, crushing it with her weight. Tifa rolled onto her butt, aiming her right fist in Cloud's general direction, casting a dozen ice spears across the room that shattered like glass against the opposite wall. Panting sharply, Tifa staggered to her feet, no sign of Cloud anywhere, Ultima Weapon gone from where it had fallen.

"Tifa?" murmured Jenn, peering into the bar. "I thought I saw a blur leave through the doorway. I fired half a clip but I don't think I hit anything. Was it Cloud?"

"Yes," grunted Tifa, rubbing her aching jaw.

"Do you know where he fled to?"

"Yes, I do, but I wish I didn't have to go there," replied Tifa.

Cloud took his time returning home, careful to make sure that no one followed him. When he entered the front room, Vincent was sitting in a comfortable chair near a large crackling fire while Aeris used her magic to heal his many wounds. Melissa hovered over Vincent, Yuffie and Nanaki watching from across the room, Yuffie from a matching chair, Nanaki resting on his belly next to the young thief girl.

"Cloud, thank goodness you made it back!" smiled Aeris.

"It was close. I ran into Tifa and we both trashed the 7th Heaven pretty bad."

"Are you hurt?" inquired Aeris, her beautiful gentle face frowning with worry. She rose to check Cloud while Melissa placed a fresh dressing on Vincent's healing wounds. Aeris gently touched the few bruises Cloud had collected, her warm touch drawing the pain away. Cloud nuzzled the top of Aeris' head, hugging her tightly against him.

"Will Tifa track you back here?" asked Yuffie, her face blushing at Cloud's affectionate display with Aeris.

"Very likely. She knows that I'm living here with Aeris, it's public knowledge. We'll have to go underground," sighed Cloud.

"Where will we hide?" whispered Aeris softly, her face pressed against Cloud's strong chest.

"I say we don't hide. I say we take on whoever Shinra sends our way!" barked Vincent, his dark eyes shining.

"I don't want to kill Tifa," replied Cloud.

"I don't either, but we may not have a lot of choice," added Yuffie.

"Yes, she's a slave of Shinra now, she isn't the Tifa we once knew," growled Nanaki reluctantly.

"We won't hurt Tifa unless we have no other choice. As for Shinra, there is something we can do to drive Jenova out, something that will really get Refus' attention."

"What?" asked everyone.

"Destroy the Mako plant that powers Midgar," said Cloud.

Tifa jump kicked at Jenn, hurling over the girl when Jenn deflected the kick with her arms. Tifa spun without hesitation, spin kicking Jenn in the side, then punching out with both fists. Jenn blocked the first punch, but the second came too fast, sliding past her defenses and slamming into her chest. Jenn staggered back, the air knocked briefly out of her lungs. Panting lightly, Tifa crouched, performing a sweep kick that smacked Jenn's feet from under her. Jenn crashed heavily to the padded floor, stunned as Tifa pounced on top of her, grasping her wrists and slapping them above her head.

"I win," grinned Tifa, perspiration gleaming on her face and tied back hair.

"To the victor go the spoils," giggled Jenn right before Tifa kissed her ravenously on the lips.

"And I want everything," smiled Tifa, yanking open Jenn's workout tunic, fastening her sensual mouth on the girl's sweaty left breast, sucking deeply on the pink nipple.

Jenn groaned softly, wrapping her arms around Tifa's head, forcing Tifa's lips even harder against her hot flesh. Tifa licked around Jenn's nipple, biting it gently with her teeth until it became stiff with excitement. She lowered her right hand onto Jenn's crotch, rubbing the girl's pussy while she fondled Jenn's small right tit. Tifa and Jenn kissed, long and passionately, their tongues entwining as they exchanged saliva. Tifa kissed Jenn's lips one more time before descending to the girl's waist, slowly pulling off her tight white leggings. Tifa rubbed her mouth over the front of Jenn's white cotton panties, sliding her lips up and down until the fabric was wet with Jenn's honey. Tifa snapped off Jenn's underwear, prying open her slim thighs before burying her mouth in her lover's pussy. Jenn shuddered in ecstasy, her small hands pinching her own nipples as Tifa licked her engorged labia petals. Tifa pressed her lips upon Jenn's clit, sucking on the protrusion of pink flesh until Jenn gasped loudly, her cunt flowing with her arousing juices. Tifa caressed Jenn's clit with her tongue while inserting a finger into Jenn's pussy, diving deep into the girl's moist vagina.

"Feels...so...good," moaned Jenn, her eyes squeezed shut with bliss, her hips trembling while Tifa placed a second finger in her snatch, her mouth sucking wetly on Jenn's delicious clitoris.

"Your turn," said Tifa, rolling onto her hands and knees, yanking down her leggings to her ankles.

Jenn slowly rose up, her arms shaking with weakness. She crouched in front of Tifa's beautiful ass, licking each of Tifa's buttocks, her tongue leaving a trail of saliva across Tifa's creamy white skin.

"Suck my cunt," ordered Tifa as she fondled her dangling right breast.

Jenn obeyed, pressing her small mouth into Tifa's crack, extending her tiny pink tongue until it touched Tifa's long, narrow slit. Jenn began sucking on the folds of Tifa's labia, tugging at the dark pink skin with her soft lips. Tifa moaned softly, licking her red lips, running her fingers across her tit, twisting her nipple between two digits. Jenn licked up Tifa's cunt, taking a moment to stick her tongue into Tifa's anus and roll it against the walls of her rectum. Tifa quivered, her pussy glistening with her warm juices. Jenn focused on Tifa's pussy, rubbing her mouth and nose inside Tifa's slit, probing into Tifa's vagina with a wet tongue. Jenn slid her hands over Tifa's ass, her mouth loudly sucking on the entrance of Tifa's vagina. Tifa groaned from deep in her throat, a tiny stream of drool running down her graceful chin. Jenn slapped Tifa's buttocks, lapping and sucking on the young woman's cunt until Tifa climaxed, her thighs trembling.

Tifa shifted onto her back, lying on the soft mat while Jenn nuzzled up against her.

"Get a squad of Valkyries together. We're going after Cloud again," said Tifa softly, pressing her lips against Jenn's fragrant brown hair.

The large two-story house was dark and quiet when Tifa arrived with her Valkyries. She motioned for the girls to spread out, everyone dressed in combat armor and wielding deadly assault rifles. Tifa waited until everyone was in position before advancing on the front door, a long polished sword clasped in her gloved hands. She stood near the front door for a moment, then kicked it open with her boot, blocking the doorway with her body. When no one attacked, Tifa entered the front room, Jenn close behind with her rifle.

"Check upstairs," ordered Tifa crisply.

Jenn motioned for three Valkyries to follow her upstairs while Tifa examined the smoldering remains within the fireplace. Tifa sheathed her sword, walking into the kitchen, then leaning over the sink to gaze out at the gardens within the back yard.

"There's no one upstairs, Tifa," reported Jenn from the kitchen doorway.

"They're gone. Cloud's up to something," mused Tifa.

"Is he hiding?" asked Jenn with a frown.

"Maybe, maybe not," replied Tifa, rubbing her chin. "We better get back to Shinra Tower, perhaps we'll get a clue there."

=====

"Security's pretty light," reported Yuffie after rejoining her friends in the underground storage area beneath the Midgar power plant.

"Good. This will be simple and straightforward. All of us will make our way to the main plant reactor, where Yuffie will plant the explosive charges. The rest of us will cover her, then we all run like hell before the reactor blows. Questions?"

"How much time are you programming the charges for?" asked Vincent.

"Twenty minutes."

"Kind of long, isn't it?"

"Not really. We will encounter opposition, when we do, Refus will find out. When he gets positive ID on us, he'll send Jenova. Hopefully Jenova will arrive right before the plant blows, she'll get caught in the blast, end of story."

"What about Refus?"

"I leave him to you, old friend. If you want us to watch your back when you go to Shinra Tower, we'll be there. I think I speak for everyone."

Aeris nodded sympathetically, her hand tight around Cloud's. Yuffie nodded, as did Nanaki.

"Thank you, everybody," smiled Vincent wearily, his voice heavy with sorrow.

"Now, let's go make some noise," grinned Cloud mischievously.

"Alert! We have a level one security breach at the power plant! All Shinra security personnel muster and make all possible speed for the power plant!" shouted a female voice over the barracks intercom.

"Cloud," smiled Tifa, tossing aside the report she had been reading.

"He's attacking the power plant? Why?" asked Jenn, rubbing her wet hair with a bath towel.

"He wants to get Refus' attention, and Jenova's. Just like the old days," murmured Tifa. "C'mon! Get geared up!"

Aeris raised her staff, the tip flaring with golden light just before a fireball detonated in the center of the catwalk, blasting Soldier bodies in all directions. The weakened catwalk quivered, then separated, the two melted halves slamming into the walls beneath them, sending a dozen burning bodies screaming into the depths below.

"Hurry, Aeris!" prodded Cloud, taking her arm and guiding her after their running companions.

Cloud and Aeris struggled after the others, Yuffie and Vincent dispatching five more guards with quick slashes from a short sword and blasts from a swift loading rifle. Sprinting across a metal grated floor, the group emerged upon a landing, a length of stairs rising up to the pulsing pillar of the plant's core. Before Yuffie could begin her ascent, a huge robot on treads appeared from the right, leveling two huge cannons at Yuffie and Vincent.

"Break!" shouted Cloud, releasing Aeris to charge the robot with Ultima Weapon upraised.

The robot moved quicker than its bulk indicated, its cannons flaring as it fired a stream of projectiles at Cloud. The floor exploded beneath Cloud, hurling him back into a wall with a bone-shattering crack. While Aeris rushed to Cloud's motionless form, Vincent fired his rifle, shattering the robot's right eye port. Yuffie threw Conformer, the massive edged shuriken arcing to the right before slashing through the left side of the robot's head. Explosions shook the robot as Nanaki pounced on the robot's torso, ripping through its metal hide easily with the Limited Moon razor fastened to the end of his tail. Nanaki jumped off the robot just before it exploded, sending bits of red-hot debris everywhere.

"How's Cloud?" asked Yuffie breathlessly.

"He's really hurt badly," replied Aeris, tears welling beneath her eyes. She gently touched his barely moving chest with her small hands, pouring her healing magic into him.

"Do what you can, Aeris, Yuffie and I will take care of the core," said Vincent, reloading his weapon while he followed Yuffie up the staircase to the main reactor.

"I smell a familiar scent nearby," remarked Nanaki.

"Tifa...she's coming, as I feared she would," grimaced Cloud.

"You have to get out of here, Cloud," urged Aeris, her face pale and sweating from the heavy toll of her magic.

"No, you have to leave. I'll keep Tifa busy," smiled Cloud, his pain filled eyes gazing at Aeris with resignation.

"Don't leave me, I don't want to be alone," sobbed Aeris, hugging Cloud tightly.

Cloud staggered to his feet with Aeris' help. He reached out to caress her smudged left cheek, then he kissed her tenderly on the lips.

"I love you, Aeris. Forever."

"I love you, my husband."

"We never got married," smiled Cloud wanly.

"We always were, didn't you know?" replied Aeris, kissing Cloud's right hand.

"Make sure that Aeris gets home safely," said Cloud.

"I will protect her with my life until you return for her," swore Nanaki with a nod of his furry head.

"Go, my love, now," smiled Cloud, wiping Aeris' tears from her cheeks.

Aeris kissed Cloud fiercely one last time before breaking away and following Nanaki down another dimly lit passage.

"How are you two doing up there?" asked Cloud, walking carefully to the foot of the stairs, using Ultima Weapon like a cane.

"Almost done," shouted back Yuffie.

"When she's done, get her out of here, Vincent," ordered Cloud as he straightened up, raising Ultima Weapon in grim salute.

"What about you?"

"I'll be right behind you."

Cloud waited patiently, then turned when Vincent transformed to his demonic form, wrapping his arms around Yuffie and taking her up into the air, to disappear within one of the large vents that adorned the vault-like ceiling of the massive reactor core.

"You could have left with them," said Tifa as she emerged from the shadows, Premium Heart adorning her right hand.

"It's fitting that it should end with us," replied Cloud, brandishing the immense length of Ultima Weapon in front of him.

"You're hurt, you won't win," smiled Tifa coyly, tossing her long dark hair over her left shoulder.

"Come and see," grinned Cloud wolfishly.

Tifa charged swiftly, lunging out with Premium Heart, screaming at the top of her lungs. Cloud ducked the punch, slashing forward with Ultima, cutting deep into Tifa's belly. Tifa hopped back, her enhanced metabolism already regenerating her wound. Tifa slammed her fist into the floor, making it quake beneath Cloud. He stumbled back, hitting the railing that lined the landing. Cloud leveled Ultima at Tifa, invoking the Bolt materia, unleashing a snapping lance of lightning at his foe. Tifa dove left, the edge of the lightning surrounding her feet and ankles, sending spikes of pain up her long legs. She fell heavily onto her side, but she raised Premium Heart, activating her own materia, covering Cloud with a boiling white mist that solidified around his body. Ultima flared with power, shattering the ice around Cloud, but leaving him pale and shivering. Cloud coughed wetly while Tifa leaned against a wall, her legs buckling.

"I loved you, you know," whispered Tifa.

"Yes," nodded Cloud before he raised Ultima, pointing it at Tifa's heart.

The ceiling exploded above the reactor core, debris raining down the huge bottomless shaft as Jenova descended to the landing, two large, bat-like wings slowing her fall.

"Ah, one of my playmates," giggled Jenova, her lush purple hair fluttering around her coldly beautiful face.

"This is between him and me!" protested Tifa, her face contorting with anger.

"Ah, no, little pet, his blood is mine, for what he did to my poor son," pouted Jenova before her face transformed, huge fangs dripping with spittle while a muzzle extended forward.

Cloud turned his back on Tifa, defying Jenova with his blade. Tifa gazed at Cloud's vulnerable spine, she could kill him now, her conditioning screamed for her to kill her foe.

"NO!" thundered Tifa, ignoring her Mako tainted blood, pulling back her fist before sprinting towards Jenova, smashing Premium Heart into the monster's breast.

Jenova screamed in rage, crashing through the thin railing to fall down into the darkness below.

"C'mon!" exclaimed Tifa, grabbing an astonished Cloud's hand and yanking him after her through a network of passages and stairwells. The duo reached the main entrance of the power plant, where Jenn and a squad of Valkyries waited.

"Everyone, evac now!" commanded Tifa, pushing Cloud into a Shinra transport with Jenn and three other Valkyries. Tifa took the driver's seat, bringing the large armored vehicle to life before roaring it through the hanger like main doors, out into the calm, peaceful streets of Midgar.

Jenova shot up from the core, landing heavily on the grated floor at the foot of the stairs leading to the main reactor.

"Where'd they go?" muttered Jenova in confusion.

A loud crack was the last thing Jenova heard before a wave of light washed over her, hurling her into dark oblivion. The domed power plant shattered like an egg, a blossom of multi-colored Mako energy fountaining up into the clear Midgar sky.

The three Valkyries in the back of the transport watched the detonation with awe while Jenn glared suspiciously at Cloud.

"Am I still under arrest?" inquired Cloud softly, his lungs still frozen from Tifa's last attack.

"No, I'm free now," replied Tifa.

"Are you going to leave the Valkyries?" asked Jenn hesitantly.

"No," smiled Tifa, "I have a better idea."

"This can't be happening," snarled Refus Shinra as he collapsed into his huge office chair, the flames of the destroyed Mako reactor still visible through the floor to ceiling window in his executive suite.

"Oh, it's happening," assured Tifa, walking up to stand before Shinra's desk.

"You," growled Refus, turning his high-backed chair to face Tifa. "You failed I take it."

"Depends on what you're referring to," shrugged Tifa. "I failed to kill Cloud and his friends as you ordered, but I did help destroy Jenova for good, and I did break free of your conditioning."

"Really?" smiled Refus, slowly reaching for the pistol in his top desk drawer. "How wonderful for you."

"Yes, it is, but now I have a problem. How do I pay you back for what you did to me?" asked Tifa, her head tilted in thought.

"Quite a dilemma," nodded Refus, his right hand reaching into the half open drawer.

"But then I remembered an old friend. He wanted to thank you for killing the woman he loved who was about to have his child. I think he should have a chance to vent his feelings first."

"What?" retorted Refus, his brow furrowing as his hand wrapped around the handle of his snub-nosed pistol.

"Vincent, he's all yours," smiled Tifa, moving to the side so Refus could see the tall, demonic form standing near the door to his office.

"This is for Jenny, and my child," snarled Vincent just before he hurled himself at Refus.

"No!" screamed Refus as he vainly raised his arms to cover his face.

Tifa grinned in satisfaction while Vincent slowly dismembered Refus, then performed a rough medical examination with most of Refus' internal organs, in no particular order.

=====

Yuffie awoke with a groan, the bright morning sun hurting her eyes. She scratched her short hair, then rolled onto her side, nuzzling Nanaki's mane.

"Wake up, sleepy head," smiled Yuffie, sliding her hand through the big cat's fur.

"Uh, it's too early," groaned Nanaki, peering at Yuffie through heavily lidded eyes.

"When we get out of here and go back to Cosmo Canyon, we can both sleep as long as we want," giggled Yuffie.

"Yes, that will be nice," agreed Nanaki, spreading his wide jaws in an immense yawn.

"Let's go downstairs, I bet Aeris has breakfast ready."

Yuffie and Nanaki padded down to the dining area, where Cloud sat with the morning edition of the Midgar News.

"What's going on?" asked Yuffie, taking her usual seat across from Cloud, sipping the glass of orange juice that Aeris had left for her.

"Tifa's taken over Shinra, Inc. She renamed it Valhalla Industries," replied Cloud, taking a moment to sip from his mug of coffee.

"Tifa's running a company? Cool!" grinned Yuffie.

"I hope she's happy," remarked Nanaki softly, with just a trace of regret.

"I'm sure she is, my friend," said Cloud, exchanging a sympathetic glance with the big cat.

"What happened to Vincent?" asked Yuffie just as Aeris entered the room with a large platter of wonderful smelling buttermilk pancakes.

"He's...recuperating with Melissa," smiled Cloud as he watched Aeris blush prettily.

"Oh," murmured Yuffie, her face growing hot. She quickly stabbed several warm pancakes with a fork, loading them onto her plate, then drenching them with hot maple syrup.

Aeris sat down next to Cloud, who lowered his paper to lean forward and kiss her tenderly on the lips.

"Everything's alright now," whispered Aeris as she stared into her husband's adoring eyes.

"Yes, my wife, everything is just fine."

~~~~~~