Tifa stood next to Telva in their bar, Seventh Heaven after a long night of hard work. Both of the twins enjoyed running the bar together. It kept the bills paid, but it required take a lot of work, which often ran into the late hours of the night. Telva submerged her hands into the warm, soapy water again to fish out another glass; she ran the soapy cloth over it as Tifa slid the one she had been drying with a cloth, into the open cupboard.

From upstairs a phone rang. Tifa's head whipped in the direction of the sound while Telva winced, noting her twins eager reaction. Cloud had left them months ago and still at the sound of a phone ringing and creak of an opening door made her sister's hopes rise only to come crashing back down to reality when it became apparent it was not Cloud Strife. The twins were extremely close and Telva could sense Tifa's emotional turmoil growing, the more extended Cloud's absence became.

Tifa flicked the tea-towel she had been using over her shoulder and marched up the stairs, trying to appear casual, but failing to fool her perceptive sibling. Tifa picked up the phone and Telva could hear her voice clearly

"Strife delivery service, how can I help you?"

Down stairs Telva rolled her eyes, Strife delivery service. That was a joke! Cloud may perform the actual deliveries and have his name on the flyers but it was them who were always dealing with the incoming delivery requests. They were simply leaving instructions on Cloud's message bank to inform him when to deliver what and to whom. The payments for the service would arrive and Tifa would deposit the Gil into his funds account, so that he would be able to access them where ever he was.

Telva stopped washing the glass she held in her hand for a moment to listen to her sister's conversation, and as much as she hated to admit it, even to herself she felt heart sink a little when she realised it was not Cloud on the other end of the line. Tifa and Telva had both held sparks of desire in there hearts for Cloud when the three of them had begun to grow into teenagers, in their home town. As they had grown older the sparks turned to flames. Tifa's had always burnt more brightly than Telva's meaning that she was unable to hide her obvious affection from Telva or Cloud. Telva loved her sister beyond all measure and would was reluctant to jeopardise the close relationship she had with her. The stronger Tifa's love became him more tightly Telva locked her own feelings away, burying them deep down within herself.

"He's not here any more! I keep telling you," Tifa's irritated voice drifted down the stairs. Telva started to wash the dirty glasses again as she heard Tifa making her way back towards the sink.

"Who was that?" Telva ask casually.

"Reno… again! Why don't people understand that he's not here anymore…?" Telva could hear the angst in Tifa's voice.

"Reno is still calling? Isn't that the fifth time he has called in a few days?" Telva said out loud, more wondering to herself than expecting an answer.

"Yes, this time he sounded strange though, not like Reno at all," Tifa picked up another wet glass, dried it absentmindedly and slid it into the cupboard.

Telva stopped what she was doing, letting a half washed glass sink to the bottom of the murky water.

"Something's wrong isn't it?" Telva dried her soapy hands on her hips and looked at Tifa, awaiting her reply.

Tifa nodded, already sensing that her sister planned to leave. Tifa and Telva had both studied in martial arts when they were young girls and although Tifa had done well, better than most students that trained in the academies that were scattered across the regions, Telva had excelled, and upon her eighteenth birthday she had been offered a position in the Shin-Ra Turks, a highly elite band of guards and assistants to the President or Lady of Shin-Ra. Telva had rejected the offer and over the following years both the twins had become increasingly grateful for this fact. If Telva had joined the Turks they would have been forced into combat with each other on apposing sides. As it was however, they had both joined AVALANCHE and done their part in saving the planet from its destruction.

"I have to go," Telva whispered, trying not to alarm her sister.

Tifa nodded and wrapped her arms tightly around her twin, squeezing her in an affectionate hug.

"You go, hurry now. You can make it to Healin Lodge by early morning if you leave now,"

Tifa tried to hold back tears as Telva slipped from her arms and silently went up the stairs packing a few things and changing into grey, light weight cargo pants and a tight black tank top. A pair of comfortable yet strong black shoes and a sword strapped to her back. Telva walked past the kid's room and stopped, looking in on them one last time before she left, pulling the door closed behind her.

Tifa turned to face her, putting the phone back in its cradle and smiling weakly.

"I left a message for Cloud; I told him you're going to Healin Lodge and about Reno's calls...again"

Telva gave a crooked smile "Well, let's hope he answers," she said in a wry voice.

The two twins stared at each other for a long time, neither overly optimistic that Cloud would respond to this plea for assistance anymore than he had the previous ones they had communicated from, Shin-Ra to him.

"Bye," Telva said turning on her heel and walking swiftly out of the bar and up the street, before the unease she felt at leaving her sister and the children prevented her from doing so.

Tifa slumped back against the wall as she heard the front door shut behind Telva. Sliding to the floor she drew her knees up against her stomach, staring at the hall's opposite wall. The pressure of having to care for the children and run the bar alone bearing down upon her. As well as anxiety for her sister but the thought that forced itself to her conscious repeatedly, refusing to be quietened no matter how hard she pushed it down, was that she missed Cloud.

Telva strode through the dark streets, her footsteps sounding lightly on the pavement. She wove her way through the city, until she found herself in front of one of Shin-Ra's smaller depots. She reached out and pressed the intercom button and despite the late hour a voice crackled into life through the speaker.

"The depot is closed, please come back tomorrow morning," a discontent and crackly voice announced.

Telva leaned towards the box.

"Tell them it's Telva; I want to speak to someone, now,"

There was a short wait and then she saw a tall lanky man in a grey suit stride towards the main gate and unlock it. Telva stepped inside the fence line and waited as he closed the gate behind her.

"How can I help you Miss Lockh..?" he started.

Before he could finish, Telva slid her sword to his throat, resting it there gently.

"Take me to Healin Lodge," she said simply, not in the mood for making long speeches.

Security personnel came running from the right but the man she held captive raised his hand to halt them, knowing that it was well with in her capabilities to defeat all of them.

"Very well," he said, managing to keep his composure, he walked towards the nearest truck in the depot and called out to the guards.

"Keys," the guard grabbed them off his belt and tossed them over, "and don't try and follow us please, I do like my head attached to my body," he instructed the guard, who nodded and hurried back inside the building.

The man in grey unlocked the doors and slid in to the cabin of the truck. Telva re-sheathed her blade and followed him into the cabin. The truck roared into life and pulled out of the car park. Next stop, Healin Lodge, Telva thought to herself.

"I must confess I had not planned on having such an interesting night at work," the man said surprising Telva. As despite his situation he had a touch of humour in his voice.

Telva looked at him blinking slightly in surprise.

"I'm sorry about that, I really had no other way to get to Healin, and it is most urgent,"

"Yes, I am quiet sure it is. I'm Soku by the way," he added casually.

"Telva," she replied holding her hand out for him to shake.

Not taking the extended hand, Soku replied "All Shin-Ra employees are fully briefed on AVALANCHE members, especially Cloud Strife…and you, my dear,"

Telva could not help the gentle swell of pride in her chest. She knew that Shin-Ra employees were given special briefing on the former terrorists, upon their induction. That's one of the reasons she had simply given her name at the gate, she knew what weight her past actions held.

"I must admit, I was surprised they sent such a high ranking employee to see me," she gestured to his suit.

"Not so high," he laughed. "I am Manager of the district reconstruction project; they didn't send me out. I was curious to meet you," he finished.

"Can I trust you Soku?" she asked.

Soku simply nodded. She slid further down in her seat and closed her eyes intending to catch some sleep as they travelled to Healin Lodge. The truck continued to rumble down the road.

Cloud pushed his phone shut again and slid it into his pocket. Couldn't those twins stay out of trouble for once! He thought as he started his motor bike and began speeding across the sandy plains, having nowhere to go in particular. His thoughts were filled with the two children, Tifa and Telva. His thoughts slowed for a moment as he pictured Telva, she was more akin to him than Tifa. They had been best friends ever since they could walk and had trained together not long after. Tifa had always been there as well and she was dear to him, but the bond between Telva and him was different, more stable, and stronger. He smiled.

Shadows came suddenly bursting out of the ground surprising Cloud and forcing him to swerve in order to avoid them. Cloud found himself wondering what the hell was going on. Two silver haired men on motor bikes similar to Fenrir raced up from behind him with incredible speed. He unsheathed his large buster sword as the shadow beasts leapt from the ground and descended upon him, but as quickly as they had appeared they vanished. He frowned but then threw his attention back into driving. One of the men appeared at his side at swung a blade at him, missing by inches as the other swerved in front, launching of off the ground and flipping his bike over Clouds whilst aiming a shot directly at Cloud's head who didn't have time to react. For a moment he thought he had finally met his death but the bullet was deflected by his riding glasses and he suddenly realised that the men had been screaming questions at him. Asking him about something called Mother? What was that about?

Cloud stopped and watched them as they sped away to join a third sliver haired man who stood leaning against his bike on an outcrop on the far side of the plain. Blood dripping slightly from the bullet graze, he decided perhaps it was time he paid Healin Lodge a visit and if he was lucky he might just keep Telva out of trouble.

Telva's eyes snapped open as the truck stopped outside of Healin Lodge. She stretched and smiled over at Soku. He jumped out of the cabin and started climbing the stairs upto the main entrance of Healin lodge. Telva quickly followed and stepped into the lodge behind him. Rufus was sitting in his chair, papers spread out on the table in front of him. Rude was leaning against the far wall keeping a lazy eye on what Rufus was doing. Reno came bursting into the room as he heard the door open and Rude snapped to attention, Soku held up his I.D. card and the two body guards backed off. Reno smiled at Telva.

"Hey, girl how have you been?" He asked stepping forward, hand extended. Telva returned his smile and grasped his hand and tugging him into a rough embrace. Then she looked around his shoulder at Rude.

"Hey Rude," She said still smiling broadly from the reunion, Rude just nodded in response.

Rufus who had stopped what he was doing, wheeled himself over to the group.

"What is going on? We were after Cloud and instead we receive you Telva and a reconstruction manager. Would you care to explain why you left your post, Soku?" Rufus said, some humour in his voice.

Before he had chance to respond, Telva butted in.

"I didn't give him much choice. I needed a lift and well, your company kindly obliged me," She smiled again, mischief dancing in her brown eyes.

A pearl of laughter ripped from Rufus' throat "Of, course, Soku you may go. I am sure you have much to attend to,"

Soku slipped out of the room silently, puzzled by the treatment he had received from the president and Miss Lockhart; he started up the truck and headed back to his office.

Rufus gestured to a seat and wheeled himself back to the table placing him opposite her.

"It is great to see you again, Telva," genuine warmth was in his tone.

Telva decided to skip pleasantries anxious to know why the Turks and President Shin-Ra were shaken enough to be begging help from Cloud.

"Rufus, why do you need Cloud so urgently?"

She felt his demeanour change rapidly and one of the Turks shifted uncomfortably behind her whilst the other left the room completely.

"There has been some….difficulties, with a silver haired trio, another part of Sephiroth's legacy, I am afraid," He sighed.

"Couldn't the Turks handle this?"

Rufus cleared his throat "No, I'm afraid not, that's why we requested Cloud's assistance,"

Telva folded her hands on the table and leant forward "Unfortunately my skills are lacking when compared to Cloud's, but I have come anyway, because I knew it must be an urgent matter,"

She turned and looked at the remaining Turk, noting it was Reno.

"Tifa has kept me informed me of Reno's communications and it became quite clear you needed assistance. I am not sure if Cloud will help you. He is not what he once was, so much anger and hurt eats away at him," she finished, sadness tainting her voice.

The door to the side of the room swung open and Rude stuck his head through.

"Sir, there's a call for you," he informed Rufus.

Rufus nodded and wheeled himself through the door Rude held open for him. Telva swivelled on her chair facing Reno.

"So, Reno couldn't handle a few silver haired boys?" she teased him.

"You think you can?" he replied, with more anger than humour. This confused Telva for they had exchanged playful teasing in the past and she had never had a reaction like that.

Reno shook his head.

"Sorry, Tel…" he paused for a moment.

"Why didn't you tell us you were offered a position as a Turk?"

Telva stood "I did not think it was necessary, and when I declined the offer, Shin-Ra was quite unimpressed, and encouraged me to keep it quiet,"

She stepped closer and rested her hand on his shoulder.

"It was not my intention to deceive you,"

Reno snorted "Rude says that you think you're too good for the Turks; that's why you rejected the offer. You're the only person who ever has. Did you know that?"

Telva nodded and then smiled playfully.

"Well Reno, you know I could kick you ass. It doesn't matter wether I am a Turk or not,"

Reno laughed "You reckon?"

Telva nodded again still smiling and slid her hand off his shoulder down his arm intending to return it to her side, but she found it lingering near his hand, her fingertips accidentally brushed the exposed skin on his hand and she made eye contact with him.

There was a loud bang and the door flew open, a dark figure came bursting into the room. Reno and Telva reacted in the same moment and charged forward, their weapons raised. The man blocked both of their attacks with his large sword. He tilted the blade slightly, causing Reno's weapon to be released, making him stumble forward. The Turk tripped out of the door way and the man kicked the door shut behind him, locking him out.

Telva kept her weapon raised and met his gaze. They stood staring into each other's eyes. Before she put her sword back in its holster when she realised it was Cloud and walked outside silently intending to leave. As she stepped outside the door slam behind her.

"What did ya do that for, Telva? I gotta get back in there!" cried Reno.

"You wanted him here. Now you got him," She started walking away down the steps.

Reno looked after her, hanging over the rail he called out "Where do you think your going?"

"Home," she replied not looking back.

Telva kept walking along the stony path heading out of the gardens back towards the road. She heard Reno calling out to the people inside Healin Lodge trying to regain access. Noticing Cloud's motorbike she walked towards it and ran her hand along the leather seat.

"I've missed you Cloud," she whispered to herself.

So caught up in her own thoughts Telva didn't hear the door bang as Cloud slammed it shut and left the lodge, or his approaching footsteps. He lent casually against the bike next to her smiling.

"You wouldn't be thinking of stealing my bike would you Miss?" he asked a devilish grin on his face.

Telva looked up at him raising her hand to slap him, the anger of his actions over the past months boiling to the surface. Cloud caught her hand inches from his face locking eyes with her. He held it there trying to gauge her thoughts. Then he pulled on her hand drawing her closer and kissing her, wrapping his arms around her body and crushing his lips to hers. Telva took a moment to recover but she managed untangled her arms and place them both on his chest shoved him away.

"What are you doing!" she yelled...

"I missed you," he said quietly.

Telva didn't let herself soften at his weak pleading tone of voice.

"What about Tifa, we have had this conversation before" she snapped.

"Its never going to happen, don't make it harder on me," she whispered.

Cloud nodded looking ashamed.

"I'm sorry,"

Telva stepped closer and wrapped her arms around his neck holding him close, breathing in his familiar scent. She hid her face in his neck.

"We all missed you,"

Cloud squeezed her.

"I know,"

She stepped back letting go of him.

"So what's the sitch, you save the day and I'll go home and take care of your responsibilities a little longer?"

Cloud winced at her words.

"I'm not helping them," he said jumping on his motorbike.

"But I think I will go home, you coming?" He asked as he turned the key starting Fenrir.

She stepped back shaking her head.

"No, can't you tell this is serious? Remember what happened last time you ignored your duty?" she yelled over the roar of the bike.

Cloud gave her an annoyed look and sped off. Telva made her way back up the steps and opened the door. Still angrily from her recent encounter with Cloud. Why couldn't he let the past lie and realize that Shin-Ra wasn't the enemy anymore?

Rufus, Rude and Reno all looked up hopefully as she stepped back into the lodge. Telva tried not to feel bad when she saw disappointment in their faces as they realised it was her and not Cloud who had returned.

"Cloud's not going to help," she said stating the obvious.

Rufus nodded.

"But you knew that," was his reply.

"Yeah, I did. That why I came. I …." She hesitated for a moment flicking a glance at Rude and Reno.

"I can be of some assistance, I hope,"

Rufus wheeled himself out of the room silently not acknowledging her in the slightest; Rude followed him only Reno and she remained in the room.

"He's glad you're here,"

"I know," Telva brightened up punching him in the arm playfully.

"He needs someone to keep you in line, and handle what you can't," she laughed.

Despite himself Reno smiled and gestured for her to follow him. He led her to a small but bright room with two beds inside it.

"Rude sleeps in the room across the hall," Reno said gesturing to the closed door.

"There's two beds in their as well, but I don't want to ask if you can bunk with him," he laughed.

"He's that angry with me?" she asked.

Reno rubbed the back of his neck. "Yeah, sorry Telv's." he apologized.

Telva unstrapped her sword and set it on the cabinet near her bed and flopped down on to the bed.

"That's ok, just don't snore ok?" Reno laughed and left the room, leaving Telva to settle in.