Author: Hey everyone! ^_^ Thank you so much for the reviews! Well here's chapter four for all you fans out there! Please tell me what you think after reading. Oh yes, thank you for giving me some ideas on how to handle the situation in this chapter in the review you sent me. (And if you're reading this you know who you are! Thank you ^_^!)

Disclaimer: I don't own Final Fantasy VII or their characters, Square Enix. I only own the characters I made up. Thank you.

I sat in the chair outside of Sephiroth's office, looking down at my hands which rested on my knees; Cloud, Zack, and Xander had already gone in. My heart is beating so hard! What if I get kicked out of SOLDIER? An image of my family flashed across my mind, a lump lodged itself into my throat. Yoshiro sitting beside me crossed his arms angrily. "Tch! I don't know why we should be in danger of being kicked out!" He grumbled, I turned my head to him, not knowing what to say. Takehiko just sat staring at the wall, his arms crossed. "It was that stupid muscle head Barai's fault for starting the whole thing in the first place!"

I sighed: "That's true, but maybe we shouldn't have retaliated." Yoshiro whirled on me quickly. "What?!" He said in shock. "He would've had his way with you right there and then if we hadn't intervened!" I turned to him, feeling suddenly torn. "But we're going to be kicked out of SOLDIER and it's all my fault!" Yoshiro looked at me as if my IQ just dropped to two. "What?! How the hell is it your fault-?!" I opened my mouth to answer but he continued. "He started messing with Cloud, you came to his rescue. He started messing with you-we came to your rescue! As far as we're concerned he's the one who did something wrong not you! Got it?" He gave the 'Now no more nonsense from you' look. "Got it," I said smiling relieved.

The door next to us open, I glanced up at Zack who had a grave look on his face. "Um, the generals would like to see you three. Now." He spoke dimly. I turned an anxious glance at the two men beside me whose faces reflected my feelings. This is so unfair!

We walked into the office; I looked down to my left to see Barai grinning like a pro-wrestler who just won a match. I felt a bubbling hatred for him: Just what the hell is he smiling about? No Marie! He's not your problem anymore. Forget him. My eyes lowered down to Cloud whose face had gone white, his eyes wide as saucers, looking hurt and full of remorse. A pang stabbed my heart as I looked at Xander's eyes: no emotion, but a frown curved his lips. They don't deserve to be kicked out…

"Come in Marie," I shot a startled glance at Sephiroth, his eyes looked really unhappy. Reluctantly I walked in and sat down at the chair in front of the desk. The other two young men coming followed suit. After we were all seated, Genesis-who sat on Sephiroth's right-sighed: "Marie, you know the charges against you, damaging of property, disorderly conduct and worst of all you put all your fellow SOLDIERs in danger!" I winced. That bad huh?

Yoshiro slammed his fist on his knee. "She shouldn't even be blamed for those things! It was Barai's fault in the first place, he started it!" He yelled, I shot a warning glance at him. "Yoshiro!" I said warningly. "Barai's our best commanding officer and leader of the ShinRa army," Sephiroth detained. "How could he possibly start the fight-?" He glanced at me. "-Marie?"

I sighed, "With all due respect, sir. He was harassing Cloud and me. He's the one who doesn't deserve to be here." Sephiroth's eyes widen as his eyebrows knit together. "That's quite a charge to make, have you any evidence?" I nodded. "He started messing with him and not in a friendly manner. I asked him his name he began forcing himself on me. The other men here were coming to my aid-when-!" The recollection of how he attacked my friends, almost killing flashed before my eyes. "-He attacked them! Sir, he was going to kill them! I had to do something-anything-just to protect them! I'm sorry for anyone who got hurt. I'll take full responsibility for everything that has happened today! None of these men here deserve to be kicked out of SOLDIER! Barai's the only who should be sent home." Sephiroth blinked, his folded together hid his mouth, his elbows resting on the table.

"Interesting, and what about yourself?" He spoke softly. "Do you think that you, yourself deserve to be reassigned from SOLDIER?" The question threw me off. "I have…nowhere to go, sir." I managed a bit startled. The words struck me with a sudden nightmare: I have nowhere to go! If I'm kicked out of SOLDIER, I'll have nowhere to live! "You should've thought about that before you reacted in such a violent manner." Sephiroth said, Yoshiro and I opened our mouths to protest, but he held up his hand, silencing us. "But you're not the one to blame for the misconduct-." He looked behind us. "-That would be you, wouldn't Barai?" I blinked in surprise; we all turned to see Barai gawking at Sephiroth in shock.

"Wha…? But I…I didn't-!"

"We talked to the other SOLDIERs; their stories all support they're-" He gestured to me and my friends. "-accusations! You've started a riot, threatened your fellow SOLDIERs and harassed two of your fellow comrades!" I blinked in surprise; Barai's face mirrored mine, except now it's turning red.

"But I-!" Sephiroth jumped to his feet. "Enough of your lies, Barai! We've been watching you! If you even think for a second of coming back, you'll be arrested for obstructing justice! You've abused your power and your rank, now get out of our sights!" Barai's widen in shock, he jumped to his feet in rage, his harsh eyes shot at me an angry glare. My own eyes widen in fear as I took several steps back from him. He looks ready to kill…

He pointed his large index finger at me, growling: "Mark my words, girl, you haven't seen the last of me yet!" And with that he stormed out of the room, I sighed in relief as Yoshiro jumped, punching his fist in the air. "Alright!" He exclaimed happily turning to the generals. "You guys had us goin' there for awhile." I turned to see Cloud's face relax as he let out a sigh of relief. Xander smirked and closed his eyes, while Takehiko sighed and messaged his temples. I smiled, so we're not being kicked out after all! I turned happily to a cheering Yoshiro about to join in the celebration when-"*Ahem!*" We all looked up at Sephiroth. "You all still have to be punished for letting things get out of hand like that!" Genesis smirked, completely in amusement as our faces fell in disappointment. "You're all going to be on the cleaning committee for three weeks," Angeal said trying not smile. "What?!" Yoshiro complained. "That's not fair!" I started giggling, Yoshiro turned to me with wide eyes. "Great! Now look what you've done! She's gone into complete hysteria!" He shouted. I shook my head no. "Uh-uh! I'm laughing because you're making such a big deal out of this!" I laughed.

"We almost died! Can't we just get off the hook?" Yoshiro whined, Zack clasped his hand on his shoulder. "Aw, come on, it's only for three weeks, you can survive 'til then." Zack teased, while Yoshiro grumbled, pouting as he crossed his arms. I turned to Sephiroth about to thank him when I notice him smiling at me, his eyes so gentle and warm. Heat rose in my cheeks as I whirled away to pester Yoshiro some more instead. What was that?! Was that? Does he like me?-no, don't be silly Marie, you're not attractive enough! He just doesn't want to lose the first woman in SOLDIER that's all.

"Hey, Marie!" I woke up with a jolt as hand gently shook me. I glanced up in surprise at my mom's face. Her hazel eyes blinked at me with worry, her long, graying black hair pulled back from her face was in disarray from the house work. "You're going to be late for school!" She said; tears blurred my vision. "Mom!" I cried as I jumped and squeezed my mom into a tight embrace. "Mom! I've missed you so much! I have so much to tell you!" Mom pulled us apart looking into my eyes. "Honey, what are you talking about?" She said worried. "It's not like we've been separated forever. Now come on you're going to be late for school!" And with that she walked out of the door, I sat up looking down at my pajamas. Was it all just a dream?

*Bleep! Bleep!* I turned to my alarm clock sitting on my bed stand. I closed my eyes then opened my eyes to the annoying alarm clock sitting on Xander's bed stand. 2:00 a.m. I looked back up at the ceiling, my cheeks felt wet. I wiped my cheeks with the back of my hand. I must've cried in my sleep, figures I'm home yet. I sat up after I finally dried my eyes, Xander started stirring, I stood up stretching while yawning. I'm not use to waking up at this kind of hour. "Ow!" I winced, placing a hand on my shoulder blades. Why does my back hurt? The memory of our little adventure in the cafeteria came back. Oh…right…and that's only the beginning of our punishment!-_-;

Xander stood up in his silky P.J.s, scratching his head before turning to me. "You haven't been measured for a uniform have you?" My eyes widen in shock as I realized that no one-due to the commotions of yesterday-had asked me my size. "Oh!" I gasped in shock. Xander sighed, shaking his head. "Alright I'll inform Genesis." And with that he grabbed his uniform from his bed and stepped out of the room. I flexed my sore muscles, but to no avail. "Ow!" I winced. How could one day of sweeping do this much damage? I rotated my shoulders, but that only made it worse, I grimaced. Maybe it isn't just from cleaning the mess last night? The memory of how I rolled onto the floor after a perfect landing flashed across my mind, including the fact that I had just swung a heavy pot full of boiling sauces at Barai. I frowned; Wow, I used more stamina than I thought. I wonder if the cosmos are now just kicking in.

After a few long moments the door opened, I turned to see Genesis with a measuring tape around his neck along with a fully dressed Xander walk in. "Sorry about the neglect Marie." Genesis said with a smirk as he took the measuring tape and began wrapping it around my waist as I quickly lifted up my arms. I felt myself stiffen as his arms got close to my torso, he pulled the measuring tape around my waist. "Thirty-six inches," He murmured. I winced, oh gosh I've been pigging out again. Genesis glanced up at me as if he read my mind. "No problem," He said with a smirk. "We'll have your clothes fitting by tomorrow! And you'll be able to train with us first thing!" I gawked at him. "Hold on! I'm not too over weight?!" I looked down at my bulge self-consciously. "Eh!" He shrugged. "You'll work it off, and besides this isn't a runway! You've proved yourself last night and I believe you're the greatest addition to our team yet!" I blinked in surprise; a smile curved his lips as he turned to the door.

"However, because you don't have your uniform yet you can't train today," He said in a matter of fact voice. "You're free to wander, just don't get lost." I smiled, well at least my weight won't be a problem!^_^

I walked down the hallway, completely bored. I have the map Zack gave me, so I can't possibly get lost and there's nothing to see! It's ShinRa for crying out loud! Where are the secret passage ways, the secret dealings, the dirt on Hojo's true wife, Lucrecia?! I sighed but caught my breath when I saw the door again. 'S.T.A Mega Plant'; I looked around anxiously then tried the door: locked. "Craaap!" I grumbled; there goes my adventure for today!

"Marie?" I jumped five feet in the air as I whirled to face Sephiroth, standing behind, frowning in curiosity. "What are you doing?" Busted! "Well, this name on this door is strange; so I wanted to see what's inside of it, but well…it's locked." I stammered truthfully. Sephiroth gave me a slight scowl. "You know, you're not supposed to be putting your nose where it doesn't belong," He lectured, his eyes cold and serious reminding me of…I shivered. Sephiroth's eyes blinked at me in surprise as he noticed the fear in my eyes. He broke into a smile waving his hands automatically. "You're not in trouble or anything, I was just teasing!" He said hastily. I smiled as he stepped beside me looking at the door. "It does strike your curiosity." He admitted. "You're curious? As in you don't know?" I gasped. He turned to me with a smile. "Just because I'm a general-even a famous general!-It doesn't mean I have access to everything." He explained as he turned back to the door. His smiled faded, turning into a deep curious frown. "I wonder what it is he's doing in there." He whispered; I blinked: "Who?" He glanced at me with the corner of his eye. "My father, Hojo; He's been locking himself in there for days on end and every time I ask him what he does in there, he just smiles and says 'top secret.'" He mimicked his father's voice to such a likeness I snorted trying to hold back a giggle. He turned to me with a smirk: "Liked that huh?" I smiled. "Sorry, couldn't help it. He does sound like that!" He chuckled in response but as soon as the smile had reappeared it vanished.

"You know what bugs me?" He muttered. I blinked at his sudden change in attitude. "I know everything about my father to understand why he'd keep secrets, but… the one thing I don't understand…is why he would hide stuff about my mother, Jenova." My eyes widen in shock. "What?!" He turned to me, surprised by the tone in my voice. "Yes, Jenova is my mother. I found out in the papers my dad left on his desk—!" "Sephiroth! There's no way Jenova can be your mother!" I stated firmly. Sephiroth's eyes darkened into a scowl. "And how the hell would you know?" He said darkly. My eyes widen in fear; oh shit! This wasn't suppose to go this far! What do I tell him? I'm not really from Wutai, I'm from another world. Yeah right, nut city here I come! I have to tell him something!

"I-I know," The words flew out of my mouth before I even had a clue of what I was going to say. "That I wasn't suppose to…but-I-I hacked onto your files, Sephiroth." He blinked in shock, his mouth dropped. "What?" He sputtered for a moment then turned angry. "But why?!" I winced at his tone. "Because…" I felt tears starting to blur my vision. What do I say? He has every reason to be angry with me, because I'm telling him nothing but lies! I blinked back the tears. "I was…curious about you. So I hacked into your files and somehow I couldn't find your mother until I opened up Hojo's file and-!" "Enough," Sephiroth spat, cutting me off. My heart quailed, it feels like it's breaking. "If you know about my real mother then spit it out! Now!"

I sighed, Uh, Planet-person-thing, I don't what else to do, please don't allow this to ruin my mission! "Alright, you're true mother is Lucrecia Crescent. Your father married her and they had you, but while you were still in her stomach they injected you with the cosmos, Jenova's cells." Sephiroth's eyes widen in surprise: "Where is she now?" A pang of guilt stabbed me in the heart. "Sephiroth, I can't! I can't tell you! She's-!" I stopped myself. What is wrong with you, Marie?! You can't tell him what Lucrecia saw! You can't!

Sephiroth grabbed my shoulders gently. "Marie…" He said, I tore my eyes away from his anxious ones, but he grabbed my chin, lifting my gaze to his. "…tell me." Oh God in Heaven, what do I do now?

Author: Well, I'm going to end it there for now!^_^ Thank you so much for reading! And guess what I finally found a way to connect to the internet from my dorm room, so I can still write! ^_^ I'm so happy! It will still take a while for chapter five to come up, but hey I think you guys can manage that! I have studies and homework plus I'm going to get a job soon so the stories will take a little longer to be uploaded. Sorry about that and please be patient with me, I can only do so much at a time!-_-; Sorry again, and please review! I'll even take flames, thanks again.