Leaning against the bar, legs and arms crossed, Callie watched as Avalanche and Rufus' contingent bickered over strategy. She shifted, reassured by the comforting weight of her blades on her back. When she and the others had returned from her brief conversation with the ex-President she had strode straight to her discarded glass and slammed the rest of its contents. Glancing at Tifa and gesturing towards the bar, she had refilled that glass as soon as the bartender had nodded permission. Then she had taken up her current position, listening carefully to the proceedings but not participating. Callandra sipped from her drink saving the spices as they slid down her throat.

Zack glanced up at her often, his eyes questioning but Callie shook her head and the brunette had remained quiet. Cid watched her also, his expression confused and frustrated.

Well, join the club, Highwind, she thought bitterly. How the hell did I get pulled back into this shit? This is exactly why I've lived in a dead city for the last few years.

It was too tempting. After Sephiroth had left her to pursue Jenova's goals, Callandra had cut herself off from her previous life. Angeal was dead, no one knew where Genesis was, and Sephiroth had burned an entire village of people who'd never done anything to him. I hated Shinra for everything that they'd done. I swore I'd never have anything to do with that life again.

Yet, she had followed Angeal's former student from the ruins of Midgar and had allowed memories to dictate her actions with Rufus. All of it was coming back so easily . . . and all that lie in that direction was pain.

Delicate brows lifted as Reno looked up from the discussion and their eyes locked. Tensing, she waited as the Turk excused himself and swaggered over to the bar.

Slouching against the bar next to her, Reno sipped from his own glass and said, "You're awful quiet, babe. I've seen that look on your face before, yo," he reminded her, "Why aren't you helping with all the strategizin'?"

"It's not like they need my input," Callie pointed out, "Everything they've said so far makes sense."

Reno grinned. "But you did listen in just to make sure."

She smiled reluctantly. "Old habits die hard."

Lifting his glass slightly, Reno nodded at hers. "It's been a while since we went drinkin' together."

Unwillingly, she laughed, the sound drawing everyone's attention. "Hojo was furious," she remembered.

Rufus, Tseng, and Rude smirked knowing what she was referring to.

Both redheads chuckled as they indulged in the memories. "It was so worth it," Reno said.

"Care to explain what's so funny?" Zack asked.

She started, looking up in dismay to find she had a captive audience. Spiced locks rustled around her shoulders as she shrugged. "It's nothing really."

"Nothing?" Reno protested, "Damned near got me killed."

Tseng chuckled and Rufus's eyes sparkled in amusement.

"Okay," Zack whined, "Now you HAVE to tell us."

"Tseng and Reno were with me on a mission that turned out to be more . . . unpleasant than usual. I was a little . . . upset as we returned to headquarters," Callie explained.

"So," Reno chirped, "Being the super nice guy that I am, I decided to take her out on the town to cheer her up."

"He means he took her bar hopping," Tseng elaborated.

"Only problem was that we didn't tell anyone where we were going," Callie added, eyes dancing, "Angeal, Genesis, and Seph were panicking because Tseng had told them about the mission and they couldn't find me and I had turned my PHS off. Hojo was having bandersnatches because I was out from his creepy thumb for a few hours and he was afraid I wouldn't come back."

"So, when we got back I had three First Classes and one deranged scientist pretty pissed at me," Reno shrugged, "They totally over reacted."

"You were gone nine hours, Reno," Tseng reminded him as the others chuckled, "And you brought her back rather drunk."

"She was in one piece, yo!" Reno cried, "Not a scratch on her."

"Fortunately for you," Rufus smirked.

"Anyway," Callie continued, "I finally managed to calm Angeal, Gen, and Sephiroth down."

"It was more like they had their hands full sobering you up," Tseng retorted.

"All three stayed in my suite with me that night," Callandra shrugged, "They didn't trust me alone with Hojo until I could think straight again."

"I'm still surprised that Hojo didn't come after me," Reno admitted.

"That's because I threw the biggest temper tantrum Shinra had ever seen," Callandra admitted with a giggle. "I trashed half Hojo's lab and I told him that I'd tear down the rest of it if he or anyone else touched you. It didn't help any that I was really hung over and tired of all the hovering and lectures."

"Yeah, well, I got an earful too," Reno pouted, "Tseng gave it me good and then I still to hear from three pissed commanders."

"You like to live dangerously, Reno," Zack laughed, "Wish I could have seen Hojo's face . . . or maybe not."

The Turk agreed good naturedly, satisfied that his mission was accomplished. The shadows had left Callandra's eyes and they again glowed with the vibrancy that was the very essence of her spirit.

Cid laughed along with the others but his eyes were thoughtful. In many ways, Callandra reminded him of Yuffie. True, Callandra could sit still for more than five minutes at a time and was not in the habit of picking pockets, but there was something about her when she was happy that reminded him of the spirited ninja who was like a daughter to him. He sighed.

"Why don't ya both get yer asses back over here and sit down," Cid barked, "We got alotta plannin' to do."

"Keep yer pants on grandpa," Reno drawled, moving back to the table and taking his seat.

"Grandpa?" Cid growled, "I fuckin' give you grandpa ya redheaded turkey." Sharp blue eyes turned back to the woman who stilled leaned against the bar, surprise freezing her in place. "Well? Whataya waiting for? Sit down, woman."

Jade eyes locked with crystal blue and then slowly, Callandra straightened away from the bar taking the empty chair next to Zack. With a subtle nod, she acknowledged the gesture. Callandra knew it couldn't have be easy for him. Cid nodded in gruff approval before turning his eyes away. Those who knew Cid best shared knowing looks.

Rufus opened his mouth to get back to work but Marlene's voice called out from the stairs.

"Tifa? Cloud? It's getting late, can we come say goodnight?"

"I'm sorry guys," Tifa said, "I didn't realize it was so late. It's okay, you can come down."

The children hurried down the stairs, Denzel dressed in dark blue pajamas while Marlene was dressed in a pink nightshirt covered in moogles, her soft hair loose and falling almost to her waist.

"Say goodnight to everyone and then I'll tuck you in," Tifa smiled.

Denzel hugged Yuffie and Cloud and said goodnight to the others before returning to Tifa's side. Marlene politely said goodnight to Rufus and the Turks receiving murmured goodnights and a pleasant smile from Elena. She kissed each member of Avalanche on the cheek before pausing next to Zack and Callandra. The ex-SOLDIER smiled when she shyly placed a quick kiss on his cheek before doing the same to Callandra.

"Pleasant dreams," Zack said.

Marlene nodded and went over to Tifa. Cloud cleared his throat.

"I won't be here when you get back from school tomorrow," Cloud told the children who frowned, "Cid, and I are going with Zack to visit his parents. We'll be back in a few days."

"You haven't seen your parents in a long time?" Marlene asked Zack while Denzel glared accusingly.

"More than ten years," Zack replied quietly.

"Wow," Marelene's eyes widened, "They must miss you a lot."

"Yeah," Zack swallowed, "That's why it's so important I go to see them now."

Marlene took Denzel's hand tugging him towards the stairs. "Have fun," she told Zack, waving at everyone as they dashed up the stairs, Tifa following with a fond smile on her gentle features.

"What steps do you want to take for their protection?" Callandra asked when she was sure the children were out of earshot.

"What?" Cloud asked sharply.

"Cloud," Callandra shook her head, "Koyoto brought a man back from the dead just so he could experiment on him. It is highly probable that you will be one of his targets. Do you think that he will hesitate to use the kids against you?"

Kadaj certainly hadn't. Cloud had no desire to relive that nightmare. "You're right," he agreed, "But Tifa and the others will be able to look after them. Reeve is sending some of his men. They should be here in two days."

"What about when they're at school?" Callandra pressed, "Or on their way? Do they walk to school?"

"No . . . they take the bus," Cloud said.

"Tseng or Elena will patrol the school while the children are there," Rufus said, "Someone can drive them to and from school."

"Maybe Rude should stay here," Callandra suggested, "You'll be spread pretty thin with both of them gone."

"She's right," Reno agreed, "The five of us will be able to handle things in Gongaga. Plus, Ciss will be there." Reno had called Cissnei as soon as they had returned to bar. The ex-Turk had been shocked at the news.

Flashback

"He's . . . Zack's alive?" Cissnei whispered, "How?"

"It's a long story but the short of it is that some whacko scientist found a way to bring him back," Reno replied, "Wanted to use him for experiments."

"No," Cissnei sounded furious, "Zack's been through enough of that. Is . . . Is he okay?"

"Seems like it . . . or as good as he can be, yo," Reno soothed, "But you'll get to see for yourself. We're heading to Gongaga tomorrow morning. Zack wanted me to ask if you could talk to his parents. Doesn't want to give 'em a stroke or something."

"Of course. Oh Gaia," Cissnei groaned, "What am I going to say to them?"

"I'm sure you'll think of something. Look, I gotta go, Ciss. See you soon, yo."

"Gee thanks. See you, Reno."

End Flashback

Rude nodded his agreement to Reno's statement.

"That would be wise," Tseng said after glancing at Rufus, "It will allow us to seek out some information while you're gone. I don't like leaving this go even for a few days."

"Then it's settled," Rufus stood, "We'll return first thing in the morning."

While Cloud and Rufus talked quietly, Callandra stood and drifted away from the group. Reno had managed to distract her but after the humor had worn off it had only made reality more painful. Tseng walked towards her and she tensed.

"It is sincerely good to see you again, Callandra," Tseng said, "Even if you seem to have mixed feelings."

Sighing, Callie ran a hand through her hair. "It's not really you, Tseng, so, please, don't take it personally."

"Tseng," Zack called, "Got a minute?"

The Turk nodded. "I will see you tomorrow, Callandra," he said as he turned and walked towards Zack.

Jade colored eyes darkened in pain as the swept across the room and the small groups that had formed. Truly, she was glad deep in her heart that Tseng and Reno were alive and even Rufus. But it hurt. She watched as Reno made a remark that caused Cloud to roll his eyes and Tifa to raise a hand to cover a grin. Rufus groaned. Tseng and Zack were by the door speaking quietly but earnestly. Rude and Elena stood by Vincent and Yuffie and the two women were making derogatory remarks about someone named Don Corneo.

What was she doing here? This was only going to open old wounds. Even now, she could feel several of them beginning to bleed. The good memories hurt as much as the bad. Yet, her eyes locked on Zack as his features softened and he smiled fondly at the head Turk, how could she leave?

Needing to escape, Callandra dashed quietly up the stairs and crept down the hall to the room she had slept in before. Closing the door behind her, she spotted her duffel in the corner of the room. Crossing to it, she sat it on one of the beds and dug out the picture. Shaking fingers ghosted tenderly across the faces of the men she had loved. Suddenly, the room felt too small. Jade eyes locked on the window and wrenching it open, she easily swung herself onto the roof with one hand, the other holding onto the picture protectively.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Tseng and Zack watch Callandra move swiftly up the stairs. A quick look at Reno showed he was also aware of the woman's silent departure.

"I wish I knew how to help her," Zack sighed.

Some things never change, Tseng thought warmly. "She is a proud woman," the Turk said quietly, "Callandra will not accept help until she is ready to do so."

"I've seen what happens when people are too proud to let someone help them," Zack retorted, "I don't want to see it happen again. Not to her."

"Tread carefully, Zack," Tseng warned, "If you push too far, she will push back."

"You and Reno sound like you know her pretty well," Zack observed.

"Yes and no," Tseng said. "We know her in the way of battle comrades - of people who have fought together. We protected each other's backs when it was necessary. We were one of the few people who knew who she was and who she didn't have to hide around. Yet, there were only three people with whom she was completely open."

"Zack." Rufus approached, ending the conversation. "When you . . . disappeared, ShinRa seized the contents of your bank account. It was quite substantial at the time. I will see everything that was yours returned to you. I'll have the account number for you tomorrow."

"I don't need anything from ShinRa," Zack said, eyes narrowing.

"Perhaps," Rufus said calmly, "But it isn't ShinRa's. It's yours. Think of it as stolen property. Allow me to make some small amends by returning it to you."

"I don't owe you anything," Zack warned.

"No," Rufus agreed, "You don't."

"Then . . . fine, I guess. It is mine after all," Zack agreed reluctantly.

"Excellent. We will see you tomorrow then. Tseng." Rufus lead his contingent towards the door.

Tseng nodded respectively. "Tomorrow, Zack."

"See ya."

Once Rufus and his Turks were gone, Cloud sighed. "What a mess."

"I'm sorry to drag you all into this," Zack said.

"This Koyoto would likely make trouble whether you had come or not," Vincent pointed out.

"Still, I feel bad," Zack scratched his head.

"Well, don't," Cloud scolded. He frowned. "Where's Callandra?"

"Headed upstairs a few minutes ago," Zack shrugged.

"Girl's like a damned cat," Cid grumped.

"This has to be confusing for her," Tifa said as she started to gather the glasses.

"I'm going to go check on her," Zack decided.

"Give it a few minutes," Tifa laid a hand on his arm. "Give her some time to compose herself."

Slowly, Zack nodded. Tseng and Tifa were right. Callandra was proud and tat pride was what had kept her going the last few years. It had also taken a beating lately. The brunette understood what it was like to have nothing left but one's pride.

He ran his hand through his hair tugging slightly with frustration. I miss you, Aerith. You always knew what to do in these situations.

You'll figure it out, Zack, the beloved voice swept through his mind like a warm breeze, You always do.

I won't let you down, Zack thought, with a slight nod.

You never have.

"Zack?"

Blinking, the ex-SOLDIER found the others watching him worriedly. He smiled. "I'm okay."

Cloud's eyes brightened in understanding. "She gave you a pep talk, huh?"

"Yeah," Zack chuckled wistfully. He sighed. "Okay, I'm going up."

"Good luck," Tifa grinned.

Rolling, violet eyes, Zack sprint up the stairs, Pausing, he knocked, then opened the door of the room he'd slept in earlier. The room was empty. Zack froze, then slumped in relief when he spotted Callandra's duffle on one of the beds. A breeze danced through the room drawing his gaze to the open window.

Lightly, Zack climbed out the window and swung himself onto the roof. Though she had no doubt heard him, Callandra made no move to acknowledge his presence. She sat alone, knees drawn to her chest and her spiced hair falling around her in a protective curtain. In her hands Callandra clutched the picture Zack had seen before though the jade eyes seemed to stare through it.

Moving quietly across the roof, Zack sat down next to her; one leg raised, and rested his arm on his knee.

Callandra tensed as Zack eased down beside her but slowly she felt the tension ease when he said nothing. For a long time, they simply sat, Zack staring out over Edge and Callandra staring at the photograph cradled tightly in her hands. Tender fingers ran over the beloved faces. She thought of the pain of losing them and the bittersweet joy of seeing Tseng and Reno again. She'd wandered alone for years. Now, old friendships beckoned and new ones danced temptingly within reach.

"I'd forgotten," Callandra whispered, more to herself than Zack.

"Forgotten what?" Zack coaxed, turning towards her. He ducked his head in an attempt to meet her eyes.

Glancing at the brunette Callie sighed. "I've been hiding," she shook her head, "I've been so consumed by my pain over Angeal, Genesis, a-and Sephiroth, that I forgot how much I respect Tseng and how Reno always made me laugh."

Wavy, spiced locks obscured her vision as she bowed her head. "I wish I hadn't remembered," she said ashamed. "It hurts more now. I don't know how to stop running," she cried, looking up at Zack, "I'm so confused."

Zack's sky blue eyes were sympathetic and Callie could see that the ex-SOLDIER was considering his words carefully.

"Maybe it hurts because you're afraid. You've spent years convincing yourself that you've lost everything – and I know you've lost a lot - but now you're not alone. At least you don't have to be and you're just afraid of getting hurt again."

Callandra allowed Zack to place his hands on her shoulders. She smiled faintly at their warmth.

"You're a lot strong than you think," Zack said fiercely.

"How do you know?" Callie demanded, "We just met a few days ago."

"Because you survived," Zack said earnestly, "That alone took guts. And," he smiled, "You're NOT hiding anymore. You're here now, aren't you?

"I am, huh?" Callie said, nodding.

"Yeah, you are. You're in a weird situation that'd be hard for anyone but, you're here and you're fighting." Zack released her shoulders. "And even if I can't always I understand. I'll always listen. And I know Cloud and Tifa would too."

"They're good people," Callie admitted, "They all are," she hesitated, "They're a family. I – I like them."

"I'm glad," Zack smiled gently.

Slowly, Callie uncurled from her previous huddle and, when Zack held out an arm, leaned tentatively into Zack's side. Zack wrapped an arm around her shoulders as they fell back into the comforting silence as the last of the sun's ray faded from the evening sky.


And there you are. I know I said I'd update Second Chances before this one but the Dante and Vergil muses aren't cooperating. However my Zack muse was very cooperative so here we go. Please be sure to let me know what you think. I took some chances in this chapter and I hope it works.

Amberblood: Yeah, I have a love/hate type of thing with Rufus. We'll see if he manages to behave himself in this story.

Shade the bat: LOL. Yeah, gotta love Reno. There's lots of him in this chapter. Hope you liked it.

Cit of Dis: I hope I did as well with keeping them all in character as I did in the last chapter. The interaction between Zack and Callie was tricky. I'm trying not to rush things. Let me know how I did.

: Thanks! Glad you like it.