Chapter 21

"M'lady," the boy bows in greeting. A short silver lock sways in front of his face and he sweeps it aside only for it to fall back in place. A girl, dressed in a simple ocean blue dress decorated with silver bells, giggles at the boy's expression. She curtseys back at the boy, the bells chiming sweetly at her movement, "Heath."

As she looks up at his face she caught sight of a slight blush on his cheeks. The boy, Heath, scratches the back of his neck in awkwardness as he tries to say what he had been practicing in front of the mirror earlier that morning. "U-um… It is my honor to be your escort again for today," Heath stammers as he tries not to look at the girl's clear green eyes.

The girl nods happily and replies, "Then, please take good care of me."

A man, most likely in his early thirties, smiles down at the same girl from before though this time she wears a plain nightdress of soft crème. She is sitting comfortably on his lap telling him something animatedly in a way only a child is capable of. The man laughs as she tries to mimic some sort of animal she had seen earlier that day. When she is done, the girl lets out a long yawn and rubs her eyes sleepily.

"I believe it is your bedtime now, my dear," the man says. He has one hand on the girl's head and the other under her arms holding her close. Gently he lowers himself down on the mattress with her in his embrace. The man adjusts the pillows around them and pulls on the blanket for warmth. The girl snuggles closer to him, her small hands clutching onto the man's clothe, and mumbles something under her breath.

"Good night, my little flower," the man whispers and places a gentle kiss on the crown of her head before letting slumber pull him in.

In what seems like a giant crater at the summit of Gaia's tallest mountain a woman appears. Clad in a simple robe so tattered and disheveled, the woman limps her way to a group of nomads. Blood drips from several wounds to the ground and when she was almost near the group, she faints from the blood loss.

A man with flaming red hair and emerald eyes step out from the group of nomads and approach the woman. "What happened here? And who are you?" he asks calmly. The woman struggles to stay awake and when she answered, her voice is cracked. "Please… help… a star fell… from the skies and… it crashed into the peak here. My name… is…"

Loud bellowing echoes through the forest of glowing ash white trees followed closely by multiple gunshots and clashes of metal on hardened horns. Two figures leap in agile as each does their best to avoid the barrages of spells and charging aimed at them. The gigantic bull relentlessly summons one element after another in a rage.

Nero shoots one last time before putting both guns back in their holster. He had been shooting none stop for a while now and has run out of ammunitions. Weiss stops beside him and they both share a look. They were about to attack again when a deep voice explodes in their mind.

"Enough! Foolish humans do not stand in my way any longer!"

The bull summon stomps the ground with its enormous hoofs sending a light quake through the forest floor. It huffs loudly and glares at the brothers. "You are able to speak." Nero and Weiss stand firm in their place, muscles still tense and ready for anything. The elder of the two steps forward, his gunsword held ready, and says, "Then I'll have you know you'll not be getting past us."

"Fools! Then you have doomed us all to destruction," the summon roars. Sparks of electricity flicks off from its hide while flames lick up from its hooves. "Move aside!" With that the summon casts its elemental spells in succession and charges through the wall of flame for the exit behind the brothers.

Weiss curses under his breath and chases after the bull, Nero following immediately behind him. When they left the Sleeping Forest behind a pillar of light erupts from the lake; Weiss and Nero skids to a halt in their running to shield their eyes from the blinding glow. When their eyes adjusted to the brightness they realize it is the Lifestream itself that had burst forth.

"Father," a girl calls out. The man is surrounded by others in the middle of a discussion. He waves her over and she sits beside him, fidgeting nervously as her emerald eyes – much like everyone else's – darts from one person to the other before looking up her father. Sensing her discomfort the man places a reassuring hand on her head.

"What is it little flower?"

"Mother is crying… is Mother in pain?" Tears are brimming in her eyes as she wrings her hands tightly. Everyone in the room is silent as they listen to the father-child conversation. "I hear her cries even now… Father, can we not do anything to help Mother?"

"We are doing everything we can right now my child, but we do not know what the cause is for Mother's grieve yet."

"Will it go away…?"

Everyone is silent in the room. Only the flapping of the tent's canvas fills the silence.

"I wonder how best should I kill you?" the supposed Cetra ponders as she stands before the unconscious girl. "Hmm, should I take my sweet time? Too bad the boy is not around…" – the woman lets out a soft chiming laugh – "t'would be fun to do it again." She paces slowly around the girl much like a predator stalks in prey.

"Ah, I suppose we could always do that…"

The air continues to plummets to abnormal temperature and shards of ice begin to form on the ground much like stalagmite. Some even takes shape in the air like spears aimed at the girl. "Shame I would not be hearing your screams like your brethrens before you."

The woman then raises her hand and the ice spears still in mid air; when she lowers her hand it seemed as if time slowed down. Puffs of condensed breath escapes in slow motion; the shards' dive taking nearly forever; and the water's surface erupting too fast…

Genesis had been feeling uneasy about something from the moment they'd entered the Forgotten Capital. The Goddess had not made any contact with either him or Samantha for some time now. Just as he is about to reach the base of the stairwell the building shook violently. Genesis braces himself until the tremor ends and when it did he runs back the way he had come from.

Something isn't right, he thought to himself. Aside from the forest's Guardian and Jenova's appearance much earlier things had been strangely quiet. Not that it is a bad thing but the ex-SOLDIER could not shake off the bad vibe he'd been feeling.

When Genesis finally arrives at the entrance he skids to an abrupt halt. Ghostly green mists floods the floor from the lake; someone is encased in an orb the Lifestream made. A cry of agony catches his attention and he turns to see the one who called herself their guide struggling from the merciless grip of the Lifestream. Before he could react to any of these, the Guardian of Sleeping Forest charges in from among the trees with a deafening bellow. Static of electricity gathers from the tip of its horns as it readies itself for another charge. Instinctively, Genesis unsheathes his rapier and prepares himself for the strike but what he had not expected was for the Guardian to speak.

"You will not escape this time, Calamity of the Skies!" And with that, the Guardian charges at the guide. A roar of lightning erupts and it is all Genesis could do to cast a Shell on himself and brace against the overwhelming force. When the dusts have settled once more to the ground Genesis straightens from his crouching.

"Insolent creature!" The voice is decidedly female yet it is echoed by hundred other voices. It was a voice that sends shivers of discomfort in Genesis. "You will not stop me from my goal!"

Vile tentacles – semi-liquid in state and murky like sewer water – shoots forth skyward before arching down and skewering the Guardian. The beast lets out a painful roar as its rear legs were pierced through.

Genesis is at a loss of what to do. Why does the Ancient uses Jenova-like abilities? Why has the Lifestream suddenly gotten so thick here? And why did the Guardian call her the 'Calamity of the Skies'?

It can't be…

"Genesis, you must stop her…" Genesis looks up at that, surprise and confusion on his face. "Minerva? What is going on here?"

"The Calamity – Jenova – is planning on killing my sister. You must stop her."

"Jenova…" Genesis did not realize the Tsviet brothers beside him until then, lost as he was in his thoughts and conversation with the Goddess.

"Genesis," Weiss calls from beside the man. "What is happening here?" Nero observes the fight ensuing in front of them; his magenta eyes follow the movements with practiced ease.

"I'll explain later," Genesis says as he looks around searching for his sister, "For now we have to get Samantha in the temple first."

Then he sees her unconscious inside the orb of green mist he'd seen earlier. Without hesitating he rushes to her side. As if sensing his presence the Lifestream withdraws from around her, lowering her gently until she was in his arms. Her skin is cold and pale, the tips of her fingers turning grey and her lips blue as if she'd been buried under the snow for hours.

"You'll not succeed in your quest! I will have this planet as mine!"

Before he could move vines of sickly green whips in his direction and wraps itself to his legs. Genesis stumbles before righting himself quickly and cast a Fira spell at the semi-liquid substance. Freed of the vines, Genesis immediately runs in the direction of the temple. Never once did his grip falter even as he is forced to dodge more of those sickening vines sent his way.

Weiss and Nero follow from behind him as they retreat to the temple interior. The fight made the walls tremble from the shock and debris rain around the men. They could hear the screams and roars from the battle outside, though muffled from the walls were still loud and near deafening.

WRO soldiers are everywhere after the battle at Edge. The main plaza was where the most damage was; buildings were either brought down to their foundation or damaged beyond repair. The streets were equally damaged with the worst done at the heart of the battle.

Most of AVALANCHE members are going around the city to help wherever they could. The civilians are all evacuated and housed at the warehouses on the outer ring of Edge. Tifa, Cloud and Barret has gone with the children as well.

Chaos stands on the roof of 7th Heaven – or at least what was left of it after the fight. A black feather in one hand, Chaos shifts into his human form. He had stood here for what seemed like hours now. Try as he might he could not hear the Planet's voice.

"Why won't you answer me?" he whispers more to himself. The wind caresses his cheek, biting cold though he does not feel it.

"Chaos." Vincent emerges from the shadow behind the demon. His cape hardly making a sound even when the wind blew it. Chaos does not turn around. "We are about to leave on Cid's airship in an hour. You know where it is." With that Vincent leaves him alone to his thoughts.

It is not until several more minutes before Chaos leaves his spot. He remains in his human form as he cross the streets and made his way to the outskirts of Edge. They were all waiting for him onboard Shera, both WRO and AVALANCHE members.

Reeve is in the middle of a discussion with Cid and Vincent when he entered the bridge. Yuffie is the first to notice his entrance and calls out to him. Shelke gives him a silent nod before staring out the glass again. Cait Sith is riding Nanaki's back complaining about something. Both turn to look in his direction when Yuffie calls out only to seem confused.

"Hey, lass I think you need to get your eyes checked," Cait says as he looks at Yuffie then back at Chaos. Cait points a gloved finger in his direction and continues, "That there is a man not the devil in flesh."

"There's nothing wrong with my sight, cat! And that is Chaos." The ninja huffs in annoyance at the doll.

"I'm telling you that can't be the demon!"

"But their scent is similar," Nanaki looks at Chaos, perplexed at the similarity and difference. Most of the staff on the bridge has stopped in their task to look at the commotion. Even Reeve is looking at them from his place with Cid and Vincent.

Chaos sighs and drops the illusion on his form. His pale human skin melts away to the harden smoothness of his demon form, his claws stretching out from his fingers and his fangs extending behind his lips. His wings stretch out to its full length before folding back behind him.

Everyone in the room now stares in silence at the transformation. Chaos ignores them and walks towards where the captain of the airship is behind the wheel. "We are heading for Ajit. There should be answer there as to what is going on. At the very least it's the best place to check first," Chaos says, his face an expression of calm.

"The Forgotten Capital?" Cid arcs a brow at him. "Guess I shouldn't be surprised with that place being involved all the time."

"Do you think we'll find her there?" Vincent speaks up from beside the pilot. Chaos shakes his head, his face a solemn mask. "I wouldn't know for sure."

Just as he turns around from the group of men Reeve calls out to him. "Chaos, do you mind if speak with for a moment?" Chaos looks at the man and nods briefly. Then he walks down from the helm and move to the open deck. Reeve follows him behind without questions. When they are outside the sliding doors shut in behind Reeve giving them some semblance of privacy.

Reeve clears his throat before he begins. "I heard from Vincent about your… confession." Chaos narrows his eyes at that and Reeve quickly says, "He didn't tell me anything private aside from your story of Samantha's background. And I just wanted to confirm some things with you. If that is alright with you."

They are silent for a long while before Chaos nods curtly. Reeve lets out a breath at that. "I am told you knew personally her when she was a child?" Chaos nods, warily this time, "Can you perhaps tell me more about her?"

"What do you wish to know?"

"Is it true that she is a pure Cetra? A full-blood instead of a half-blood much like Aerith."

Chaos nods again silently.

"Is it common for your race to be gifted in cultivating the land?"

"Many are mistaken about the true essence of our abilities. Our real ability is to control the Lifestream. With the Planet's guidance we are able to make a land fertile by helping the Lifestream flow wherever we wished it. But the ability is not limited to only cultivation. The usage of materia is another form of our ability. I do not blame you for the common misconception of a Cetra's ability." Reeve nods this time. "I suppose you are wondering about her ability to make plants grow around her."

"Yes. Aerith was able to cultivate a small patch of land to grow her flowers in that church. But I remember seeing flowers sprouting out of the snow around Samantha when she was a child. Do your abilities differ so much?"

"No, normally a single Cetra is able to do exactly what Aerith did but Lady Samantha is different. She had always been different from the rest of us being born directly by the Planet. Her connection to Gaia and thus her ability to control the Lifestream is stronger than an individual Cetra. Is there a reason for your questions?"

"Hm? Ah, Prof. Gale had a discussion with me once about the abilities of an Ancient. I never got the chance to find out the answer to his question then. But you've help clear it up now." Reeve seemed lost in his thoughts for a moment before turning his attention back to Chaos again. "Rather I have another question for you. It has been bothering me for a long while now. Why is Jenova trying to destroy our world?"

Chaos is silent for a very long time, his eyes shut almost in pain it seems if Reeve didn't know him better. "You already know how and when that creature came to Gaia, but to tell you the reasons… if any of us had even known – or that she had one for that matter – I'm afraid it is not something I know.

"It happened a few years after she had been born. About four years to be precise. Things had been peaceful until that fateful night. None of us would have expected it to happen – none of us even saw it coming until it was too late."

"Do you hear it, Heath?" a little girl asks as she looks at the boy sitting crossed leg beside her. The boy looks at her in confusion. "Hear what, princess?"

They are in an open field, the girl sitting under the shades of a singular pearl-smooth tree and the boy on guard by her side. The place looks like an underwater world fantasy brought to life; lilies and lily of the valleys in every shades of color surrounds the place with lavenders and tulips in between them. The place glows an ethereal glow, soft and magical, from every available surface.

"Mother is in pain again. She says it hurts and that the wound isn't healing," the girl answers, pain and worry cloud her deep emerald eye. "What is it that has hurt Mother? Why won't it heal? Can't the adults do something about it?" Her sudden questions catch him unprepared and Heath doesn't know what to say. Even his father hasn't told him anything other than to always stay by the princess's side.

"I don't know…" he answers honestly. He had heard the adults whispering of a giant rock having fallen from the skies and landed somewhere far north of the Continent three days ago. Heath shivers as he recall that night.

He was about to call it a night and return to his room when the wind had died out so suddenly and Gaia's lullaby silenced. It had everyone perplexed and nearly panicked. Nothing breathed, nothing moved. Even the animals and plants had gone still as if time had somehow forgotten how to flow. Then without a warning a surge of power, pain, madness, and fear burst forth in a wave of force. Hundreds and thousands and millions of screams forced their way into his and many others' head. Every bird flew off from the nearby forest and the animals fled the grasses and trees. Then just as suddenly as it came it died off after a long while.

Every available knight had left immediately to investigate, including his father and the Leader. On to their Chocobos they rode and out of the city. The ones left behind were given orders from the Leader to not leave the city and be alert. They had yet to return even now after three days and won't be returning for another four days. Heath has not left the princess's side on those days.

When the knights and the Leader had finally returns a heavy air of foreboding cloaks them. The people gather at the lake by the temple and watch their arrival. One knight dismounts and with him is a stranger wrapped in a thick blanket. A woman from the little features and the length of that silver hair spilling from the blanket of what Heath can see. The princess runs to her father's side when the man himself dismounts. There are mummers from the crowd gathered.

"Who is that?" one voice whispers.

"… A woman? Do you think she's a survivor…?" another voice says.

"What do you think happened?"

The knight carrying the stranger ignores the whispers and instead moves swiftly to the temple – possibly to the infirmary. The Leader holds his daughter in tight embrace as he carries her and steps in the direction of the temple. Heath spies his father amongst the other knights – now all dismounted from their Chocobos – and makes his way to the man.

"Father, is everything all right?" Heath asks, concern laces his words and face. His father looks weary and burdened with something that can only be grave news. The man shakes his head and places his hand heavily on the boys shoulder. But he does not look at his son for long as he looks up at the crowd gathered upon their return and takes a deep breath.

"Sons and Daughters of Gaia, hear! Gather in the Temple and the Leader shall tell of our journey to the North. Pass this to your families and have everyone gathered by sunrise on the morrow," Sir Oswald says, his deep voice echoing loud and clear for all to hear despite his own exhaustion. Then he and his men, along with Heath march into the temple.

"Everyone, I fear our Mother is in grave danger. A week ago, I and a few of my brave knights travelled to the North of our continent immediately after the incident," the Leader begins. Everyone in the city has gathered in the temple; men and women, adults, elderly and children. Each had woken with dread and anticipation of what the Leader would tell them. Now they listen with baited breath as the Leader continues his recount,

"Brothers and Sister, that night you have felt what none of our ancestors had felt in our long history. Our connection to Mother had been severed and taken away from our gift we knew not what to do.

My men and I, we rode hard to the source of that pandemonium and there we were greeted with destruction of unimaginable scale. A crater with an endless pit, the land surrounding it was aflame and nothing had been spared. We found a survivor though that we brought with us upon our return. According to her, a star had fallen and crashed to the ground. A star that has left a gaping wound on Mother and has deafened our ears of Mother's voice."

Hushed murmurs echoes amongst the people gathered. Some are pale beyond shock and some prayed in the Cetran tongue. But the Leader does not stop. If anything he looks solemn and grave as does his voice as he continues.

"Children of Gaia, 'tis not the time for us to be idling by and lose hope in Mother. The Will has spoken and her words are thus: Rise, my Brothers and Sisters, and give Mother our prayer to help Her mend the wound from the star. We are to depart from Ajit on the day after morrow; the children will stay behind with the elderly and mothers along with few of the knights to guard our sacred home.

Make your preparations and when the time comes, we depart for our mission."

A/N: I profusely apologize for the long absence of update dear readers. I haven't been able to write lately since my exam had just finished early this month. Must be my anxiety killing my imaginations lately. I'm having a hard time trying to get this story to the ending I want. That and I had been in the progress of fixing my original story. So I've pretty much neglected this story for a long time now.

But don't worry, as I have mentioned before, I won't abandon this story though updates will be very inconsistent and infrequent. And as usual, please leave me reviews of your opinions! Because of the long pause between updates I'm afraid there might be inconsistency in my story. Plus English isn't my native language so if there are any mistakes – in grammar or spelling – please point them out to me as well.