Chapter 21

Rufus sat across from his older brother Lazard. The events of last night still fresh in both of the brothers' mind. Rufus wore a small smile on his lips as he listened to Lazard recount what happened at the Gainsborough house.

"Well I was visiting my mother when I saw Aerith dragging Tifa to her house. The girl was clearly knocking at death's door; luckily for her I had basic medical training,"

"Thank you again Lazard, for saving her life,"

"Honestly, all I did was removing those blasted bullets. She started healing herself and Aerith finished the job," Lazard said with a shrug, but Rufus shook his head,

"No, you saved her. Hollander said so, and I don't know what I~"

"I know, Rufus. It was a good thing I was there. Well, this is the part you might be most interested in my dear brother," the older man spoke in a dramatic flair, "Yes, I know you are dying with suspense,"

"Lazard it is too early for theatrics, just spit it out," Rufus groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"Hmm. If you insist," Lazard pushed his glasses up his nose, "Tifa, in her disoriented state, thought I was you,"

Rufus leaned forward in his seat, "Are you serious? What did you say?"

"I kept trying to correct her of course, but she thought I was you. She insisted on calling me Rufus, and she admitted to wanting to get to know you as well,"

Rufus chuckled, leaning back into his seat. He swiped his hair out of his face. Lazard smirked at him, enjoying his brother's overwhelmed state.

"What? No retort? No arrogant remark?" Lazard rested his chin on his clasped fingers, "You really do love her don't you?"

Rufus locked eyes with Lazard, "I'm not sure? I almost lost her last night and the thought of that brings a cold feeling inside of me," he paused, licking his lips, "I have never felt this way about another female, so . . ." he trailed off, smiling to himself.

"Well, perhaps there is hope for you after all,"

"I have this luncheon today and . . ."

Lazard raised a brow, "and what?"

"I want to take her with me . . . as my plus one,"

"You want to take Tifa, Princess of Wutai, to a very public luncheon that will probably be broadcasted on all the major networks? I thought we were trying to keep her hidden from Wutai knowledge?"

"Of course I'll call and have the networks pulled, but I want to spend time with her. Time that I doesn't include me having to threaten her or she threaten me. I want to get to know her Lazard," Rufus voice held a plea, "outside of Shinra Headquarters,"

Lazard shrugged his shoulder, "Why not, but make sure you keep her off the cameras, father would have a fit if he knew what you were planning,"

Rufus chuckled, bringing his arms to his chest, "I'm not worried about that old bastard,"

"Humph, do not be too arrogant," Rufus waved him off, leaning back into the chair, "I just have one more question for you,"

"Yes?"

"Just how are you going to get her to agree to this?" Lazard pursed his lips, leaning forward in his seat.

"I haven't figure that out yet,"

Both men looked from their conversation when Lazard's PHS began to ring. The older brother looked at the younger one,

"I have to take this, but think about how you're going to convince her,"

"Alright, she should be awake any minute now," Rufus said as he got up from his chair, and exiting the office.

Lazard took a deep breath before answering the PHS, "Prince Mishima how is my mother?" he sighed, nodding his head, "Yes, I have a meeting with the President in an hour," rolling his eyes, he stood from the desk, walking to the window. He peered out of it, not really seeing anything, "I will keep my end of the deal, you just keep yours," Lazard sighed, hanging up the PHS. He raked his hands through his thick blonde hair, "How am I going to pull this off?" he whispered, leaning his head against the cool glass.

Aerith opened her eyes to a dense and endless forest. The trees were all in parallel rows that seemed to never cross or end. She rubbed her arms as a chill traveled down her back.

"Hello!" she called out, looking around the forest. Her echo ricocheted into the vast area, flowing about the trees. "Huh," she mumbled, continuing on her path. The place seemed familiar to her but that was impossible, she'd never left Midgar. The sound of dead leaves crunched under her booted feet as she continued to make her way forward. As she walked, a figure stepped out from behind a tree, "Hey!" Aerith shouted, running towards the figure. She cried out as she tripped over a tree root, falling face first to the ground. The flower girl groaned, noticing a pair of bare feet standing in front of her, before the figure kneeled.

"Hello, Aerith," the figure greeted. The girl looked into the face of a beautiful woman with warm green eyes, and dark brown hair tied up at the top of her head, with bangs that defied gravity. The woman giggled, "It's nice to finally meet you,"

"Um . . . who are you? How did I get here?"

"Well you tripped over that tree root for starters," the woman replied, helping Aerith to her feet, "I'm Lucrecia,"

"Where am I?"

"The Sleeping Forest . . . it was once the forest of your people,"

Aerith gasped, "So you know what I am?"

"Yes, you are a Cetra, and a very powerful one I might add. You just don't know it yet,"

"What am I doing here?"

"Because Gaia wanted me to talk to you,"

Aerith mouth fell open, "This is a vision, isn't it," she asked looking at Lucrecia, who nodded her head, "I'm not really here, am I?"

"Aerith, the planet is crying, Gaia needs you,"

"Me? What can I do?"

Lucrecia smiled, reaching out to stroke the flower girl's cheek, "You have no idea what you're capable of do you?" she sighed, "Aerith you are a Cetra, the last of a noble race, and Gaia has chosen you to be her prophet,"

"Me? A prophet? There must be some sort of mistake," Aerith turned away from Lucrecia, who grabbed her shoulder, turning the flower girl back around.

"Yes, you are a prophet. You must convince Tifa of her role. That what I have told her is true,"

"Tifa was chosen by the planet too?"

"Yes, she was but she does not believe. You know what I am saying is true,"

Aerith nodded her head, looking down at her feet, "Yes, I do,"

"Good. Gaia speaks to you often but you have shut her out. You must learn to control your gifts, because as I said earlier, Gaia needs you. Be her voice, her eyes, and her avatar. Will you accept your role?"

Aerith opened her mouth to speak but closed it. Lucrecia smiled, grabbing her hand.

"Will you?"

"I don't know how?"

Lucrecia nodded, placing a hand at her temple, "Open your mind and you would have given your answer,"

Aerith closed her eyes, opening her mind just like her birth mother showed her, "Yes," she opened her eyes revealing glowing gold eyes. Lucrecia smiled, placing a kiss on her forehead,

"Thank you,"

Suddenly the surrounding area was yanked away from her, "Wait!" bright light spilled around her, forcing her to close her eyes.

Aerith jerked up in the bed, breathing heavily. She looked around into the eyes of Tifa, Cloud and Zack, who was holding her hand.

"What happened?"

Yuffie sighed, leaning against the railing in Tifa's room. The vast blackness above held a crescent moon and shimmering stars. There will be a new moon tomorrow. I wonder if Tifa can see the sky where she is. Yuffie thought, looking down to the palace grounds where she saw Wutai Knights patrolling. Turning her gaze outwards, Yuffie could see the lights of the city in the far distance, and to her left she could see the Da Chao Mountains. The faces of every Emperor or Empress of Wutai were carved into the mountain's sides. Yuffie reached into her pocket, pulling out the Aero Materia Tifa left her. She chuckled, remembering the note Tifa left with the treasure chest of materia.

"I did make good use of it today Tifa. Let's just hope that father heard me this time," The wind played with Yuffie's ebony hair, tossing it about. She clasped the materia tightly in her hand, "If Daddy or Uncle won't save you . . . then I will. Protocol be damned!"

"Careful daughter," Emperor Godo began, approaching his youngest daughter, who jerked around to look at him, "One might think you were staging a coup,"

Yuffie snorted, rolling her eyes to the palace grounds, "At least I'm trying to do something. Don't you even care?"

Emperor Godo stood beside her, leaning over the balcony, "What makes you think I don't care about my oldest daughter?"

"The fact that she isn't here gave me my first clue," Yuffie snapped, glaring at her father's smirking face, "how did you find me?"

"I looked," he retorted with a shrug. They looked at one another and smiled. "You were right Yuffie; I haven't done all that I can to bring her back, but not because she's adopted,"

"Then why?" Yuffie asked, standing up straight to meet her father's penetrating gaze. The Emperor was quiet, mulling over his response.

"Because I was trying to give Mishima his chance to bring her back,"

"He hasn't done a good job,"

"That, my dear one, is something we can agree on, but I gave him my blessing,"

Yuffie clicked her tongue, rolling her eyes away from her father. Godo leaned on the railing, watching the shifting of the guards.

"I gave Mishima three days to bring Tifa back to this palace," he looked over at Yuffie, who knitted her eye brows at him, "If she is not here in three days time, Wutai will declare war on Midgar. Unless something catastrophic pulls us into war, then we will wait three days,"

Yuffie smiled, "Thank you father," she leaned on her father's arm, "thank you,"

"She is our family Yuffie, it matters not how she came to be one of us. She is just as important to me as you and Mishima,"

"I know, Daddy, I know that now,"

Elfe rode the elevator to the first floor, stretching and flexing her muscles. After sleeping most of the past week, she felt so much better, especially after that relaxing shower. She combed her fingers through her damp hair, looking up as the elevator chimed and opened its doors. Elfe scrunched her nose up at the raven walking passed her. She noticed his black and purple uniform, differing greatly from the AVALANCHE gear. What has been going on since I've been gone? She saw Tierce and Kanos leaning against the wall, glaring at the Ravens walking back and forth.

"Tierce? Where's Shears?" Elfe asked grabbing the ebony skinned rebel's attention. He turned his angry dark brown eyes to the AVALANCHE leader.

"Fuhito sent him and Shalua to Rocket Town to get this guy named Cid and some more supplies," he softened his expression, "how you feelin'"

Elfe smirked, "A lot better,"

"Good enough to lead AVALANCHE again?" Kanos asked, running his hand through his wild red hair, "Because things haven't been going well since you been gone,"

Elfe frowned, looking from Tierce and Kanos, "What do you mean?"

"Well," Tierce began, locking eyes with Kanos, "did Shears tell you about the hostages?" Elfe shook her head no, "they're in there," he said, pointing to the door behind her.

"Are you serious? Hostages! That makes us no better than Shinra!"

"We know," Kanos replied, his turquoise eyes burning into Elfe.

"This ends now!" she declared, walking to the doors, entering the room. The Corel citizens turned to see what the commotion was about. Her mouth fell open, looking at the scared and angry people.

"As the true leader of AVALANCHE, am I so sorry for the discomfort you have suffered," he brown eyes flowed over the small group in front of her, "I had no idea this was going on while I was sick,"

"What the hell you mean you didn't know?!" Barret yelled at her from the corner of the room. Myrna held him back, shaking her head at him.

"I have been in an induced coma for the past week. Had I known that Fuhito was holding you all against your will, I never would have trusted him," she shook her head, "I'm letting you all go and we will be out of your town by night fall,"

"Elfe," the girl turned at the distorted voice, finding one of the SOLDIERS they took hostage in Midgar. Yishay? She thought as she looked at the Raven looking back at her, "Fuhito would like to see you,"

"What did he do to you?" she asked with a horrified expression on her face, but Yishay blinked back at her.

"I have been reborn. Fuhito needs to see you immediately," he replied in his scratchy distorted voice. Elfe grimaced at the Raven,

"I have nothing to say to him," she turned her attention to the hopeful group in front of her, "I am so very sorry,"

Yishay grabbed her arm, "He insists," yanking her out of the room, closing the door behind them. Elfe struggled against his iron grip. She saw Kanos and Tierce being hauled away by Ravens.

"Tierce! Kanos!" she called out to them and they looked back at her before disappearing from City Hall.

Tifa and Aerith sat side by side listening to Hollander explain the bracelets they were now forced to wear. Tifa stared at the silver bangle with disdain.

"In the event that you girls attempt another stunt like last night, this bracelet," he held it up for them to see, "will release cyanide into your blood stream, and you will have approximately three hours to return to Shinra for the antidote," he snapped one of the bracelets around Aerith's wrist. The Cetra glowered at the device, feeling the weight of it.

"Wow, I really feel like a guest now," Tifa retorted, meeting Hollander's annoyed gaze.

"It's for your own safety,"

"Our safety?" Aerith asked, holding her wrist for him to see, "If we try to return to our homes we will die, if we try to leave here we will die, please explain to me how this is for our safety?" she asked, glaring at Hollander. "No! It's for your safety!" Zack rubbed Aerith back, but she was beyond angry. Tifa looked over at the usually calm flower girl, and felt her own rage build.

"She has a point, Professor," Tifa began, "That excuse is pretty thin. You might have better luck with the truth," she sneered at the Doctor, "You don't want us to leave because we interest you. We're your Science Projects, aren't we?" Hollander frowned at the Princess, "Admit it you want to dissect us and find out how we tick! You want to know all you can to create more of us. We're brand new toys! AND I'M SICK OF YOU AND I'M SICK OF BEING HERE! GRRAA!" Suddenly the Princess pounced on Hollander, tackling him to the ground, "I WANT TO GO HOME NOW!" she wrapped her hands around his throat. He wheezed and gagged, clawing at her wrists.

"TIFA!" Cloud exclaimed, grabbing her waist.

"YOU CAN'T KEEP ME HERE AGAINST MY WILL! RELEASE US THIS INSTANT!"

Hollander snapped the bracelet around her wrist, and then pressed a button on his watch. Tifa groaned as electric currents surged through her body.

"AHHH, UGH!" Tifa screamed, falling backward into Cloud. He cradled her against him, rubbing her wrist.

"Calm down. This isn't the way," Cloud whispered to her. She whimpered, turning into his chest, breathing labored breaths. Hollander stood up, straightening his clothes.

"Sorry about that, Princess, but we can't let you go yet," his breathing slowed as he grabbed at his throat, that was forming bruises, "I forgot to mention that we have fail-safe to stop you from causing harm to yourself and others," He looked from Aerith to Tifa and both girls wore the same angered expression, "Ladies, I understand your frustration," he reached out a hand, grabbing hold of Tifa's, "I really do and I am sorry,"

Tifa caught his eyes, "Not yet," she leaned into his face, "but you will be," she hissed and the Professor pulled away, standing to his full height. Cloud wrapped his arms around Tifa tighter, placing a kiss on her forehead.

The group turned at Cissnei entering the hospital room. She gave a polite bow, before turning her attention to Tifa.

"Princess, Vice President Shinra requires an audience with you,"

"I don't want to see him,"

Cissnei bowed her head, "Forgive me your highness, but I am unable to disobey my orders,"

"What does he want, Cissnei?" Cloud snapped, pulling Tifa closer to him.

"Cloud, you know I am not at liberty to say," turning her gaze back to the Princess, "Please, my lord, if I could spare you from any discomfort I would,"

Tifa nodded in her direction, "I understand Cissnei," she replied, pulling from Cloud's embrace, "I'm ready,"

"Thank you my lord," Tifa followed Cissnei to the door, glaring at Hollander before catching eyes with her friends.

"Tifa?" Zack and Cloud asked at the same time.

"I'll be fine, don't worry,"

Elfe was hauled into the Mayor's office, coming face to face with Fuhito, whose normal tailored look had returned. He wore a black suit with a purple tie, his long black hair was pulled into a low ponytail, his polished spectacles rested neatly on his nose, and he stood poised with his arms behind his back. She took in his appearance and scuffed.

"What have you done to AVALANCHE while I was sick?" she glared at him, approaching the Scientist menacingly, "we don't directly attack innocent people!"

"I have done what needed to be done,"

"You're insane!"

Fuhito began to laugh, coming into Elfe's face, "Insanity is quite often confused with genius,"

"What is wrong with you?" she looked at the Ravens flanking either side of her, "What have you done to these poor people? You've made them into monsters!" she spat in disgust.

"I have allowed them to be a part of something great," he walked away with his arms clasped behind his back, "they are the perfect soldiers for my goddess's army. Warriors that never need to eat or sleep, who never get tired, when wounded they can heal themselves,"

"You're just like those disgusting Scientists at Shinra,"

Fuhito appeared before her so quickly she could not detect his movement until he backhanded her. Elfe fell into the chest of Yishay, who stood behind her.

"They cannot begin to fathom my greatness! Greatness that my goddess has allowed me to obtain," he grabbed her cheeks in one hand, yanking her to him, "Don't you ever compare me to those charlatans!" he pushed her away, taking a step back.

"I will stop you Fuhito,"

Fuhito bowed his head, before lifting his gaze to her, revealing glowing red eyes that burned into her, Silly child! You cannot hope to stop what you are not able to begin to comprehend. Elfe gasped, taking a step backward. The only reason you yet draw breath is because I allow it! The reason you live, Fuhito grabbed her glowing hand, is because you have this shard sewn into your filthy hand! You live because Zircoinade feeds off of your energy and I need him strong when I summon him! Do not try my patience little girl! Fuhito chuckled, releasing Elfe's arm.

"My, you managed to anger the goddess. She isn't very happy with you,"

"Who the hell was that?" Elfe asked, looking at her hand.

"My goddess. She speaks to me and me alone. I am her chosen one,"

"Fuhito?" Elfe began, catching eyes with the mad Scientist.

"Yes," he chuckled, "are you ready to believe now?"

Elfe shook her head, "You are a fool. She's using you and when she's done, your goddess will leave you to your fate,"

Fuhito growled at her, raising his hand to strike her again, but Elfe stood up against him, daring him to hit her. He dropped his hand, looking at the Ravens standing around her, "Put her with the rest of the hostages,"

The Ravens grabbed her by her arms leading her out of the office. Yishay stepped aside allowing them to exit. Fuhito looked at the Raven Yishay.

"Have you rounded the remaining AVALANCHE rebels in the hospital?"

"Yes,"

"Did you separate Tierce, Kyneugh, and Kanos from the others?"

"Yes, they are with Sebastian in the lab,"

"Excellent, I will join you in a moment,"

Yishay bowed his head before leaving out of the room. Fuhito rolled his eyes to the ceiling; Elfe's words struck a nerve. A psychic tendril caressed his cheek.

What troubles you my chosen?

Fuhito shook his head, "Nothing my goddess,"

Do not listen to her my love. She is desperate and seeks to divide us. I will never forsake you.

"I know my goddess,"

Rufus stood at the window, looking out into the darkening city. It is only 10:00 in the morning and night is all ready falling. It truly is the "Dark Nation" he chuckled at the thought, looking down at his panther sitting beside him. She looked up at him, yawning before turning back to the window. There was a knock on the door and Dark Nation was on her feet, approaching the door.

"Come!" he called out, looking out of the window. He saw Tifa and Cissnei enter and Dark Nation ran to Tifa, nuzzling her thigh. The Princess kneeled in front of the panther, scratching behind her ears. Rufus smiled at the sight.

"The Princess is here to see you Mr. Vice President,"

"Thank you, Cissnei," he said over his shoulder, "that will be all,"

Cissnei bowed her head, before exiting the office. Rufus closed the distance between Tifa and himself.

"How are you?"

Tifa scowled up at him from where she stroked Dark Nation's slick coat. Standing to her feet, "I am a prisoner that's how I am," she raised her wrist to show the bracelet, "you just finally stopped hiding that fact. This is a very lovely handcuff!"

"Princess~"

"No! I don't want to hear anymore of your deceit! You, your father, your whole damn organization and country are filled with nothing but liars! You are keeping me here against my will and calling me guest! You don't care what happens to me. You just want to use me and I am sick of it! I WANT TO GO HOME!"

"Tifa," he began, clenching his jaw but she interrupted him,

"Your people have kidnapped me, run all of kinds of tests on me, shot me, and nearly killed me, but you won't let me go home," she turned away from him, "you don't care what happens to me as long as you get what you want, and I don't even know what that is! You don't care~"

Before she could finish Rufus whirled her around, planting a kiss on her lips. She struggled against him, trying to jerk away but he wrapped an arm around her waist and neck, deepening the kiss, and despite herself she gave into him. He pulled away winded, leaning his forehead against hers.

"I do care about you. Last night . . ." he paused, catching his breath, "when you ran from me, I prayed, for the first time in years I prayed. I begged whatever god or goddess listening that they would keep you safe. That you wouldn't die. I . . ." he paused, catching her frightened eyes, "you are the most important person in my life, and I could not survive in this world if you were not in it!" Rufus snatched away from her, walking to the window. Tifa stood stunned, her feet glued to the floor. Dark Nation looked from Rufus to Tifa, before brushing against her leg. Tifa looked down at the panther.

"Why?" she asked cryptically, "why am I so important to you?"

"I don't know Princess," he sighed, leaning against the window, "you just are and I know you don't believe me. Why should you?" he turned to her, chuckling sardonically, "I'm a Shinra,"

Tifa mulled over the thoughts as she absent-mindedly stroked Dark Nation's head. She touched her lips, which were still throbbing, "For reasons that are beyond me . . . . Rufus, I believe you,"

He gave a smirk, walking back to the Princess, "I'll make you a wager,"

"A wager?"

"Yes," he nodded, leading her to the white leather sofa against the wall. "Would you like some water?"

"Sure," she replied, sitting down and Dark Nation sat by her legs, resting her head on Tifa's lap. Rufus's back was to her as he prepared her a glass of water, handing it to her before taking a seat beside her. She took a greedy gulp, looking at Rufus over the glass. He chuckled at her.

"Thirsty?"

Tifa giggled, after finishing the glass, "I did not realize how much,"

"Would you like some?"

"Yes, please," she grinned sheepishly. Rufus took the glass refilling it swirling the glass as he approached, offering the glass to her and she took a sip, "what is the wager?"

"Uh, yes, the wager," he grinned, leaning back into the cushions, "I realize that you are very angry with me and everyone here,"

"I am,"

Rufus chuckled, "Blunt as always, and are entitled to your furry, Princess, and so I will give you a chance to punch me in the face,"

"Ha! Are you serious?" Tifa asked, taking another gulp from the glass.

"Yes,"

Tifa tilted her head at Rufus, "What's the catch? You know I can't harm anyone without receiving a rather painful shock," she pointed to the bracelet, "which I learned today is quite unpleasant," she grimaced.

"What happened?"

Tifa giggled, "I choked Hollander in the hospital room," she admitted, looking at the young man beside her. Rufus and Tifa burst into a fit of laughter. "I was so angry!"

"You were angry," he chuckled.

"Yeah, I just wanted to hurt someone so they could understand how I feel,"

"Alright," he sniffed, "if you can land one blow to my face in sixty seconds, I will remove that bracelet, sneak you out of here, and take you back to Wutai myself,"

Tifa scuffed, rolling her eyes at Rufus, "That's a load of bull,"

"It isn't, I assure you,"

"What guarantees do I have," she narrowed her eyes at him.

"Tifa you have my word,"

Tifa snorted, shrugging her shoulder at him, "Okay, if for some unforeseen reason I don't hit you within sixty seconds,"

"Pretty confident aren't we?" Rufus interrupted, tucking his arms against his chest. Tifa nodded with a giggle.

"Yes, I am. No offense. You push pencils all day, while when I'm in Wutai I spend most of my day training," Tifa spoke proudly. Rufus swiped his hair, wearing a slight pout on his face. Tifa gave his leg a pat, "If you can avoid getting hit for sixty seconds what is your reward?"

Rufus smiled, "If I win, then you are mine for the rest of the day,"

Tifa leaned forward, swiping her hair out of her face, "No tricks?"

Rufus leaned forward too, "No tricks,"

"What about Aerith?"

"This deal is for you alone. My father will have my head for releasing you," he caught her eyes, "this is one time deal. I'm sure you can come up with a way to get Aerith out on your own," they shared a laugh, becoming serious once more, "what will it be my lady?"

"Alright," she began, standing to her feet, "I accept your terms," she put out her hand, "but I will be coming back for Aerith,"

"Well my gorgeous Princess," he said, standing with her, accepting her hand, "good luck, because you have to get through me first,"

"That won't be a problem,"

That's that my good people! I hope you enjoyed the new chapter. I'm in the process of editing the Journey. Chapters 1-3 have been overhauled. Alrighty then, enjoy! Adios!

~Auktober