*Warning! * - This chapter is darker. Sex, language, violence and nudity present.

You are warned.

I do not own FFVII characters – though I wish I did. lol

I do own my own character – Jalyne

Chapter 7 – The Separation

Reno had joined Tseng and Elena with Rufus. He was furious with the President, yet he didn't quite know why.

"What did you do to her?" Reno spat.

"I did nothing but test her skill."

"Bullshit!"

"Reno!" Tseng scolded.

"No, boss," Reno said turning to him. "He did something to her to shift her mood."

"And who's to say she didn't do something to me." Rufus commented slyly, hesitating in thought. "If you must know, we shared a kiss."

Reno's eyes went wide, and he felt a feeling he has never had – and he couldn't decipher it. He turned his back, clenching his fist. Rude walked in and strode to the group, glancing hesitantly at Reno mood.

"Nothing yet." Rude reported. "He's being tight-lipped."

"Find out what you can, but it is of no importance." Rufus shrugged. "You, Elena and the slum rat will head to Gongaga. Rumors are that there is a huge Materia that could help against Sephiroth. Tseng will head to Junon to prepare for my inauguration ceremony."

"And Jalyne?" Reno growled.

"She will escort me to Junon." Rufus stated brushing a stray hair out of his eyes. "You're to leave tonight." He added.

"Where are the ladies?" Rude asked suddenly. They all looked around in astonishment that they did not even notice the two Turks were gone. Reno grabbed Rude by the arm and stormed out of the office.

Jalyne stumbled through her door not caring whether she shut it or not. She was in pain and turmoil. She reached her bedroom and collapsed in the chair adjacent her bed. Reno's faint scent mixed with whiskey hung in the air from the previous night. Her eyes watered up. She was afraid of this feeling, whatever it was she felt for Reno – She was not sure, yet. Kissing Rufus was a mistake, she knew as it did not hold any emotion except power and dominance. She also did not like the feeling of being used for her energy. She unconsciously rubbed her shoulder, noticing the wound was closing, though the pain lingered. Her mind wandered, and memories surfaced unbidden.

"Daughter?"

"Yes, Father?"

"How is training?" He turned to her from the window he was looking through. His long black hair flowing freely down his back. His armor was ornate and intricate and bore the emblem of a black dragon encircling a cloud of stars.

"Fine, I suppose." Jalyne replied indifferently.

"Steel your heart, Jalyne."

"I just don't see what the point is for certain…skills." She commented. "I'm one of the best fighters, Father."

"Not one of the best." He chuckled. "The Best. However, subterfuge is a skill that is extremely useful."

"I know that, Father." She said coming to stand with him. "But using sex to get information…"

"Ah… True Love and the Soul Forge does not exist, Jalyne. Only simple and carnal pleasures. And using those pleasures can unlock a man's or a woman's intentions and prevent wars." He stated walking and sitting on his throne. "Order and perfection must be upheld. How is Marksen treating you? I see the mark he left you."

Jalyne snorted at the question. "He is adequate. And you mean Dominance, Father." She instinctively rubbed her neck and came to stood on his left. The generals were on their way for a briefing. The Lehans had started taking more lands from the Trerrans. He laughed at her statement.

"Yes, Jalyne, Dominance. Steel your heart and learn to lock your emotions away. There is no place for them here. Please understand that not all people are like this, only the ones in power. But it is the ones in power that keep the order."

Jalyne considered those words. She had never been out in the commons as the Emperor kept her shielded in her childhood. Now at 20, she joined the political fronts and games.

A Courtier ascended the steps of the throne room in a hurry. "My Emperor." He said and bowed. "The Lehans have mobilized on the northern planes. We believe they will attack soon."

"Hm. Thank you, Detierre." He looked at his daughter then, his violet eyes narrowing. "Jalyne?"

She waited until Detierre left before sighing and answering the Emperor. "I suppose you want me to handle it?"

"Yes." He thought for a moment. "Blonde, Jalyne."

With a sigh again, Jalyne stepped in front of her father. With a flick of her wrist, the energy flowed through her, materializing and molding her with new clothes, weapons and hair. She turned, showing her father. "Good enough, father?" she asked.

With a chuckle, he stood and touched her cheek. "You are the only one that can do that, my daughter." He sighed. "Trayvor should be the one leading them. Seduce him and find out what his plans are."

"And what of Jurvien?"

"He should be there but be careful. We have not ascertained how powerful he is."

I remember how I felt then. The defiance and determination, and the emotions. Father always said I had too much of mother in me.

Jalyne opened her eyes, letting her tears flow. It was then that she realized she was not alone. Looking up she saw Elena waiting for her.

"Are you okay?" Elena questioned taking a step forward.

"No." Jalyne whispered. She struggled to stand, knowing she needed to wrap her shoulder and clean it up. She reached up and unclipped her bodice and made her way to bathroom. Elena followed to help.

"Jalyne, what happened?" Elena asked softly, taking the washcloth from her hand to clean Jalyne's shoulder.

"Rufus kissed me." She replied shortly and her eyes darkened. "I-I'm not sure what to think about it."

"Rufus really did that?" Elena gasped. "I suppose it wasn't in thanks, judging by your reaction."

"No. It was before I got shot."

"Elena?" a voice said from doorway. Jalyne turned her head, she did not want to see Reno right now. "Go get ready. We leave in an hour. I'll brief you on the way to Gongaga."

Hiding her surprise, Elena stood. "Yes, Sir." She turned to Jalyne and whispered softly. "Keep the bandage on for a while. We'll talk when I return." She noticed Reno's look and his clenched jaw. "Reno, don't. She's hurting."

"And I'm not?" Reno snapped quietly. Elena sighed and left concerned for her friend. After a minute of gazing at her to calm down, he spoke. "Will you be okay?"

"I'm not sure." She replied honestly. "I do not like this feeling." Reno steeled his expression and knelt to eye level. Jalyne glanced away, afraid to meet his eyes.

"Jalyne, look at me." Reno commanded a little harsher than he wanted. Jalyne met his eyes slowly. "Push it down, the best that you can. I know that this is new to you, how the Turks function. We are at the disposal of Rufus."

"It is not new to me, Reno." She replied, eyes hardened. "However, it seems to be my fate."

Reno reached into his pocket and pulled a vial and handed it to her, choosing to not inquire about her statement. "This will help with the pain and healing," his hands lingered on hers. "but it can put you to sleep."

"What is it?"

"Hi-potion with a drop of sleep. You need to rest. You've been pushing hard."

"I don't want to sleep. I've slept enough in exile." She paused. "Reno?" He raised an eyebrow in recognition. "I'm sorry."

"You have nothing to be sorry about." Reno said. He studied her a moment trying to gauge her reaction before continuing. "I have to leave. Rufus is sending us to Gongaga."

"And what of me?" she asked quietly.

"You're to stay and escort him to Junon tomorrow." Reno gritted through his teeth. "He will come get you in the morning." The wave that hit Reno at that moment, made him sick. He could not contain the grimace that his face wore. Jalyne looked up and studied his face, noticing the expression.

"And he trusts me to protect him?" she questioned. "folita i na."

Reno reached out to touch her though she flinched lightly at the contact. Tears welled up again as her conflicting emotions took hold. Reno wanted nothing more than to hold or lay with her, just to calm her down. When she finally gazed into his eyes, she swallowed hard.

"I-I am not sure I can do this, Reno."

"Sometimes we must do the hard jobs, Jalyne. I do not like it anymore than you do." And with that, he stood. "I have to go." She nodded weakly and looked after him as he left.

Jalyne stood and looked at herself in the mirror. How red her eyes were and hair still having glass shards within its strands. She stripped and showered quickly, wanting to forget anything that had happened. Jalyne yearned for the red head to be there, wanting nothing but to feel him against her. She threw her silk robe on and settled on the bed, staring at the vial Reno had given her. Popping the cork and downing its contents, she waited for the effects to take effect, reflecting and sorting out her thoughts.

The chopper lifted off carrying three Turks to their next destination. Reno loved to fly and to be at the controls. It was one of the things that calmed him. His thoughts, however, were not calm. He did not like that Rufus kissed her. But why? Why would he be jealous that Rufus took an interest? Promiscuous as he is, it should not bother him who Jalyne kisses, or fucks for that matter. But her reaction to him was totally opposite. Jalyne seemed to enjoy it and wanted to explore the passion further. And then she flinched at his touch before he left. Was he dreaming that this happened?

Reno lowered the chopper outside of Gongaga. It was late and he needed sleep. Shutting the engines down, he waited a moment, breathing slowly and running his hands through his hair.

"What's wrong?" Rude questioned.

"Nothing's wrong, partner, why?"

"You didn't say a word the entire trip." Rude explained. "That's not like you."

"Just tired, I suppose." Reno lied. "Do we have accommodations or are we sleeping on the chopper?"

"The inn is not far."

As Reno opened the chopper door and the others jumped out with their bags, he stopped as he thought he heard his name.

RE-

Her eyes snapped opened and she could not breathe. There was a weight on her and she struggled to move it, thrashing and bringing her hands up to the arm that had her at the neck. The hand around her throat tightened and she ceased briefly. Jalyne opened her eyes wider as the hand covered her mouth.

"Don't." he said. "Don't even think about screaming, Jalyne. No one is here."

As her eyes adjusted to the darkness, Jalyne realized who was on top of her. She tried to push him off, but the hi-potion mixed with sleep left her sluggish. Jalyne moved her legs to knee him, but he sat back, rendering her immobile. She bucked her hips to no avail and heard his growl in disapproval. He tightened his grip around her neck. Jalyne swung outward, hoping to knock him off, but she was dizzy from lack of air. He grabbed her wrist and wrenched it above her head, tearing her wound. He grabbed her other wrist to place over her head. Jalyne was grateful for the breath as she gulped for air. The man had adjusted his weight and slid his knee in between her legs while sliding something on her left ring finger. Instantly she felt bound and something amiss.

RE-NO! she tried to throw her thought outward.

"We will try this again." He said. Sapphire eyes came into her focus framed with blonde hair in the moonlight. He kept his hand bound to hers above her head and glared at her. "You will learn that I command the Turks. You are mine. Mine to do as I want. Mine to have as I please. For now, you will escort me to Junon. There, you will act as my fiancée. The reporters will be all over you. You will smile and act accordingly and be at my beck and call. Understood?" Rufus could see the dawning of understanding in Jalyne's eyes.

Jalyne nodded lightly, feeling like she was drowning. She felt severed from herself as she could not pull her power forth. She adjusted slightly still breathing hard from the strangle hold. Rufus glanced down, noticing her silk robe open. Jalyne could hear the grumble that resonated in his chest at the site. Shit…he would not dare!

Rufus looked appraisingly at the form below him, understanding now why Reno would be attracted to her but wondered what kept the crimson haired Turk from bedding her. The young President trailed a finger lightly between her breasts, feeling her shudder. Rufus continued down to her hip, watching her skin prickle with goosebumps. His eyes trailed up to hers, which were half closed, and watched her bite her lower lip. Jalyne lifted her left knee up trying to shake Rufus' hand off her. He circled his hand to her inner thigh, lightly caressing her skin.

"Rufus, please." She pleaded. "Don't do this." Do not awaken this side of me…please.

He leaned closer to her tightening his grip on her wrists, making her wince in pain and bite her lip more.

"Look at me." He commanded. Jalyne opened her eyes to look at him with defiance. "I own you." And with those words, he slid a finger into her, and watched her gasp and arch her back. Jalyne closed her eyes, trying to resist the pleasure that she was trained for. Rufus leaned down, to her ear and whispered, "You react to me." Jalyne bit her lip even harder, biting back the retort that came to her. He continued to swirl his finger inside of her, feeling her walls tighten and her breathing turn to short pants. Rufus dropped his lips to hers and whispered deadly.

"Remember what I said."

Jalyne laid there for a long time after Rufus released her and left, trying to process what happened. She sighed as she realized her past will always haunt her. She glanced to her left hand to inspect the trinket Rufus had slid on her finger. It was topaz, yellow orange in color and swirled in certain light. So, he wishes to play a game. Jalyne thought. Glancing to the full moon peeking through her window, Jalyne thought of Reno and what he might be doing now. Massaging her injured shoulder, she muttered into the darkness.

"I suppose you were right Father." She paused. "Harden the heart. Emotions are universal, and much can be learned through pleasure."

Gongaga

Reno and Rude were waiting on the outskirts of Gongaga. Scarlet had ventured to the destroyed Mako reactor in search of the huge Materia. They were on lookout for Cloud and his group. Elena had travelled down the path to investigate.

"Who do you like, yo?" Reno questioned his partner trying to keep his mind off of a certain white-haired, gorgeous lady.

"Tifa."

"Whoa! Really?"

"Yeah." His non conversational partner said. Rude paused a moment before he ventured his question. "What about you?"

"No one at the moment, partner." Reno said nervously.

"What about Jalyne?"

"What about her?"

"You like her." It was a statement. Rude peered through his glasses at Reno. "It is not hard to see."

"Yeah, well…" Reno said apprehensively. "Her mood shifts are horrible. Sometimes I can't read her."

"Give her time." Rude stated. "She'll adjust."

"Why do you think Rufus wanted to test her, himself?" Reno inquired. "I mean, he's never done that before."

"She is an enigma." He supplied. "Maybe he wanted to see her loyalty himself."

"By kissing her?" Reno spat. "I mean…damn. It just doesn't make sense to me."

"You're worried about her."

"Of course, I am." Reno muttered. He tapped his mag rod on his shoulder. "She's one of us now."

"She can take care of herself."

Elena came running up the path and caught her cohort's attention. "They're coming!"

Reno and Rude blocked the path, ready to confront their adversaries. Cloud, Tifa and Aerith came up the path.

"Yo!" Reno called. "Can't let you pass. President's orders."

"We're headed in." Cloud stated, threat heavy in his voice. "You're not stopping us." Cloud raised his sword and charged at them. Elena backed away to get the chopper as originally ordered. Reno jumped into the air and landed heavily, forcing a EMR burst from his mag rod, halting the charging ex-SOLDIER. Tifa had circled around to cut off Rude raising her fists. The two fighters traded blows while Reno held off Cloud. Aerith stayed back, casting cure and healing spells to the group. Cloud had swung hard embedding his sword into the ground of which Reno easily stepped on the edge and vaulted over, flipping around. Cloud recovered quickly and unleashed triple slash, knocking Reno back.

"Stubborn little shitbirds." He said climbing to his feet. The wind rustled as the chopper descended near them, Elena at the helm.

"Time to go." Rude said looking at his watch and backed away from the group. As they climbed into the chopper, Reno's phone rang.

"Yo, boss?"

Time to come to Junon.

"Mission complete. We're on our way." Reno stated and slid into the co-pilots seat. Putting on the headset, he stared to the west, idly wondering what Jalyne was doing at the moment or if they reached Junon. Elena broke into his thoughts.

"Reno?" Her voice crackled through the headset. Reno glanced over to her. "Worried?"

"Nah…" He played it off. "Not a bit."

"Reno, you can't hide it." Elena chuckled. "You have it bad for her."

"It's that noticeable?"

"Yeah, if you know what to look for. It's not blatant, but for us we can tell." She said. "Besides, I think it's great."

"This coming from one who has it for the boss." Reno shot back lightly.

"Hey, at least I own it, Reno." She laughed. "Why don't you try just telling Jalyne you like her? What's the worst that can happen?"

"She crushes my balls and with them all hope?" Reno retorted. Rude chuckled through the headset. "Hey, I'm serious partner. Ever had a woman take hold? It is not fun, and Jalyne is strong. She can pack a punch."

"Just tell her you want to see her more often. My hell, Reno, it is called dating. I'm not telling you to scream off mountain tops that you love her."

"Told Tseng yet?" Reno chuckled glancing at Elena and noticing her blush creep up her neck and cheeks. "Uh-huh. That is like the pot calling the kettle black, Lena." And laughed a little harder. They circled the Shinra building in Junon and landed.

"Boss says we're on R&R until it's time to board the ship." Rude called over the headset as Reno and Elena switched the engines off. "Check your phones."

"Huh?" Reno questioned. "We're not to accompany Rufus?"

"No." came the reply. "Not until it is time to leave Junon."

What is he planning? Reno thought.

Junon

They landed in the late morning, just before lunch. Jalyne, in her modified Turk outfit, escort the President to the waiting limousine. She had spent the chopper ride reading the files on Sephiroth, doing her best to quench the memories of the previous night and harden her emotions again. Opening the door for him, Rufus slid into the sleek black car and waited for Jalyne to accompany him. She made a move to sit up front with the driver when Rufus spoke.

"No."

Jalyne looked at him with daggers, paused and slid into the seat, closing the door. Rufus ordered the driver to proceed through the intercom. There was thick tinted bullet proof glass separating them from driver. You could look out, but the driver could not see them. Jalyne ran a hand along the door board and handle, feeling the thickness of the leather and steel. They rode in silence for a few minutes with Jalyne looking around the city of Junon. A hand grabbed her left knee just below hers and squeezed lightly, bringing her out of her thoughts.

"Do you like it?" Rufus asked with a smirk, lightly brushing her ring with his pinky. Jalyne pulled her eyes from the window and studied him before replying.

"No." She looked away again resuming her observance of the city. "I hate the color and the setting."

Rufus reached out and trailed a hand along her collarbone, tracing the necklace that Reno had given her. "You will remove this."

Calmly, as best she could, she glared at him once again. "No, I will not." She asserted.

"And if I commanded it?"

"I thought you just did."

Rufus reached up to forcefully grab her chin to hold her steady in looking at him. "You know there are consequences for defiance?"

"Aren't there always?" Jalyne retorted. "I can take all you give and then some, Rufus."

He smirked and released her as the car pulled into the building's parking lot. "We'll see, Jalyne."

Jalyne opened the door and got out. "It is comforting to know that all evolved worlds are the damn same." She muttered to herself.

Jalyne crossed the rear of the car and opened the door to allow Rufus out. Jalyne fell into step behind him and ascended the stairs to the building. He led her to his office and private quarters while others gathered their travel gear. Jalyne looked around at the expanse of the rooms and the décor.

"Jalyne?" Rufus said. "Come here." And he walked through a door at the far end of the room. She followed without question, keeping a hold of her nervousness. Outward, she was impassive and indifferent. Inside, she warred with herself. She wanted to see Reno, to light the fire between them, to be safe and protected.

Upon entering his bedchambers, she looked around. Hanging upon the bed was a gown. She walked to it, inspecting the design and color. I suppose now is the fiancée part of this mission. She mused silently. Time to be submissive, I suppose.

The President slid up behind her as she trailed a hand over the silk fabric. He placed his hands on her shoulders and waited until she was done looking at the gown.

"Well?" the blonde inquired.

"It's a classic design. I suppose you did not want my wound to show. Or the bruises." Jalyne stated impassively, noticing the high collar. "The color is atrocious." She spat coldly, taking the dress off the bed and heading to get changed. The dress was the same color as her ring, a yellow orange that did absolutely nothing for her in terms coordination colors. It clashed with her emerald eyes.

Jalyne entered the bedroom a few minutes later dressed in the gown. Reno's necklace adorned her neck. Rufus narrowed his eyes but let it go for the moment. He motioned her to sit with him for lunch on the balcony. They passed the meal in silence, Jalyne picking slowly at her food. When he finished, he stood to leave the balcony and Jalyne followed him through the doors. Rufus closed the doors and blinds and turned to Jalyne.

"I told you to remove the necklace." He spat.

"And I said no."

The backhanded strike to her cheek caught Jalyne off guard. As she stumbled back, Rufus took hold of the necklace and snapped it off her neck, sending it to pieces on the floor. Wide-eyed with shock, Jalyne crumbled to the floor. Rufus knelt and grabbed her chin to make her look at him, noticing the tears, fear and shock that were in her emerald eyes. He smirked through clenched teeth before he spoke deadly.

"I told you to take it off." He threatened. "Next time I will not go easy like this. You have five minutes to make yourself presentable for my inauguration ceremony and parade." Rufus stood and left, waiting for her in his office.

Jalyne took a deep breath to calm down. Tears welled up in her eyes as she looked at the broken necklace lying around her. Steeling herself she gathered the pieces up and went to her bag. She outstretched her hand to create a box to put in the necklace, but nothing happened. Looking around the room, she found a carved box to place it in.

Stop feeling, Jalyne. Bury it. Play the submissive. You trained for this. She said to herself looking quickly in mirror. Luckily, Rufus didn't hit her hard enough to leave a bruise.

The parade was boring, but Jalyne smiled and greeted people with Rufus as they travelled the streets of Junon. Her smile was giddy and that of a young smitten woman, just as Rufus had wanted. He seemed pleased with the change and aside from having his arm hooked in with hers, he left her alone. As she looked at the Junon people, she let her mind wander.

"Look at them, Jalyne." Her father stated sweeping an arm across the crowds from the balcony of the palace. "They have no idea what happens to us or how hard we work to keep order and perfection."

"But Father?" the white-haired adolescent questioned. "Can they not look after themselves?"

"Ah, Jalyne." Avrian laughed heartily. "You are still so innocent. People need leaders. They are like anahhas, milling about aimlessly, never knowing the danger a wovera can be."

"Only when provoked, Father." Jalyne mused. He looked at her then, raising an eyebrow.

"Do you not like this life, my daughter? You would rather be one of them?"

"Not at all, Father. I was just musing." Jalyne paused. "How many of them would give their lives for you or us?"

"All of them, Jalyne." He stated smugly. "They can be anahhas to the slaughter if need be."

Jalyne caught a flash of red out of the corner of her eye, pulling her to the present moment. Looking outward she caught Reno's eyes, staring at her. She barely nodded and he winked in return, letting her know he was safe. For the first time in a couple days, Jalyne genuinely smiled.

Rufus caught the smile that was on her face at looking at his lanky Turk. He slid his hand to her neck and swooped in for a kiss. She relented, playing the part, and snaked her hand to caress his hair. The cameras went wild with flashes, catching the President being affectionate to his fiancée. When they broke apart, she glanced to the alley where Reno was, only to find him gone.

"The separation was needed." Rufus said as if it was an explanation. The statement puzzled her, but she did not comment.

Reno walked into bar, upset and irritated. He realized when he saw Jalyne, that he couldn't sense her, which was odd to him. He also noticed that she was not wearing his emerald. Of course, it would have looked horrible against that dress Rufus had her wear, but hey, it is just an opinion. Reno strode to the bar next to Tseng and Elena who were already enjoying drinks. He ordered his standard whiskey on rocks and took a sip.

"Yo, I still think Rufus is up to something." Reno commented.

"Are you still on that, Reno?" Tseng commented. "Let it go. We are Turks. We follow orders. Right now, our orders are R&R before we board the boat. Take the time to relax some."

"Well, she certainly seems to be enjoying her mission, judging by that kiss." Reno kept on.

"Wait-What?" Elena exclaimed. "Rufus did what? And in public no less?"

"Oh, the cameras were all over that." Reno snapped taking another sip of his drink.

"When was this?" she questioned.

"Just now."

"It's publicity, Reno. You know that." Tseng said indifferently. "Rufus has to put on a good show. We've done this before."

"Where's Rude?" Reno said looking around.

"Probably at his card game." Tseng answered. "Be sure to get him before we leave."

"How long?"

"About an hour." Elena supplied finishing her drink.

They had finished the parade, the send of ceremony at the docks and had retreated to the Presidential suite in the Shinra building to make ready to leave Junon. Jalyne was wringing her hands in frustration when Rufus entered the bedroom. She wheeled around in anger to face him.

"Take it off!" she demanded outstretching her left hand. "Now!"

"No." came the reply. "I told you that you were to wear it, and you will."

"Rufus…" Jalyne said deadly. "Take. It. Off!"

"No." he replied calmly. "Why so eager to remove it? I had that made just for you with input from a certain scientist." Jalyne's eyes flashed as it came together in her mind. She looked down at the ring and watched it swirl. Her eyes snapped to Rufus and he smirked slowly watching her mind put the pieces come together.

"What?" Jalyne exclaimed, pushing him back. Her right leg swung out in a kick. Jalyne was furious now and retaliated. Rufus blocked easily, catching her leg in the air and pushing it back around the other way, throwing Jalyne off balance and she landed awkwardly on the bed. Loosening a leather strap from his clothing, Rufus grabbed her leg and pulled it around the bed post at the knee, tying her in place bent over. Pulling another strap, he lifted her up, curled her right arm around the post and tied it. Jalyne was breathing hard, upset and frustrated that she allowed this to happen. Rufus pulled her flush to him, and she knew what would happen next feeling him through her dress and his clothes. The arousal was unmistakable. She heard the rustle of leather and buckles and felt his left arm slide under hers and up to her neck. Rufus wrapped her hair around his hand, unzipping the dress and hiking it up to her waist. She shuddered slightly and closed her eyes.

"You relent?" he asked huskily. Jalyne tested the bonds and then hung her head.

"Yes." She breathed. Dominance. Jalyne was no stranger to it. Ten years of training took over and she tried to calm, ignoring the pain she felt by not having her power. Jalyne could not reach out and touch Rufus' mind to determine what he liked or wanted for sex or use it to suggest he stop. For the first time, she realized what it was like to be normal. And she did not like it. It scared her.

Rufus tore the dress from her shoulders exposing her neck and back. He pulled her hair aside to the left and looked at her form. Jalyne panted as she felt what he was doing, her body reacting favorably instantly. He pulled her right hip and entered her in one thrust. She arched backed instinctively, laying her head back on his shoulder releasing a moan. She stopped fighting, burying herself within the moment, reaching back and threading her fingers through his hair. Rufus moaned appreciably in her ear. Jalyne craved the touches he gave her. She was addicted to it, loved it; reveled with it. She warred within herself, between truth and lies. Reality and fantasy.

Rufus' pace quickened and she could feel his breath on her ear, tickling her. The endorphins calming her fury, the pleasure taking over her mind, she moaned softly again.

"You really are beautiful." He spoke huskily. "Why do you fight me? I can give you anything. Anything you desire." Rufus tugged her hair lightly whispering in her ear. "Why are you so endeared to the Turk?" He felt her tighten around him, knowing she was close to orgasm. Quickening his pace, he brought her over the edge, his name softly on her lips. He followed a few more thrusts later.

Rufus held her up while he unstrapped her arm and leg, then surprisingly laid her down gently. He adjusted his clothing to make ready to head to the ship and looked down at the woman on his bed. Jalyne had rolled to her back to watch him intently, unbidden feelings rising to the surface.

"Because you cannot give me what I need. You cannot give me what I'm am missing" She answered his first question but ignored the second, and rolled to her side, flipping her white tresses underneath her left arm. And Reno never treated me as a weapon…or an object.

Rufus spied the two markings at the nape of her neck. Curiously, he leaned down to see them fully, tracing them with his finger, the dominance gone from his touch. He noticed at the bottom that it looked like one was missing, her skin just a hint off color almost like a scar.

"What does it say?" he asked boyishly. Jalyne chuckled at his tone. In a way she realized they were similar, both thrust into power and trying to figure it out, which path to choose.

"It is my curse." She answered simply. "Sehexia e pleharisu."

"Here?" Rufus asked touching the bare spot, not questioning for the translation. Jalyne turned to look at him as a tear escaped her eye. He reached to wipe it away.

"I," Jalyne breathed, "am incomplete."