I do not own FFVII characters – though I wish I did. lol
I do own my own character – Jalyne
Chapter 13 – The Move
Tseng entered the guest quarters after not finding the President in his own. An uneasy feeling crept into his stomach at that revelation. As he approached the bedroom door, it was open, and Tseng spied Rufus adjusting his tie in the mirror. Upon acknowledgement, Tseng entered, and Rufus raised his fingers to his lips, glancing at Jalyne's sleeping form, exposed, and twisted within the covers of the bed. Tseng quickly looked away, shaking his head, and exited, waiting for the President to accompany him.
Rufus turned to the woman lying in his guest bed, gazing affectionately at her form. How she broke through his cold façade so quickly, he will never understand. He realized then that he would protect her, against anything, and help her through everything. Did he love her? Of course, but Rufus was not in love with her and he realized that. He knew he lost that battle before it even began after seeing how she was with his flame-hair Turk. Still, he vowed while looking at her sleeping form, that he would help her all costs. Rufus felt there were external forces that caused her to be here and he would defend her with all he could offer.
Rufus sat at the edge of the bed and reached out to her, lightly shaking her awake. Jalyne startled and sat up straight, clutching the blankets in front of her. Mind clearing, she looked at Rufus.
"Tseng is here." He whispered. "Take your time getting ready. I had some clothes placed in the armoire for you."
"What time is it?" Jalyne asked, glancing at the window and the sun shining through it.
"Midday." Rufus kissed her on the forehead and stood.
"Thank you." She reiterated to him. "For everything."
He waved her off and exited the room, heading out to his office where Tseng was waiting. Tseng raised an eyebrow when he approached.
"Was that wise, Sir?"
"Wise or not, it happened." Rufus stated looking back at the guest rooms. A slight smile crested his features before he turned back to the Director. "Is everything ready?"
"Yes." Tseng replied. "Do you think she'll like it?"
"There's a few back up plans in case she doesn't." Rufus replied. "But I think Jalyne will like the first choice."
"You're taken with her, Rufus." Tseng pointed out the obvious seeing the expression that Rufus tried to hide. "Even you wouldn't do all of this for anyone else."
"I am." The President stated succinctly. "Do you believe in Fate, Tseng?"
The Director though a moment before answering him. "I do. There are many things in the universe that we don't understand. Why do you ask?"
Rufus shook his head lightly. "No reason."
"You saw something?" Tseng pressed. "What was it?"
"When you first came in when I called you, I was escorting her in from the helipad." Rufus began. "It was her reflection."
"What was it?" Tseng questioned taking a seat in front of the desk while Rufus leaned upon it.
"The most beautiful image I have seen of her. She wasn't of this world." He began. "There's something about her. I'm not sure what it is. In these dark times, she definitely is a light. We must protect her. I feel that strongly about it, though I do not understand why."
"I understand."
"When she leaves for Sephiroth, you and Elena will go to where her aircraft is. See what you can find. There may be a hint or an answer there. Reno and Rude will follow her to wherever she decides he is for surveillance."
"Yes, Sir. Do you think she'll leave Monday?" Tseng asked. "You don't trust her?"
"Depends on whether she likes the penthouse." Rufus paused. "I believe so, though. And yes, I trust her. I don't trust Sephiroth, though."
"I'll have Reno and Rude prepare the choppers, then." Tseng said pulling out his phone to text the Second-in-Command.
Jalyne chose that moment to appear, walking down the stairwell to the office. She chose a casual dark blue suit that was cut to her figure and trimmed in silver. Her hair was up in a high ponytail and she wore minimal makeup. She watched both men gaze at her as she descended to the office.
"What?" she asked. "What did I miss?"
Rufus shook his head lightly and chuckled. "Nothing, Jalyne. Absolutely nothing."
"You could make a garbage bag look good." Tseng muttered under his breath. "Ready?"
Jalyne rose her eyebrows at him in question. Laughing slightly, she nodded. "I am."
Reno and Rude had gotten the message from Tseng to ready the choppers. Grumbling lightly because it was Saturday and their day off, they made their way to the hanger to prepare, seeing Tseng's car leave the garage and speed toward Sector 8.
"I'm telling you, partner, she's avoiding me." Reno commented. "She never returned to her place this morning."
"I take it you haven't slept yet." Rude stated. "In favor of stalking her apartment?"
"Nope, and I wasn't stalking. I just want to see her."
"I suggest you do so after we're done."
"Maybe." Reno conceded. "What do you think boss wants to do next? To call us in to prep the choppers."
"Don't know." Rude said. "But if what Jalyne is thinking is true, we need to be ready. No telling where or what Sephiroth will do next."
"Ain't that the truth."
They reached the choppers and started pre-flight checks and cleaning. After a while, Reno broke the silence.
"Still, Jalyne's reappearance is unexpected."
"…"
"You don't think so?"
"She is different. Nine lives and all that." Rude stated. "She is not one to go down easily."
Reno raised an eyebrow at him. "Stronger than she looks?" he inquired.
"…most definitely."
They worked diligently on this beautiful Saturday, each within their own heads and Reno only wanting to clear the air about Friday night. For some reason, he wanted to explain the situation on what happened. It never bothered him before, but it did now.
"It's beautiful, Tseng." Jalyne commented, sliding a hand across the dash to feel the leather.
"The city?"
"No, your car." She chuckled. "Where are we going?"
"I made an appointment to show you an apartment." He replied.
"I know that. But where?"
"Here in Sector 8. One of the high-rise buildings." Tseng reached into his pocket and withdrew a phone and handed it to her. "Your phone." He stated giving her a sidelong glance. Jalyne smiled and took it from him.
"You bought me a new one?" she asked. "I'm pretty sure the other one is at the bottom of the ocean."
"Always. Standard issue." He smiled. "The numbers are all in there, should you need any of us."
"Thank you." Jalyne stated sincerely.
They pulled into the apartment complex and went into the elevator to ascend for the showing. She didn't expect the apartment to be on the top floor. As the elevator doors opened, she gasped. Tseng handed her the private key to the elevator and led her into the rooms. Jalyne walked around the first part of the rooms, marveling at the beautiful marble floors and intricate woodwork that accompanied it. As she walked to the master bedroom, she looked out at the door that led to the patio on the roof. Redirecting her steps to the double doors she opened them and stepped out, amazed at the view of the city. She looked at the large pool and hot tub in the center of the roof and turned to Tseng.
"Tseng?" she incredulously asked. "Can I even think of affording this on what I make as a Turk?"
Tseng walked to stand beside her and joined her in looking out at the view, the corners of his mouth twitching slightly upwards.
"Do you like it?"
"I haven't even seen all of it yet!" she exclaimed.
"But do you like it?" he pointedly requested, turning to look at her.
"I love it!" Jalyne exclaimed turning to walk back in to see the rest of the place. She marveled at the master, the spaciousness of it and loved the dark blue accents that were placed in the room. It was the only furnished part of the place, but she was happy with it. She glanced into the master bedroom and gasped. It was large and spacious, more than enough for her and with it was it own jacuzzi like area for rest and relaxation. The guest room was almost as equally large. She turned to Tseng and narrowed her eyes a bit playfully.
"Where'd this come from?" she questioned. Tseng looked around and coughed, trying to ignore the question. Jalyne stood in front of him.
"And why would our illustrious President set this up?"
"Because he can." Came the reply. "But only if you like it."
"I do, actually." She said quietly. "It's gorgeous, even if a little too big for just one person. You still didn't' answer my question." She accused half-heartily.
Tseng sighed and led her back to the bed to sit down. He looked at Jalyne a bit solemnly. "One, he is quite taken with you." Before Jalyne could interrupt, Tseng held up his hand to stop her. "Two, it was his childhood home. His mother owned it. His father may have owned this building, but she never sold it to him. She kept it separate. A place of solitude. He's more than happy to sign it over to you."
"But why?"
"Like I said, because he can." Tseng smiled. "You're quite special to him."
Jalyne actually blushed a bit at that statement and let out a light laugh. "I'm not sure why that would be the case."
"Because you could care less about how much money he has, or the power he wields here." Tseng elaborated. "You treat him as you would anyone else you meet, with respect and courtesy. You treat him as an equal."
"But he is equal." Jalyne commented a bit confused. "We're friends, I would hope. Why would I treat him any different than I would you, or Elena, or Reno and Rude? I've always seen you all as a 'family'. It's rather nice, to be honest. I never had that."
"And it's that which endears him to you." Tseng smiled warmly. "He's been lonely most of his life, with only us Turks to guide him and Elena just joined our ranks." He paused as she stood, deep in thought. "You'll have to furnish it, of course."
Jalyne turned suddenly, a devilish look on her face at the last statement. "I will, will I?"
"Yes." He laughed. "I'm supposed to escort you to go shopping."
"No need." And she walked out into the main area with a confused Tseng following behind her. She turned to face him with an impish grin on her features and eyes alight with mischief.
"What are you going to do?" he asked warily.
"I'm going to furnish the place." Jalyne replied. "I hope it works. I need you to stay still, please."
Tseng looked stricken at the request, unsure of what was transpiring. Jalyne lifted easily into the air with her hands coming alight with power that trailed to eyes. She turned her palms upward and concentrated deeply inhaling a breath and holding it. All around them the room became alive, as forms began to take shape. Tseng did not bother to hide his astonishment at what was happening. The black dining table with an interesting design, made of the hardest ebony, materialized close to him and the deep lush living room furniture made of material even he had never seen came to life in the deep sleek midnight blue that was her color of choice. The walls came alive with various pictures and a tapestry that depicted events he could not even guess hung on the walls. Tseng started to move when her voice stopped him.
"Please." Jalyne strained. "Don't. Not yet."
Tseng looked at her then, noticing her eyes were covered by her power. She turned towards the double doors and outstretched her hand, creating the pool area seating and lounges. Satisfied, she gasped and dropped to the ground, shaking and unsteady. Tseng rushed to her, to help her stand.
"I probably shouldn't have done that." Jalyne stated wearily. "But it saves us the hell of shopping. I abhor shopping." She laughed and sat on her newly formed sofa. He joined her, marveling at the softness of a material he's never felt before.
"How do you do that?" he whispered.
"I 'see' everything with my power, Tseng." Jalyne said. "From the most miniscule forms of life itself if I want to. I can see it all and it is beautiful. I can create anything my mind can think of from the molecular level and up, should I choose." She paused. "I can also destroy any that I want. That was the reason I was exiled. I destroyed Trerran Proper on an accidental and emotional whim, thinking father was assassinated. Father feared me." Jalyne whispered and closed her eyes. "It takes a great strain on me though. Can even kill me, I suppose."
"That's what happened when you first came to us, then. With Reno." He ventured.
"Yes." Jalyne opened her eyes and looked at the Director. "I was pushed too far and too fast in this new surrounding and it took over. Self-preservation tactic, I assume. I am dangerous." She whispered.
"No, you are not." Tseng placed an arm around her. "That's why you may not return." She nodded lightly.
"I will not risk destroying this world or the few people I care about."
"Or love?" Tseng interjected smoothly. Jalyne looked at him, then lowered her eyes in contemplation. Her thoughts went to Reno and the time they shared on the boat. She raised her hand and called her aura, watching the blue hue wisp around her fingers.
"True love and Soul Forge do not exist." She muttered and looked at Tseng, determination alight in her features. "I know what I saw. It cannot be." As if for an explanation and answer to Tseng's confused look.
"Will you be alright?" Tseng chose not to pursue any further, gleaning the information about her. He could see she was starting to learn control.
"I am fine." She stated struggling to stand. "Just tired." She looked around her place. "What do you think?"
"I think you're holding the next party." Tseng jested turning the conversation light.
"Well, in that case, I better go get the rest of my things." She chuckled and headed to the door. "Though I may steal Elena for a clothes shopping trip." And she stuck out her tongue and scrunched her nose.
"I am telling you." Reno stated. "She's avoiding me. She hasn't returned to the apartment."
Reno and Rude were finished prepping the choppers and had hit a bar on the way out. They were having their favorite drinks and wasting the Saturday night away.
"So, the motion sensors and the bugs didn't go off." Rude commented dryly. Reno snapped his head to look at his partner.
"How'd you know about that?"
"…" Rude's one eyebrow lifted. "I know you."
Reno sighed. He ignored the other ladies passes at the bar, not interested in having another dalliance. His mind was on her, and only her. An intuition told him he needed to make this right before it was too late. It nagged at him, consumed his thoughts.
"What should I do?" he finally questioned his partner.
"Leave her be." Rude held up a hand. "For the moment. She's been through enough. She'll come around, though I don't know how she'll react when she finds out you bugged her apartment."
"I can't do that." Reno stated blatantly and ignoring Rude's other statement. "As strange as it may sound, I feel her. There's something hidden. She's not saying everything. Why would she hide something?"
"Because it may not involve us." Rude elaborated looking pointedly at his partner. "It may be personal."
"But we could help."
"She may not want it."
"But Rufus could help?" Reno stated sourly. The alcohol was getting to him and his mind turned dark at the thought of the two of them together. Rude realized this was going to be one of those nights that he'll be taking care of Reno as distraught as he was over Jalyne. They passed the rest of the evening with alcohol, lots, and lots of alcohol.
Monday came swiftly for Jalyne. Tseng swung by to get her as she hadn't bought a car yet. She figured if she returned, she would ask one of them to teach her to drive. It couldn't be that hard. She enjoyed her Sunday by herself, though she bantered back and forth with Rufus for a time by text. As Tseng pulled into the Shinra building, she sighed eliciting a look from the Director.
"Seems like I may be forever tied to this place." She answered his look solemnly. She straightened her suit when she stood to exit the car, looking up at the massive building. People were milling around, bustling to get to work. Jalyne idly thought of the commons on Trerran doing the same thing at this time.
As they made their way to Rufus' office, Jalyne noticed the stares that were directed her way. Once in the elevator, she turned to Tseng.
"What are they staring at?"
"You." He answered. "They've never seen you before."
Her mouth form 'oh' and she pursed her lips. "I suppose. I've always stayed here so it makes sense. But do they have to stare?"
"You're beautiful, Jalyne, simple as that." He commented exiting the elevator and heading to Rufus' office.
"No, I'm not. Not with this mark of mine." Jalyne stated, rushing to catch up to him. Tseng chuckled at that as they rounded the corner to his office.
"Yes, you are."
"My Lady?" the secretary spoke up. "Director? The President is waiting for you. You are not to be disturbed."
"Thank you, Cheyanne." Tseng replied ignoring Jalyne's raised eyebrow at the honorific and pushed the office doors open.
Rufus rose as they entered, coming around to the front of the desk and greeting them. He led them over to what was displayed there.
"Are you sure about this, Jalyne?" he asked.
"Yes. I need to talk to Sephiroth, alone." She stated looking at both of them.
"Do you think you'll get through to him?" Tseng questioned. "Is it even possible to change his course."
"Probably not, but it's worth a try." Jalyne commented. "If anything, I may find out more of what his intentions are, and he may enlighten me on a few questions."
She looked at the holographic map displayed on his desk.
"Do you know where to find him?" Rufus asked.
"Yes." She replied. "I found him yesterday. He's searching for something."
"Where is he?" Tseng wondered. Jalyne pointed at an area on the map.
"Nibelheim."