It was half-past noon when the meeting with Liv's parents came to an end, though they weren't on a schedule it was more than enough for the couple, and her mother's reminder to visit the planetarium was persistently forefront in her mind.

As the couple began towards their car back to the La Cala Villas, Liv slowed down causing Rufus to slow his step and turn towards her.

"What is it?" Rufus asked

"If it's alright with you…" Liv began with a small smile on her lips. "I need to stop at the Planetarium,"

"For?" Rufus asked as he stopped.

"Personal Reasons," Liv replied simply, the smile on her lips straining slightly. Rufus' crystal blue eyes studied her from head to toe for a moment before he sighed and nodded.

"I assume you're not riding back," Rufus commented.

"It's closer to my parents place so I'll stay here and return to the Villas once finished,"

"You don't have to explain yourself," Rufus replied seemingly uninterested in what she planned to do. He had already told her that she was able to do what she wished despite being his personal security.

When the couple had arrived at the secluded residential area it was quiet, still asleep but now the sun was at its zenith and everyone and thing were wide awake, their eyes on them.

"Will you be long?" Rufus asked simply as he shielded his eyes from the sun.

"Hopefully no longer than an hour," Liv replied. "I can also pick up some delicacies as well,"

"Do whatever you feel necessary," Rufus replied with a shrug, Liv pursed her lips together as she noted the man's response.

"One hour. I'm counting," Rufus said as his eyes flicked to Liv's parents at the front door of their home. He leaned into her and placed a quick kiss on her lips before he ducked into the limo. Stunned at the sudden show of affection, Liv absentmindedly waved as she watched the limo pull away from the quiet residential area. In fact, she debated with herself if she should even go because she was supposed to be his personal security but...

"You're not going with him, dear?" Cecelia called out to her. Liv turned and smiled at her parents.

"I need to go to the planetarium," Liv replied.

"I can take you, let's go," Sebastian said and turned to Cecelia and gave her a quick peck on the forehead, and started towards the driveway.

"Thanks, Dad," Liv said as she quickly went over to the car. Within moments the two were on their way to the planetarium. As the lush foliage and soon the modern building appeared in Liv's view as her father drove her to the planetarium, a sense of nostalgia washed over her. The days she and her father spent at the planetarium when they moved to Costa Del Sol, the way she would get wrapped in studying anything she could get her hands on.

"Sumire…I need you to promise me that you'll be safe," Sebastian began.

"Father, you already know what I'm going to say," Liv replied.

"Do you? So then you should understand my concern with them being so close to home while Shinra is here," Sebastian replied as he turned the car down a shady palm tree path.

"What do you mean?" Liv asked casually. She knew it would only be a matter of time when her parents would learn about who was asking for her, Tom-Tom would have no choice but to tell them if they asked.

"Sumire, their faces were all over the television," Sebastian replied.

"This is personal not job-related. The President made it clear that I am not a Turk while out of my uniform…" Liv replied.

"Is that what you refer to him as?" Sebastian scoffed.

"No...just when I'm talking about work," Liv replied as she realized she had called him "The President" instead of Rufus. Sebastian grumbled before he spoke.

"You going to see them makes it even more dangerous," Sebastian replied. "The fact that you're doing this right under his nose, what makes you think he doesn't already know that you're doing this? What will happen when he finds out?"

"Father I'll be fine. I already have ways to deal with this that won't get me killed, I promise," Liv replied "Besides, both of the work that you and mother do is just as dangerous if not even more"

"We've been doing this well before you were born, we know what we're doing and it doesn't require guns," Sebastian replied firmly.

Liv sighed heavily as they had this conversation many times before, she was more than aware of the risks of her job, on and off the field. The vehicle stopped in front of the entrance to the planetarium, wanting to escape as quickly as possible Liv thanked her father as she opened the door and got out.

"Will you need a ride back?" Sebastian asked.

"No. I can catch a cab back," Liv replied.

"Alright," Sebastian replied with a nod. "Please, just be careful, Sumire,"

"I will, I promise,"

Liv waved to her father before she quickly entered the building and caught a glance of a dark-haired man at the counter.

"They're in the solar system exhibit," the man said as he slicked back his dark hair, his attention never wavering from the computer screen in front of him, Liv smiled.

"Thanks, Toma," Liv smiled as she walked past, Toma looked up from his computer screen and watched as the woman disappeared down the hallway to the Solar System exhibit.

Moments later Liv stopped in front of two large dark-colored doors, she hesitated even though she wanted to meet with them, she encouraged them to call her. The words of her father to be careful, to be safely repeated in her head as she stood outside the exhibit.

She steeled herself for meeting with Shinra's enemy, she was too far in with no option to retreat. Just as she pushed open the doors to the exhibit room a peculiar gun was pointed at her, she glanced at the gun, the arm, and then to the man. Liv stood motionless in front of the door as she stared down the man, it wasn't the first time she had a gun pointed at her, and was sure it wouldn't be the last in her line of work.

"Barret!" an ebony-haired woman quickly spoke up.

"Oh! You came this time," Aerith began with a smile.

Liv watched as the man lowered his weapon, she flicked her gaze between the four that stood in front of her.

"I apologize for not coming when I said I would…" Liv trailed off as she watched as the group studied her from head to toe. "I've had a bit of a snag with my schedule,"

"I know you...I mean I've seen you before," The ebony-haired woman began. "You're known as the Green Princess in Midgar. I saw one of your lessons on alternative energy on TV,"

"And also a Turk," the man known as Cloud commented.

"And President Rufus' fiancée," Aerith added with a cheeky smile as she clasped her hands together.

"Yes, to all of that," Liv nodded with a small nor.

Everyone in Midgar knew of her, knew of her reputation and perhaps some of the courses and interviews she gave, after all, she was considered the "Green Princess of Midgar" her image was plastered on all media outlets as she was now President Rufus' fiancee.

"What do you want from us? We're supposed to be your enemy," Cloud commented.

"That's true, but my impression of Avalanche is not the same of the late President Shinra nor of President Rufus," Liv replied as she turned to Cloud.

"If you're here to waste our time, we'll leave," Barret spoke up.

"I'm not—" Liv began,

"Then speak—" Barret cut in.

"Barret let her speak," the ebony-haired woman cut in again.

"Tifa…" Barret huffed and sighed.

"If she wanted to cause us harm she would have alerted everyone on the ship, but she didn't" Aerith replied as she turned to Liv with a smile on her lips, Liv nodded.

"That wasn't her?" Barret asked. "But you said you were caught though,"

"Yup. She's the one who caught me but didn't alert anyone," Aerith nodded with a smile.

"She's right, it wasn't me but my assumption is that it was Sephiroth who tripped the alarm," Liv replied coolly. Immediately, Liv could see the change in each of their demeanors at the mention of the man's name.

"You…saw Sephiroth?" Cloud asked.

"Both President Rufus and I saw him," Liv answered. "Which is why I wanted to speak to you all…you seem to have a connection to him," Liv looked over the group as they showed visible signs of distress, they were silent before Aerith spoke.

"What proof do you have sayin' that we're connected to that man?" Barret asked. Liv's eyebrow quirked at the tone of Barret's voice, they weren't connected to the silver-haired man but somehow was affected by him.

"I saw the security cameras of that night," Liv replied. "You were all there, so was Sephiroth,"

Again the four of them were silent.

"I saw you die," Liv motioned to Barret. "I assume that isn't enough proof for you?" Liv asked.

"I...I don't…" Cloud trailed off.

"We aren't connected to him per se...it's just a bit complicated…" Tifa began.

"Complicated indeed...he…he shouldn't exist," Aerith murmured.

"He was listed as MIA five to seven years ago along with Chu Minamoto as far as the records go…" Liv trailed off as she caught a glimpse of Cloud gently running a hand through his hair, suddenly pulling at his hair. As quickly as it started it was over, he had regained his composure and the same stoic look he had moments earlier.

Liv knew that he was part of the expedition to Nibelheim because he was from the town and could be useful for the terrain but the man in front of her showed no signs of even knowing the woman let alone reacting to her name.

"Yeah...that's what we heard...as well," Tifa trailed off.

The group was silent as they seemed hesitant, troubled, unable to give her the answers she wanted, or refused to do so. Liv thought back to the legendary Soldier and was immediately able to tell that something was different about him. The malicious energy that lingered, weaved its way into her being after grabbing his sword, the encounter on the warship, the flashing glimpses of silver hair at the Villas.

There was something very different about him.

"He…"

"Tifa…" Cloud began. Liv focused on Tifa as she spoke, she heard the woman's voice quiver before she continued.

"He should be dead…" Tifa trailed off as she clenched her fists. "And now he's back,"

With a quick look, Liv was able to determine how Tifa felt about the man, a deep animosity for the man as she clenched her fists. She didn't know all the details of what had happened at Nibelheim but perhaps she was involved.

"Shouldn't y'all know what's goin' on with him, he was a Soldier in all, y'all sick him on us?" Barret stated.

"It's true that he was a Soldier for Shinra, but for sending a Soldier like him to deal with something like this isn't what Shinra would do...let alone the fact that he's been dead for years," Liv replied simply.

"He's nothing but evil..." Aerith trailed off.

"He…wants the planet…" Cloud began, his words unsure as if he wasn't sure of what he was saying or if it made sense.

"What do you mean?" Liv asked as she tilted her head in confusion.

Cloud hesitated for a moment and shook his head, Liv sighed quietly

"Why are you talking to us? There's a reason you wanted to speak to us right?" Tifa asked.

"Honestly…I wanted to talk to Cloud to ask about what happened to cause him to quit Soldier...and what happened to two additional Soldiers,"

"Who?" Cloud asked.

"Chi Minamoto and Zack Fair,"

Though subtle, Liv caught the slight change in Aerith and Cloud at the mention of Zack's name. They both knew him.

"But setting my job aside…Sephiroth's appearance…" Liv trailed off as she remembered the biting cold, the malice, the despair that surrounded her on the night of President Shinra's death and on the ship.

"Liv?" Aerith began as she looked worriedly at her.

"I want to know more about him and that is where you all come in," Liv began.

"Even though we're enemies of your soon to be husband?" Aerith asked.

"How can we trust you? You workin' for OUR enemy. The enemy of the planet," Barret began.

"I may seem a power piece for President Rufus but I won't just be a pretty arm piece for him because you are right, Shinra is killing the planet," Liv replied.

"You sound like a damn politician," Barret scoffed. Liv tilted her chin up at the man in defiance.

"I could have been one…be you see what happened to them and the fact they are useless," Liv replied. Barret scoffed again as he approached her, Liv stood her ground, her sunhat in her hand as she looked up at the larger man.

An intimidation tactic.

"There's nothing stopping me from sending a message to the new Prez," Barret began lowly.

"You really would threaten President Rufus' fiancée, in a public building, while President Rufus, Heidegger, and the Turks are around?" Liv began. "You must not want to return to your daughter Marlene,"

Barret growled as he stared down at the woman, Liv maintained her composure.

"Barret, that's enough," Cloud said as he pushed the larger man away from Liv.

"I think we should let her help," Aerith said with a smile.

"I agree," Tifa nodded. "You know there may be a time where we could use the help of a person in a high position and she is the Green Princess of Midgar,"

"How do you know she's gonna help? She could make things worse for all we know," Barret scoffed and crossed his arms.

"If she would have wanted that to happen, the Turks would have already entered in to take control over everything…" Aerith began and looked around. "I don't see any Turks,"

"Exactly," Liv and Tifa said together.

"Whatever," Barret scoffed and looked to Cloud, Cloud shrugged and shook his head.

"You all have a cellphone?" Liv questioned. Tifa and Aerith looked at each other and shook their heads.

"I guess that's a no…I'll give you one with a way to contact me securely," Liv said as she looked at her wristwatch. "I have to get going…I'll have my friend get you a phone stay here,"

Liv exited the exhibit and gave exact details of what to do for the group to Toma before she quickly exited the building and caught a cab to where the last place Professor Hojo was seen. Though she wanted to speak with the group more, she couldn't afford to waste more time and made a mental note to contact them when they have more time.

As she sat in the open-air cab seemingly calm and relaxed her heart drummed in her chest, her palms were sweaty and not from the heat of the coastal city. Within minutes she was at the beach and took a moment to pick up some of her favorite snacks in preparation to speak to the man she hated the most.

She was glad that it took her no time to locate the man relaxing underneath an umbrella.

"Hojo,"

Liv looked down at the relaxing man surrounded by women. The man was uncharacteristically dressed in a bright blue loose button-down with palm dress and tropical flora, a pair of khaki shorts, and sandals.

Hojo peeked an eye opened to look up at Liv and smirked.

"Well, Well Well Miss Donovan…you look wonderful today," Hojo began.

"Though we're not in Midgar, I hope you will keep your comments to yourself," Liv replied, Hojo chuckled.

"I am only stating the facts no matter if you're engaged," Hojo replied.

"Don't be more of a creep than you already are," Liv replied firmly.

"What can I do for you Miss Donovan? Aren't you supposed to be on vacation?" Hojo asked "Unless you're being the ever so loyal Turk to Tseng and Rufus,"

Liv rolled her eyes at the man's comment.

"How much do you know about the Temple of the Cetra?" Liv asked despite knowing about the discovery from her mother.

"Ah, work," Hojo began "Why do you ask?"

"Do you know anything about it?" Liv pressed. Hojo adjusted his glasses and looked at her from head to toe.

"Why don't you have a seat Miss Donovan," Hojo began

"Or you can answer my questions and I'll be on my way," Liv replied sharply.

"Rumors. It's on this continent, access to it is impossible," Hojo replied with an annoyed sigh.

"Is that because you don't know the location or because of the surrounding environment," Liv asked.

"Location lost. Didn't bother to invest time into it. I have better things to focus on instead," Hojo waved off the woman.

Liv stared down at the man in thought, he was cunning, ruthless and conniving when it came to information about the Cetra. The man may indeed know the location of the temple but refused to give that information to her, or perhaps to anyone. Though a Turk, she was still a rival in the research field.

"Besides Miss Green Princess, I would have already divulged that information and completely scoured the place itself if I knew of its location," Hojo replied with a sigh.

"Where are Professor Gast's records?" Liv asked.

The man coolly turned his full attention to Liv, she knew that the mention of his former rival, Gast Faremis.

"They were lost in a fire," Hojo replied coolly.

"Is that a proven fact?" Liv asked

"If it wasn't I would know more about the Cetra than you and your parents combined. Nor would you have your cute little nickname," Hojo replied bitterly.

"Oh…you sound bitter Professor Hojo," Liv commented.

"If you're finished Miss Donovan, I suggest you return to your husband like a good little girl," Hojo waved off the woman again and relaxed in his chair.

"Enjoy your vacation Hojo," Liv smirked as she turned and began off the beach

"Um…Rufus I'm back," Liv called out as she closed and locked the door

"In here,"

Liv followed the man's voice to the bedroom and to the private enclosed balcony, the man sat at the table with a laptop and data pads next to him.

"You're late," Rufus said as he took off his glasses

"Sorry. I tried to get back as quickly as possible," Liv replied

"Right," Rufus replied as he closed his laptop and gathered the data pads as he stood. Liv watched as he stood and walked over to the wall adjacent to the bed and placed a hand on the wall, a small panel slid open to reveal a safe.

As he placed his things into the safe, Liv walked and placed her things onto the counter as well as the bag of snacks she picked up. Her mind mulled over the events that took place nearly an hour ago, meeting with Shinra's enemy, Avalanche, finally meeting Cloud, and possibly having the chance to finally know what happened in Nibelheim, and learning that Professor Hojo lacked information.

Liv stopped as she looked down at the bag in thought, she was communicating with the enemy.

"Liv,"

Liv quickly turned around to see the man studying her as he ran a hand through his hair.

"We're leaving,"

"As in returning to Midgar or out?" Liv asked.

"Out," Rufus replied "Our car is already here,"

"O-Oh ok," Liv replied as she closed and sealed the bag and turned to him.

"I would have returned sooner if I knew we were going out," Liv began.

"It was last minute," Rufus replied. "Are you ready or do you need time?"

"If I could have a minute," Liv smiled, Rufus nodded.

Liv quickly made her way to the bathroom to quickly freshen up before they headed out. She needed to clear her mind and freshen her makeup.

But the thought she knew little about Sephiroth and his intentions but it was clear that the man was no good but the sudden phenomenon of him reappearing even though he was supposedly dead was a confusing problem. Another problem she noticed was the fact that Cloud Strife had shown no signs of wanting to speak to her about what happened in Nibelheim.

Liv reapplied her makeup, sunscreen, and perfume before she headed out to meet him.

"All set," Liv said as she held onto her sunhat. Rufus nodded as he looked at her from head to toe, he held out his hand for her to take. Liv nodded and took it, she gasped softly as she was pulled into his embrace.

"Ru-" Liv began when he leaned down pressing their lips together in a gentle kiss. Slowly, a bit hesitant she responded to his kiss. Rufus broke the kiss and looked down at her silently.

"Thank you...for earlier," Rufus said quietly

"I don't understand," Liv replied softly.

"Introducing me to your family," Rufus murmured as he awkwardly stepped back from her.

"That's normally what would happen," Liv replied. "I understand my mother and father are special in their own ways with their quirks…"

"That's not what I mean but we'll leave it at that. Shall we?" Rufus replied

"Oh...ok," Liv replied as she adjusted her pursed and headed towards the door. Though curious she decided to go with the flow.

"So...where are we going...this isn't part of the schedule that was made…" Liv asked as one of the Soldier Cadets opened the door to the vehicle.

"Everything doesn't need to be on schedule with Heidegger," Rufus replied a bit annoyed.

"Fair enough," Liv replied. "You are the President after all,"

"Correct, and if you must know...we're going shopping," Rufus replied.

"Oh?" Liv replied as she slid into the vehicle, Rufus followed.

"Would you rather not go?" Rufus asked.

"No. I'm just surprised it's all…"Liv trailed off as she immediately began thinking about his safety in such a large area.

"Ah…" Rufus began with a smirk. "What are you worried about?"

"I…" Liv trailed off.

"There's nothing to worry about, I have my personal security right next to me," Rufus shrugged.

"Right," Liv nodded.

"I haven't heard anything from Liv in a while...you think she's ok?" Reno asked.

"Why wouldn't she be?" Rude replied.

"I dunno...with her seeing Sephiroth…" Reno trailed off and leaned back in his chair.

The two Turks were seated in the upper level of the lounge floor at Shinra HQ, on standby for Scarlet and her expedition to locate the fabled huge materia.

"Things are just weird...I dunno how to explain it," Reno replied.

"She's capable. Just say you miss her," Rude replied, Reno huffed and turned towards the approaching man.

"Reno and Rude I presume?"

Reno leaned forwards placing his elbows on the table as he smirked at the man, Rude casually sipped his drink as he looked at the man.

"Well, Well, Well, Mr. Urban Development Director...what can we do for you?" Reno began, Reeve sighed softly before he spoke.

"I was informed by Tseng and President Rufus to communicate with the two of you," Reeve began.

"Why?" Rude asked.

"We will be working together," Reeve replied

"How so?" Reno spoke up. Reeve placed a small device onto the table between the two men.

"That depends on several factors I cannot say," Reeve replied. Reno and Rude looked at each other and then back to the man.

"Don't you think it's weird that the Urban Development Director working with the Turks is weird?" Reno asked as Rude studied the device.

"We all have our uses within Shinra. I may have more than just one," Reeve replied. " I won't go into any additional details as it is not my job to do so. Tseng and I'm sure President Rufus will be in touch"

"Oh sure," Reno nodded.

"Are we keeping this?" Rude held up the device.

"Yes," Reeve nodded. "Please give my regards to Liv," Reeve said as he turned and walked away before either of the men could respond. Reno scoffed.

"He knows damn well he could just message her," Reno shook his head.

"Maybe he sees it as being inappropriate," Rude commented.

"I guess…" Reno trailed off.

"Tseng said they are returning tonight...and then it looks like both President Rufus and Liv are returning tomorrow," Rude said as he looked at his cellphone.

"Already?" Reno asked as he took out his cellphone and began to read the message that Tseng sent.

"There's been a change in plans huh...I wonder what that means,"

The couple was seated on the patio facing the ocean as the moon hung above, the gentle crashing of the waves could be heard in the distance.

"I...haven't felt that free in a while…" Rufus commented lowly. Liv turned her full attention to the man in the time they spent together moments like this were the few times the man opened himself to her.

"I've always had a semi-sheltered and wealthy upbringing...and it stayed that way even more so when my father reassigned me to Junon," He continued

"Does that include the Turks being around as well?" Liv asked, Rufus, smirked, and nursed his drink before he spoke again.

"It took time for me to trust the Turks and for the Turks to trust me. They did what they were told, that's it,"

"So you didn't see the Turks as an issue," Liv asked.

"Correct. They were doing their jobs, what they were trained to do…" Rufus trailed off in thought.

"Now you have all the freedom you could ever want," Liv said.

"To a certain extent," Rufus replied.

"Did you...really hate your father?" Liv asked quietly.

"I despised him...yet I still respected him. He mocked, ridiculed, denied, ignored me…" Rufus trailed off "I understand without him I wouldn't be in the position that I am in right now…"

Liv silently nodded as she learned more about her fiance, the enigma Rufus Shinra and all of the struggles he went through to reach the level of freedom and power he had. But at the same time, she could tell that he led a life of solitude despite being observed by the Turks.

"I hope I don't bore you with my normal and I suppose mundane lifestyle," Liv replied. Rufus took a moment before he smirked and placed his empty glass onto the table.

"I'm expecting a few surprises but not too many," Rufus replied.

"Ouch. It may not be grandiose but-" Liv started as she watched as he stared at her with an amused look. It was different than the other times, it seemed softer.

"Don't underestimate me," Liv finished.

"I'm aware," Rufus replied. "Quite aware,"

Rufus relaxed in his chair, his gaze out on the moonlit ocean, secretly Liv was curious to know what he would be like once they returned to Midgar. Would he still be this open with her or would he take on the cold and stoic Shinra heir?

"Dark Nation is going to lose her mind…" Rufus murmured.

"How did you manage to tame...her?" Liv asked

"Patience and time. My father got her for me when I was younger. One of the best presents he got me," Rufus replied as he smiled and thought back to the time he received Dark Nation.

"That's impressive," Liv said, surprised that he tamed a normally dangerous creature into domestication.

"...Did you have any pets?" Rufus asked almost timidly.

"No...surprisingly," Liv laughed. "But I did get to play with a lot of animals," Liv smiled.

"Isn't it normal to have pets?" Rufus asked

"It is but my family is far from normal," Liv began "When I was old enough, my parents carted me around on their expeditions so we weren't home a lot," Liv replied and sighed softly as she remembered her childhood.

"Did you enjoy it?" Rufus asked

"I think so...I mean I was a kid so I thought it was normal for a little bit and it did shape who I am and my career path," Liv replied. "It was dangerous for a child but my parents took care of me and made sure I still had the things as the kids my age did...especially when we settled down in Costa Del Sol,"

"When did you go to Midgar?"

"When I turned nineteen, I enrolled in the best college and as soon as I graduated I was approached by Veld…." Liv smiled softly as she remembered the time she was recruited.

"So...you've been in Midgar for some time…" Rufus trailed off.

"Yes...it's been nearly ten years,"

Rufus nodded and focused on her, though they were raised differently they ended up in similar wealth status.

"What is it?" Liv tilted her head.

"Hm?"

"You were staring," Liv replied. Rufus sighed softly as he pushed back his chair and stood.

"Tomorrow we're returning back to Midgar...we should get some sleep," he began. "This time, don't run away from me," Rufus smirked, Liv pursed her lips together as she remembered how she stormed out of the bedroom last night.

"We're just sharing a bed...unless you're scared of me," Rufus smirked.

"I have no reason to be scared of you," Liv replied as she stood.

"Good, come with me to bed,"